It's a bittersweet review. Everything was perfect until the end. Liz, our server was beyond amazing! Patient, friendly, lovely, knowledgeable. The food is fantastic! The Asian manager gentleman seemed helpful at one point, too. However, when we ordered our Chocolate Martini with our dessert that we always order at every restaurant we go to, even here at Houston's 2 years ago, we were told that they could not make it. They do not carry any chocolate liquor. They can't make an Espresso Martini, either. Needless to say, that's one of the most popular drinks in restaurants these days. Ok, I was tying to work with them. How about a vodka, Bailey's, Kahlua chocolate syrup cocktail? They don't have Kahlua. OK. How about the same without Kahlua? Well, the bar doesn't have chocolate syrup, it would have to come from the dessert station. Fine. How about just vodka and Bailey's? The manager said they couldn't make it. (I don't know if it was the Asian guy who helped me earlier or the other manager, but one of the managers. I truly believe that a place like this would need more seasoned and mature managers.) At this point we were spending $500+ for 3 people. To refuse to make me a drink when I was really reasonable and was trying to work with them was unbelievable! Ok, how about some dessert wine or port? They don't have any after dinner drinks. Are you kidding? Not one dessert wine or port? How can a semi-upscale restaurant that serves steaks and various desserts not have ANY after dinner drink? It's outrageous and ridiculous. I tried to send a message to their corporate office, but of course, they own hundreds of restaurants and no one will pay attention. You can also only type 1000 characters in your message!!?? Anyhow, they ruined our night. It was my husband's 50th birthday. I am a Restaurant and Wine Manager at an upscale steak restaurant in Los Angeles and I was stunned about the fact that not only they didn't have any after dinner drinks, but they they refused to accommodate my request. What a shame! I will not return until they make sure they carry at least one port, one dessert wine and one type of chocolate liquor.
93mlt
I dine at this Houston’s quite frequently and have had a few unusual incidents over the years, but none have ever left me feeling the way I did today. Once, I came with a friend for her birthday and the man seated in the booth behind us threw a drink at the woman he was dining with. The drink splashed onto my friend as well. We didn’t make a fuss, and the next day the restaurant called to apologize and offered a gift card. We returned later and had a pleasant experience. Another time, on New Year’s Eve, while waiting for our table, we watched a drunk guest refuse to leave and eventually get dragged out by Pasadena Police. Once he was removed, we enjoyed our evening with no issues. Today, after church, my husband, our 19-month-old son, and I decided to dine here again. We were told the wait would be 45 minutes — no problem, as we’ve dined here multiple times with our baby and always had a great experience. I asked about high chairs and was reminded they didn’t have any, which was fine since we always keep one in the car. Once seated, we set up our portable high chair in the booth and ordered food for all of us. Our son ate quietly and happily, and his food arrived quickly. Our entrées were delayed because the items weren’t available until about 15 minutes after we ordered, but that still wasn’t an issue. What shocked us was being interrupted mid-conversation by a staff member who walked up without announcing himself. Smiling, he said, “Hi. I’m just gonna ask you to keep the baby down. Just do all you can do to keep the baby quiet. If there’s anything we can do, please let us know.” I honestly thought we were being pranked. My son had been completely quiet and content the entire time. I asked if we were being pranked, and he said no. I told him that if the restaurant didn’t want children present, that should be stated upfront — but that wasn’t the case. I also told him I’d lost my appetite because of how inappropriate and unnecessary the request was. He walked away looking unsure and unprepared for the situation. My husband went to find someone more capable of handling customer concerns. Meanwhile, the table beside us expressed how shocked they were and confirmed our baby had been silent. They were so disturbed by what they witnessed that they left. I also learned that no one in our section had complained, which made it even more confusing why we were singled out. My husband eventually spoke with the general manager, Sean, but the conversation took so long that I grew more uncomfortable. When my husband returned to the table, our food had arrived, but I had asked them to hold it because I wasn’t sure how things would unfold. Sean then approached our table and, without introducing himself to me, asked, “Are you all going to eat?” Only after I asked who he was did he tell me he was the general manager. I explained that I had lost my appetite and that his question felt dismissive given the seriousness of what happened. My husband asked for a moment, and Sean walked away. Throughout all of this, my baby remained quiet, happy, and eating his food. During this time, staff began approaching every table with children, making parents visibly uncomfortable. Our server even said, “Oh yeah, they’re making their rounds.” Ironically, no child in the room was being loud. One family told us they had been kicked out. Another family with a toddler who was simply standing in the booth was told to make her sit; they left soon after. We chose not to eat, but we allowed our son to finish his meal since he was truly the calmest, most well-behaved person at our table. Toward the end, Sean returned and apologized, saying they would cover our son’s grilled cheese and fries. Given what happened, that was the absolute least they could do. My concern now is not just our treatment but the treatment of other families who were also targeted despite their children being quiet. We have dined here many times — alone, with friends, and with family — and have never experienced anything like today. The request to “keep the b
Doug Perry
Well run Houston's outlet with the usual top notch fare. Is usually crowded and can be noisy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dr. Rania Sayegh Khalaf
One of my all time places... this place NEVER disappoints!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Frank Reza
I wish I could say I had a great experience. Unfortunately, I went on a day the Dodgers were playing an elimination game. I, like many other Dodger fans, was wearing one of my Dodgers jerseys in support of the team. Because of this, we were told we could not be served. I understand that they have a policy, but they should make an exception for the Dodgers, or at least during the playoffs.
Kindcare Hospice
The mashed potato was cold, they gave another one but still cold.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 2
E Agulr
EVERYTHING IS DELICIOUS AND SO TASTY! THE EMPLOYEES IN ALL AREAS & PLEASANT AND HELPFUL!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Irvin Chen
My favorite steak house.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jordan on Film
Houston’s Pasadena is very busy on a Saturday night but they seated us within five minutes of our reservation time. That’s something I really appreciate. We started with the ciabatta cheese bread which was a hit. We continued with guac and chips and deviled eggs. For dinner, we split the crispy chicken sandwich and my friend had a tuna roll with nuts. She also had the apple walnut dessert. Do you think she loved it? Look at that award winning smile! Houston’s Pasadena is consistent, reliable, wholesome and always a pleasure. We’ll be back - but only with a reservation!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pamela Scott
I made reservations for tonight's dinner one month ago. For some reason they did not have our name on the books. Alfred, the manager made sure we were taken care of in spite of the mix up. Greatly appreciated. We had a great meal, and a very nice experience. Thank you.
The double cut pork chop was simple yet highlighted the natural flavor of the meat very well. The soup of the day, a Mexican soup, exceeded my expectations and was truly delicious. I was a bit concerned about the dress code before visiting, but the actual atmosphere was much more casual than what the notice on the website suggested.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Julie Mathis
After over a decade of consistent quality food Houston’s decided to cut costs by changing some of their staple recipes. The Cesar salad has canned corn and their mashed potatoes is blended with chunks of cabbage. The cabbage diet taste complimentary at all with potato’s. I ordered the ribeye and it was never marinated before but it came out too similar to the Hawaiian steak. I called the restaurant to voice my concerns and the GM expressed they aren’t changing the new change anytime soon but welcomed my feedback. Bye for now Houston’s
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 5
Richard Danu
Well, some folks got the restaurant business down to a science. Houston's is one of them.
Kid-friendliness: Pls don't brink kids. This place is perfect the way it is
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
L D
We always have a great time here. We order the ribs, the Thai mango salad, coconut shrimp roll, and the burger. It's always great. The desserts are delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Key Lime Pie, Apple Cobbler, Ciabatta Cheese Toast, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Famous French Dip Au Jus, Noodle Salad, Pork Ribs, Burger
Rita Hand
Loved this place! Celebrated our friends birthday. The food was fabulous, hubby and I shared the wood fired steak. Itwas absolutely mouthwatering delicious and along with the stuff baked potatoe it was plenty for both of us. Our friend Ron raved about the ribs as did another friend that got the asian salad and sushi. The sevice friendly and right on the atmosphere great. I generally do not patronize coporate chain restaurants. This experience definate changed my ooinion atleast about this chain. Will definately be back.
It's a bittersweet review. Everything was perfect until the end. Liz, our server was beyond amazing! Patient, friendly, lovely, knowledgeable. The food is fantastic! The Asian manager gentleman seemed helpful at one point, too. However, when we ordered our Chocolate Martini with our dessert that we always order at every restaurant we go to, even here at Houston's 2 years ago, we were told that they could not make it. They do not carry any chocolate liquor. They can't make an Espresso Martini, either. Needless to say, that's one of the most popular drinks in restaurants these days. Ok, I was tying to work with them. How about a vodka, Bailey's, Kahlua chocolate syrup cocktail? They don't have Kahlua. OK. How about the same without Kahlua? Well, the bar doesn't have chocolate syrup, it would have to come from the dessert station. Fine. How about just vodka and Bailey's? The manager said they couldn't make it. (I don't know if it was the Asian guy who helped me earlier or the other manager, but one of the managers. I truly believe that a place like this would need more seasoned and mature managers.) At this point we were spending $500+ for 3 people. To refuse to make me a drink when I was really reasonable and was trying to work with them was unbelievable! Ok, how about some dessert wine or port? They don't have any after dinner drinks. Are you kidding? Not one dessert wine or port? How can a semi-upscale restaurant that serves steaks and various desserts not have ANY after dinner drink? It's outrageous and ridiculous. I tried to send a message to their corporate office, but of course, they own hundreds of restaurants and no one will pay attention. You can also only type 1000 characters in your message!!?? Anyhow, they ruined our night. It was my husband's 50th birthday. I am a Restaurant and Wine Manager at an upscale steak restaurant in Los Angeles and I was stunned about the fact that not only they didn't have any after dinner drinks, but they they refused to accommodate my request. What a shame! I will not return until they make sure they carry at least one port, one dessert wine and one type of chocolate liquor.
I dine at this Houston’s quite frequently and have had a few unusual incidents over the years, but none have ever left me feeling the way I did today. Once, I came with a friend for her birthday and the man seated in the booth behind us threw a drink at the woman he was dining with. The drink splashed onto my friend as well. We didn’t make a fuss, and the next day the restaurant called to apologize and offered a gift card. We returned later and had a pleasant experience. Another time, on New Year’s Eve, while waiting for our table, we watched a drunk guest refuse to leave and eventually get dragged out by Pasadena Police. Once he was removed, we enjoyed our evening with no issues. Today, after church, my husband, our 19-month-old son, and I decided to dine here again. We were told the wait would be 45 minutes — no problem, as we’ve dined here multiple times with our baby and always had a great experience. I asked about high chairs and was reminded they didn’t have any, which was fine since we always keep one in the car. Once seated, we set up our portable high chair in the booth and ordered food for all of us. Our son ate quietly and happily, and his food arrived quickly. Our entrées were delayed because the items weren’t available until about 15 minutes after we ordered, but that still wasn’t an issue. What shocked us was being interrupted mid-conversation by a staff member who walked up without announcing himself. Smiling, he said, “Hi. I’m just gonna ask you to keep the baby down. Just do all you can do to keep the baby quiet. If there’s anything we can do, please let us know.” I honestly thought we were being pranked. My son had been completely quiet and content the entire time. I asked if we were being pranked, and he said no. I told him that if the restaurant didn’t want children present, that should be stated upfront — but that wasn’t the case. I also told him I’d lost my appetite because of how inappropriate and unnecessary the request was. He walked away looking unsure and unprepared for the situation. My husband went to find someone more capable of handling customer concerns. Meanwhile, the table beside us expressed how shocked they were and confirmed our baby had been silent. They were so disturbed by what they witnessed that they left. I also learned that no one in our section had complained, which made it even more confusing why we were singled out. My husband eventually spoke with the general manager, Sean, but the conversation took so long that I grew more uncomfortable. When my husband returned to the table, our food had arrived, but I had asked them to hold it because I wasn’t sure how things would unfold. Sean then approached our table and, without introducing himself to me, asked, “Are you all going to eat?” Only after I asked who he was did he tell me he was the general manager. I explained that I had lost my appetite and that his question felt dismissive given the seriousness of what happened. My husband asked for a moment, and Sean walked away. Throughout all of this, my baby remained quiet, happy, and eating his food. During this time, staff began approaching every table with children, making parents visibly uncomfortable. Our server even said, “Oh yeah, they’re making their rounds.” Ironically, no child in the room was being loud. One family told us they had been kicked out. Another family with a toddler who was simply standing in the booth was told to make her sit; they left soon after. We chose not to eat, but we allowed our son to finish his meal since he was truly the calmest, most well-behaved person at our table. Toward the end, Sean returned and apologized, saying they would cover our son’s grilled cheese and fries. Given what happened, that was the absolute least they could do. My concern now is not just our treatment but the treatment of other families who were also targeted despite their children being quiet. We have dined here many times — alone, with friends, and with family — and have never experienced anything like today. The request to “keep the b
Well run Houston's outlet with the usual top notch fare. Is usually crowded and can be noisy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of my all time places... this place
NEVER disappoints!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I wish I could say I had a great experience. Unfortunately, I went on a day the Dodgers were playing an elimination game. I, like many other Dodger fans, was wearing one of my Dodgers jerseys in support of the team. Because of this, we were told we could not be served. I understand that they have a policy, but they should make an exception for the Dodgers, or at least during the playoffs.
The mashed potato was cold, they gave another one but still cold.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 2
EVERYTHING IS DELICIOUS AND SO TASTY! THE EMPLOYEES IN ALL AREAS & PLEASANT AND HELPFUL!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My favorite steak house.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Houston’s Pasadena is very busy on a Saturday night but they seated us within five minutes of our reservation time. That’s something I really appreciate. We started with the ciabatta cheese bread which was a hit. We continued with guac and chips and deviled eggs. For dinner, we split the crispy chicken sandwich and my friend had a tuna roll with nuts. She also had the apple walnut dessert. Do you think she loved it? Look at that award winning smile! Houston’s Pasadena is consistent, reliable, wholesome and always a pleasure. We’ll be back - but only with a reservation!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I made reservations for tonight's dinner one month ago. For some reason they did not have our name on the books. Alfred, the manager made sure we were taken care of in spite of the mix up. Greatly appreciated. We had a great meal, and a very nice experience. Thank you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The double cut pork chop was simple yet highlighted the natural flavor of the meat very well. The soup of the day, a Mexican soup, exceeded my expectations and was truly delicious. I was a bit concerned about the dress code before visiting, but the actual atmosphere was much more casual than what the notice on the website suggested.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
After over a decade of consistent quality food Houston’s decided to cut costs by changing some of their staple recipes. The Cesar salad has canned corn and their mashed potatoes is blended with chunks of cabbage. The cabbage diet taste complimentary at all with potato’s. I ordered the ribeye and it was never marinated before but it came out too similar to the Hawaiian steak. I called the restaurant to voice my concerns and the GM expressed they aren’t changing the new change anytime soon but welcomed my feedback. Bye for now Houston’s
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 5
Well, some folks got the restaurant business down to a science. Houston's is one of them.
Kid-friendliness: Pls don't brink kids. This place is perfect the way it is
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We always have a great time here. We order the ribs, the Thai mango salad, coconut shrimp roll, and the burger. It's always great. The desserts are delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Key Lime Pie, Apple Cobbler, Ciabatta Cheese Toast, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Famous French Dip Au Jus, Noodle Salad, Pork Ribs, Burger
Loved this place! Celebrated our friends birthday. The food was fabulous, hubby and I shared the wood fired steak. Itwas absolutely mouthwatering delicious and along with the stuff baked potatoe it was plenty for both of us. Our friend Ron raved about the ribs as did another friend that got the asian salad and sushi. The sevice friendly and right on the atmosphere great. I generally do not patronize coporate chain restaurants. This experience definate changed my ooinion atleast about this chain. Will definately be back.
Parking: On site parking
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Thai Noodle Salad
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