We've never been to Houston and walked here right after an Astros game. Thankfully we beat the crowd... we got two seats at the bar, enjoyed a couple of drinks and their sliders, which were really tasty. Hopefully we'll be back! read more

Potente - Post-Astros game bar stop - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Stopped by after a game. The negative is it closes at 11? The positive: -Great food! The sliders were pulled roast -delicious drinks (ask for a menu. Got the toasted marshmallow old fashion and Ancho Rosa. -fantastic bartenders! Rachel B, you're amazing! Will definitely be back again to try a full dinner. read more

Potente - Marshmallow old fashion, sliders with pesto fries, ancho Rosa - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Outstanding! Jose B was our server and he was extremely knowledgeable, attentive, and kind! Every dish was phenomenal, hands down the best restaurant I've been to. We ordered the truffle pasta, duck, octopus, and burrata and it was amazing! The house Cabernet Sauvignon was extremely good as well. I highly recommend this place! It was also super easy to make reservations to my surprise. read more

Potente - Truffle Pasta - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Potente' is in downtown Houston in a lovey space with valet parking available. It also has quite an impressive bar and a very attentive waitstaff. That being said the food didn't really live up to the expectations I had for this place and some of the other reviews I had read. Don't get me wrong , the food wasn't bad , it was good, just not great considering the expense and the way this place is hyped up. I was a part of a party of 3 and I had the truffle pasta, in which I added blue crab. My brother had the wagyu beef , and although massive, he said it lacked taste, and lastly a very dear friend had the spare ribs, which were very tender, but had a lot of fatty pieces included. We were here for dinner, so I may come back one day for happy hour one day for future visit. read more

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My man made reservations to kick off my birthday celebrations and I couldn't have asked for a better spot. I wanted to step outside my normal and try something new. We started with the hummus they bring complementary to the table, yes believe it or not I never had hummus and claimed to not like it even, but after trying Potente hummus I find it quite appetizing, the heirloom tomatoes add a freshness that is great. Next up: Ostriche Gratinate. I've never liked oysters, I've maybe tried two my whole life. But let me tell you these baked oysters changed me. GET THE ROASTED OYSTERS. I honestly would go back just for the oysters and I'm going to continue to be more inclined to try them at different places. Probably never raw though sorry. For our main course we both ordered the Capesante which comes with diver scallops, butternut risotto and jardiniere brodo and it was EXCELLENT. We are scallop lovers and these we perfectly seared, the portion is great. I loved it. Next time I go it'll be so hard to choose between this dish again or trying something new. Everyone speaks highly of the cacio Pepe with black truffles and I'm also wanting to try that. Love this menu. They do have a delicious crime brûlée that came with fresh macaroons...which I've also never had before. They were good, sweeter than I expected. But the crime brûlée hits every time. Yum. Wonderful experience. read more

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Fancy Italian restaurant in downtown. Parking is inconvenient so I recommend an Uber. The burrata was unconventional to say the least. It tasted like whipped cream instead, so I'm not sure I'd consider it a true burrata. The spaghetti truffle is extremely well flavored. It's really worth it if you are a truffle lover. The pappardelle and tenderloin was a great balance of meat and pasta, and very well cooked! I was not a huge fan of the physical menu, they are backlit and heavy to pick up. In a dark room for dinner the brightly lit menus were a shock to the eyes every time you opened them to read. Understand the intentions of higher end restaurant to do this, but it's unnecessary. read more

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Walk-in 45 mins before closing on a Thursday--prompt seating, fast & professional service. Ordered, served, and left in 40 mins? BF and I both opted out of drinks this dinner as a consideration to our aging livers. We were sat in the bar area. While the scallops were well cooked for their plump size (pretty great sear), the risotto it was served with wasn't creamy. The agnolotti was also very large & filling in size. I didn't love the artichoke filling but appreciated the generous amt of lump crab meat. I didn't feel like the flavors married well (definitely was giving starter marriage) but liked the ingredients separately. Sometimes you thrive apart. Overall, Potente was just...ok? I can see how it would be a good place for a company dinner. read more

Potente - Jumbo Scallops, hand for size - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Food: DELICIOUS Service- EXCELLENT Ambiance- NICE but not STUFFY First started with the octopus. I ordered the black truffle pasta and I'm still day dreaming over it. Hubby had the lamb and we topped the night off with the crème brûlée and a couple of espresso martinis. Only suggestion is only half rim the martinis. Coffee grinds stuck to lipstick is not cute, but the drink was worth it. read more

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My husband and I pick a new restaurant each year for our anniversary. I seen the glowing reviews and decided here. The inside is beautiful and low lit. Perfect for couples. The service has honestly been the best out of any other high scale restaurant we have been to. Water is constantly refilled, chairs are pulled out for you. Little things that make a difference. I had a glass of rose that was absolutely delicious. I chose the branzino for the entrée and enjoyed that as well. It was also a very nice touch for the head chef to come by and wish us a happy anniversary. I would definitely return. Thank you for a beautiful night. read more

Potente - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

This place is amazing. The service was incredible. I have enjoyed many fine restaurants around the world, and this is one the best experiences I have had. The service was tremendous, very attentive and the recommendations made were impeccable. If your waiter suggests a split portion of the pasta, DO IT. By far the best pasta I have ever enjoyed. The food was amazing, everything was prepared perfectly and the flavor was wonderful. It definitely is on my list for the time I travel to Houston. read more

Beautiful place, love the atmosphere and the food as well. This place holds a special spot in my heart, because it was where my husband asked me to be his girlfriend back in the days. We had such a romantic evening, enjoyed by delicious wine, with excellent food and an even better service. This is the spot for when you are trying to impress your girl and also make her happy because she will love all the food! Highly recommend it read more

Potente - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

So, I have to start by saying that I love Potente. The food is so delicious and the atmosphere is classy. Except the last night we went here and they allowed some girl with a dress that literally showed her private parts sitting and standing in. Be a little bit more strict. That was nasty. So it seems like the managers are Joel and Nate. Joel being the top dog. The reason I am writing this is because we had a faux pas and my sister tried to remedy it with Joel and he miraculously wasn't there when he was supposed to. If he had something pressing going on in his life it would be worded by Nate to protect his privacy so he was there. He didn't want to answer the phone. What I'm miffed about is as a big sister, even though my sister is the boss, she relayed to me that Joel was gruff with her when she finally did catch him. That doesn't sit well with me. I like Potente but I only go when MY SISTER IS IN TOWN because that is one of her favorite restaurants in Houston. Not only that but she still wants to come here when she comes back soon and I will go but I am not happy with my sister getting an attitude over something your staff made a mistake about. We ordered the Waygu steak. My sister had a bite and I had a bite. We asked the bus boy to box it and he repeated it I ordered a creme brulee to go, it is divine! The best creme brulee. My pregnant friend was with us, we were talking so the waiter said he will give the bag of leftovers when we leave. I took the bag and went on my way home with my sister. When I hot home I looked in the bag to put the steak in the refrigerator and it was not there. My sister called the restaurant right away. Nate answered and I think maybe offered us to come back the next day but my sister was leaving. I wanted to make her steak and salad for lunch to thank her again for taking care of me and putting me up in a hotel and cleaning unnecessary things from my home once again. So Nate said he would talk to Joel about putting the steak back on her card. Let me just say not to be obnoxious, really Neither my sister or I am hurting for money. We do not go around trying to get free food and I kept telling my sister to tell them to just look at the cameras!!! You'll see the girl with her privates out and you'll see we devoured our pasta and barely touched the steak. Wow. It was a mistake on Your part and you have the gall to have an attitude with my sister!!?? You speak to my sister with respect. She loves the restaurant and we go here everytime she comes. Look at the pictures. We'll be back but I won't order anything. I may just let her go with her friend because nobody disrespect anybody in my family. Or I may just go and ask for an apology. There are better restaurants in Houston. Potente happens to be one of the best, unfortunately. If you have access to cameras just watch. We'll be back I guess if she drags me but right now I'm disappointed. Oh well. read more

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I will always love & support Potente. Their attention to detail, the ambiance, the shaved truffle table-side...unmatched with its competitors downtown. Muah! read more

We celebrated our anniversary at this restaurant. The food was extremely delicious and the service was superb! Would definitely recommend for date night or any special occasion. read more

Potente - Parppardelle al Cinghale - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Why 5 stars? Because the pasta alone was worth the visit. --- --- --- Potente will cost you a pretty penny. And for all of those pennies, you will have excellent service and not a single bad bite. But allow me to not bury the lede: the Spaghetti Al Tartufo Nero is some of the best pasta I've ever had in my life. Possibly *the* best, including a lot that was consumed in Italy. If you come to Potente and don't order this, you are a masochist. The pasta was cooked to al dente. The texture was perfect. There was truffle, but not an overwhelming amount. The flavor was perfect. My only regret was that I split this dish with this world famous Jando S, and I now wish I would have ordered an entire portion all to myself. As for the other stuff - everything was delicious. Nothing stood out as something that I would scream from the mountain tops about like the pasta, but nothing was even close to just average: -Limoncello Spritz -Polipetti Arrostiti -Ostriche Gratinate -Bistecca Alla Fiorentina -Sfera Dolce The Bistecca All Fiorentina was a massive amount of food (for 2), at a massive price ($144 MKT). But between the two of us, we had quite an appetite, but we met our match. We eventually finished all of the meat but it took a while and we left plenty of fixins' before officially tapping out. It comes with slices of porterhouse and the bone stacked practically to the ceiling, mixed in with several veggies. All in all, my half of the meal came to $190 after tip, so the grand total of the entire meal (plus one glass of wine) came to nearly $400 with tip. It's certainly pricey, but we did go a little crazy. I will absolutely consider a return here just for the pasta alone. read more

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Been wanting to eat here for a few years. Enjoyed truffle spaghetti. Hoped it had more truffle flavor. Service was excellent. Felt prices were high for food that did not have lots of flavor. read more

Potente - Truffle spaghetti - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

It's upper tier, haute cuisine, top of its game kind of place. I went there for a pre wedding party and it did not disappoint. A 5 course meal ensued and if there was one thing I would recommend is the pasta with the truffles. I have never had it so good. They serve first class libations, pitch top notch food, and the staff is on top of their game. Speaking of games, if you attend during an Astros home game, be prepared to have a tough time finding nearby parking. Use the valet service, you will be glad you did. read more

Potente - truffles. - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

I've been here a few times, and each time has been extremely enjoyable. The drinks are so good, their special plates are also delicious. Sometimes it's busier than other times but I've been able to get seated with no issue. The biggest hiccup is usually the parking (the spots are tight and spaces are limited). I love coming here and will definitely be back read more

We were celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. What a wonderful atmosphere! Our waiter was so helpful w/my gluten challenge. We had a fabulous burrata appetizer. My entree was the duck and I finished w/the phenomenal pavlova! I've had pavlova before but this is a unique presentation. My husband's entree was the fish w/shrimp & crab. He loved his meal as well. I could see a Michelin star for the appetizer and the dessert. My duck was lacking but good. Just not up to the par of my husbands entree or the level of the appetizer & dessert. Would DEFINITELY return. I hope management will refine their entire menu & earn a star in the future! The potential is there. read more

Honestly ... disappointing. Been wanting to try this place for a few years and saved it for a valentines dinner this year. We have been hearing about the truffle topped Cacio e Pepe, so of course we had to try it. It was a good pasta, but was it Cacio e pepe? No. There was barely any pepper. Now looking over the reviews and seeing pictures of the amount of truffle shavings people got, we definitely got a small portion of that. The ambience and service were excellent, but food was not memorable and honestly not worth the price . We got other mains and appetizers, but again nothing noteworthy. Maybe their happy hour menu is where it is at ? read more

Made a reservation via OpenTable several days before dining here on a Tuesday evening. Great & friendly service from each and every staff at the service from beginning to end. Beautiful decor fitting for the upscale restaurant. Wonderful atmosphere that wasn't too loud, which allowed for great conversations to be had. Looking around, seems to be a lot of business meals and date nights taking place. Staff was constantly checking on the table, collecting empty plates, and keeping water glasses topped off. Enjoyed the following: - Zucchini Hummus - Made from zucchini, peas, cannellini beans, etc., with sliced cherry tomatoes - Wonderfully airy and spreadable texture, great and refreshing flavor - Bread Service - Bread was served HOT (felt like my fingertips were going to burn off as I was trying to slice the roll in half - which is great :D) with great crunchy exterior and moist inside - Polepetti Arrostiti - Thinly sliced and beautifully charred pieces of tender octopus, served on top of a bed of squid ink pasta, micro greens/sprouts sprinkled on top, with refreshing, skinned tomatoes, and a wonderful Calabrian sauce/spread underneath it all. Would absolutely get this again. Enough to be shared amongst three people, I would say. - Spaghetti Al Tartufo Nero - Presentation of burgundy black truffles shaved at the table was great. Pasta itself was not as al denté as I personally prefer, however, the dish was delicious overall. The amazing creaminess of the sauce, the presence of the black truffle flavor and fragrance without overpowering the dish, the perfect bit of saltiness on the backend of each twirl of spaghetti. Was skeptical at first because of the price of this dish, but can definitely understand why Food Network considers this to be one of the best pasta dishes in the country. Can totally be shared between even up to four people, so can try more of other dishes. - Capesante - Large scallops served on of top of bed of risotto. The scallops were of a great size, and had a beautiful sear. They definitely were not over cooked and tough, which is fantastic. However, to my preference, two of the three scallops were just ever so slightly cold in the center, wherein maybe just another 20 - 30 seconds of searing would've been perfect. The remaining piece of scallop was perfectly seared. All three pieces could be sliced through beautiful and paired wonderfully with the corn risotto, which had great texture, corn flavor, and had small pieces of what I believe to be parsley blended into every bite throughout. Shareable between two to three people. - Sfera Dolce - Beautiful presentation of pouring hot chocolate sauce to cause the chocolate shell to melt and to open like a flower blossoming. The tiramisu inside was delicious, and contrasted beautifully in temperature and paired well with the chocolate sauce, and especially the cocoa krispie's-like crumbles on the dish. The chocolate (I believe dark) from the shell/sphere does contribute a slightly bitterness and gets to be a little much once the tiramisu's gone. However, great dessert nonetheless. Looking forward to trying the amaretto creme brûlée next time. One thing that could be improved upon in my opinion is for the restaurant to ensure the menus on its website (two dinner menus with different items, linke from different tabs from same website) and the menu on OpenTable were aligned. Especially great if the prices are kept updated. There were a few dishes I was looking forward to trying which were no longer available per the menu I was provided in the restaurant. 5/5 - Overall, had a wonderful experience and will definitely be returning in the future to try many of the other dishes and desserts. read more

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First time here and everything was absolutely delicious.. the service was absolutely phenomenal and the atmosphere was just as wonderful as the food! If you haven't been.. try it.. you won't be disappointed. read more

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I'm just going to start by saying COME HERE NOW! Put the address into GPS and make your way here. The service here is out of the this. There no way you can come here and not feel important. Upon walking up to Potente there was someone there greeting you as he opened the door. Once through the doors the hostess was quick. She provided a warm greeting and promptly seated us. By the time we pulled out our chairs and sat down our server was already at the table with menus and waters for the table. Talking about superior service. If you don't know by now from my previous reviews I am French 75 girl. And there was okay. I thought it was weird when it came to the table and wasn't in a champagne flute, I knew right then it was wrong. But overall, I'm not a huge complainer so I just enjoyed whatever was made for me. Now let's get into my meal. DELICIOUS! There is literally no other way to explained how I enjoyed the food here. I don't think there is enough adjectives to get you guys to understand. So I had the Spaghetti Al Tartufo Nero, the pasta was tender and fresh, from the taste of it I would not be surprised if it was made in house or they get it from some type of pasta house. The creaminess, the cheese, the truffles OMGGG! My mouth is literally watering at the thought of it. Like I highly recommend this dish. Also, I got the Polipetti Arrostiti. The octopus was cooked to perfection. Firm yet not overcooked. Its charred so it has that amazing grilled flavor, smoky and flavorful. And there is a small bit of sauce on the plate which I wish I had more was that pop that the Polipetti Arrostiti needed. This dish also comes highly recommended, it is sized to feed a table of about 3-4. ENJOY!! Parking is mainly street parking and after 7 PM that parking is free. There may be a parking garage nearby but the street parking is sufficient. read more

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This place has amazing espresso martinis. But the customer service is absolutely trash. I have been sitting at the bar for over an hour; but 30 minutes without being offered another drink. My glass is empty and they look and turn away and served the person next to us (only 3 customers seated with 4 employees behind bar). After looking for our bartender to ask for another drink multiple times, I see that he is talking on his phone outside. I am extremely dissatisfied, once I asked a different employee for a drink, they served me with no eye contact and made it seem like an inconvenience to be making another drink (slamming things on the counter and being extremely rude). My original bartender came back and took a shot behind the bar. I understand I look young, but I don't think that should matter. I've been id'ed and I should receive the same service as everyone else. Drinks are inconsistent and other customers around us are being given free samples and testers of cocktails. Just because of age, do not treat your patrons horribly. Ambiance is very nice. read more

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Beautiful restaurant, sparkling granite table tops, and illuminated menus. The service was stellar. I would have been more impressed if it had more personality besides just being fancy schmancy. The foie gras was well executed with a perfectly cooked quail egg. Pasta with black truffles was tasty but so heavy. Overall good experience. read more

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This review is for HRW 2021. We've done many HRW menus through the years, but looking at the prices of the regular menu items, this one was definitely worth it! First think we got were drinks. If you are a fan of fruity drinks, the Sprezzatura was delicious. It was expensive $17 (not included with the HRW menu) but the drink is just wow. The drink consists of a passion fruit base, with vodka, vanilla flavor, and comes with a little bit of Prosecco on the side which you pour into the drink yourself. The menu comes with complimentary artichoke hummus and fresh bread. There are two salad options for vegetarians: The cleverley and burrata The main course the truffle spaghetti (Spaghetti al tartufo) is just AMAZING. They shave fresh truffles on the top in front of you. The spaghetti is cooked al dente with just the right seasoning of flavor to make it creamy without the thick alfredo sauce. The portion size is more than filling. For dessert we had one of each of the 5 items on the list. Everything was delicious! Our favorite was the strawberry tart. It is a deep fried crispy pastry on the outside with strawberry filling on the inside. The restaurant is located right next to Minute Main Park. As you can imagine, parking is tricky but we were luckily able to find street parking right around the corner since our reservation was pretty early. Parking is free after 6pm on weekends. read more

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What a wonderful evening! My husband emailed the restaurant to reserve a quiet evening celebrating our anniversary. The general manager and chef picked the perfect table and we were made to feel like royalty from the moment we walked in the door. Ronaldo our server and his team were very attentive (without being overbearing) and made our night. They truly waited on us with a smile and left no detail missed. The food was also delicious. We had several courses- bisque, salads (Get the first one on the menu!), oysters, pasta, scallops and dessert to go. The cherry on top was when Ronaldo brought out a special anniversary mini dessert and then Chef Danny came out to greet us. We've had so many subpar food and service at other establishments that we really don't expect anything great anymore. Potente really reignited our love for elevated dining experiences and we can't wait to celebrate here for the years to come! Highly recommend! read more

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Tried this new Italian restaurant for downtown for happy hour after a longggggg week at work, and thankfully it was a great experience overall. From the atmosphere, to the service, the drinks, and food. Special shout out to Alejandro for his great service and recommendations! read more

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Discovered this place when the man brought me here for dinner. Love the ambiance and food was tasty. Make sure you try the Sea Bass. Yummers. Scallops were delicious as well, perfection! And of course, you have to get the oysters to start. Wine selection was great as well. Service was top notch and the guys at valet were super nice as well. Def one of my fave date night spots for sure! read more

My husband and I are super picky and have been to many high end NYC Italian restaurants and Rome/italy in general and we are super happy we tried this place because the food is excellent and very comparable to the food in Italy. The truffle pasta didn't disappoint, it's not overdressed, but perfectly done. The ribeye with the foie gras and truffle was so good and the branzino also perfect cooked crispy skin. Amazing service from Chris. Highly recommend! read more

Potente - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

My team is craving Italian restaurant last night and Potente pops up. We went Nd just realize it's an upscale Italian restaurant. Though we had the great experience!!! Service is top notch - even the chef went to our table to explain the details bec one of my colleague is vegetarian. I love the truffle pasta - it's the best pasta!!!!! Our waiter even mention that's its #3 in the nation. Salad is super recommended. In the end they even gave us a free dessert as we are so vocal that we love the food! Thank you so much.. read more

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Pros: Atmosphere beautiful, hygienic, impeccable service, rolls yummy, desserts the best, top-notch presentation, complimentary and unique flavors. Cons: Gourmet, cold staff, pricey, maybe an annual visit but not a top ten experience! Probably will not return. Family of 5, appetizers, salads, wine, meals - steak, pasta- and desserts!! read more

Potente - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Potente for a lovely fancy pre-Christmas dinner. We got the tuna tartare, foue Gras, crab pastry dish, and Ceasar salads for appetizers. They were all delicious. I personally got the crab dish and I wanted to eat the whole thing. It was a little curry like with a flaky crust that was amazing. The ceasar was a solid Cesar. I haven't had a lot of foie Gras but I enjoyed it when it usually creeps me out. For mains we got the waygu, the truffle pasta, the Branzino, the strip steak, and a seafood ravioli. Everything was delicious and everyone was happy with full plates. I would definitely be back. The truffle pasta was a little under done but solid. The waygu was perfectly cooked with delicious sides. The pre dinner bread was delicious with the hummus. Overall i will be back read more

I visited this restaurant for a friend's birthday and honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect as I didn't research the menu prior to dining! Where do I start?! They have an amazing tequila that was incredible. I don't remember the name but our server informed us it was only available in Mexico and Potente! There were other cocktails that our group enjoyed as well. The service was amazing and the food, fresh and delicious. I had fish. I visited in October but I'm writing the review in December so many details escape me! I recommend and plan on returning when I am comfortable dining indoors again. read more

Potente - Fish I ordered - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Enjoyed a dinner here with friends. Great truffle pasta.....must have if you visit. Patrick, our waiter, was top notch as we wanted for nothing. He was an expert at decanting our Amarone. Quiet and not hurried, we were able to catch up for an enjoyable evening of food and drink. read more

My husband took me here for my birthday and I enjoyed every minute of it from start to finish. Everyone was very attentive, and the menus were pretty cool since they lit up. For drinks we had the Gold bourbon drink and the vanilla pear margarita. I had the black truffle pasta and my husband had the scallops. We had the oysters for appetizer and the butter cake for dessert. read more

Potente - Butter cake - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Truly amazing - from the decor to the food and the service is exemplary. It's really romantic and I would recommend it to anyone that asks. Parking is sometimes tricky which is part of being in Downtown... You will be so happy with whatever you order. Truly an experience to repeat on a regular basis. read more

Came here at the busiest we have ever seen it, game day just before Astros playoff game 2. Bar was standing room only and only had like 20 mins. Slim, served us two craft cocktails each and quesadilla (credit chef for speed) all in under 20 mins. Her awareness and speed not just for us but the whole bar was a sight to see. Jon Taffer would be proud. No "Rescue" needed here! Bravo read more

Time and time again this place delivers! Fantastic service - as in world class. Really good wine list and a somm who is willing to help out without being snooty about price. They had soft shell crab when we were there. It was delectable. Oh, don't forget to order to truffle spaghetti ... crazy richness! read more

We love fresh pasta and a good fish... esp when the skin is still on it! We don't mind paying for food that's worth it! The flavors did not merry well! Like the pasta had a harsh bell pepper flavor... just didn't merry well and wasn't cooked down enough. The flavor of the pasta and the fish was the same because it had the same sauce. Drinks were good. The crab crepe was amazing! Tasted like Maryland lump crab and I prefer that over gulf crab! Decor was nice. Service was excellent. read more

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