Just a FANTASTIC example of awesome service and delicious food. We were celebrating a birthday and had the pleasure to have Sophie as our server. She was the epitome of customer service and she was kind, helpful and ensured that we were beyond satisfied. We both had the amazing ribs and the salmon appetizer. Hillstone sets-the-bar with its people, service and food. Thanks again Sophie for your hospitality!! Absolutely perfect evening. read more

Almost 3 years later and my review is the same. The food is still very good, as well as the service, just make a reservation if possible. read more

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From the moment you walk in, a rush of coziness hits; the decor is rich with warm woods, soft lighting, and comfortable booths. The bar is its centerpiece as bottles of wines and spirits are illuminated to proudly showcase what it has to offer. The vibe is an elevated traditional steakhouse; a place to celebrate special occasions or to go treat yo' self after a long work week. THE FOOD. - House-Smoked Salmon. Wow.... Soft, flaky salmon with a lingering smoky flavor. It comes with an addicting tarter-like dipping sauce and toasted bread. Highly, highly recommend for the salmon lovers out there. - Spinach & Artichoke Dip. Creamy dip with chunks of spinach and artichoke. It's better than I expected. - Grilled Artichokes. Soft, fleshy leaf meat, but don't eat the actual leaf! I don't know who needed to hear that, but it would've been nice if someone had told me... - Emerald Kale & Rotisserie Chicken. Refreshing, bitter kale and succulent chicken. The roasted peanut vinaigrette adds nutty flavors to this dish. - Double-Cut Pork Chop. A little too thick for my liking, but was fairly tender. The mashed potatoes were very creamy with a touch of herbs. - The Hawaiian. Flavorful rib-eye; savory umami and slightly sweet. Cooked to medium, it took little effort to cut into the meat. A fully loaded baked potato accompanied this dish (only available after 5PM). Highly recommend. THE DRUNK DRINKS. - Bee's Knees. Similar to a lemon drop, this cocktail is zesty with citrus notes. - Jackrabbit. Mildly sweet with a bitter undertone. THE PARKING. Free parking available on site at the restaurant. THE RETURN. YES. The ambiance brings about calm and relaxation. Staff are well versed on the menu's offerings, so feel free to ask for a recommendation. As for me, I'm ordering the house-smoked salmon again! read more

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My bf and I made reservations on a Saturday night at 7PM. We came a bit early at around 6:55PM to check in and wait for a table. We noticed the restaurant was super crowded so good thing we got reservations. There is not much waiting room in the space right by the check in table, but it is nice that they have seats and tables outside while you wait to get called. My bf and I ended up waiting 25 minutes outside (7:20PM seated), but there were cocktail servers walking around with menus to service those outside. So I ordered a cocktail while we waited. When we were finally seated, we were quickly met with the manager Rosa, who was super sweet and accommodating. She apologized for the delay and offered us some appetizers and helped us get started immediately on our order. She also frequently checked in on us to make sure we were doing okay. All other servers we had were also very quick to clean the table, take our order, and refill our waters. The food came out quickly and in a nice order fashion. We had spinach and salsa dip and deviled eggs for our appetizers, both of which were so good. The spinach dip came creamy, warm, and fresh with bits of spinach and artichoke. And the deviled eggs had a great texture and bite. We had a ahi tuna salad(?) which was light and refreshing, the avocado was ripe and creamy, and the sourdough was toasted well, adding great balance to the softer texture. The star of the night was definitely the Hawaiian ribeye. It was cooked perfectly, medium rare, just as we had requested. The crust on the steak was so yummy and fatty. The loaded potato that came as a side with it was extra creamy and had the best ratio of sour cream, cheese and bacon as toppings. Overall, I would totally come here again, even if I had to wait longer it's definitely worth it! read more

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I can't believe it's been a few years since I've been back. Came here with 2 other people. Food and drinks are still very good, service is still fantastic, servers all work well together to get the food and drinks to your table fairly fast. The vibe of this place is perfect for any occasion. We were having such a good time we didn't realize we were there for 2 1/2 hours. Best place to park is in the parking structure. I definitely recommend this place. read more

You absolutely cannot go wrong at any hillstone establishment! Came to Houston's for an early birthday dinner and was greeted with such great hospitality by our waitress, Campbell. She was attentive, fun, and overall a delight. The ambiance is busy, yet intimate. Ordered the following items: A dirty martini with Hendricks gin and goat cheese olives: no notes 10/10 The spinach dip: (The holy trinity with the sour cream and salsa) A must to order. 10/10 The grilled artichoke: They don't always have it. But when they do, absolutely order it. 9.5/10 The yellowtail sashimi salad: yellowtail sashimi with a side of the emerald salad. Salad dressing may be a bit overwhelming. 9/10 The Hawaiian: ribeye in a pineapple marinade. Surprisingly not sweet and great proportion. Came with a side of baked potato after 5pm. 8.5/10 Overall, never had an item at Houston's I didn't like. I usually go for their sandwiches, for entrees so I'd recommend the dings crispy chicken for those who want to go that route (as I didn't this time). read more

Houston's Restaurant - Yellowtail sashimi salad - New American Near Me - Irvine, California

Houston's Restaurant remains a masterclass in consistency, atmosphere, and quiet excellence. The space feels timeless and well cared for--warm lighting, polished wood, and a relaxed yet upscale energy that works equally well for a business lunch or an unhurried dinner. It's refined without being stuffy, which is exactly why Houston's continues to draw such a loyal crowd. We started with the chips and guacamole, a simple appetizer done exactly right. Fresh, well-seasoned, and balanced, it set the tone for the rest of the meal--nothing flashy, just quality executed properly. For my main, the yellowtail sashimi salad was the standout. Clean, bright, and beautifully composed, with fresh slices of yellowtail complemented by crisp greens and a light, flavorful dressing. It's refreshing, balanced, and a reminder that Houston's knows how to keep things elegant without overcomplicating them. Dessert was the brownie with nuts and vanilla ice cream, which delivered exactly what it should--rich, warm, and indulgent without being overwhelming. A classic finish done with confidence. Service was professional, efficient, and polished, maintaining that signature Houston's rhythm throughout the meal. Houston's isn't about trends--it's about reliability, execution, and knowing its lane. When you want a well-rounded dining experience that consistently delivers, this location continues to be an easy choice. read more

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After having to reschedule my visit a few times, I finally got to try Houston's tonight, and it was certainly worth the wait. The restaurant is definitely a vibe, with moody lighting and an all-wood interior that feels upscale and comfortable at the same time. Also read the Dining Guidelines & Attire Standards on their website before you come; while I personally love all of their guidelines, I can see that some folks may not agree with them based on some of the other reviews, so prepare accordingly. Service here is fantastic, everyone from the host to our server was SO nice. I think we got checked on no less than 10 times throughout our meal, which made us feel incredibly welcome and cared for. Food was quick and everything came out fresh. For the food, we got the French Dip, Artichoke Dip, Osaka Pressed Sushi, and Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Everything tasted good, with the standout dish being the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. I was pleasantly surprised by the sushi and would definitely get that again too. Honestly there's no major critiques to be made, it all was well done. Overall this was a great experience and I definitely plan to come back for the ribs and some other dishes. I also hope more places aspire to provide the level of service Houston's did! read more

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We came here for Mother's Day and had to sit at two separate tables across from each other. We're here to celebrate as a family, why can't you give us a big table so we can all eat together? Anyway, the food wasn't bad but wasn't as good as I remembered as we used to go to the Pasadena location occasionally. The atmosphere is always nice and chill with a lounge-like vibe and feels intimate. The Hawaiian steak was ok, but the pork ribs were drowned in BBQ sauce and were unappetizing. My favorite item of the night was the salmon appetizer with toast and tartar sauce. I suggest doubling up on the food you like and don't get the overhyped stuff, but give Houston's a try because they have great staff and excellent customer service. I'm not sure what went wrong with the seating arrangement this time. read more

Houston's Restaurant - Salmon + toast - New American Near Me - Irvine, California

We had a late lunch/early dinner here before our flight back to LV. It's been years since I was last at a Houston's, and gotta say, they didn't disappoint. The service was amazing and delightful and the food was better than I remembered. The sushi app was fresh and delicious, the au jus sandwich was great. The dessert was decadent but not too sweet since they make their own whipped cream Can't wait to go back when I'm in CA. Hope they expand and open a couple of locations in LV! read more

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Houston's never disappoints and stopped by for their iconic Hawaiian Ribeye w/ colcannon Irish potatoes. Simply one of the best steaks by far in the Irvine area!! read more

Houston's Restaurant - Hawaiian Ribeye with Colcannon Irish potatoes - New American Near Me - Irvine, California

The food was amazing and our server Sophie was the best. Super attentive and extremely professional. I came here with one other person and I think we over ordered as usual. The food was so good and my new favorite is the French dip with a side of horseradish. You can now make a reservation which makes it so convenient for business lunches. read more

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Food: Thai tuna roll (simple, best with no jalapeno) Osaka Style Pressed (nice and cold; amazing flavor Coconut Shrimp Roll (solid flavs) Deviled Eggs (small, fell apart, nice crunch) Rainbow roll (solid, BAU) Service: The entire team, from the phone call, hostess greeting, seating, service field, water, napkins, every detail was a distinctive experience The evening was highlighted and choreographed by our server "Anastasia" she is a asset to Houtsons and the genuine gold standard to the Hillstone promise. Bar: Newport Beach standard wine and whisky pours Thank you. read more

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My girlfriend and I have been going to Houston's for years. We grew up going to the South Pasadena location, so you can imagine how excited we were when we moved to Orange County and found out there was a location in Irvine. Long story short, Houston's is our spot. We love it. It 100% prevents us from trying new places as often, but if it is not broken, why fix it? People always ask us, "Why do you guys always go to Houston's?" My answer is simple. It reminds me of In-N-Out Burger. Has anyone ever had a bad experience there? Because I have not. Both places have a strong culture, consistently great food, top notch service, and fair pricing. It delivers every time. What finally pushed me to write this review was this past weekend. We went out with another couple who consider themselves foodies and even worked in the industry, so we were a little nervous. What if they did not like it? Houston's Irvine absolutely delivered. We had a party of four with a 7:00 PM reservation and were seated right on time. We started with drinks, then ordered the Thai tuna roll, artichoke dip, two Hawaiian ribeyes, a pan seared ahi tuna salad, and my personal favorite, the ribs. We finished with the apple walnut cobbler. Everything was excellent, but what really stood out was the service. Our server Jenna was outstanding. The moment that sealed it for our friends was when she transferred their martinis into freshly chilled glasses. That level of attention to detail is rare. Safe to say our friends are now believers. Houston's Irvine, thank you. We will be back, like always. read more

I really enjoy Houston's and this was my second visit, so this isn't coming from a place of dislike at all. That said, I was genuinely disappointed this time around Their clam chowder is amazing !! easily one of my favorite items they offer. Unfortunately, once again they were completely out of it. I understand that it's only sold on Fridays, but that actually makes it more frustrating when it runs out so early. I've only had the pleasure of enjoying it twice this entire year If I could offer some friendly feedback: it wouldn't hurt to make a larger batch on Fridays, or even consider extending availability into Saturdays. Making a big batch on Friday and letting it sell through the following day seems like it would make a lot of loyal customers very happy I'll definitely still be back , I just hope next time I don't miss out on the soup again read more

Houston's Restaurant - Friday - Newport Clam Chowder - New American Near Me - Irvine, California

Came here since I had heard they had amazing burgers and was unfortunately very disappointed. Me and my boyfriend both ordered our burgers medium rare and while his patty was nice and pink in the middle, mine was barely pink. The patty also was very bland and lacked any substantial flavor. I also found that my patty kept falling apart. The bun is also way too thick while also at the same time being too fragile to hold together while eating the burger. I would not come back for this burger. On a more positive note, the service was great. Our server was very nice and the vibes inside the restaurant are nice as well. Definitely nice enough where you can dress up and come here for a date if you choose. read more

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I had never heard of Hillstone restaurants before until my friend suggested them. So I found Houston's on a recent Yelp search. OMG you guys, it's soooo good. I'm super impressed by the ambiance, the dress code, the decorum, and of course the food. They treat every guest with the utmost respect and the food gets as equal a treatment. I started with the Thai sushi roll, then the delicious soy and miso glazed ribeye prepared to the chef's preferment, and for the lady, the fork tender ribs! Dessert was the key lime pie with fresh lime zest and the pillowy cream on top. Each bite of the graham cracker pecan crust made me want more until finally it was gone. Perfectly satiated and the bill was fairly priced. Thank you Houston's! We will be back. P.S. it was nice seeing them keep the riff raff out that was wearing sports attire. It's so ungentlemanly to disobey the dress code and argue about it. Go eat at McDonalds if you want to wear a dodger's jersey, bud. read more

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We had an amazing experience tonight at Houston's! The food was incredible, the sushi rolls, spinach artichoke dip, and French dip were all absolutely delicious. What made our evening extra special was our server, Sara. She was so attentive, and topping off our martinis with extra cold glasses was the perfect finishing touch. Thank you, Houston's, and thank you, Sara, for such a wonderful night! read more

Another Great dinner at Houston's! Service is always 10/10 our waitress was so hospitable and welcoming she was super helpful when choosing sides and my main course. I went with the PAN-SEARED SALMON filleted in-house daily, served with lentil vinaigrette and broccoli so delicious and perfectly cooked when well with my Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc. For Dessert our table had a hot fudge sundae which was insanely decadent and delicious they give you a giant bowl of homemade hot fudge. Ambiance is dimly lit and pleasant read more

Houston's Restaurant - New American Near Me - Irvine, California

Amazing !!! Charlie provided the best service and our food was amazing. They also have the best margaritas!!

After shopping at South Coast Plaza for fathers day we decided to eat at this Houston location. The food and service was outstanding as usual. Beautiful decor and nice size bar. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Houston's Restaurant - Rotisserie Chicken - New American Near Me - Irvine, California

We went here for lunch today and last Saturday as well. What a disappointing difference one week makes. The service was excellent on both visits and what we've always experienced. However, the food quality/serving size could not have been more different from last week. We ordered the same dishes....grilled artichoke, spinach dip, ribs and French dip. Only the spinach dip was the same as last week. The artichoke was small and not meaty. French dip was fatty and skimpy serving. And, for $40, our rib order was 2/3 the size of last week. Houston's has been a special family choice for years. I'm pissed at myself for not saying anything. But, I'll say it now....we're going to scratch it from our list of favorite places for a while. read more

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. read more

Houston's Restaurant - New American Near Me - Irvine, California

I used to go to the Pasadena location when I lived in LA, and this was my first time trying the Irvine one. I had a reservation and still waited a bit, which honestly felt pretty normal compared to Pasadena. What I didn't expect was the server and manager apologizing for the wait and taking care of the starter. That's never happened to me at the other locations, and it definitely made the wait feel less annoying. Food was good as always, but the service really made the difference. Even on the way out, every staff member I passed smiled and said hi. Overall, the Irvine location gave me a better experience, and I'd definitely come back. read more

Houston's Restaurant - Club Salad - New American Near Me - Irvine, California

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I grew up eating at Houston's in Texas so I was excited when I saw one was in Irvine. My husband had never eaten at one so he was looking forward to checking it out. The place was packed so we waited for an opening at the bar. The hostess was outstanding in putting us down on the list and updating us while we waited. We sat at the bar and ordered. My husband had the French Dip, I ordered the Thai Noodle Salad. Both were outstanding. Growing up, I always ordered the Grilled Chicken Salad but I'm into Thai noodles lately. It used to have an option of steak, but now they only had BBQ pork or chicken. I ordered the pork, it was ok, a bit salty but I did enjoy the rest of the salad. My husband liked his French Dip. The bartender that waited on us was outstanding with service. The atmosphere is great too. The consistency of everything was perfect. Great overall place! read more

I probably haven't been to Houston's in 10 years when they used to be in El Segundo. Was in Newport Beach for an event so had to come to Houston's! Their spinach & artichoke dip is still delicious! The Hawaiian ribeye was good but not as good as I remembered. Service was amazing as always. Ambiance is nice and cozy/warm. read more

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There's a reason why I prefer Houston's and Bandera, their sister restaurant, over any other restaurant in South OC. The consistency with quality in food, the service is Michelin star and I always feel welcome, even when I'm late for a reservation. read more

Houston's Restaurant - Rare steak Center-cut Filet and dungs spicy Dings Crispy Chicken Sandwich - New American Near Me - Irvine, California

MY VERY FAVORITE PLACE in CA. (Irvine area) The artichokes are amazing, the French dip is amazing, the ribs are the best in the country (slow cooked, fall off the bone amazing). read more

From start to finish it just wasn't a good experience unfortunately we were excited to try this place, but we're quickly disappointed from Service to food just seemed very mediocre. I would suggest not coming on a Friday evening as service is very delayed and food was lukewarm.. read more

Five Stars We had an amazing experience at Houston's in Irvine, and a big reason why was our server, Grayson. From the moment we sat down, she was so joyful, welcoming, and full of great energy. She truly made us feel comfortable and taken care of. She honestly brought my friend out of her shell and made the whole night fun and memorable. Her personality lit up our table, and she made our night. Grayson also gave us excellent food recommendations -- everything she suggested was on point and absolutely delicious. You can tell she really knows the menu and cares about the guest experience. Because of Grayson, we didn't just have dinner... we had a great time. We'll definitely be back and hope to have her again! read more

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. read more

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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! read more

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Uptight management for no reason. Maybe because I just ran a 5k me and my party got turned away read more

Five stars for the best French-dip sandwich in town. The ambiance is cool. The crowd is cool. Service excellent. The staff is professional, friendly and well trained. Dress code not always enforced. Good manners expected. Cash not accepted. . read more

Houston's Restaurant - Mike's on the road again! - New American Near Me - Irvine, California

This is my go to date night spot. I've never had a bad meal. Amazing ambience and delicious well priced perfectly cooked meals every single time! read more

We really enjoyed our evening at Houstons. Upscale American food with some light Asian options. The service was outstanding as the waitress was constantly checking in on our party. They served up some large portions and even came by to refresh our cocktail glasses with cold ones, which was a pleasant surprise. The sushi rolls were a great way to start off the night, garnished with fun toppings such as red caviar that tasted delightful. The French dip sandwich was my favorite as it paired well with the aju and what tasted like house made horse radish sauce. I also had the savory chicken sandwich which was lightly breaded, stacked with greens and veggies. The bread roll they used was on point. Cocktails were made well and had a nice presentation as they came out. read more

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!!! read more

Houston's Restaurant - Salmon - New American Near Me - Irvine, California

Celebrated my birthday here tonight, and had a blast! The atmosphere was a dark romantic feel, but also comfortable. The food all came out cooked properly, and at the right temp. Knife and fork ribs were amazing, and the sundae finisher was just the right amount sweets to finish off the experience. Our server Jill was attentive and very knowledgeable about the menu. All around great vibes, I'll be back!!! read more

Houston's Restaurant - Captain and Diet!! - New American Near Me - Irvine, California