I have enjoyed reading all these posts and was especially glad someone else remembered the Del Rio [inn] on Shepherd near 26th. I remember the owner was a character we called Miz Merl. The Del Rio was the first place I ever ate Mexican food and I was born here in 1955. I would welcome hearing memories from others. Here's my list of places I think have not yet been mentioned:
Tutto Bene (Shepherd and Feagan, owner now runs Just Dinner on Dunlavy)
Ho Sai Gai (Post Oak and San Felipe?, first place I ever ate Chinese food)
Western Kitchen (Wirt Road-- great BBQ and awesome homemade fries)
Battelstein's and Joske's Tea Rooms (someone already mentioned Sakowitz but the high-end stores' tea rooms were all good)
There was also an ice cream store on Shepherd; I think they sold Borden's. I grew up in Oak Forest and we used to go over to the Heights a lot.
I happened upon your post as I was searching to see if there were any old pictures posted of the Del Rio Inn in Houston. Lena Murrel was my Aunt and she owned the Del Rio Inn and ran it until the early 70's until her brother Joe took over. I finally closed in 1975. Lena was murdered in Conroe that same year.
It made me smile to know someone still remembered her. She was a character for sure. I attached a picture of her and Mae Ethel ( her long time friend and employee)The baby is my son born in 1970. The picture was taken in the kitchen of the Del Rio Inn. I was living with her in Conroe when he was born, My husband was in the Air Force and I'll never forget that harried ride to the hospital in Houston. We had to go to Jacinto City but because she didn't want to go alone we made a detour to pick up her friend at the Del Rio Inn. she was so scared I was going to give birth in the back of her new Cadillac!
Historic Houston Restaurants
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I happened upon your post as I was searching to see if there were any old pictures posted of the Del Rio Inn in Houston. Lena Murrel was my Aunt and she owned the Del Rio Inn and ran it until the early 70's until her brother Joe took over. I finally closed in 1975. Lena was murdered in Conroe that same year.
It made me smile to know someone still remembered her. She was a character for sure. I attached a picture of her and Mae Ethel ( her long time friend and employee)The baby is my son born in 1970. The picture was taken in the kitchen of the Del Rio Inn. I was living with her in Conroe when he was born, My husband was in the Air Force and I'll never forget that harried ride to the hospital in Houston. We had to go to Jacinto City but because she didn't want to go alone we made a detour to pick up her friend at the Del Rio Inn. she was so scared I was going to give birth in the back of her new Cadillac!
She was an angel here on earth.