If you’re looking for something a little different from the local culinary scene, Casa Chloe is ready to fill that gap by offering a heartfelt taste of Mexico’s diverse culinary traditions with a Fredericksburg flair.
Casa Chloe may be new to Fredericksburg, but the dream behind it has been simmering for over two decades. In fact, the seed was planted years before when owner Bow Carpenter purchased some striking mule deer horns in Sonora, Mexico during a hunting trip. “I remember saying some day I’m going to have a Mexican food restaurant and hang these horns in the restaurant, and I did. I kept my word,” Bow said.
The years-long dream of opening an authentic Mexican restaurant and bar was finally realized when a charming building, a historic home, went up for sale. Some might even say the stars aligned just as Bow envisioned.
“I put it off and put it off. Then this property came on the market here in Fredericksburg—it was an old flower shop. Hadn’t been used in years. I was able to purchase it, and it took probably three to four months to start construction,” he shared. It came in handy that Bow also owns a construction company called Central Texas Company, which put him in a good position to oversee the renovations.
Interestingly, food seems to be a shared love language of the Carpenter family, with his youngest son, Holden Carpenter, being the chef of Casa Chloe and his eldest son, Houston Carpenter, who owns and operates several popular restaurants with his wife and partner, Emily Carpenter, in San Antonio, including Little Em’s Oyster Bar in Southtown.
Since opening Casa Chloe’s doors in late October, Bow has been a familiar face in the dining room. “I like being there and meeting people. I check on them, talk to each table. I’ve made a lot of friends already.”
Casa Chloe offers traditional Mexican cuisine—decidedly not Tex-Mex—in an upscale atmosphere. “Every dish that comes out of that kitchen is spot on,” Bow said confidently. Roughly a third to half of the recipes come from his own ranch in Sonora, Mexico.
His love for Mexico goes back to a childhood trip with his father. “When I was about 10 years old, we went deep into Mexico… I’ll never forget that trip. It opened my mind to Mexico, made me want more of it. So I’ve been going to Mexico for years,” he explained.
Eventually, Bow purchased his own ranch, known as Rancho Bendito (located just 13 miles from the Sea of Cortez), where he’s planted 4,400 bacanora plants—a tequila-like spirit native to Sonora.
“We have a distillery down there already selected. When the time comes, we’ll harvest, get it bottled and bring it into the U.S.,” he said. “It’s not new, but it’s new to the American public, and it makes great margaritas.”
The ranch also inspired several dishes currently on Casa Chloe’s menu. “The ribeye tacos came from down at the ranch. The way they prepare it and serve it… I would say three or four of the dishes came from Rancho Bendito, which means blessed,” he noted.
But Casa Chloe’s menu is equally rooted in family and community. One standout dish, the beef chile relleno, was inspired by his cook, Blanca, who works in one of his kitchens here in Fredericksburg. “We use poblano peppers, and we cook down the hamburger beef. With the seasoning and how we fry it in an egg white batter, and then top it off… it’s cooked to perfection. They’re just so good.”
Chef Holden Carpenter, who helms the kitchen, elevates the signature relleno dish with a beautiful flower garnish. Although he has no formal culinary training, his palate and hands-on experience are leading the way. “Holden’s been cooking for the last 10 or 11 years. He understands seasonings and peppers, which is so important in Mexican cuisine. He’s really got a good palate and he’s learning every day,” Bow added.
In recent months, Chef Holden has hosted pop-ups on the patio, including smash burgers and crawfish boils, so keep an eye out for future special events. Bow is also proud of the restaurant’s nachos, which is a personal favorite he brought to the menu—served three to an order, using either smoked chicken or brisket.
“For years, I’d be home and get a craving for nachos, so I’d make my own. Every one I’ve served them to has said, ‘Oh, my god!’ They’re very good,” he beamed.
Although Casa Chloe is more refined than what folks are used to from a typical Mexican restaurant, it’s also very welcoming. “We are kid-friendly, but if parents want to bring kids in they should expect more of an upscale dining experience with superior food, not touristy. You normally just don’t see a lot of fine dining Mexican restaurants like ours,” he said.
The space reflects this intention with an elegant dining room and bar complete with dark wood tables, leather seats, beautiful artwork and lighting, as well as exposed ceiling beams. The outdoor patio and bar, which also features a separate air-conditioned dining room for private parties, is an ideal space to unwind on warm summer nights with family and friends.
The name Casa Chloe is actually a tribute to Bow’s mother. “Chloe was my mother’s nickname, so I wanted to do something with her name,” he explained. “She was quite a woman, old school. She raised four boys, and she always told me to have as few regrets in life as possible. I’ll never forget that.”
If Bow had a motto, it might just be: “No regrets.” Words to live by and words which ring true after each and every bite at Casa Chloe.
Casa Chloe
Open seven days a week,
with the kitchen serving 5-9 pm
Bar open 4-10 pm
Live music often featured on Friday & Saturday nights.
casachloetx.com