by Sandra Crittenden

Caracol  is one of my favorite restaurants in Houston,  I have been four times this summer since they reopened. It is part of the H-Town Restaurant Group , which is owned by Executive Chef Hugo Ortega and his wife Tracy Vaught. Ortega is the winner of the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2017. I also frequently eat at both Hugo's and Backstreet Cafe, two other restaurants in the group.  As I thought about which restaurants in Houston have great food, nice patios and good ethics for safety protocol, these were some of the first restaurants to come to mind and I have not been disappointed. I've only opted to go to Caracol on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, thus far, arriving as early as 4pm and as late as 7:30pm. I make reservations in advance and request a shady table on the patio at that time. I like the fact that guests have the ability to not walk through the restaurant to access the patio. You can just open the door and let the hostess know you ...

Caracol has one of the best Sunday brunches in Houston. The Mexican coastal cuisine buffet assortment includes raw oysters on the half shell and in shooters, an array of ceviche, salads, tamales, enchiladas, savory meats and sides along with a dessert table with more options than you can try in one visit. I could make a whole meal with just their raw offerings. My husband prefers the rich meat dishes with multiple desserts. The Mexican hot chocolate found amidst the dessert array is the perfect finish no matter which direction you choose.  They also have a brunch cocktail menu and a good list of sparkling  wines to keep you refreshed throughout your meal. Expect a busy, festive atmosphere and prepare to enjoy! This is one of my favorite Sunday brunches in Houston.