- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Casa Ramirez Imports
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Shopping Home & Garden Home Decor Art Galleries, Home Decor [Edit]
241 W 19th StHouston, TX 77008
Neighborhood: The Heights
(713) 880-2420
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 10 am - 5 pm
Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Minimum purchase of $1,000 required. *View Yelp About This Business Section for complete details. Offer Code: SHQQ. Offer Expires: 12/31/12.
9 reviews for Casa Ramirez Imports
9 reviews in English
-
Review from Monica S.
Killeen, TX
8/9/2011
On a recent trip to Houston, I needed to take a break from baseball games and go shopping. I searched for a Mexican import store and Casa Ramirez popped up (along with a few others, but those did not speak to me). Upon entering the store, a burlap Virgin Mary print bag greeted me, and I knew I was in a good place. I told the owner, a VERY nice older gentleman, that I would be starting a pile on his counter. He thought I was kidding (ha!). The prices at this store were, for the most part, reasonable. There were some pieces that were a little overpriced. The free biscochitos were an added bonus. I picked up a few pieces that I knew I would find no where else, and a few things to use in my own art. There was a wide selection of books and original works of art toward the back of the store. We chatted with the owner for a while about all sorts of things and I left with my treasures. This was the highlight of my trip and I will definitely be back. If your interests lie in anything having to do with Dia de los Muertos, Frida Kahlo, luchadores, loteria, and general Mexican arte awesomeness, check this place out.
Gracias Casa Ramirez! Dios Los Bendiga! -
Review from kris r.
10/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you don't feel like driving to Mexico on a weekend whim to go shopping, then this place with fulfill your craving for Mexican folk art and other fun things. Check it out, especially since its close to Dia de Los muertos.
-
Review from Ojo E.
Chicago, IL
2/14/2011
Fantastic spot! I did the tourist stuff and Casa Ramirez was recommended.
I saw what i wanted...Mayan Calendar! Score!
I am now counting the final days we have left before the Apocalypse.
I plan to visit you soon. -
Review from Amanda P.
Houston, TX
3/6/2011
Fantastic mexican imports store. Not for the faint of heart, this place is loaded to the gills with all kinds of fascinating and exciting products. Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Zapata and Pancho Villa are widely represented as well as Luchadors, Calaveras/Day of the dead and Catholic Icons and Saints.
They have everything from Loteria, papel picado, Virgin de guadalupe Panchos, Sugar skull projects,mexican folk art, literature, paper flowers, I mean the products go on and on and on.
The staff was so incredibly nice and maybe even supportive. They talked and delighted in each and every customer, took the time to offer them handmade cookies and find out where they were from. The customer service is jaw droppingly amazing. And incredibly genuine.
I was even told by the owner, who made conversation with me while I waited in line to be rung up, that if I ever needed anything from his store once I moved to the canadian border, he would be more than happy to mail it to me himself and handed me a card with his old, wrinkled, weather worn hands. This place is a true Ma and Pop business, family owned and operated.
As for the prices, a comment that keeps coming up in reviews, it is not what we are used to in Texas having a fiesta super store on just about every corner with generic products and an overhead that can afford to offer their product at lower prices. These are HIGH quality Mexican imports. Very good quality, well made products. They are also located in the heart of the heights, so I can imagine being a ma and pop place, the rent must be a bitch. The prices are actually not bad, there's just more high quality items sold than more lower end, plain and simple. You get what you pay for, and it's worth every cent. -
Review from Cameron B.
Houston, TX
7/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
I don't want to ramble on about the same thing other reviewers said, so I will just say that I confirm! This is a great place to check out if you are in the area. My favorite thing I've purchased here so far was an absolutely precious Mexican dress for my 3 yr old niece. It was in the typical Mexican style, but only white with pale turquoise details on it. SO ADORABLE! It was $20 I think? So worth it!
AND yes.. the Mexican cookies are fabulous!Listed in: Such Great Heights
-
Review from Farrah A.
5/7/2009
¡Cinco de Mayo! What a perfect day to visit Casa Ramirez. It wasn't intentional, I just so happened to be strolling down 19th street in The Heights when I spotted the name and a bright pink bus outside. I remember bookmarking Sergio S' review, so I just *had* to go in.
I'm a sucker for Mexican nostalgia. So as I walked in, I was instantly hit with that feeling, and a huge smile. I first spotted a basket of complimentary ojarascas (Mexican sugar cookies). Love this place already!
The store was busy, and still Señor Ramirez, a tall man with a chicano accent, greeted me with a hello and also pointed me in various directions after asking what I was looking for. His wife was also a pleasure to talk with.
This gem of a store carries everything from Mexican handbags and dresses for infants and adults to art and books to pinatas and games. There isn't an empty spot on any walls, tables or shelves; this places is nicely packed, and I want it all.
Specifically, the game Loteria is what I was looking for, along with colorful banners to hang from a patio. They had both. A little bit more priced than what I remember as a kid, but factor in inflation over the years and the cost of traveling back to Mexico, and it's a fair deal.
Ladies, you will love their selection of Mexican handbags! They come in a bright assortment of colors, even neon colors for you hipsters. These would go great with a summer dress or a day out by the pool. You can even pin them up on a wall as decor because they have beautiful images of the Virgin Mary, Frida and other religious/cultural/historical people. And gents, surprise your lady with a luchador mask. You ARE Nacho Libre.
Regardless if it's Cinco de Mayo, Dia De Los Muertos or Mexican Independence Day, you have to stop by this gem of a store. Get lost in their selection as you browse around, stock up on confetti-filled eggs, or just learn something new. -
Review from Sergio S.
Houston, TX
7/11/2008 1 photo
"Casa Ramírez is located in Houston's Historic Heights section. With its warm atmosphere and special color, Casa Ramirez attracts all visitors. The gallery exhibits and sells all kinds of Mexican craftwork, from portraits, antiques and ceramic, clay, metal and wood artifacts and figures, to the most varied artistic elements. You can admire the creation of artists and artisans.
An example of this is the traditional exposition of Mexican altars, which the gallery holds commemorating November 1st and 2nd, Day of the Dead.
For El Dia de los Muertos (the Catholic holiday All Souls Day) November 2, the store is adorned with 14 altars honoring the deceased, complete with calaveras de azucar, votive candles (to light the way for the souls), incense, yellow flowers called Xempoaltxochitl (similar to the African marigold) pan de muerto, the deceased's favorite food and or favorite drink, their photo and favorite toys or items. It is an educational experience and cultural enrichment to learn from his exhibits how death is realistically accepted without fear."
The above is from their website.
If you've never been--It's a great place to go. Mr. Ramirez is a city gem. I had the pleasure of spending time watching him teach his altar classes, and it's quite something to see the passion he puts into sharing this beautiful tradition. -
Review from Monica S.
Houston, TX
10/4/2009
I am super surprised I have only been to this place once! Shame on me! I love all things Mexican... you should see my room, it's ridiculous. Anyhoo, I stopped in for a quick trip to see what curios they might have. I was pleasantly surprised to see the great assortment in imports they had. Everything from hand made pottery and figurines, hand bags, dresses, art, antiques, jewelry, and much more. The owners are always in the store and are so very helpful and very informative for those who don't know the Mexican culture very well. One of my favorite things about Casa Ramirez was as soon as I walked in the door, there were free cookies! Ojarascas, my favorite! The store also offers classes about Dia de los Muertos during the month of October and has a gallery of ofrendas set up for three weeks to celebrate this festive celebration.
I only took one star away only because the items were a bit pricey. I totally understand considering they are imports and one of a kind items but having visiting Mexico twice a year and personally buying curios first hand, I'd rather buy certain items in the Motherland. -
Review from Heidi G.
Houston, TX
3/26/2011
This is the best place in Houston to find Mexican crafts and art collectibles. The owner goes to Mexico frequently to pick up new items, so you will see different things each time you go. The owner is also very knowledgable about the culture and arts, and he is very willing to chat about the items in his store. Even if you don't buy anything, it is an interesting store to browse and learn.
