Restaurateur Chris Martinez and longtime friend and local chef Shawn Cirkiel have partnered to develop, ¡Vamonos! , a ranch-style Tex Mex restaurant opening this on April 15th on Airport Blvd. The new restaurant is located in the revamped Bullfight space not far from the Mueller development, this new concept with a welcoming neighborhood vibe is the go-to spot for authentic ranch-style Tex-Mex.¡Vamonos! opens for lunch and dinner service this week.
The restaurant’s name, !Vamonos!, was inspired by memories of parents loudly speaking out “¡Vamonos!” or “Let’s go!” to gather everyone together for a meal. The term was meant to spark excitement and build the anticipation of going out for a group meal. The colorful space evokes the deserts of Texas and Mexico, reminiscent of the vaquero and cowboy way of life of being on the go. The feel is welcoming, energized, and easy.
After years of honing his skills at Landry’s, Mi Cocina, El Arroyo, and Taco Diner, Martinez has developed a menu inspired by the shared foods of Texas vaqueros and cowboys, traditional favorites and flavors from a wood-burning grill, including a classic throwback of a house made taco salad to warm tortillas filled with pork carnitas and grilled fajitas. The ¡Vamonos! concept was sparked by Martinez’s sincere idea of getting back to his root by opening a local spot for friends and family to share really good food and classic drinks together.
“As a child when it was time to eat, we would all gather around the table and have a great conversation and great food,”
Martinez
At !Vamonos! that translates to hormone free products, locally-sourced ingredients whenever available, and fresh handcrafted dishes. The restaurant’s curated menu features several classic starters like Queso Blanco Con Carne (with poblano-seasoned meat), the Original Nachos Ignacio (whole fried small corn tortillas with refried beans, queso blanco, pico de gallo, and pickled jalapeños); salads like Super Greens(Romaine with vegetables, chickpeas, shredded carrots, grilled green onions, cauliflower, cotija, and crispy tortillas); folded enchiladas (cheese, beef, and chicken) served with refrieds and arroz rojo; and plates such as Tacos (three soft tacos with a choice of grilled local vegetables or natural meat), the Ranch Hand for a big appetite (a double stack of enchiladas and two tacos), and the Power Bowl (arroz rojo, charro beans, super greens, pico, shredded carrot, radish, avocado, and an add of shrimp, redfish, grilled ribeye, grilled chicken, grilled local vegetables, or fried farm eggs).
¡Vamonos! will also offer a weekly Taco Tuesday menu featuring a classic raw masa fried puffy taco with a choice of refried beans, seasoned beef, or grilled chicken topped with shredded Jack and Oaxaca cheese and served with frijoles y arroz.
The bar menu boasts refreshing and simple Mexican cocktails, Mexican beers, and specialty tequilas, highlighted by the classic margarita which is served frozen and on the rocks.
!Vamonos! is located at 4807 Airport Blvd, with lunch and dinner being served Monday – Saturday and closed Sundays.