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Spaghetti Western Italian Cafe
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: The Heights
1608 Shepherd Dr
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 490-2988
1608 Shepherd Dr
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 490-2988
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good for:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
22 reviews for Spaghetti Western Italian Cafe
I had lunch here for the first time today, but it has a very good menu with many things I want to try next time.
Stuffed mushrooms: 4.5/5 - It's very cheesy & creamy.
Grilled pork chop: 3.5/5 - It comes w/ garlic mashed potatoes & sauteed asparagus. The pork chop was a little dry & needed every bit of the jalapeno kiwi glaze for flavor.
Portabella crab cake: 4.5/5 - The crab cake was lighly breaded topped w/ grilled shrimp. It also comes with orzo pasta w/ roasted garlic cream sauce.
Service: 3/5
Ambience: 3/5
I was pleasantly pleased with this restaurant. They definitely accomodated our last minute bday dinner group plans. We did feel somewhat overdressed for this place since we were going out on washington right after. Our waiter was funny, sarcastic and great! We were waiting on the other bday girl to arrive so we could celebrate cake and our waiter was understanding and awesome. He gladly provided us with plates, a decent knife and lit our candles for us. Definitely a great place for large parties (make sure you call in advance to make sure)
Now onto the food, I shared the pasta man with a friend and the portion was good size and delicious! The bread they serve beforehand is addicting and tasty!! I give this place 2 thumbs up!
This non-traditional Italian restaurant is delicious. Its an offbeat diner with masala sauce, which is actually just brown gravy. Regardless, I've always had good food there. Wait staff is prompt and friendly.
I suggest the Spaghetti Western Formal Wear, with a splash of mushroom sauce added.
They have a "back" room, which is located on the side. It is great for groups.
This was one of many places my husband and I about which would say, "oh, we should really go there sometime" as we drove past it. After performing said exercise in futility for over a year, we finally stopped by last night for dinner. We'll be coming back.
As my husband immediately noticed when we walked in -- its where cops eat. And thats usually a sign of good food. They offer a lot of the staple american italian dishes and a few that were unique to the restaurant (including the yummy dish I got -- the Enchiladas Italianas). The food was good, the portions filling but not overwhelming, and the service was efficient. The price is on the inexpensive side too ($8-$12 for an entree) so its a good alternative to Patronellas or Damian's when you want something more casual.
Next time I want to check out the wine list as most tables were enjoying a bottle, so it makes me think the wine is reasonably priced as well...
We've been going to Spaghetti Western for 5+ years and take any out of town guests there during their stay.
The servers are all friendly and Lupe, the bartendar, recognizes us and says hello. A lot of the employees are also co-owners, so they really care about the customer experience. We've had only a few instances when we thought the service was less than great, which I guess it to be expected considering the number of times we've been.
My favorite dishes include:
* The Ugly pizza - chicken with chipotle tomatillo sauce
* The Pasta Man Special - a chicken breast and crawfish tails stacked on top of a crab cake and covered in garlic cream sauce
*Meatloaf - I know, a strange choice, but the brown gravy is delicious
* Spaghetti Western Formal Wear - bowtie pasta with chicken, sundried tomatoes and mushrooms, all in a garlic cream sauce
Other things worth trying:
* My wife enjoys the Italian margarita, which is a standard margarita with a shot of amaretto. It's too sweet for me.
* Italian nachos (get the half order unless you're really hungry!)
* The breadsticks that come out before your meal are usually soft and delicious. Occasionally, we've had a over-toasted batch, but that's rare in our experience.
If you're looking for a casual place to eat near the Heights that has reasonable prices and a kid-friendly atmosphere, definitely give Spaghetti Western a look.
This place was really tasty. The bread sticks are soft and fluffy and have just the right amount of garlic. I don't remember exactly what I got here but it was an orzo pasta with giant shrimp and crabcakes sitting on top. Sooooo yummy. This place is unpretentious and has a little bit of character with delicious food.
I'd been away from Spaghetti Western for a while, but started going back now that Houston Roller Derby bouts take place just down the street.
Upon my first return trip, I explained to the waitress how I loved the pizza but it was too spicy for me to eat. She quickly explained that several people had mentioned the same thing and that they had changed the pizza based on the feedback.
I ordered the pizza and was ecstatic to discover that it was no longer spicy but still delicious. I've ordered the pizza several times since then, including a large to split with a friend that was way too much for both of us to eat, and since I'd said I'd up may rating if only I could eat the pizza, here's the five stars that I'd promised.
Try the pizza; I promise you won't be disappointed.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/19/2008
I love Spaghetti Western as much for the theme (the whole idea of an Italian restaurant named… Read more »
It's kind of a strange idea for a restaurant. I used to pass it up a lot and wonder if it was a restaurant or a video store until one day I decided to be adventurous and find out. It is a regular little Italian restaurant decorated with Clint Eastwood cowboy posters and many other stars of the spaghetti westerns, hence the name. I loved the scenery, I am a big fan of western movies and Clint Eastwood.
I have only eaten a few dishes here, mostly I order the spaghetti and meatballs with a salad. They have really great salad and dressing and the garlic bread sticks are savory and it is difficult to save room for the main event. Yummy, sauce and spaghetti and a really good waitstaff in a fun environment. They have a huge parking lot also, so no trouble parking. Not bad on the price either.
Name makes your think twice since I don't imagine italian food and western food mixing too well together but its actually a great combination. I usually think bbq and such for western but I think southern type seafoods is what they ended up using. So don't think you're getting a rack of ribs with a side of spaghetti... although that wouldn't be too bad either probably...
Only appetizer I've had here are the deep fried ravioli, which is interesting. Very much like a cheese stick but has that pasta covering. Always have a side salad and its always fresh and large. It comes pre-tossed in a vinaigrette sauce though and not sure if you can substitute that. Menu is primarily white sauces but they have a wide selection of calzones and pizzas as well. Portions are huge and they'll gladly split an entree for no additional fee. Oh, and don't forget about the bread sticks. Kind of like Olive Gardens but with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top... da BOMB
I don't know why I don't eat here more since I live down the street. Only reason I can think of is that its SO MUCH food. As for the quality, I wouldn't say its the best I've had but its above average. Definitely pick this place over Olive Garden or any other big chain. Service is nice and attentive as well. They have a HH with a couple drink specials but not sure what it is. Prices are reasonable and probably actually slightly cheaper than your Olive Garden as well. So if you're in the area, would definitely give it a try.
I recently found my way here after my original pick for a Saturday afternoon lunch was overcrowded. It was my first visit after several years of living in the area.
It was quiet and we were greeted immediately by our server who took our drink orders. Accompanying the drinks was a basket of fresh and delicious bread sticks. My goodness. They were the best I have ever had.
We then ordered some fried cheese sticks and some spaghetti. I had the one that included the meatballs while my brother had the one with the Italian sausage.
Our server then, very quickly, brought out our entrees but forgot our gooey cheese sticks. By the time they came out, we were just about done with our lunch.
I wish I could tell you it was the best spaghetti I ever had but if you like bland noodles, as if they forgot to salt the water before cooking the noodles themselves, or how about some water-downed sauces, then this is your place.
In Italian cooking, the pasta is supposed to be the star of the show but it fell back to play the part of the guy who dies before the first commercial break. It would have been a deserved death however. The meatballs were too bland and had the Sam's bulk taste to it. As for the Italian sausage, I suspect it to be the culprit that led to my brother barfing up his lunch outside in the parking lot after we paid for our meal. The Italian sausage was the only thing we ate differently.
Sadly, I won't be returning to this long standing Heights place unless someone I know tastes something that will knock the socks right off of them as opposed to knocking out your lunch via the way it entered.
This place is just like what the name says. Western - Spaghetti. Great food - HUGE portions! 'nuff said.
I was with a small group of eight people on a Wednesday nite. They didn't acknowledge us for over forty minutes. I'm not sure why, but they moved us out to a table on what seemed like a back laundry porch. Maybe we were taking up too much room?
After another 20 minutes, they finally came to take our order. Another 20 minutes, and the food started arriving. Very slow service. The food was just average.
Pros: the decor in the main dining area was somewhat cool and campy.
May go back someday just to see if it was a bad day....
I liked this place ok until the last time I dined there. In August, as a group of 6 of us were eating, we were joined by a seventh guest at the table. A roach. And I understand, roaches sometimes just get inside a place and its a fluke but...
The place doesn't give off an impression of cleanliness ever.
Plus, the food could be much better.
Well, I am totally bummed to hear about the insect-related review. However, having not seen any bugs myself, I'll try to block in from my mind.
The reason for this denial? Its because I really enjoy the food here. I have to admit, since I found my favorite dish - the Southwestern Lasagna - I haven't had anything else. Its just so good, and unique too. I've taken a few people here to try it, and the results seem to be unanimous.
My wife, however, has tried several dishes here, and has been impressed with them as well. And she knows her Italian food.
The place is relatively cheap, the service is decent (not great), and you get some free garlic breadsticks just for eating there. It may not be worth driving across town for, but if you live in Montrose/Heights, you should try it out.
I came here the other day with some work people. It's an odd little place but I like the personality it has. I guess the name does say it all. You walk into this Italian restaurant and their are movie posters of westerns all over the walls.
Our server was incredibly nice and knew one of my coworkers because my coworker used to be a huge regular here. He hasn't been coming as much since his wife just had their second child. They brought some bread sticks to our table that were pretty good. They were warm and fluffy with sprinkled Parmesan cheese. Then we ordered the stuffed mushrooms app. They were just OK. They weren't anything special but they weren't terrible. For my lunch I ordered the shrimp and scallop kabobs. I was kind of frustrated with this when it came out. I was thinking it would be pretty healthy, but the shrimp was wrapped in bacon (no mention of this on the menu) and they were doused in oil for some reason. I didn't think BBQ shrimp and scallop kabobs would have needed any oil at all, but apparently the chef did. The green pepper was not a green bell pepper on the kabob like I thought. They were spicy as all hell and the onions weren't cooked enough. It was almost like eating a raw onion...nice breath on me afterwards.
I feel bad for not giving it a better review based on me trying to be healthier (New Years resolution). However, the description for my item was misleading on the menu.
At Spaghetti Western you can get Pizza - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. In reality, they're all actually great.
The Good is stacked with lots of veggies and portabella mushrooms, feta cheese and fresh basil. The Ugly is topped with grilled chicken, onions tomatoes and a spicy chipotle tomatillo sauce. The Bad is so bad it's good and that's just the start.
Well, actually, to start you should get the Italian Nachos - won ton chips topped with alfredo, mozzarella, tomatoes, olives and peppers. Or you could go with the stuffed mushrooms or fried ravioli.
Okay, so when it comes to the Spaghetti Western, I'm a little indecisive. And with this culinary mix, its no wonder. Everything here is delicious and awesome in a casual environment.
Grab a group of friends and just order a huge sampling from their menu and share if you can.
YUM. YUM. YUM.
Love this place - its a place to go when you cant be bothered cooking and want something quick, tasty and decently priced. Every time i head here i order the good pizza, well i finally decided to try something else on the menu and i can now say the pasta is just as good as the pizza.. just be careful on a saturday night - its a popular place and therefore the service may be a little slow and you need t oput your own name on the waiting list, but they are still attentive and try their best.
We've been back with friends a few times since my last Yelp, and Spaghetti Western keeps doing a great job. We've brought friend here who've never tried it before, and they all become fans. Highly recommended.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/30/2008
What a great neighborhood Italian spot. Wonderful pizzas, very good traditional favorites, and some… Read more »
I went to this place for the first time the other night and I cannot believe I haven't been here before! I took my toddler and he was very entertained by all of the posters, crayons, and the delicious garlic bread which was immediately brought to the table. It was also loud enough that it did not matter that he was yelling for most of the meal. I had the Chipolte Chicken Fettuccine which was excellent. My husband had the spaghetti and meatballs. The only negative I could say is that we wanted more meatballs! We also had starter salads which were great and fresh! I only wish I had enough room for the canoli, but I guess I will have to go back for that!
This place is one of those places that you would never realize their there driving by. But, upon a referal from a friend I decided to come on in. To my suprise the place is awesome! The food is priced fairly and tasty as well too. From the whole menu I have tried a good sum of it but, never had a pizza there. I must say for a small place they really shine over other places like Corelli's and etc. Nice place great people! The owners are very nice people and the bartender LUPE is just astounding. You gotta meet him if you get a chance!
For a long time (years) I thought I didn't like Chicken Parmesan... until I had it here. Delish!
The best italian spot in houston! the classic calzone is to die for and the spaghetti and meatballs is the booooooomb! everyone should go here! love the posters! =)
