Brennan's, Houston

If you read my post-Ike (removed for reasons below) review,you'll know this place needed work. The house was back together but no one was home. I'm glad to say on our 2nd and 3rd visit, Brennan's is getting back to business. We went for Fat Tuesday supper and after a stumbling start, the crew more than made up for previous visits. The waitstaff still struggles but is improving. Our first waiter completely dropped the ball, (15 minutes without water or greeting). But Joe, our replacement waiter smoothly recovered and truly made our evening with his professionalism. Mr. Sherman, the manager, made sure we had an experience and not just a meal. Chef has refined his menu and exceeded our expectations. I strongly encourage the smoked salmon appetizer, which my wife loved and I (not a fan of the fish) really enjoyed. We look forward to this establishment's continued recovery and many more dining experiences.

My husband and I went with friends for a birthday dinner and were VERY DISAPPOINTED with the food and a few other things. The four of us have lived in New Orleans 20-30 years previous and also been fans of the Houston Brennan's; we know what this caliber of restaurant SHOULD be serving! The only things that were spectacular were the decor, the amuse-bouche: a crabmeat stuffed mushroom;, the turtle soup and the bread pudding souffle. Appetizers and desserts should be easy and fantastic. Otherwise, the food was A)cool when it should have been hot B)not fresh: the fried oysters on my fish dish were pre-fried and kept hot, the shrimp tasted briney C)the risotto was very average D)the chocolate mousse dessert was okay, but my guess is that it was made elsewhere. The chocolate was not high quality. E)The service was average and not the exquisite experience that something with Brennan's name should be. F)The three of us with fish entrees had bones in our filets of fish! G)UNDERWHELMING We have been to Geautreaux's, Commander's Palace,Arnaud's, Antoines, and many other fine restaurants that flambe Banana's Foster or Crepes Suzette. At Brennan's Houston, we were suffocating with the smell, smoke and fumes from other tables enjoying this "show". They need better ventilation and/or a source of heat that does not poison the diners. All of us had very stuffy noses on the drive home. A FINE NAME AND HIGH-PRICED RESTAURANT SUCH AS THIS ONLY GETS ONE CHANCE TO IMPRESS, AND HOUSTON BRENNANS FELL FLAT ON IT'S FACE! DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME WITH A SPECIAL OCCASION HERE--HOUSTON HAS MANY OTHER FINE ESTABLISHMENTS!

This restaurant is in a class of its own in terms of service, and idiomatic high-end Gulf Coast cooking. The renovation (completed 2/10) after Hurricane Ike is brilliant, with several elegant dining spaces from which to choose. The staff is unfailingly attentive.

Impeccable service, great wine list, fabulous bar area. The renovation is excelllent and the food is exquisitely prepared. All attention is given to insure a wonderful dining experience.

we had dinner in the "kitchen" the week before they had a fire (ike) and it was fantastic..service, food, atmosphere.

Fun, welcoming bar. Great sommeliers: James and Jonathon. The beautiful New Orleans feel of the place is lovely & soothing. Nice to be able to talk and enjoy Chefs' fab creations. Classic flavorful turtle soup with splash of sherry. And love the charcuterie plate with a glass of champagne. Perfect for after work or before/after theatre. Who can resist the complementary divine pralines?

This is my favorite in Houston. I love it I feel like Im in French Quarter. It is a Houston must, you will not be disapointed. The Terms of Enderment room is a great place for special dinners!

The best Filet I have ever had! The service is great and you will probably see a notable face or two. It is pricey but completely worth it! If you go, go all out!

My wife and I had the perfect meal - with unbelievable apptizers - particularly the cornmeal crusted oysters - excellent entrees and dessert. Nothing was over the top - just wonderfully prepared and presented. Excellent wine menu for those in the know with some good bargains. Excellent service. A magical experience. This old Houston tradition lives on strong.

PRETTY PLACE WITH BEAUTIFUL FOOD