Cafe Red Onion (Reported Closed)

Doesn't Recommend

icethistle

Joined 3 years ago

Disappointing. The pineapple salsa really isn't that appealing, and neither is the regular salsa. I ordered a plate with everything on the side (since I am pregnant and there are a lot of things that I can't eat right now), but the only person at the table whose order was wrong was mine! Two other people asked for items on the side and their orders were correct. The funny thing was that the waiter said, "Oh no, the flautas are not served over beans, the beans always come on the side." The menu said otherwise, and apparently the menu was correct, so it was obvious the waiter just got his information wrong and didn't even ask the cook to alter my plate. Normally I wouldn't care, but being pregnant is hard on my stomach! ;o) Plus, we made a reservation, which they had no record of when we showed up, and really, the food wasn't that tasty anyway. I think this is one of the worst Mexican restaurants I have ever visited, unless you count Taco Bell, but at least there they don't mess up your order.

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ebloom735

Joined 3 years ago

Love the Pinapple Salsa. Some of the menu items are on the slightly pricey side...but the food is good! Especially the Pineapple salsa! I got a delicious seafood dish here...beautiful plating, delicious sauces. Gotta try it out!

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monicaortiz7

Joined 3 years ago

Great Menu. If your a plantain lover this is the place for you. They have a wonderful mix of Latin dishes. I had the Chicken Tikal w/ fried plantains & sour cream. It was my first time eating at this venue and I have to say I will be back for more.

I work on Kirby so this is a very good spot to meet a friend or client for lunch. The service was quick and they staff was very helpful in helping me pick something off of the large menu. Best of all, the prices were very affordable $10 will buy you an amazing lunch.

Doesn't Recommend

erinhuston

Joined 5 years ago

Dissapointing Visit. Red Onion is a favorite of my fiancee and I. We have frequented both Kirby and 290 locations. We had a very poor experience this weekend at the Kirby location.

As we came in we were excited about a special posted with our fave entree for only $7.77 (usually $14). We were seated and then waited for 15 minutes, in the abnormally hot dining room, for the water we ordered because there were no clean glasses available in the kitchen. Upon our suggestion our waitress got glasses from the bar, and finally we got water! Before we ordered I asked the waitress if the Mayan Chicken was indeed included in the special, pointing to the poster at the front of the restaurant. She replied yes, it was on special, so we both ordered it. Our cocktails then arrived...sub par. Our entrees arrived and then we had to wait to ask for silverware setups. Food was ok.

Check arrived and the entrees were regular price. When we pointed it out to the waitress she told us the special was only offered at the Northwest location. Information that would have been useful when I asked her about it as we ordered...

We asked her to speak to the manager. He never came out to speak to us but told her that he couldn't do anything for us. Not a good day for Kirby Red Onion!

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chuebinger

Joined 6 years ago

Unique cuisine. I went to dinner here with a bunch of my girlfriends and the overall opinion was good. I had the pupusas which aren't as good as the ones I had in Belize from a true El Salvadorian but tasty nonetheless. I think this is a good place to go when you want to try something with different flavors and have a different experience. I would recommend trying it.

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florida63

Joined 6 years ago

Worth another visit. On my first visit I can't say it was the transformational dining experience others seem to think it was but it was a solid performance that will warrant another visit. Great service and a refreshingly original approach to Latin food. They borrow nicely from authentic Mexican and Carribean preparations. They go crazy with side items though. I had the coffee crusted beef filet which was very flavorful (a bit undercooked) but the side items were: a mound of french fried onion rings on a pool of queso, roasted corn, grilled zuchini and yellow squash, and limp fried plantains. The sides took up most of the plate. My dining companion had a chicken relleno special which was very tasty but also came with a flotilla of unneccesary side items.

Not sure what the fuss is about regarding the pinapple salsa. Ours had no heat at all...it tasted like pureed pinepple. Having said all of this, their menu, drinks and service deserve another visit.

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nave81

Joined 7 years ago

Service/Food - A+, I'm going back!. I've lived in Houston for about 5 months now and the Red Onion was the best dinning experience I've had so far! We got there Fri night at 8pm and only had to wait about 5 minutes to be seated. Our waitress was on the ball, being a waiter myself, I could tell she was keeping track of all her tables and timing everything perfect, drinks, food, orders, the bill, everything! The food was very unique, sort of a central american/tropical style, many of the dishes came with plantains which my girlfriend loves. The Chicken Brazil was out of this world! Go there and get it! One of the best dishes I've had. The entrees range from $10-$18 (not $30 like citysearch says, although I would have expected to pay $30 for this quality of food). Overall a great experience. I'm going back!

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Its Mexican-Central American flavors stand out amid standard Tex-Mex franchises.. In Short
This Inner Loop sequel is every bit as harried and enticing as the original Northwest Freeway operation. Don't expect a quiet evening; patrons are here for the Latin fusion fare and high energy level. The pineapple salsa (its sweetness leavened by cilantro and peppers) is served with plantain chips. There's also smoky cream of roasted poblano and chicken soup; piquant red snapper served with cabbage and cheese; and pupusas. Finish with chocolate empanadas.

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bestcookever08

Joined 7 years ago

great place to just chill. This place is amazing. from the pinaple salsa, to the seafood enchaladas. very up beat great service. very nice menu, something defferent for everybody. yes you might have to wait for a table, but worth it. i highly recomend this place. pluse desert is awsome

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judyljones

Joined 7 years ago

User review by judyljones. Excellent choice of margaritas! Food is presented very nicely and taste great. Good service.