Bacalar

My sister and I are Top Chef fans. The restaurant is very contemporary feeling. Our waitress was excellent! She was nice and had good rhythm. We ordered a bunch of dishes to share. My favorites being the guacamole and steak. We tried the mushroom and masa dish but the flavor was bland. The drinks were nice, but took a long time in my opinion even for a glass of wine.

While food was enjoyable, I had less than a pleasant experience when the server accidentally spilled drinks on me. She apologized and helped me clean up. But I was expecting someone from management to come talk to me but that didn’t happen. My back was drenched in cold champagne for the most part of the night. I also think that the dimmed romantic vibe of the restaurant doesn’t match with the music that they’re playing. Food was amazing, service was good except for the spilled drinks part.

So, I can’t handle heat WHATSOEVER cracked pepper is too much for me, however; I watched Top Chef and had to try Gabe’s food so I ate what I could. This restaurant is beautiful. It’s spacious and has a lovely bar. The outside dining area is cozy but it was too windy when we went so we ate indoors. Our server was so patient and sweet. He made great suggestions as we honestly didn’t understand the menu whatsoever being new to Mexican and Middle-Eastern cuisine. We started off with the Izamal drink. It was strong but sweet. It was really delicious and helped me when the food was too spicy! It was a cute drink too with a heart in the ice. We ordered the scallop and bluefin tuna, the Polkanes, and the cochinita pibil. The scallop and bluefin tuna is just like the reviews state. Absolutely delectable, melt in your mouth good. Beware, if you can’t handle spice this was the spiciest dish we had and it was vibrating my entire mouth for at least twenty minutes after haha. Again, don’t be alarmed / totally order this but if you don’t do spice then take it slow - don’t shovel it down your throat like I did! Next came the Polkanes. They were cooked so well. Hard, crisp shell and gooey insides with black lentils. A lot of flavour for such a small bite and the avocado crema was so light! Lastly, we ordered the cochinita pibil which was so tender and flavourful. The tortillas are handmade and the mixture of everything was a perfect bite. I skipped the salsa but my husband had it and said the black salsa was no joke so red is ideal for the taco like dish. We ended the meal with a “goodbye” bite of sour orange. It was a shock to the tastebuds but in a good way. If you can handle the heat then check this spot out on your next date night or fancy outing with friends. Great spot to dine!

We went to Bacalar to celebrate my husband’s birthday. The atmosphere, food, drinks, decor, and staff surpassed our expectations! The cuisine originates from the Yucatán peninsula which means that it incorporates Caribbean, Mexican, and Lebanese flavors. The food edged me out of my comfort zone, but was still filling, flavorful, and satisfied my soul in so many ways. The presentation was exquisite, and every dish looked like artwork! The atmosphere can be described as upscale casual- the staff is friendly, conversational and do everything they can to make you feel at home. When you go there, make sure to take a moment and walk through the restaurant (and the bathrooms!) to admire the decor. Each part of the restaurant has its own feel with spaces for casual lounging, family dining, quiet romantic dinners as well as a room for more formal parties, or corporate dining. I find myself wanting to go back again soon to try other menu items. This is the kind of place you can visit time and time again, and have a slightly different experience every time.

Went here for an anniversary dinner and the experience was incredible. They gave us champagne and a card signed by the staff to congratulate us on our celebration. The portions sizes are small but the quality is superb. Having been to many regions in Mexico, the flavor profile of the dishes are authentic. The atmosphere and service were phenomenal. I recommend anyone who wants a more elevated dinning experience to make a reservation!

A Lebanese and Mexican fusion spot. Downstairs you’ll find a nice dimly lit dinner space with cumbia rebajada music in the background. Oddly unassuming. Reminds me of a mezcal bar in Mexico City. Upstairs is a large private dining space paired with a very aesthetically pleasing mezcal bar and lots of outdoor lounging. A great space overall. We tried all of the waiter recommendations and can say no one was disappointed. Yucatán food with a twist is what this place is. 0. Drinks - Oaxacan old fashioned never disappoints, but for something different get the cocosanto. Perfect for a summer drink. 1. For appetizers the dumplings were our favorite 2a. Main meal, cochinita pibil if hungry 2b. Quesadilla if hungry but budget conscious 2c. The fish dishes if not hungry but want something tasty 3. Side dishes, get the sweet potatoes (camote) 4. Dessert - we tried them all. The table consensus was the manjar blanco y chocolate. Decadent and flavorful. The spicy sorbet leaves a nice burn in your throat, beware. The third favorite was the chocolate flan. And the bottom, least eaten dessert that night was the chocolate olive ice cream. Bonus tip: Ask for Alexander Reyes for the best service here. 🇬🇹 🇨🇴 🔥 The flip side of the review: it was a little chilly inside so bring a light jacket or layers. The bread tasted like a bolillo and the tostadas were plain so it’s not great alone, you have to eat it with the pairing of the guacamole and hummus to be enjoyed. I felt like a small miss there if nitpicking.

Wow what an amazing new restaurant for Austin! We had such a fun and well-rounded experience. The atmosphere is just stunning - in a great space with gorgeous artwork and thoughtful design. Our service was terrific with great care and attention to detail. And wow the food & drink! We found ourselves savoring every last bite truly appreciating all of the authentic flavors in each of Chef Gabe's dishes. The Cochinita Pibil is can't miss and gorgeously presented. Already can't wait to go back!

After a few discussions to be seated on a good table (the initial one was in a wind tunnel outside), we were positively and warmly welcomed. It is a beautiful restaurant but expensive for what it is. Especially when your main course ( I had swordfish) is too cooked and too salty. As a restaurant, you can put a high price tag. But you have to be faultless.