La Casa del Caballo is an offshoot of owner Carlos Abedrop's same-named steakhouse in Saltillo, Mexico.: Courtesy photo.

The Texas story of grilling meat goes all the way back to the mesquite fires of the Spanish vaqueros. So the concept of a Mexican steakhouse should be as familiar and welcome to Texas as the bond between wood coals and beef muscle.

Beginning tonight, Feb. 18, that bond puts on a classy face with the opening of La Casa del Caballo, a fine Mexican steakhouse offering traditional dishes from northern Mexico.

Located in the former La Strada spot at 322 Westheimer, the restaurant comes to Houston from Carlos Abedrop who owns a same-named steak restaurant in Saltillo, Mexico. It specializes in wood-fired grills including bone-in ribeyes, filet mignon, lamb T-bones and veal chops. Traditional Saltillo-style cuts offered at the new restaurant include a three-pound top sirloin (which serves four), and Topa de Lomo, a specially trimmed ribeye cap weighing in at more than four pounds (serves six).

The menu also offers smoked brisket, grilled fish and shrimp and grilled chicken. In addition to classic steakhouse appetizers and side dishes (shrimp cocktail, chopped salad and wedge salad), Mexican specialty dishes also are on the menu: queso fundido, tacos, enchiladas and chicken soup.

The restaurant is outfitted in dark roods, leather accents, hammered metal and rustic furniture. There’s an ample bar and private dining rooms on the second floor. The restaurant will be open daily for dinner only until mid-March when lunch is expected to be added. For reservations, call 832-623-6467.