Our experience here was sadly, very disappointing. The service was awkward (to say the least), music was loud, and restaurant was cold. As a Mexican myself, the food was bland and wildly overpriced for what it was. Your supposedly paying for high quality ingredients, but that’s not what you get. The cheese they use on all the quesadillas is cheap, plastic like, and flavorless. For the price point (being about 10 dollars per taco/quesadilla) you would expect the food to be seasoned well, or at least for them to but salt and pepper on the table. The quesadilla with flor de calabaza (pumpkin/squash flower) was just a bad quesadilla. I couldn’t taste or feel the flowers at all which is surprising because their delicious taste is hard to mess up. The food was honestly sub par, and being in Houston, there are so many better options out there. I wanted to visit after I heard how good the quality of everything was (especially their tortillas) but when I got there I was greeted by four tables, a small room, sparse decoration, and a tiny menu that they didn’t do well. My family and I went for lunch and we each got about two small tacos/ quesadillas and 2 of us got agua de Jamaica. It came out to approximately 30 dollars per person for us to leave hungry and unsatisfied.
TLDR: the quality, flavor, and experience is not worth the price or your time.
Jackie Gates
What a truly fun, intimate and unique experience. The food was fantastic and the service was friendly and attentive. I loved 7/8 course, and was blown away by the mole.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Enmolada, Encachetada, Postre De Temporada, Taco De Pescado
Adam Krumholz, Esq.
Great experience. Impeccable service. Food was a delight. The concept is very unique. Wife and I left satisfied but not stuffed to the brim. Each course was unique and flavorful. Definitely worthy of the James Beard Award and Michelin Star. Pictures of each course are attached and you will see I may have taken a bite before the picture was taken.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alexis Murillo
Houston has been inundated with pretentious eateries where they strive for an LA esque experience along with those LA prices. You’re going to tell me that corn and protein dictate that I pay $100 plus? I’ve been to Brownsville and had more “authentic” Mexican food there without the arm and a leg needed at the front door. Do yourself and your wallet a favor and eat at a true Mexican restaurant, where the food is the highlight of the night. Not for how well presented the dish looks. But for its taste and connection to Mexican cuisine. TLDR this place is what a white washed Mexican would open as a restaurant if they only saw the bear and Food network in their English only suburban home
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Gordita, Quesadilla
Fernando Pages
A very nice experience. Promising restaurante. Recomend it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Lesley Faith
I had a great solo date here. Definitely a spot for couples and groups. I was under the impression it was communal seating. But oh well! The meal was fantastic! Flavors galore!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Snik Abraham
I had been dying to go here but always tried to book a reservation too late…eventually planned ahead and got a 8:30. Experience was awesome, I love a tasting menu! Super cute little spot. The service was impeccable, dishes were light refreshing and delicious. Hard to pick a favorite though the quesadilla and the short rib we’re both *chefs kiss*…The only tiny critique I would have is that I probably could’ve eaten one or two more tastings as each as 2-3 bites…or if a few were maybe a little larger/heavier… I mean, I left pretty satisfied, but I KNOW if I had taken my husband with me instead of a girlfriend, he would’ve definitely still been hungry and disgruntled about the price. Basically don’t come starving, you’re not gonna leave with super FULL belly but a very HAPPY belly. Also $20 uncorking fee for first bottle. Max party size is 4. Would love to go back!
Dietary restrictions: My friend was pregnant and was still able to eat with accommodations
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sir Review Alot
Giving it 4 stars because of the service, attention and experience. Food will be talked about little bit further down You do not need a fancy building to serve amazing food - this is Houston, do you realize how many amazing gems there are that don’t have a brick and mortar establishment??? The restaurant is small, the kitchen is small, but man do they give big impressions. It didn’t feel like I had to worry about another table being taken care of better than me, or that the kitchen was going to be exhausted by the time they had to serve me, that’s exactly what I loved about the intimacy. You can relax for a minute, talk with your table, we did not have alcohol which I think this restaurant should probably reconsider as they have the opportunity to bring out amazing drinks but I think in the future this will change as I did notice when we visited we may have been in the beginning stages. There are 7 small dishes served and they all were presented nicely and while others were more tastier than some I was excited to see the next dish nonetheless. I want to make note that there is hardly protein/meat/fish and was initially disappointed with lack of thereof BUT the focus was corn. And if they start adding more stuff and protein it will take away from that. Plus, protein is extremely important in making sure it is quality. I would be pissed if I am paying top dollar for protein that can be purchased down the street at the local meat market, at that point I would just get it myself and cook it for a big fraction of the cost. This is what is different from this place, the dishes there are something I cannot just make on a whim, people are forgetting that and focused on the superficial aspects of this place that while yes can be somewhat better but the food overall is something fun and unique! They did have some things outside of corn that was just as lovely and when mentioned it was a special occasion chef made small buñuelos when told about it which was a nice touch. Also you did not need to know a special instruction on how to eat the food which was refreshing you just enjoyed it really. The first dish was ceviche which was a good starter in addition to the “corn chips” not too overwhelming BUT I think it could have used some form of cilantro *(that is just me though). The Gordita was nice and light flavored which was cute and I wish it had more cheese! (Again all my comments are just personal preferences) especially to compliment the machaca (dried meat). The quesadilla was my absolute favorite, the colors and the shape…. These were so wonderful and I wished they served more than one. Next was the plantain enmolada which as also tasty. And at that point we were eating fast which was our mistake because we should have savored it all. The Tamal de calabaza was my second favorite the squash in there was just very homey feeling (if that makes sense). Next was taco de camote which had peanut sauce?? But it didn’t look like it, i think the greens were overwhelming in this one, even the look of it - you ever get a taco or tamal that just has too much lettuce or masa and not the special stuff? Well it felt like that with this dish which I hope they improve to follow the flow of the dishes. Finally the postres, they were a nice finish, but temporada again could have had something a little bit more beautiful to finalize the “feast” maybe a nice flavored powder and I think the bowl served with with was too much empty space and when I was served the buñuelos I think would have topped the temporada with those. When being served the buñuelos I think coffee or tea would have been nice to accompany it. I think those drinks were missing and could help complete the picture, that homey feeling would more present with some coffee with the postres. My review is more of a 3.8 which i rounded up to 4 stars because of the above opinions and again, it really depends whether they take the feedback as genuine support for them to continue on, but in the meantime these were my thoughts and hope to try again when the lessons are learned.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Samantha Fernandez
WOW!!! This was an incredible meal and one I will be talking about for a while. Each dish had such a thoughtful flavor profile that made the meal feel more like a journey. Each time I finished a dish, I was both sad (that it was finished) and excited (that a new plate was coming) lol!
Although hard to pick favorites, the two dishes that stand out the most... Tuna Tostada - this was just perfect. Simple, yet packed full of flavor in a surprising way. Enmolada - I almost have no words.. The tempura fried sweet potato, the mole, the tortilla... you can smell the sweetness as the plate is put in front of you. It was just heavenly.
The restaurant is so unassuming and unpretentious, which was really great given the caliber of the meal. The dim lighting was a vibe and the restaurant felt so intimate!
The staff was SO pleasant and informative and they went the extra mile for my group especially! My friends had recently gotten engaged, and the fiancee decided she wanted to propose to her fiance during our meal so that he could also have a ring! The staff was so amazing and helped by hiding his ring in the final dessert. Btw this was coordinated on the fly and the staff was so sweet. One of them even took a video of the whole thing and airdropped it to my friend.
10/10 experience and I can't wait to be back to try a new menu!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sven Goedicke
The combination of the quality of the dishes, location, and atmosphere does not justify the price point. It’s got a “pop up” feeling with very dim lighting in a seemingly abandoned strip mall. Interior lacks and does not feel like a fully realized concept. The food overall was good but not outstanding (when considering Michelin type prices are charged). For a BYOB restaurant, charging a $20 corkage fee on the first bottle and $40 for subsequent bottles feels greedy just like forcing full payment including a set 20% service tip at the time of reservation. Would not go back.
We tried 7 different dishes for dinner it was amazing, the corn from Tlaxcala was so good
Mao Echeverry
This place should be called "RestaurART"! What a place! don't expect the typical, Tatemó is a different concept since the time you decide to visit. Here is a summary of my experience.
First the basics: - Reserve. It's like going to a concert: if you want to go, purchase your tickets in advance. - Be on time. Again, you don't arrive late to a concert. This is a small kitchen with two main hours for service and they have to provide a great service for both time frames. So be on time. - This is BYOB. Fantastic touch as you can take your favorite drink. There is a corkage fee and they discourage drinking too much by doubling the fee for the second bottle so that people respect the time of the next round of customers. - Keep in mind that you can't stay the time you want as there are two main hours of service and other people have their place already purchased. So be considerate about them as everyone wants to enjoy the experience. - Check for the place beforehand on Street View. That way you will know which door to go once you park.
About the food: - 5 stars by far. No discussion. - This is a Michelin-to-be place. It's amazing how much flavor and beauty you can achieve with such ingredients. They spend a lot of time selecting the perfect ingredients from small farmers in Mx. - Don't expect Texas size. Again, this is a "RestaurART" where you discover flavors, aromas, a nice talk, and a beautiful experience. You end up being satisfied, not full, which is how a perfect evening should end. - Mole is a family recipe in every Mexican kitchen. It's like curry in Indian food. Don't expect the same mole that you will find in other Mexican restaurants. This mole is, under my opinion, one of the best ever! Most of moles are too sweet. This one... right on spot!
About the service: - Perfect. Friendly, knowledgeable, and very courteous. As it should be.
I really hope this place stays as it is. They focus on creating an unbelievable experience with their food and with the small setting concept.
Lovely experience!
Vegetarian options: Let them know beforehand about your dietary options. They will accommodate accordingly.
Parking: Another nice touch: there is no Valet parking. As in most places in Houston, there is no need to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Abhilasha Patel
Highly recommend. The service was excellent - great job Jen and crew. The food was delicious and the setting was intimate.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Audra Herhold
Shame on you for not allowing a patron to get a refund OR even let them reschedule after you were informed that they had covid. Guess you would rather them come in and get everyone sick. No regard for public health. I bet your kitchen is disgusting.
P M
0 stars if I could. Greedy Resto. Heard that the Manager would rather have sick people with Covid fill their reservation than reschedule. I guess the manager doesn’t know what it’s like to be human - do people really ask to be sick? Jesus, have some empathy and get a heart. Greedy greedy greedy! Stay AWAYYYYYY!
Our experience here was sadly, very disappointing. The service was awkward (to say the least), music was loud, and restaurant was cold. As a Mexican myself, the food was bland and wildly overpriced for what it was. Your supposedly paying for high quality ingredients, but that’s not what you get. The cheese they use on all the quesadillas is cheap, plastic like, and flavorless. For the price point (being about 10 dollars per taco/quesadilla) you would expect the food to be seasoned well, or at least for them to but salt and pepper on the table. The quesadilla with flor de calabaza (pumpkin/squash flower) was just a bad quesadilla. I couldn’t taste or feel the flowers at all which is surprising because their delicious taste is hard to mess up. The food was honestly sub par, and being in Houston, there are so many better options out there. I wanted to visit after I heard how good the quality of everything was (especially their tortillas) but when I got there I was greeted by four tables, a small room, sparse decoration, and a tiny menu that they didn’t do well. My family and I went for lunch and we each got about two small tacos/ quesadillas and 2 of us got agua de Jamaica. It came out to approximately 30 dollars per person for us to leave hungry and unsatisfied.
TLDR: the quality, flavor, and experience is not worth the price or your time.
What a truly fun, intimate and unique experience. The food was fantastic and the service was friendly and attentive. I loved 7/8 course, and was blown away by the mole.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Enmolada, Encachetada, Postre De Temporada, Taco De Pescado
Great experience. Impeccable service. Food was a delight. The concept is very unique. Wife and I left satisfied but not stuffed to the brim. Each course was unique and flavorful. Definitely worthy of the James Beard Award and Michelin Star. Pictures of each course are attached and you will see I may have taken a bite before the picture was taken.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Houston has been inundated with pretentious eateries where they strive for an LA esque experience along with those LA prices. You’re going to tell me that corn and protein dictate that I pay $100 plus? I’ve been to Brownsville and had more “authentic” Mexican food there without the arm and a leg needed at the front door. Do yourself and your wallet a favor and eat at a true Mexican restaurant, where the food is the highlight of the night. Not for how well presented the dish looks. But for its taste and connection to Mexican cuisine. TLDR this place is what a white washed Mexican would open as a restaurant if they only saw the bear and Food network in their English only suburban home
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Gordita, Quesadilla
A very nice experience. Promising restaurante. Recomend it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
I had a great solo date here. Definitely a spot for couples and groups. I was under the impression it was communal seating. But oh well! The meal was fantastic! Flavors galore!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had been dying to go here but always tried to book a reservation too late…eventually planned ahead and got a 8:30. Experience was awesome, I love a tasting menu! Super cute little spot. The service was impeccable, dishes were light refreshing and delicious. Hard to pick a favorite though the quesadilla and the short rib we’re both *chefs kiss*…The only tiny critique I would have is that I probably could’ve eaten one or two more tastings as each as 2-3 bites…or if a few were maybe a little larger/heavier… I mean, I left pretty satisfied, but I KNOW if I had taken my husband with me instead of a girlfriend, he would’ve definitely still been hungry and disgruntled about the price. Basically don’t come starving, you’re not gonna leave with super FULL belly but a very HAPPY belly. Also $20 uncorking fee for first bottle. Max party size is 4. Would love to go back!
Dietary restrictions: My friend was pregnant and was still able to eat with accommodations
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Giving it 4 stars because of the service, attention and experience. Food will be talked about little bit further down
You do not need a fancy building to serve amazing food - this is Houston, do you realize how many amazing gems there are that don’t have a brick and mortar establishment??? The restaurant is small, the kitchen is small, but man do they give big impressions. It didn’t feel like I had to worry about another table being taken care of better than me, or that the kitchen was going to be exhausted by the time they had to serve me, that’s exactly what I loved about the intimacy. You can relax for a minute, talk with your table, we did not have alcohol which I think this restaurant should probably reconsider as they have the opportunity to bring out amazing drinks but I think in the future this will change as I did notice when we visited we may have been in the beginning stages. There are 7 small dishes served and they all were presented nicely and while others were more tastier than some I was excited to see the next dish nonetheless. I want to make note that there is hardly protein/meat/fish and was initially disappointed with lack of thereof BUT the focus was corn. And if they start adding more stuff and protein it will take away from that. Plus, protein is extremely important in making sure it is quality. I would be pissed if I am paying top dollar for protein that can be purchased down the street at the local meat market, at that point I would just get it myself and cook it for a big fraction of the cost. This is what is different from this place, the dishes there are something I cannot just make on a whim, people are forgetting that and focused on the superficial aspects of this place that while yes can be somewhat better but the food overall is something fun and unique! They did have some things outside of corn that was just as lovely and when mentioned it was a special occasion chef made small buñuelos when told about it which was a nice touch. Also you did not need to know a special instruction on how to eat the food which was refreshing you just enjoyed it really. The first dish was ceviche which was a good starter in addition to the “corn chips” not too overwhelming BUT I think it could have used some form of cilantro *(that is just me though). The Gordita was nice and light flavored which was cute and I wish it had more cheese! (Again all my comments are just personal preferences) especially to compliment the machaca (dried meat). The quesadilla was my absolute favorite, the colors and the shape…. These were so wonderful and I wished they served more than one. Next was the plantain enmolada which as also tasty. And at that point we were eating fast which was our mistake because we should have savored it all. The Tamal de calabaza was my second favorite the squash in there was just very homey feeling (if that makes sense). Next was taco de camote which had peanut sauce?? But it didn’t look like it, i think the greens were overwhelming in this one, even the look of it - you ever get a taco or tamal that just has too much lettuce or masa and not the special stuff? Well it felt like that with this dish which I hope they improve to follow the flow of the dishes. Finally the postres, they were a nice finish, but temporada again could have had something a little bit more beautiful to finalize the “feast” maybe a nice flavored powder and I think the bowl served with with was too much empty space and when I was served the buñuelos I think would have topped the temporada with those. When being served the buñuelos I think coffee or tea would have been nice to accompany it. I think those drinks were missing and could help complete the picture, that homey feeling would more present with some coffee with the postres. My review is more of a 3.8 which i rounded up to 4 stars because of the above opinions and again, it really depends whether they take the feedback as genuine support for them to continue on, but in the meantime these were my thoughts and hope to try again when the lessons are learned.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
WOW!!! This was an incredible meal and one I will be talking about for a while. Each dish had such a thoughtful flavor profile that made the meal feel more like a journey. Each time I finished a dish, I was both sad (that it was finished) and excited (that a new plate was coming) lol!
Although hard to pick favorites, the two dishes that stand out the most... Tuna Tostada - this was just perfect. Simple, yet packed full of flavor in a surprising way. Enmolada - I almost have no words.. The tempura fried sweet potato, the mole, the tortilla... you can smell the sweetness as the plate is put in front of you. It was just heavenly.
The restaurant is so unassuming and unpretentious, which was really great given the caliber of the meal. The dim lighting was a vibe and the restaurant felt so intimate!
The staff was SO pleasant and informative and they went the extra mile for my group especially! My friends had recently gotten engaged, and the fiancee decided she wanted to propose to her fiance during our meal so that he could also have a ring! The staff was so amazing and helped by hiding his ring in the final dessert. Btw this was coordinated on the fly and the staff was so sweet. One of them even took a video of the whole thing and airdropped it to my friend.
10/10 experience and I can't wait to be back to try a new menu!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The combination of the quality of the dishes, location, and atmosphere does not justify the price point. It’s got a “pop up” feeling with very dim lighting in a seemingly abandoned strip mall. Interior lacks and does not feel like a fully realized concept. The food overall was good but not outstanding (when considering Michelin type prices are charged). For a BYOB restaurant, charging a $20 corkage fee on the first bottle and $40 for subsequent bottles feels greedy just like forcing full payment including a set 20% service tip at the time of reservation. Would not go back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
We tried 7 different dishes for dinner it was amazing, the corn from Tlaxcala was so good
This place should be called "RestaurART"! What a place! don't expect the typical, Tatemó is a different concept since the time you decide to visit. Here is a summary of my experience.
First the basics:
- Reserve. It's like going to a concert: if you want to go, purchase your tickets in advance.
- Be on time. Again, you don't arrive late to a concert. This is a small kitchen with two main hours for service and they have to provide a great service for both time frames. So be on time.
- This is BYOB. Fantastic touch as you can take your favorite drink. There is a corkage fee and they discourage drinking too much by doubling the fee for the second bottle so that people respect the time of the next round of customers.
- Keep in mind that you can't stay the time you want as there are two main hours of service and other people have their place already purchased. So be considerate about them as everyone wants to enjoy the experience.
- Check for the place beforehand on Street View. That way you will know which door to go once you park.
About the food:
- 5 stars by far. No discussion.
- This is a Michelin-to-be place. It's amazing how much flavor and beauty you can achieve with such ingredients. They spend a lot of time selecting the perfect ingredients from small farmers in Mx.
- Don't expect Texas size. Again, this is a "RestaurART" where you discover flavors, aromas, a nice talk, and a beautiful experience. You end up being satisfied, not full, which is how a perfect evening should end.
- Mole is a family recipe in every Mexican kitchen. It's like curry in Indian food. Don't expect the same mole that you will find in other Mexican restaurants. This mole is, under my opinion, one of the best ever! Most of moles are too sweet. This one... right on spot!
About the service:
- Perfect. Friendly, knowledgeable, and very courteous. As it should be.
I really hope this place stays as it is. They focus on creating an unbelievable experience with their food and with the small setting concept.
Lovely experience!
Vegetarian options: Let them know beforehand about your dietary options. They will accommodate accordingly.
Parking: Another nice touch: there is no Valet parking. As in most places in Houston, there is no need to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Highly recommend. The service was excellent - great job Jen and crew. The food was delicious and the setting was intimate.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shame on you for not allowing a patron to get a refund OR even let them reschedule after you were informed that they had covid. Guess you would rather them come in and get everyone sick. No regard for public health. I bet your kitchen is disgusting.
0 stars if I could. Greedy Resto. Heard that the Manager would rather have sick people with Covid fill their reservation than reschedule. I guess the manager doesn’t know what it’s like to be human - do people really ask to be sick? Jesus, have some empathy and get a heart. Greedy greedy greedy! Stay AWAYYYYYY!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
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