Sambuca, Houston

My husband and I went to Sambuca last night and had a wonderful time. We had reservation but arrived a little early, no problems with getting a table, and we were seated in full view of the band. We shared the American Pie homemade pizza and two house salads so we weren't overloaded. This was our anniversary outing, and we wanted some cheesecake for dessert. Since there wasn't any cheesecake on the menu, we decided to leave and take our chances down the street at the coffee bar. After we paid at the table, I asked our waitress if she happened to know of a place to get cheesecake, and she said she would ask around with others who knew the area better. She came back with a surprise. She had arranged through her cook manager to offer cheesecake to our specifications. We stayed for coffee, enjoyed the time listening to the band longer and had our perfect dessert. When we asked for the dessert check, she said it was on the house. I was impressed. She could have easily gotten us out the door and opened up her table to her next set of customer (tippers). Each time we have been to Sambuca, it has been a grand experience. Food is good, service is friendly and attentive, and the music makes the atmosphere lively and fun.

Sambuca has become a nationally recognized name for combining fine dining with live music seven nights a week. Sambuca Houston, located in Houston’s historic Rice Hotel, offers a variety of American cuisine satisfying every taste bud. From pizzas, calamari and other shared appetizers to grilled beef tenderloin and miso-glazed sea bass, the menu is sure to please everyone. Sambuca features live music, which spans a variety of styles, including soft rock, pop, classic rock, sultry singers, jazz, R & B, crooners, and Latin rhythms. Live jazz entertainment plays nightly. Bands are mostly local, but the management books at least one national act a month. A cover charge only applies for national acts, and the amount varies. Think of a lounge with a bordello-like appeal and you are probably thinking of this downtown hot spot. The cigar room alone is worth a visit. The menu features seafood and Mediterranean-style pasta dishes. The Good: Food: Excellent with good-sized of the portions. Excellent Osso Buco, amazing new sea bass, and outstanding crab cakes. Service: The service at Sambuca is good. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and very helpful. All in all, the service here is very good. Atmosphere: Sambuca is hard to beat with its combination of romantic ambiance, music and friendly service. The Bad: Noise. It can get quite noisy in this particular restaurant. In all fairness, this should come as no surprise considering the live music and popular dance floor. If you are looking for a quiet evening I recommend you go elsewhere. Sambuca is not cheap. Prices are on the high side, but the quality of the food helps to soften the blow. The Final Verdict: I recommend Sambuca for the great atmosphere, the wonderful food, live music and dancing.

I went on a Sunday night before a play. I liked the live music, the food was good... cocktails were GREAT, but it was overpriced.

Love this place!! Saw band called Jones Band there last week and it was nothing short of amazing. My husband said it was the best steak he has ever had and my seabass was specatular! Well, what I remember of it after many aguave ritas! Can't wait to go back!

THE FOOD HERE IS OVERPRICED AND NOT EVEN GOOD...THE ONLY THING GOING IS THE ATMOSPHERE....GO FOR DRINKS NOT FOR THE FOOD!!!!

I called and made a reservation as I've never been to Sambuca. Upon our arrival , they couldn't find our reservation, asked me about a confirmation number which I knew nothing about. They tried to find it under my phone number, that didn't work. There were 4 young girls working the entry, and they all acted as if they were just hired! The same with the girl on the phone that took my reservation. So they give me a pager, and no where to sit, we stand and wait. Then a table comes up, it's literally sandwiched within inches of 2 other couples, we just left and NEVER going back!

Went looking for a good time in downtown Houston and weren't disappointed when we found this place. Great atmosphere and the jazz band was awesome. Highly recommend for a night in downtown.

I came here for lunch and had a great time. Service was great and menu had quite a selection. I enjoyed a turkey sandwich with melted brie and pears. The pears were a nice touch to the sandwich. I will be back.

Great place for more than just the food.

Really good food, even in the bar area...It gets a little loud on a Thursday evening, but they do offer great entertainment.