One day in 1944, a Mexican woman named Talita Arroyo Prince moved from Brownsville, Texas, to Columbus, Ohio. She had recently married Sergeant Tony Neno Prince, who was now overseas on the Burma Road Mission.

Talita and Tony had something of a “family courtship.” After they met at a USO dance in Brownsville, her father and brothers went everywhere with them. Probably a bit intimidating for our friend Tony… but he managed.

Tony owned an Italian-American restaurant before becoming a soldier, and his goal was to return home and reopen his old place. He finally made it back to Columbus in 1946, and he and Talita began their new life together as business owners.

Fast forward over two decades. Talita and Tony decided that the world was ready for her authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, courtesy of her own “cocina Mexicana” (that’s “Mexican kitchen”). It was the beginning of a glorious new adventure — and today, it’s a Columbus landmark.

They called it Talita’s.

After Tony passed in 1982, Talita and her children continued to run the restaurants. And even now, Talita’s children and grandchildren are involved in the business, sharing her passion for authentic Tex-Mex cuisine with our city. Talita’s recipes, passed down from her grandmother, are still used every day.

So… why am I telling you this story?

Because Talita’s is my favorite Tex-Mex spot in Columbus!

The last time I was there, I met Frankie Prince, one of the current owners of the restaurant. He greeted us and thanked us for visiting, which was so sweet. As a local business owner myself, I really appreciated the customer service.

On that particular day, I ordered the smothered burrito, and it was seriously incredible. It comes with their homemade red enchilada sauce and melted cheddar cheese, and it’s big enough that I took half of it home with me for another meal. (Don’t you love having restaurant leftovers waiting for you in the fridge?!)

So, if you’re looking for some delicious Tex-Mex, stop by Talita’s here in Columbus. You won’t regret it! And if you have a chance to meet Frankie, definitely say hello.