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There's no party food like Tex-Mex food. Favorites like queso, guacamole and quesadillas have become a kind of shorthand for hors d'oeuvres at any kind of festivity ranging from birthday celebrations to Super Bowl parties.
One place that really knows this kind of party fare is Cabo Mix-Mex Grill on Westheimer, where everything is served up in a wild party atmosphere that's the perfect setting for groups of all sizes.
Located in the heart of the Montrose district, this is the newest of three Cabo locations. Each has been strategically positioned around town in areas convenient for young Houstonians to go and have a good time, such as Downtown and the Richmond strip. All three locations have their own loyal clientele of club goers and bar hoppers.
“You don't see too many people coming in here having a bad time,” said server Thomas Holmes. “It's just a very laid-back atmosphere, people come in here to relax and have a great time.”
The style of food here is described as “Mix-Mex,” meaning a union of Tex-Mex and Mexican traditions blended with the distinct inspirations of South and Central American cuisine.
Yucatan and Southwestern influences round out the exotic influences that make some menu items more exciting than those found in conventional Tex-Mex restaurants.
The largest section on the menu offers fun finger foods ideal for grazing on while socializing and knocking back a few drinks.
Chicken tamales with chipotle mango sauce, ($4.95) and spicy, tomato-based ceviche ($6.25) are some of the tastier options. With appetizers being among the most popular items on the menu, it's not uncommon to see tables ordering several plates of them as entrees.
Tex-Mex standbys like burritos and chicken enchiladas make up a large part of the selection of entrees. However, the menu has interesting options that reflect the “Mix-Mex” spirit, like grilled mahi-mahi ($10.95), or a torta-style sandwich of habanero-infused shrimp served with fried plantains ($7.95).
The outlandish interior features flashy, attention-grabbing elements, many of them handcrafted by local artists. The spacious, curving tan leather banquettes that line the walls dominate the room, making up the bulk of the seating space.
Polished industrial-style diamond plate aluminum tabletops are a Cabo signature, as are the aluminum swordfish hanging on the walls. In the middle of the dining area, startling aluminum palm trees draw the eye up to the enormous mermaid mural on the ceiling done by Houston artist Jim Tripp.
Sunday brunch is a big attraction here, drawing in regulars who come for the fajitas, the drink specials and the thunderous disco music provided by a live disc jockey.
Even though the newest outpost of Cabo Mix-Mex Grill has only been open a month, it has quickly become a popular place to gather for weekday happy hour or for brunch on a Sunday afternoon in the Montrose district.
Whether you're there for an informal lunch or for appetizers and a round of drinks, there is never a dull moment at Cabo.
Cabo Mix-Mex Grill
11312 Westheimer Rd.
The verdict: Cabo's party atmosphere is ideal for socializing and snacking on imaginative fare.
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