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Black Labrador

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4100 Montrose Blvd # 8 # 8
Houston, TX 77006

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(713) 529-1199
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Black Labrador - Houston, TX
Reviews
( 12 )
( 13 )
( 2 )
( 5 )
( 12 )

Best

They have the best bloody mary, I enjoy all the meals on menu, They have the best brunch on sunday and I just love this place. Great atmosphere and relaxing outdoor seating, its ...

Worst

From a true Brit. Pros: Cozy Cons: Not authentic, automatic 20% gratuity.

Always Delightful - Great Brunch 2/27/2007

My girlfriend and I live within walking distance from the lab, and this place has become one of my favorite spots to enjoy a pint and some good grub on a sunny day. The outside seating is just what you want: heavy, wrought-iron tables and chairs, plenty of sunshine, and many old oaks to provide some shade. Their brunch is one of the best kept secrets in town and goes great with a bloody mary or a mimosa from the bar. (The English Breakfast and Hobo's Breakfast are two winners) Although the service isn't perfect, I have been several times and have found the waitresses to be friendly and fairly attentive. Let's face it THIS IS A PUB - NOT SULLIVANS!! So for those who have problems with the service, lighten up and enjoy the day. I will definitely be strolling back to the black lab next time the sun is out! Pros: outside seating, nice atmosphere, good location, great brunch Cons: none yet more
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Good English Food, Cozy Atmosphere, but the parking is awful 2/15/2007

Bangers and mash,, and sherpard pie are great. We went in afternoon, place was empty, had a good waitress, nice bar wish I still drank. Put the parking is TERRIBLE, AWFUL AND EVERY OTHER BAD WORD YOU CAN THINK OF. I would never go when busy have to park in Conroe to get a spot. Take a cab or have a friend drop you off. Pros: food atmosphere Cons: parking is not existant more
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Quiet? 11/5/2006

On a Thursday night the place was nearly empty. Very surprised. Seemed like a great place that should have a bigger crowd. more
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English ex pat votes this a favorite! 9/16/2006

My new wife and I tried this pub after a horrible experience at The Red Lion on our last date before we went to London and tied the knot. The Black Lab is stellar in comparison. The atmosphere was charming, the location looks amazing outside, the food was spot on, and the service was top notch. Best of all, no drunk and leering owner salivating as he gazed at my wifes chest! A warm and welcoming spot with loads more class due to better ownership, I'm sure! Love the Lab! more
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Great place for jazz and dessert! 1/15/2006

I brought Eight Friends Out to Cezanne, the jazz bar upstairs from the Black Lab Pub. We got there early (8-ish) to be able to mingle before the band, my beloved Bopmeisters, joined us to entertain us. I had about 35 EFO members who love jazz, and we got to enjoy the Black Lab's famous British desserts--English trifle and bread pudding, huge dishes big enough to be a meal and smothered in whipped cream. The chocolate dessert was the only thing that looked a bit skimpy. My members drank wine, beer, and Irish coffees. Bill the bartender and our waitress really hustled for us. This is a favorite old hang out of mine, and still has the charm, the flavor, and most of all, the great jazz players. Pros: Great desserts, Intimate setting, Parking Cons: Crowded, No reservations more
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User review by samueltaddy 10/18/2005

good food. cute waitstaff. cold drinks. ALLRIGHT!!! I found a good place. Pros: kneesocks, beer, waitstaff Cons: nosmoking more
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checkmate 9/16/2005

With its cute chessboard and britsh american food ths resturant offers the best of two worlds. It has great soup and salads and an extensive beer list(modestly priced). try their take on the triffle, you will think about it for days. Pros: service, decor, relaxed environment Cons: non smoking more
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What Happened to the Labrador 7/24/2005

The management need to clean house and address the staffing problems at this establishment.I used to be a regular and the food and service have slowly deteriorated to the point that I will never be a customer again.The food used to be above average ,but on the last two visits the vegetables were under cooked, and the steak pie was lacking in steak.The worst thing is the service which has become none existant.I really used to enjoy this place and have returned to give them the benefit of the doubt,because anyone can have a bad day.My last three visits here have been terrible .Never again! Pros: Decor Cons: High prices, Poor food, Terrible Service more
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Expensive beers, nice pub 3/11/2005

Lovely pub interior, not smoky, nice and clean, not too loud and all in all, very civilised and British! HOWEVER drinks are expensive!! Haven't tried the food yet so can't comment on that. Pros: authentic British pub, quiet Cons: pricey pints more
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Black Lab declining? 2/5/2005

I have been coming to Black Lab for 4 years now, and have to say each time I come it has gotten worse. Certainly not because of the food, but by the service. I've never had an issue with the hostesses, and have always been seated promptly. However each time, my experience with the wait staff has been worse and worse. It started once with waiting for the bill for 20 minutes one time and unable to signal our absent server (we had to flag down another), and now countless times waiting for waitress to come and take our drink order after we are seated, or taking the drink order then never bringing them. The last such occurence I looked for our waitress, and she was chatting with another waitress for 10 minutes while my date and I were waiting to order. Pros: Food, dessert! Cons: Service more
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Poor...Poor...Poor 10/19/2004

This was the first and ONLY time I will go to this establishment. The service is TERRIBLE. I can't say anything about the food because we never ate. After 40 minutes, they brought us the wrong food. When we asked for it to be corrected, the waitress stomped off and returned with the same food (only with the things we do not want scrapped off) and said rudely ""Here is THAT better."" I have NEVER has such rude and POOR cunstomer service. When we requested to speak to a manager, he just said we would not need to pay for the food...Of COURSE NOT...IT WAS WRONG. Never once did the server (stating that loosly) or the Management appoligize for the RUDE service. I would NOT recommend this place. Cons: , Management more
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I love this place 10/7/2004

I LOVE the atmosphere. To me, it makes up for a lot of sins. Sure, the service is often lacking. Lately they do seem to be aware of that and getting a bit more attentive. Parking isn't an issue - there's covered parking in the back, and lots of parking on the side streets. My favorite is the Welsh Walnut Salad with chicken. My husband enjoys being able to smoke a cigar on the fireplace-side of the bar. And don't forget the after-dinner single-malt scotch. We've had two surprise birthday gatherings there - and another one coming up. There's plenty of room outside for bringing tables together, if it isn't their peak time. Pros: atmosphere, Welsh Walnut Salad more
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Score one for Man U! 6/24/2004

My husband and I have frequented this restaurant for going on 4 years now. We have never had a bad experience. The atomosphere is amazing, the waitstaff, while sometimes MIA, is generally pleasant, and the food..oh my, the food! The Black Lab Chicken and Cheese soup is to die for. Also try the Scotched Beef and Plowman's lunch. And you MUST finish with the Raspberry Trifle. Enjoy Guinness on tap and a fair selection of wines. Pros: Amazing atomosphere, Great food, decent price more
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SIT AT THE BAR!!! 3/21/2004

I've given the Black Lab a dozen shots at pleasing me, and until recently it has failed every time. The food is great, the single malt scotch menu is good, and the beer selection needs a little work... for a pub. The major problem was the service. The waitstaff were usually MIA, rude, and generally not helpful. Often I was unable to track down my waitress to get menus, order drinks, order food, etc. Then it hit me, sit at the bar. I ate at the bar, had some drinks, chatted with the bartenders (who were very friendly and entertaining), and had a great evening. If you are going to dine at the Black Lab, SIT AT THE BAR. Seriously. Pros: Fun Bartenders, Food Quality, Pub Atmosphere Cons: Service more
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JUST AWFUL 11/4/2003

My boyfriend and I just returned from a horrendous meal at the Black Lab. Not only do I agree with all the other Citysearch readers who have commented about the service (or lack thereof), but tonight really topped it off. OUR WAITRESS DUMPED AN ENTIRE TUB OF SOUR CREAM INTO MY PURSE! After looking somewhat shocked and making feeble excuses for an apology, she offered to pay for cleaning the suede out of pocket, as the manager would not do anything about it. Of course, I did not accept her offer. The manager took 5% off the cost of our $35 meal as ""compensation."" Even though my boyfriend usually enjoys the food here, we will NEVER return! Cons: waitstaff, management, incompetence more
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Solid food; horrible service 7/28/2003

We frequent the Black Lab for its comfort food and atmosphere. Most of the menu offerings are reliable, from the fairly authentic British favorites to the local Tex-Mex fare. Service is another story. The hostesses are always absent, often rude, and never timely. Expect to wait at least 15 minutes for a table, even if the restaurant is empty. The waitresses are no better --- they stand around, chatting amongst themselves, while customers' food orders grow cold in the kitchen. Water glasses are never refilled; beer orders are often forgotten; the bill takes seemingly forever to arrive at the end of the meal. In sum, if you are laid-back and looking for a (very) leisurely dining experience and good comfort food, the Black Lab is a good choice. If you are in a hurry, or need constant service attention, this is not the place for you. Pros: Comfort food, Relaxing atmosphere Cons: Slow service, Pricey more
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Moving on up! 7/6/2003

I was horrified to read the responses to the Black Lab! I have been a regular customer for awhile now and have enjoyed it tremendously! Sure, the hostess needs a little work, but the wait staff has always been VERY friendly! (Beautiful, too) I recommend the baked brie and English Herb Chicken. Give this restaurant a try-it really has great service! Pros: good service, good food, good chess more
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Not good... 5/11/2003

Service was horrible. After a 15 minute wait w/ no service, I had to go to the front to ask for a waiter. Don't be fooled by the ""hot bacon dressing"". It's more like room temp, grease trap leftover. Cold, lumpy, tasteless. Second time I've been there, and clearly the waiters have no training, the manger doesn't care and the owner is absentee. more
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Fair-Weather Food 2/3/2003

I've been going to the Black Lab for years -- the food is constantly delicious, the atmosphere relaxing and conducive to a long stay with friends, and the location is beautiful and convenient to the great museum district. However, the waitstaff and hostesses have always been lacking (that's being nice). They always seem to be off in their own little worlds, and your patronage of the restaurant apparently interrupts their little lives. The food is a bit pricey, and if it weren't for that and the pitiful service, I would give it a full 10. Pros: authentic food, great atmosphere Cons: crappy parking, even worse service more
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Fireplace, Pints & Great Food! 1/8/2003

Last night was my first time at the Black Lab. This place is exactly what I have been searching for in Houston. The crackling fireplace, the old world feel, the pints of beer and everyone was so laid back and friendly. I didn't even realized they served food. The spinach dip was amazing, the Shepherds' pie was so good. This is an absolute find!!! Pros: Atmosphere, Food, hidden more
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Menu for Black Labrador


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Editorial

  • The Scene
    This cozy English pub is perfect for enjoying a pint of ale, a game of darts and a bite to eat. On the patio, a human-size chessboard is designed into the pavement and is even...

  • 2/9/2007 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Monday To Thursday From 11:00 AM To 11:00 PM Friday To Saturday From 11:00 AM To 12:00 AM Sunday From 11:00 AM To 10:00 PM
  • Payments: Visa, Discover, Master Card, American Express
  • Neighborhoods: Neartown/ Montrose, Central
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