Taste of Texas

Dined here last night for my daughter’s graduation. We were treated like royalty! Food and service was exceptional!
It was worth every penny!

So glad I got to dine here for my friend’s birthday. They have the best salad bar at a steakhouse ever! Their bread and butter selections are so good!
For entreé, I ended up getting the beef tenderloin salad because I was in a mood for a nice, refreshing salad with some meat and shrimp on the side because I wasn’t in the mood for a big, hearty slab of meat. Those calories add up, man. My salad turned out to be very delicious. Then my boyfriend ended up getting the 16oz New York Strip steak and maannnn, that thing had so much garlic butter smeared, it looked very tasty.
I didn’t end up finishing my food, as always, so I packed it to-​go and ordered some desserts. I got the Slice of Heaven and my friend got the Cheesecake and it looked like the cheesecake wasn’t that important because they didn’t finish it but the Slice of Heaven was pretty tasty and they liked it.
Since it was my friend’s bday we sang happy birthday and they took a picture of us then gave us each a little greeting card saying thank you for dining with them. Wow that’s southern hospitality right there.
Definitely coming back to try a hearty steak this time!

We LOVE this place! Excellent service, prices, and food quality. The salad bar is amazing! This is our go to place for a quick and healthy lunch or a nice steak dinner. I usually just get the salad bar at dinner and add a soup for a few dollars and it fills me up quite well. The bread at the salad bar is great as well.

Both of the times I came here were for a birthday dinner. Before this I really did not enjoy eating steak as much as I do now. My friends raved about this place and I pretty much have to agree with what they were saying.
Service is excellent. If you go on your birthday, you’ll get a free printed out photo of you and your party, as well as a free dessert!
I got the center cut filet with garlic butter which comes with a side and a trip to the salad bar. The meat is so tender and flavorful… Yumz. Craving it right now. My personal favorite side is the Mac and cheese. So yummy and oozing of cheeeeeesiness.

Valentina was great! The service exceptional!!! love their salad bar and potato soup!!!

Awesome service or my 31^st anniversary. See you next year! Service was excellent. Food was perfectly prepared.

This is a full dining experience. We out of towners got to experience real Texas hospitality, and the food was excellent!
We chose our own steaks, tried the quail appetizer, and polished everything off with the snickers cheesecake. Then we didn’t eat for 24h we were so full!

My mother and I dined here one day during the week. Soon after they opened it seemed they were immediately swamped as we went during lunch hours. I believe it may be best to make reservations prior to arriving otherwise you may have to wait, especially if its a large party. We both ordered the pecan crusted grilled chicken, which was stuffed with spinach and came with green beans and rice pilaf. It also came with a salad and complimentary rolls. The salad bar is a ‘fix it yourself’. Everything was fresh and neatly put. The food was amazing, the salad was amazing and the service was superb. Our serve was great also! In fact, after we finished eating the manager came out to shake our hands and see how much we enjoyed our meals. Very kind and rare. This is hidden gem that our city is blessed to have. I would definitely return!

Something for everyone!
What a great concept! In business over 35yrs… we now know why!
Great family environment! Great for parties or groups…
Great food & great options for vegetarians as well!
Warm interior, decorated w lots of wood… homey feel. Very friendly staff!
Rafael, our server, was well versed in all the offerings and very kind.
Make it your business to visit a Taste of Texas — you will not be disappointed!
your constant companion,
~deirdra

Ridiculously expensive. $ 20 for two beers with tax and tip. The salad bar is «included» which basically means it’s priced into the cost of you steak.
The steak was good, but contrary to the opinion of other reviewers, they are not cooked correctly. There are grill marks — for show. What makes a good steak is a nice, dark, browned, crispy exterior, the «maillard reactions» (browning, carmelization) that makes grilled, fried, or otherwise browned foods so good. This is true whether the steak is rare, or well-​done — the exterior should always have a nice dark crust. These steaks had very little of that, just grill marks, despite being served on a hot metal plate shaped like a cow that I guess is supposed to keep the steak warm and imply that it’s sizzling hot. It is not, however, hot enough to crisp the exterior, and only hot enough to continue cooking the interior of the steak to the desired internal temperature.
This seems like a place for families and non-​foodies to have a «fancy» dinner. The salad bar was good. But the price for what I ate was just outrageous. I’ve been to good restaurants where I could have gotten two steak dinners, with a better cooked steak, for the price that I paid for this one dinner.

I always thought of Taste of Texas as being way too expensive to ever eat at.
We decided to hit it up for lunch, thinking the lunch menu would be cheaper.
Nope​.no lunch menu. Just as expensive as ever.
So I opted for the smallest cut of prime rib (which was still ~$ 30).
The salad bar trip the meal comes with is awesome. Don’t forget to get rolls/​bread/​butter/​etc.
The prime rib was good, but I’ve had prime rib at a lot of places and it did not make me feel it was so much better than any other place I’ve had it for (for $~10-​$ 15 less).
The service on the other hand was really annoying.
Upon walking in there was almost literally a wall of 20+ servers waiting for people to come into the restaurant to be served. This is great and all, but I don’t want to see them all, go hide somewhere. I don’t like feeling like I’m having to say excuse me to employees when walking into a restaurant.
After were seated, no less than 4 different people came to the table to greet, or drop off, or rearrange something on the table in the first five minutes we were there.
After placing our order and sitting back down from our salad bar excursion, we were interrupted by people «just checking» on us, no less than once every 5 minutes. Seriously. This is too much. Between conversation being interrupted constantly to having to answer different people about if we needed more water or something was just too much.
I know it sounds like I’m complaining we got too much service, which is not the case, we were simply bugged in between getting good service. Way annoying.
I know someone is going to say I should have tried a $ 100 steak or something to have really gotten the experience, but the fact is for two people eating the smallest cut of prime rib, mid-​day at lunch it still cost $ 115. So… I still think I should have really felt impressed and awed by the food at the price, and instead left wondering what all the fuss is about.

So after much discussion and picture viewing of the steaks here, I decided it was time to pay a visit again! I went here when I was in high school, which meant I didn’t know better on what to get, and I probably got the cheapest thing here. This trip, I splurged a little because of a birthday occasion. (Complimentary dessert for special occasions!)
–Wait time: Wasn’t bad on a Friday night around 7pm. The wait was 30 – 40 mins and we had drinks at the bar with their complimentary popcorn, chips and sodas.
–Service: Our waiter, Michael, was a sweet heart! He definitely was the realest of the real when it came to really enduring our experience. From encouraging us to at least visit the meat area to pick our cut since it was my boyfriend’s first time, to no shame in asking for to-​go boxes, even for our leftover bread! Entrees come with an all you can eat, which was awesome, but I didn’t want to fill up on it.
STEAKS:
–Cowboy: This steak was huge… I picked the cut that had a medium amount of marble. I ordered medium rare — rare, since I feel the medium rare is too cooked while the rare isn’t cooked enough. Man… I don’t usually eat the fat on my steak… but it was to die for. Did I mention I also got garlic butter on it? The amount they gave me was amazing… I almost wished I had more because it was heavenly. I don’t think I’m a steak snob, so my opinion on the meat itself isn’t very knowledgeable, but I’ll tell you that butter and steak combo= excellent.
–Tomahawk: This steak was massive and a beauty to look at. The boyfriend got his steak medium rare with lemon pepper and garlic butter. I wished they put more garlic butter on his, but I had some to spare so I gave him some of mine. Again, we are not steak snobs, but he thoroughly enjoyed it.
Sides:
–Mac and Cheese: This was probably the most below averaged mac and cheese I have ever had. Usually steak venues have amazing mac and cheese… I can almost say that the mac and cheese that use to be served in my high school cafeteria was better than this mac and cheese. DON’T GET IT.
–Steak Fries: Nothing special. At all.
Dessert:
The sample trio: Such a deal. We got key lime pie, vanilla bean crème brûlée and snicker cheesecake. Desserts were awesome and I advice everyone to try it. Crème Brûlée was my favorite.
Overall, besides the sides being a huge disappointment, steaks were delicious. Would I come back? Yes, for a special occasion I definitely would! I was recommended some other entrees that I will definitely look into.

This is exactly what my husband and I wanted to find in Texas… a one of a kind Steakhouse that’s feels, well, like Texas. We picked out our own steaks and took a picture with the bear and everything. It was very touristy of us. The server was very sweet. The food was very good. The portions were large.

Underwhelmed. Let me explain…
I have been wanting to come here for a while and just haven’t for one reason or another. I love eating out but am not a big steak eater even though I do it from time to time. Normally when I go out to eat my first or second or third thought is not where can I go for a good steak.
An opportunity presented itself last week that made me think of going here and I did. It was a Tuesday night and was pleased that the wait for a table was only about 5 minutes because I had read other reviews about waiting…
I like the décor of this place. It looks like a Texas steakhouse and is nicely decorated in that vein. After reviewing the menu and even though they offer other entrees than steak I decided to go with the NY Strip with a side of mushrooms. Looking forward to the salad I was very pleased with what I saw and ate. It is one of the better salad bars that I have visited in a while with all of the extras that you would want (5). Also their bread options were very good too.
I really liked the salad and bread. About 15 – 20 minutes after ordering the steak and shrooms showed up and looked very good. A big 16 oz piece of meat. I started with that first and after eating a couple of bites thought it was average. Actually as I continued to eat it I though that it was a little tough and in some cases extra chewy due to some sinew and or pieces of fat. I hate to say this but the steak underwhelmed me. Had I been at a inexpensive steak house I would have understood but this was a $ 43 steak and should have been better. I have to give it a 2.5 because a 3 would not be fair for a place like this. The mushrooms were very good with a lot of flavor with a beef accent (4).
Also my service was very good and professional (4).
As you can see everything was very good or better except for the most important part – the steak. Perhaps I just got unlucky but I have to report what I experienced. That’s why I am going to average everything out to a 3. I would go back one more time for another chance though i don’t know how soon.

5 stars and this is why…
This is officially my ultimate favorite place to eat in Houston! Just pulling up to the restaurant has a major grand entrance. Ample parking always available. Depending on when you go there may be a wait. Usually on the weekends for dinner time you will have to wait approximately 20 minutes to 30 minutes before getting a table. Having said that you won’t feel the way as you do at most other places as they have a very comfortable waiting lounge. The waiting lounge consists of complementary beverages popcorn chips and TVs as well as a full bar.
Upon being seated the waitstaff is extremely attentive and quick!
They have great knowledge of the menu, And are always pleasant. they have a large selection of steaks, but we always order the fillet. You have the option of going into the kitchen area and picking out which steak you would like.
No joke, the steak always comes out cooked to perfection! I highly recommend the Lemon pepper rub and the garlic butter.
Upon ordering a steak entrée, it buys you a trip to the salad bar. And let me tell you about the salad bar! It is possibly the best in town! It also has a bread selection that consists of cornbread dinner rolls and another cheesy bread.
The dessert menu is off the chain! I don’t care what you order when you go there but you have to order the snickers cheesecake! Ahhhh mazzzzz inggggg!!!
Every time we’ve been here our experience always gets better and better! Shout out to Paul our server!
If you have business meetings or guests from out of town this is the perfect place to bring them! Make sure to mention that they are from out of town for a special souvenir. They will truly get a taste of Texas!

This place NEVER disappoints. Every time I have friends or family visit from Canada I take them here. The food is outstanding, and the staff are professional and well trained. The parking lot is pretty big and the decorations for Christmas are a must see!
Only con: there can be a long wait time, so don’t wait to go until you are starving.
My definite go to spot!

Very unique steak restaurant portraying the old Texas with beautiful décor and a grand hall… I was quite impressed upon walking into this place, free popcorn, nachos and soda while you wait… their steaks no matter which one is $ 40 plus but it’s worth it for the experience, a lot of variety in steaks and you get to go to their butcher shop to choose it… I personally don’t know how to pick out a steak so just had my server do the honors… the steaks are HUGE, don’t expect to finish one yourself, after eating at this place I didn’t want to have steak for a long time, overall the steaks were juicy but just a tad too salty for my liking, their signature sauce was the garlic butter… excellent customer service here, our waiter took the honors of getting is cowboy hats and taking a picture for us… salad bar was included with each order
Wouldn’t come back often but mostly for special occasions, a definite try for new comers though

They don’t season their steaks enough here. They rely on their «signature» sauces to top the steak for the flavor of your liking. Most of the steaks are basic grilling. not super juicy yet not dry. They always cook the steak to my request, but I always feel something is lacking.
The salad bar is on point. Those asiago cheese rolls are dangerous.
Wine is way overpriced for the brands they serve.
Service is always superb. If you pay close attention, management is running around non stop to ensure customer satisfaction.
All desserts look divine, but the snickers cake is some of the best dessert in town. It reminds me a lot of Cheesecake Factory.
Overall, this is a good family steakhouse. Not fine dining, but a step above the other chain restaurants around town.

I love so many things about this restaurant!
1. The waiting section is awesome! It’s a big room with a bar and lots of tables/​seats for you to hangout while waiting. There are also free popcorn and water/​sodas!
2. The staffs are friendly and accommodating. The manager/​supervisor came and check up on us… a very nice gesture.
3. Food & Drink
— Porterhouse steak (⁵⁄₅) — I got it with the garlic butter rub and it was amazing! The steak was juicy, tender and perfectly cooked medium!
— Prime Rib (⁵⁄₅) — I stole some pieces from my boyfriend plate and man it was soft and rich!
— Quail bacon wraps (⁴⁄₅)
— Crab cake (⁵⁄₅) — It was rich in flavor and just perfect.
— Salad bar (⁴⁄₅) — It’s veggies and fruits are fresh! There are also a variety of toppings and I LOVE the cilantro vinaigrette (I have yet to see this anywhere else!)
— Blackberry Mark (⁵⁄₅) — This cocktail was perfect! It was refreshing and not that sweet, but man it’s a creeper (either that or I’m a lightweight).
By far, my favorite steak house!

My favorite place to eat a steak in Houston without having to get all dressed up! TofT has the best bang for your buck steaks as well. They are Angus steaks as the menu claims and they have a nice variety of cuts as well. Service is always excellent and if you’re a first timer, you may get your picture taken with a cowboy hat and red bandana. You do have to give the hat back though!
I always order either the pre-​sized ribeye or the order by the ounce ribeye, currently $ 2.35/oz. To get the best value, choose a steak larger than 24oz and eat it all yourself if you come hungry like me, or share with your date. It’s cheaper to buy 1 big steak and cut it, than to buy 2 individual steaks. …assuming you’re both wanting the same cut.
I’m not thrilled with any of the sides, except for the loaded potato. They are all just overcooked from what I’ve experienced.
The salad bar is always good, pretty fresh, decent variety of ingredients and well stocked. I’ll sometimes just get 2 servings from the salad bar and only eat a little of the steak. I think they have the 2^nd best salad bar in Houston, behind fogo.

Extra ordinaire! Laissez vous tenter par des viandes exceptionnelles et le gâteau au chocolat de 10 pouce de haut! La démesure américaine dans un cadre texan, et le fils de JR qui vient vous servir tout y est à voir absolument.

Mit 25 Leuten waren wir im Taste of Texas und haben damit den Punkt Kultur auf unserer Checkliste abhaken dürfen. Ein Salatbuffet (!), eine unglaublich große Menge Vorspeisen (wieviel essen die Leute hier) und perfekte Steaks in interessanten Größen haben den Abend zu einem Erlebnis werden lassen. Die Beilagen sind im Vergleich zu allem anderen lächerlich klein, eher ein Alibi. 1kg Fleich mit 50g Kartoffelbrei sieht lustig aus.
Die Wände sind gespickt mit Cowboy-​Kram, was das Restaurant in Deutschland als eine Touristenfalle disqualifizieren würde. Das Taste of Texas macht aber den Eindruck dass hier tatsächlich Eingebohrene Essen.
Das Restaurant hat sicher 250 Plätze und trotzdem warteten an einem Wochentag noch mindestens 50 Personen draußen; und dass bei gesalzenen Preisen. Wir haben etwa USD100 pro Person bezahlt.

Ich war vor zwei Monaten im Taste of Texas. Habe mir das Fleisch in der Küche selbst aussuchen dürfen.
Mit einer Nummer versehen kam es Perfekt auf den Punkt gegrillt zum Tisch. Die Fries aus Süßkartoffeln waren ein Gedicht. Mit dem super frischen Salat vom Buffet (sehr selten bisher in den USA gesehen) ein Traum.
Dazu ein dunkles «Fat Tire». Dunkles Bier mit herrlichem Aroma. Nach dem Essen ein Espresso. Die Qualität für die States: wirklich italienisch.
Das Ambiente und die Bedienung bekämen von mir 6 Sterne. Schön, das dort am Eingang das Chicken Fried Steak begraben ist !
Mein nächsten Rückflug geht über Houston und durch das Taste Of Texas !

Bei meinem zweiten Besuch in Houston hat mich ein dort lebender Kollege in dieses Restaurant eingeladen. Beim Eintreten wurden wir von einem Doorman begrüßt und darüber informiert, dass ein Tisch voraussichtlich in etwa zwanzig Minuten zur Verfügung stehen würde (das Restaurant nimmt keine Reservierungen an). Er riet uns, so lange an die Bar zu gehen, was wir auch taten. Nach etwa einer Viertelstunde kam ein anderer Angestellter und informierte uns, dass ein Tisch jetzt frei sei. Er führte uns an den Tisch und versorgte uns mit den Speisekarten. Mein Kollege wählte sein Lieblingssteak, Slow Roasted Prime Rib, in der 18-​Unzen Version, das sind immerhin knapp über 500 g Fleisch. Dazu kamen noch Röstkartoffeln als Beilage und ein Salat. Nun ja, bei dieser Vorgabe wollte ich keine Schwäche zeigen und bestellte das Gleiche. Zusammen mit den nach kurzer Zeit servierten Getränken wurden uns die Salatschüsseln gebracht und wir gingen gemeinsam an die Salatbar. Eine solche Salatbar habe ich vorher noch nicht gesehen. Über drei große Tische hinweg reihten sich Schüsseln dicht an dicht mit verschiedenen Blattsalaten, Paprika, Gurken, Tomaten und so weiter, außerdem eingelegte Gemüse wie Bohnen, Blumenkohl, Gurken, geschmorte Paprika, und, und, und. Allein die Schüsseln mit den verschiedenen Toppings wie Croutons, Sonnenblumenkernen, Nüssen etc. nahmen einen ganzen Tisch ein.
Zurück am Tisch begannen wir langsam den Salat zu essen, da die Steaks allein aufgrund der Zubereitungsart noch etwas Zeit brauchen würden. Als sie dann serviert wurden, waren es wirklich ziemliche Brocken Fleisch, die auf der Oberseite überhaupt keine Kruste oder Grillspuren aufwiesen. Darauf angesprochen erklärte mein Kollege, dass die Steaks bei dieser Zubereitungsart nicht gewendet, sondern langsam und bei geringer Hitze nur von einer Seite gegart würden. Das Fleisch erwies sich als von hervorragender Qualität, der Geschmack des langsam gegarten Fleisches ist jedoch nicht so ganz mein Ding. Geschafft habe ich die Riesenportion auch nicht ganz, aber das war ja eigentlich auch klar. Mit seiner tollen Einrichtung, dem zuvorkommenden Personal und dem ausgezeichneten Fleisch (das man sich übrigens in der hauseigenen Fleischerei auch nach Wunsch zuschneiden lassen kann, so gross wie man will) ist dieses Restaurant jedenfalls eine erstklassige Adresse in Houston.