Johnny Tamales {Pasadena} — Restaurant in Pasadena

Johnny Tamales in Pasadena was great by accident . The new restaurant in Missouri City opened for business very recently and my wife and I were anxious to try them out . They have this big sign that reads " Take Out " so we called the number provided onthe web site and placed our order . They said our order would be ready in 15 minutes . So in 15 minutes I was there to pick up my order which was 60 plus dollars not including a tip . When I walked in to pick up my order the door girl looked at me like I was not supposed to be there and she brought the manager to me . He asked " Can I help you sir " and I told him I was there to pick up my call in order . He quickly told me " We can't do that " . I asked "what do you mean ? " He said they were not set up for that . I asked does he gave to-go boxes for those customers who cannot eat all of the food on their plate and he said yes . He was very young and could not connect the dots to resolve my order issue . Then he told me about the Pasadena location and that he would not be able to honor my order . It took 30 minutes to drive to Pasadena at 80 mph . My order was ready ( For 45 minutes ) and then I drove another 30 minutes back to Missouri City so my wife and I tried to eat our cold food . Listen , a teenager is always going to think like a teenager and if the manager of the new Johnny Tamales in Missouri City is not a teenager then the restaurant has a major problem with management . I hope they will overcome...

Just along Sam Houston Parkway you can I'll find this Tex Mex cantina. It is a chain of at least 2 locations, and it's a solid spot for work lunch, happy hour, family dinner, date night, etc.

It terms of Tex Mex it is so-so. The meals are good, but we live in Houston where you can find so many incredible Tex Mex, Mexican, and fusion restaurants.

The restaurant is inviting and vibrant on the outside, but somewhat dim and less inviting on the inside. Also, the service was on point, but our server wasn't particularly upbeat or pleasant.

I will say that their lunch menu is fairly impressive, and the portions will leave you wondering if you accidentally ordered from the dinner menu. Also, they come by to check on drinks, chip baskets, and salsas which is nice so you don't have to feel bad asking for more.

Some tips: Try the green sauce, it's delicious. It's a creamy green salsa, and if you ask for more they will most likely bring one for each person at the table. And on Tuesdays it's Fajita Tuesday where you can get mixed fajitas for two for $32.99 (normally $38.99). Also, there's a self serve soft serve (tongue twister) ice cream station at the door. Help yourself to a little complimentary dessert on your way...

This place has been going downhill lately. JT has been a family favorite for years, but for one reason or another, we haven’t had the same luck the past year or so.

First off, I do not recommend ordering to-go from here. Im not sure if I have ever had a good experience with to-go in the 10+ years we have been eating here. For that reason, we typically go sit down inside to eat. Service used to be top notch every time. Lately it is hit or miss.

Second, the food is usually spot on. I don't know if there is anything on the menu that I dislike. A few times lately, my wife and I both commented that it didn't seem the same. Maybe they lowered the quality of the ingredients..? I don't know. It was noticeable though.

Today we were in a hurry, so we reluctantly tried to order to-go. Phone rang, hostess picks up. To-go order? No problem, can I put you on hold? … 5 minutes later, nothing. Hung up and called back. Guy answers. I cant hear, but he puts me on hold. Same thing. Waited another 5 minutes. Very patiently. Hung up and called back one last time. Someone picked up, hung up. Not sure what happened, but we went somewhere else.

Truly hope they shape it up, it used to be our go to...