10/12/08

A great unique little find

by corleen

My friend and I happened across Houstons quite by accident. As we parked and walked up to the resturant the smell was intoxicating. Walking in we were promptly greeted and had a drink at the bar as we waited for a table. We were told to expect about a 20 min. wait but were ready to be seated in less than 10. The lighting is dark and cozy with touches burning throughout...what to make a good impression? Everyone looks great in this lighting. I had on a pair of jeans and a blouse and was rather casual but it did not make me feel underdressed in any way although if I had dressed up that would have been great is well. The food...omg...the steak was amazing..I think it was hickory? but the flavor was well worth it. Not a lot of extras served other than potatoes but you can add sides if your appetite desires more. What you get for the money....Ambiance...very tastefull food...great wines...and accomidating service....better wine glasses, china and silver....a nice suprise will definately go again....by the way I had the ahi salad with a side of asparagus,amazing....tantalizing treat....just what I was hoping for that night.

• Pros: if it is what you had in mind its perfect!
• Cons: not for families with small children

07/25/08

Over priced for what you get....

by topssuite

First off the food was good. Second, the price is ridiculous for what you get and over priced. A lunch for three ran $90 and to tell you the truth I could have gone to Conan's pizza which is next door for a lunch that was the equivilant in quality and service for around $12. Houston's is a fu fu joint - people go there over dressed looking and acting as if their S--- don't stink.

• Pros: Nice restaurant - clean
• Cons: Avg food at best - over priced

07/19/08

BEST BUTTER IN TOWN!

by mrbutterworth

We stopped by on a random evening to enjoy a good steak (my guest preferred a salad) and were pleasently suprised. Steak was good, the sides good. My guest's salad had tasty seared tuna with a little too much dressing, though they did love the taste. Romantic and quiet, the atmosphere was perfect for a night out on the town. However, the star of the evening, and I'm not kidding, was the butter! I would say that I am a butter 'freak' and not just your every day enjoyer of a little fat and salt mixed in yellow perfection. Houston's was the best I've had ever and is the reason I will be going back tonight. I may even sneak a bit out in my guest's purse for later.

Roomy banquettes and hefty portions typify this polished American grill that's popular for business deals and special occasions.

by Contributor

In Short
Burnished brass and stained wood complement roughly mortared brick and the occasional plant. Amid ubiquitous earth tones, corporate types and small parties (celebrating or simply living large) occupy deep booths done up in fine upholstery and lit from above by pin spotlights. Burgers, prime rib and steaks are the specialties of the house, but the menu also includes salmon, salads, pork chops and roasted chicken.

05/10/08

Excellent food; wait staff a little too uptight

by Livvy123

The steak was amazing. The Hawiian seasoned ribeye was perhaps the best seasoned steak I have ever eaten. My only complaint would be that the wait staff not take themselves quite so seriously. I am all for fine dining, but that doesn't mean the wait staff should be overly pretentious. I also don't think you need to tell people what the waiters should receive as a tip as they do on the menu. The service should make it obvious that the wait staff knows their stuff and are deserving of a good tip.

11/20/07

Great food and accurate make sure to try spinach dip!

by shaycrev

I highly recommend Houston's, I use to be a server there during my college years. Houston is consistent, everything there is made from scratch down to the ketchup! Houston's is reasonably priced when you take in mind the quality of ingredients and food they use. If the best you can come up with is they don't give free bread or salads well then maybe you should stick with chili's and different places like that who get frozen products in bulk and simply microwave there pre-made meals. There are a lot of dirty restaurants and I sure made my way around a lot of them when I was young. Houston's is the only restaurant I wouldn't be scared to lick the floor! The staff there works really hard to maintain Houston's a clean and a pleasant place, and the servers for the most part make it welcoming and are worth tipping at least 15% if not 20%!!! My advice and this is in the most honest way with out trying to be rude, is if you are cheap or don't feel you should pay for a good quality meal do not go to Houston's because you will be miserable.

• Pros: Great food and service
• Cons: Doesn't accommodate parties larger than 5

11/12/07

Great food and service

by lilly97

I have frequented Houston's for years and I am always impressed with the food and service. Their ribs are fantastic and they have fresh fish and vegetable selections every day. During the summer, they feature a hot fudge sundae that is absolutely addictive. Their service is prompt and professional and I like the consistency of great food and service.

• Pros: Great Food (recommend the ribs or any of their steaks)
• Cons: Hard to seat large parties

10/08/07

Worst Prime Rib Ever

by asatex

What a disappoinment! It is just another overpriced restaurant with little to offer and nothing unique. Far too dark - could hardly read the menu. Tables too close together and very noisy. Prime rib had no taste and what appeared to be no more than 10 ounces overpriced at $28. No salad or bread. Came only with a baked potato. Water served at room temperature. My wife asked for extra sour cream and the waiter brough her, literally, one tablespoon. And it took too long to arrive. Anothger person asked for extra butter and that took even longer. There are plenty of good restaurants in Austin. There is no need to frequent this "chain."

• Pros: NONE
• Cons: Room Dark - Overpriced - Tasteless Beef

04/16/07

Never let's us down. Fabulous Fair and Fine Dining.

by in_good_taste

Familiar faces are a plus. Hello again to James, our favorite waiter and to everyone who carefully looks after our best interests.

The Pecan Trout should surely make it to the main menu! Its buttery sauce complimented with a balsamic drizzle gives it a tangy kick. Your taste buds will shout for joy!

The French Dip is no ordinary sandwich. Piled high with sliced rare prime rib that would satisfy the meat lover in anyone!

Somedays, it's just a salad with their out of this world blue cheese dressing and a stack of those crispy skinny fries washed down with a crisp iced tea.

Thank you Houston's for always providing us with a perfectly pallet pleasing experience.

Note: As lovely as the hostesses are, we would appreciate it if you could save the snooty attitude for somewhere else. Houston's patrons should be treated like family, and you are truly the only downside to this fine dining experience.

• Pros: Outstanding Waitstaff and Quality Food Every Time.
• Cons: Hostesses Snobbish Attitude, Every Time.

11/16/06

Rediscover

by mobrad

We have rediscovered Houston's. Visited many times over the years and twice this month. Once to celebrate husband's retirement and once to celebrate daughter's birthday. The special fish with pecans reminded me of New Orleans fare. The crab cakes were outstanding. Lots of crab and little filler. Husband loved the prime rib as always. It was cooked to perfection for his taste. The waiter brought my daughter a dessert for her birthday. Nice touch. We'll be back soon.

• Pros: Consistently good dining, ample parking, nice bar