Visit Cuchara on payday. So when you awaken to the realization that you’ve spent all your money on mouthwatering Mexican food and excellent Margaritas, it’ll be the next day!
When Cuchara opened back in 2010 on the corner of Taft and Fairview, the news literally broke the internet. Ana Beaven and Charlie McDaniel’s “Mexico City Bistro” menu consist of a variety of my favorite Mexican street foods but with a classic twist…and by classic twist I mean, elote in a ramekin vs. a styrofoam cup.
“Where can I get a good margarita?” Is a question I am often asked. Thanks to Cuchara I now have a solid answer. Cuchara has really good margaritas. Qualities of a good margarita are:
- Balanced flavor
- A subtly, fresh sweetness (no mixers, please!)
- A rim with purpose (Is salt the only way?)
Their menu consists of shareable plates that allow you to get a taste for everything, that’s great, but Cucahra doesn’t allow separate checks, so bring cash.
Below are the items I highly suggest you try.
A recommended starter while you peruse the menu are the Salsas de Cuchara (trio: Salsa tía Martha, Salsa de 5 chiles y Salsa quemada) ($9) Aunt Martha (tomatillos and peanuts) 5 chiles (5 peppers and pork rinds) and burnt pepper (burnt árbol pepper skin) served with tortilla fritters. Warning: The Salsa quemada was hot as hell, and I pride myself on having a high tolerance for heat. Eat Responsibly.
Cuchara’s Esquites ($9) is topped with Mexican mayo, cheese and chili poweder. It also comes in its own personal ramekin. The use of epazote brought forward a very lime like flavor that I appreciated. The Tacos Chelo ($10) were delightful and filling. Three Crunchy potato taquitos covered in a very spicy green salsa with raw onions and cotija cheese.
Did you know that people who prefer crunchy vs. smooth have a tendency to be more aggressive? Not sure the relevance of that other than all the food we ordered at Cuchara, with the exception for the equites, was crunchy. Like the Tostaditas del Ajusco ($16). Three crispy tostadas topped with beef and melted cheese. My meat was a bit chewy but my husband gave them 5 stars!
We overindulged in a few of Cuchara’s seasonal margaritas. The “Margarita of the Day” was an Orange & Chamoy Margarita. A rita’s rim is the first impression, so rim it with purpose! We also tried the Tamarind Margarita, while also good, the drink contained something grainy at the bottom of the glass, that left me crunching after each sip.
I suggest you visit Cuchara soon and soak up some sun on their front patio.
Check out a couple photos below.
LOCATION
214 Fairview Street, Houston, TX. 77006
713-942 0000
BUSINESS HOURS
Sunday 11am – 10pm
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11am – 10pm
Wednesday 11am – 10pm
Thursday 11am – 10pm
Friday 11am – 11pm
Saturday 11am – 11pm
