Saltillo Mexican Kitchen Reviews

I think there was a lot of hype concerning this restaurant because the surrounding neighborhood so wanted this restaurant to be good. While the service was good, the food was just so-so and the environment is not altogether pleasant. The tables are close to each other and the people across from us were having problems with their meal so they became, in essence, our problems, too.

Went to a new Mexican restaurant our favorite food and people. Saltillo we can't begin to tell you how good it is. It had all our favorite things, we had the Queso Fundido really like the chunky onions it set off the queso and chorizo. Husband had Tampiquena tender and fragrant, not over seasoned. I had a torta, carnitas all I can say the best torta I've ever had. The carnitas like Tampiquena tender fragrant and not dry. DELICIOUS!! Oh and the Margaritas top it off. All the people were happy and very pleasant and the owner came over and talked to us very warm. We definitely will be going back, can't wait to get back to Houston

Great spot for a quick bite or a fancy Mexican feast! The margaritas are delicious and just strong enough to loosen you up for the wonderful culinary adventure you are about to embark on.

I love the salsa at Saltillo. They bring out four types of salsa to sample before your meal at no charge. The green avocado tomatillo salsa is awesome and I like the mango habanero a lot too, it has a bite. I have been there 3 times now and I have not ordered anything but the Chicken Enchiladas Verde because it is so good I have not been able to get past it! The service is really good, the atmosphere is nice and I like the classy 50's soothing music they play here. One strange thing about this place is that even though it is small it is never crowded for lunch, maybe the word is not out yet about just how good it is. I enjoy the no wait so your loss!

Saltillo recently moved from lower Westheimer to its current location in Bellaire, further expanding the selection of ethnic cuisines in this growing dining destination. It is a small restaurant, located in a strip-mall next to Genesis, the Bellaire kosher restaurant. Unpretentious from the outside, it is cozy and welcoming once you step inside. Its small size (perhaps 8 to 10 tables) makes it warm and the service is also friendly and attentive. There is a full bar, with a selection of Margaritas and other cocktails, as well as a creditable wine list, including a few Mexican reds from Baja California. The chips are fresh and the selection of four salsas is delightful: they range from not spicy to about 2-3 alarms, but all were full of flavor. We started with a delicious queso fundido that was well worth the messy nature of this dish. this dish is to be shared: it is far too large for one person: it will serve three, even four as an appetizer. The hearts of palm ceviche was light, well-balanced and quite tasty. The spicy shrimp cocktail came with large shrimp and a delightful, but not very spicy sauce. The guacamole was fresh and made to taste. The main dishes are enormous. The smoked brisket was easily 1.5 to 2 lbs of meat, and it was accompanied by potatoes, beans and roasted seasonal vegetables. This dish is large enough for 2 to 3 normal sized people. The Pork tenderloin was essentially a whole tenderloin. It was perfectly done, not dry, but tender and the sweet sauce that accompanied it was a great complement. It is also enough for 2-3 persons When sliced in 1-inch slices, there were 7-8 slices. it also came with abundant sides, so don't order extra sides. The Huachinango was served as two 4-oz fillets: it was juicy, tasteful, and with the roasted vegetables the other main dishes came with. We ordered a Torta de Carnitas just by curiosity: it is essentially a double-sandwich, filled with meat, avocado and a delicious sauce. The Mexican rice was plentiful for the small child in out party, and there were plenty of leftovers for the next day. The Villa Montefiori Cabernet Sauvignon from Baja California turned out to be a very nice wine, so the next time we visit, we will explore the other Mexican selections. At the end of the main selections, we were too full to try the dessert menu, which will be left for our next visit. Our wait staff was attentive, without being in our face and the service was reasonably prompt. We would have appreciated being warned about the size of the main dishes, so buyer, beware! The only, somewhat annoying aspect of our visit was, that from the moment we entered, the smoke form the kitchen was quite noticeable, so upon leaving, we all smelled like barbecue and so did our clothes. The prices were substantially above our usual Mexican restaurants, but the quality of the food made it worthwhile. Overall, a satisfying meal and worthy of another visit. Remember, however, that this is family style and order carefully.

When you sit down the wait staff places a set of five sauces from mild to extremely hot and the best tostados in Houston. We typically order the STEAK AND ENCHILADAS covered with the homemade Saltillo sauce. Once you have had this you will never forget it! You have a menu full with a variety of price, the next time I have a group of six people I plan to order the Saltillo style Rib Eye, it is 4-6 lb steak to be shared by all.

This hole-in-the-wall gem in a strip mall in Houston served some of the best Mexican food I've had in over 30 years. Try the Enchiladas Saltillo with a side salad, and save room for the vanilla ice cream cake dessert. Add gracious service and wonderful ambiance for a dining experience that's as extraordinary as it is unexpected.

My wife and I shared the Steak and enchilada combos with the Saltillo sauce. It is still mouth watering. We started with their complementary four sauces and the best hot chips I have eaten. Then we finished with the chocolate cake. The only thing missing was the Sexual Chocolate wine. We first tasted this wine here four years ago, but it is no longer on the menu. The service was terrific!

Visited this restaurant for the first time on Saturday and was greatly impressed. The staff is so friendly and helpful and suggested great food for us. Don't miss the Enchiladas Saltillo. They are fantastic. I'm looking forward to a return visit.

Forget TexMex, this is the real Mexico. We had the top sirloin for four with sides of potatoes, grilled peppers, asparagus, four homemade sauces, homemade tortillas, and the fine service of Brenden.

Who knew Bellaire could have such great gourmet food?!? This is not your average Tex Mex cafe, nor is it the typical Mexican cafe with greasy enchiladas and loud mariachi music playing. No margarita machine either that I saw - they have a beautiful, fully stocked bar instead. This is a beautiful, intimate dining destination in the heart of Houston. We had read great things about this new Bellaire eatery, and were thrilled to try it last weekend. Make a reservation - or you won't get in. It's a small dining room, but they pack big flavor into each dish. Don't miss the Ribeye or the wonderful homemade sauces. I expect this place to expand - quickly!!

Hands down the best Mexican food my wife and I have EVER had. We even had our honeymoon in Mexico and that didn't remotely compare. The staff and owner were so attentive and hard working. The ambiance was original and superb. The hand made tortilla chips divine, and the home made pico de gallo was so fresh, it was actually my favorite part of the whole meal and they didn't even charge us for it (I ate 4 full bowls). The salted margaritas were on point, 4 in and I couldn't drive. Our meal was so huge we couldn't finish and I go 6'4 and 280 pounds so I eat a lot folks. Go here for sure, you will not be disappointed.

Be aware this is not Tex-Mex, this is real Mexican (central) cuisine. Service is very polished, you don't feel rushed and the staff is very knowledgeable about the food and spirits. The different salsas, caldo, mole, the whole smoked brisket, hand-made corn tortillas... even the rice & beans were delicious. One thing that made a huge difference to me is that nothing we ordered was spicy, my old folks can't tolerate spicy food and they loved this place.

I went there with my spouse for a Saturday lunch. We were uncomfortable because the waiters were in tuxedos in the middle of the day we were in shorts. Dipping sauce variety was neat. We both had enchiladas which were...OK. Good, but definitely not worth the HIGH prices.

I hate writing about this place because it will only get more popular and reservations will be harder to get. But Saltillo has produced exemplary meals on my three visits there, never disappointed and always left me with the enjoyment of a fine dining experience. Tip for first timers: portions are substantial so you might want to be careful with appetizers. We ordered the Pollo en Mole, a split chicken breast with a fabulous mole sauce I could lick off the plate. My wife had a ribeye cut, cooked perfectly as requested. Our friend had the enchiladas which he also loved. I'm telling you I've always been overwhelmed with the kitchen, as good as any place in Houston. We ended the meal with a rum cake that was delicious but I don't know where we had room to put it. Between the ample main courses we ordered and the grilled vegetables that came with them I don't know how we ate it but it was too good to pass up. The service was impeccable and it was a lovely evening. Saltillo is located in a strip center in Bellaire with plenty of free parking. It is a very small restaurant so reservations are a must. It delights me when someone produces outstanding food and service, and Saltillo does this consistently. Go enjoy one of Houston's best restaurants and what I fear is no longer a secret.

reservations a must-unpreseposing outside in strip center, quite nice inside for casual dining--very reasonable authentic northern Mexican dishes and fairly expensive steaks and fish. huge variety of beers and I understand a very good margarita.

Great service, feels like family. The food is really good. They are known for their grill but the enchiladas are good too.we had two chicken enchiladas Saltillo, one cheese enchiladas Verde and one pollo Chipotle. All was good the wine llist is strong. It is a small place so get reservations.

I live in Bellaire, but I have avoided going to Saltillo because I don't really care for Mexican food. Today, I met a friend there, and I am so happy I did! This is more like a grill than a Mexican "Tex Mex" restaurant typical in Houston. It is a beautiful space, decorated tastefully, very neat and clean. The service was delightful. He was very patient with our table, having no issue with special requests. It was a friend's birthday, and he offered a dessert without us asking for one. I had the steak salad with the homemade vinaigrette, and it was delicious. I am looking forward to returning and ordering other menu items.

If you want something different from your normal Tex-Mex fare, this Bellaire favorite is an excellent choice. It’s not very big, and located in a nondescript small strip mall, but the service is attentive and the food is excellent. Margaritas are highly recommended. Award winning four salsa combinations to start your meal. Portions are not large, but it is well prepared. Manager is on-site...and when my elderly parents and I were turned away because we didn’t have a reservation, he came out and pulled us back into the restaurant and even gave my parents a free drink - a classy move that wasn’t necessary. Shows what attentive management can do to keep customers coming back. I would expect this restaurant will expand if they can move into space next door. Highly recommended.

The enchiladas are so far the best I've ever tasted. The drinks are very good . And the staff is friendly with us. I will definitely come back here often.

One street off Bellaire in a non busy block in a nice strip. Decor is very pleasantly Mexican/Spanish with nice paintings of horses. Bar in the back of the restaurant. Quiet atmosphere with about 20 tables. We were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food. My wife never fails to order Mole when given the chance. She had the Pollo en Mole and said that the chicken was moist and flavorful and the Mole was the best she has had with "complex" flavors. I had the Pollo con Chilaquiles. My chicken breast was equally flavorful but the Chilaquiles was a bit heavy for lunch but good. I highly recommend Saltillo's as a nice escape for lunch.

Went with friends who loved the former location. The wedge salad and guacamole were good. Was told the brisket was excellent so I tried it. Looked as though I got a bad cut of meat---stringy and dry---couldn't swallow it. Beans and potatoes were ok. Coffee served warm. Tables close together but nice atmosphere. I love Mexican food. This isn't Tex Mex and I did not order the right thing.

Think again! After living in SoCA for nearly 30 years and traveling throughout the US Southwest, I thought I knew Mexican food - was I wrong! The Saltillo Mexican Kitchen is a small restaurant tucked away in a strip mall in a quiet area of Houston, and they have successfully brought the flavors of the Saltillo region of Mexico to the US. The location is a bit difficult to find but worth the effort. The restaurant is small, so I would recommend reservations. Prices are reasonable, the bar and wine cellar are well stocked, the service is friendly, knowledgeable and attentive (without being swarming) and the food is out of this world. If your travels bring you to Houston, Saltillo’s is not to be missed. It is a location that is equally appealing for a dinner with friends, colleagues and/or clients. It is now permanently on my ‘short list’ of dinner options every time I travel to Houston.

Wow! Just open for 3 months (as of Dec 10 '15), they have it together! A warm welcome, without a reservation, but immediate seating in the table of our choice! A small venue in Bellaire, only about 15-20 tables, with superb, attentive, yet unobtrusive service. They presented a delightful array of four (4, count them, 4) Hot sauces, ranging from a mild green to a blazing orange sauce, all delicious, with a full range of flavors. We do suggest a reservation, as we were very lucky. They have been discovered and are quite popular. Had the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with a special Saltillo Kitchen sauce, superb, 8 count GIANT shrimp, fresh and tasty (But 8-count means 3 very large Shrimp). We had chicken in Mole Sauce and fresh Grouper in a delicious Green Sauce, They have an excellent and reasonable Wine List, I would not recommend wine by the glass, but just go for the whole bottle. Their Margaritas are superb, rather pricey and on the smallish side, but very tasty with very high-end Tequilas! Then came the Deserts~ Superb, and one of the finest Tres Leches ever, and many other fine choices. Plus a great selection of after-dinner libations! All the managers and wait staff were constantly and quietly checking to make sure that everything was perfecto! And it was! We shall Return!

This is a whole new twist on Mexican, lovely and flavorful-not just stacked high, greasy and smothered in sauce. Thoughtful flavors! Sophisticated, intimate and awesome margaritas. Something for everyone with moderately priced and specialty dishes. Don't misunderstand, I had the Tamales and they are the least expensive thing on the menu, but magically delicious!!

We had an early dinner after we stumbled onto this place. It was more like Mexico City cuisine. Definitely not Tex Mex. Taco sampler was very good as all three meats were very good as were their borracho beans. 5 salsas were interesting and the guacamole was super fresh. A bit pricey since we are accustomed to TeX Mex prices around here. The ambiance in this intimate location was nice and chill. If you are looking for a change, I recommend Saltillo’s.

Nice ambient good service, tasty but pricey Mexican restaurant. Their chips and salsa were delicious. We ordered shrimp cocktail, spicy shrimp, fried mozzarella, one of their salads for appetizers to share. We ordered tortilla soup which is very tasty. Grilled Rib-eye skirt came with asparagus spears, grilled vegetables (cucumber, red and yellow pepper), rice & beans. The bottle of red wine (from Mexico) recommended by the waiter was not that good. Best for you to select your own, which I would have done with France burgundy region. Mexican yellow cake with white icing with strawberry fan and a brush stroke of sauce on the place for dessert. Everything was delicious, but rather expensive.

Meat lovers Mexican food and authentic homemade salsa make this a favorite spot for my trips to Houston. Seek it out and for an over-the-top experience sit at the bar. You'll feel like part of the family and they sometimes give you special drinks to taste. Saltillo tops my list of Houston restaurants.

I stopped by this place because somebody recommended it I told the bartender to give me their top three things I would say for the decor and what they're trying to do as far as the food goes the quality was honestly disgusting the meat came out bloody bloody bloody bloody bloody rare send it back to re-cook it to a higher state but the quality of the food was lacking look at the picture

I have been to the old casa del Caballo and could not wait for them to re open. This is AUTHENTIC Mexican food. Great wines, drinks, appetizers and steaks of course!! Francisco always makes us feel at home. This is a small restaurant but great food and atmosphere, I wish they were closer to Friendswood, but again I maybe going there every night!!! I recommend the queso fundido with chorizo and the steaks with enchilada. They have great salsas too. Just writing this review makes me go there. You won't regret it. This is authentic!!!

Great Independently-owned restaurant in Bellaire. Authentic Mexican food served by friendly people. The chicken tacos in mole sauce were the best I’ve had in the US and in a long time. Highly recommend this place.

The service was great; probably 5 stars from the waitress Tina and the manager Francisco. However, the food was only 3 stars. It was average food, but pleasant for an evening out.

Came here with my wife while visiting Houston. This place was very good. It's in an unassuming stripmall, next to a pest control business. I was a bit skeptical at first. It's a small place with maybe 10 tables, but it delivers in a big way. For those 10 tables there were about 4 waitstaff. The service was quick and friendly. The food was very good. Worth a try!

Our waitress, Jennifer, was extremely knowledgeable about everything we had. She paired our food and wine perfectly. The food was delicious!

There is a reason why most of the reviews on this restaurant are in the excellent category. We had a superb dining experience. It’s a little pricey, but you get what you pay for. I had the steak, a grilled 8 ounce Rib-Eye that came with two Saltillo enchiladas (cheese or chicken). The enchiladas were very good, but not Tex-Mex, they are Authentic Mexican. The steak was very tasty and very tender. Before it was served, the waiter came to the table with a nice wooden box of steak knives...very nice touch. Charro Beans are served on the side. The complimentary chips are some of the best: very crunchy and thicker. I was at first taken back by the small bowl of them, but the waiter kept bringing warm refills without us having to ask. Geez, there’s nothing better than warm chips! Four types of hot sauce are provided with varying degrees of fire. The nicest touch was when the waiter brought a glass of port wine for everyone at the table and a small chocolate cake for us to share as we celebrated an occasion. What a nice finish to the meal. This is a small restaurant, nevertheless, the food is exceptional, as is the service

Impeccable service and flavors that make my mouth happy. One of my wife and I's favorite places. Their specialty is steaks, but the enchiladas Saltillo w cheese are to die for. Great salsa selection. Great appetizers.

Service is superb, food is fresh, and the drinks are good. Not typical Tex mex! A blend of Mexican steakhouse and a fresh take on Mexican favs

Such a great restaurant. Been here many times with friends and family, but first came in a date with my husband. Great bar, fantastic service, and the food, well, it's amazing. So flavorful, made from scratch. Located in an unassuming place in Bellaire. Totally worth your time and money!

Amazing place, very unassuming from the outside, cozy and charming inside. This is not Tex-Mex. I believe that they describe it as Northern Mexican food. Every bite was treat. It is obvious that all of their dishes are scratch made with love, pride and considerable skill. I had 2 appetizers, each a meal in itself. The divine decadence was the delicately fried cheese cubes accompanied by 2 dipping sauces. I can't remember the name of it, Cubos...something, but I took a picture which I'll post here. My other "appetizer" was 3 tacos, one sirloin steak, one pork and one brisket. Perfection. My husband ordered a hamburger, which I tasted, and he and I agree that it is top quality steak. Best chips I've ever had (I think they make them!) came with FIVE different salsas. We shared a piece of Tres Leches cake, so fresh and delicious! I had a margarita on the rocks and can testify that they don't scrimp on their cocktails. The guacamole was as fresh, delicious and as scratch made as my mother's. This place is quiet. You can actually hold a conversation. The chairs are very comfortable and the service is impeccable. This staff and the owner clearly take pride in their restaurant and their food.

The food is good very different to the Tex Mex we usually get in Houston. They bring 4-5 kinds of Salsa to your table, the chips are thick and hearty. Portions are not oversized like Tex Mex. They are just right for your enjoyment. My husband's family is from South American and he views it as latin food rather than Mexican. The mole sauce is great (if you like mole). It has a paprika, sweet flavor. Nice for date night or family outings.

Hostess and wait staff were very accommodating. Went early (6'ish) ... didn't even consider making a reservation, but upon arriving found they were tightly booked. However, they found a spot. They have 4 very tasty sauces served with crispy homemade flour tortilla chips. If you like spicy, be sure you try them all. Ordered a chicken dish in verde sauce. Roasted veggies on the side were perfectly done and went well with the sauce. Very nice; beautiful presentation. There's no rushing in this restaurant. Everything about it is a cut above. Music - oldies - rock n roll to jazz, creating a delightful ambiance. The owner visited the table to ask about our experience. Nice touch.

Don't expect traditional TexMex food at this restaurant. It really is a steak place that prepares the steak in a traditional Mexican way and cooked over hard woods (mesquite?). First time I have ever had a steak prepared this way and it was fantastic! So flavorful. It is in a nice center in Bellaire and has an upscale interior. We made prior reservations which looked to be a good move since every table was full on a friday night at 7pm. You won't get chips and salsa on the table but you will get excellent food.

Small and cozy - neighborhood style. Margaritas were authentic and yummy. Service was amazing! Food was fresh - the menu was interesting. My friends enjoyed their meals. I had a delicious sea bass and fresh veggies. :) I’ll go back.

I have been coming to this place since it was called "La Casa del Caballo" and it was located in Westheimer. Over the years, the good service remain unchanged and the food quality is awesome. We come here as regular and is one of my recommended place to visit. The cuts are extremely good especially the lomo cut. The staff is super friendly and the wine selection is reasonable good. I would recommend this place to anyone trying to taste some truly Mexican flavors beside our traditional Tex Mex here in Houston. We will keep coming back. The place is pricey though.

Not Tex-Mex. In a good way. No nachos but plenty of northern Mexican dishes centered around steak. To start with — chips with five types of salsa for the table. Ranging from a mild verde sauce to a ghost pepper that I did not even try. One was based on a vinegar onion base that was wonderful. We had enchiladas— chicken in a verde sauce a a cheese in a tomato based sauce. Both excellent and ample for the meal. Many tequila choices— some rather hard to find in the states. We will definitely be back. It is a small space so make reservations for a Friday or Saturday.

Our second visit and it was just as good as we remembered. We decided to have an 'appetizer' dinner. We started with their delicious chips and 4 types of salsas - very tasty. Next, we had the tortilla soup (tomato based) and queso fundido - both were pretty decent. For dinner, we had the Cortadillos and Trio of Tacos - outstanding! We finished with flan and tres leches - they were okay. We will definitely return and try other items on the menu.

Saltillo is terrific. We went with friends who introduced us to the restaurant. The margarita was outstanding. They add a little anise to the drink and it was the best I've ever had. Not too sweet. Perfect. The food was excellent. The service was upscale. No basket of chips overflowing with cups of goop. At Saltillo you'll get a cup of flavorful chips and a trio of salsas that go from mild to HOT. My friends ordered beef, which they raved about. My simpler salad was perfect and I ate the whole thing. We passed on dessert but they brought a few goodies anyway, which were delicious. Bellaire is known for a few good restaurants and this one should be added to your list. High-end Mexican food is for real at Saltillo.

So glad came for dinner! Awesome bar and bartender! It is in strip center, but come on inside!!! You will be amazed! Great steaks and Mexican classics. Couples, great spot for just you two!

This is not Tex-Mex. This is a upper end northern Mexican restaurant with very good food that plays Rat Pack music in the background. Seems weird but it works. Thw food is fresh, they make changes if you want, and the service is excellent. Small with 14 tables of varying sizes. Not a kids place, but great for adults and business people. It isnt cheap, but its not cookie cutter food, so worth it. We were there for a “wait for the tire repair lunch” and were the only people there at 2:45pm. We had the Queso Fundido and the taco trio with chicken. Queso wasnt too spicy, and the chick was moist and flavorful. Would defininyely return.