El Caribeño Puerto Rican Restaurant

Authentic boricua cuisine! The bistec ensebollado, the mofongo, the alcapurrias the arroz con habichuela all were delicious. Great service great food a definite must for any one looking for good food!

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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…

My mother in law said this took her back to Puerto Rico. 🇵🇷All of the food was delicious. The Pernil was juicy and tender and perfectly seasoned. We will definitely be back.

This place is an absolute gem! El Caribeño instantly transported me to the heart of Puerto Rico. The alcapurrias were marinated to perfection—easily the best I’ve had. The tostones were crispy and golden, and the chuleta was juicy and packed with flavor. And don’t get me started on the arroz con gandules just like my abuela used to make.

If you’re in Houston and craving a real taste of the island, this is the spot. And if you’re riding around town or visiting, do it the smart way with @drivewithnova. We don’t just drive different, we eat different too. 😉

The food was horrible, I ask for a mango juice and they give me water, no alcohol, the service was bad, they take to long to serve you.. I’m not going back there.

Food wasn’t good, my first time and last time there, no alcohol.. no good service for a Puerto Rican restaurant.

Amazing little slice of P.R. right here in Cypress! Wow. The flavor was on point with the carne frita and mofongo. Loved the bacalaitos too. Definitely give them a try. The chef really puts his love of food into these dishes, amazing work Matthew. Thank you all will be back again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Carne Frita

The lobster with Caribbean sauce was delicious.
Very attentive and friendly staff

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great place, amazing customer service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Came from Louisiana Craving for a piece of home and we found it. Everything tasted sooo good and authentic. Service was awesome and atmosphere was welcoming.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Empanadas De Pizza, Pastelillos, Churrasco Con Arroz Con Gandules Y Amarillos Maduros, Mofongo with Churrasco, Mofongo Con Carne Frita, Queso Frito, Carne Frita, Bacalaito

Yesterday I had the good pleasure of visiting El Caribeño Puerto Rican Restaurant. I didn't immediately realize this restaurant was once on Fry road not too far from 290. The restaurant is clean and well appointed. The staff is friendly. The side dishes, the yellow rice and peas and the sweet plantains were well seasoned and delicious. Though, I did want more yellow rice and peas. However, the restaurant still suffers from the same problem it had on Fry road. They overcook the meat. I ordered the pork chops with onions and I expected smothered pork chops seasoned with Puerto Rican spices. Instead I received two overcooked dried out pieces of meat that more resembled wood than something I would recommend anyone eats. I realize pork should be well done, but that was extremely overdone. So my reviews on the restaurant is mixed. If you don't order meat you will be happy with your meal. But if you order meat you will be disappointed as it will be dry, overcooked and hard.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 5

Been here a couple times safe to say food tastes great and the atmosphere is welcoming 10/10 recommend for anyone looking to try something new.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Queso Frito, Carne Frita

Authentic delicious Puerto Rican food. Service was excellent. We'll be back and can highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The flavors are spot on!!! I felt like I was in PR eating! So nice to have such high quality food and flavors so close to us in H-Town. We're blessed to be able to have this in the diaspora. Now, beware, they're missing several items from the menu, but you have to understand that they are dealing with a niche audience and it is difficult to carry everything all the time. I hope this place stays open and successful for a long time. I am a 💯 supporter!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pastelillos, Mofongo Con Carne Frita, Bacalaito, Flan

After years in Texas I found a restaurant with tremendous Puerto Rican food. Delicious!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pastelillos