capnmcbarnacle Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 larry's and Lopez's are completely different styles of food not sure of the facination you've mentioned. larry's doesn't put canned chili on their enchiladas. Clearly roasted meat is their norm. please go to El real and report back. You'll discover what bad tex mex is.I'm not going to pass full judgment until this place gets a full menu up and running and has a chance to hit its stride. But I will give you my thoughts after my first visit. Take it with a grain of salt given that the restaurant is still a work in progress.I ordered cheese enchiladas and they tasted like a TV dinner I used to get, right down to the orange tortillas (I'm with Musicman on this one). And the beans were the same as they were in the TV dinner. I wish I could remeber the brand. El Patio maybe? That being said, I liked the beans. I tried puffy tacos and those things were excellent. The rice was bleh. The salsa was good. The queso was nothing like Felix's queso ( I don't see the much hyped connection), but it was good. The margs were nothing special. Take the mixologist crap out of the equation and just make a goddam margarita.I don't doubt it is authentic Tex-Mex. If Robb Walsh is using recipes from a 1917 cookbook, I believe him. But the funny thing about an authentic holdout like Felix was that it was a throwback to what Tex-Mex used to be and was quaint in that way. I used to say it's what people in the 1920s thought Mexican food should taste like. There is no doubt that the current palate is used to things being more spicy, less lardy, having onions in their cheese enchilada, etc. While these meals are good and interesting in an anthropological way, I wonder if people will think it is really better. Does Tex-Mex taste worse than it did 90 yeasrs ago? I appreciate what the restaruant is about, but suspect a lot of people will be disappointed at how bland some of this stuff is. Again, I don't think it's bland because they don't know what they are doing -- I think they are faithfully reproducing something that faded away for a reason. Felix was authentic as hell -- it was whatever people in 1940 thought Tex-Mex was. But it worked more as a nostalgia trip than a go-to place to eat. From an architectural standpoint, I'm just glad the building is being used and there is life on the sidewalk now. The interior left me uninspired, but I appreciated the nod to the tchochkes and curios for sale that were an old stalwart of classic tex-mex places. I think I got my first marionette and maracas from the curio cabinent in a tex-mex place. All the nitpicking aside, I'm sure I'll be back. I'd be shocked if the don't end up with one or two homeruns on the finished menu. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crunchtastic Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Do they have pralines and chiclets for sale at the register? That would be el real deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Had the beef fajitas last night. Awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highway6 Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Had the beef fajitas last night. Awesome.Since they still don't have a full menu online.. quanto costo ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 $15 for half pound, and I think $29 for full pound. The half pound was way more than enough for me, and now I'm eating them for lunch leftovers. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Great picture. You made me hungry. How do they compare to El Tiempo's? Theirs are about the best in town to me. So are their margaritas, which seem to be El Real's downside which is a big negative in my book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Eh, give em time on the margarita, I'm sure they'll figure it out. Tiempo's I have not had. But these were some of the best I can remember. Outside skirt, which is rare in the fajita biz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted April 5, 2011 Share Posted April 5, 2011 I'm still mystified as to how one makes a bad margarita. Tequila. Triple Sec. Lime juice. After the first attempt or two, the balance seems obvious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted April 5, 2011 Share Posted April 5, 2011 I'm still mystified as to how one makes a bad margarita. Tequila. Triple Sec. Lime juice. After the first attempt or two, the balance seems obvious.These have tequila, agave nectar, Cointreau, and lime juice. And not enough tequila, imo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Furious Jam Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 I went for lunch yesterday and thought it was great. Got the chicken enchiladas and a margarita. The 'rita was strong, but pretty standard in terms of taste - Hugo's has spoiled me for all other margaritas. Service was very good. The high point for me, though, was the salsa - I thought it was perfect. We can argue about how spicy salsa should be (this one was not very spicy at all), but the flavor and consistency was excellent.Nice atmosphere too - The Magnificent Seven was playing on the wall.The lunch prices are very affordable, so I see no reason why everyone shouldn't at least give it a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 went yesterday, got the half pound fajita combo. excellent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 These have tequila, agave nectar, Cointreau, and lime juice. And not enough tequila, imo.Superior ingredients notwithstanding, an inadequate amount of tequila ranks as a mortal sin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 (edited) ayupOther people tell me I'm crazy and there is plenty of tequila. Edited April 7, 2011 by kylejack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 ayup Other people tell me I'm crazy and there is plenty of tequila. Well! Either they're lily-livered or we're alcoholics. A second margarita should impart a distinct, pleasurable buzz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 Well! Either they're lily-livered or we're alcoholics. A second margarita should impart a distinct, pleasurable buzz. Most definitely. Especially if it costs more then $5. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 Do they have pralines and chiclets for sale at the register? That would be el real deal.If they are claiming to be real tex mex, the pralines would be part of the meal. One of the bar regulars where I frequent has been working there for the past month. Seems the complaints are pouring in and management in trying to react. The yelp complaints that are being filtered are just killing them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 $15 for half pound, and I think $29 for full pound. The half pound was way more than enough for me, and now I'm eating them for lunch leftovers. That plancha doesn't even look like it was hot. Was this supposed to be a picture for the plus side? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roadrunner Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 I think this place is great. I also think the extreme hype this place got is a factor in all of the extreme reviews (everyone thinks it's really good or REALLY MEDIOCRE!!!). I've been twice, had two different plates, and thought both were delicious. Everyone I went with thought it was good, too. It's hard to believe anyone could really think this place is disgusting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 That plancha doesn't even look like it was hot. Was this supposed to be a picture for the plus side?What does hot look like? Yes, it was hot. This picture is not "supposed to be" on a side, it's simply a picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capnmcbarnacle Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 I think this place is great. I also think the extreme hype this place got is a factor in all of the extreme reviews (everyone thinks it's really good or REALLY MEDIOCRE!!!). I've been twice, had two different plates, and thought both were delicious. Everyone I went with thought it was good, too. It's hard to believe anyone could really think this place is disgusting.I have been 3 times (it's around the corner) and it gets better every time. They have tweaked the Margaritas. They have Victoria on tap, which I never even got in Mexico. The first time I went was so-so. The fajitas I got the other night were excellent.I agree that the hype for this place probably created unrealistic expectations off the bat. It's freaking tex-mex, not a Michelin star restaurant. But it seems like it's getting its groove and as a resident of the neighborhood, I am really enjoying sitting out there on the sidewalk (hard to believe it served as a public urinal 6 months ago), and seeing this building put to good use. There has been such an ebb and flow along that stretch over the years and it will be interesting to see how this place effects the rest of the street. I certainly hope that the new places going in where Chances and Charlie's used to be will encourage someone to do something with the old Blockbuster, etc. But hey, this is Houston. And when you think of what could have gone into the old Tower Theater -- or more likely have been built in its place -- I'm glad these guys came along and put the restaurant there. Kudos. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatesdisastr Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 What does hot look like? Yes, it was hot. This picture is not "supposed to be" on a side, it's simply a picture.I think he was expecting to see some steam. Since most restaurants shoot some extra marinade sauce onto the plancha before they bring it out to get it smoking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 I was there sunday... ugh...the micheladas where subpar. i guess mambos/connies still have one of the best ones out there. magnolias did too at one point.i had the cheese enchiladas (#7). moo. standard tex mex fare. nothing outstanding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 This is my take on the place. This was a spur of the moment thing and I neglected to bring my camera, so my Phone had to do. We arrived 20 minutes before closing and asked if the kitchen was closed. The Manager said that I could order anything I wanted and the kitchen was at my beck and call. Ok. The salsa and chips came out quick. While the salsa wasn't as spicey as we are used to, it had a nice flavor. I ordered the puffy tacos, beef and chicken. The chicken was okay, but nothing spectacular, but I loved the Beef one, particularly with the salsa spooned on. My SO enjoyed the Enchiladas, but didn't really offer anything more than that, but they were a decent portion and wound up taking them home for leftovers. In short, I was pleased with the service and the food. I'd head back to try the other dishes, but honestly, I'm just as curious to try look at the various parts of the establishment. Here is a picture of the interior, as you can see, they just started up an old John Wayne flick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 The El Real stand along the first baseline at Minute Maid Park is delicious as far as ballpark food goes. $11 gets you two soft tacos on handmade tortillas with a boatload of chips and access to the salsa bar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 Went Saturday and I have no complaints. Wife had the puffy tacos and daughter and I the fajitas. Both were very good but not spectacular, The queso was incredible though. Best I've had in a long while. The margaritas were good, just get them on the rocks. I could tell by the funky color of the frozen ones they would not be good. My daughter had them before and confirmed they are really bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidegate Posted August 24, 2011 Share Posted August 24, 2011 (edited) Definitely a mixed bag this one. Fare is average TexMex with a markup. Starter was a special - crab/shrimp/guacamole mashup that tasted very odd and would have been helped by the presence of crab. I had the tampiquenos - steak was way overdone and everything had that strange sheen that looked like it had been under a heatlamp for 30 minutes. The refried beans were about the highlight, but that probably shouldn't be the case. Margs were standard issue. Layout is strange, but the Wayne movies add some diversion/levity. Overall, not really much better or worse than the average taqueria, but with inflated price points that they may want to revisit at some point. All that said, in the absence of a film theatre I think a restaurant is the best use of this particular location & a great improvement on what was there before and I congratulate the partners on going forward forward with the venture. 6/10 Edited August 24, 2011 by sidegate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 The El Real stand along the first baseline at Minute Maid Park is delicious as far as ballpark food goes. $11 gets you two soft tacos on handmade tortillas with a boatload of chips and access to the salsa bar.$11 for 2 tacos is called ripped off. the only time I went to el real the tortillas were all larded out cause they didn't know how to make them properly. but i guess stuffwhitepeoplelike is still popular. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 $11 for 2 tacos is called ripped off.What is the going rate for a taco at the ballpark? I think a hot dog is around $6 or $7, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted September 23, 2011 Share Posted September 23, 2011 What is the going rate for a taco at the ballpark? I think a hot dog is around $6 or $7, right?Whenever we're not at the center field bar getting plastered, we always get around 8 or 10 gas station hot dogs (2 for $2) and sneak them in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crunchtastic Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 Food scene apologists need to just stop. Minute Maid Park could open a Momofuku Hand Job stall, but it's still an Aramark employee handling your food, same as with the El Real taco stand. I'm surprised by the amount of press the place is still getting given the lukewarm reception. Did they get a government subsidy or something? There are far too many great, little known restaurants in this city for Houston Press to continue to devote real estate to El Real. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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