Churrascos Memorial City

Came here for their social hour, which is from 4−7pm. It was close to 6 when we arrived and there were only a couple of other people at the bar in the whole restaurant. Surprisingly empty compared to the other restaurants in the complex. I thought this was going to be a bad sign but glad we gave it a shot.
Our server, Oscar, was great. He serves without a pad to write with and somehow remembered everyone’s order. He was very informative and knowledgable about the dishes. The man knows his stuff! We were pretty impressed lol
Complimentary plantains: (⁵⁄₅) highly addictive! I didn’t think I would enjoy this because other plantains that I’ve had were thicker but these were thinly cut and deep fried. It came with salsa and chimichurri sauce. I could not stop eating them! I liked both sauces equally, just wished one of them were spicy.
Ahi Tuna Ceviche: (⁵⁄₅) ahi tuna, pumpkin seeds, avocado and oranges. The pumpkin seeds were a surprising delight to this dish because it added crunch and texture. Everything melded very well
Empanadas: (⁵⁄₅) they offer chicken and beef. I let my friends order this first before I took the plunge. I did not regret eating this deep fried pocket of goodness. It was cooked to perfection. Nice and crispy. I ordered the chicken and tried the beef but I cannot pick which I preferred
Pork cubano sandwich: (⁴⁄₅) I’m only basing this off of the one bite that I took but I wasn’t wow’ed.
Tres leches: (⁴⁄₅) my friend said that this was the best tres leches he’s ever had so we ordered it. It was good but I wouldn’t say it was the best. Thick layer of cream on top
Would I come back? Yes. Thinking about that empanada right now

I went to Churrascos last night for a friend’s birthday dinner. I had never been to any Churrascos before (I think there are three or four in town) so was looking forward to the wonderful cuisine everyone seems to be raving about.
The dinner did not disappoint. The Churrasco’s steak was melt-​in-​your-​mouth amazing and I highly recommend. We also had several plates of assorted veggies including these melt in your mouth fried plantains and the rice and beans are fantastic (light and fluffy jasmine rice paired with slightly spicy black beans). I highly recommend. The piece-​de-​la-​resistance was the flaming tres leches cake they made tableside for my friend’s birthday dessert. It was an elaborate presentation with lots of brandy and fire and creamy goodness. It was literally melt in your mouth amazing. One of the best and most unique desserts I’ve ever had and it’s creation is like a Vegas show!
Now for the service. I have to say we were kind of a difficult party. We had a few people with some food sensitivities and it seemed like a few things were ordered then sent back. I was cringing a bit and felt bad for our waiter who seemed a little (quietly) frustrated. Ultimately, I was telling my friend, «I think our waiter FIRED US!» We totally deserved it. But in any event, things took a little dip in service for about 15 minutes and it seemed like no one was there to serve us anymore. Then an amazing thing happened; DERRICK, THE MOST AMAZING WAITER OF ALL TIME” came swooping in and saved the day. He literally could not do enough to make sure we were happy. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone take care of a table like this before. He got our food out (with the changes we’d made), he brought hanging racks for the ladies coats, scarves and purses (mine kept falling on the floor from the back of my chair), he even bought a drink (on him) for one of our guests. He was fast, efficient, incredibly kind and cordial and he turned the whole evening around. He didn’t have to do it but he did, and with a big smile on his face. There is nothing we wanted for. Derrick anticipated it before we even needed it. Blown away, I was TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY. You just don’t get service like this, EVER.
As I was walking out of the restaurant, I happened to look behind me and there was Derrick, who was leaving for the evening (he’d obviously stayed late to take care of us and we were his last party). For some reason, I looked down and realized I’d left my scarf at the table inside the restaurant. Before I could even ask, Derrick flew back into the restaurant and retrieved my scarf. He even offered to help my girlfriend carry her bags of gifts to her car! Talk about «above and beyond.»
What a fantastic night, amazing food and literally the BEST service I’ve ever had at a restaurant in Houston, thanks to Derrick. We had a few bumps initially in the night (mostly self-​induced), but Derrick saved the evening. We were all terribly impressed.
Last note on the ambiance of the restaurant… it’s very nice, noise level is reasonable and the lighting is soft so it sets a very nice mood. Good place for a date or group of friends.
Be sure to try the caipirinhas (ky-pear-eenas)…they are like an Argentinian version of a mojito/​margarita and to die for (go easy, they catch up with you and can be potent). I could drink those all night!
I will happily come back and enjoy this wonderful restaurant again, and definitely ask for Derrick! He turned a good dining experience into a GREAT one.

Party of 3, Tuesday night, restaurant was active, but not packed.
The good — excellent service, nice atmosphere.
The not so good — the food was surprisingly mediocre. Previously, we’ve gone to the one on Shepherd/​Westheimer, and have always had great food, though we haven’t been there in a couple years. Mains — my plantain crusted chicken with black beans and cheese came out and I thought «oh, it’s chicken-​fried-​chicken complete with white gravy, not quite the picture the description conjured in my mind», it was a well-​prepared version of chicken-​fried-​chicken but nothing more; the «8oz. center cut filet» ordered medium came out as ~¼″ thick slab of overcooked dry meat (definitely not what I think of as «center cut filet»), the plus was a good mushroom sauce, but had to be applied very lightly or it completely overpowered the steak; the stir fry was more of a stew, and again, overdone meat (well-​done) when med-​rare was requested. Sides — they used to bring a plate of sides that was family-​style, turns out that’s upon request only now, and it was pretty lackluster compared to what I remember; the mac and cheese was bland; the brussel sprouts were good, but the sweet sauce got a bit much after awhile… best to share this with 2 – 3 people, then the flavor wouldn’t get too repetitive; plantain chips with chimichurri sauce remain a plus (one of our crew was craving them, which is why we went here in the first place, glad they didn’t disappoint).
I won’t come back to this location, I’ll give the Shepherd/​Westheimer another shot, in hopes it hasn’t gone downhill to the level of this location.

This was my Favorite restaurant in Houston. Their Chimichuri sauce is fantastic but besides that… what happened. I was very familiar with the menu and the quality of the food and service was just not there. I had plantain crusted shrimp that was served warm at best on a bed of dried out rice that i would have pitched out if I opened it for left overs. My wife filet was far from memorable and my sons burger was something that he did not enjoy from the first bite. The chairs had not been wiped down around us and the server spilled about half a pitcher of hot water on our table. I dint mean that whoops he spilled. I mean he was filling my wife’s hot tea and let it keep spilling as he watched and then wiped it off when done. what a let down, I am hoping Westchase still is on point. I almost wish i could have given them 2.5 stars but i gave them 3 in hopes that this was just an off day. Will I go back? Lets just say I will be keeping a close eye on Unilocal reviews before I do.

5 stars just for it chimmichurri and salsa with banana chips Hahaha
Nice setting with good food, I had seafood which was nice — salmon in entrée and lobster cevihe. The guys who had beef were pretty impressed. And it was not extremely costly too ! A party of 3 for ~100.

Amazing food, amazing service! By far the best churrascos is the greater Houston area! Both Johnny and John and legit and top of the line gentleman!

Nice presentation, plantain chips were great, unfortunately the steak was a bit dry. Oh, also try the Brussels sprouts dish they have as a side. It is QUITE tasty!

Never disappoints! Food is always on point. The empanadas, ceviche, churrasco and sides are delicious! If you like desserts the tres leches and alfajores are a must try. We had a late Sunday dinner (group of 8) and even though we were the last table there we never felt rushed, the food was excellent and our waiter John made sure that we were taken care of and satisfied before the kitchen began their shut down process.

Another great dinner at Churrascos with family and friends. John our waiter was great and very attentive to our party of 8. Can’t miss with the empanadas or the Churrascos steak

I’d been meaning to write a review about this place for about a month now. First off, let me just say that I normally do not write reviews and if I do the service is either wonderful or awful. In Churrascos (Memorial) case, AWFUL. We waited waaay too long for our food and they didn’t seem to give a flying birds a*s and there was a group of at least 14 in front of our table and they seemed to have spectacular service, fast at that! (Same servers).
I’m not going to write a ten paragraph review because I can ramble and vent about the service all evening but let’s just say they need to work on their service when it comes to large parties. I haven’t had the pleasure of coming with my husband to see how the service is with less people but this experience alone won’t keep me from coming back because the food is amazing!!! I cannot lie about that. Everything was delicious from the plantain chips and the two sauces that accompany it.
It was HRW when this group came and forgive me but I cannot remember the name of my entrée. It was plantain encrusted chicken breast over creamy refried black beans with these little lightly fried cheese squares. So so so so good! And so filling! I also took advantage of the $ 4 glass of Sauvignon Blanc (baby wine-​o). I can’t remember what the hubs had. Oops.
All in all please work on your service with groups even though it’s probably my last time coming as a group. I’ll leave another review when my husband and I come alone. Until next time Churrascos!..

My first time at Churrascos celebrating 16 years with my wife. Absolutely fantastic food and only have one word to express my meal… FLAVOR…FLAVOR… and FLAVOR.
Most certainly will be back.
BRUNCH, LUNCH, DINNER

Darn. Was hoping for a better experience at dinner but the food was just «meh». We went here for my mother’s birthday and while the service was good, the food and portions were both just unexciting, especially if you’ve been enjoying Churrascos for many years like my family has.
We ordered our usual starter of smoked crab fingers and the portion size has decreased dramatically. They used to give you a large plate full of crab fingers, yuca puffs, and that lovely buttery sauce. Now they bring out maybe a dozen on a skinny rectangular platter for the same price.
I ordered the snapper and my husband ordered the ribs. Both were just OK which I was not expecting because I LOVE snapper (it even had crab on it!) — there just wasn’t much flavor I’m afraid. In addition, the side dishes have decreased dramatically in size. We were 4 people and they brought out a plate with like 1 scoop of rice, 2 yuca puffs, 2 pieces of fried cheese, and some pickled onion. I remember the good old days when you’d get a big bowl of jasmine rice and a platter with grilled veggies and yuca puffs. What happened Churrascos?! You’re being so stingy! We asked for another plate and they brought out more yuca and cheese (no more rice) so they were willing to bring out more but it sort of felt like when you go to a fast food joint and have to ask for additional ketchup. They act like you’re taking it out of their personal stash lol.
Anyway, non-​exciting food plus stingy portions and high prices means I will likely not be back. However, I can confirm that the coconut ice cream is still delicious so at least that’s one consolation.

I came here for Houston Restaurant Weeks. And although the Westheimer location is so much more convenience and so much closer to where I live, I still decided to come to the Memorial City location because (1) I’d never been and (2) It would give me an opportunity to write a review for this location.
I made a reservation through Open Table and asked for booth seating if possible. When I arrived here, the hostess noted my request but unfortunately didn’t have any booth seating available. I’ve come to realize that your requests don’t actually get seen until you’ve arrived at the restaurant, and not before you came so they could accommodate you. No problem. Our hostess was super bubbly and nice (and cute).
After we were seated, it didn’t take too long before our waiter showed up to introduce himself. Off to a good start. But after that, it kind of went downhill from there. About five minutes in, another party was seated at the table right across from me. And after another five minutes, that party was served with some free plantain chips, while my table still had none. I actually had to make a request before we were served with the chips. What’s going on here? Houston Restaurant Weeks customers don’t get served with plantain chips?
I came here with my sister (who’s under 21) and a friend who doesn’t drink, so I decided not to get wine with my meal. We looked over the HRW menu and decided pretty quickly what we wanted. Our waiter came back to take our orders and that’s that.
After a good while, our waiter came back and told us that our appetizers would soon come out. As we chatted away, our food did come out. However, they were the main entrees. The appetizers did not come out at all. I had to ask our waiter about the appetizers and he did seem surprised that we had not received the apps. He apologized profusely and said that the kitchen staff was pretty new and they might have screwed up, but I was kind of hoping that our waiter could have checked with us more instead of me having to call on him on everything.
The appetizers eventually come out after the steaks came out. And the desserts followed not too long after. So, as for my first dining experience here, it was a memorable one, but not in a good way.
Now let’s get specific. For my meal, I had ordered some beef empanadas. I ordered the 8 oz churrasco steak for my main entrée (HRW menu came with 6 oz. I had to pay an extra $ 10 for the additional 2 oz.) and the tres leches for my dessert. If you’ve never dined at Churrascos, then the Churrasco steak is a must have. It is DELICIOUS. Even my sister who’s a filet mignon fan was pleasantly surprised after I told her to order the Churrasco instead.
The beef empanadas were also delicious. One order consists of two empanadas cut into four. They are pretty good-​sized. And as delicious as they were, I didn’t enjoy them too much due to the fact that they came after my main entrée.
As for the dessert, everybody pretty much knows that Cordua group restaurants (Churrascos, Artista, America’s, etc) serve one of the best tasting tres leches in Houston area. So if you’ve never had it, try that. But beware, if you don’t like anything too sweet, you probably wouldn’t enjoy it.
Now back to my dining experience. Our waiter did feel really bad about the appetizers situation, so at the end of our meal, he came back to serve us with some flaming tres leches (which I didn’t even know exist). The flaming tres leches was prepared tableside; kind of like the banana foster is prepared at Brennan’s of Houston. The end result was pretty. It was delicious. But at this point, I was already too full and I could only have a couple of bites.
I hope my experience was an isolated incident. The kitchen crew might need some more training to make sure everything comes out smoothly. The waiters need to keep a closer look at their customers. The fact that the party which arrived after us received their plantain chips before we did, and the fact that the appetizers came out after the main entrees said a lot to me.
I would be back in the future to dine again, if not to take advantage of their Sunday Churrasco throwback deal ($ 20 churrasco steak for 6 oz). And I hope when I do come back, my experience will be much better.

The only positive experience was the hostess.
The service was terrible, the restaurant was pretty much empty and it still took over an hour to get the plates out. They weren’t even complicated orders.
Not to mention that the meals we mediocre at best.
…we are currently at the two hour mark and have yet to see our dessert.
I honestly do not see what the hype is all about with churrascos. We definitely won’t ever be setting foot back in this place again
We might be better off canceling our dessert order.

I’ve been frequenting Churrasco’s the past few months because their Happy Hour is one of the best around this area. They serve amazing cocktails; the margaritas and Moscow mules are my favorites. And the best thing, they’re only $ 4.95 from 4pm-​7pm. They use quality liquor (El Jimador 100% Blue Agave Tequila and Tito’s Vodka for the two cocktails mentioned) and not well liquor like a lot of places serve for Happy Hour. They have a vast «Small Plates» menu where you can sample bits of their menu And I can’t forget to mention their complimentary plantain chips served 2 sauces; roasted tomato and chimichurri.
I just recently visited for Houston Restaurants Week and it was my first time to actually order dinner since I usually fill up on booze, plantains and small plates. For $ 35, you can choose from 3 items; appetizer, main course and dessert. I ordered the Albondinga (meat ball served in a Yuca cup) which was small but very tasty. For the main course, I went with the Churrasco; 6 oz. flank steak topped with chimichurri, served with veggies and potatoes. I don’t typically rave over flank steak but wow this was delicious. I went with the coconut icecream for dessert which they served in a caramel wafer-​like basket. It was awesome!
This has become one of my go to places and I can’t wait to try other menu items! I definitely recommend for a date night with your significant other or even a girls night out.

Avoid at all costs, does not live up to the hype. What a GIANT dissapointment. Paid a lot for golden corral type quality. Food was not cooked as we ordered — way over done — chicken, beef, pork, ribs The plantains were the only thing that were good. Just awful!!! Even the drink I had was average — this place is amateur hour.

Ok, I have to admit… this is my favorite place to go for HRW. Not because their food is always consistently good but I find they offer more selections, big servings and (drum roll please) it’s only $ 35 a person.
I’ve been to this location many times for dinner & happy hour. I love this place. It’s close to home & easy parking. The interior is pretty cool. Kinda reminds me of a 60’s style Ski Lodge — tons of wood (look close at the table tops they hammered in bullet casings) low slung red leather chairs. Cool u-​shaped bar w/​funky red horn shaped lights. The service is always good.
Now to the food. For HRW I ordered the ahi tuna ceviche to start, gambas al ajillo for my entrée & the flan de queso. H ordered the ensalata Churrascos, asado en salsa setas & the tres leches. We spent a few minutes chowing down on plantain chips with chimichurri & a red sauce. I love their chimichurri! Their version is bright with a strong kick of garlic. Our apps arrived & we shared. The ceviche was excellent with a kick from the sliced red jalapenos & kudos for adding toasted pumpkin seeds & oranges! H’s salad was excellent: romaine, hearts of palm, tomatoes, capers, red onion, radish & cotija cheese. This salad is a huge portion & you really have to reign yourself in or you will get full quick.
Our second course arrived & Hello! pan roasted garlic shrimp with scallions, tomato, crispy yucca in a lemon butter served with jasmine rice. All of the flavors complimented each other & went well w/​the jasmine rice. H’s course consisted of an 8oz grilled petit filet topped with a fried mushroom with a mushroom & sherry sauce with pickled onion. On the side was a béarnaise that was so freakin’ tasty I want to go back today! Our dessert portions were HUGE! I love the flan at Churrascos! Custard-​y goodness with a fluffy dulce de leche. I also love the tres leches. Hmmmmm not sure which I like better.
Other times I have ordered the ceviche flight (choose 3): verde (tilapia, cucumber, chile, green apple & kale, ahi tuna & lobster (lobster claw & knuckle with avocado & pork chicharron). The black bean aprepas which is grilled corn flatbread topped with black beans, queso & pico. Geez, I can go on & on about their menu. I love just about everything about this place.

Went there for lunch today and although they had a huge and awesome looking brunch set out, they let us order the Restaurant Week lunch. I had the skewer with chicken and shrimp and wife had the Churrasco sliced beef.
Both were excellent. Service was good but slow. Might of been because they were not really serving the Restaurant week lunch for Sunday. Manager was very nice to allow us to order from that. There were also 2 very large parties near us.
We each had the Churrasco ensalata which was large and very tasty with hearts of palm, capers and a number of unusual and tasty ingredients. For the price we should have had the brunch buffet but we weren’t that hungry and it was a late lunch anyway. Will go back when we can eat earlier — and more!
They were out of coconut ice cream but gave me vanilla with toasted coconut and chocolate sauce. Was tasty and nicely presented.
We used to eat at the other Churrascos regularly but years ago, and this is our first time at the relatively new Memorial City location. It’s very nice inside, and open and bright, which I really like. If you park in the garage it’s easy to get too.
We will go back!

I had recently the executive lunch which was very good. We started with complimentary plantain chips and a sweet salsa and chimichurri dipping sauce. The executive lunch comes with your choice of starter which for me was a salad. I picked the fish entre and there was a plate of vegetable/​sides that came with the entrée order for us to share. The sides included 2 cubes of fried cheese, plaintain, fried yucca, Spanish rice. I had a choice of desserts which I picked the tres leches which was to die for. This was all finished up with a cinnamon sprinkled cappuccino. I had a great lunch and had to really struggle to stay awake for the rest of the work day.

The food here is really good. My guy and I went for Valentine’s Day. We had the chicken empanadas and the seafood ceviche for appetizers and both were insanely good. The empanadas with the creamy cilantro sauce was amazing. For the entrée, we had the 8oz steak with fingerling potato and they give you this little entrée of sides that are perfect portions about the size of your palm. The steak was really good and I loved the sauce they had on top. The dessert was really really spectacular. Tres leches cake and also we tried the little cookies with some type of leches cream on them. You guys won’t be disappointed. I will go back many times.