El Caribeño Puerto Rican Restaurant

This was a pretty good experience! Not my typical food but I love to experiment with food and flavor combinations. Pretty friendly service, clean and upbeat atmosphere, there is a wait for food to come to the table but it does taste freshly made! Overall a great experience.

I happened to catch El Caribeno having just started opening for breakfast on Sunday morning. This is an absolutely do not miss this place. The owners are always present and it is family run. The breakfast torta was absolutely phenomenal. You would think that there are only a few ways to make bacon eggs and cheese but these breakfast sandwiches are next level. Bacon is thick cut and the eggs were perfectly cooked. Also in our order was an Empa Del Campo that was an absolute sweet and savory with a fantastic balance. The restaurant is fantastically clean and has a nice open and airy decor. It was great experience and we will be going back again.

I’m Puerto Rican and really wanted to love this place, but there is just no excuse for bad business practices and mediocre food. These people have been around for a while (on a different location) so my husband and I decided to give them another try. Big mistake. We got there at noon on a Wednesday, and waited 50 minutes for our meal. I ordered the pernil (roast pork) plate. Turns out they did not have pernil (the iconic Puerto Rican dish), and almost an hour later, they brought me carne frita (fried pork chunks, which I do not like) without asking me if they could substitute it. My husband ordered a Cuban sandwich, which came with very skimpy fillings, hardly had any pork meat in it, maybe a tablespoon of pork inside (see picture, a true Cuban sandwich does not look this way). We reluctantly ate our food because we had already waited an hour and were famished. But the food quality was mediocre at best. Not a good representation of true delicious Puerto Rican food. Mind you, we dropped $46+ for this awful lunch. We could hear the cashier/waiter having to apologize to almost every table there. Lots of unhappy customers. What a pity, what a shame. And no, offering us a free flan does even begin to make up for this terrible experience.

Today my sister, my friend and I decided to try something new and I knew just the spot! It's all our first time here and I must say everything was a 12/10! Soooo flavorful and delicious. Matthew and his family who run the place are really putting their love in each plate they serve. We will definitely be back!!! Thank you Matt and family!

We were super excited to try El Caribeño after seeing so many great reviews on TikTok! I’d tried arroz con gandules at a friend’s house before and absolutely loved it, so we couldn’t wait to see what this spot had to offer. We ordered the chicharrón de pollo with a side of arroz con gandules, the carne frita with mofongo, a few empanadillas de pastelón, and the queso frito. We arrived at almost 12pm, but the pernil still wasn’t available yet — we were told it would take about another hour, which was a bit disappointing since that’s one of the dishes we were most excited to try. The queso frito we got didn’t look anything like the photos I’ve seen online (not sure what that’s about 😅), but the biggest issue was how incredibly salty the mofongo was. It was so salty it actually hurt to eat. It honestly tasted like eating a spoonful of straight salt. We did bring this up to our waitress, and to their credit, they replaced it with a side of arroz con gandules for my mom, which we appreciated. When we mentioned the saltiness, the waitress said Puerto Rican food is “heavily seasoned.” I totally get that… but to me, “heavily seasoned” means flavorful herbs, spices, garlic… not just salt! Also, this place was NOT CHEAP, I don’t mind paying for good food, but this food just seemed to miss the mark. Some things were tasty, but overall, the saltiness, missing pernil, and the price took away from the experience for us. I hope this was just an off day because I really wanted to love this place…

First time here. The food was on point. In three in a half years in this area, this was the most authentic Puerto Rican food we have been able to find. Service was a bit slow, but not horrible and nothing to complain about. You can tell it's a popular place, it was packed when we got there and packed when we left. We're definitely going back.

Best Puerto Rican Restaurant in Houston by far! I’ve tried them all (not many in Houston) We went as a small group & all ordered something different so we can all try a lil bit of everything. Everything was great! They definitely got that “Sazón”!! Can’t wait to go back!! Met 2 of the brothers that own the place & one of the chefs. They definitely made us feel welcomed with their service, conversation & hospitality.

White rice is perfection! Slightly salty and pork fat flavor. The beans taste like sofrito and were generously put in with love. The pork chops I had were very good. My husband had the fried chicken, and he couldn't stop saying how delicious the chicken tasted. We finally found a foodies dream of Puertorican food. The alcapurria tasted good, and I would definitely get it again! Can't wait to come back to enjoy a meal that reminds me of my mother's cooking!

This restaurant had some great food with an abundance of variety. I met with a coworker to have lunch but the food was flavored perfectly and my palate was very well satisfied. The guy at the counter was the server as well and did a great job of explaining everything on the menu. The place was quaint and very clean.

Nice cozy, quaint establishment tucked away. I had dinner on a Saturday evening. The service was good. The snapper bites appetizer was fresh and flaky. We also had the empanadas the beef and pastelon--surprised on how big they were. My chicken dish was flavorful as well as my beans. The chicken was a little overdone, but it's all good. Please know there is no beer/wine/cocktail menu.

I happen to catch El Caribeno having just started opening for breakfast on Sunday morning. This is an absolutely do not miss this place. The owners are always present and it is family run. The breakfast torta was absolutely phenomenal. You would think that there are only a few ways to make bacon eggs and cheese but these breakfast sandwiches are next level. Bacon is thick cut and the eggs were perfectly cooked. Also in our order was an Empa Del Campo that was an absolute sweet and savory with a fantastic balance. The restaurant is fantastically clean and has a nice open and airy decor. It was great experience and we will be going back again.

Food reminds me of what we get in Puerto Rico with family. Highly recommend this place.

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

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!

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.

Worst place ever. Not open at the time it says. 11 and it's now 12:30. Last time they had no arroz con gandulez which is like going to any Hispanic spots and having no rice and beans. Staff is unprofessional. Phone doesn't work. What are we doing here?! Terrible service. Does not represent Puerto Rico well at all.

Food is good. I only wish the mofongo wasn't as salty as it was. Carne frita was delicious as was alcapurria and flan. Papas rellenas was ok. Waiter was very friendly. Restaurant is very clean and nicely decorated. Will definitely come again. Hopefully, mofongo will not be as salty.

Food and service was top notch. Pernir and arroz con Gandules was delicious. Will be back.

Mofongo was good. Churrasco was burnt (way over seared). They say they close at 8pm but by 7:30 chairs are on top of the tables and ladies are sweeping and moping the floor, uninterested in the customers.

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.

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.

El Staff es bien amable. Te hacen sentir como en casa. La comida es deliciosa y bien presentada. Ambiente es excelente, buena música y super limpio. Definitivamente regresamos pronto. The staff is very friendly. They make you feel at home. The food is delicious and well presented. The atmosphere is great, good music and super clean. We will definitely be back soon.

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.

1st time here.got the bistec with onions and mofongo to go...mofongo was good, beef was not good. looked like pieces of skirt steak. overcooked for sure. very tough chewy with multiple pieces of hard gristle throughout... c'mon people , for $17 you could give better quality... especially they told me it was a 20 minute wait AFTER they took my money of course.....i have managed multiple restaurants....you really need to improve the meaT quality....believe ot not , people notice bad food.i will never be back. wasted over $22.00 OF MY HARD EARNED MONEY ON A BAD MEALon....WHAT A RIPOFF!

Ordered beans and rice to take to a party for a friend who's from Puerto Rico and they were a big hit!

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!!

Great Food, a Must Stop for Puerto Rican Cuisine!! Two ... Service is welcoming, making you part of the Family!

Great food and service and friendly staff The new place is really small. I liked the old location better

Good food, it taste like homemade food. The service was good and fast. We order something to go.

This new restaurant is in its soft-opening phase, with the grand opening coming at the end of the month. They will be expanding their menu offerings. I tried it out with a friend, and we will for sure be returning often. It's family run, and all is made in-house. I thoroughly enjoyed the lunch I ordered - pernil (roast pork shoulder). The meat was tender and very flavorful. The sides were extremely tasty as well. I added some house-made chimichurri: YUM! Everyone there was super friendly. It was an enjoyable experience, and we look forward to out next meal there soon.

The food is excellent! Ordered the mofongo, pernil, yuca frita, and a Cubano -- everything was perfect, as good if not better than dishes I've had on La isla! Portions were well worth the price, the place was clean, and service was very good Strongly recommend for anyone looking for an incredible meal and especially for boriqueños wanting a taste of home!!

RACIST Restaurant against Black people My sister and I had a very disappointing and uncomfortable experience at this restaurant. From the moment we walked in, we noticed the staff seemed to treat us differently than other customers. We ordered our meal to go and sat at the table . While we were waiting at the table the waitress came over to us and told us very rudely that we need to get up so the other people can sat down . We did remove ourself from the table and was standing in the corner of the restaurant . We tried speaking to the waitress while we were standing but she did not even acknowledge us, however she was very engaged predominantly with the Hispanics / white patrons . We requested our refund and leave It was clear that my experience was not the result of poor service alone but a reflection of something deeper, rooted in bias. As a paying customer, I expect to be treated with respect, regardless of my race. Unfortunately, my visit to el caribeno was a stark reminder of how discrimination can seep into everyday experiences. I won't be returning, and I hope the management takes steps to ensure that no one else feels the way we did.

Food is so good! Service was fast and friendly. The place is small but cute. Wouldn't suggest going with a big group.

The service was great! The food was good, but a little pricey. The chuleta was seasoned perfectly. The pernil lacked flavor. Overall ok though.

Amazing food. Just as excellent as before. Smaller space but intimate. The service also was extremely considerate and the made certain that we were attended to.

Food I ordered pastels if you know you know but was disappointed at price service and food. The price on website was $10 less than I got quoted ok no big deal then when hubby and son went to pick up at promise time 2pm they said it was set for 3pm uhmm no so they ended up waiting 20 min to come home with salty expensive pastels. So disappointed. Thanks I'll keep cooking. Yall just made my blood pressure go up.‍

I ordered the Cubano sandwich. Very pleased with the presentation of the sandwich. Very tasty. Would order again. The place was nice and clean. Workers were nice and attentive. I was offered a drink while waiting for my food. 0 complaints.

The food is authentic Puerto Rican. The arroz con gandules, the red beans and rice. Not to mention the alcapurias, the pastelitos are delicious. Great food and service. Completely enjoyed eating there.

The food is fresh and delicious. You will have to pay handsomely for a meal. If it were not so expensive, I'd go there more often. I understand they serve food not easily found elsewhere. But I don't think this should justify their high prices.

The food tastes like your mother made. Home made tasting and delicious. Loved the loaded tostones and the chimichurri steak. The rice and beans are also great and the service is warm and inviting. Been here several times.

Great experience !! Food was amazing and the customer service was phenomenal. Definitely a hidden gem-- highly recommend!

The food is authentic and seriously AMAZING!!! The service was friendly and perfect. I love this place so much... Ive already made plans this week to visit again.