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Categories: Jazz & Blues, American (New), Lounges [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Fourth Ward
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Jazz - smooth.... Atmosphere - cool....
A friend of mine recently held a reception here, and it looked like her company thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
The service from the waitstaff was nothing less than stellar!
The food was both delicious and pleasing to the eye.
I enjoyed the salmon, especially. The mini-rolls (southwest style) and pretty-n-pink sushi appetizers were being grabbed by all, with a fervor.
The sole saxophonist probably thoroughly enjoyed all of the smiles he received as he walked from table to table. Although he was playing some nice grooves, I was too busy vibin' with my salmon...
I would definitely recommend Sambuca for events or just an evening out; and, its shared history with the Rice Hotel makes the restaurant even more special!
We went on a Friday night, and had made reservations a few days in advance for 8 people. When we arrive, we're told that our table isn't ready yet, and it should be less than 30 minutes. 45 minutes later they buzz us and because we only had 3 people there at the time, (we had intended on this being a come and go celebration) they give our table away and we wait another 20 minutes to finally get to the table once our entire party arrives-- 5 minutes after they gave away our table.
During the time we were waiting, it would've been nice to have a drink at the bar, but the area around it and the bar seating was all taken. We had to shuffle in and out of crowds while waiting.
After we were seated, we asked for drink menus, and from the get-go the server acts as if our requests are exceptionally difficult to fulfill. She rushed us the entire time, as we ordered drinks, appetizers, and desserts. Particularly, when a few of us ordered our drinks at the same time, she forgot mine, not once, but twice. I waited 5 minutes after my friends got their drinks each time to ask about mine, and she told me that it was still being made, which is, of course, complete BS. (I saw her go put it in the computer the second time I asked.) I had to wait over 20 minutes from the first time I ordered the drink to receive it.
Now, don't get me wrong, the fried calamari, chicken mimosas, Butterfinger bread pudding, key lime martinis, and all the other things were ordered were delicious. Not to mention, the band was rockin'.
However, the rude management and server made it difficult to celebrate the occasion which we had intended to enjoy.
I won't be back.
Not a commited, but i am a frequent patron at this place. Cafe is subtle, Sambuca Jazz Zoo is closer. But it's a place that is packed b/c it's worth being there, rather than some other reason.
Speaking of, the food and beverages are pricey to the extent of your taste. Service is adequate. On a weekend nite, its wild. View their informative website for events and if you mark it just right, you'll enjoy a stylish band play you favorite sounds from jazz to salsa.
Great for dates. Romance welcomed.
Great spot for a romantic dinner and some live music. Neat environment which an artistic design and open feel, very good live jazz music and a diverse menu. The wait staff is always courteous, professional and timely and I have yet to find something that wasn't delicious on their menu. I strongly recommend the vegetarian lasagna, lobster enchiladas or tortilla soup. It is walking distance to a number of bars and downtown attractions, although, parking can be scarce on a busy weekend night.
food: eclectic and cool, delicious, something for everyone
service: on point, no issues
atmosphere: loud as hell when they have a band, your practically yelling to talk to the person next to you. If have a group, theres no way you could talk to them across the table if the live music is jamming.
Cool interior and layout. Would sit outside next time
Would go back, its a fun lively place
a little pricey
We looovee Sambuca!
When we lived downtown we ventured more often. Usually venturing to Sambuca around 10pm or 11pm, the lovely host always let us choose our seating. The waitstaff is usually prompt and we've only had "okay" service once, out of many visits.
I've had a pretty good chunk of selections on the menu...
Apps:
Seafood Martini - 4 stars. exactly what you'd expect from a cold seafood app
Deconstructed Sushi - 5 stars! wish the portion were larger. yum yum
Nutty Avocado with Jumbo Lump Crab - 5 stars! i'm not huge on avocado, but this was delish!
Fried Crab Cake - 3.5 stars. i've had many crab cakes. try something else. they're good, but not the best
Small Plates:
Goat Cheese Stuffed Artichokes - 5 Stars! Could use a bit more flavors but is still amazing
Buca Beignets - 5 stars! YUMMY! NEVER order these to-go
Soup - Bisque! 100% all the way 5 stars
Never had steak here because I prefer my own at home
Of f the Hook:
Miso Sea Bass - they always recommend this dish. it's pretty darn good, but I've heard from friends that when they ordered it, it wasn't. hit or miss on this one i'm afraid.
Seafood Integration - looks cool, tastes a little disappointing
Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon - simple, yet savory
Chili-Rubbed Scallops - simplicity, tastiness, awesome-ness. this is my favorite dish
Lobster Enchiladas - pass these up! do not come here for friggin enchiladas.
Crab-Stuffed Salmon - yum-may. must try
All of their desserts are pretty ut the BREAD PUDDING is out of this world! OMG! If you're not a bread pudding fan, you need to try this, just for the sake of trying it. It might change your mind.
Overall, I love the decor, live music, great service, great food, great package! Will continue to come back
Star added as service was spot on for this vist.
My friend from Dubai is in town for a short stay and called to invite me to meet for a catchup. "Where at" was the question? Well H-Town has warmed up enough for patio dining and Sambuca is just the ticket.
We ordered just 3 appetisers, plenty enough for two;
Lobster and shrimp enchiladas
Buca Beignets
Shrimp Martini Ceviche with Chili-Cumin
.....and a bottle of Bonny Doon 1999 Pacific Rim Riesling then sat back to enjoy the evening and the live music.
Sambuca has never let me down yet. Love this place. See why below....
Now this place I liked. No real downsides apart from the service got a bit slow once the place… Read more »
Sambucas restaurant boasts a large and well decorated dining room. A tantalizing menu, and oftentimes extremely talented music and live entertainment.
I visited once a few months ago when I had only just moved to Houston, and had some kind of soup, as an appetizer, can't remember what kind of soup it was, but this was some time ago.
then I curled up with a nice glass of La Creme Pinot Noir, warm and bright one the pallete, with lots of juicy fruit and touch of pepper and spice, from Sonoma county, not their Anderson valley blend but I've had that one too, and it's delicious. Far more complex, and pronounced.
Then for my main course I had two small T-bone Lamb steaks, that was so delicious it made me sad. I only recently discovered lamb, and I have to say, although I find it incredibly appalling that we would butcher baby sheep for their meat, It is really delicious stuff.
But yes the steaks, were amazing, some of the most robust and poignant lamb meat I have ever had.
I finished with a glass of Moscato D'Asti, the Michelle Chiarlo Nivole which is one of my favourites. though I was not impressed with the bartender, Jonie, or Jesse, poor young gal, served me my dessert wine in a port glass, how innappropriate for an unfortified wine.
Anyways all in all, I would go back, and have recommended this place.
My in-laws took us our to dinner here and it was absolutely one of the best experience I ever had.
The music was great and not too loud.
The escargot was devine, I could've eaten my body weight in it.
My husband (a self-proclaimed steak man) says this is the best steak he has ever had besides his own.
Desserts are yummy too. Best Creme Brulee I have ever had.
Live music = yay
Food - Seabass w/ jasmine rice - slightly bland, but not bad.
Waiter -- way enthused! Seemed like this guy was high on life!
The live music was the best part, but i wouldnt say that the food was anything to rave about. I've definitely had better.
hot latin nights I say. great food, great bar, great spot downtown to hang out and have a great time with friends. always a fun time.
walking distances to all the other great places...
This review is mainly for the party room upstairs. My husband booked a work get together for 30 people. The arrangements were handled really well, he was able to choose a four course set menu with two choices for appetizers, salad and dessert and four choices of entree, including a vegetarian lasagna. The upstairs room overlooks the stage so your group can have privacy and still see and hear the performers. The food was really good and well received and they put together the menu for only $45 plus tax and tip per person. We would definitely use this facility again for 28 of our close friends!
Great music... and that is where the greatness stops. The first time I went it sucked.. The second time I went ... it sucked.
First time; Got seated immediately. Ordered food and wine. We didn't want an appetizer and instead asked for some bread with olive oil. The bread they served was sandwich bread and some ordinary olive oil. The food was wretched. To me and my GF the food was just nasty. The wine was sour. Music was good. Bill for the two of us ( drum roll!!!! ) $100!! I was kinda pissed... felt like I had been "had".
Second time; Am I a glutton for punishment??? My GF's sister had flown over from Paris to visit.... We had to do something with her. Last time she was here I drove for 2 hours looking for a freakin ranch like on "Dallas". Then when we found one she was too afraid to get out of the car because she heard from her friends in France all Texans are gun slinging KKK. Anyway, we went back to Sambuca, with Elise. The music was phenomenal!!! The food.. mehhh, not so good. We sat at the bar and ordered some drinks. Ok, now how hard is it for a bartender to make a drink without ice??? This seems to perplex many bartenders around the city. I have tended bar, managed bars now own a bar... it is not rocket science. Add an extra splash of alcohol and a splash of water to dilute a mixture. My GF hates ice in drinks. I had wine, this time it was good.. We ordered food. They got their food in a timely manner.. I waited and became famished. After about 30+ minutes I asked the bartender about my food. She gave me a surprised look and said, " Oh, did you want that food?" I gave her the benefit of the doubt and thought that maybe this was a new career for her, but after some polite conversation she stated that she had been employed there for 5 years. WTF!!!!
Will I go back? I would go back only to have drinks. Make that wine or beer. The music is great, service is hit or miss and the food is just bland and overpriced. But as my GF asked, " This is what Texans like?"
Sambuca is a survivor in what could be called the Downtown Downward Spiral. To be fair, I haven't been in a while, but I'll give you the low down from when I was a frequent visitor.
The decor is eccentric animal print, but it's really nice. The food is consistent, tasty, and moderate to pricey. The bar has a great happy hour, including HALF PRICE appetizers. There is a large list of apps to choose from too. If you work downtown I would totally get in on this.
And Sambuca was known for always having live bands, every night of the week. Do they still keep up with this practice?? I don't actually know...
Sambuca has the exclusive catering rights to any event being held at The Rice ballroom so keep that in mind if you plan on doing something at The Rice.
The Brunch on Sundays is good! Made to order omelettes, and waffles, buffet style with just about every brunch item you could ask for.
Good Restaurant, worth checking out at least once.
Put me down with the unimpressed crowd. I've gone twice. Both times I ate outside. The first time I got their Kobe Burger, which they don't offer anymore and I know why. Because it wasn't any good. The second time I got the fillet mignon which I often order at restaurants as a gauge on whether or not I will return. It was flavorless and not of great quality. Over priced mediocre food. Again. (Sigh)
I haven't eaten here yet except happy hour appetizers, but I want to some time. Every time I've been here they've had a really good atmosphere. It seems like a fun place to go for happy hour with friends and catch some music!
We went to Sambuca when we visited Houston for a wedding. We had come in a night early, so we decided to go out to dinner and explore the city. The space is fun, the service was good - I think we had a trainee, but she was attentive and did great. As our early dinner was wrapping up, the live music started. We stuck around a little longer to enjoy it.
The downside here is their food. For the price, I found it to be mediocre.
I really enjoyed my time here. Not necessarily because of the food or speed of service, but more likely it was because of the great company I was with.
Had a group event here on the same night as another large group. We were upstairs and they were downstairs. This basically slammed the kitchen. So the evening lasted a long time. But I had fun and enjoyed the music.
So rating:
- friendliness of service - 4 stars
- atmosphere and music - 5 stars
- speed of service - 2 stars
- appetizers - 4 stars
- food (dinner) - 3 stars
- people I was with - 5 stars
So I'll overlook the mediocre food and attribute it to way too many people sitting down to eat at once. There must have been 50 people in our group and 40+ in the other group and they arrived right before us, so they got their food a little sooner.
So I would like to go back here as a small group - say 6 or 8. Then the service would probably be better, the food would be served faster and be better prepared, and the group would be handpicked.
Oh, and the bartender at the temporary bar upstairs made a poor Manhattan. If I had been smart, I would have gone to the main bar to get it. I'm in a good mood, so I won't dock the rating for that.
I'm going to admit right away that I'm biased. I've been coming to this bar very regularly for probably two years. This place is my "Cheers" - as soon as I walk in the door, my drink (an apple martini with sugar on the rim) is being mixed and as soon as I set my purse down, it's place behind the bar so I don't have to worry about keeping up with it. For over a year, you could find me there every Tuesday. I love this place and it loves me.
However, before I became a regular, I could tell this place was just what I was looking for and it's why this has become my favorite bar in Houston, why it's my default bar and place to go.
To begin with, let's talk about the music. There's a live band every night of the week and they are always, in my opinion, spectacular. There's the Zenteno Band every Thursday (a family of talented musicians) and the Blue Monks every Sunday. Every other night is rotated through talented musicians ranging from the George Coward Austin Biel Trio to Tommy Dardar to The El Orbits to the Shape Shifters. The music is also loud enough so that you can hear the music and dance or sing along (as I was quite prone to do when David Beebe fronted The El Orbits), but it's hardly ever so loud (especially early in the week) that you can't carry a conversation on with the people that you've got with you.
Next, there's the bar. The bartenders (Carson, Christian, Chris, and Jimmy) are wonderful - they're attentive, nice, and know how to make some damn good drinks. When I drink at other places, Carson's martinis are always my standard to judge by.
The food here is also excellent, though their head chef last year went to the Nashville restaurant and the au gratin potatoes and twice baked potato has never been the same. I also mourn the removal of the shabu shabu (a plate of raw beef that came with sauces and blue cheese that you yourself cooked on a hot rock) from the menu, the cause rumored to be so that people wouldn't burn themselves and sue.
The upstairs also has a private dining area that has its own bar. I've been to and thrown several parties up here and have always been very pleased with the results. The main area holds probably around twenty people or so comfortably.
Also, Sambuca offers happy hour prices on drinks and appetizers before 7:00 for those that like to start their merrymaking early.
Basically, you can't go wrong here. And if you find yourself here on a Tuesday, look for me at the bar and come say hi. It's likely I'll be around.
Apparently this is the epitome of 'Date night' which, of course, I have to crash with my friends. If I had a dance partner, I'd be up there cuttin' a rug with the others but I don't so .... I sit out on the patio enjoying happy hour until it gets a little too cozy around me.
Why 5 stars then ... H-A-P-P-Y H-O-U-R. 1/2 price appetizers - as in Scallops, crab cakes, seared tuna and escargot. Holy moly! Yes, they have your ho hum calamari too [which has an amazing sauce with it]. Oh and $4 wine. So enjoy it while the price is right [I think until 7] then, if your dance partner arrives, go cut-a-rug inside. Or, if you're like me, go find someplace else before you start to feel so lonesome.
Sadly, it is one of a few places to stay open and be lively on week nights in downtown Houston. I attribute that on live music and the bar area perfect for interaction, and right below residential housing. I like the no dress code on week nights. Most always on Tuesday, I am there wearing shorts.
Sadly, too many of the downtown scene turned into 1-dimensional short-sighted glitzy clubs which can only be active late at night on weekends. So Sambuca is nice to have around even on weekends.
Of course, on weekends, they require a bit of a dress code which is fine by me. I am willing to go with no shorts rule for a place like Sambuca on weekends.
Dinners are actually good here too. They may be a bit pricey but you do get fair quality and live music with it. (Hint: try the appetizer menu at the bar or while you sit down).
Music selection is fairly good offering lounge, jazz, blues, soul, Latin, oldies, instrumentals, classics etc. I have been very happy with it for the most part. It fits the place.
Just FYI, if you are a downtown worker bee than you may had the option to try Sambuca for lunch. It is good and a lot cheaper than nightly live musicized dinners.
I used to work next door to Sambuca. After months of passing by and hesitating because I had heard its old-man-suit-city-overpriced-pretentious- etc.. I decided to see for myself on a lunch break. Much to my surprise it was lovely inside. Fancier than I had expected. I opted to sit at the bar, to receive my cocktail quicker of course. I was served immediately, and the bartender was really nice and talkative. I ordered the seared Ahi tuna salad.. at $8 it was a really nice portion with really fresh tuna and a delicious plum glaze. My friend ordered the calamari, which you really cant really mess up.. it was good, typical breaded calamari with cocktail sauce and cherry peppers. the one thing that set it apart was the fried pickles they included with it. A nice touch. I was there around 3pm on a Wednesday afternoon, and it was dead.. which is expected for restaurants in Downtown Houston. Still, it was a nice place, and I would love to go to experience the live music and larger crowd to really give it a solid review.
This is not the place to go for get food. Or really great service. But if you want some great dancing, make this your top spot. And by dancing, I don't mean having sex on the dance floor. I mean, actual dance moves. Try it sometime.
The live band is fantastic. They really have some flair and you can get sucked into the fun pretty easily. The drinks are okay and there a decent sized bar to sit and people watch.
Downtown locations are always a little off setting because of the one way streets, lack of parking, and just being a pain in the ass to get to, but this place is worth the hassle if you like to dance.
A room with a view. Had a fun time here at a company dinner in the upstairs dining area with 60 or so others. A couple of the tables were along a balcony so you had a great view of the jazz combo playing below.
Nice (but not exceptional) decor, music and food. It just took way too long for the food to arrive. They were packed that night and we were a large group, so I am sure that factored into the equation. The service was also a little indifferent.
I did enjoy my salad, salmon and chocolate dessert all served on these whimsical slanted dishes. And I love a dash of whimsy!
The other odd part was the design of the room. The one restroom upstairs was dead center, so when you exited, it was like "hello, everyone." The upstairs bar was small and off to the side.
But I am all about the people so I didn't really mind the wait in this instance and hopefully the service would be better if you were on the main floor with a small party. All in all a fun evening and I wouldn't mind going back and giving it another try the next time I'm in Houston.
great food, awesome atmosphere. i likee!
Live Music. Good food. Downtown location.
Sambuca Jazz Cafe is another ideal spot for dining out when you're planning an evening at the theatre or before you hit some of the bars in the downtown area.
For starters, try the dual tuna. I'm a sucker for seared tuna served properly and they do it right here.
I also love a good Filet, and they serve theirs here with Gorgonzola walnut butter and roasted fingerling potatoes. And, while the sight of fingerling potatoes makes me cringe a bit, it really is good eating.
One of the best things about Sambuca is the live music. They always have good bands here that make dining extra special. It is just a great way to start a night out. The bands aren't too loud to overpower your conversation but not so soft that you hardly notice that they're playing. They've perfected the mix of live music with the dining experienc and I think that is part of what makes Sambuca work so well.
Had a wonderful time here!!!
This is where I went for my Going away party-----memories!
Another first date spot with fond memories! Ah, the funky-shaped tables with the leopard-print booths. We were poor college kids, but this was a great splurge. Prices have risen in the past few years and there's a minimum per person you're supposed to spend if you're eating dinner here. This is a good place to come hear live music from mostly local groups, but bigger names perform, too, at this franchise of a small, national chain. Groups come to salsa to the Maria Zeteno band and swing to El Orbits. They have a great happy hour so cheapest way to enjoy the scenery is to sit at the bar and don't eat dinner here.
You can sign up for their email list and get special notices when touring groups visit and a coupon for buy one entree get one free on your birthday.
Food is uninspired: spinach salad with strawberries was tasty; lobster and shrimp enchiladas with cheese were bland; ny strip was good quality meat but sides were bland; scallops were an enormous portion, and bland.
Service: We were charged $3 to split a $6 appetizer (even if you order a bottle of wine, three entrees, and espressos so clearly we weren't stiffing them) it is not stated on the menu, and the staff was unresponsive when we pointed this out. I got the impression that the customer is not the important factor at this restaurant.
Atmosphere: Good live music. Nice mix of older and younger.
My opinion: definitely go for the music, and for drinks, but eat dinner only if it is necessary.
I wasnt very impressed with the food. I had the doctored ribs and those were good! so soft and juicy! lol. But the rest of the stuff I ordered was pretty much plain. I had the Fish Tacos, which were ok. The Calamari was ok, but some of them were spicy, and I hate spicy food! The drinks were good, they are very open to mixing whatever your heart desires! seriously! The service was good, as the wait staff was pretty friendly. I loved the band. They played Jazz and the sound was amazing. We were originally leaving much earlier, but when the band started we just had to stick around. I guess it wasnt too bad, but I wouldnt go there for anything other than the live band.
Good for wine, good for Sambuca, mediocre for jazz. But it's a nice enough place to meet somebody, have a drink or two, and see where the night goes...
We're their many nights when Yvonne Washington is performing. Service is great and I love the ceviche.
I havent been here in a while, but it ranks among my favorite restaurants. The atmosphere is great and varies with Jazz or Salsa bands. My husband loves the macaroni and cheese here and we've always had great service as well.
I would love to come here again next time with a signifcant other! The ambiance is very romantic..music is beyond words..fantastic. The food is okay though. I didn't like where I was seated since I couldnt see the singer, but that was my only complaint. if you love just sitting in a comfy booth with dim lighting and nice, powerful music..then this is the place for you. But if you only care about the food then I wouldn't go here.
I've eaten @ this place a couple times & went for the trendy happy hour...it was always fun...good live jazz some nites...Right in the heart of the downtown.
Me and a friend went here for a few martinis after work one Friday and were pleasently surprised. I love a good martini, vodka and extra dirty! We are two peas in a pod when it comes to our enjoyment of people watching, it is really almost sad how much we enjoy it. We arrived a little after 5:00 and found two great seats near the bar, looking out the window on to the street...clearly the best people watching seats in the house! We ordered our first martini and about half way through them decided it would be a good idea to eat. So we chose a couple of appetizers (half price between 4 and 7). We chose the calamari and the crab cakes...delicious! The calamari was fresh, not too oily and had a great mixture of battered jalepeno strips along with PLENTY of calamari (plenty of tenticles too, for those of you who - like my friend - share this as a fav. Crab cakes were also very good, 2 to an order. The bartenders do make a mean martini, just the perfect mix of vermouth and vodka...and if you get lucky, they will even three olive you. We did not stay long enough to enjoy the band but did enjoy watching them set up, them along with Houston's finest display of eccentricity walking up and down the street in front of our window. Great place to have a few drinks during happy hour, the martinis were $8 and the appetizers about $4 or $5...not a bad way to end the week.
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