Houston's Restaurant

The last time I was at Houston's was about 11 years ago when I first met my husband's parents for the first time. We haven't had a chance to come back until yesterday when we celebrated Valentine's Day. The parking was full and the restaurant was crowded but the hostesses were organized and seated us in a timely manner. Thank goodness we booked a reservation or else the walk-in wait would have been long. Great ambience, the restaurant was dim with a candle lit at our booth, somewhat loud from all the people there, waiters came by often to refill it water glass. Our waiter was knowledgeable with the menu and answered our questions. Overall great customer service. My go-to was the Hawaiian rib eye and the hot fudge sundae. I've been looking forward to it for weeks leading up to our date. I will tell you that Houston's did not disappoint! My medium rare rib eye was cooked to perfection. Such a tender medium rare cut of meat and flavorful from their Hawaiian marinade. Their hot fudge ice cream sundae was as good as I remembered. The ice cream was solid, made with vanilla bean and they used high quality chocolate for their fudge. The combination is like no other. My husband and I also ordered the Osaka style sushi, chili, and ahi tuna, and he got the key lime pie for dessert, which were all delicious as well.I look forward to coming back here again, sooner than 11 years from now.

Before I begin, if you're going to eat at Houston's you should check out the website and set your expectations based upon the guidelines regarding dress code, noise and children. It's specific and clear, and should help you enjoy your experience, knowing what you're getting into.It was our first time to Houston's and so we didn't know what to expect. I had read some mixed reviews on the food and service so we actually kept expectations slightly lower. Our server Aljhana was outstanding, super attentive with a smile. The food was delicious, it's not cheap, but it's definitely not among the more expensive in Irvine either. Entrees come with vegetables and/or additional sides. We went with the Trout and Salmon and the Kale salad as an appetizer, both fish were cooked near perfect, very soft, moist and full of flavor. The kale salad was actually our favorite, a mix of soft, crunchy and light dressing. We didn't wait long, the food came out quick and everything seemed efficient.I noticed there's been a lot of opinion about the policy towards kids. When we came during lunch, it did have a slightly more 'fancy' restaurant feel (which we love by the way), background piano music, spacious booths with candles at every table, so that kind of ambience is a little less suited to kids and families, but we didn't notice any issues getting those customers served. Parking was easy, they have a good size parking lot dedicated to the restaurant, along with the larger shopping center parking in case that gets full. It makes it far easier than getting validated parking at other restaurants with a time limit. Aside from our server, the rest of the staff were also great. I had read reviews that described servers/staff as not nice, but I experienced the complete opposite, everyone was pleasant and smiling, and helpful. One tip is to arrive before the lunch or dinner rush, it can get crowded. Around 12pm, the restaurant was nearly full and it did get a little louder because of number of customers and conversations, but it didn't bother us at all. Definitely would consider to return to celebrate special occasions and/or to enjoy good food again.

I always love the Houston's restaurants.There was a short wait when we got there but no more than 15 min.There was plenty of parking and staff were friendly. I ordered the emerald kale and rotisserie chicken salad which is always amazing.My son ordered the ahi tuna tartare which was very tasty.We had the hot fudge sundae which had house made hot fudge.Excellent meal with a great waitress. Definitely come to Houston's for consistently great food.

I came here for a team dinner and had a great time. The service was great and everyone was truly so kind. It a little dark inside depending on where you sit but great for group dinners.We started off with the spinach artichoke dip which also came with sour cream and salsa. The spinach dip was yummy, chips were warm and I love that they include the salsa and sour cream to give it more flavor. For my entree I ordered the rotisserie chicken. Didn't realize it was about 1/4 a chicken but definitely plenty to eat. It was juicy and moist! The salad that came with it was also good. For dessert we got the chocolate Sunday and cheesecake. Both were good, not too sweet and just the perfect ending to the night.I have also had the salmon which is good and the key lime pie. Corkage is $25 if you bring your own wine.

Made a reservation for 2 on Friday at 7:45pm. I had another place I had to get to at 9pm and came around 7 pm to do an early check in and ask if I could get seated early. The host said she will try to but not guarantee I was a bit worried but we waiting for around 15 mins the host decided to seat us which we really appreciate it since we had somewhere to go to right after!I've been here before so I know food is amazing here and the ambience is so nice and romantic ! Took here for my bf bday and he enjoyed it we ordered the prime steak with loaded baked potato and the ribs with coleslaw and Brussels sprouts. (You can switch your sides) We didn't order any appetizers because I knew servings portions are huge! Food came out not too long and everything was so delicious! The brussel sprouts really wowed me ! We also ordered the key lime pie for his bday and he love it! It wasn't too sweet it was more on the tart side so well balance since I'm not a fan of very sweet dessert.Overall we enjoyed this place and definitely will be back the service was very good and was very grateful that they accommodate us to get seated earlier.

Took a break from this place for a few years but good to see that quality has not diminished! Had a reservation at 7:30 on a Saturday and parking was a breeze. Waited about 5-10 minutes to be seated but hosts offered us beverages while we waited. Ryan was our server and he was very friendly and attentive! We ordered the chips with spinach and artichoke dip which also came with a side of salsa and sour cream. Fresh chips and hot dip, can't go wrong with that!The Hawaiian rib-eye was just as delicious as I remember, with the price point at $57- totally worth! The cut was thick and it was very juicy and tender. We ordered it medium rare but it came out more on the rare side. Wish the baked potato had more butter in it but it could've been a simple ask on my end. Fries were comparable to In n Out. Overall very delicious. If I were to be super nitpicky about one detail that would elevate them to the same level as Ruth's Chris which exists in the same plaza space, I'd hope for Houston's to start paying attention to special events like birthdays, anniversaries, etc. with a sweet treat on the house. I know it's silly, but with the dining at this level of excellence, it's honestly the only touch that's missing in my eyes and what kept me from coming back consistently.

December 2024 update:After like 8 or 9 years of coming to this place regularly, consistently and perhaps even a bit feverishly I can confirm still a very chill establishment. it's always a go to and old reliable when we can't decide what we're in the mood for. Easily One of the best local eateries.--Shout out to Diego for always being spot on with service and attention to detail. Top notch at what he does!

This place is amazing!!!Great food great ambiance great staff and oval great experience.I had the salmon which was cooked to perfection and also had the spicy tuna roll and the rainbow roll.Bother were amazing.Funny thing happed tho, Lindsay (one of the managers) came to our table with one of the sushi rolls telling us she was sorry for the wait we had at the door and comped the spicy tuna roll.Weird thing is, we only waited like 15-20 min from the time of our reservation. Obviously I brushing this off because 15-20 min wait from the reservation time is no big deal to me Especially on a Saturday I kinda expected to wait.Guess these rich people who come here complain about that kinda stuff and the restaurant has to give them what they want since they're "powerful" lol.Great experience!!!

Went to Houston's for dinner and had a very enjoyable experience.When placing a reservation, the staff was very accommodating and listed out reservation times near the time I requested, and also asked where I would like to be seated. Upon arrival at the restaurant, they had our table ready and were able to seat us even though we showed up 15 minutes early. Ordered the pineapple ribeye steak. I asked for it medium rare, and it came out medium rare. The cut was decent, but not super amazing, there was a big section of fat on my cap which I could have done without but otherwise the meat was good. Comes with fries and baked potato upon availability, the baked potato I got had a lot of toppings and made for some nice variety for my plate.Restaurant itself is meant to be an experience: each table is candlelit, the booth seating is comfy and the restaurant is quiet to encourage lots of casual conversation. Great for dates, special occasions, and other celebrations that call for an elevated experience.

100/10!!! If you want an experience, amazing food and ambiance, you have to dine at Houston's and ask for Robert's section!!! He is a phenomenal waiter, and even brought a chilled glass for my raspberry lemon drop, so it stayed chilled!! He is a one of a kind server!! The food is top notch and the service is amazing!! THIS IS A MUST TRY!!!