In a city where Tex-Mex is less a cuisine and more a cultural inheritance, the arrival of El Tiempo Cantina at POST Houston reads less like a routine opening and more like a symbolic homecoming—one that bridges generations of Houston dining with the city’s evolving Downtown landscape. This week, that moment becomes official.
Beginning today, Thursday, March 19 through Sunday, March 22, POST Houston will host a four-day grand opening celebration for El Tiempo’s newest location at 401 Franklin Street in Downtown. The 7,500-square-foot restaurant, which seats 230, is located in the East Wing near 713 Music Hall, positioning it as a central gathering place for Downtown residents, office workers, concert- and theater-goers.
The weekend rollout leans fully into spectacle, mirroring the brand and its surroundings. Guests can expect the staples that built El Tiempo’s reputation—sizzling fajitas and hand-shaken margaritas—but also a layered experience that extends beyond the dining room. POST’s five-acre rooftop Skylawn will become an extension of the celebration, offering skyline views alongside “Rooftop Rodeo,” a seasonal activation that captures Houston’s annual rodeo spirit.
A dedicated rooftop bar will serve margaritas in every iteration—classic, strawberry, mango, frozen, or on the rocks—alongside playful nods to the brand’s personality, like margarita Jell-O shots delivered in syringes and complimentary samplings of mini flautas, bean-and-cheese burritos, and sopapillas.
“We are thrilled to officially launch El Tiempo at POST Houston with a weekend of celebrations,” said Meredith Powell, General Manager of POST Houston in a release. “From bold flavors to lively festivities, it’s the perfect addition to our Rooftop Rodeo lineup all weekend long.”
The weekend’s programming includes live performances from Mariachi Elegancia de Houston. The group will take center stage Friday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with two additional sets scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m..
With this opening, El Tiempo reaches 18 locations across the Houston area, extending its footprint into stadiums, airports, and now one of the city’s most dynamic Downtown developments. For a brand that has spent more than 75 years defining Houston’s Tex-Mex identity, the move into one of the city’s most ambitious mixed-use developments underscores a broader shift: legacy concepts are no longer anchored solely in tradition—they are actively shaping Houston’s future.
El Tiempo’s POST location is now open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
El Tiempo, 401 Franklin St., Houston, eltiempocantina.com
