Just had an amazing experience at El Caribeño Restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious and full of authentic Caribbean flavor. The pernil plate was outstanding -- the pork was perfectly seasoned, incredibly tender, and had that amazing crispy edge that makes pernil so special. The portion was generous and paired perfectly with the sides. We also tried the tripletas, and they were fantastic. Packed with flavor, juicy meats, and perfectly balanced with the bread and toppings. Easily one of the best tripletas we've had. The yucas were cooked perfectly -- crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and great for dipping. They were a perfect side to the sandwiches. For the kids, we ordered the chicken strips from the kids menu, and even those were great. Crispy, well seasoned, and the kids loved them. Overall, the food, flavor, and portions were excellent. If you're looking for authentic Caribbean comfort food, El Caribeño is definitely worth visiting. We'll absolutely be coming back! read more

Puertorican restaurant with good food and good prices. A group of friends and I went and it was an ok experience. Normally you order at the front desk, but they helped us in our table since we were a group of 10. It's a small place with about 4 tables and only one restroom. The girl that helped us was attentive. One complaint is that they have Pepsi and not Coke but that's a personal preference. Food is ok, someone ordered Queso Frito, for my taste was too salty. But the Tostones with pork meat were really good. I got mofongo with camarones, the shrimp were good size, the mofongo was too dry but I'm not sure if it's supposed to be like that, I noticed they serve the mofongo not in the traditional way, which is like in a cup shape the protein in the middle, here they serve the mofongo in the shape of a small cake and the protein on the side. The arroz con gandujes was good and the pork was good. I feel they have potential. The restroom situation (only one) is not ideal though. read more

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An absolute gem. This meal completely exceeded my expectations in the best way possible. From the first bite, the flavors were bold, vibrant, and beautifully balanced -- the kind of cooking that reminds you what truly authentic food is supposed to taste like. Every dish was cooked perfectly, seasoned with intention, and packed with incredible Puerto Rican flavor. You can genuinely taste the care and skill behind the food. Huge credit to Fredy in the kitchen, who is clearly cooking from both experience and heart. And a big thank you to our waitress Kim, who was incredibly kind, attentive, and accommodating throughout the entire meal. Service like that makes an already great dining experience even better. If you've never had real, authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, do yourself a favor and come here. This is the kind of place that deserves to be on the map. The flavors are unforgettable, the hospitality is warm, and it's impossible to leave without being seriously impressed. Highly, highly recommend read more

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. read more

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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. read more

El Caribeno - Carne Frita - Puerto Rican Near Me - Houston, Texas

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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. read more

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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 read more

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! read more

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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! read more

Such great food! I haven't been in years but it was better than I remember. Food was perfectly cooked. Service was great! Restaurant was cozy. read more

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. read more

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Food was delicious and restaurant was very clean. My companion is Puerto Rican and wants to go back.

Food is good, whatever I want some puertorican food I come here. But the food is too expensive for what it is, also not to mention that they no longer offer refill or free water. Place is small so you may have to wait up 30 min or more. Service was OK. read more

Amazing hostess Oreisha, and the food was good. I have been looking for baked pork with yellow rice and beans for a minute and i funny found my gem place in Houston read more

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. read more

El Caribeno - Open at 11 and yet not open! Last time we came here! - Puerto Rican Near Me - Houston, Texas

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

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. read more

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

They are always out of something in the menu. We asked for sancocho it had 2 piece of meat! Will not reccomend. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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! read more

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!! read more

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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. read more

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

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!! read more

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

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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.‍ read more

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. read more

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. read more