Goode’s Armadillo Palace

So it’s pretty much a bar/​entertainment space. It’s owned/​run by Goode’s BBQ next door, so it’s a nice place to have an event where you want BBQ catered but don’t want to have to worry about booking a separate venue. On the night we were there at least two different rodeo events were happening and it seemed other people were just at the tables doing their own thing. Since I was here for an event, it wasn’t really clear how it all works. The food was delicious and the drink service was good.

When it comes to the best of the west in Texas, there’s almost nothing better than being able to saddle up on your horse and ride on the open fields, but if you don’t have a horse, then you can just saddle yourself up on one of Armadillo’s saddle bar stools. That’s right, you can ride your very own bar stool here and the drunker you get, the wilder the ride will get on that saddle. I know that it’s tempting to want to take a ride on the giant armadillo, but keep the pictures to just standing in front of it since the staff has been known to call the police for those that think they can tame the metal armadillo.
The enormous silver armadillo out front is a complete deception as to how Texas country and rustic the inside of this bar really is. When I first drove down Kirby and saw the huge silver armadillo, I assumed that it was just another Mexican restaurant. To my surprise, it isn’t another Mexican restaurant, but they do serve up a few TexMex favorites like burritos and margaritas. When you walk in, this is about as Texas country as you can get right in the heart of Houston. This is where silver spoons clash with silver spurs since the surrounding neighborhoods are full of wealthier Houstonians.
Rustic wood floors, rustic wood chair and tables, and saddle bar stools are almost something pulled right out of west Texas, not to mention that there’s memorabilia galore splattered all over the walls with trinkets, collectibles, and pictures. Whether you come for a quick lunch, or after work for a drink, you will feel right at home next to those in their cowboy boots. The staff will also make you feel welcome with your come-​as-​you-​are attire; they don’t care who you are, they’re always happy to see customers when you arrive.
The parking lot is large and more than capable of handling a large crowd when there’s a good live band on stage. Be mindful that your vehicle will be towed if you are not in fact being a patron of Goode’s BBQ or Goode’s Armadillo Palace. The front of the restaurant/​bar is purely for decoration since their «front» entrance is actually in the back of the establishment. Be aware that if you come on a night when there is live music, you will be carded and possibly charged for cover at the door.
I enjoy visiting here when there is live music and there’s always a decent polite crowd whenever I’ve been here. I prefer to sit at the bar since I love sitting on the saddles, the bartenders are very attentive, and the view from the bar is great since you can see over everyone else’s heads to see the stage. When in Rome, you eat pasta and drink wine like the Romans do; when in Texas, you drink Texas beer, eat BBQ and TexMex like the Texans do.
Fortunately, Armadillo Palace has plenty of local Texas beer, decent BBQ and really tasty TexMex creations. A couple of my favorites are the armadillo eggs and the smoked chicken flauta appetizer that is paired with creamy tomatillo sauce. The sauce is so good that I ordered a side of it for my salad instead of getting a typical salad dressing; I can’t get enough of it, it’s nearly addictive. This is a restaurant, so there’s plenty to choose from, and the appetizers are some of the best bar food I’ve ever had. You won’t go wrong with whatever you choose, but the bartenders will help give their recommendations if you’re having trouble with what to order.
No matter when you come here or with whom, you won’t be disappointed with a fun evening of local Texas country music, rustic surroundings, tasty food, and cold beer. One of the best parts of this restaurant/​bar is that there is no smoking inside since it’s within the Houston city limits (happy dance!), making this an ideal spot for a smoke free environment. Happy trails to you with an enjoyable experience as you ride out your evening on their saddled stools!

Very relaxed. Good drinks and food. First time here. Came for an Aggie party before the game. The staff was friendly and helpful. Will come back to see what it’s like.

Great atmosphere and fantastic food. Service was terrific. Stopped for lunch had a great meal!

Best Burgers in the area and if I could pick one food to eat for a year it would be the green chile empanadas.
Only down side is that they randomly close the place down for functions and turn people away.

We come here each visit to Houston! Yummy and the service is great! Try the chicken fry!

Goode’s Armadillo Palace has such an impressive venue! The food is standard Goode Company quality, but the venue really makes this restaurant. I’m so glad to have found this restaurant, and I look forward to going back.
I LOVE
…all the patio space
…the saddle barstools
…the live music
…the Texan relics
& the list can go on and on.

The dillo is an awesome bar to visit if your in Houston. It’s got a great atmosphere.

One of the best burgers I’ve ever had! Good service and nice bar! Great place to bring friends for a fun night out or family for a good dinner. Awesome atmosphere! Feels like Texas and like you have been transported to the rodeo!

This is my 3^rd review for this restaurant, and it seems like it has disappointed me to the MAX!
I came here first with my coworkers (I enjoyed the chicken sandwich), then the 2^nd with my coworkers (for lunch) I didn’t enjoy my chicken fried steak as much as I thought I would .
I think, hmm, maybe I should bring my boyfriend here to check the place out. (He’s not from Houston) I’d think he would appreciate something Texas here. in Goode’s Armadillo Palace.
The first time we came here, it was a Sunday. WHO Would’ve thought… THEY FREAKING CLOSED ON SUNDAY!
I dont know. I cannot comprehend this at all. They are closed on Sunday. I was very dissapointed but then again, it was my fault for not checking their opening hours.
Then, I thought maybe I should give it a try again (after going to Beaucorp Bar and Grill — which was closed)
We went there on Friday evening (8pm)
THEY ARE CLOSED. again… for private party.
I was very very upset. I told her hostess, that this is my second time it happened to me, so she said she will talk to the manager and have the manager talk to me (maybe you know, score some rain checks or something…)
The manager came, then he told me (to sum it up) — Sorry, you should have read the website, we are closed now. We will have our renovation starting April. You should have read the website before coming over. We are now closed for the public. Just private party etc etc, if you wanna try you could try the BBQ. (NO I DONT LIKE THAT PLACE)
Are you freaking kidding me? The manager kept insisting to check on their website? Seriously? I am very pissed about this. And if I could give a negative star, I would .The manager is not doing his job as well as he thinks he’s doing.
My default to go to check on restaurants is Unilocal,so I didn’t check on their freaking website… my fault I guess. I will leave a tip here telling everyone that checks this place out that it’s closed for public, till I have no idea when.
OR YOU CAN CHECK THEIR WEBSITE. :)
Either way, I’d reallllly love to give this place a try again if possible but. SERIOUSLY, who closed a restaurant on Sunday? (still kinda bumped but that’s my fault)

Staff was super friendly, however the menu doesn’t have any vegetarian options except the house salad and the guacamole. My boyfriend said his smothered chicken was delicious though. All I ate was 2 tablespoons of Guac… And then headed over to pink’s pizza… NOW THAT PLACE IS DELICIOUS!

I hate driving on Kirby! Ok rant over… Not a bad establishment. Very um. Texas and rather huge place. The staff is friendly and accommodating to our needs. We typically come here once in a while for lunch during work. My coworkers love this place for me its not decent, just another southern style food joint. I love southern food but after years of eating it you just get tired of it. The Chicken fried steak and Frito pie here are not too bad. Portions like everything in Texas are ridiculously huge. Sorry for a short review as there isn’t really anything pro/​con about this place its just there nothing really memorable to me here.

Banquet room layout with large rectangular bar in the middle. Saddle bar stools are cool, but uncomfortable. Vibe might have been okay, if not for the older crowd. Not that there’s anything wrong with being older…

This type Food, which is Texas favorites is always delicious and well served. Goode companies. Do you do a good job atmosphere types of food types it’s always enjoyable and a great place to bring out-​of-​town guest. I wish I could give them more stars.

«Let’s go to Armadillo Palace!»
«Definitely! Oh, wait. I just pulled up. It’s closed for a private party. Again.»
«Head to Rice Village?»
«Head to Rice Village.»
Every. Time.

Came here on a Saturday for our first time. My husband insisted we try it since he heard great things about it. We walked in and no one greeted us. We were clueless about what to do so we seated ourselves and then a friendly waitress came and gave us a menu. I had the shrimp salad and my husband had the New York Strip Steak Sandwich which was amazing! It made me regret getting the salad. It was very plain. I love the old pictures and memorabilia of cowboys and Indians. The stuffed heads are kind freaky but it goes along with the theme. We liked the place. We will come back :)

A hunters delight! Atmosphere is mostly trophies of bear cubs, deer and so on with a cabin type aura inside. Yes they do sell venison meat meals for those who enjoy it. As I understand, the Venison chili is good. I don’t eat venison, but going by word of mouth.
Lots of parking in the parking lot and surrounding sister companies in the Goode company lots.
Staff is friendly ands seats you almost immediately.
Good vartiety of food and lots of it. I usually get the Chicken Fried Steak Dinner. It’s HUGE! I can actually make 4 meals out of it. Always cooked good and always the way I ask for it. Lots of sides go with it and can be split and shared with others at the table if so desired.
I’ve never been there ‘after hours’, but they do have a set time that there is entertainment and no younger children allowed.
Is clean and friendly and food and service is great! Wish I could give it more than 5 stars!

Unilocaled nearby restaurants and saw that Goode’s Armadillo Palace («Goode’s») had really good reviews so I decided to check it out. Thank you fellow Unilocalers who posted reviews.
Very cool place. Not sure how describe it, but has very good country music playing and the walls are adorned with… as I sweep the room… the heads of buffalo, longhorns, elk, bear, and deer. Tastefully done. Also, tons of great old B&W photos, various horn mounts, a carcass or two. Bows, arrows, stills, jugs, rifles, snake skins, are not to be excluded.
Wait staff is really great. Smart, polite, enthusiastic, and seems to enjoy working here. The manager is a great guy and has chatted with me (sitting at bar), suggested things to try next time, and changed the channel to Frozen Four hockey game for me (Gophers!!!)
Shiner. Draft. Cold. Great.
A sign out front said «best burger in Houston.» And I don’t doubt it. Great burger. Just the slightest bit charred on the outside, tender and perfectly cooked to medium rare. Really liked it a lot.
Next time I’m here I will have the chile, as that too is supposed to be the best in Houston.

This review is based on the after hours dining only. The kitchen closes at 10pm when the live music starts, so they have a limited menu. There is a $ 12 cover charge.
Parking is valet only. Otherwise there is street parking which could be difficult to come by.
The food is located outside (covered tent) and everything is $ 5. It is a nice place to still be able to have a convo while still being able hear the music.
I had the venison Frito pie, steak fajitas and a jalapeño cheese muffin. Everything tasted great! All the flavored were spot on! There is an area for extra toppings and sauces of needed.

I know you’re supposed to eat here, but there’s a ton of people who come just to take some pics in front of this huge armadillo! So I’m reviewing just that.
Be sure to take side pics (they look better) to show how big this animal is!