For many in Beaumont, Texas, the name “Felix Mexican Restaurant” conjures up immediate memories. “I remember eating there when I was a kid!” is a common refrain, often followed by a nostalgic pause. Felix was more than just a restaurant; it was a Beaumont institution, a place steeped in local history and serving up a distinct style of Tex-Mex cuisine that harkened back to a different era. While time and tastes may have moved on, the legacy of Felix in Beaumont’s Mexican food scene remains a topic of fond recollection.
Growing up in Beaumont, the landscape for Mexican food was largely defined by two names: Felix and Monterrey House. Monterrey House, often perceived as being situated closer to Beaumont’s more affluent neighborhoods, became a frequent family dining choice for many. Felix, however, held its own unique appeal. Located prominently on Calder Avenue, a thoroughfare leading into downtown Beaumont, it was hard to miss. As a young driver exploring Beaumont’s culinary offerings, I would occasionally make the trip to Felix, drawn by what my youthful palate considered to be superior Mexican food in Beaumont. Interestingly, much like its sister restaurant in Houston in later years, dining at Felix in Beaumont in the 1980s could be a quiet affair. It wasn’t uncommon to find myself among just a handful of patrons. Around this time, the Casa Ole Mexican restaurant chain began its rise in Beaumont, quickly becoming the popular spot for the younger crowd. Yet, for those seeking a more traditional, perhaps less trendy, Mexican dining experience in Beaumont, Felix remained a steadfast option. Even first dates, in a largely empty Felix, surrounded by attentive but perhaps puzzled waiters, became part of the Felix experience, though the food, arguably more subtle than the atomic Tex-Mex of Casa Ole, didn’t always guarantee a second date for a 17-year-old. After leaving Beaumont for college, my Felix memories faded until a return to the Houston area brought me back to the remaining Felix location there, reigniting a connection to this unique brand of Tex-Mex.
Image alt text: Classic Tex-Mex trio at Felix Mexican Restaurant Beaumont TX, featuring margarita, chips, and salsa.
A Taste of Felix: Old-School Tex-Mex Flavors
Reflecting on the Felix experience, the food itself was a journey back in time. Starting with the essentials: the margarita, chips, and salsa. The margarita was reliably strong and enjoyable, a solid, if not groundbreaking, start to the meal. The chips arrived hot and fresh, a promising sign. The salsa, however, was where Felix began to diverge from contemporary Tex-Mex norms. It was decidedly old-school, with a pronounced tomato flavor and a surprising sweetness balanced by a spicy kick, likely derived from jalapeños. Cilantro and garlic, common in modern salsas, were less discernible. This salsa, with its sweetness and slightly watery consistency, might not appeal to those accustomed to today’s bolder, more complex Tex-Mex salsas. But for those seeking a taste of classic Beaumont-style Mexican food, it was a welcome departure.
While Felix was known for its chili con queso, the exploration of their menu led to the “Felix Mexican Dinner #1,” a combination plate offering a comprehensive overview of their offerings. This included a beef taco, rice, a tostada “veracruzana”, a tamale, and a cheese enchilada, with the latter two generously smothered in Felix’s signature chili gravy. This chili gravy was a defining characteristic of Felix’s Tex-Mex, a rich, savory sauce that spoke to a culinary tradition rooted in an earlier era. For those truly seeking a nostalgic dive, an optional side of spaghetti with chili gravy was even available, a testament to the unique and sometimes unexpected culinary landscape of old Beaumont Tex-Mex.
Image alt text: Close-up of Felix Mexican Restaurant’s signature chili gravy, a hallmark of their Tex-Mex dishes in Beaumont TX.
The tostada, rice, tamale, enchilada, and chili gravy were all characterized by a mildness, a subtle flavor profile that aligned with culinary preferences of the 1950s, an era when gastronomic fireworks were not the expected norm. However, the quality of preparation was evident, and the dishes were undeniably enjoyable in their own right. A notable highlight of the enchilada was the generous topping of fresh, crisp, and sweet onion chunks, a touch less common in contemporary Tex-Mex, adding a refreshing element to the dish.
The standout, and perhaps most enduring, element of the Felix menu was the beef taco. The taco shell was a testament to old-school techniques – a fresh corn tortilla fried and shaped to golden perfection. This resulted in a taco shell that was both sturdy and delicious, providing the ideal vessel for the seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, and ripe tomatoes. Unlike pre-made taco shells that often crumble and break, these homemade shells retained a satisfying chewy-crispy texture that held its shape throughout the eating experience. The beef itself was coarsely ground and well-spiced, and the lettuce was notably fresh. The chopped tomatoes, while exhibiting a slightly unusual orange hue, were flavorful and fresh, completing a truly memorable taco.
Image alt text: A perfectly constructed beef taco from Felix Mexican Restaurant in Beaumont TX, showcasing their old-fashioned approach.
For dessert, the options were simple: flan or sopapillas. Opting for the flan, the experience was consistent with the rest of the meal – understated yet satisfying. The caramel syrup, while slightly watery, provided ample sweetness. The custard itself possessed a pleasant, silky texture, though it perhaps lacked the richer notes of cream or vanilla found in more elaborate flans. Interestingly, the plate was served warm, while the flan itself was appropriately chilled, a minor detail that didn’t detract from the overall experience.
In essence, the food at Felix was a direct link to culinary memories of Beaumont’s past. Of all the dishes, the beef tacos stood out as particularly timeless. Reflecting on potential return visits to Felix (at least in memory, as the original Beaumont location is no longer), the beef taco plate, accompanied by a side of chili con queso, would undoubtedly be the order of choice for a taste of classic Beaumont Tex-Mex.
More Than Just Food: The Felix Experience
Beyond the food, the experience at Felix was defined by its atmosphere and service. The service was consistently excellent, characterized by attentive and plentiful staff, often outnumbering the diners. The atmosphere was a unique time capsule. From the somewhat faded neon signs outside, to the interior adorned with hand-painted chairs and walls covered in pictures of the Felix Tijerina family, stepping into Felix was like stepping back in time. A Houston Press banner proclaiming “best retro-mex 2004” hinted at its recognized retro charm. Even the tables, with glass tops protecting mementos like pictures and nametags from a Lamar High School class of 1954 reunion, added to the sense of history and local connection.
While the prices at Felix might have been considered somewhat high for “retro-mex” – entrees in the $10 range, comparable to more contemporary Tex-Mex establishments – there was clearly a loyal clientele who valued the unchanging, nostalgic experience that Felix offered.
The Lasting Legacy of Felix in Beaumont
In conclusion, Felix Mexican Restaurant, in its Beaumont iteration, provided its loyal customers with precisely what they sought: a taste of unchanging, attentively prepared Tex-Mex cuisine from the 1950s, a culinary echo of Beaumont’s past. In a contemporary food landscape often driven by novelty and bold flavors, Felix offered a comforting, familiar counterpoint. While perhaps not a “Foodie Favorite” in the modern sense, Felix held a different kind of value. It served as a living culinary baseline, a point of reference for understanding the evolution of Tex-Mex cuisine and appreciating the traditions that shaped Beaumont’s food culture. The demolition of the old Felix restaurant location in Beaumont, as reported in the local newspaper, marked the end of an era, but the memories and the unique Tex-Mex flavors of Felix remain a part of Beaumont’s culinary history, fondly remembered by those who grew up with its distinct taste.
Postscript: It is worth noting that both the Houston and Beaumont locations of Felix Mexican Restaurant are now closed. This reflection serves as a tribute to a Beaumont culinary landmark and a reminder of the evolving landscape of Mexican food in Southeast Texas.
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