::First review as a Yelp ELITE!!!:: I found this place on Yelp when I was desperately hungry. It's in a shopping center (just like everything else in Houston it seems) and when I first walked in, I had some doubts about how this random stop would turn out. I walked up to the register and got a menu. After ordering to-go, I decided to stay and eat. The waiter was very friendly and attentive. He didn't understand some of the words I spoke in English, but I just used few hand motions and we were good. I ordered the Top Sirloin which is a very thinly sliced cut of beef served with cooked onions on top. I also ordered two sides- fried yucca and fried (sweet) plantain. The waiter brought me some hot sauce and garlic sauce on the side. The hot sauce was awesome- really spicy with a bit of sweet (mango?). The garlic sauce was Ok, but I didn't like it that much. My plate looked bland and boring, but everything was delicious. I ATE EVERYTHING. I was so full, but I could not stop. I love fried plantains so much and I was so happy to find them here. They were top notch. yum. And my meal was only $10.95 plus two bucks for a drink. The ambiance of this place is what you'd expect to find in a shopping center restaurant. Everything was very clean though. Nice place to come for an inexpensive, casual lunch or dinner. They close at 8pm though, so don't come too late! read more

Rincon Criollo - Top sirloin, fried yucca, fried plantain. Yum! - Cuban Near Me - Houston, Texas

Had a little Sandwich here with not much expectation ,turned out to be great ! Well crafted composition, lean chicken and not overly fattening . And nice Cuban girls (who even knows the difference between Cuban music playing and Merengue ) I'm impressed ,for a small strip enter location . I will actually come back again . read more

Rincon Criollo - Real food , make this your choice instead of Subway! - Cuban Near Me - Houston, Texas

We came here for dinner. My family enjoyed the food immensely. I love their coffee with milk. My snapper was a bit tough so I wish I had ordered something different. Our waitress was super nice, the lack of the perfect rating was that every time we needed something, we had to get someone's attention for service. Overall, we all enjoyed the food and experience. read more

I had been craving for Cuban food since coming back from Miami and found this place from a friend that had gone. Strolled in on a Saturday and ordered the oxtail stew and the ropa vieja. Oxtail stew was flavorful but I was wanting the meat to fall off the bone easier than it did. I'm a spicy eater so I requested for some habanero salsa and it kicked the dish up a notch! YUM Ropa vieja was good and plentiful! Each dish comes with 2 sides! I also requested for some rice for my stew. read more

Rincon Criollo - Oxtail stew - Cuban Near Me - Houston, Texas

First time trying Cuban food and it was pretty good! They have a decent menu so I'll be sure to come back and try other dishes. The place itself isn't too fancy but I'm completely fine with that! It was kind of honey and there was somebody playing on a piano/keyboard there and it was nice. My sister ordered the Creole sampler which was really good and I liked the soupy sauce that came with it. My favorite was the empanada and probably the fried yucca. I also got to try the watermelon & cantaloupe juice mixed together which was nice but there was too much watermelon, so I couldn't taste the cantaloupe too much. They start off giving a basket of Cuban bread and that was my favorite!! It was super warm and soft in the middle (with light butter) and the edges were crisp. I'm pretty big on bread & butter and this place has got to be one of my faves for that. As for the entrees, I got the ground beef with two fried eggs. Everyone else got the grilled chicken with onion, roasted pork with onions, and the Creole sandwich. Their menu has Spanish and English but I'm doing the English names because they're easier for me to recall haha. I mixed the beef/egg/rice together and it was yummy...I didn't mix the black beans in because I'm not crazy about beans but my sister likes them a lot. The sandwich was decent but a little on the smaller side (this sandwich specifically because I've heard the other ones are bigger). The chicken was cooked and seasoned well, as well as the pork. However, the pork was a little on the drier side but that was the only downside. For dessert we got the bread pudding and flan, which was very good as well! The texture of bread pudding was so-so for me but I also don't like bread pudding usually. The taste itself was decent and actually familiar but I can't recall what it reminds me of. The flan was amazing! I loved how it wasn't overly sweet and the consistency was just right and didn't fall apart/wasn't too dense. I definitely recommend this place if you want to try Cuban food since other individuals who have had Cuban food before like it as well. The waitress wasn't super fluent in English but she was soo nice and got our order right so it was fine. I'm looking forward to trying their lunch buffet read more

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Super authentic (and delicious) Cuban food, not to mention the ambiance overall is very much reminiscent of a simple Cuban restaurant in Miami. I ordered the media noche sandwich with the maduros (fried plantains) - the sandwich was stacked with pulled pork and other toppings in a good ratio so even though it wasn't super long it was very filling. The maduros were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside as expected. They also serve the warm buttery bread pieces while you wait, which we didn't know about so in addition to all the toastada we ordered it was a ton of warm buttery bread that went great with our colada (sweet espresso) and cafe con leche (a bit of colada with a lot of milk). The croquetas were great too! read more

This place is amazing!! Good vives, light Latin music, great service and fantastic food. Our new family place to go. read more

Rincon Criollo - Cuban Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I am Puerto Rican , can't cook to save my life and I have been looking for a good Cuban Restaurant for a long time and found one. When I got there it was 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon and the place was crowded with folks that appeared to also be from the Caribbean ( Cuba, PR and DR ) which was a good start. I got excited in seeing the menu and over indulged. I ordered the Pernil, Oxtail, sweet plantains, tostones, papa relleno, yucca , white rice and black beans, rice pudding and guava pastry. ( Yes , I needed a to go box! ) I was not disappointed! The menu has almost everything I could want. The food was so good it brought back fond memories of my mother's cooking. I strongly recommend and will be definitely going back , maybe for a simpler order such as the Cubano or the Media Noche and a Mamey. Strongly recommend! read more

This restaurant is solid and extremely busy on weekends. I love their Fricasse de Pollo and papaya shake. Service could be better. read more

Rincon Criollo - Cuban Near Me - Houston, Texas

The oxtail stew here is SO good. It has just the right tanginess, spiciness, and richness of a homemade stew just like Mama made. I mean the meat is literally falling off the bone b/c it is so tender. They cooked it to perfection where all the flavors are balanced and the meat just melts in your mouth. I had to take leftovers home and it was still delicious the next day. Such good Cuban food and friendly service! Bring a healthy appetite ! read more

Rincon Criollo - Cuban Near Me - Houston, Texas

The food was amazing!!! The traditional "Ropa Vieja" was so flavorful, and the taste of other dishes were wonderful! read more

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So embarrassed I didn't know of this very fine, perfectly legit Cuban place right here in the Energy Corridor. They get an A+ on the coffee and sandwich test. I'll be coming back once a week (or more) to try the rest of the menu. Holy cow and priestly pig, this is what I have been wishing for - an affordably-priced, 7 days a week café outside the Loop that can make a Cubano. Cubano had enough garlic in the pork that I didn't even crave mojo on the plain plantain chips. They get a kind of vertical symmetry by dividing the ham and cheese slices: from bottom to top it's bread, cheese, ham, pork, ham and cheese AGAIN, pickles mustard and bread. The press on the sandwich was perfectly executed, then it's wrapped snugly in one layer of parchment and sliced. read more

This review is Mainly for the Amazing Oxtails! Where to begin. Compares in greatness to Cool Runnings and Lucille's. Creole Style OXTAILS Gravy - EXCELLENT & WOW! Meat Portions - EXCELLENT & WOW! Flavor - EXCELLENT & WOW! Very Tender and Hearty to the Bone. ORDER THIS - Will NOT Be Disappointed TRY Beef Empanadas TRY PAPAYA smoothie TRY FLAN read more

Pan con bistec horrible do not order from this place la comida solía ser buena algo cambio y no para mejor

You guys... believe all the good reviews. It's true. This place is amazing. I feel so lucky to have this just around the corner. First time I went I had a milanesa. It was great. Then I went again with my dad (he's a picky eater and only wants Mexican) and he loved it and raved about a spicy sauce they gave him. He gave me a bite of his pork sandwich (came with fried plantains) and I've been dreaming about it ever since! I believe his sandwich was called something "criollo". I had croquetas de jamon and an empanada--also great. We took some guayaba and cheese pastries to go and had them with coffee at home. Reminds me of the pastelitos I'd buy in Miami that I missed so much. I'm going again today and I can hardly wait. What to order?!?! Hmmm Just one tiny thing... our waitress was nice but at some point forgot about our table and went to go roll up silverware. It's fine except that I wish that as she rolled silverware, she'd glance at her tables every now and then. We waited a long while till she finally acknowledged us. We needed to place a to-go order and we were ready for our check. I'm not taking points off for that. I love it here. read more

Enthusiastic 5 stars. Perfect table service. Food was delivered hot. Presentation was beautiful and honest. Taste was startling. At this point, the review could end. Pick up your date and don't hesitate. Tamal with Chicharones nuggets. A chimichurri liquid which erupted garlic and herbs. Go easy but, diving into the picante is good. Look at the picture. Ropa Vieja. Perfect strands of beef moisten in a light tomato sauce. Subtle background heat. Look at the picture. Black beans and white rice. Tender. Whole. Fragrant and herbed. Steamed vegetable. Unadorned and perfect al dente. Go there. read more

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Excellent food and the service is outstanding! I took my whole family and they really enjoyed the food. Very high quality! Place is super clean...did not have a concern taking my family there. Definitely we will return! read more

OMG I love this place it felt like I was back in Miami. We came for the stuffed green plantains with shredded beef. Totally worth it! We got a Cuban sandwich as well and it was awesome it had a lot of pork. Best Cuban sandwich in Houston. Definitely will come back but next time I want to dine in we got it to go. The staff was very nice and attentive. read more

Delicious Latin food!! The perico ripiao scramble it's soooo yummy as well the Cuban coffee! Highly recommend! read more

First of if ur not Cuban don't expect to get good service. I've been to this place before one other time just to pick up a to go order. Yesterday morning I went in decided to dine in and have lunch. Walk in do not get greeted see a lot of employees just sitting around having lunch not doing nothing I ask can I sit any we're they give me a look like no one wants to take care of me so I kinda just sit at a table. Takes about 10 min or so before any one even decides to notice me that I am even there waiting seems like no one wants to wait on me. Girl with glasses finally comes up doesn't even ask me what I would like to drink or nothing just hands me a menu. I am finally ready to order brings me out bread after waiting all this time I think they do that when u first walk in but for some odd reason I get the break all late. Ordered my food and casually wait for my food to come out. When ever I go into a restaurant or anywhere I always look around to see how everyone is being attended 2. Back to back everyone get greeted they get there drinks orders and bread right away I find that very rude that I don't get the same service I am guessing because I am not Cuban. Food finally comes out pretty good not gone lie one thing she got right was my order. Not once did she ever return back to even check if my food even came out right or anything or even check it I was good or needed anything. I finish my food I am sitting around for someone to ask if I wanted my bill I had to ask one of the other girls to bring me my check because the server had no interest in coming back. I find it pretty annoying that people either think I don't have money or just because I look young that I won't tip. The only decent thing was the food. As far as the service goes horrible service like I said if ur not Cuban or look young do not expected her taken care of like the local Cubans . Probably will not be coming back hopefully they work on customer service. I still left a tip just because I am not rude even tho she dint even deserve it read more

Rincon Criollo - Main course - Cuban Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Love the shakes and sanwiches so delicious i live close by went walking so good yummy will go back

Very down to earth, simple atmosphere. I like how they cook the meals, I have been several times and the cook /chef is consistente with taste, freshness, and the portions. Definitely a place to enjoy churros with coffee after your meal! read more

Rincon Criollo - Excellent Bistec de Palomillo with Congri, tostonrs and maduro.. I also had a fresh lemonade .. and CHURROS!! - Cuban Near Me - Houston, Texas

Food is delicious! Unfortunately my waitress ( with glasses) lacked good customer service. My sister had ordered a steak and she failed to explain that it was a flank steak. They do sell the thicker steaks which originally that's what she wanted, when asked to change the order, she caught an attitude. Told us she would charge us for the flank steaks and the thicker steak, not only that she had another waiter attend us but did not receive the tip because it was still her table!!!!. I feel as if that was so unprofessional. Situation would've been resolved if she simply communicated with her customers. Anyways the salmon was delicious and the flank steak was good to( just not what we wanted but still ate) read more

Rincon Criollo - Cuban Near Me - Houston, Texas

Love this place. Being from Miami and now living in Houston it brings back that taste and food I have been really missing. They're very friendly and food always taste so fresh. Anything you order from the menu is amazing. read more

Staff is really friendly and attentive! Best ropa vieja I've tasted with rice, black beans and salad, my mom ordered liver with onions, she loved it's also! My husband ordered palomilla steak it was tasty and delicious read more

Amazing cuban food in the Houston area! We love coming here. They will greet you with a smile and amazing service! Don't forget to try their natural juices they are exquisite read more

Ordered the breaded beef steak with rice and beans and sweet plantain. I could slice someones throat with the breaded steak, It was hard, way overcooked and cold. Rice and beans were dry. The only thing I enjoyed was the bread with butter the sweet plantain and my shake. I don't know what the hype about this place is. Also servers were rushing the orders. An elderly gentleman came in asking for a buffet plate and the person that took care of him was very rude. First and last time here ordene el bistec de ternera empanizado con arroz y frijoles y plátano dulce.podría cortar la garganta de alguien con el bistec empanizado, estaba duro, demasiado cocido y frío. El arroz y los frijoles estaban secos. Lo único que disfruté fue el pan con mantequilla, el plátano dulce y mi batido. No sé cuál es la exageración sobre este lugar. También los servidores estaban apurando los pedidos. Un señor mayor entró pidiendo un plato de buffet y la persona que lo atendió fue muy maleducada. Primera y última vez aqui read more

The portion of the food is too small.Food was cold and the service is too slow.Wasnt happy and they are expensive in prices.Not going back

Great food, nice environment. A little bit on be pricey side but everything I tasted was good so it is definitely worth it! Will be back soon!!! read more

Rincon Criollo - Everything was delicious! Will definitely be back soon!! - Cuban Near Me - Houston, Texas

I grew up in Miami and moving here to tx I have been trying to find legit Cuban food. I've found it! Can't wait to try more. Staff was super friendly. read more

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Delicious cuban food. Churrasco with rice snd beans was excellent. Also the cuban sandwich changed my 5 star rating to 1 star after today's visit 6/12/2018 - Cucarachas Alerta!!! COCKROACHES ALERT. you have been warned. Manager waived charges and offered to pack our unfinished meals but NO THANKS!! COCKROACHES ALERT. COCKROACHES ALERT. read more

This is the best Cuban Restaurant in the city, even that I'm not Cuban. We have tried another Cubans restaurants & are so greasy! The sides are delicious. We're Peruvians & this is our favorite homemade place. The staff is very friendly, no one rude! they make feel us as at home + affordable prices. I give read more

We went here for Friday lunch .... Live music and a nice upbeat atmosphere ... I had the grilled Salmon. The food looked even better than it tasted. They also had a lunch buffet that was very popular with a lot of folks there. I suggest booking a table since they had quite a rush !! read more

Rincon Criollo - Grilled Fish and fried sweet plantain ... tastyy !! - Cuban Near Me - Houston, Texas

I hadn't had Cuban food in a million years! My friend Missy recommended we eat here for lunch. I like the fact that you can chose from the menu or you can eat from their buffet lunch, either way you can't go wrong. I loved their beans and rice and the plantains were so delicious. You must try the lemonade its like a slushy super delicious and the soursop one is also very tasty. I've eaten here 3x and I love it, not one bad experience, each time is better. Oh and try their empanadas they're so yummy! read more

Great food. There is a language barrier do you know it's good! Sweet plantains are tasty.

OH MY GOD. I just loved this restaurant - in fact so dream about it! That's how great it is. The criollo is perfect - the egg balances out the cheesy heaviness of a normal cubano. I split that with my brother and then we also got the fish filet with rice, beans and plantains - a perfect combo for two to split! To finish it off we shared a tres leches and coffee - overall a perfect Cuban brunch (: read more

This is my go to place for ropa vieja. There's probably more delicious things, but I crave their R V so I keep coming back for more. Service is excellent, always read more

Taste: The Food here is very tasty, I've had the Maduros, Steak Sandwiches, Ox Tails, Steak, and a lot of other stuff. I highly doubt anyone will complain about the taste. What to fix: The taste isn't my issue, my issue is the portion size I'd rather them charge a little more and give me more food. For Ex. for $2.50 you get 5 pieces of sweet Plantain that is way overpriced for only 5 pieces of plantain. Price: The sandwiches are priced well but everything else needs an increase in portion size. read more

Rincon Criollo - Steak Sandwich with Fries and Maduros also a Cubano Sandwich in the back. It was amazing! - Cuban Near Me - Houston, Texas

Rincon Criollo Cuban Restaurant have friendly, punctual and polite employees. I never had Cuban food and this particular entree in Houston, therefore I cannot make any comparison. The only Cuban I had are all in Miami and of course Miami is known for Cuban food. I ordered the Pork Fricassee with rice and plantain. The pork was succulently braised but I wish I had more rice and slices of fresh red chili peppers for each bite. Unlike other entrees I saw, this entree is a decent size for one that is in need for a quick lunch and I'm about 90 lbs. It's a small restaurant with rectangular tables in the center that can accommodate large parties. Oh and there was a live guitarist playing in the background. I didn't realize it until I turned around. It wasn't overbearingly loud. I was impressed enjoyed it very much. read more

I decided to come here a second time and despite them being quite busy, the service was much better and the food was just as good. The male server we had was friendly and attentive. They also had live music during this visit which was very enjoyable (I don't know if this is a regular thing or just because there was a large birthday group eating there at the time.) Having visited a second time, I now can see that this establishment is surely worthy of a 5-star rating. Bottom line: If I was local, I would probably eat here every day. read more