It's always busy, even in midafternoon, and now we know why. This upscale American chain does everything just right, from excellent steaks to melt-in-your-mouth pork ribs and inventive starters, such as the New Mexico City-style soup (which is served on Sundays only). Don't skip the salads, which are outstanding. Many of the entrées come with delectable skins-on, thin-cut french fries sprinkled with seasoning salt. This is a perfect place to take finicky friends; the menu has a few nods to the adventurous but amply satisfies the discriminating carnivore. Clubby, wood-paneled surroundings and polished service. The only drawback--and it's a significant one, given the crowds--is the no-reservations policy.
Excellent food: the Hawaiian rib eye [and when you can get it the Rutherford steak, my favorite] as well as the salmon starter or the [again when they have it in] roasted artichokes and the club salad are all spectacular choices as is their key lime pie. Service is usually impeccable and is knowledgeable and well trained to keep that "I am here for you but I am going to leave you alone enough to enjoy yourselves" flow to fine dining. This is the type of place to take a date or have a relaxing evening with a loved one. This is not the type of place for children, the quality of the place in my opinion would be lost on anyone under the age of 15, so get a nanny and enjoy yourselves the two of you.
I have been to this Houston's many times over the last year. And until this last time, the above held true in every respect. However, this time, I came away with a not so great taste in my mouth, and it was not because my steak was cold, which it was. The waiter was arrogant in the extreme, talking down to us. The timing of the food was wrong in that we had just started the appetizer when the salads came, along with the sauces for our entrees to come later and we had to ask that they be removed and held until we actually should have had them. When the main course arrived, both steaks were overdone and lukewarm. The plate was even cold. When we asked to speak to the manager, the waiter looked aghast that we would dare. But to Houston's credit the managers [2 of them came to talk to us], fixed the problem for us and the second time around the steaks came out as they are supposed to and how we had come to expect them.
I and my partner will be return, but it might be awhile before we venture back.
Review by kiki723
Overall:
This has always been my favorite restaurant. So, it only makes sense that I would want to have my birthday dinner there. They couldn't accomodate me at all. No parties larger than 5 people can sit together. They can't move tables for you. You can't make reservations. They don't make a drink as simple as an apple martini and if someone comes in late who's in your party, they can't be served. I just left and went to Mi Cocina where they were very willing and able to accomodate my requests. I was very disappointed in such a wonderful restaurant. I haven't been back nor do I have the desire to anytime in the near future.
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