The Horse & the Turtle

Discover authentic Uruguayan flavors at The Horse & the Turtle in Houston. Enjoy delicious chivito, empanadas, milanesa, sandwiches, and baked goods in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for food lovers seeking traditional folk customs and exceptional service.

Welcome to The Horse & the Turtle

Taste the Difference.

The Horse & the Turtle
The Horse & the Turtle
The Horse & the Turtle
The Horse & the Turtle

Nestled in the heart of Houston at 6776 Southwest Fwy Ste 101, The Horse & the Turtle invites food lovers to experience Uruguayan cuisine like never before. This vibrant spot stands as a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Uruguay, captivating locals and visitors alike. Picture yourself savoring a classic chivito, bursting with flavors and cooked to perfection, or indulging in crispy empanadas packed with savory fillings. From early morning to afternoon, the restaurant buzzes with energy and tantalizing aromas, creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming and homey. Whether you're dining solo or gathering with friends, The Horse & the Turtle offers a delightful escape into Uruguay's culinary heart, right here in Houston.

Directions & Reservations

Plan Your Visit

Address

6776 Southwest Fwy Ste 101, Houston, TX 77074, United States

Phone

+1 832-335-7434

Social Media

About

The Culinary Story

The Horse & the Turtle
The Horse & the Turtle
The Horse & the Turtle
The Horse & the Turtle

The Horse & the Turtle embraces the essence of Uruguayan culture, prioritizing fresh ingredients and authentic recipes. The effort to create a warm, inviting atmosphere reflects the spirit of Uruguay, where mealtimes are opportunities to gather with loved ones and share stories.

A significant highlight is the chivito, a sandwich hailing from Uruguay. While you can find sandwiches in many cultures, the chivito stands out with its layers of flavor and hearty components. This dish, often dubbed as the national dish of Uruguay, is presented in a way that transforms a simple meal into a festive feast. Visitors often rave about the quality of the milanesa as well, deep-fried to golden perfection, creating a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with fresh salads.

Empanadas here are plentiful, showcasing creativity and variety that keeps customers coming back for more. Each bite delivers a taste of tradition, bringing the folk customs of Uruguay to the table. Seasonal desserts like milhojas and canon sweeten the meal, inviting guests to indulge in their sweet tooth.

Located near an office building, The Horse & the Turtle attracts a diverse crowd, from busy professionals on lunch breaks to families enjoying a weekend outing. The peak times typically see the restaurant at full capacity, but visiting outside the rush offers a more relaxed experience. With a keen following and a vibrant scene, it's not just a restaurant; it is a culinary hub fostering community and connection. It's easy to see why Tuesday lunchtimes reach a full capacity of excitement.

Work Hours

Availability and Service Times

  • SundayClosed
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday10 AM-6 PM
  • Wednesday10 AM-6 PM
  • Thursday9 AM-6 PM
  • Friday9 AM-6 PM
  • Saturday8 AM-2 PM

The Horse & the Turtle boasts a robust menu encompassing various Uruguayan specialties. The star of the show is undoubtedly the chivito, a hearty sandstone packed with grilled beef, ham, cheese, and fresh toppings. The empanadas, filled with everything from ground beef to chicken, are perfect for a light bite or to share around the table. Don't forget to explore the pasta selections, including spaghetti with meatballs that warms the soul.

The ambiance reflects a blend of rustic charm with modern touches, making it a delightful setting for both casual lunches and special dinners.

Additionally, the restaurant's commitment to outstanding service sets it apart. Staff are attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring every guest feels valued, as if they are part of a community rather than just a customer. With baked goods on display and folk customs celebrated through food, every visit to The Horse & the Turtle becomes a memorable experience.

The Horse & the Turtle

From the moment you approach The Horse & the Turtle, the inviting exterior draws you in. The restaurant's signage is colorful, echoing the vibrant culture of Uruguay, encouraging curiosity about what's inside. A small outdoor seating area provides a charming spot for those who prefer to enjoy their meal al fresco, especially during the pleasant Houston evenings.

The vibe within is lively yet relaxed, reflecting the spirit of Uruguay's approach to food and friendship. Every element contributes to an experience that feels both welcoming and familiar, making it an ideal spot to gather with friends or take a pause during a busy day.

Guestbook & Reviews

Experience Through Their Eyes

I come to Hillcroft all the time for Indian food and shopping, and randomly saw this on Google Maps and decided to go. I was a little bit confused when it led me to what looks like an office building, but went inside. Tucked around the corner from the front door is this unassuming cafe! Walking in with a friend, the owner welcomed us and made small talk. You could see him cooking in the back. Within a matter of minutes our food came out, and it was delicious! My friend got a Chivito, and it was HUGE!! He very much enjoyed it. I got a beef milanese, and was thoroughly satisfied! It seemed by the time we walked in most of the baked goods were gone. So yeah...the sandwhiches hit hard! And I'll probably will be back for what seem like delectable baked goods.

C
Caleb V.

This small, no-frills Uruguayan spot is a hidden gem. While the atmosphere is modest, the focus is entirely on the food, which is fresh and bursting with flavor. The portions are incredibly generous, and the milanesa sandwich is a must-try. Come here for a delicious, hearty meal, not for luxury.

J
Jorge M.

We saw all the great reviews and had to give them a try....glad we did. We enjoyed a couple ground beef empanadas and one chicken. You can get them baked or fried, we went with fried....yum! The crust was crisp and the innards were tender and full of flavor. Both of our empanadas came with a dipping sauce/chimichurri that was very good. We've eaten quite a few empanadas from different parts of South and Central America and these were up there with the best. The young man that owns the place is originally from Uruguay and grew up in Italy and he's very nice.

t
thc p.

We tried the empanada -- it was decent. The gnocchi were great, and the Chivito sandwich was excellent (worth the $28). Just a heads-up: prices aren't cheap, and service is limited since the owner is running the place solo, so plan to take your time. That said, the food is worth the wait. Don't miss the desserts -- both the Limoncello and Tiramisu cakes were outstanding. The alfajores, however, were a bit underwhelming.

O
O S.

In an unassuming office building dwells the massive Chivito sandwich. Steak,ham, bacon, mushrooms,olives,cheese,lettuce and tomato work together in this Uruguayan belly buster.

A
Andres B.

Super chill vibe and yummy food. The milenesa plate was amazing!

M
Mariah G.