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Categories: French, American (New)
Neighborhood: Montrose
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You know those books or movies you watch and you think its amazing (the best ever!) ... only for it to slowly decline in your mind's eye over the next few months till you wonder why you liked it so much?
Well, that's what has happened to my memories of Mockingbird Bistro. The valet guys are still nice (I ride my bike past them on my way to work) but for some reason I don't think I'll be going back.
I guess a year and a half later, what I'll say is that it was a good meal, but in the end unremarkable.
This is the one high-class high-expense dining experience I've had that was just dead on (one caveat… Read more »
I love this place. When I go to a restaurant, especially more expensive ones, my first and foremost focus is the food. Service comes next and then maybe the ambiance.
That being said, I will say that the food ive had at the Mockingbird Bistro was very, very good. From the mussels, to my scallops, to my date's beef, and the awesome desserts -- the food was well prepared and executed, seasoned well and served on time.
The service was good, if a bit hasty and rushed. Probably the reason why one star was removed from my rating was because our server said "oh you liked the food, your plates are clean" to us. Not that he was wrong but I found it a bit off putting for him to tell us that we have been pigs.
I find the interiors to be a bit too dim, and the restrooms a tad difficult. Other than that, this is a place I love and would come back to.
This place is weird.
I wanted to take my mom out to a nice dinner to show my appreciation for giving birth to me and stuff. So after reading stellar reviews for Mockingbird on yelp, I figured this place would be perfect. Oh how yelp has led me astray. First off, the ambiance was like death. No fun at all. Some would call the decor of deep reds and mahogany paneling romantic...I would call it stuffy as fuck. The inexplicable cool wave muzak playing in the background felt like a lame attempt to lend some liveliness to the environment; it was as if Dracula was having some pals over for dinner and had the socially awkward (but in his mind great) idea of playing shitty background music to make his lair more inviting.
These atmospheric nitpicks could have easily been forgiven if the food was good. But alas, I was let down again. Very uninspired and middle-of-the-road. But for the price, I was expecting ambrosia. We ordered calamari for our appetizer, and it was just plain bad. Over-fried and poorly made, the breading fell off of every single piece of dinky calamari. I had the trout, which was decent, but somehow the flavors didn't work for me and aside from the first few bites, I didn't feel compelled to keep eating. My moms ordered the braised Kobe beef short ribs, which sounded amazing, but didn't live up to the dish's description. It tasted more watery and bland than juicy and flavorful. My mom was bummed, and so was I. We both left feeling bitter and like WTF.
I don't know why we came here. As soon as we stepped in the door and caught a glimpse of the atmosphere, I immediately regretted my choice of restaurants. Not my type of place. Don't waste your money.
great menu-alot of choices
a date kind of restaurant or if the parents are in town
delicious dishes: calamari, creamy tomato soup
would go back and let someone else pay again
Mockingbird Bistro is a perfect example of Houston's casual fine dining scene. Located in a "house" in River Oaks, Mockingbird has a homey feel to it right as you enter. Dark brick walls, velvet fabrics, and wooden gargoyles hanging from the ceiling create an interesting and rich atmosphere. The commercial ceiling tile, however, need to be painted or replaced - they really detract from the ambiance.
We made a reservation on OpenTable and were wisked upstairs to a table looking out over the downstairs dining room. I felt like belting out the monologue from Romeo and Juliet or acting like Rapunzel and letting my beautiful blonde hair down (yes, my healthy ego is intact!)
We were presented with a wine menu first. We thought this was odd. How do you order the proper bottle of wine without perusing the menu and making your selections? Anyway, we had an idea of what we were going to eat, so my companion picked a wonderful French blend, heavy with Grenache, Chateau des Roques. It was yummy and went very well with our food selections.
We started with the Mockingbird version of the Caprese salad. Their twist is the toasted bruscetta bread as the dish's base. The mozzarella was divine, the tomatoes disappointing, and the balsamic vinegar was very sweet (which I liked). The salad was a little under seasoned and did not have enough basil for me, but was pretty darn good.
For entrees, we had the Steak Frittes and Diver Scallops. The steak was amazing. Cooked perfectly and dressed with sauteed mushrooms and watercress. The Truffled Frittes were fabulous and served with a delicious garlic aioli. I was told the Diver Scallops were fresh and tasty. I did sample the blood orange risotto, which was interesting (in a great way) and cooked properly.
The dessert was a real winner...Bananas Foster with vanilla ice cream. The crepes were perfect!
All in all, Mockingbird lived up to the hype. It is a great spin on American fare in a great setting
Oh my, where to start? Well, first things first. When one goes to a highly rated and expensive restaurant, one expects service and food that are commensurate with the price. Both were lacking at the Bistro this past Saturday night.
The dirty Stoli martini was great. Kudos to the bartender.
The valet attendants were nice also.
Service was on the slow , and sometimes like molasses, side. Our party of four waited an unacceptable amount of time between courses. And, after everyone had finished their entrees we must have waited fifteen minutes before the plates were removed.
The calamari is not up to par. The breading falls off every single piece every time it is dipped in the sauce. I have never seen this before. They must work real hard to achieve this.
The Sea Bass (one of that days specials) was very fresh, but lacked any flavoring. The rasberry sauce was no help. Still not much flavor.
The beef filet (the other special of the day that was described to us by the waiter) was not to be had. They were already out of that selection at 6:30pm at night. ????
Instead of the beef filet special I ordered the veal t-bone. What a horrible mistake. Ordered medium, but the meat was raw. I can not say how long it has been since I received such a poor quality piece of meat. Could not cut through 1/2 of the meat. So, I left it right there on the bone. The waiter never said a thing about my not eating 1/2 of the t-bone. I find that odd.
Will never again dine at the Mockingbird Bistro.
I have had more than one date here.
It is the best restaurant in town for anything romantic or what you deem as romantic. I have never been disappointed by any of the following. Food, service, atmosphere, or cost. It is reasonable for what you are provided.
Cheers.
Great food and service!
Food: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Atmosphere: 6/10
Creativity: 7/10
Went here for dinner with a group of six. We showed up 10 minutes late for our reservation and the other four were seated already. The restaurant was crowded and slightly hard to hear the rest in our party.
I scanned the menu and didn't see an entree that stood out. After spotting the lamb on the tasting menu, I asked the waiter if i could order it and had no problem ordering. Food came out in a timely manner. Everything tasted really great and cooked to order. I appreciate the creativity of the sides that came with my entree. There was a hollowed cucumber filled with chopped up eggplant.
The cons: valet only and the horrible European accent that the waiters use to describe the off-menu entree. And the price point is pretty high for what you get.
Kobe Burger - Tasted like any other good burger. The only difference is it had foie gras on it. That was gone in one small swift bite. It was the best part of my meal. I know its a fancy restaurant but boy was I jonesing for a bun and some crispy bacon and cheese to slap on this bland puppy.
Duck - Dry. Dry duck. Really dry duck. I'm not sure what else I can say other than how dry it was. Its hard to get past. I'm still not over it.
I'd read so much about this place, I knew I wanted to go for our anniversary.
Know what? I'm not even going to tell the whole story. Dinner was delish. The service was the most attentive service I've ever experienced in my life. They brought out the food at the right intervals- split the appetizers on 2 plates, poured water at the right time based on our needs and- for all I know- our body language. Kinda Truman Showy, how much they revolved around us.
But dessert! For dessert we had a bleu cheesecake with a poached pear in a port wine reduction sauce. I don't even REMEMBER what I ate for dinner! This dessert was the most creative and delicious thing ever. I've never even considered combining bleu cheese + cheesecake and it rocked my world.
I really want to try and make it myself. Or just go back for dessert. The latter is more likely.
There was a recent episode of The Office in which the character Andy is lamenting the fact that he could never be a film critic because he's not insightful enough. "Maybe I can be a food critic," he says, switching to something he perceives to be easier. "'These muffins...are bad'."
I kinda felt like Andy when I was at Mockingbird Bistro, except my review would be "this meal...is awesome." Seriously, though, I was confronted by how little I know about food and how much I would love to learn. Most of the time I didn't really know what I was eating, but I knew it was delicious. Chef John Sheely has really acheived his vision of haute cuisine with a down-home soul.
The lovely Suzanne R. made our reservations for 7PM and we were seated immediately. After being treated to an appetizer of crostini topped with pate and huckleberries compliments of the chef, I decided on the Alaskan king salmon with twice baked potatoes and broccolini in a beurre rouge sauce (a butter based sauce mixed with pan drippings, and pretty much as delicious as it sounds). The salmon was rich and flavorful, flaking easily with my fork as I dug into it. The potatoes were mixed in with bits of smoked salmon--which would seem like overload when served with a salmon steak, but the tastes were so distinct I actually forgot about it until I looked up the menu today. Portion size was hearty but not overwhelming, proving it really is about quality, not quantity.
Service was incredible, from the hostess to the bar to the table and everywhere in-between. I've never had such an attentive experience at a restaurant in my life--Mockingbird Bistro takes its committment to fine dining seriously, which encompasses the whole experience, not just the food. The waiter made instant recommendations for both wine and the menu, a telltale sign he knew the restaurant's offerings inside and out. Toward the end of the meal, Chef Sheely came by our table to inquire about our meal and say hello to Suzanne. It was the perfect way to cap off such an extraordinary dining experience.
The interior of the restaurant is warm and inviting, much like the food and the staff. Mockingbird Bistro is incredible--a wonderful destination for the most special of occasions, but I'll likely be back "just because."
Brunch was great. Traditional decor with brick and dark wood work, a very high ceiling. An innovative Texas American menu with enough of the traditional dishes that you won't starve if you are not feeling adventurous. Calamari appetizer was excellent and included an Asian soy and ginger dip as well as the usual jalapeno mayonnaise. Our main dishes included pan fried trout, crab cakes and a t-bone steak; all superb. Service was attentive without being intrusive.
mockingbird thoroughly exceeded my already considerably high expectations. this is without a doubt one of the best restaurants i've ever been to. the decor and atmosphere were interesting; classically gothic, and almost strange, but not uncomfortable. the service was prompt and friendly, and the food was simply outstanding. i'll be doing my best to come up with a reason to go back as soon as possible.
I've finally found my new favorite brunch spot.
I've been wondering about this place for quite some time. It is a favorite amongst Houstonians and I've only heard great reviews of the restaurant. Unlike a few places in town, I was not let down.
The restaurant is beautiful in a mildly eclectic way. Well, that opinion is coming from the fact that I know of the original owner of that business strip. He still owns the laundromat next door and his office is in between it and the restaurant. If you've seen the laundromat, you know: garage sale chic. The Mockingbird is very upscale, but it has that vintage 70s restaurant feel about the place. Lots of carved wood. White table clothes. A hidden upstairs loft area.
I love eggs benedict of any variety, but after reading Kitchen Confidential, I've shied away. Mr. Bourdain did not paint a pretty picture of eggs yolks in a sauce that sat on a counter top for hours on end. Ick. So I reserve this dish to places I can trust, such as Mockingbird. And they definitely did not disappoint!
I got the crab cake benedict ($18). Two perfect, scallion-sized crab cakes, full of fresh crab meat. Two almost perfectly poached eggs (not a problem with me). The best hollandaise sauce. All served with a thick slice of toasted whole grain bread. Perfect, since the yolks and sauce would have rendered any other type of bread into a soggy glump. I got a glass of Reisling to go with it. It was just tart enough for the crab. Wonderful. I would have gotten a bloody mary, but was going to drink a couple of those later in the day (sodium!).
I'll definitely be back again for brunch...soon. Brioche French Toast ($12) would go nicely with a Bloody Mary, yes?
I've eaten here twice and had really great experiences both times. The restaurant is beautiful, the service is impeccable, and the food is really top notch. The first time I went, I had just moved back to Houston and was completely disgusted with the gluten free scene here. As a result, I was a bit nervous about this meal and as a result maybe a tad of a b*tch to my family :)
But I shouldn't have worried at all. I told the waiter as soon as we sat down that I was concerned about gluten and he said no problem. Without missing a beat he told me that most everything on the menu was or could be made gluten free and just to figure out what I would like to have and he would check it out just to make sure we were safe. I'm happy to report that I enjoyed an excellent steak and truffle fries that were to die for! I finished it off with flourless chocolate cake... yum.
As you would probably expect, service and food like this don't come cheap, but if you are looking for a really nice place to take out of town guests or a Celiac friend of a special occasion... look no further.
My husband and I took my mom here for her birthday. The service was great and so was the food. We were seated and were given a treat from the chef --- a salmon mixture on a homemade potato chip. The wine menu is extensive, but also pricey. We got a HALF bottle of Artesa, which was really good but cost us $45.
We ordered the beef carpaccio as an appetizer, which was really good. Bread was also served with olive oil and that was tasty too. Our entrees consisted of ahi tuna and scallops. Both dishes were really good. Potatoes were served with the dishes too and they were amazing. My mom ordered the four course menu sampler for $65. Her sampler consisted of a quail egg leek salad, sea bass, rack of lamb and dessert. Her desserts were amazing...the chocolate torte and the flourlesschocolate cake. I had the apple bread pudding which was also very good.
The ambiance of this place was very nice, but this place is pricey. We spent $270 for dinner for three consisting of what I mentioned above.
WOW this place is cool! I have a friend that works here and she told me to stop by because it is so fantastic. So one day for lunch I did and man oh man, it was fantastic just like she said!! The calamari was superb and the sandwich I had was mind blowing... I told her I had to try dinner.
Dinner is what took things over the top, the menu and how it was set up was really cool, having to pick the app, main course and the dessert was so much fun and so hard. The food was perfect and the servers were fantastic, always helping you out and making everything smooth and fun. I wish I was able to eat here all the time, but the price... does not let me do that. It is expensive but way way way worth it.
I usually wait to write a review until I've been to a restaurant at least three times, but I had to write a quick note.
The foie gras appetizer was unreal. Service was great, everything great. Extremely romantic spot, loved it.
This review is for Mockingbird's Thanksgiving menu.
I was really looking forward to dining at Mockingbird Bistro after reading all of the rave reviews on Yelp, but I was actually really disappointed by the Thanksgiving dinner that I had there last night. Maybe the chefs are just better at preparing items off of their regular menu; if so, they should just offer their regular menu for Thanksgiving instead of charging $59/person for a lackluster meal.
The good: The butternut squash soup, the pan seared scallop (but not the black risotto or chanterelle mushrooms that came with it), the sea bass (including the tomato-caper-kalamata olive sauce that came with it, but not the breaded crust), and the sides that came on the side of my turkey -- the haricot verts, the stuffing, and the mashed sweet potatoes.
The bad: The pumpkin cheesecake (it was not nearly as flavorful as it should have been, and thankfully you can get the huckleberry on the side because these two things do NOT go well together), the creme brulee (which was totally lacking a crispy caramelized sugar top).
The ugly: The turkey and the gravy -- which is the whole point of Thanksgiving dinner. The turkey was pretty bad on its own in that I only got one thin little slice of breast meat, and the rest was just shreds of random dry meat. But add the gravy, and it was even worse. I don't know what was wrong with that gravy, but it was way too smokey and spiced in an odd way. Both my dinner companion and I would have much preferred the gravy you mix from cheap mix packets sold at the grocery store.
The service wasn't that great either. For example, when we sat down, I specifically asked for "regular plain tap water" (which is what I always order), and they attempted to bring me still Evian bottled water -- and then proceeded to try to convince me that I had asked for "still." They were also very stingy with the bread. The first bread basket came with both focaccia and plain french bread; the refill only omitted the interesting focaccia.
All in all, I was not impressed.
There are several great things about Mockingbird, but I have to start by saying that the generosity of the owner is tops. I'm always willing to support a restaurant that puts charitable giving at the top of their list, and Mockingbird leads the pack in that respect.
As far as food, it's first class and always on point. I've eaten there a few times, but most recently enjoyed an evening at the bar The bar menu is both extensive and interesting, with most of the portions being not only generous, but also $9. That's a steal for what you get, especially if you order the kobe beef burger & fries. My mom & I split it and we were stuffed!
The scallop is smaller (just one atop a bed of risotto), but it's a great companion to whatever you get and the flavors are incredible.. If you have enough room for dessert, the chocolate pot du creme is great. It's served with warm cookies & berries...there's just no better way to top off a meal.
I'm going to try my hardest to make sure this review isn't tainted by my expectations but it's going to be difficult. After reading so many great reviews about this place I went in expecting a LOT.
We went for Valentine's Day and like most places they had a $75 prix fixe menu. The place was pretty empty at 6:30 and the other diners were dressed pretty casual. They were also a bit older -- so it was okay. Something about age gives you a license to dress down, I guess. The hostess and servers were very attentive and friendly.
I went with the Lump Crab Timbale, Sea Bass, and Red Velvet Cake.
The Timbale was delicious, the Sea Bass was standard, and the Red Velvet Cake was the best red velvet I've ever had.
The husband had the Foie Gras, Lamb Rack, and Trio of Chocolates.
The Foie Gras was amazing, the Lamb Rack was very tender and perfectly medium rare (and better than Mark's according to the husband), and I didn't try the Trio of Chocolates but the husband really enjoyed it. The trio was comprised of a warm bittersweet torte, a chocolate truffle, and chocolate mousse.
So why only 3 stars?
-- We weren't given any bread in the beginning and when the husband asked our waiter, he quickly said that it was on its way and that he wanted to wait so that we could get freshly baked bread. When he brought it out the bread was cold -- so I'm not sure what happened there. On the plus side, there was this interesting muffin kind of bread with some sort of spices that was pretty unique.
-- My seabass was pretty plain. I mean, it was fresh, sure, but I thought maybe they would have been a bit more creative with the flavors. It came with this tomato based puree with pickled olives -- the harsh flavors didn't jive well with the delicate fish. Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing? I should have went with the duck -- I really like how they did the foie gras with peaches in the husband's appetizer.
-- Ambiance. It just wasn't very romantic for some reason. The lighting needed to be just slightly dimmer, the chairs are these old fashioned wooden chairs with really wide arm rests and it's hard to move them to sit closer to your date. It just wasn't as cozy as I was hoping it would be. I also felt like everyone could hear each other's conversations... that bothered me.
-- Pace. The pace of the dinner was really fast -- which I guess is good if you're in a hurry, but not that great if you're having a nice romantic meal. The dishes were brought and taken very quickly in an attentive manner but at times it felt like they were clearing your plates to turn over the table, rather than give good service.
So yeah, it's a hefty pricetag for all these negative aspects. If I wanted to spend the same amount, I'd rather go to Mark's. But don't get me wrong, they do a lot of things right. If I had more time/money, I'd probably go back and try more of their dishes. But probably not anytime soon.
The wifey has long (Pre-Yelp - gasp!) wanted to eat here but we never have gotten around to it. I had looked at their menu a while back and thought it a little dull and expensive. So we stayed away due to a lack of interest on my part.
Nonetheless, her birthday came around we needed a place a bit last minute and came up with Mockingbird. Apparently, the night we picked was "Blue Hairs Eat Free Night" because we were surrounded by geriatric gentry. I don't care and it took nothing away from my experience, it just jumped out at me and I found it humorous.
Decor - dark, rustic. Nice but not breathtaking. The waiter was friendly but very unnatural as it seemed he had just spent about an hour in front of a mirror practicing his lines. By lines I mean asking for drinks, describing the specials, and telling us that the menu was brand new (it had started the night before).
The new menu reminded me of the menu I had seen years ago - nice but nothing jumped out as a must have. I settled in on a seared ahi tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes, shitake mushrooms, and a ginger-soy reduction. Basically a dish I have head countless times in many different cities. As I said, nothing stood out so I went with a "classic" as a way to test the restaurant.
My wife also wanted the Foie Gras appetizer (served "sandwiched" between two toasted brioche rounds and served on a tangerine and berry marmalade). I committed to two bites. They were good bites, if not a little too dominated by the marmalade (unless taken in very small doses).
The tuna was good. Not great. Well cooked, well presented, and...good. I have had two or three versions that were better with the best (in South Beach Miami) being way way better. I didn't really feel any love put into it. Just, "this is a typical tuna dish, let's do one too!" and with no surprise variation or flavor.
Overall, that describes the restaurant for me. Good, but conservative fine dining that is a little uninspired and unoriginal. If this was my first exposure to New American fine dining I might have been blown away. As it was, I am underwhelmed. I won't not go back but I don't ever see myself really wanting to go back. Another recent $100+ meal that left me wanting/expecting more.
My new scorecard:
originality - 2 stars
menu - 2.5 stars
flavor - 3.5
quality of preparation - 4.5 stars
quality of ingredients - 5 stars
I'm not going to go on and on about the establishment since you got plenty of other yelpers to do that for you. However I'm just going to write about my dinner yesterday at Mockingbird.
Last night's occasion was for a friend's birthday. The two of us were seated upstairs (I was kinda excited because I never sat upstairs and I've been here on three other occasions), and was immediately greeted by our friendly server.
I passed up on ordering a bottle of wine, great wine list selection at stellar prices, and opted for a glass of merlot.
I picked the soup du jour (a sweet-like bisque w/ lumps of crabmeat), crispy gulf oysters as an appetizer, and Diver Scallops as my main course.
Everything was delicious... I loved the soup, sure wish it was a staple on the menu. The battered oysters sat on creamed spinach, bits of bacon with Hollandaise sauce. My scallops came in 3 pieces, that were pan seared with some cooked greens and veggies and orzo pasta.
My friend had odered a Chilean Seabass special. That came with mashed potatoes and asparagus. She thought her dish was delicious as well.
The food, service and even my company made for a wonderful evening. Too bad I'm not too crazy about their dessert selections. Had to go elsewhere for that.
One note, their menu is seasonal; but do order any dish that's accompanied with pomme frites (like the Kobe burger w/ pomme frites), those french fries, oops I mean pomme frites, are really darn good.
The first word is...wow. Just wow. First of all, the location is quaint, on a neighborhood street. There's valet, but what's the point when there's plenty of street parking? The inside ambiance is also fantastic.
The wine list was solid, and we tried a couple different reds that were both delicious.
The biggest draw for me was the Prime Steak Frites, which was huge and perfectly cooked. While not a traditional steak, the meat just melts in your mouth, and I'd take it over a steakhouse any day of the week. The pomme frites were double fried to perfection and the aioli sauce was unhealthily delicious. Another well-received dish was the Diver Scallops, which looked delicious, albeit not as filling as the steak.
The warm chocolate torte was the hit of the dessert menu, although I was completely done in by the huge steak portion. Fantastic meal all around.
I went to Mockingbird Bistro last night based on Cory O's review in Yelp. This is the first time I've used Yelp in this fashion and I wasn't disappointed. My dining experience can be described as episodic with each stage topping the previous one...
THE APPREHENSION
I made an early 5:30 reservation at Mockingbird Bistro because my wife and I were attending an 8:00 show at a nearby theater and I didn't want to rush dinner. Because I'm valet-averse, I drove around the block before coming to the conclusion that self-parking in the area was a futile endeavor. We dropped off the car, were greeted warmly at the door and were quickly shown to a table by the window in a quiet corner of the restaurant. From this vantage point, we could see all the patrons arriving and departing. Their attire ranged from very formal to extremely casual (shorts and tennis shoes).
Suspended from a high ceiling in this converted warehouse were rustic chandeliers painted a faux antique gold. Interspersed amongst them were winged dragon creatures that looked somewhat like seahorses. The overall effect can best be described as "funky Gothic".
On a business card I picked up at the reception stand, the restaurant's fare is described as "Texas Provence". The menu confirmed that what they offered was an eclectic mix of local and European influences. I felt some trepidation as my wife quipped, "They have a hamburger for $30!" What were we getting into?
THE SEDUCTION
Our waiter was excellent throughout the evening. He had that instinctive sense to know exactly when he should appear and disappear. After discussing the menu with him we chose both specials and items from the menu. I opted for a shrimp bisque, duck and a perky Pinot Noir. My wife went in a different direction with a trout entree and a Pinot Grigio.
While waiting for the food to be prepared, we received the first tantalizing hints of what was in store for us. Their pate was lovely and their fresh bread dipped in oil and spices teased the tip of my tongue. However, my palate was completely unprepared for what was to come.
The shrimp bisque was divine. Its rich creamy tomato base was a sensual wake-up call and I savoured it to the last drop.
THE CLIMAX
My duck arrived perfectly medium rare on a bed of vegetables that included crisp thin stalks of asparagus and artichokes. Its dark gravy reduction beckoned. With the first bite, my mouth exploded in culinary rapture. Every erect taste bud vibrated in paroxysms of pleasure that sent tingling waves of electricity to the furthest regions of my torso.
I was deep into five-star territory and believe I moaned softly in ecstasy until only a single lonely duck bone remained on my plate.
THE AFTERGLOW
For dessert, I originally was going to sample the Creme Brulee, but I wisely took the waiter's recommendation instead: apple bread pudding. It was presented to me in a caramel sauce accompanied by blackberries. As I closed my lips over the first forkful, the earth moved. I gasped, everything went fuzzy and I ascended into heaven. I had discovered what I want in my mouth when I draw my last breath.
It was obvious that Mockingbird Bistro could meet any of my fine dining needs. Even the thick froth on my Cappuccino was perfectly prepared.
A culinary rhapsody like this doesn't come cheap. Be prepared to spend $150-$200 per couple for the meal, a modestly-priced bottle of wine and a generous tip.
As I write this, I'm still reeling from the experience!
I love this: Beef Carpaccio with parmesan vinaigrette..... just yum!
a must go in Texas.
Go to Mockingbird Bistro for the food. The atmosphere is pleasant and the waitstaff attentive but the food is what's outstanding and quite remarkable.
I didn't have a good grasp on what this restaurant would be like inside. Super fancy? Modern? Over-the-top? But I checked out the menu on-line and heard from some trusty Yelper's that this was a perfect spot for a special occasion so I took my husband here to celebrate his birthday.
I often order scallops in restaurants (and sometimes make them at home) but nothing compares to the scallop entree I had at Mockingbird Bistro. Served on a puree of butternut squash and accompanied by roasted cauliflower I savored every bite. I almost didn't order the dish because I'm picky when it comes to cauliflower but it ended up almost my favorite part of the dish (I need to learn how to make it at home!). My husband ordered lamb and for dessert we split the apple bread pudding with cinnamon ice cream (put me over the top). Everything we ate was divine.
It is not an inexpensive restaurant. The entrees range from $28 - $32(considering my love for a good burger I'm going to have to go back and try their $29 Kobe beef burger), appetizers from $11 - 21, desserts from $8 - 10, and wine $9/glass to hundreds of dollars/bottle.
But, this bistro is not pretentious. It is quiet inside despite the bustling of the waitstaff and it's a pleasant white-tablecloth atmosphere. We were the youngest couple there and we were not looked down upon. Our waiter was very nice and helpful and very complementary of the chef. I asked him several questions about the menu and what the scallops are served on in the squash off season; turns out it's red wine risotto and I will be going back for more.
I almost wish we were not told about this place. The food is so wonderful (and we didn't even get to try the tuna, swordfish, trout, duck, and steak) that we might not be able to go anywhere else until we've experienced everything on their menu.
Well, now I can't say that Yelp never gave me anything,
We were looking for somewhere nice where we could enjoy some drinks and appetizers after an unsatisfying and long workday, and I gave in to my Yelp-inspired yearnings to visit Mockingbird Bistro.
Wow, wow, and wow.
The interior is reminiscent of an elegant hunting or ski lodge - lots of leather and wood, a good mix of classic/rustic elements. The bartender was so nice, and our drinks (pomegranate cosmopolitan and tequila mockingbird) were almost too tasty. The cheese plate was the best we've had in town, too - each cheese accessory deserved its place alongside the creamy wedges. Though there's a bar-specific menu, the bartender also offered to let us order off of the regular menu (a nice, non-obligatory touch, don't you think?). The whole evening was only $40ish with tip - not bad at all for a brief respite from the work week. I can't wait until we have enough time to eat a real meal here. Everyone was so courteous!
We didn't need to valet - parking seems to be plentiful here during off times.
My wife and I don't usually go places this expensive. Not that it's over the top pricey, it's just that we ain't got a lot of money so we need our buck to go far. But we were graciously taken to dinner there by a couple that dines there weekly. They were greeted by name and then the Chef, John Sheely(sp?), came out to greet them as well.
The staff was great. Very attentive and cordial, and not as stuffy or ingratiating as other fancy places. The food was good! I loved the dipping sauces we got with our calamari. And the sandwich I got, sorry the Tartin duJour, was wonderful.
It's a cozy place that isn't too big and isn't too small, and we had no problem finding parking near there at lunch time, so we didn't have to valet. The next day the Chronicle gave The Mockingbird the distinction of having the "ultimate hamburger." Makes me wish I had tried it.
Wonderful Seafood; did not have wine, but the list is long; Good Service; Expensive; Out of town-er, dinner for one: $68 plus tip
Tap Water $0
Cup of Soup $5
Fish Special (sea bass) $40
Espresso $4
Chocolate Cake, very rich (Flour-less Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sauce) $7
Martini Up $12
My girlfriend is writing a more in depth review about this restaurant, but rather than combining both our ratings in one review, I figured I'd give it my own separate 5 star rating because the staff was friendly and attentive, the environment was nice and relaxing, but best of all the the food was absofreakinlutely phenomenal.
This restaurant is on the pricey side ($40-60+ / person), but it's well worth it whether it's a special occasions or if you're just in the mood to take someone out (or if you're from out of town and your girlfriend tricks you into taking her to one of Houston's finest).
The tap water here was excellent!
Great french bistro fare. Haven't been here in a few months, but in the last 4 years or so i have been here quite a bit.
About half of the time i will try something new on the menu, but my go-to item is the steak frites. I feel kind of silly getting it, as i am not really a "meat and potatoes" kind of guy, but its just so damn good. Normally places will put steak frites on the menu so that clientle that are scared of the more adventurous stuff have a safe place to hide, but Mockingbird really excels at the dish.
I've never been disappointed by anything i had here. Its definitely one of Houston's hidden gems. You should check this place out, if you haven't already.
So, I went to Mockingbird Bistro based on all the glowing previous reviews and everyone was spot on! We had a great experience here. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and feels quaint, without feeling small.
The menu and wine list were perfect, with choices to fit any taste. I had the dinner special, which was the Red Snapper and it was amazing! The other people at my table had the scallops and the chicken, both of which were prepared to perfection. My only complaint would be that I thought the presentation of the food was just marginal, however the taste definitely makes up for it.
On a quiet Monday night, Mockingbird still has a decent crowd at 8:30. We started with the beef tar tar, ample enough portion for sharing, good quality beef and nicely spiced with a quail egg served to the side (of course we mixed it in) with 4 toast points (we immediately ordered more).
I had the mixed grill special, boar chops with sliced flank steak. It came out a perfect MR and the portion was commesurate with the price ($42.00). Served with sauteed mushrooms that thankfully were not over sauced, a few asparagus spears and some stilton mashed potatoes (yum). A little bit of roasted cabbage too gave a nice balance of texture. K had the trout in beurre noisette, which was fresh and well executed; some capers on top and a generous addendum of steamed lobster pieces & some herot covert all for a reasonable $29.00.
Too stuffed for dessert.
Good selections on the wine list, but they have not yet embraced the value priced ethos that Ibiza, Reef etc. have promulgated.
Restrained, but prompt service was fine.
Parking is problematic, so you will more than likely need to utilize the valet service.
I can't wait to go back when the weather turns chilly (well this is Houston), as it is very lodge like in its atmosphere.
Amazing. Had the lamb and the braised pork - both were spectacular. Great wines and desserts as well. Nice environment, great service. I am a foodie at work (public relations) we actually hosted a food client event here. Delicious, a must-dine! Good for any ocassion - expect to spend some $$, but worth every penny!
I went to Mockingbird for lunch during a visit to Houston. The food was delicious and beautifully presented.
Starter: Beef Carpaccio with parmesan vinaigrette, white truffle oil, and garlic crostinis. The white truffle oil complimented the Carpaccio beautifully. (see picture)
Salad: Chopped Salad - avocado, smoked bacon, blue cheese, tomato, creamy onions and vinaigrette.
Houston, there is no problem!
This was the first time I have been to Texas, I was there for a business trip. We were meeting with some of our customers and I decided on Mockingbird based on some of the Yelp reviews that I had read. I was very excited reading the menu online and from the reviews. Because we were a large party we had to choose from a pre-selected menu. Based on the reviews I read, I had chosen the menu below.
Food
First Course
Bibb lettuce and Texas Goat Cheese Salad w/ toasted pine nuts, roasted red peppers and red wine vinaigrette
*Salad was very creative and tasty but I was disappointed that there wasn't more dressing. I don't like it drowning but they were very sparse with it.
Bistro Caesar Salad
Texas 1015 Onion Soup with Gruyere Crouton
Second Course
Grilled Strip Steak w/ wild mushrooms, roasted pearl onions, watercress and garlic mashies
*I didn't have this but I saw the piece of meat and it was a very generous portion and was sorry that I didn't have it! The folks that chose it were very happy with it and pleased with its preparations.
Pan Seared Duck Breast and Roasted Leg w/ almond barley, seasonal veggies and black cherry sauce
*My co-worker had this and he was happy with it. I am usually a duck person myself but I went with the salmon dish.
Roasted Wild Salmon w/ green asparagus risotto, roasted tomato confit and merlot beurre rouge sauce
*After seeing the piece of meat that everyone had gotten, I was very green with jealous when looking at my smallish piece of salmon sitting on my plate. BUT after taking the first bite I was very happy with my choice. The salmon was cooked perfectly and was moist, it was paired nicely with the roasted tomato confit (reminded me of a sauce my mom makes!). I was nervous about the asparagus risotto, I had one a couple months ago at a local restaurant and it was so tasteless I was hoping that Mockingbird would prove me wrong and show me that asparagus risotto can actually have some flavor... and they did! It was rich and well prepared, there were enough pieces of asparagus that you had one in every bite. Overall, I started the night with my eyes being bigger than my stomach but in the end I was satisfied.
Desserts
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sauce
*It was SO rich that I took one bite and I was done. I was sad that it was such a wasted piece of cake but after my meal I couldn't get it down. It was a beautiful presentation with the raspberry sauce, whipped cream and fresh berries.
Crme Brulee
*I'm not a fan of the brulee but one of our customers was really looking forward to this and when it was presented it was very beautiful, but he was not happy with the consistency of it and said that it was very tasty.
Customer Service
Our server and wait staff was phenomenal and very attentive. Water glasses were always full, they were quick in serving dishes and removing empty plates. They also provided suggestions when looking for wine or a cocktail to go with your meal.
I am an event coordinator, one of the things I look for when booking these kinds of dinners is the flexibility and how accommodating the restaurant is. This proves to be a challenge when you host these events in cities that you do not live or know people in. Because this was a customer based event, we reached out and recruited them to attend. As many of you know when you are invited to a focus group type event, unless you have paid to go there is always an excuse to not go... Tired from work, don't really know what the agenda for the evening is going to entail, worried you are getting signed up for some kind of freakish pyramid scheme... TOTALLY understandable! I had let the restaurant know that there was a possibility of 20 people to show, unfortunately for me my trip to TX was right after a holiday weekend and I was traveling during the 72 - hour window to let them know the numbers had changed. When the bill came we had been charged for 20 dinners and 10 were there. I had let the group order from open bar. I was just a little disappointed that we racked up a decent bill and there really wasn't any thing else that they did to help us out. But, it's a business and I understand the rationale behind it.
Overall I was happy, the food was good, the service great and the location and the ambiance of the restaurant very inviting and comfortable. If or when I go back to Houston, I'd like to go back with a group of friends to enjoy the full menu and bar atmosphere.
I hate to give such a high rated place such low rating, but I have too. Service can make good food bad.
I called around 3 on a Saturday to get me and friend 8 o clock reservations, which was not a problem. We walk in and immediately you get hit with the scent of truffles. I was in heaven I thought. We then were seated. We waited about 10 minutes with no menus, water, or even being approached by a waiter. The wine list was finally dropped , but still no waiter or water. Finally, a flustered waiter comes to us asking for our drink orders we decide to start the meal off with a couple of glasses of the Cremant. He ask to see our IDs. From this point he was omitting smugness, like "who are these two dudes eating here bothering me". I have never been carded at a fine dining establishment, and we gladly showed him our IDs. First, he scrutinizes my ID. Busting out his flashlight, bending the ID for hologram, and double taking between my picture on the ID and my smiling face. My friend only had a passport. He asked if he had a drivers license!! He did not know if he could take it?!?! He proceeded to show the ID to his manager, they deliberated over it and we finally got our much needed beverages. What are we boarding an international flight? Just the fact that I can pronounce "Cremant" should allow me to drink it.
The waiter continued to be a smug ass the whole time we dined with him. We were extremely polite to him trying to bust him out of his funk, but he had some sort of chip on his shoulder towards our table. I have dined at the nicest restaurants in America never have I experienced such pretentiousness.
The food was amazing. The Kobe beef burger was great. Tender Kobe beef with foie gras! Forget about it! The mussels were also a star of the meal. The service simply overly shadowed the food.
Yelp, you've saved me yet again from turning an important dinner date into potentially disastrous dining situation and transformed it into a superb, foodgasmic experience. I've been eying this little place for quite some time and decided to choose this place instead of Tony's because of the laid-back attitude yet dressy flair (after reading Christa L.'s description that they weren't looked down upon dressed in jeans and t-shirts, we were so there) and the excellent cuisine that was described by others. Needless to say, this restaurant did not disappoint and greatly exceeded my expectations.
First, the waitstaff was extremely accommodating and attentive without coming off as fawning. To the dismay of my boyfriend, I was running late (hey, looking beautiful takes time and effort!), so he called and we easily moved our reservation from 8pm to 8:30pm. We made it there in the nick of time and I was shown promptly to our table while he was parking the car (Dolph - you are not the only one averse to valet parking). After we were all settled, I noted to the waitress that it was a bit chilly. She informed me that they cannot turn off the AC because of the wine, but offered me a shawl...problem was solved when we got the wine. :) We had chosen a Rioja, but unfortunately that was out. She recommended another Rioja, which was her personal favorite, that really complimented our dishes of the evening well. She also complimented our prudent decision to celebrate Valentine's Day the day after--apparently it was a mad house the night before.
Second, the food. I cannot rave more, but the fare is excellent, excellent, excellent. We started off with a bit of salmon topped off with wasabi on a fried wonton sheet. The textures really went well together --a little bit of crunch here, a bit of soft delicious gooeyness there, topped off with a little zing and salt. We then started off the night with the beef carpaccio, which are very thinly sliced of raw sirloin with various dipping sauces, eaten with small slices of toast. I particularly enjoyed the basil essence--it went well with the meat and the cheese on top. We ran out of toast and started using the focaccia bread loaded with herbs to wipe our plate clean. By the way, this bread was like no other focaccia I've ever had. It was soft, moist, and perfectly seasoned. Dipped in olive oil, the bread is pure ecstasy. This small sample has whetted my appetite just thinking of what's yet to come. I probably shouldn't have eaten so much bread because we barely had time to savor the appetizers when the main courses were whisked out. I had the short rib, which literally melted off the bone and into my mouth, complimented by a very healthy and crunchy risotto and baked asparagus. My first bite of the bed of shittake mushrooms that the meat lay on told me the masterpiece sitting in front of me is a piece of heaven fell onto earth--the savory juices that the mushrooms soaked up was not greasy at all--it was simply the succulent essence of the meat. I can tell that it was slow-cooked with strong hints of tomato. It really reminded me of the beef that my mother cooks to make Taiwanese beef noodle soup, except this was a HUGE chunk of meat instead of the chopped up version that is put into the noodle soup. My boyfriend got the meat and potatoes--his steak frite was a worthy challenger to my dish in both size and taste. I personally thought mine was far tastier after a bite of his steak, but his meal looked very appetizing as well. The Rioja was charming and really brought out the flavor of the ribs. The pairing left a pleasant smoky aftertaste in my mouth. I tried to be a good girl and clean off my plate, but the gargantuan portions made this feat nearly impossible. I surrendered myself into my meal's loving arms, and the short ribs overtook me at the end. We contemplated getting the apple bread pudding, but decided to end the affair then because we simply had no more room.
Lastly, I do want to make a note about our surroundings. We were seated in the wine cellar with high vaulted ceilings (is that an oxymoron?), and antique-looking chandeliers made out of wood suspended from them. The acoustics were just right--we were seated far enough from other patrons that we couldn't overhear their conversations and I didn't feel the need to whisper. The lighting made the place look warm and cozy, and the fact that I am able to see my food makes this experience visually pleasing as well (who would've thought that? I hate fancy places where the place just looks so ascetic and I can't see a damn thing.)
Overall, it was an outstanding celebratory dinner. Considering the amount of food, service, and quality, the prices are not outrageous. The unassuming ambiance, professional and friendly staff, cozy and artful decor, and most importantly of all--exceptional fare--make Mockingbird Bistro worth every penny.
Outstanding restaurant and wonderful ambiance. After a day at museums, we called ahead to ask if shorts were okay for a very early dinner. We arrived just as they opened at 5:30 and were relieved to find the place empty and apologized for our attire. After asking for an inconspicous table, we were pleased to find the table linens hid our casual dress. We explained that we were there simply to sample the mussels. They were fanatstic.
Now, we had dinner plans later in the evening at another restaurant, where we expected to arrive properly dressed. But after such a delicious appetizer, we decided on another appetizer. And a third. And a fourth.
We tried the foie gras (melt in your mouth), beef tartare (delicious), and oysters. The oysters were fried and laid on the shell Rockefeller style. And while the oysters themselves were perfect, the "stuffing" was lukewarm in contrast to the steaming hot oysters.
We ended with a warm chocolate torte that was in our waiter Simon's words the piece de resistance. It was the best I've ever had.
The service was impecable, and obviously, the neighborhood clientele appreciates it. The place was packed when we left.
Needless to say, we cancelled our previously set dinner plans.
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