Candente Introduce
In a city where Tex-Mex is a culinary cornerstone, Candente stands out by adding a bold, smoky twist to the tradition. Located in the heart of Houston, this restaurant masterfully fuses the vibrant, zesty flavors of Tex-Mex with the rich, slow-smoked techniques of Texas barbecue. This unique combination, stemming from the same ownership as the acclaimed Pit Room BBQ, results in a menu that is both familiar and refreshingly new. For Texans who appreciate the best of both worlds—sizzling fajitas and tender, smoked meats—Candente is a must-visit destination.
The atmosphere at Candente is as appealing as its food. It's a place that feels both casual and trendy, with a cozy interior and an airy patio that remains comfortable even on a hot Houston day. The scent of mesquite smoke from the kitchen is an intoxicating welcome for any meat lover. Whether you're dining solo, gathering with a group of friends, or looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, Candente’s welcoming environment and fast service make it a top choice. The restaurant is also noted for its great bar, offering an impressive selection of cocktails, beer, and wine, including famously strong margaritas.
This article will provide an in-depth look at what makes Candente a standout in Houston's dynamic food scene. We'll cover everything from its convenient location and accessibility to its diverse menu, special features, and contact information. You’ll find out why dishes like their brisket nachos and birria tacos have earned such rave reviews, and get all the information you need to plan your next great Tex-Mex meal in the heart of Texas.
Candente is conveniently located at 4306 Yoakum Blvd, Houston, TX 77006, USA. This prime spot in a bustling part of the city makes it easily accessible for a wide range of visitors. The restaurant understands the importance of hassle-free parking, offering multiple options to ensure your visit starts smoothly. Guests can find free parking in a dedicated parking garage on-site or utilize free street parking in the vicinity.
The restaurant is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all its patrons. It is fully wheelchair accessible, with a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating. This makes Candente a welcoming and convenient choice for everyone in the Houston community.
Candente provides a variety of service options to fit your dining needs and preferences.
Dine-in: Enjoy a full dining experience inside the restaurant's casual and trendy setting or on its comfortable outdoor patio. With table service, a lively bar, and a welcoming atmosphere, it's a perfect place to sit back and enjoy a meal with friends, family, or a date. The restaurant also accepts reservations, which is great for planning group outings or special events.
Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy Candente's food at home, the restaurant offers both takeout and delivery services. This means you can get your favorite Tex-Mex and BBQ dishes brought right to your door or pick them up to-go.
Catering: Candente also offers catering services for events and celebrations. With a menu that is perfect for large groups and a reputation for high-quality food, it's an excellent choice for parties, corporate events, or private gatherings. They even have private and main dining rooms available to host events for up to 100 people.
Happy Hour: Take advantage of their happy hour drinks and food specials. This is a great way to try a variety of items and enjoy the restaurant's lively bar scene at a great price.
Candente's appeal is built on several key features that set it apart in the competitive Houston restaurant scene.
Unique Tex-Mex & BBQ Fusion: The restaurant's signature is its blend of Tex-Mex and BBQ. By using mesquite smokers to prepare meats like brisket and ribs, they infuse their dishes with a deep, smoky flavor that you won't find at a traditional Tex-Mex spot. This is what truly makes their menu "chef-inspired," as noted by customers.
Exceptional Beverages: Candente is highly praised for its great beer selection and a fantastic range of cocktails, particularly their margaritas, which are known for being both delicious and potent. The availability of hard liquor and wine also ensures there is a drink for every taste.
Great Desserts: Don't leave without trying their Tres Leches. This moist sponge cake is soaked in three types of milk and topped with fresh strawberries, making it a highly rated and perfect end to your meal.
Fast and Friendly Service: The restaurant is known for its fast service and attentive waitstaff. Customer reviews consistently mention how quick the food and drinks arrive, and how friendly and knowledgeable the servers are about the menu.
Dog-Friendly Patio: For guests who want to bring their furry friends along, Candente has a dog-friendly outdoor patio. This is a major plus for pet owners in Houston who are looking for a place to dine with their companions.
To make a reservation or learn more about Candente's offerings, you can contact them at the following:
Address: 4306 Yoakum Blvd, Houston, TX 77006, USA
Phone: (346) 867-1156
With a menu full of enticing options, it can be tough to decide what to order at Candente. Here are some of the standout dishes that have garnered rave reviews from customers.
The Birria Tacos are a definite must-try. These tacos feature smoked and braised beef short rib and shank, served with a side of rich beef consomé for dipping. The presentation and flavor are top-notch, making it a unique and memorable choice. Just be sure to try the accompanying orange sauce first, as it’s known for its fiery kick!
For appetizer lovers, the Brisket Nachos are a star. A generous half-pound of chopped smoked brisket is piled onto nachos with melted cheese, BBQ sauce, and pickled onions. Customers have called this dish one of their favorite appetizers, praising the smoky flavor of the brisket that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
If you're in the mood for an authentic Tex-Mex staple, the Niman Ranch Prime Beef Fajitas are a superior choice. The quality of the meat is evident, arriving on a sizzling platter with all the classic accompaniments, including their fantastic handmade flour or corn tortillas. The meat is tender, flavorful, and a true testament to the restaurant's commitment to high-quality ingredients.
The Smoked Chicken Verde Enchiladas are another highly rated item. The enchiladas are filled with smoked chicken and topped with a creamy tomatillo sauce and queso fresco. This dish is a perfect example of how Candente elevates classic Tex-Mex dishes with a special smoky touch.
In conclusion, Candente is worth choosing because it offers an elevated Tex-Mex experience that you can't get anywhere else. The fusion of traditional Tex-Mex with authentic Texas BBQ smoking techniques creates a menu that is both delicious and exciting. From the food to the drinks and the atmosphere, every detail is crafted to provide a truly exceptional dining experience for locals and tourists alike.
Candente Menu
Ceviches
- Ceviche Trio $22.00
Each one of our house ceviches served on mini tostadas with smashed avocados
- Campechana $17.00
mussels, shrimp, octopus, mexican cocktail sauce, avocado, tostada & side of chopped jalapeno.
- Shrimp Aquachile $16.00
Marinated gulf shrimp, cucumber, red onion, aquachile marinade, avocado, tostada & side of chopped serrano.
- Ceviche $17.00
Texas redfish, scallops, shrimp, citrus marinade, pico de gallo, avocado, tostado & side of chopped jalapeno.
Specialties From The Grill
- Salmon Spcl $33.35
- Redfish On The Halfshell $32.00
mesquite grilled, house mojo laquer, preserved lime, cilantro jalapeno and red onion salad, with creamy avocado sauce
- Taco Birria De Res $30.00
smoked & braised short rib and beef shank, griddled asadero cheese, beef consommé', salsa macha, fresh cilantro, red onion, bone marrow
- Tampiquena $46.00
9oz niman ranch prime ribye* topped with two cheese enchiladas, grilled onions, chile lime butter, and chopped white onions
A La Carte
- Sd Taco Sauce $0.00
- A La Carte Ench Cheese $4.60
- Flour Tortilla Refill $0.00
- Sd Sliced Avocado $2.59
- Add Shrimp Fajita $20.70
- Add Grilled Jalapeno $0.86
- A La Carte Flauta $4.60
- Employee Meal $11.50
- A La Carte Spinach $5.75
- Sliced Avocado Substitution $0.00
- A La Carte Flag $3.45
- A La Carte Carbon Chicken $5.75
- Add Chile Torreados $2.30
- Sd Taco Meat $3.45
- Add Beef Fajita $28.75
- Tacos Birria De Res (No Rice/No Beans) $23.00
- Corn Tortilla Refill $0.00
- 1/2 Pt Macha Sauce $4.60
- Macha Red Sauce $1.73
- A La Carte Sour Cream $1.73
- A La Carte Refried $2.30
- A La Carte Flour Tortillas $1.73
- A La Carte Verde Enchilada $5.75
- A La Carte Carbon Beef $8.05
- A La Carte Bone Arrow $4.60
- SD Pickled Jalapenos $0.58
- A La Carte Charro $2.30
- Add Chicken Fajita $16.10
- A LA Carte Cheese Quesadilla $11.50
- SD Minced Fresh Jalapeno $0.58
- 1 Scoop Of Guac $1.15
- A La Carte Bean And Cheese Soft Taco $2.30
- 1\2 Pint Taco Sauce $4.60
- SD Shred Lettuce $0.58
- Sd Pico $0.58
- A La Carte Crispy Taco $5.18
- 1\2 Pint Salsa $2.30
- A La Carte BLK Refried $2.30
- A La Carte Ench Brisket $8.05
- SD Jalapeno Ranch $1.15
- ADD Relleno $5.75
- Sd Grilled Mushrooms $5.75
- A La Carte Tamale $5.75
- Tamale A La Carte $5.75
- A La Carte Ench Beef $5.75
- A La Carte BLK Charro $2.30
- Sd Cilantro $0.58
- SD Of Queso $2.30
- SD Chilli Lime Butter $1.14
- SD Mix Grilled Veggies $5.75
- Birria Consome $3.45
- Add Veggie Fajita $10.93
- ADD Jal Ched Link $4.60
- A La Carte Creamy Salsa Verde $1.15
- A La Carte Guac $5.75
- A La Carte Rice $2.30
- ADD Quail $11.44
- A La Carte Kids Burrito $4.60
- SD Tomato $0.58
- Sd Of Brisket $4.60
- SD Creamy Avocado Sauce $0.00
- ADD Brochette $14.38
- Add Carnitas $20.70
- A La Carte Chicken Tinga Tostada $9.20
- ADD 1/2 Rack Pork Ribs $20.70
- A La Carte Enfrijolada $5.18
- Single Brochette $5.18
- Sd Grilled Onions $1.15
- A La Carte Birria Taco (3 Tacos Solo) $23.00
- Pt Avocado Sauce $7.48
- A La Carte Corn Tortillas $1.73
- A La Carte Cheddar $1.73
- SD Minced Serrano $0.58
- ADD CL Shrimp $14.38
Soups & Salad
- Elote Salad $15.00
shredded lettuce, roasted corn salad, black beans, cucumber, pepitas, queso fresco, chopped tomato, creamy avocado dressing
- Tortilla Soup $17.00
shredded chicken, jack cheese, tortilla strips, avocado, and fresh cilantro
- Taco Salad $24.00
Iceberg lettuce, cheddar, guacamole, pico de gallo, red onion, tortilla strips, jalapeno ranch
Grill Combos
- The Laredo $41.00
half a rack of ribs and carnitas
- Feast #1 $74.00
medium combo fajita, carnitas, jalapeno cheddar link, 3 jumbo chile lime shrimp, cheese relleno
- Feast #4 $130.00
large combo fajita, 1 quail, jalapeno cheddar link, 3 jumbo chile lime shrimp, 3 shrimp brochette, 1/2 rack of ribs, and cheese chile relleno
- Feast #2 $85.00
medium combo fajita, carnitas, 1 quail, 3 shrimp brochette, cheese chile relleno
- Feast #3 $110.00
large combo fajita, carnitas, jalapeno cheddar link, 3 jumbo chile lime shrimp, 3 shrimp brochette, chile cheese relleno
- The Zapata $57.00
beef faita, 1 quail, 3 shrimp brochette
- The Matomoros $46.00
beef fajita, & 3 jumbo lime shrimp
Tacos & Burritos
- Carbon Tacos $21.00
Handmade flour tortillas filled with your choice of protein. Served with rice and beans, lettuce, picco, sour cream, and a scoop of guacamole.
- The Frito Burrito $18.40
texas red chile, cheddar, queso, topped with chopped white onions
- Burrito Grande $15.00
Handmade flour tortilla stuffed with refried beans and cheddar cheese, topped with gravy
- Crispy Tacos 2 $17.00
ground beef, shredded lettuce, cheddar, red onion, chopped tomato, and taco sauce
Margaritas To-Go
- Premium Margarita $0.00
- House Margarita $0.00
Appetizers
- Flautas $19.00
creamy avocado salsa, crema, queso fresco, picco de gallo, and guacamole
- Queso $11.00
- Smoked Pork Ribs $25.00
berkshire/duroc pork, ancho chipolte bbq sauce, fresh cilantro, queso fresco, and a chile lime butter
- Guacamole $13.00
Fresh avocado mashed to order with garlic, lime, red onion, fresh serrano, fresh cilantro.
- Brisket Nachos $25.00
1/2 lb chopped smoked brisket, refried beans, cheddar cheese, chopped white onion, pickled red onion, bbq sauce, salsa roja, cilantro, sour cream
- Quesadilla $16.00
Homemade tortillas filled with your choice of topping and Oaxaca cheese served with pico, sour cream & guacamole
- Large Nacho $19.00
Individual nachos with melted cheese and a topping of your choice served with pico, guacamole & sour cream
- Medium Nacho $18.00
Individual nachos with melted cheese and a topping of your choice served with pico, guacamole & sour cream
- 7 Layer Bean Dip $18.00
refried beans, chile con queso, Texas red chili, taco meat, guacamole, picco, and sour cream.
Combos
- Don Miguel $34.00
beef taco al carbon, beef enchilada, cheese enchilada, jalapeno cheese tamale, cheese relleno
- El Director $24.00
beef enchilada, cheese enchilada, crispy taco
- Plato Epíco $26.00
chicken taco al carbon, cheese enchilada, cheese chile relleno, crispy taco
- Pollo Al Candente $24.00
chicken verde enchilada, smoked chicken flauta, chicken tostada
Tex Mex Traditions
- Black Bean Enfrijoladas With Avocado $17.00
jack cheese enchiladas topped with black bean sauce, queso fesco, and fresh cilantro
- Cheese Enchilada $17.00
chile gravy, cheddar & America Cheese topped with chopped white onions
- Ground Beef Enchiladas $18.00
Chile gravy, ground beef, cheddar, & american Cheese, chopped white onions on top
- 2 Tamales $19.55
- Smoked Chicken Verde Enchilada $18.00
tomatillo sauce, jack cheese, queso fresco, with chopped red onions
- Brisket Enchiladas $22.00
chopped smoked brisket and cheddar, chile con queso, bbq sauce, topped with chopped white onions and pickled red onions
Desserts
- Tres Leches $9.77
Fajitas & Carnitas
- Niman Ranch Prime Beef Fajitas $45.00
You choice of protein, with grilled onions, picco de gallo, guacamole, cheddar, sour cream, chile lime butter, handmade flour tortillas, rice and your choice of beans
- NIman Ranch Prime Ribeye Fajitas $48.00
You choice of protein, with grilled onions, picco de gallo, guacamole, cheddar, sour cream, chile lime butter, handmade flour tortillas, rice and your choice of beans
- Pork Carnitas $26.00
Comes with grilled onions, picco de gallo, guacamole, cheddar, sour cream, chile lime butter, handmade flour tortillas, rice and your choice of beans
- Combination Fajitas $41.00
Grilled chicken and fajita beef with grilled onions, picco de gallo, guacamole, cheddar, sour cream, chile lime butter, handmade flour tortillas, rice and your choice of beans
- Chicken Fajitas $32.00
Grilled chicken with grilled onions, picco de gallo, guacamole, cheddar, sour cream, chile lime butter, handmade flour tortillas, rice and your choice of beans
- Vegetable Fajitas $26.50
Grilled portabella mushrooms with peppers and onions
- Shrimp Fajitas $37.00
Grilled Shrimp with grilled onions, picco de gallo, guacamole, cheddar, sour cream, chile lime butter, handmade flour tortillas, rice and your choice of beans
Candente Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking garage
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Candente Photos










Candente Location
Candente Reviews
brisket enchiladasbrisket nachosparking garagebirria tacossmoked meatsbrisket quesoribeye fajitassmoked chickenskirt steak fajitasmesquite
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I only really review places I love, and I LOVED this place. If you’re an avid fan of Tex Mex this is a must-try. If you’re not, still try it, it’s that good. They’ve blended TexMex with BBQ (same ownership as Pitroom BBQ down the road, which is also must-try) and the brisket and ribs are all slow smoked. You can smell the difference as soon as you walk in and for meat lovers, it’s intoxicating. I highly recommend the Birria Tacos, both for taste and presentation (watch out for the orange sauce and try it first, because it’s HOT- comes on the side). Beef fajitas (regular skirt steak is what we had) were also delicious. Our server also recommended the Brisket Enchiladas but we had just had BBQ the day before so we decided it was for “next time”. The menu feels chef inspired which is normally lacking from most Tex Mex places. I really enjoyed that! We sat on the patio which stays cool even on a 90+ degree day. Easy parking in a garage on site (and some on street) but not sure if it’s so easy on a busy evening as we came around Sunday at 12:30. Garage clearance 6’ 6” so good for oversized vehicles as long as they’re not lifted.
May 18 · Jacob MeidelCame here around 1pm on a Monday and we were seated right away. Our waiter was fast with bringing our chips and salsas out (delicious by the way!!), and we placed an order for brisket nachos - we had no idea they were half off on Mondays, so they came out to about $12.50. The dish was HUGE and it is definitely one of my fave appetizers now!!! The brisket had a great smoky flavor that paired really well with the cream, bbq sauce, and onions it came with. I got a burrito for my entree with chicken fajita, which came out to about $20. The burrito already had beans and rice inside of it, but the dish still came with a side of each. I chose the burrito to be topped with queso (included) and I wished I ordered it on the side because it was a little overpowering and drenched the burrito. Still, it was VERY tasty and I would definitely order it again. Would highly recommend this restaurant for a great food experience!
July 28 · Samantha MarquezFajita perfection! I’m not a fan of steak and I ate more steak than chicken. The chicken was delicious and the steak was cooked to perfection. I’m not sure a better fajita exists! The grilled onions may have changed my life. Perfect blend of flavors and textures. I highly recommend this restaurant.
May 22 · kristi higaFirst timers to Candente, place seems to be a popular choice when going out. It was a full house on our visit. The outside seating patio was beautiful as well.Overall, we enjoyed it.Service was good, we didn't have anything major occur.The food was hit or miss depending on what you order.From the start, the salsa is delicious! Both had wonderful flavors and would want to know the recipe to make it at home. It's really good.The sad part is the hard chips that come with it. Know this is a staple at some establishments. However, a customer should have to feel like the chip could break a tooth or slice a gum.The 7 layer dip , with no layers was a miss for us.The fajita nachos, another miss.The chips don't help these dishes in any way again.The Ribs - get them and thank me later. By far some of the best ribs I've had ever. But would also never expected it to be from a Tex Mex spot in town.The 3 ceviche - tostadas were a favorite of our group.The rib eye fajitas, to me was just a cut up steak sliced to presentation. It had nothing more than a steak flavor. No Marinade - No Seasoning. While I get Tex Mex it does occur, typically there something other than steakhouse presentation.Go with the Skirt steak, it's much softer of a cut. The rest holds true between the skirt & ribeye.Pro Tip- The parking here is terrible! If you don't want your vehicle scratched, hit, or worse. Don't park in the parking garage. Trucks, SUVs, etc shouldn't be allowed. People were taking up two spots because they weren't able to fit in the Compact parking.Just park in the street and walk back down.Think some of the dishes could use some refinement and could be a hit or miss for some. Over all it's good, just not great.What were your favorites?How was your visit?Until next time!
July 05 · Stoc Ish (Stocish)Amazing. Amazing. Amazing! This was a perfect dining experience from the perfectly prepared Carnitas to the talented staff and the delightful atmosphere. Tex Mex has finally been elevated! The only downside is the price, but this is absolutely the case of getting what you paid for. 100% will be back!
May 17 · Sajeev Mehta
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