Mamajuana Cafe — Restaurant in Houston

This is a beautiful venue. It has so much potential, but...

I was with a group of 20 with a proper reservation. We arrived on time as instructed. When I walked in, there was not a host on site to greet nor direct us. About 5 minutes in, we were finally ushered to our table by a waitress. We sat down, and another 25 minutes went by until a waiter greeted us and poured us water (this was the only time this happened). We placed drink orders and continued to wait while having conversations. Another 20 minutes went by, and I called our waiter over to check on our drink order. At this time, we were all getting hungry and thirsty. Our reservation was at 9 pm, and food orders were not taken until 10:30 pm. We started to get our food orders about 45 minutes later. We were all agitated at this point. The owner came by to explain their lack of staff and tried to explain the situation with how multiple large parties were booked at the same time and how we should have had a set menu because the kitchen could not keep up with a party our size. They were also servicing another party of 40 and a party of 12, so we tried to be very understanding and empathetic. It was a horrible experience in the end, and we ended up paying for what food and drink we received.

In the end, we would have been happier if they had told us at the beginning of their situation prior to seating us. Instead, we sat down with the assupmtion of a great experience through a recommendation from a friend and paid for it.

The food was okay, not on par for the price point. There's a lack of ownership and accountability on the owner's part with huge issues with operations and logistics. He was apologetic in the beginning and deflected the blame on his staff, then avoided us for the rest of the night, leaving the waiter to fend for himself with 20 unhappy patreons. He asked for us to give them another try, but I don't think that will happen. The waiter was thankful that we were understanding and patient with their situation, but that shouldn't be a pass to provide the service we received that night. I can not recommend this establishment if it's a large party. It may have been better for a date night for a couple or small group of 4-5, but it's definitely not for a huge party.

Kuddos to our waiter Eli. He really tried to do his best to service us without the support of his management team. The owner and manager (who did not show up to work) should really reconsider their business model on whether they should offer large parties and other accommodations. I would not be surprised if this place ends up on "Bar Rescue" or close down if they continue to...

As someone who values fine dining and speakeasy experiences, I will say this place was disappointing.

The night started off when I met my party and was met with the news that guests "couldn't switch seats" on the table so I couldn't sit next to my plus one.

I was already running late to the party, so I made sure to check the menu beforehand to be ready to order. When I tried ordering my food, our server jumped to stop me by saying, "Oh no, no, no, I'm not taking orders anymore." Ok, whatever, it turns out my party ordered for me. I let it go.

He then gave us a drink menu and asked what we would like to order. When we asked for the drink of our choice, we were then told again, "oh no no no, you can't order that here. That's for the speakeasy area only. You can only order that in there". Um, ok. It would've been helpful if your drink menu said that to bare us the look of "are you stupid?".

When my $36 mofongo came out, I was met with a bland piece of masa with a warm cheese sauce and ...cold chicken pieces? At least some pieces were reheated correctly. The most palm-to-face experience. I mean, it was clear this place is made to appear high-end when really it's the complete opposite.

Anyways, you go into the speakeasy, and it's the exact same setup as the main dining room. Marble linoleum tables, a bar, and music. Oh, and the speakeasy door stays open, removing the exclusive feeling of such place. For an area where you can only order certain drinks off the menu and a place charging ridiculous prices for their 2 star dishes, you'd think they would at least have quality furniture and a hidden door.

Only good thing here was the speakeasy bar manager. Made me a great drink.

Overall, would I come back? Eh, rather spend $200 on good quality food and a decently designed "high end" restaurant. I'd say this place is ok as a starter to a good night. Start off with "The Last Word" inside the speakeasy before heading somewhere else. Don't be fooled by the incredibly overpriced dishes. One word for this place:...

I am born and raised in New York City and mamajuana back home is a VIBE. I was so happy when I saw one was coming to Houston as the one in Tampa is boring! I went with my fiance for date night this Friday, and wish we had not wasted our time and money. While we had a reservation, we were sat ( I changed that) at the worst seat in the restaurant. I am talking middle of the restaurant between two other tables on each end, with no space. You are SURE to be bumped into by patrons and staff on their way to the back. The host told us there were no available tables other than that one, though the restaurant was empty lol. Okay sweetheart. So, we sat at a bar top. No big deal. The drinks were mediocre and $18 a pop honey.

I ordered the fish and asked to change the side to "arroz con gandules" and I said it in Spanish to the waiter who told me I sound like a "little girl" when I talk in Spanish and he is from "East Atlanta" and did not understand. Sir, you are at a Dominican Restaurant.... at least try. So, no big deal, I said it in English since I'm from "THE BRONX" lol. Unreal, but these people want 20% gratuity right? I know he realized how rude he was because once we got the bill he circled back chuckling talking about "I'm gonna practice my Spanish". No, what you gonna do is practice your manners, you got the RIGHT ONE.

The food was just okay. The fish was very oily and did not taste fresh, the rice was just okay and the maduros were oily. My drink got warm fast and the music was terrible. The speakeasy, though advertised as open by an IG influencer who rates venues, was closed... I personally won't be coming back here again for dinner. I may check it out once the speakeasy is open if some good dancing can happen......