Houston's / Hillstone

I have been to Houston's Restaurant in Chicago, Florida, and New Orleans. I thought New York's would have a similar relaxed/family atmosphere and was looking forward to it. I was wrong. Food was great as usual, but for the first time ever the service was awful (maybe bad luck, or perhaps because our party underdressed a bit) and the atmosphere a bit too formal. Our waitress asked for our appetizer selections 5 seconds after handing out the menus. She then came back 2 more times in less than 5 minutes. We were rushed throughout the whole meal. And then were stuck with an 18% automatic tip (party of 5), even though the service was poor and lacking the friendly touch. Ouch! To top it off they did not have their delicious Apple Walnut Cobbler, which is the main reason I go to Houston's.

Houston's is not the first place that comes to mind when I think of vegetarian food. I mean, it's a burger joint, afterall. BUT... they happen to have one of the BEST veggie burgers in the city. Seriously, it's impressively good. Not just a crappy little patty like you get at most restuarants. It's delicious. It's a close runner up to those from Acme Underground. And... while Acme is home to amazing mashed potatoes, Houston's is home to very very good baked potatoes. I've never been let down. So, if you're a vegetarian in the mood for some "American Comfort Food," I would definitely suggest trying this veggie burger/potato combo out. Also... if they have it still, try the steamed Artichoke appetizer. This is one of those places where you can take parents or out of town visitors with a hefty desire for eating meat and still end up staying satisfied.

The food here is pretty good. Get the dip with a burger (or a veggie burger - they're surprisingly good) if you go during the week. Get the club sandwich on the weekend - hands down the best thing on the menu. Probably a bit overpriced, but I still go back. Side note, I think they use extra powdered soda in their fountain drinks, as they taste better than the average Diet Coke.

Original club sandwich is only served on Sat/Sun. The simple but tasty traditional salad is back on the menu to make great salad/sandwich combo.

We have been living in New York City for close to 10 years and of course there are so many great places to dine in the city but for some reason we keep coming back to Houstons. Many times we ask oursleves why considering we are real big shots and such beautiful people. I guess the reasons are plentiful. They have a fun bar scene where you can hear live jazz playing (53rd street/3rd location) and it's a nice atmosphere. The food is very good. We like the ribs and salads and the spinach dip is the best. Tables give you plenty of space and you can relax. So go and enjoy.

Now I have dined at Park Ave on several occasions and hearing the griping about hats makes me wonder what barn you were brought up in. For a casual, yet extremely nicely decorated restaurant a simple "no hats, no cell phones in the dining room" policy shouldn't even be a point worth complaining about. And taking your hat on and off to "play" with the management is simply childish. Great steaks, burgers and such, though I would like to see new apps come in. I love the spinach dip, but would like another choice. Waitstaff was fantastic and overall experience 4.5 outof 5. Try leaving your hat in the car or on your seat where it belongs.

Even though the menu card looks pretty boring and ordinary, the food that arrived for all seven of us at that table was anything but! Every dish was amazing, and the presentation was superb! I ordered the Evil Jungle Salad with Steak Bites - the BEST salad I've ever had. Had luscious avocados, fresh lime & cilantro, noodles, tomatoes, and HUGE chunks of wonderful, tender medium-rare beef. My friends ordered the Red Snapper with Crab (truly awesome), roast chicken (surprisingly good), burgers & salmon ... everyone kept praising their food throughout the meal! The sides were gems too. My waiter was very helpful & efficient - so honestly had no problems. Well worth the prices (which are moderate, NOT expensive).