Candente is one of Houston’s newest Tex-Mex restaurants and has received well deserved praise by critics. Owned by the same owners as Montrose’s well-received Pit Room, they certainly have surpassed lofty expectations. The service is fantastic and the tacos are painstaking delicious.
Experience
My visit came on a busy Friday lunch with the restaurant nearly full. Fortunately, there were a few tables that could accommodate my chair. The service was exceptional and very courteous. Before I start with the food, I like to mention Candente has a trendy atmosphere. In a way, it looks like a classy restaurant that you would find in Mexico City. On the wall is a marvelous mural of characters commonly found on the Day of the Dead festival. If aesthetics are your thing then you will be quite pleased.
With regards to food, Candente starts off every meal with a complimentary large bowl of tortilla chips and a mild salsa on the side. Nevertheless, I still managed to order the amazing Chile Con Queso with chopped brisket as a starter. This may be the most delicious queso in the entire world with the unique addition of the savory chopped brisket. The chopped brisket is a must-have add-on and is definitely one of their best appetizers.
Next, the last portion of my meal was the succulent Birria de Res tacos. This was a carnivore’s dream wit beef ribs, beef shank, beef consume, and bone marrow stuffed into three huge corn tortilla tacos. At first, it doesn’t seem very appetizing with the bone marrow mentioned. Nevertheless, the tacos were freaking incredible and one of the tastiest tacos ever. With the smoked meats, excellent spices, and the spicy salsa macha you can see why. In addition, the meal comes with Mexican rice and excellent black beans. They give a lot of food and I was heavily stuffed afterward. This is certainly an entree you can’t go wrong with and I would definitely order this again.
Tacos Birria de Res with smoked beef short rib and beef shank.
Accessibility
The overall accessibility is remarkably accessible with one minor issue with regards to parking. There is a limited amount of parking and the spots that are available are in a parking garage with no accessible spots. Also, there is a noticeable slope that may be problematic if you can’t get a spot at the front of the garage. They also offer valet which may be easier if you come during the evening. Outside of this issue, the restaurant offers easy access to and inside the restaurant, standard accessible bathrooms, and is step-free.
- Easy access to and inside the restaurant
- Step-free
- Tables offer plenty of space
- Accessible bathrooms available
- No marked accessible parking
- The parking garage has a noticeable slope downward
- Offers valet
- Outdoor patio
- Waiter service
In the end, Candente offers exquisite food that is hard to beat and offers remarkable accessibility. With notably great service as well, this is undoubtedly a nice addition to the Houston restaurant scene.
Accessibility: B+
Food/Service: A+
Price: $$$
Address: 4306 Yoakum Blvd., Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (346) 867-1156
https://www.candentehtx.com/
