Hello dear
Welcome To El Caribeño Puerto Rican Restaurant
At El Caribeño Puerto Rican Restaurant, nestled in Houston, TX, the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine come alive. Our story is steeped in tradition and passion, offering a welcoming space where every dish tells a tale. From the savory empanadilla de carne to the perfectly seasoned churrasco, each plate captures the essence of home-cooked meals that warm the heart. Patrons rave about the fresh, hearty offerings like the fried whole snapper and mofongo, making it a must-visit for those craving authentic flavors. With a commitment to quality and a taste of the Caribbean, El Caribeño invites you to indulge in a culinary journey unlike any other.
About
El Caribeño Puerto Rican Restaurant
Welcome to El Caribeño Puerto Rican Restaurant, a vibrant gem tucked away at 9522 Huffmeister Rd #700 in Houston, TX. If you’re searching for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, look no further. This restaurant isn’t just about food; it's an experience steeped in the rich traditions of the Caribbean, perfect for both locals and visitors eager to indulge their taste buds.
As you step inside, you'll likely notice the buzzing atmosphere—a sure sign of something exciting happening in the kitchen. The restaurant’s limited vegetarian offerings may mean choices are fewer for plant-based diners, but the robust menu is packed with mouthwatering options that showcase the best of Puerto Rican flavors. Each dish at El Caribeño is crafted with care, utilizing fresh ingredients to ensure every bite is a culinary delight.
- Pernil: This traditional slow-roasted pork is a must-try, presenting a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
- Carne Frita: Fried pork chunks served with pickled onions and chimichurri offer a delightful crunch and vibrant taste.
- Chicharrones De Pollo: Puerto Rican fried chicken that is crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside—absolutely divine.
- Churrasco: Grilled skirt steak served with chimichurri, seasoned to perfection, is a highlight many diners rave about.
- Seafood Dishes: The Camarones Al Ajillo and Chillo Frito are standout choices, with fresh flavors of garlic and bell peppers that dance on the palate.
Customers frequently share how the dishes feel like home-cooked meals. Feedback from diners like Carolina S. and Esther R. consistently emphasizes the freshness and quality of each plate, with mentions of favorites like the fried whole snapper and flavorful mofongo. Even first-time visitors, like Faustino B., are charmed by the food, noting how well the flavors meld together.
While the food steals the spotlight, it’s worth noting that service can sometimes lag during peak hours. Several patrons have pointed out that the friendly staff works hard, but wait times can stretch as the restaurant fills up. Once you taste the food, however, it’s easy to understand why the kitchen is busy! Additionally, while the ambiance is cozy and charming, some guests recommend improvements, like enhanced air conditioning and updated hours of operation, to enhance the dining experience.
Overall, El Caribeño Puerto Rican Restaurant stands as a testament to the flavorful heart of Puerto Rican cuisine here in Houston. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal with family or a quick bite to go, this place delivers on all fronts. Come hungry, and prepare to be delighted!
For more information or to place an order for delivery or takeout, call (346) 657-4313. Enjoy your culinary journey at El Caribeño!
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“ We've been wanting to try this place for a while and decided to come in on a Sunday around 1pm. The entire place was packed (always a good sign) Our waitress was super friendly and took our drink and appetizer order We ordered a delicious flaky beef empanada and alcapurria (beef) none us liked this one. I ordered the fried whole snapper, we also ordered the churrasco, pork chunks, and beef stew. All the good was absolutely fresh and fantastic! The fried snapper was one of the best I've ever had! The churrasco was season to perfection, and the beef stew was so hearty and satisfying! They were really busy so the service was a bit slow, but otherwise fantastic place! ”
“ Good food, it taste like homemade food. The service was good and fast. We order something to go. ”
“ Food was DELICIOUS! Appetizers came out quickly and were good. The alcapurria was big enough to share and full of meat. The empanadilla de pizza was standard size but full of cheese. The bifongo was moist and oh so flavorful and the churrasco was made to perfection. The tripleta was loaded and the bread was soft. This is a small place but the food is consistently good and the service is top notch. This is the 4th time we visit this restaurant and I can say this is the best Puerto Rican food in the Houston area. ”
“ I'm surprised I'm barely doing the review here. The food is simply amazing. I think last time I got like a flank steak or some sort of cut of meat and it was seasoned to perfection. Every bite was amazing. The Mofongo was really good as well. I tried several things here and I'll definitely come back soon. Things to work on, however is the service. The service is very slow. I get it. You're serving up great food, but the service is kinda slow here. Also the hours of operation are absolutely weird. Guys can you just have a normal operating schedule. You'll probably get so much more business that way. I really don't understand why you have these random days during the week to be off. With all that being said, I'll continue to come here because the food is top-notch. Absolutely amazing food. Oh I almost forgot the empanadas are really good as well. Lastly, we went during the summertime and their air condition does not work. You guys need a couple more ACs in there or something because it was really hot. Things to work on AC, schedule, and make sure the Waitstaff is on top of their game The food is top-notch, however. Yall got that lockdown ”
“ Well let me start by saying this was my first time trying Puerto Rican food and it was a great first impression! We started off with the tostones rellenos which were very delicious, they were like mini plantain based bowls with a fried to perfection pork and some chimichurri sauce drizzled over. I had the mofongo with the fried pork meat. I will say there was a lot of garlic in my breath when I left but it was delicious lol. My buddy had the caribeño sandwich and he gave me a small piece to try and it was delicious as well. Small restaurant but I thought it was great and I would certainly recommend. ”
“ Everything was delicious. El Caribeño exceeded my expectations from the food to the service. The waiter was extremely nice and took care of us from start to end. The place is in a shopping plaza - a smaller place with good ambiance. Highly recommended if you're looking for good Latin food or trying something new. ”
“ I am so glad to see the restaurant come back! We originally found them when they were located on Fry road and were let down to see they had to shut down suddenly. My fiancée and I have missed their food, especially their arroz con habichuela. My go to is the bistec encebollado with plátanos. My fiancee had the roasted chicken and it was quite a big serving, which is always a plus! Food arrived pretty quickly and we received great service. We will come back soon now that they are officially open. ”
“ Absolutely the best Puerto Rican food around. Delicious flavor pairings and quality ingredients. Reminded me of being right back in Aguadilla, PR. Do not miss out on this wonderful place. Amazing family dynamic as well as truly amazing people and service. I will be back multiple times!! ”
