El Caribe

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.

If you want great authentic Mexican food than this is the place to go. We started off with appetizers of Mexican shrimp cocktail as well as the guacamole and both were amazing! For dinner we all sampled fish tacos, burritos, flautas and enchiladas. Everything was delicious! For drinks the Margaritas are amazing plus there is a nice selection of beer! If you are traveling with children there is also a kiddie menu.

Had an incredible experience at this restaurant! Very nice and quaint atmosphere. Family owned and operated, and the family runs the business. They are excellent cooks! Had the red snapper filet. Was very flaky, seasoned perfectly, and very delicious! There are many places to eat in Austin, but you definitely need to put this place in your rotation! Outstanding service, very pleasant and personable people! Definitely will be back again!

We have been going to El Caribe for 25 years…in the early days it was called by another name. It has been a consistently good, family-run, neighborhood spot over the years. The queso and salsas are excellent. Rice (Spanish, cilantro), and beans (charro, black, refried) are yummy. We love the enchilada dinners: Cheese, Chipotle, Chicken Verde, Maria’s. And last but not least is the amazing Carla…ask her for a DJ Margarita!

Are you looking for the best Mexican food in Austin? El Caribe is your spot. Carla, the owner, is as spicy as her salsa. Which, btw, is made fresh daily. Try the #1 combo, Chicken Flautas, and don’t skip the Queso Flameado! Go ahead and try the margarita’s while you’re at it. Fun spot for a Friday afternoon.