It’s so uncommon that I write weblog posts. Truthfully it’s additionally most likely been years since I’ve devoted a weblog submit to at least one restaurant, however this one is value. 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 recognized for his or her nice meals, cocktails, decor and leisure. Since opening their first location, they expanded to Scottsdale and Las Vegas. In some way, I’ve been to the entire areas and actually screamed after 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 blended use house anchored by the Thompson Resort. There are different eating places over right here, a espresso store and even a fitness center, however Toca Madera is predicted to be the key 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 chook nest like construction that covers the entrance of the constructing.
So far as parking goes, after I visited the Thompson lodge some months again, we lucked up and located free parking within the lot linked to the lodge. I feel this lot is meant to serve the fitness center members, nevertheless it labored for that day. It could be a little bit of a stroll over to Toca, and actually I might 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 telephone, so your automotive could be there ready for you when you head outdoors.
The Vibe
This restaurant is gorgeous! There’s a group of doormen to greet you within the patio space. They verify to your reservation even earlier than permitting you to open the door. As soon as inside, you will note the flowery hostess stand that leads into the bar space. The principle bar isn’t big, so I might not rely upon slipping in at any time when with out a reservation to sit down on the bar. Nonetheless it is extremely a lot the place to be.
There’s a inbuilt DJ sales space which ought to let you know the vibe they’re going for plus an space for the fireplace breathers night efficiency. Did I point out there are hearth breathers? Sure, they dance across the restaurant with hearth. It’s very cool to see. There was additionally a guitar participant accompanying the DJ at completely different factors. There’s SO a lot occurring within the restaurant, nevertheless it all appears to suit with out seeming kitschy which is tough to do.
The principle eating room is on the opposite aspect. Right here there are giant timber that grasp over the big cubicles. The house can be darkish in a horny enjoyable approach. There are giant areas for larger teams too, making it the right spot for a birthday dinner. Then, close to the loos you can find a big members solely speakeasy. It’s not open simply but, however we received a sneak peek. It is going to be the right house for personal events.
The Meals & Drinks
For the menu, there’s really somewhat little bit of all the pieces. As a Mexican steakhouse they serve most of the widespread cuts of beef, seafood and typical Mexican dishes. The menus differ between the completely different areas 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 feel you might be getting somewhat of all the pieces.
I used to be right here for a tasting permitting us to strive A LOT Of stuff. So please word, 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 right cheese pull. Their home salsa, chips and guac are an incredible high quality too. For entrees and apps, my favourite bites have been the lobster taco, scallops and steak. A number of taste and respectable parts. Some dishes nonetheless, just like the table-side wagyu, doesn’t stay as much as it’s $85 value level. With the edges, I really preferred the mac and cheese, however in case you are not a truffle fan you might need to skip it. We have been grasping and tried the entire 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. And so they did! I cherished the fervour fruit margarita out of the 2 I attempted. In addition they love bringing over the ghost rider photographs which they mild on hearth so be ready for that. Matter of reality, many of the drinks are set on hearth 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 might be mendacity if I didn’t let you know that Toca Madera is the epitome of vibe eating. Their total vibe together with being open until 1am are the very definition of vibe eating. Nonetheless, Toca Madera does it so nicely! What usually occurs with vibe eating eating places, they’re doing an excessive amount of and unable to do a number of facets nicely. That’s what makes Toca Madera stand out, all facets of this restaurant are completed on the prime degree from the meals, to the leisure.
You should definitely try my Instagram Reel with the entire visuals from my first go to. Additionally take into account that their reservations are reserving up quick. They launch them 30 days prematurely so mark your calendars.
