Las Cuevas is a Brazilian Steakhouse ( churrascarias ) located inside Xcaret Hotel. Unlike all other restaurants I've been to, this one is located in a cave. A walk through some paved paths that takes you through heavy foliage and over a bridge, finally going down a flight of stairs that's lit by candles and you'll see the glass door entrance.
By 6:30, the opening time, there's already a line outside. Once inside, a host/hostess will take you to your table and introduce your server. Like other churrascarias, there's a block tat you flip to green or red to signal if you're ready for more food or not. But Las Cuevas also has several prepared food stations and an outside grill where you can get some cuts not found inside, like lamb, brisket, beef ribs. At the counter if the outside grill, there's a bowl of Brazilian crickets, which isn't bad actually.
The stations have gourmet cheeses, olives, smoked cured meats, salads, soups and more. The foods that come around on the skewer include pacahna, NY steak, ribeye, pork ribs, sausages, chicken, garlic rolls, pineapple and more, about 15 different choices. Some meats were better than others, just as some textures were better than others.
Our server Armando offered impeccable service, something that I wish most restaurants would adopt. He even enticed us to get dessert.
My only issue is it's hot in there, but being in Mexico, in a cave, there's not much they can do so it's more of my own discomfort.
Overall, Las Cuevas is worth a visit. Just ask for directions, follow the signs and arrive early to avoid a lengthy wait. read more