It’s so uncommon that I write weblog posts. Truthfully it’s additionally most likely been years since I’ve devoted a weblog put up to at least one restaurant, however this one is price. On June 18th, the fourth location of Toca Madera opened in Houston and I couldn’t be extra excited. Initially began in Los Angeles, Toca Madera is a excessive finish Mexican steakhouse identified for his or her nice meals, cocktails, decor and leisure. Since opening their first location, they expanded to Scottsdale and Las Vegas. One way or the other, I’ve been to all the places and actually screamed once I heard that the subsequent location would open proper right here in Houston. I had the privilege of attending the non-public preview earlier than the official opening day, and it really lived as much as the hype. Listed below are the Toca Madera Houston particulars.
Location
Situated on Allen Parkway close to the Federal Reserve Financial institution, Toca Madera is a part of a brand new combined use area anchored by the Thompson Resort. There are different eating places over right here, a espresso store and even a health club, however Toca Madera is anticipated to be the most important draw. As you arrive, the buildings have a futuristic really feel. You’ll instantly discover Toca Madera as it’s near the road and has a big chicken nest like construction that covers the entrance of the constructing.
So far as parking goes, once I visited the Thompson resort some months again, we lucked up and located free parking within the lot related to the resort. I believe this lot is meant to serve the health club members, but it surely labored for that day. It might be a little bit of a stroll over to Toca, and truthfully I’d be shocked if it stays free!
On the day of my Toca Madera go to, I opted for valet in entrance of the restaurant. It was about $10 {dollars} and allowed you to name to your automotive utilizing your cellphone, so your automotive could be there ready for you when you head exterior.
The Vibe
This restaurant is gorgeous! There’s a crew of doormen to greet you within the patio space. They test to your reservation even earlier than permitting you to open the door. As soon as inside, you will notice the flamboyant hostess stand that leads into the bar space. The primary bar isn’t large, so I’d not rely on slipping in every time with out a reservation to take a seat on the bar. Nevertheless it is vitally a lot the place to be.
There’s a in-built DJ sales space which ought to let you know the vibe they’re going for plus an space for the hearth breathers night efficiency. Did I point out there are fireplace breathers? Sure, they dance across the restaurant with fireplace. It’s very cool to see. There was additionally a guitar participant accompanying the DJ at totally different factors. There’s SO a lot occurring within the restaurant, but it surely all appears to suit with out seeming kitschy which is difficult to do.
The primary eating room is on the opposite aspect. Right here there are giant timber that cling over the massive cubicles. The area can also be darkish in a horny enjoyable manner. There are giant areas for larger teams too, making it the proper spot for a birthday dinner. Then, close to the loos you’ll discover a big members solely speakeasy. It isn’t open simply but, however we obtained a sneak peek. Will probably be the proper area for personal events.
The Meals & Drinks
For the menu, there may be really a little bit little bit of the whole lot. As a Mexican steakhouse they serve most of the well-liked cuts of beef, seafood and typical Mexican dishes. The menus fluctuate between the totally different places and if reminiscence serves me appropriate, Scottsdale and Los Angeles appeared to have extra Mexican meals whereas Las Vegas was positively a steak home. For Houston, this menu is large and I believe you’re getting a little bit of the whole lot.
I used to be right here for a tasting permitting us to strive A LOT Of stuff. So please notice, that this restaurant is pricey and on a standard go to, I most likely wouldn’t order all of this stuff! The queso fundido is a should order on each go to to Toca Madera. It’s served with tortillas, tons of mushrooms and the proper cheese pull. Their home salsa, chips and guac are an excellent high quality too. For entrees and apps, my favourite bites had been the lobster taco, scallops and steak. A number of taste and first rate parts. Some dishes nevertheless, just like the table-side wagyu, doesn’t dwell as much as it’s $85 value level. With the perimeters, I truly preferred the mac and cheese, however in case you are not a truffle fan it’s possible you’ll wish to skip it. We had been grasping and tried all the desserts and the entire desk was impressed.
For drinks, I saved it easy and ordered the margaritas as a result of I determine, in case you are a Mexican restaurant, you’ll knock these out of the park. They usually did! I cherished the eagerness fruit margarita out of the 2 I attempted. Additionally they love bringing over the ghost rider pictures which they gentle on fireplace so be ready for that. Matter of reality, many of the drinks are set on fireplace after being doused with cinnamon, so in case you are not a cinnamon fan hold that in thoughts!
Takeaway
We’ve talked about vibe eating over right here earlier than, and I’d be mendacity if I didn’t let you know that Toca Madera is the epitome of vibe eating. Their whole vibe together with being open until 1am are the very definition of vibe eating. Nevertheless, Toca Madera does it so effectively! What typically occurs with vibe eating eating places, they’re doing an excessive amount of and unable to do a number of features effectively. That’s what makes Toca Madera stand out, all features of this restaurant are completed on the prime degree from the meals, to the leisure.
Make sure to try my Instagram Reel with all the visuals from my first go to. Additionally needless to say their reservations are reserving up quick. They launch them 30 days upfront so mark your calendars.
