Mama Betty’s Tex-Mex y Cantina opened in March 2022. Owned by Jason and his wife, Christina Carrier, the restaurant serves a variety of classic Tex-Mex cuisine, such as enchiladas, quesadillas and tacos.
Having grown up in the restaurant industry, Jason said the restaurant’s name pays tribute to his late mother, Betty Carrier. As a single parent to three sons, she worked full time running several Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston.
“The restaurants were my babysitter, really,” he said. “As soon as I could work, I was a host at those restaurants, and then I was a server.”
As the restaurant has become known for its fajitas, margaritas and homemade tortillas, Jason said they aim to balance quality food and a good atmosphere.
“We put a lot of energy and effort into the sound system and the lighting, and we wanted it to feel comfortable,” he said.
Along with the restaurant’s namesake, there was also careful thought put into naming dishes.
“All the dishes are named after women that were influential in our lives,” Christina said.
Mama Betty’s offers indoor and outdoor seating with a grass turf lawn for children to play, including their own three young children, Christina said.
“We wanted to create a restaurant that you could come to on date night but also feel comfortable to bring your kids with you as well on another visit,” she said. “We feel like we’ve done that; like it’s fun for adults, but it’s also family friendly.”
What's in a name?
Owners Jason and Christina Carrier named menu dishes after the important women in their lives.
- Tacos a la Betty: A soft taco dish named after Jason’s mother, who ran several Tex-Mex restaurants while raising him and his two brothers
- Connie’s Crispy Tacos: A hard-shell taco dish named after Christina’s aunt, who served as a second mother in high school when she could not be with her own family
- Abuelita’s Rice: A side of rice made with a recipe from Christina’s mom, who serves as an abuela to their children
- Enchiladas a la Cheryl: A vegetarian dish named after a second mother to Jason who was vegetarian and has since passed
9900 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 200, Austin
512-520-5819
www.ilovemamabettys.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-midnight, Sat. 9 a.m.-midnight, Sun. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
