The Famous Fried Cauliflower
Dancy The Famous Fried Cauliflower
Mural art
interior
Outside artwork
Corn cheesecake special
Curb appeal
Chocolate tart
Braised Berkshire Pork Shank
Warm donuts
(BOTTOM to TOP): Bacalao fritters, steak, and apple cake
Fresh Gulf Fish, Louisiana crab boil corn salad, pickled vegetables, green tomato butter
Calamari
Fried cauliflower with Bonito flakes
Coffee donut holes
Thai green papaya salad ($13) - chili like vinaigrette was tasty! A little hard to eat with a fork, haha
outside, ramen and noodles
Roost Burger
food
Creamy Cauliflower and Corn Cheesecake
Teres Steak
Emily G.
Jun 26, 2023
Overall, was pleasantly surprised by this restaurant and will definitely be back to try more.The food was different in a good way, they have a menu that rotates about every two months I believe.The calamari we had was Chinese fusion and was my moms favorite dish of the night. I appreciate that they didn't try to call it something like "Szechuan calamari", and the black bean flavor really stood out. We also tried the fish (it may be a recurring menu item) which I didn't realize was with mole sauce until the server gave a brief explanation that it would be a Persian take on the mole sauce since the chef was Persian. Even though I really do not like mole I still decided to give it a try. It was much better than mole I've had and I thought it was well done, but we just weren't used to the flavors so I'm not sure it's something I'd order again.I was a little disappointed in the dessert as it seemed so basic compared to the other dishes we had, but I hope to come back for the famous donuts and coffee! They also have a tasting menu which I would consider next time.Service was great. There's a row of parking spots right in front of the restaurant, but i can't comment on whether it's easy to park during busy hours. We came at around 6pm on a Sunday and we were the one of the only 2 parties there. It started to pick up as we left.
Read MoreBrian T.
Aug 28, 2023
Came here for a romantic date night and it was everything we wanted and more! I had had this place bookmarked for a while, but hadn't yet had a reason to check it out. We had a reservation for 2 on a Saturday night - reservations recommended, as the place is small and I can see it easily filling up.Between the two of us, we generally like sharing a variety of dishes, so we ordered mix of appetizers, which only left room for one entree and one dessert. Our appetizers were the Bread Service, Fried Cauliflower, and Panipuri. The Bread Service is a homemade pretzel served alongside pimento cheese spread, truffle honey butter, and strawberry balsamic butter. Each spread was so good, but my favorite was the pimiento cheese spread - this one was the most abundant in serving size too. The Fried Cauliflower was absolutely delicious. Reminiscent of fried cauliflower served at other restaurants, this one had a good savory to it with a sweet miso dressing as a contrast. It was also topped with flakes that are similar to those you see served in takoyaki. The Panipuri was also very tasty. It's pretty similar to panipuri I've had at other Indian restaurants, so bonus points for featuring this amidst other American dishes, but also with a hearty serving of chickpeas in each little cup.Onto the entree. We shared the Teres Steak, which ended up being plenty for two of us after the appetizer "sampler" we got earlier. This steak was served in a red wine sauce with a side of mushrooms and homemade gnocchi. Solid 5/5. The steak was tender and melted in our mouths. I don't think I've ever had steak & gnocchi, but their homemade gnocchi was the perfect carb to go with the meat, and had a nice sear on the outside to give it an extra crisp. The mushrooms made for a delicious vegetable serving.And as if we still had room, we ended up ordering the Coffee n' Donut Holes for dessert, as this is apparently a Roost staple. This was the perfect way to end the night. The donut holes were just that, but way better that what you typically think of when it comes to donut holes. These were a little denser, though not too cakey, and the nutmeg flavor was in no way overpowering. These were served alongside coffee-flavored ice cream and dulce de leche, and topped with pistachios. Everything blended together so well. The coffee ice cream was not bitter at all, and complimented the donut holes perfectly. The dulce de leche added a touch of sweetness, and the pistachios gave the right amount of crunch. We were so full that while we finished the perishable ice cream, we ended up having to pack the donut holes home for future enjoyment. Our waitress for the night was fantastic (can't remember her name, dang it). She made an excellent wine recommendation, an Argentinian Malbec bottle, and gave us the best suggestions on food. We learned that the menu is constantly rotating, and the menu we had at the time in early July 2023 was going to change over the next few weeks. Our server came by often and made sure our waters and wine glasses were always full. Even when we finished our bottle, she asked if we cared for an additional glass of another wine, to which we gladly accepted. While delivering our food to the table, she explained everything in great detail and would often come back to ask for our opinion on her recommendations. I honestly didn't have anything negative to say then and now, as everything was just excellent. We will definitely be returning to Roost! I'm just drooling thinking of that coffee and donut holes. I believe their menu has changed ever since we visited (yes, this review is way overdue), so I'm totally down to return soon.
Read MoreClint M.
Feb 20, 2023
I guess I just don't get the appeal of this place. I came by with a group of nine on a Monday night. Given the location, the small dining area and the lack of parking were expected, but being crammed in a corner at a table that wasn't nearly big enough was a disappointment since we'd made the reservation over two weeks prior.All of us partook of the EatDrinkHTX menu for the campaign the restaurant was participating in. My wife opted for the fried cauliflower, which was nice but soft and unimpressive.For the main course, we went with the Roost Burger, a signature dish of the restaurant topped with goat cheese and garlic aoli. My burger came out underdone for how I ordered it, which wasn't a surprise. It seemed like those bringing out the food weren't aware of the ways we'd ordered our burgers and I got someone else's by mistake.The flavor of the burger was solid, but the fries were a complete let down. There was a decent portion, but not well seasoned and served with a side of way too little ketchup. I noticed that the collective reaction from everyone at our table was basically "I wouldn't order this again." The chicken milanesa was overcooked and dry according to both people who got it, while the falafel was lacking according to the one person who ordered it.Things only went downhill from there. Between the main course and dessert, the poor quality seating really began to take its toll. I don't know if it's a technique to turn over tables faster but your back hurting while waiting for food is hardly a pleasant experience.Those of us who ordered dessert opted for the salted chocolate budding. Salt was pretty much the only stand out flavor. They could have cut the salt in half and it still would have been the most prominent flavor in the dish. The more you ate, the more overpowering the salt flavor got. A complete miss and easily the worst desserts I've received at a restaurant in years.Service was attentive but the food came out very slowly. They were good about keeping our drinks refilled or replaced, though. The service and burger were the main reasons I didn't opt for a one star review.Regardless, like the majority of my group, I wouldn't come back here again.
Read MoreMelodi D.
Feb 4, 2023
I think I may have found one of my new favorite places in Houston! Roost is a local business that boasts a "farm-to-table" philosophy and changes its menu every 6-8 weeks to always keep things fresh. The atmosphere is super warm and homey, as well as romantic (though not overwhelmingly so--still perfectly acceptable to come with friends or family!). The prices are also very reasonable and the service is quick and friendly.I'll try not to spend too much time recommending specific dishes (since, like I mentioned, their menu is always changing), but I will say that the quality of the food is top-notch, and they are able to concoct unconventional food combinations that just work so well. One such example is the Melon n' Prosciutto! The Mahi Mahi we had was also great, cooked to a perfect crisp. And their famous cauliflower (which is actually always on their menu) is a must-try.Overall, highly recommend! It would also be in your best interest to make a reservation, since the restaurant is fairly small.
Read MoreOgechi O.
Aug 6, 2023
What a quint cozy restaurant nestled in a neighborhood. I like that you could go on a date here or bring your family. We came here for HRW and I was not disappointed. We had the nicest waitress. She explained everything so well. The pancetta was not a fave, but everything else was good.
Read MoreCourtney W.
Feb 27, 2023
Love this little gem in Montrose!! Came for weekday dinner to try out the Eat Drink HTX menu and was so pleasantly surprised. Firstly, the service here is excellent. Carla was so attentive and kind! The concept of the restaurant is farm to table with a rotating menu. There's an option for a $55 3 course meal. We opted for the eat drink HTX menu but added on a couple of things so we could try more!Fried cauliflower- so good! It's covered in a wonderful sauce and other accoutrements that make it savory and a great texture. Highly recommend!Brussels- also delicious, crispy and savory. A nice portion as wellBread service- mmm I could eat this everyday! The bread is warm and salted, very soft. The pimento cheese and other two dips are a lovely addition.Tuscan burger- love the goat cheese! It's also a pretty large burger and they cooked it perfectly medium rare as I requested. Fries are also crispy but still soft inside. Good filling option.Coffee and donut holes- so fun! The donut holes are warm and there's a good amount of them. They're crispy outside but soft inside and not too sweet. The coffee ice cream pairs perfectly.We had a res, but you should be able to get a table walking in on a weeknight. There's a few parking spaces out front otherwise you have to park on the street in the neighborhood.
Read MoreKate S.
Mar 23, 2024
I don't think I've ever had such authentically welcoming service in Houston (thanks, Carla!). From seating at our reservation time to leaving, everyone was hospitable and professional. We had to do the bread service and cauliflower - both excellent! I probably ordered wrong w the Szechuan chicken which was ultimately a bit meh, but my husband's steak was a home run! We did feel a bit cramped at the two top stuck against the wall, but it's an intimate environment. We liked that they offered some interesting non alcoholic drinks. Our early dinner time proved helpful w parking out front, but it would be limited if you had a later dinner reservation.
Read MoreRoberto G.
Feb 17, 2024
Excellent service, recommendations, food temperatures, ingredients , presentation . Great ambience , location . Will definitely come back to try other dishes and a good glass of wine .Keep up the amazing work and attention to detail.
Read MoreAlexis O.
May 16, 2024
My girlfriend and I went to try Roost for a late Valentine's Day. We basically had the entire place to ourselves and I have to wonder if that's because when you visit their site they are so adamant about making reservations. Personally I would add to the site "walk in's welcome" because as first timers it was almost off putting. Andy made us feel really welcome though you really couldn't have asked for better service. We got the famous fried cauliflower and WE GET IT. It was so damn good. I got the braised short ribs and the corn was so good I could have had it as a meal along with the pickled tomatoes. The ribs were excellent taste wise but were slightly chewy. However, my girlfriend's meal was extremely bland she got the crab pasta and it was FILLED with shells. Think watery Alfredo with sand. Also, we got a margarita.... As a bartender i would say It had potential but it was so sour they needed to cut it or at least dress it up with a sugar rim. Lastly, the decor. Paint chipping and I get the shabby chic look but it was only giving shabby. We are gonna give it another try because like I said the service was awesome and my meal was good. Cool little spot.
Read MoreAlexa B.
Feb 15, 2024
This place is such a joy to go to. The service is exceptionally warm and you can always count on a delicious meal. They take their food and business very seriously without coming off as pretentious or unapproachable. I usually prefer to try new restaurants rather than returning to the same ones, but this place will have me returning again and again. The menu changes often, always presenting new and creative dishes. Everything I've tried has been delicious and I can't wait to return to see what else this place can create!I want to give a special nod to the Valentine's Day special, the duck confit over beet risotto. I didn't think I liked risotto until I tried that. It was so rich and savory. A delicious, indulgent meal and truly one of the best things I've had in a while.
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