PP
Pablo Pablo
Aug 26, 2026
Caracol was very classy from the decor to the presentation of the food and service from Josue..the shrimp dish was mouthwatering one of the best entrees I ever had..I took 1 star off only because after a great meal the churros were a disappointment they were hard very little dulce de leche so I would not recommend them..but I can't wait to go back for the shrimp dish.
Had a cocktail at the bar and it was amazing, and the bartender was extremely friendly, helpful, and made the slightly dry martini exactly as requested. Met my business companion at the table for dinner We ordered from the 3 course food month menu. I started with the grilled oysters. They were very good and fresh, but tons of rock salt was used as garnish. It must be added after the oysters are on the plate, because they definitely skewed salty. Then I had the chili rubbed grilled shrimp with creamy rice. It was a lovely plate and a perfect portion, but the food wasn’t very tasty. The rice was somewhat bland, and I expected the shrimp to be on the spicy side. I tasted no heat at all, even the radishes didn’t have a kick. I ended the meal with the el coco dessert. It was interesting and fun (you have to break the hard outer shell with a hammer), but again, none of the flavors were decadent or overwhelming….which is what I want in chocolate and coconut. The wait staff service was slow, but I didn’t see how many customers he had, so I reserve judgement. Overall, I probably won’t go back except to have cocktails at the bar. With so many dining experiences to be had in HOU, this is not one that I’d recommend. I gave it 4 stars because the staff was friendly, the bartender knocked my socks off, and there were some interesting designs including the glassware.
VS
Victoria Sledz
Aug 18, 2026
Our first visit to Caracol for our weekly girls luncheon. It was Restaurant Week and we took advantage of the special menu being offered. First of all, I must commend on the hospitality. Immediately we were each greeted by a very friendly & efficient valet when we arrived and the hostess was ready to seat us with a friendly smile as we entered the restaurant. A waitress was eager to invite us to enjoy a nice meal together, patiently answering our questions, offering a variety of drink options and so forth. I was very pleased with the overall way that we were treated by each staff member. Everyone took good care of us. I personally was wholly impressed by the Ensalada de Tomate (Tomato Salad) as my first course. Presentation was gorgeous, but the flavor blew me away. The heirloom tomatoes, goat cheese, caramelized pumpkin seeds, along with the zesty vinaigrette were amazing. Wow! I’d return again just to enjoy this delicious salad! I ordered the Tostadas de Camarón (Shrimp Tostadas) which had several pieces of richly flavored pieces of shrimp, refried beans with queso. I loved how the corn tortillas were fried to perfection too. I truly enjoyed my visit to Caracol. I hope to return soon and dine on the patio when the weather permits. The view from the restaurant is gorgeous!
It was a great experience. I had my sister's sixtieth birthday party, and it was a fantastic night Jose/Joshua was our server and he did a fantastic job. He was so kind and accommodating and very detailed. Great job to all of the staff. And of course, this is a beautiful restaurant with a beautiful ambiance. Thank you for making my sisters Sixtieth birthday, a fantastic success. We had been here many times before. And always have had a great experience."
The food was five stars. Unfortunately, the service made the overall experience two stars.
I took my 12-year-old son to Caracol for Houston Restaurant Weeks because I wanted him to experience a truly excellent restaurant. The food was extraordinary. The ceviche was fresh and flavorful, the Carne Asada Sonorense was delicious, and the frijoles bayos beneath the steak were incredible. My son loved his enchiladas and churros, and El Coco was beautifully presented and memorable. The kitchen deserves tremendous credit.
Unfortunately, our server, Alessandra G., was not attentive, and the difference between her service and the service at the table beside us was impossible to miss.
Our original table was so unstable that it rocked severely. After I asked to move to another open table, the first server spoke with the host stand and our table was reassigned to Alessandra. That server continued caring for the surrounding tables, including the couple seated at our original table.
He was consistently visible and attentive. He warmly welcomed that couple, explained the Restaurant Weeks menu, offered recommendations, and regularly walked through his section (which we were in)so his guests could easily get his attention. He did not hover, but he was present.
Our service was completely different. Alessandra came around occasionally and asked whether everything was okay, but she never explained the menu, offered recommendations, mentioned enhancements, asked whether I wanted another cocktail, or made us feel genuinely cared for. My son’s lemonade was so tart that I needed to request sugar and add water before he could drink it.
The restaurant had other employees who consistently refilled our water and delivered each course. However, after the food was placed on our table, Alessandra did not return to make sure everything was correct or ask whether we needed anything.
The most frustrating part was the unexplained wait for our main course. We had ordered before the couple at our original table, yet they received their entrées while my son and I continued waiting. We kept checking the time and looking for Alessandra, but she never came over to acknowledge the delay, provide an update, or apologize. She simply disappeared during the exact time we needed our server.
I have worked in the service industry for 27 years and previously owned a café. Good service does not require hovering. It means explaining the menu, making thoughtful recommendations, checking after food arrives, and remaining visible when guests need something. That is how servers build their checks, earn good tips, and make people want to return.
Our bill was $152.64 before gratuity. At that price and at a restaurant associated with a James Beard Award-winning chef, the service should match the quality of the kitchen. The food was truly outstanding, but the inattentive service overshadowed what should have been a special evening with my son. Houston has too many wonderful restaurants for us to return somewhere we did not feel equally valued.