Houston's

Damn! The reviews here are negative. Now I have to take my wife somewhere else. I wish this restaurant would comment on these reviews to tell their side of the story but I guess they don't care.. I was putting gas across the street yesterday from a trip to downtown Colorado and the place smelled woodsy nice which is the reason I wanted to go in for steaks. However, from the sound of things here, it's pricey and don't want to worry about their attitude, too. more

For more than twenty years, my husband and I have both been avid diners at Houston's restaurants. Spanning... more

For more than twenty years, my husband and I have both been avid diners at Houston's restaurants. Spanning the country, we've dined in the restaura... more

I can?t believe this but Houston?s and I have broken up. I?ve been a LOYAL customer at Houston?s for the past 13 years. For the last 3 years I have been having the same meal there. Every time I go. The Thai steak and noodle salad. I have often jokingly said that if I were on death row this is what I would request. I posted a review of Houston?s (and my salad specifically) on Yelp last year. I have had people message me on Yelp saying that they went there and tried the salad as I order it and loved it so I guess I?ll have to update that review. I have been having this salad at least once a week for the past 3 years. For holidays and birthdays I receive gift cards from family and friends because they know I love the place. Last night however ? my relationship with Houston?s ended. I am insulted and heartbroken. Our server came to take our order as usual and upon my ordering the Thai steak and noodle salad minus the chives, cilantro and mint, she told me that they were no longer going to make the salad to order unless I had an allergy. It was now going to be ?premade?. But ? I could make 1 modification if I really wanted to. My husband, my good friend and I explained that there is no allergy but that?s the way I?ve always ordered it. My most hated thing in the world is onions (in any form) and they throw hundreds of those things in there. The cilantro and mint take over the whole salad and you can?t taste anything else. Shouldn?t matter because Houston?s prides itself on customer service. Years ago my husband?s steak wasn?t cooked as he requested and they brought him another one and took the whole thing off the bill. That is the service level and standard that I know Houstons to be and have come to expect. Our server last night did not share that concept and condescendingly offered me the menu to select another entr?e. I explained that I didn?t need to see a menu because I know it very well. While Houston?s has many fine selections there was nothing else I wanted to order. This is my dish. For 3 years running. She brought the manager to our table. He launched into the policies and blah blah blah. Total robot. Very disappointing. AND ? he didn?t have his ?reason? straight. He first said that it was because the Chef was unhappy that people were altering his salad so it wasn?t true to how it was originally intended because so many people were modifying (if that many people are modifying maybe it?s not perfect as it was originally intended) and then he switched horses halfway through and said that cooks were making it wrong all the time. When we asked about the ONE modification rule he said NOTHING. He just looked at us. Didn?t explain or deny or anything. He was cold and aloof and could not care less that he was losing me as a customer along with every family member, friend, out-of-towners, business partners, etc. that I bring in there. I told the manager that I was really sad but I could never return to my favorite restaurant ever again. He shrugged his shoulders. Houston?s was the go-to place. First choice. Now, Houston?s PREMAKES their salads. Maybe Houston?s has enough business and loyal customers that they feel comfortable creating this new ?policy? and alienating consumers? I asked the manager if this was going to be across the board. No special requests on anything? He said there would be a selection of items that will be PREMADE. This salad, as you know is $18. I can ask for no onions on my food at McDonald?s and they accommodate me. This is the new standard at Houston?s?? Less customer service than McDonald?s?? I ordered take out on my cell from another restaurant while we waited for our bill. Unbelievable. Disappointed cannot even come close to how I feel. I am so insulted. more

Good food. It is expensive here but worth going to once in a while. If you aren't happy with the food, the manager will always try to make you happy by bringing you another item. Some people complained about their burgers and steaks not being anything great or not having a lot of flavor-----try ordering something vegetarian and you will feel differently--the animals will appreciate it also. Houston's has the best vegetable plate with a lot of sides---there is always food to take home because they give you so much. Also, the vegetable burger is amazing--tons of flavor. Also, very good key lime pie. The staff is friendly and yes, they seem to want you to leave once you finish eating---I guess I somewhat understand. There are not a lot of tables and---they are there to earn a living so we just leave after we finish eating. Also, Houston's filters the water that they serve which you cannot find at most places. You can order really healthy food here without the hidden fats and oils that most places have. Expect to spend at least $20/person. more

I recieved a gift card awhile back from my brother to go here, so my wife and I gave it a shot. Prior to going, I read all of the reviews. I made reservations due to the recommendations by others. When we arrived on a Monday, surprisingly it was very busy. Great lighting! We were seated quickly and our drinks order came right away. I remembered one reviewer saying there were several waiters and waitresses on the ready to take your plate ect....That was true. The entire experience felt as it we were rushed to get out so the next group could eat. We were half way done with our salads and the entree arrived. NOT GOOD! We both ordered the ""Special"" which was halibut and spinach. Not impressed! Honestly, I would never go there again and would never recommend this restaurant to anyone who likes fine dining. Great lighting though;) more

Just made my last trip to Houston's. I actually love their veggie burger but my husband's soup and dinner were barely warm. After spending $75, we figured we were there about 30 minutes. The wait staff (hundreds of them) are lurking everywhere waiting for you to put your fork down so they can take your plate. I think management must tell them to move you in and out as fast as possible and they seem to enjoy doing it. Do you enjoy having your table cleared while your dinner partner is still eating?? Geesh. There's always a line so there are plenty of people who like this place. But there are waaaay too many good restaurants in Pasadena to waste 30 minutes and $75 here. Sorry Houstons. Study the slow food movement. People do enjoy spending a few minutes eating and talking after work more

I've tried cosmo's throughout Pasadena. Houston's is 5 star. Light pink (meaning not too much cheap syrup) a chilled glass and tiny little ice crystals on top of the lovely drink. It's smooth, lightly sweet, and perfect. The service is great, too. Drink and eat in the bar. It's fun, entertaining to see all the people and great service there, too. more

My husband and I went to Houston's Pasadena tonight for dinner. We love eating out and had not been to Houston's in a while. The service was terrible. We ordered our drinks, but there was no bread, no water, nothing. We waited for quite some time to even get our drinks. We then asked our waitress to please bring us some bread and water. She brought out two bread plates...but no bread. The bread came much later. In any case, we had to ask for everything and our waitress kept pushing us to order. We did and my husband orderd a very nice dinner salad to start with before our main entree was to be served. The waitress wrote this down including the choice of salad dressing. We waited, and waited and waited. No salad. Then our waitress comes back with the main entrees. I told her to return them since my huband still had not gotten his salad. Finally, the salad came. The manager came over and was very apologetic. But she did not offer to comp us for even the salad or a single drink. Guess she wasn't too sorry :) In any case, the food was good, but the service stunk. And we paid $95 for our meal. We won't be back. Good luck. more

I came here for a business meeting and was welcomed by a very professional pleasant staff. The decoration is very modern. As you walk into the entrance you are greeted by a large coy fish pod lined with large stones. The kitchen is separated by glass so you can watch the cooks while waiting for a table. The lighting is dim and maybe a little too romantic for my purpose being there, but definitely a great place to take a date. The food was fantastic. I had no idea they served sushi so I ordered a Spicy Tuna Roll and their True Atlantic Cod. The wait for food was approximately 30-45 minutes and when it arrived it was well worth the wait. If you're out with your friends or on a date and you can spare the change, this is a great place to eat. Parking was not an issue since there is ample street and a private lot. Highly recommend! more

I'm not a big fan of chains, NUT Houston is an exception. Everyone loves this place, myself included! You just know that when you go to Houston's, you'll have a great meal. One of my very favorite places to go on a date or with a group of friends. Sure you have to wait for quite a while sometimes, but once you're seated you're reminded of why everyone outside is waiting: delicious food! Hawaiian rib eye, I mean wherelse can I get that? It's so juicy and delicious, the flavors are just right. Center-cut fillet is another one of those great steaks that Houston does so well. I stuff myself silly at this place because everything just tastes homemade and great. Pros: great food, steaks, great for groups Cons: wait more

I just like dining there. I love their babyback ribs Pros: Nice atmosphere Cons: crowded sometimes more

The atmosphere here is second to none - lively but never noisy. Food is great and the wait staff is always amazing, the steaks here are very tasty Pros: Great atmosphere, great food, great service Cons: So good it's crowded all the time - reservations recommended more

My wife and I had another fantastic experience at Houston's last night. Every time we go, the food is excellent and the service is perfect. For drinks, try the Pomegranate Martini. I usually eat the Ribs, which are so tender they just fall right off the bone! And we finished with a home made key lime pie. This place can get a little noisy, but I'm sure it's just because it is always packed on the weekends. I think they take reservations now. All of the waiters are really nice and informative, last night Lance waited on us, and I recommend asking for him! Hope this review helps! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Pros: Food, Service, Drinks Cons: Noise more

Excellent friendly service. Great Traditional salad, nice steaming baked potato. Avoid Prime Rib - Mostly fat and bone, small size and medium was bloody and well-done was very pink. Better prime at Carrow's or Black Angus. Very limited beer choices. more

We used to like Houston's for the Hawaiian Ribeye, and that alone, the baked potato, and drinks rounded off a good meal. A few years ago, we went back and no Hawaiian Ribeye on the menu, to me, taking away a signature dish is like Souplantations announcing they're no longer selling salad. Pros: You can eat there they have tables and chairs Cons: But you'll be waiting a while..I recommend the Fish in the pond as an appetizer more

Houston's is one of my most favorite restaurants with an amazing chicken sandwich for lunch and knife and fork ribs... HOWEVER, there are slippery hardwood floors in the front area and around the bar that are highly waxed/polished. People walk with their beverages from the bar to their seat, spilling their drinks here and there. I am a very careful walker and I slipped and fell so hard that I had a bruise from my knee to the middle of my leg. The manager witnessed my fall and helped me up and asked if I was ok. I was told that I would be compensated with a gift card which to this day I have NEVER received. As a practicing interior designer, I advised that different flooring (something that was not as slippery when wet) would be a good idea so that others don't hurt themselves, I was told ""well, we only have about 5 people slip and fall here per month""!!!! SO HAPPY EATING.... HAPPY SLIPPING!!! Eaters beware! Hold onto the elderly! Pros: Beautiful, great location, good service and wonderful BBQ'd food. Cons: VERY SLIPPERY FLOORS- Watch out girls in heels and the elderly!! more

I try many restaurants in Pasadena and avoid Houstons like the plague (but had to go that night with another couple who ""rave""). Had the $27 pork ribs- very sweet sauce, not smoked, just smothered. Lets face it - pork ribs should be about $15-$18 maximum at a restaurant. Not $27. What surprises me is how many people are Lemmings that go there? So many other great restaurants like Parkway Grill (a few more dollars for a meal and it is cooked by a chef and not a short order cook), Cafe Bijou (great meal, great prices, good service). The service is good, I go for the food and don't care about the ""service"" and how many people say ""hi"" and fake smile when I walk in. Also their sushi prices are ridiculous- $15 for a tuna roll. Chain restaurants exist for those who have no imagination and are unable to branch out and try other restaurants. This is unfortunate given that some great family run restaurants are losing business because of this mediocre corporate entity they call a ""restaurant"". I did try the Bass and it was $30 and good, not exceptional, not a $30 piece of fish. For alot less Cafe Beaujolais has a Halibut with parmesan and orange that is out of this world, not Mediocre. As for waiting to go to this restaurant that is by far the biggest joke- if it was worth it than I would say ""sure"" lets wait but there is not a single redeemable quality about the food at the restaurant and lets face it an alcoholic drink is the same wherever you go...that is a discussion for another day.....Lemmings go out and explore Pasadena and Eagle Rock and find those little great mom and pop restaurants....don't contribute to mediocrity and ridiculous pretention that Houstons is all about!!!! Pros: nice ambiance Cons: overpriced food, quality of food is mediocre, don't know why people wait to go there more

I ate here with my husband for a ""date night"" not too long ago and we went rather early so as to make it to a show in L.A. We walked right in, it was about 5pm, so that was perfect. We were seated by a window in a booth by a thoughtful hostess and our server visited our table a few minutes later. However, the steak I ordered was bland and needed a lot of salt and although the fish my husband ordered was tasty, he didn't care for the sides that came with it. Furthermore, the server did not come back to the table to check how the food tasted for about 20 minutes. So, although my filet migon was a bit overcooked and I would never have said anything about it, it still bothered me that I wasn't asked. Also, when I ordered my salad I asked that our wine we had selected accompany our entrees. That did not happen, we did not get the wine until we were nearly finished with our entrees, so my husband and I ended up having to stay longer to finish our wine. As a result, the server asked if we could pay our tab so she could leave since it was the end of her shift. I was less then impressed. However, we still tipped 20%. Really, I believe I would have overlooked the service issues if the food was better. I will overlook a lot if the food is great. I would also like to add that this restaurant does not offer food ordered to go, not even for their salads. I tried to order a salad for one of our friends meeting us at the theater since work ran late and even though we spoke to a manager, we were declined. So, I ordered a salad to our table and then had it boxed. Pros: great for conversation since the music is played softly Cons: food a bit bland and service less then desirable more

This is my first-time message. I tried Houston's last Saturday night with a friend. First we were sat right next to the center kitchen area. We asked if we could sit somewhere else, and they led us to a table with very uncomfortable chairs. We had to sit next to three, noisy, small children. It's not very romantic. The food was okay. We ate a hamburger. It was nothing special. I don't know why it's so pricey. We're not going back. Pros: Food okay. Cons: No ambience, rude waitress. more