Arnaldo Richards' Picos Restaurant Introduce
For over four decades, Arnaldo Richards' Picos Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Houston's vibrant culinary scene, serving as a true ambassador for authentic Mexican cuisine. It is a place where tradition, passion, and innovation come together to create a dining experience that is both memorable and deeply rooted in the rich flavors of Mexico's seven culinary regions. Unlike many Tex-Mex establishments, Picos offers a unique journey through genuine Mexican gastronomy, from the hearty moles of Oaxaca to the intricate Pibil dishes. Beyond its exceptional food, Picos is known for its lively, upscale atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for everything from a casual lunch to a celebratory dinner. The restaurant is not just a business; it’s a family-run institution, identified as Latino-owned, with a deep connection to the community it has served for years.
Arnaldo Richards' Picos Restaurant is ideally located at 3601 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098, USA. This prime address places it in the prestigious Upper Kirby district, making it a convenient and accessible destination for both local Houstonians and visitors. We understand the importance of a seamless dining experience, and that begins with easy accessibility. Our location is equipped with a free parking lot, free street parking, and offers valet parking, ensuring that you can always find a convenient spot. Furthermore, we are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all guests, with wheelchair-accessible entrances, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms and seating. Our central location and thoughtful amenities make us an ideal choice for any occasion, from a quick bite to a planned gathering with friends and family.
Picos offers an extensive range of services and dining options to cater to every guest and every occasion. Our dedication to service is as strong as our passion for food, ensuring a high-quality experience whether you are dining in or enjoying our food at home.
Our services include:
Dine-In and Seating: We provide a variety of seating options, including outdoor seating for those who enjoy dining al fresco. Our indoor spaces offer a comfortable and upscale atmosphere for lunch, dinner, and brunch.
Delivery and Takeout: For the ultimate convenience, we offer both standard and no-contact delivery options, bringing our authentic Mexican cuisine directly to your doorstep. Takeout is also available for those who prefer to pick up their order on their way home.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner: Our menu is designed to cater to all major dining times. We are a popular destination for a quick lunch, a solo dinner, or a large group meal. Our weekend brunch is particularly beloved by the local community.
Catering and Private Dining: Picos is a premier choice for catering events of all sizes. We also offer private dining rooms, perfect for corporate events, family gatherings, or any special occasion that requires a more intimate setting.
Bar and Happy Hour: Our bar is a destination in itself, offering a great selection of beers, cocktails, and a renowned wine list. We have a fantastic happy hour with both drink and food specials, making it a perfect spot to unwind after work.
Arnaldo Richards' Picos Restaurant is celebrated for a variety of unique features and highlights that have made it an enduring Houston institution. These elements combine to create an unparalleled dining experience.
Authentic Regional Cuisine: Our menu is a tribute to the culinary diversity of Mexico. Chef Arnaldo Richards masterfully blends traditional techniques with contemporary concepts, bringing authentic dishes like our elaborate Moles and Pibil to the forefront. This commitment to authenticity is a major highlight.
Great Drinks and Live Music: We are renowned for our bar program, which features an excellent selection of margaritas, including the original "shaker margarita" that was pioneered here. Our bar has an impressive wine list and a great beer selection. The addition of live music, with musicians who move between tables playing harp and guitar, creates a lively and memorable atmosphere that guests love.
Exceptional Service: Customer reviews consistently praise our friendly and attentive staff. Waiters are described as professional, ensuring that your food arrives in a timely fashion. The welcoming and accommodating nature of our staff contributes significantly to the overall positive experience.
Unique Flavors and High-Quality Food: Our food is a highlight, with customers noting the bold and savory flavors. From the complimentary chips and salsa to our delicious Carnitas Tacos, every dish is prepared with care. The quality of our ingredients and the skilled preparation of each meal is evident and appreciated by diners.
Award-Winning Legacy: Picos has received numerous accolades over the years, including recognition for our moles, tamales, and tacos, which have been featured in major publications. This history of excellence underscores our commitment to culinary quality.
Dog-Friendly Patio: For those who love to dine with their furry friends, we offer a dog-friendly outdoor patio, adding another layer of convenience and welcome for our guests.
For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about our menu and events, please use the contact information below.
Address: 3601 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098, USA
Phone: (832) 831-9940
Arnaldo Richards' Picos Restaurant is a truly special place, and what is worth choosing is its dedication to an authentic, high-quality dining experience. In a city full of options, Picos stands out as a restaurant that has consistently delivered bold flavors and a welcoming, upscale atmosphere for over 44 years. The food, with its emphasis on regional Mexican cuisine, is a revelation for anyone accustomed to standard Tex-Mex fare. From the rich and complex moles to the perfectly prepared Pibil dishes, every meal is an educational and delicious journey. The vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by live music and strong, well-crafted drinks, makes Picos a destination for celebration and connection. While recent news indicates that this beloved institution is preparing to close its doors at the end of September 2025, its legacy remains strong and it is an opportunity not to be missed. The reviews from loyal customers speak volumes, praising the excellent food, the strong drinks, and the friendly service. The fact that the restaurant has been a Houston staple for decades and is highly recommended by those who have visited is a testament to its enduring quality. Choosing Picos means choosing to experience a piece of Houston's culinary history and enjoying a meal that is both delicious and deeply meaningful.
Arnaldo Richards' Picos Restaurant Menu
Pibil
- Venison $32.00
- Pork $26.00
- Rabbit $28.00
- Chicken $28.00
Mexican Sodas
- Fanta Pineapple $5.50
"Don't you want a Fanta, Fanta!"
- Fanta Strawberry $5.50
"Don't you want a Fanta, Fanta!"
- Mexican Sprite $5.50
Natural Sprite imported from Mexico
- Fanta Orange $5.50
Change up your routine with the bright, bubbly, fruity orange flavor.
- Mexican Coke $5.50
Mexican Coke imported from Mexico
- Mexican Squirt $5.50
Grapefruit soda imported from Mexico
Botanas
- Queso Blanco $10.00
Proprietary blend of cheeses with roasted habanero, bell peppers, onions and poblano pepper.
- Spinach Quesedillas $18.00
house made flour tortillas filled with sauteed spinach, roasted almonds, cotija and chihuahua cheese served with roasted poblano/cilantro sauce
- Tamales Oaxaqueños $19.00
Three banana leaf-wrapped tamales - pork, chicken and portobello with cuitlacoche.
- Canasta De Chicharron (Cracklins) $6.00
- Calamares A La Mexicana $18.00
Fresh calamari sautéed with fresh tomatoes, onions, serrano peppers and cilantro, served with bolillo bread.
- Chilpotle Smoked Salmon Quesadillas $20.00
House made flour tortillas filled with chilpotle smoked salmon, melted cotija and Chihuahua cheeses served with guacamole + creamy chilpotle sauce.
- Chilorio $16.00
Sinaloa-style slow roasted, seasoned pulled pork served with avocado slices, pico de qallo and fresh tortillas. Named Texas monthly top 10 taco in Texas.
- Chile Con Queso $10.00
Proprietary blend of cheeses with roasted tomatoes, roasted chilis and our blend of spices.
- Queso Flameado $16.00
Melted Chihuahua cheese topped with house-made chorizo or sautéed mushrooms and poblano peppers.
- Mariscada A La Mexicana $29.00
Gulf shrimp, fresh calamari, crawfish tails, mussels and red snapper sautéed with onions, peppers, cilantro and tomatoes, served with bolillo bread.
Aguas Frescas
- Tamarindo $7.00
Tamarind Agua Fresca
- Horchata $7.00
Natural rice and almond, creamy agua fresca
- Limonada $7.00
Fresh lime limonada
- Jamaica - Hibiscus Tea $7.00
Jamaica Hibiscus Tea 20 ounces
- Limonada Natural - Topo Chico Lemonade $7.50
Fresh Limonada topped with topo chico 20 ounces
Sides
- Sautéed Roasted Corn (Esquites) $6.00
- Sautéed Mexican Squash $8.00
- Black Beans $8.00
- Mexican Poblano-Cilantro $6.00
- Corn Maque Choux Cour Version $8.00
- Stewed Black Beans $6.00
- Charros Beans $6.00
- Rice, Mole Negro & Fried Egg $9.00
- Refried Pinto $5.00
- Oaxacan Black Rice $6.00
- Spinach Sautéed With Garlic $7.00
- Purslane Sautéed With Garlic $8.00
Ceviches y Cocteles
- Shrimp Cocktail Tampico $18.00
Gulf shrimp, tampico-style cocktail sauce with diced avocado.
- Ceviche Campechano $20.00
Lime-marinated fresh snapper, gulf shrimp or combo, tossed with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, serrano peppers, avocado and fresh campechana sauce.
- Vuelve A La Vida Cocktail $29.00
- Pescador $19.00
Lime-marinated fisherman's ceviche with fresh snapper, gulf shrimp or combo, tossed with onions, tomatoes, serrano peppers, cilantro and avocado.
- Ceviche Costeño Con Pico De Piña Y Mango $19.00
Lime-marinated fresh snapper, gulf shrimp or combo with pineapple and mango pico, tomatoes and avocado.
Crowd Pleasers
- Burrito Al Carbon $24.00
filled with your choice of charbroiled beef or chicken fajita, chile con queso, lettuce, tomatoes and crema mexicana served with mexican rice + refried beans
- Chile Con Queso $9.00
Proprietary blend of cheeses with roasted tomatoes, roasted chilis and our blend of spices.
- Enchiladas Suizas $24.00
Three chicken, cheese or ground beef picadillo enchiladas, topped with with a creamy tomatillo sauce, melted cheese and sliced onion served with white rice and refried pinto beans
- Queso Blanco $9.00
Proprietary blend of cheeses with roasted habanero, bell peppers, onions and poblano pepper.
- Enchiladas De Tex-Mex $24.00
Three chicken, cheese or ground beef picadillo enchiladas, topped with Texas gravy melted cheddar cheese and chopped onions served with Mexican rice and refried pinto beans.
Moles
- Filete De Res En Mole Azteca $48.00
Eight ounce charbroiled beef tenderloin, covered with a proprietary mole and queso cotija, on charbroiled cactus, served with esquites mexicanos and fresh sautéed spinach.
- Mancha Manteles $28.00
Pork and chicken braised in a oaxacan peanut and chile ancho mole with plantains, sweet potatoes, apples, and pineapple, sprinkled with fresh green peas, served with Mexican rice and stewed black beans.
- Pollo En Mole Almendrado Oaxaqueño $26.00
Chicken forehalf stewed in an almond mole, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds served with Mexican rice and refried pinto beans.
- Mole Coloradito $28.00
Boneless leg of lamb stewed in a rich red Oaxacan mole served with Mexican rice and stewed black beans.
- Pollo En Mole Rojo Poblano $30.00
Chicken forehalf stewed in mole rojo poblano, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds served with Mexican rice and refried pinto beans.
- Pato En Mole Miahuateco $36.00
Duck stewed in mole miahuateco poblano, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds served with tostones (fried plantains) and steamed rice.
- Costillas De Puerco En Pipian Rojo $29.00
Braised pork spareribs stewed in red pipian with toasted pepitas, served with tostones (fried plantains) and steamed rice.
- Camarones En Pipian Verde $36.00
Blackened jumbo gulf shrimp in green pipian, with toasted pepitas, served with green poblano rice and sautéed Mexican squash.
- Pollo En Mole Negro Oaxaqueño $30.00
Chicken forehalf stewed in a black mole sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds served with black rice and refried black beans.
Cafe y Te
- Iced Tea $3.50
Picos black iced tea blended by Katz Coffee Company - locally owned here in Houston! 20 ounces
- Hot Tea $4.00
Our selections change weekly, please ask your driver to contact the store
Regional Chef Specialties
- Chomorro De Puerco En Salsa Verde Con Verdolagas $34.00
Pork shank stewed in a green tomatillo sauce laid over sautéed organic purslane served with stewed black beans.
- Chamorro De Ternera En Salsa De Chile De Arbol $38.00
Veal shank osso bucco stewed in a roasted tomato and chile de arbol sauce, served with blackened avocado and quelites sautéed with alubia beans.
- Chile Relleno $24.00
Roasted poblano pepper stuffed with your choice of beef picadillo or cotija cheese covered with entomatada sauce and crema served with Mexican rice and refried pinto beans.
- Filete Al Chipotle $42.00
charbroiled beef tenderloin covered with melted chihuahua cheese atop a tomato/chipotle sauce served with avocado slices + sauteed Mexican squash.
- Lamb Shank Mixiote Hildalgo Style $38.00
Spiced lamb shank steamed wrapped in agave parchment served with mexican rice and stewed black beans.
- Chile En Nogada Tradicionale $32.00
Roasted poblano pepper stuffed with pulled pork in a peanut sauce with green olives, almonds, raisins, and fruits covered with a chilled creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds, served with poblano/cilantro rice.
- Pork Shank Carnitas Style $34.00
michoacan-style pork shank confit served sizzling with your choice of beans, mexican rice, pico de gallo + guacamole
Seafood Specialties
- Mahi-Mahi Ennegrecido $28.00
Mahi mahi filet sautéed in a cast iron skillet with a special spice blend served with esquites chorizo maque choux, sautéed spinach and avocado.
- Enchiladas De Acociles $29.00
Sautéed crawfish enchiladas, topped with creamy chilpotle sauce and melted Chihuahua cheese served with Mexican rice and sautéed spinach.
- Enchiladas De Mariscos $29.00
Sautéed gulf shrimp and lump crab meat enchiladas topped with our signature roasted poblano cream sauce and melted Chihuahua cheese served with poblano cilantro rice and refried black bean.
De La Parilla
- Codorniz A La Parrilla $36.00
Two sizzling butterflied and bacon-wrapped charbroiled quail.
- Tampiqueña $32.00
Charbroiled sirloin steak topped with roasted poblano peppers, served with cactus pad salad, refried beans and cheese enchilada with mole poblano.
- Tenderloin Fajitas $39.00
Sizzling charbroiled beef tenderloin fajitas.
- Grilled Vegetable Mixta $21.00
charboriled seasonal vegetables, served with roasted poblano/cilantro dressing
- Parrilla Mixta Deluxe $95.00
Sizzling charbroiled beef fajitas, chicken breast, butterflied grilled jumbo gulf shrimp, gulf shrimp brochette, pork ribs.
- Gulf Shrimp En Brochette $38.00
Six bacon-wrapped jumbo Gulf shrimp stuffed with poblano peppers charbroiled basted with adobo sauce served with Mexican rice and guacamole
- Filete Al Chilpotle $48.00
8 oz. charbroiled beef tenderloin covered with melted Chihuahua cheese on a tomato-chipotle sauce served with avocado slices and sautéed Mexican squash.
- Fajitas Al Carbón $32.00
Sizzling charbroiled beef fajitas, chicken breast or combo.
- Rib Eye Ennegrecido $32.00
Beef rib eye steak blackened with our three chili rub, served over epazote black beans, topped with salsa martajada served with blackened avocado.
- New York Strip Steak $42.00
12 oz. or 16 oz. New York Strip Steak served with rajas (grilled onions and poblano peppers), tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, Mexican rice and your choice of beans.
- Huasteca $32.00
Charbroiled sirloin steak served with cheese enchiladas verdes, guacamole, frijoles refritos y nopales a la parrilla.
Ensaladas
- Ensalada Verde $13.00
crisp romaine, cotija cheese, cilantro, chicharron de queso + roasted poblano/cilantro dressing
- Spinach & Goat Cheese Salad $21.00
Baby spinach, caramelized red onions and warm goat cheese encrusted with toasted pumpkin seeds, with our hibiscus-infused vinaigrette and toasted pepitas.
- Southwest Chopped Salad $21.00
crisp romaine, bell peppers, grape tomatoes, green onions, corn kernels, black beans, cilantro + chipotle/honey/lime vinaigrette
- Ensalada Cesar $12.00
The original cesare cardini salad from Tijuana Mexico: crisp romaine, parmesan cheese, croutons, lemon + garlic/anchovy dressing
Sopas
- Caldo Tlalpeño $12.00
Pulled chicken, diced vegetables, garbanzo beans and avocado in a chicken consommé, served with chilpotle peppers and limes.
- Pozole Verde $14.00
Traditional tomatillo hominy stew with pulled white meat chicken, and accompanied by chopped radishes, white onion, cilantro, shredded lettuce and chopped serrano peppers on the side to dress your soup. Please indicate in notes, if you would prefer corn or flour tortillas.
- Pozole Rojo $14.00
Traditional red chili hominy stew with pulled pork, and accompanied by chopped radishes, white onion, cilantro, shredded lettuce and chopped serrano peppers on the side to dress your soup. Please indicate in notes, if you would prefer corn or flour tortillas.
- Tortilla Soup Azteca $14.00
A classic central Mexico version of tortilla soup.
Margaritas
- 100% MARGARITA $13.00
Cuervo Tradicional reposado, cointreau, lime, agave - SERVED IN A DRINK POUCH
- TOP SHELF FROZEN 8 OZ $14.00
A Picos Classic! El Jimador Reposado, cointreau, lime, agave - SERVED IN AN 8OZ BOTTLE
- TOP SHELF FROZEN 16 OZ $22.00
A Picos Classic! El Jimador Reposado, cointreau, lime, agave - SERVED IN AN 16OZ BOTTLE
- THE GOLDEN $13.00
El Jimador reposado, Grand Marnier, lime, agave - SERVED IN A DRINK POUCH
- THE PERFECT MARGARITA $14.00
HERRADURA SILVER, COINTREAU, LIME, AGAVE - SERVED IN A COCKTAIL POUCH
- LA CRISTALINA $15.00
Don Julio 70, Herradura Ultra, Giffard Frais des Boi, Giffard Framboise, lime, strawberry, agave - SERVED IN A DRINK POUCH
- THE ORIGINAL $12.00
El Jimador Silver, cointreau, lime, agave - SERVED IN A COCKTAIL POUCH
Arnaldo Richards' Picos Restaurant Details
From the business
- Identifies as Latino-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
- Valet parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed outside
Arnaldo Richards' Picos Restaurant Photos










Arnaldo Richards' Picos Restaurant Location
Arnaldo Richards' Picos Restaurant
3601 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098, USA
Arnaldo Richards' Picos Restaurant Reviews
brunchchiloriovalet parkingmimosasharplambbanana leafcrawfishmusicianstenderloin
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1First time going and wish I could go back again. The food was excellent of the 4 of us that went no one had anything bad to say about the food. It came out in a timely fashion the flavors were bold and savory. I'm extremely sad to here they are closing in a few months after 44 years of service to the community. The vibes were amazing they had some music going a "band" with harp and guitar that came around to the tables, they did some happy birthday songs and a few others. The drinks were strong and well worth the price. I don't think I have enough words to say how good this restaurant really was. If you are thinking of going, go immediately you won't be upset. The waiters were friendly and service was A++. I would highly recommend and return.
August 07 · Elaine LoweryFirst time visiting today after wanting to for a while.Very nice restaurant, inside and out. Clean and inviting with a very friendly staff.Complementary chips and salsa (deal breaker for me) was excellent!! This time I ordered the Carnitas Tacos and they were absolutely delicious.I’ll be back!
April 08 · Tony VokeyOn our way to another restaurant where we actually had reservations, we instead pulled in here. Loved the atmosphere and service. Food was really good…. But the… BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE EVER. And I have had a lot of chocolate cake. I would visit Houston again just for this cake.
February 25 · Sarah DrewingAtmosphere 10/10Customer service 20/10I have never been to a restaurant where the whole staff is very attentive.Our drink never ran out, before we knew it waiter was bringing a new one.A manager walked by talked to us, he was such a vibe!! Loved the energy! 20/10Overall definitely will be back.
October 13 · Angelica GarciaI absolutely love Picos! Consistently great, every single visit! The owner and his family are lovely folks too! Highly recommended! ❤️Update 8/18- Picasso is closing next month (boooo!) but went tonight for the aa#you-can-eat fajitas. Fajitas? Fabulous! Waiter (Jose)? Not so much. Attitude the whole dinner. So unlike this place. Not a good way to go out, smh.
August 18 · Kelly Knowles
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