Carmelita's Kitchen + Tequila — Restaurant in Cypress

You must go here, you cannot go wrong!

When my wife and I went, it was the Monday afternoon of her birthday, so there were only a few patrons there. The server was real and genuine. Never over bearing, nor absent, and gave great feedback. We both got margaritas, and they were AMAZING! My wife had the blackberry blast margarita and I had a classic. But because all the ingredients they use are made in house (minus the tequila) the flavors were so good and fresh! Not heavy on the alcohol, but not completely hidden either. A (dare I say) Perfect balance in the drinks. The food. Oh my goodness. I had a near spiritual experience with it! This has to be the best Mexican food that I've had in a long time, and probably the best I've ever had! We started with the shrimp ceviche which was topped with half an avocado that was fanned out and a lemon garnish on top. Super fresh, with 3 whole tostada style fried corn tortillas. My wife had the happy hour shrimp taquitos and I had the Bria tacos. Brah, those taquitos were seriously next level. The presentation, the flavors, the textures. It was a 20 out of 10! Crunch, creamy, savory, a touch of sweet, topped with a dry slaw, queso fresco, and a side of Tapatio aioli sauce. And a grilled lime on the side. I had the beef quesabria tacos. My wife makes some real good Bria tacos, but THIS.... WOW, I'm just .. blown away by the flavors in this dish. First of all, comes with rice and beans, done better than most of what Grandma's made it in the past (maybe like when she makes it special for the youngest in the family, but maybe). Light fluffy rice, perfectly thick and tacky beans, full of flavor. And then there's a few side garnish, white onions, chopped cilantro, and pickled red onions. Those pickled red onions were PERFECT with this dish. And of course the dipping sauce. It was a very good balance of flavors and fats, no oil slick on the top or anything, but complemented the tacos just right. And there was an adobo like hot sauce that was flavorful and great heat. I didn't notice the heat until my sinuses started to open up. It had a great smokey flavor in it as well. My personal preference would have wanted the tacos to be a little more crispy, but they were dripping from the flavored beef fats in the tacos. Never a bad thing. We took home some desert, and had a complementary birthday vanilla bean ice cream with whipped cream and a mint garnish.

I don't go out that often, but this was the PERFECT date for the wife and I, on her birthday, out in cypress, in a shopping center. I can't wait to go back there again, and I would be more than happy drop another $100+ on the meal and tip. Totally worth it! I'm telling all my friends and family...

My husband and I dined in Carmelita’s Kitchen + Tequila this evening and WOW! First, this is a California based company that has introduced itself here in Cypress, Texas. This is not your typical Tex-Mex fare, but true Mexican food from California with its own pizzazz! Upon entering we were impressed by the environment, styled with red walls, iron detailing and leather woven chairs. The booths are cozy and comfortable. We were met by Luis, also our server for the evening, who excitedly greeted us like we were old friends. He was friendly with an infectious attitude, offered his favorite recommendations for drinks and the main course. We ordered the Golden Cadillac Margarita and the Silver Platinum, both were outstanding, were the perfect size and used all fresh ingredients. For our main course we ordered the Crispy Chimichanga and the Braised Brisket Enchiladas, and both were delicious! The food came to the table quickly, the presentation was beautiful and the flavor was incredible. We were offered the Tres Leches for dessert, which is new to their menu, and it was hands down the best Tres Leches we have ever had. It was just the right texture with a hint of cinnamon and a layer of strawberry compote and fresh strawberries. We have never had that combo in a Tres Leches, but it is not to be missed!! We spoke with the manager, who shared with us that his family started this restaurant in California more than 60 years ago and he was just as friendly and pleasant to speak with as Luis. The BEST Mexican food I have had in Texas after relocating from California 24 years ago. Don’t miss this little gem, it is worth every bite and...

This is a “if you know it’s here, then you know it’s here” places.

Rolled up on a Saturday night and noted a Nuevo León plate from Mexico in the parking lot: that’s promising when folks who know Mexican food choose to eat here.

Staff were super welcoming & helpful. As a vegetarian you have to navigate hidden meat products (chicken broth in the Spanish rice, pork in the refried beans) but Jose our server knew the menu and navigated us to items that we could enjoy.

The spinach & mushroom chimichanga & the spinach and mushroom stuffed chili rellenos were standouts.

Vera cruz rice and black beans were nice sides - beans were surprisingly flavourful!

The golden Cadillac margarita was strong but flavourful - got the job done! The pineapple jalepeno margarita was also delicious.

Sam the bartender slinging delicious, strong drinks, fast! So good we took some to go for another night.

Ambiance is Mexican boho modern - clean, modern, great design & lighting. Wish they were busier - they deserve it. Food was fantastic. Sauce on the chili rellenos did not play - spicy like it should be. Delicious!

Strawberry tres leches & Texas bread pudding were an excellent nightcap - huge portions meant for sharing. We took ours home half eaten, only because we were stuffed!

The restaurant faces the side street, not fry rd, so if you don’t know it’s there, you can’t see it, but it’s worth the effort to find - you need to go by and try this if you haven’t! You’re missing out on some legit TexMex in a nice setting with great drinks, otherwise! Cypress needs...