El Tiempo Cantina — Restaurant in Houston

This review is for a bulk take out order. I have dined in at this location numerous times and have had an ok/average experience. My take out experience yesterday was horrendous. I placed an order via phone around 1 pm, to pick up at 6:15 pm the same day. I reviewed the order with the hostess twice over the phone. I arrived at El Tiempo at 6:10 and was told my order wasn't ready because I had scheduled it for 6:30 - I told them no, I had clearly said 6:15 and confirmed with the hostess before I hung up. The host at the front table said he would check into the status of my order. 15 minutes pass and no one has updated me, so I ask a second staff member at the front, who proceeds to "go check" in the kitchen - she came back 5 minutes later and started chatting and taking pictures with her co-workers at the front (it was Halloween weekend so everyone was dressed up). She never came to talk to me to tell me what was going on, and ignored me. At 6:30, I asked yet a 3rd employee to please check (there were 3-4 employees at the front at all times, at no point had any of them asked me if they could help, though I'd been sitting at the front for 20 minutes; the restaurant was also fairly empty still). She told me my order was "being boxed up and should be out soon." At 6:45, I asked to speak to a manager - lo and behold he was actually one of the employees standing at the front chatting with the everyone else. I was pretty upset by this point because it was clear that no one cared at all to help; they were all more focused on taking pictures of their Halloween costumes. I voiced my frustration to him and instead of apologizing or offering compensation for having to wait over 30 minutes, he just said "well no one told me that you were waiting." I cannot believe that as a manager, that was his response. I had been sitting there NEXT to him - he clearly saw me waiting. And I had spoken to THREE of his employees - none of them cared to escalate my situation. I asked to have at least the to-go fee comped, which he did. But, it was disappointing that HE, as a manager, did not offer that simple act, or offer any additional compensation. No employee ever apologized or actively tried to help the entire 40 minutes I was there. Once I got home and my guests started eating, I found out that my order was wrong - I had ordered meatless cheese enchiladas, and got the black bean enchiladas instead. I tried to call the restaurant later in the evening, but no one ever picked up. The service at El Tiempo is abysmal - will not be coming back here again. I'd recommend going to any of the other many Tex-Mex restaurants nearby that have far...

I came here for the first time ever, and it EXCEEDED my expectations! I was SO happy, I tipped almost 3x my total, including tax! (I gave my server $5 cash, and payed via card $10, just for tip! I later realized they forgot to charge me for the small orange juice I drank, but it doesn't matter!)

I came here for a group social event to celebrate Bi+ Visibility (Day, week, month... It's tomorrow and now!) Unfortunately, I was a party of one, but I completely enjoyed myself! The generosity and hospitality of the staff was superb! The decoration and atmosphere made me feel like I had stepped into a piece of Mexico. I believe that was the goal of the owners? I read (with some help, because my Spanish is still improving... 😅) a piece of art, and it really sweet the theme up for a great time enjoyed with friends and family. There was even a family enjoying a meal together, that I enjoyed, but respectfully asked to include them in this review. They respectfully declined. No problem! I asked one of the servers about the atmosphere and artwork. They informed me that the owners spent a LOT of money and time and effort going into the design of this place. That knowledge made it even that much more enjoyable! On my way in, there was artwork that I was welcome to enjoy, and I decided to donate, because it enhanced the experience. Frida Kahlo! How appropriate! She was Bi+ too, and it's Hispanic Heritage Month. I appreciated that!

Once I was ready to order, I had quite a few questions. I am vegetarian/pescatarian with hopes of going vegan one day. My server was knowledgeable of their menu, and I got my questions answered about the Brunch menu. I ended up eating the Crépe Style Pecan Pancakes. It was DELICIOUS! 🤤😋 Just what I needed for brunch!

The bathrooms, when I needed to wash my hands, were BEYOND my expectations yet again! Yes, it may be old and worn out in places, but I felt safe! They are very aware of the importance of washing one's hands, especially after the COVID-19 scare, and in general. It was low key non specific to COVID, which I greatly appreciated. There were suggestions on how one might way their hands. "Knowledge is power!"

I'm VERY happy with this experience, and look forward to coming back!...

Those of us with deep roots in Houston know this location used to be the scene of a many a boozy Sunday afternoon around brunch time. It has morphed into the Gayborhood's premier Mexican spots on a Saturday night. I visited recently on my monthly outing with my friends. I hadn't been here since July 2019, prior to the Pandemic. I am just now venturing out and hitting up all of my old spots.

We were not able to set a reservation through Opentable or anything, so we just showed up at the appointed time and hoped for the best. One of my friends was seated immediately and by the time I arrived, I was ushered over to the table. To my newbies, the main first floor dining room is a bit tight, being that multiple tables are squeezed in to maximize people in the dining room.

Even at 630-645, there were still kids in the dining room but, in our case they soon left and the dining room was adults-only. Our server greeted us promptly, took drink orders and left us to make a choice about our main entrees. By the time we were ready, I decided on the flautas. I asked the server to recommend the chicken or brisket and she offered to do one of each. I was happy to agree to that, considering that chicken was $10 (estimate) and the brisket was about $3 more. So, I assumed that I would be charged the higher of the two because of the combo plate. I was not able to get a veggie substitute for my rice (as I wanted) so, I just got double beans. When the bill came, I was charged $20 for my plate which the server immediately took care of. Though the food was tasty, it was definitely not worth $20 for two large flautas. (She blamed it on new pricing and misprinted/outdated paper menus.)

My friend ordered a chicken breast covered in some shrimp sauce and he was able to take half of his plate to work the next day for lunch. Unfortunately, my plate wasn't large enough to do that. We ended up staying for about a total of an hour and half, but I never felt like we were being ushered out the door to free up a table.

Pros: Free valet service (drivers accept tips), good portions, good service

Cons: No reservations, tight bar area, small...