We had dinner at El Caribe on a Sunday at 6pm. The place was completely empty, but we wanted to try somewhere new. I thought it was pretty solid Mexican food. Puffy tacos and a chile relleno. I actually really liked the rice and beans. The salsa has a nice kick to it. Yelp reviews complained about service, but I thought it was just fine. Definitely wouldn’t mind coming back.
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My favorite place for lunch and dinner.
Mom (I respectfully call her Doña, although she sure is simply Maria) personally prepares every meal, and daughter "Miss" Karla (she calls me "Mr. Sam", so...), proprietors of El Caribe, a truly supurb, truly home-cooking restaurant for 25 years, serve a loyal clientele a broad offering of, again, homemade, mouth-watering, Mexican cuisine that my late wife, "Miss" Patti, a true connoisseur of Mexican food, ate for lunch and dinner with her many friends, 5 or 6 times weekly since they opened. Mom Maria, cooks everything. Karla runs the front, greeting and serving every diner as dear friends, perfect and efficiently, visiting personally with everyone while providing perfect efficiency, keeping no one waiting. Patti loved their delicious carne guidada so much, that when she passed, they graciously renamed it "Miss Patti's Carne Guisada", which I enjoy often. However, when I dine with her friends there, I have branched out, trying new dishes, all of which I truly enjoy, especially their fajita feast. The servings are ample and I often have leftovers for a meal at home. Their salsa is wonderful as is their best-in-class chili con queso. I have been an aficionado of Austin Mexican restaurants since 1968 - several well known places I like - but since Patti passed, El Caribe is my only place, because I have found my Mexican food home. Sure, others are good, but I have not had better anywhere. I am crazy for Doña Maria's beef fajitas. Great migas on Saturdays before 2. Git a bunch of fish and shrimp dishes. Have had them cater freshly crafted food for evening parties, which was always perfect, and tho I always over order, there are never leftovers, and Mom and Karla deliver it personally and set it up. An uncramped, beautifully decorated 12+ table/ booth place, there is always a table ready as it is ample size. Treating all guests like they are family at home, "Miss" Karla is always legitimally welcoming, full of joyful personality, enthusisam for making everyone feel comfortable and happy they are there. After experiencing every aspect of this truly outstanding El Caribe, I am sure my old places wonder where I have disappeared. It meets my every desire, and I am now there a several times a week happy guest. Patti's lunch pals are still huge fans. I highly recommend you try El Caribe; I think you will be pleased with every aspect of their great restaurant. Plenty of parking. I clearly love this place.
Excellent food as always. Been coming here for over 2 decades, since before marriage and kids and when it was called Salcitas. Same quality. Same cook. Same deliciousness. 😋 Covid and telework has clearly caused them to downsize their operations. I miss the salsa bar they used to have. The pineapple or mango habanera salsa was the best I've ever had. The same waitress (yes, that same waitress & her mama) since before our 17-year old was born. They always remember us by name. What we order, is the Best! We don't stray from our regular dishes, so I can't speak for the rest, but I don't doubt they're great, too. Still my kids' favorite place for Tex-Mex. Mine and the ex's, too, and we've been to most of the Tex-Mex restaurants & dives in Austin, including the ones many reviewers rave about cuz they have to join the crowd (like that over-hyped bbq place). Simplicity & deliciousness plus reasonable prices - dine in or out!
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