Houston’s Restaurant

Definitely not a pit stop for vegetarians. AMAZING STEAK SANDWHICHES. And that is a definite compliment coming from an extreme foodie. Will definitely be coming back. The servers are courteous, but the hostesses can use some work. Either way, I can work with it considering how delicious their food is.

Disappointed in Houston’s today. I haven’t been there for a long time but I really didn’t think it had changed that much, the menu had changed it was much smarller, less choice, and the prices are a little bit more but the portions or so miniscule I ordered a lunch salad and it came on a side salad plate used to come on a lrg bowl, it wasnt big enough to be considered a meal… so disappointing.

Food was great! Bar service was great. Sat down for dinner and had horrible service. Never once asked us if we needed anything. Was paying with two cards and just assumed that we were splitting the bill. Payed a lot of money do dinner and didn’t feel taken care of. Judge for yourself. Cheers!!!

This place is super expensive but the food and service are both great!!! I came here with my classmates on an operation management project because the restaurant has an interesting model:) you don’t have your own server for the table but instead a team will work together to accommodate your party. Leads to shorter service time but higher quality, more turnout per hour, etc…
Anyways. I really liked my friend’s kale salad. And I don’t even really like kale.
We shared the fries among the five of us. I had their ahi tuna salad which I thought was worth the price. Sushi (nigiri) apparently is not good.
Warning — walk here if u can. The parking lot is a war zone.

For Father’s day, I took grandpa and dad to dinner. Let me say that Houston ’ s was the perfect place! I ordered the cheeseburger and it was delicious! Very gourmet, on a brioche bun with high quality ground chuck. The Cesar salad is to die, the croutons are actual bread slices and the dressing is a savory, salty, nutty blend that is a total treat. The service is friendly, the establishment is very clean, and the ambience is that of a rustic cabin. Overall, I am definitely coming back!

Horrible horrible horrible service. Never been to a restaurant with a service like this.
First of all, our waiter did not give us individual plates after serving us our appetizer the 4 of us are sharing. We were dropping all our food on the table because we were all so far from the food.
Also, the whole time we were here, we had to hunt our server down just to get our waters refilled. We got our waters refilled once. And only because we asked for it.
Then after our meal, as our waiter was cleaning up our table getting ready for our dessert; however, he spilled bbq sauce all over my little brother and his phone. All he said was sorry.
We called the manager, Katelyn, to tell her about our whole experience. She said she was very sorry that we didn’t get a refill on our water. She said, «we usually don’t serve water after the entrée because of the drought.» REALLY?! THE DROUGHT???
So with her logic, us customers are #2. Being dehydrated is no problem because Katelyn only cares about the drought. Maybe mankind should just stop everything to save water!
Never coming here again.

By Far the best of Hillstone’s collections of restaurants. I could go on and on and on about this place but we’ll make it somewhat short and sweet. THERE IS NO BETTER FRANCHISE for fine dining. Some locations are better than the other, but for the most part, they are consistently impressive.
The lighting is set to a dark dim to make people’s appearances more flattering. They only hire happy people (most of them are easy on the eyes). They make their own ketchup! The list goes on and on of the subtle characteristics that separate this place from others.
A few signature dishes :
Apps: Artichokes (if they are in season, personal favorite), Chicago Style Spinach Dip, Rice and Beans.
Salads: Thai Steak & Noodle Salad (personal favorite), Seared Ahi Tuna Salad
Soup: Tortilla Soup (personal favorite)
Entrees: To be honest — EVERYTHING — If I had to choose, which I usually do have to choose because I am not a giant nor am I rich — Barbecue Ribs, Scottish Salmon, Prime Rib
Burgers & Sandwiches: Housemade Veggie Burger (don’t knock it until you try it) I am no vegetarian, but I will get this every single time.
Have been to this establishment nearly 50 times and will continue to go there for as long as I live.

This is (was) one of my favorite restaurants. And I still think the food quality is impeccable. The Manhattan Beach location (on Rosecrans) has a Seasonal Vegetable Plate that is out of the world every time! I’d give the food 4.5 stars.
However, my friend ordered the Rotisserie Chicken — he started out loving it. That turned into «eh, it was OK» by the end of the meal.
I ordered the Trout with Broccoli. I didn’t like the Broccoli (not cooked enough and strangely seasoned), so I asked to exchange it for the Cole Slaw. WAY TOO SLOW! It was WTF slow! Unacceptable and puts a damper on the entire experience. Sides are to accompany the main course.
The service is weird. It’s like it has the capacity to be great but it’s just not. And it’s too impersonal. I don’t want 7 different people serving me. I don’t want my food to come while we’re still eating the appetizer (unless we’re taking our sweet ass time with the app.) — two out of my last 3 visits were like this (food came half way through app).
Next time I’m going to tell them «Don’t fire the food until we’re half way through the appetizer».
I’m finding it really hard to express the issues I have with the dining experience at this restaurant — there’s something that’s just not right. I’ve wanted to write a review about it before and I just didn’t. I’m actually not happy with this review. But I’m going to submit it anyways.
Oh, the service gets 1 star.

This place — Oh, this place! I’ve heard such great and wonderful things for so many years, and I finally came here tonight. Boy, have I been missing out. First, our server Susan, was absolutely fantastic and helpful in every aspect of our evening. She was friendly beyond belief and just made our experience so wonderful! Our meals, the filet and the Hawaiian rib eye, were fantastic. I wanted my steak medium well, and Susan suggested I get it no more than a medium, and I am thankful she did because it was exactly what I wanted. It was juicy, Lowell flavored, abs perfectly cooked. Susan has been with the company for years and clearly she has been paying very close attention. Bravo.
The atmosphere is very laid back and not overly stuffy like most steakhouses. The music was vibrant and not too loud. You get the feeling of a «high end» restaurant without feeling the need to be an Mr. etiquette.
Will I come back? Sir, yes sir! This place is a great place and I certainly may be making this one of my «go-​to «places.

After being loyal customers over many years, we have stopped giving our business to this unprofessional establishment. While entertaining a client and his wife, my fiancé and I came in for dinner. AFTER ordering and eating appetizers and drinks in the bar area, acting supervisor Caitlyn Koma seated us at our table addressing me about a few inches of midriff and how I couldn’t eat here if I didn’t have a jacket. I couldn’t figure out why this was not immediately addressed at the door before we were showed into the bar area and before we had a couple rounds of orders taken, but it gets worse: Because the entire party knew there was nothing wrong with the outfit (high waisted pants, a turtleneck-​style crop top, and wedges) we were questioning what the problem was and Caitlyn began to get agitated and raise her voice in the restaurant.
Then our client’s wife (an attorney) asked «if she isn’t okay then what about my outfit?» She was wearing a business casual silk blouse. Caitlyn copped an attitude saying «YOU’RE BORDERLINE!» It was an unacceptable and rude response. We asked to see a dress code card didn’t see any conflict with the «beach or active attire» forbidden in the dress code.
We ended up leaving and calling the general manager Ashley Day the following evening. It was clear that she and Caitlyn are pals and sticking together AGAINST guests. She didn’t admit any wrongdoing even in the face of the «YOU’RE BORDERLINE!» comment. The only apology was «sorry you were embarrassed but I don’t see an issue.» A professional establishment would have a manager who says «I apologize for her comment and I apologize we haven’t trained the staff to point things out at the door. We will work on both of those things. I promise this is not how our restaurant normally treats customers. Thank you for your business.» It’s simple.
It goes to show that while some females in power positions are amazing business people, many others simply have power-​trip/​chip-​on-​their-​shoulder issues. And it’s a shame that this time it was taken out on customers.

Favorite Steakhouse in Irvine!
Family decided to come here after having been here for a year. Since we can around 9pm, there was no wait. But this place is usually pack, and no reservation is allowed.
Family decided to order two different rolls for appetizers. Hiramasa roll and the Osaka style pressed roll. Osaka style is rectangular shaped with Tuna and Yellowtail sashimi sushi roll. Definitely the best roll there!
For dinner, I highly recommend their most popular Hawaiian Rib-​eye! A light soy-​citrus glaze on their ribeye is just perfection. I always get medium. The steak is tender and juicy without lacking in any meaty goodness. Comes with a large baked potato with sour cream, green onions, cheddar cheese, and bacon. Get a large BANG for your buck!!!
The next go to option would be there Prime Rib, the portions are pretty huge even for one person! Expect to take it home!
There sandwiches are popular too! So go with the French dip!
My family favorite!

Located deep inside the Park Plaza by the LA Fitness and Mother’s Market, this little gem is one of the beauties of steak. It’s probably taken some competition from Ruth Chris to be honest.
I’m one of those people that never actually order a steak at a steak restaurant. And actually, in my opinion, it’s kind of a great thing, because if they can do other dishes well, it means their steak must be quite good. This time, I ordered their salmon. This was the best salmon I’ve ever had at a steak restaurant. It was tender but meaty and juicy, not overcooked. The broccoli was almost manly, if ever a broccoli could be manly. The mashed potatoes were just the right consistency, and although slightly cold on my plate, a welcomed different texture and taste to the meal.
I’ll be back. Soon.

One of my favorite restaurants. Though I live in the South Bay, I often drive to this location to meet friends. For a time, the service at this location was hands down better than the Manhattan Beach location so it was easy to agree to meet here.
Fav’s are Thai Steak Salad and it spicy deliciousness. Prime Rib with a loaded baked potato. Love the Rutherford Ribeye… but it disappeared from the menu years ago… please bring it back! Tortilla soup is always yummy. He misses the Gazpacho… used to order two bowls at a time, sadly it hasn’t been on the menu for a few years either, would love to see it come back.
Apple walnut cobbler is delectable… but I always have to demand my coffee be served first and then the dessert with a warmer of coffee. For some reason the timing on dessert and coffee isn’t always right.
Food is delish, portions are still getting smaller, but I don’t have to do dishes so it’s usually worth the drive and the price.

I had a two star experience that turned into a one star after dealing with the manager.
We ordered a filet mignon and a salmon dish. The salmon was good enough (i’m told), but my filet was awful.
The server had a problem with us from the beginning. It wasn’t clear why, but we didn’t like his attitude.
I ordered my steak «medium,» and received rare. Not medium rare. Rare. I sent it back, and he brought me back a way overcooked, partially burned steak. Way beyond well done.
The server took a really long time to come back to our table (which had empty glasses), and when he finally did, I told him about the steak. He explained that the steak came out medium, but because I let it sit on the table for too long, the steak cooked itself longer. What a joke.
Yes, the juices in steak continue to cook it when it is off the grill, but it would not cook a medium steak to well done (or way beyond).
I was with someone I didn’t know very well, so I didn’t want to make a fuss. They offered us dessert on the house (which I declined) but didn’t take the steak off the bill, even though it was obvious that I barely touched it.
I wrote an email to the corporate office to let them know what happened. And the manager from this location called me a few times when I was too busy to take the call. Anyway, she left voice messages, so I finally called back. I explained everything that happened, and she said she would get back to me.
She called an hour later and said that they didn’t have our check and couldn’t verify that we actually dined there. She said she couldn’t «move forward» without me bringing her the receipt. Move forward with what? I didn’t want a refund or anything. I was just saying they screwed up. A simple apology would have done. I don’t understand why she called me repeatedly only to tell me that I needed to provide a receipt. She could have simply not called me, and that would have been better for everyone.

I don’t remember a piece is steak tasting this good until I went to Houston’s. At all means, you MUST get the Hawaiian Ribeye! It was so tender and juicy, it melted in my mouth. It was coated with sweetness all over the edge and had the right amount of flavor. Did I take a picture?! You bet I did, but it was halfway through my meal. I’m a fan of my steak cooked medium rare. If you’re not afraid of a little adventure, get your steak medium rare as well! You won’t regret it!
Definitely make reservations ahead of time. I had arrived on time and there was a bit of a wait for those who did not RSVP.
If you’re lucky, you may find parking in front of the restaurant. If not, you can park in the large visitor structure across the street or in the parking lot next door.

I’ve been here a few times since my last review, and it’s certainly among my favorites: cool vibe, delicious food, and for-​the-​most-​part, great service. I love their Smoked Salmon appetizer ($ 16) and their Hot Fudge Sundae (which, disappointingly, isn’t served at other Hillstone restaurants! Yes, it’s simple, but that attractive-​and-​generous serving of velvety hot fudge served on the side, is delicious; it usually comes with delightfully fluffy, freshly whipped cream; however, I realize now that we weren’t served any this time). I don’t usually order chicken, but their Rotisserie Chicken ($ 22) sans the Apricot Glaze (I don’t care for sweetness on my savory dishes) was fabulously tender and full of flavor — my favorite chicken entrée, to date!
Sitting at the bar top is fun and active (Bartender Guy was highly attentive and professional); however, prepare to feel pressured to leave once the crowds start coming in.
No corkage fee for the 1^st bottle; $ 15 thereafter.

One word, AMAZING.
The first time we went, I thought we were never coming back. The service was terrible and we came to a conclusion after our food was set on the table that there will never be a restaurant that will cook our steak to medium the first time. It always comes out medium rare. We were disappointed because it was the first of the year and wanted it to be perfect.
I was surprise that my boyfriend wanted to give houstons another shot. We ordered the Hawaiian Rib Eye and wowweeeeee!!! It is the best steak I’ve had. The flavor was so flavorful. I can’t wait to come back. The steak did come out rare again, but Sara (hoping I got her name right) was so nice about it and brought out another steak to perfection! She was very professional about the issue! Great management! Thank you so much! You made our night! I can’t wait to come back!

Not so bad… came here around 7 pm on a Wednesday night for dinner. Waited about 20 minutes for a table for 2. Hostesses were very friendly and validated my parking ticket.. A newer large parking structure across the street offers 2 hours free parking when you dine at a restaurant.
Our table was nice and spacious but I will say. this location for some reason is always busy. The place seemed packed so we were pleased we were seated as soon as we were.
The food was pretty good. The kale salad wasn’t as good as I remember but that could be because I’ve made much better salads myself. I ordered the tuna mango sushi and yum.. Probably one of the better sushi rolls I ever had. The ribs were as expected and melted off the bone in your mouth. A glass of wine some decent service with a quiet table made for a very nice meal and evening.
Park in the structure, order sushi and enjoy the nice ambience of the restaurant and your set.

Second time’s definitely a charm. Being invited by the GM of Houston’s to give them another shot with a $ 100 GC was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up on.
We were seated in a cozy booth within minutes upon walking in. No, we didn’t make reservations as we dined here on a whim one Sunday afternoon. It would have been a different story if we came on a weekday lunch as this place gets packed with all the corporate offices surrounding Park Place. As I’ve said on my previous review, it really is a suitable spot for either business or pleasure with its classy interior but casual vibe.
How unfortunate that service was not entirely on point on this visit. When we asked for bread service our server told us that this was made to order without mentioning it wasn’t on the house. A misunderstanding I can overlook, sure. However, for a not-​so-​busy afternoon, it was hard for us to find our server when we needed to follow up on our food or ask for more water.
Thankfully the food this time was so much better. We started off with a Nigiri Platter ($ 16) with two each of tuna, salmon, and yellowtail. I didn’t expect much considering this is a steakhouse but it was an enjoyable kickoff that satisfied my cravings. For my entrée, I went with the FILET MIGNON ($ 40) which was cooked until it was tender, juicy, and pink in the middle — just how I like it. My dining companion had the HAWAIIAN RIB EYE ($ 35). Though charred nicely, she says the sweet marinade reminded her of a bbq sauce and that she prefers a simple salt and pepper rub to taste the meat. Nonetheless, she and I took pleasure indulging in it as it was oozing with just the right amount of fat and was delicate in the mouth. Both entrees came with a generous serving of broccoli on the side and I appreciate that because most other steakhouses would have you order the sides separately.
My first impression wasn’t the best but I’m glad I came back. This won’t be the last time. I hear their French Dip sandwich is fantastic. Thanks for a wonderful meal, Houston’s!

Great experience, as usual.
Online reservation w a s quick and easy.
Hostess was pleasant.
We were seated on time.
A server was excellent.
Serving staff was quick to fill glasses and remove empty bottles and plates.
Prime filet dinner:
Steak was plump and cooked to perfection
Hubby really enjoyed the sauce it was sitting in
Grilled chicken salad:
Nice mound of chopped greens and chicken
Tasty peanut dressing that I will ask to put on the side next time.
I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed with lunch or dinner at Houston’s. I highly recommend if great service is important to you.

Oui oui oui to the French Dip sandwich!