Family eatery thrives in Katy for 34 years

When Victor Garcia opened his Tex-Mex restaurant off Fry Road in the 1980s, he was the competition—and his establishment was surrounded by rice fields. Decades later, Garcia has since purchased his own land at 1939 N. Fry Road and built a permanent home for Victor's Casa Garcia Mexican Restaurant that can hold more than 200 guests.

Garcia first opened his establishment off Hwy. 6 in 1979 before settling in his fourth, and final, location. Surrounded by family members who worked in the restaurant business, Garcia said, opening his own came natural.

"My dad would take me out with him and I would help bus tables," he said. "It's in my blood."

Casa Garcia does not stray from the typical Tex-Mex menu options and prides itself in quality food and margaritas, Garcia said. His menu has not changed much in the 34 years of business, nor does he plan for it to. Victor's favorites include a familiar item, fajitas. He offers beef, chicken and Brochetta Shrimp—bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with cheese and jalapeo—fajitas ranging from $13.99 (single) to $39.99 (to share).

The restaurant also houses a banquet room to fit about 60 guests. Garcia said individuals can rent it with a fajita bar for $13.95 per person, or $8 per person for hors d'oeuvres complete with a cash bar.

Although several other Tex-Mex restaurants have opened in the area in recent years, Victor said his customer base has remained strong—many customers and Victor know each other by name.

"I am here all the time and try to just make good food," he said.

His dedication to the restaurant is evident and has passed down to his son, John Garcia. John opened his own branch of the restaurant in Fulshear last year, and he said his father's hard work showed him how to effectively run a business by paying attention to quality, consistency and customers.

"The most important thing I learned from him is if you take care of your business, it will take care of you," John said. "He's a very good man and has worked very hard for what he has."

Behind the bar

Victor's Casa Garcia features several popular margaritas, and it sells its house batches for $3.50 (regular) and $6.50 (jumbo) during happy hour. The following margaritas are regularly priced at $4.95 (regular) and $7.95 (jumbo).

• Texas Skinny Margarita — Republic tequila with Cointreau and fresh lime juice
• Raspberry Margarita — Cazadores Tequila with Chambord and a splash of sweet and sour
• Millionaire Margarita — Partida Tequila, Agave Nector and lime

Victor's Casa Garcia Mexican Restaurant, 1939 N. Fry Road, Katy, 281-578-6450, www.victorsmexicanrestaurant.com

• Mon.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
• Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
• Sun. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.