Caracol Restaurant

Reviews 8

PA

Paul

Authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and warm hospitality equals joy. This is a gem of a restaurant that was referred to me by an acquaintance who happens to hail from Mexico city. She said its the only place she goes when shes missing home, and I can see why. The seafood is phenomenal - fresh, flavorful, and innovative. Everything on the menu weve tried so far has been cooked with pride and love and it shows. The shrimp tortilla is a standout starter and so are the ribs. The scallop ceviche was one of our favorite ceviche dishes and so was the branzino passion fruit ceviche. There is a great selection of wines, and Andres, the general manager, who is very hospitable and passionate about the foods of his native country, knows his wines very well. This place was so good we dined here two days in a row. Definitely a favorite of ours and well be sure to visit it often. A great way to get introduced to the flavors here is to go during happy hour. There is an eclectic mixture of foods that will be sure to give you a sense of what to expect on the full menu. A special thanks again to Andres, the manager, who gave us a great run down of the menu and was very warm and welcoming.

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JA

Jay Francis

Today, I sampled a few appetizers and one entree on the lunch menu. I can tell you that it was a near mystical experience as each dish was prepared and presented perfectly. We had the octopus and the braised ribs and shared a fish sandwich on a beer fermented cemita bun. Now, I have been traveling in Mexico for over 50 years. Besides having OMG moments for each dish, I can tell you that you would be hard put to find a better cemita even in Puebla. If I could give six stars, I would. On a second visit almost a year later, this time for dinner, the wood fired, fish that I had been wanting to try was ordered. Along with a taquito appetizer and a guacamole appetizer. The only mis-step was the guacamole which was way too salty. The fish and taquitos were excellent. The high point, though, was the spectacular presentation of the Coco dessert. A hard, dark chocolate ball, filled with coconut whipped cream and chocolate ganache. A coconut shape that one breaks into with a little wooden mallet. Yep. I would bring out of town guests here just to experience this dessert.

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KE

Kelser McMiller

What can I say about Caracol...came here for lunch with a friend to talk to get some advice. It was my first time. The decor is a by the sea light and airy type vibe, but still classy. The hostess and servers were all very cordial. And the valet (you have to valet there really is no parking...but it is complimentary, at least when I went). The food was excellent. The chef even sent out a small shot glass of shrimp soup he was trying out, it was delicious. We had the oyster on the half shell raw and broiled...can I say these were the best broiled oysters I have had in any place (I have had couple of places). They were cooked perfectly with a little bit of toppings, not too much to over power the oyster. We then proceeded to get the tacos I had shrimp and my friend had barbacoa. The toppings and tacos were just right. They hit the spot right on. I recommend this restaurant for all types of eating from lunch to even a date night. Plus they have a bar area that is quite large!

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JU

Jude S

I had a craving for Mexican seafood last weekend; I decided to eat at this place after checking out online reviews.  Also, it is better to eat seafood on the weekends because most restaurants get the goodies on Thursdays or Fridays.  I’d hoped that my visit would satisfy my cravings given the fact that its owner chef was awarded by JBF. Sadly, it turned out to be a letdown.  Food presentation was good but the quality was not to my liking.  For example, tuna fish used in ceviche was cheap one. Scallop was watery.  Roasted oysters, recommended by a waiter, were stale.  The Dishes I can say it was above average were fried calamari and tortilla chips that served with the ceviche. The restaurant is located in upscale area of Houston and prices were set accordingly. I care more about the taste of the food, not the prices.  70% of the ordered dishes were below my expectations; Therefore, I rate this place as D. 

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JO

Jose Ribelles

We were at Caracol restaurant on Saturday the 12th at 5 pm for dinner. I will say that Hugo Ortega and his wife Tracy Vaught have achieve the summit of the culinary pyramid in Huston. The Caracol menu is intriguing and delicious. Every thing from the plates, the silverware and the service were not only elegant but also impeccable. I am a gourmet that has visited some of the best restaurant in the world. From NYC Cape Town SA, Paris, Barcelona Rome and other venue and Caracol deserves to be place among those culinary altars. The only thing you could improve is to have softer seat chairs. And watch out for your salt and peppershakers. They are so stylish and cute that you might loose them to your guests. We will continue to come back for the fantastic baked oysters. They are to die for. We plan to come back on Saturday the 19th at 4 pm. Congratulations J.A. Ribelles, MD

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PE

Petite Brunchie

Caracol’s Sunday Brunch Buffet is a game changer. I repeat, game. changer. It’s a little pricey, $37 per person and $12 per child, but it is so worth it!! I’m not really that into buffets, but Caracol’s is amazing. Their food is delicious. They have everything from tamales, their take on eggs benedict, beef cheek, pork, an entire oyster bar complete with oyster shooters! Make sure you save some room for their delicious array of desserts. It’s a treat to feast your eyes on! They have a really cute patio outside, but regardless of whether or not you sit indoors or outdoors, the atmosphere is tasteful and bright and airy. Highly recommend this place, even if it’s a one time thing for you and your friends! Pro tip: Make reservations in advance! They get pretty busy and you don’t want to miss out on this delightful brunch.

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ME

Melissa Tan

My first visit to Caracol was during Restaurant Weeks, and I wasnt that impressed. However, I went back for Saturday happy hour (1/2 off oysters, holla!) and would definitely return just for that. We also got a ton of other appetizers, including the Tostada de Atún Crudo, Croquetitas de Yuca y Jaiba, Tortitas de Pescado, and Taquitos Tronadores de Carnitas. My favorites were the Tostada de Atún Crudo and Croquetitas de Yuca y Jaiba. The design of the restaurant is so elegant yet coastal casual. The patio area looks really nice and would be cool to hang out on once the weather is nicer. Parking is confusing, but apparently, they validate if you self-park. I didnt realize there was any other option, so I valeted, which is complimentary + tips.

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RO

roman pearce

I waited a few months since Caracol opened its doors to try out the restaurant. My friends, and I decided to dine outside as William our waiter told us we could if their was an open table. It soon became very busy with tables filling up, drinks coming from the bar, and the smell of food in the air. William told us after ordering drinks it may take a few minutes as it was a busy night. We met Carlos one of the management, and Sean Beck sommelier, Sean Dougherty manager. For a busy night service was quite excellent. The food from the amuse bouche compliments of Caracol to the dessert made at the restaurant all delicious. Thank you William, and entire staff of Caracol we look forward to coming back for more great experiences. Roman

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