Recent Reviews

864 Reviews

Filter by: Location   Category
2418 Sunset Blvd
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 636-3033

Simone on Sunset  

Categories: Lounges, Wine Bars, Beer, Wine & Spirits
Neighborhood: West University

5.0 star rating
Update - 1/26/2012 3 Check-ins Here
A happy hour that goes til 8pm? A fabulous Thursday steak night (and option of juicy chicken) ... $5 wines ... and the service? Simone always impresses - but today was absolutely phenom. The place was beyond packed - more than I've ever seen it on a Saturday night ... 50 people or so - and yet the bartenders were working so fast and were so attentive. It was well past happy hour and the bar manager and other bartenders were still coming around to all the tables to take individual orders.

It's still a great date spot.
They're dog friendly (shhh, please don't tell your friends ... the ones who don't watch their unruly dogs)
Parking ... please don't complain about the limited street parking. Simone is in a safe and beautiful neighborhood. And it wouldn't kill ya to walk a block or two.

Cheers!

Listed in: Houston - Nightlife - The…, Houston - Cocktails, Houston - Date Night!, Houston - Bars/Lounges - Good…, Houston - Happy Hour, Houston - Wine & Champagne…, Houston - Restaurants - Pizza, Houston - Patios and Decks, Houston - Dog-friendly, Houston - Steak Night

Was this review …?

1 Previous Review: Hide »

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/24/2011

    I really love this bar. It's hidden along sunset - I passed it twice before I realized this "home" was really a wine bar. They've got a great patio, art-deco interior, and a lovely wine, craft beer and cocktail menu. And the bar food? Gourmet pizzas, bleu cheese fries, killer burger night on Mondays.

    If you're looking to impress a date with a cozy gem of a bar or just a laid-back hangout with for a group of friends, come here.

    Was this review …?

1525 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 524-3305

Bambolino's Italian Kitchen  

Category: Italian
Neighborhood: Montrose

4.0 star rating
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm a thin crust pizza kinda gal, but something about Bambolino's makes me drool. As one yelper put it, it's not quite thin nor is it deep dish. It's a crispy, buttery crusted bottom pan pizza. Stick with the classic pepperoni, a giant coke - or wine - and maybe a side salad. It's not a fancy salad - pretty much the kind out of the bag. But something about this simple pizza joint keep me coming back. Enjoy.

Was this review …?

2117 Richmond Ave
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 520-1140

The Davenport  

Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: Upper Kirby

3.0 star rating
Update - 1/24/2012 2 photos 4 Check-ins Here
The Davenport is still one of my favorite places for a chocolate martini - or any martini in general. The drink menu, the atmosphere and the service is great. HOWEVER, I've been coming here a little more frequently, and I've noticed the place needs a face lift ... the restroom specifically. The ladies room has been a total mess, broken toilet, broken sink handle, no soap. And the bar itself needs a good scrubbing. I know sports bars sometimes smell like that, but a martini bar shouldn't. Please, please, please fix this, or else I'm gonna have to start going elsewhere to sip my chocolate martinis and breath in peace ...er, you know what I mean.

Listed in: Houston - Nightlife - The…, Houston - Cocktails, Houston - Date Night!, Houston - Lounges - Good For…, Houston - Bars/Lounges - Good…, Houston - Upper Kirby, Houston - Chocolate Martinis

Was this review …?

1 Previous Review: Hide »

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/26/2010

    Why eat your calories when you can drink 'em?!

    Peanut Butter & Jelly Martini, Twinkies Martini, Gummy Bear Martini, Chocolate Shake Martini ... I'll take them all please. With the option of half orders (or shots), you can sample more than 20 of their specialty martinis. And cocktails too. Hot damn. I like this place.

    Happy hour was pretty empty, which was a huge surprise to me, but as the sun begun to set and drinks kicked in, the place filled up. It probably had something to do with the DJ setting up for the night sometime around 9pm on a Wednesday.

    This place is dark, the bar is lengthy, there's a few retro couches and chairs to relax and cozy up by the plasma/faux ambiant fire - watch out, don't burn yourself.

    Service was fast, drinks were well-priced and they didn't mind us (ahem, me) bringing in some corn dogs and tots for our group from the nearby James Coney.

    Was this review …?

2604 Dunlavy St
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 528-1993

Brasil  

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches, Pizza
Neighborhood: Montrose

4.0 star rating
Update - 1/23/2012 2 photos 1 Check-in Here
After a few awful experiences with service, I vowed never to return to Brasil. But it's been a year now, and so I decided to give 'em another chance. Glad I did because the two employees working the bar/counter were so incredibly friendly.

I've always loved the food, and the place is walking distance to my place, so I'm thankful that I can return and actually enjoy myself.

Things I missed and am excited to enjoy again:
Roasted beat sammich
Pizzas
Beer battered fish tacos
Salads
Black bean burger
Blueberry muffins (lots of 'em)
Cappuccinos

Listed in: Houston - Lunch, Houston - Coffee & Tea Houses, Houston - Live Show Venues, Houston - Sweets and Desserts, Houston - Brunch, Houston - Restaurants -…, Houston - Restaurants -…, Houston - Healthy Living, Houston - Sandwiches, Houston - Free Wi-Fi, Houston - Restaurants - Pizza, Houston - Patios and Decks, Houston, Cypress/Katy -…, Houston - Montrose…, Houston - Salads

Was this review …?

4 Previous Reviews: Hide »

  • 1.0 star rating
    7/8/2010

    Rules of etiquette:

    When someone says "thank you," you say back to them "you're welcome."

    And when someone asks for a cup of ice, don't scoff that the water is already cold. It's Houston, it's hot, and damn it, I want ice in my drink.

    Seriously, this happens to me all the time and no longer is it comical, it's flat out rude. Let's work on the common human courtesy. And if you hate your job so much, just quit and meet me at PG for a beer.

    Was this review …?

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/6/2010

    So I promised myself to never return to Brasil. I failed myself. (But, I found my tummy grumbling at Agora!)

    I have to hand it to them. The food is good, exceeding the typical cafe standards. Desserts? Equally good. Cappuccino? Ahhh. This time, I nibbled on the curried tuna salad sandwich rife with sweet apples, a hint of spices, walnuts. I subbed the chips for a side salad with just the right amount of vinagrette, walnuts and bleu cheese. Amazeballs.

    Service: still, was a disappointment. They need to be sent to Antidote boot camp. Or even a mandatory hospitality session at Poison Girl. I will say that they didn't go out of their way (like before) to show their distaste for patrons. They were just unfriendly and cold. Just like this week's weather.

    Was this review …?

  • 2.0 star rating
    1/19/2009

    I knew this was gonna happen. "As soon as I post a favorable review of Brasil," I thought, "I'm going to have a bad experience that will prove otherwise." For that reason, it took me forever to first review the Lower Westheimer Cafe, but alas I did, and then this happened...

    I've been here hundreds of times, each have polarized service from the staff. And no, it's not just the young teen with a chip on his/her shoulder, it can come from a young adult, too, especially if he's trying to hangout with his lady friend at a table and they keep dinging the bell for him to run food. Get over it, kiddo. In this economy, you should be thankful that you have a job, and do everything in your power like the rest of the world to keep it ... and this goes for a lot of servers, bartenders, bizz managers and owners that I've come across lately. What the bleep, people? What ever happened to great service? I'll even take mediocre.

    So, here's the scene. I missed my good friend's baby shower, so my sisters and I -- who also missed it -- wanted to treat her to pizza, dessert and a fun gift-opening session. Our first option, Dolce Vita, is closed on Mondays, so I insisted on Cafe Brasil for their breezy patio (expecting mothers get hot), and locally famous pizza.

    Ordering up at the bar, I finished it off with a water and three sodas. Oops, I forget, mom-to-be Lidia shouldn't have Coke, so I immediately changed it. Too late, insisted the server, as he already popped open the drinks. So, I kindly gave them to the fella ordering behind me. (Hope he pays it forward. But who knows...)

    The hummus, pesto hummus and tabouli with pita chips and bread made for a great appetizer, but when the server came around and plopped down our grub, he told us with his mumbling, "holier than thou" hipster attitude that we need to leave our table number facing upward "to make it easier to find the table." As I write this, it doesn't sound so bad, but the way he said it and the manner in which he propped up the number was jaw-dropping.

    Next up came our Margherita and spinach and feta wheat pizzas -- burnt -- and fried catfish tacos (yum). And ol' preggers couldn't skip out on Tiramisu; we also finished the night off with coffee.

    If I could rate the food, I'd give it three stars this time, and the service? Don't get me started. Oh, wait. I already did.

    It just sucks when you orchestrate a small dinner for a good friend and poor customer service (which strains from careless management, poor training and policy -- or lack there of) ruins the moment. For my three guests, it was their first and I'm almost certain it'll be their last visit to Brasil.

    Was this review …?

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/7/2008

    Brasil is another local haunt I frequent when looking to get some work or reading done. Lately, the construction inside has been a bit distracting, but i like the place so much I still stick around.

    I haven't had the pizza yet, so I can't recommend it like everyone else has; but I have had the chicken salad sammy. Good stuff. I like their selection of Spanish and South American wines. If you're a tea drinker, they have this Russian orange tea that's my fave. The only downside of Brasil is that there aren't any outlets (actually, there are only two) to plug in your laptop, so make sure your batteries charged up before you go!

    Was this review …?

3622 Main St
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 874-0096

Double Trouble  

Categories: Bars, Coffee & Tea
Neighborhoods: Fourth Ward, Midtown

5.0 star rating
1/22/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Named after owners Robin W and Robin B, aka  "Double Trouble," this is an awesome addition to the block. This tiki-themed coffee-house-by-day, bar-by-night hangout will have you sticking around for hours.

I first checked it out on my birthday (12/8 ... remember it!), just a short while after they opened. Instant hit amongst my small group. So when my twin friends had a birthday coming up, Double Trouble was naturally our first choice. The bar staff took care of this party - 80 people deep - and even allowed me to arrive early to decorate the bar with streamers, balloons, cake.

The cocktails are great - try their spin on the Mai Tai - and they have a great selection of craft beers. I haven't had the coffee, but I can tell from the aroma of the joint that it's probably some high-quality coffee. There's a lovely patio and outdoor seating, beautiful vintage-looking seating inside and the coooolest wall-paper behind the bar. I want it.

And the service is top notch. The gals 'tended at Poison Girl for years, so you'll instantly noticed the welcoming charm that PG and Antidote are known for.

Listed in: Houston - Midtown, Houston - Nightlife - The…, Houston - Cocktails, Houston - Coffee & Tea Houses, Houston - Bars/Lounges - Good…, Houston - Happy Hour, Houston - Free Wi-Fi, Houston - Patios and Decks

Was this review …?

510 Shepherd Dr
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 863-7777

Branch Water Tavern  

Categories: American (New), Seafood, Steakhouses
Neighborhoods: The Heights, Rice Military, Washington Corridor

5.0 star rating
1/19/2012 1 photo 2 Check-ins Here
Branch Water Tavern joins the ranks of some of my favorite Houston restaurants. And most of them have the following: great lounge/bar for pre-dinner drinks, an amazing menu (with an equally amazing cocktail/beer/wine list), a happenin' happy hour, great service, and a patio - just to name a few. Basically, a resto that's perfect for GNO or date night.

I've been to BWT on multiple occasions for business lunches, a few happy hours with friends, dinner dates and pre-party drinks with gal pals. And I've wanted to write my glowing review numerous times over the past few years - but couldn't figure out where to start. The food? The decor? The whiskey drinks? So let me begin by talkin' up the man behind it all...

Executive Chef David Grossman is an extremely talented and accomplished chef (young and handsome, I might add), who, in his early years, dropped his history textbooks to pursue his passion for the culinary arts. (Something you've gotta admire.) Working alongside some of the best, his studies and talents have led him across the country - from San Francisco to New York - and back to Houston to open up his own establishment. I remember when BWT first opened in the old Cue & Cushion spot. I didn't know what to think: How did they transform that smokey dive into an upscale restaurant tavern? But after checking out the menu, reading so many raving Yelp revs, learning more about the concept and finally meeting Chef Grossman at a bacon event, I knew I had to check it out for myself. And I did - multiple times.

Lunch: They have a lunch menu, as well as a 3-course prix fixe menu for only $20! And the portions are the same as the regular menu items. If you can squeeze in a post-lunch nap, do go for the chicken pot pie made from scratch. They also have free wi-fi and flat screens to check email or catch up on the news.

Happy Hour: It's 4-7pm with drink and bar bites specials. Think $2 Southern Star Blonde Bombshell, $3 whiskeys (select daily picks), $3 duck fat popcorn, $1 oysters ... and much more.

Dinner: So for Yelp Eats circa 2010, I possibly had one of the best dishes here - and it was vegetarian: Polenta Agnolotti with wild mushrooms, local tomatoes and arugula. Swoon! I've also over-indulged in their chicken fried oysters, Peach Semifreddo dessert, roasted beat salad with candied pistachio and bucheron goat cheese ... which I think is the best in Houston. I actually crave this salad. And all you carnivores out there, BWT has an amazing in-house cured meat and charcuterie program. And the bread basket. Oh. Mah. Gah, I think we sent back our server no less than four times to retrieve more of those fluffy, heavenly biscuits and butter. Mary me, Mr. Baker Man.

Pre-Party Drinks: The bar area is a sexy little spot. Grab a seat at the bar, order up a whiskey flight and chat it up with a friendly bartender. ...Or kick back in the lounge or on the patio. There's also a good looking scene with patrons in their 30s-40s. I was actually with one of my friends at the bar one late night when she met her boyfriend/turned fiance/now husband.

Brunch: I've yet to experience brunch, but I guess I've just reminded myself of one more thing to check out!

A note about parking: You can valet, which I seriously appreciate this service since the neighborhood has jacked up AND they put up a lot of no-parking signs. However, there IS FREE parking in the rear (which can fill up fast during certain hours).

Listed in: Houston - Restaurants - Top…, Houston - Nightlife - The…, Houston - Cocktails, Houston - Date Night!, Houston - Lunch, Houston - Brunch, Houston - Restaurants -…, Houston - Lounges - Good For…, Houston - Washington Corridor, Houston - Happy Hour, Houston - Free Wi-Fi, Houston - Patios and Decks, Houston - Best Bar Food, Houston - Sliders, Oysters, Houston - Whiskey, Houston - Prix Fixe Dining

Was this review …?

1900 W University Ave
Lafayette, LA 70506
(337) 232-5168

Julien's Famous Cajun Style Poboys  

Categories: Cajun/Creole, Sandwiches

4.0 star rating
1/17/2012 1 photo 1 Check-in Here
Two ways to tell a neighborhood joint is legit:
1. 5-0 parked outside. Popos know good food.
2. The place may be empty inside, but lots of locals are waltzing in and out with their to-go orders.

We stopped in en route to NOLA, and my trusty Yelp app found Julien's. I wasn't too hungry just yet, so I noshed on crawfish balls (essentially boudin balls but filled with spiced crawfish, onions and ooey, gooey sauce. The po-boys are served with house made chips (what we back home refer to as "Texas Taters.")

The woman working this quaint restaurant was a charming and sweet ol' lady. She even asked me if I was Cajun. "No, I just like it spice-ay."

They serve beer and have enough cool signs and old memorabilia on the walls to keep you entertained.

Listed in: Lousianna Road Trippin'

Was this review …?

One Yerba Buena Ln
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 547-1111

Bluestem Brasserie  

Categories: American (New), Brasseries
Neighborhoods: Union Square, SOMA

4.0 star rating
1/16/2012 1 photo 2 Check-ins Here
Bluestem Brasserie rocked my pants off. Yes, my pants. I ate so much, I went straight back to the hotel and had to remove my skinny jeans because I was, well, no longer skinny.

I've been here twice, for lunch and dinner, and both were wonderful. But what stood out for my last visit was dessert: a buffet of practically everything off the menu.

I was warned that the Honolulu Hangover would have me melting over my plate. As a lover of all things rum-based for desserts, it did. But not quite as much as the Pumpkin Brioche Pudding. With every bite of this warm, spiced, caramel- and apple-kissed, sweet bread pudding was an intoxicating taste of rich pumpkin and brandy. The Chocolate Malted Madness was a close runner-up. Imagine a serving platter with all your favorite chocolate desserts - only miniature. Pannacotta, milkshake, whoopie pie... And the Cookie Jar? Well, dozens of freshly baked cookies in a jar set right before you. Sharing is encouraged.

Dinner was a three-course setting of the Berbere Lamb Shanks with mint yogurt; roasted half chicken with mac 'n' cheese and brussel sprouts; and well, the insane dessert previously raved about. When I checked out Bluestem for lunch colleagues, I opted for the grass-fed burger. It definitely wasn't your typical Texas burger. It was fresher gourmet version with gruyere, avocado on a caraway roll.

If you're in SF, do pay visit to Bluestem for some cocktail and a fabulous dinner. Again, do NOT miss out on dessert.

Listed in: San Francisco - Restaurants -…, San Francisco - Restaurants -…, San Francisco - Cocktails, San Francisco - Sweets and…

Was this review …?

402 W Grand Pkwy S
Katy, TX 77494
(281) 395-8530

Times Square Entertainment  

Categories: Arcades, Bowling

3.0 star rating
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Not many bowling options out here, but this will have to do. There's bowling, laser tag, pool, arcade games and a separate sports bar.

It was my nephew's birthday party, and we came out here for midnight bowl. Place is kinda ghetto, as is the clientele, but management was great. We had to get moved twice: first time some drunks were cursing at the kids; the second time the group moved another drunk was cursing at an adult. I arrived late for the birthday party, so I didn't get to see this first hand. Had I, I would have gone straight to the on-site po-pos and had those crazies kicked out. However, when I did arrive and heard about all the hoopla from the family, I went straight to management. They immediately moved our party to their private room, to ensure we wouldn't be disturbed again. And they told us next time, go straight to the cops.

The kids were happy with their pizza and pitchers of Mountain Dew (go-go juice). Their only complaint, and mine as well, was the electronic scoreboard. It was completely off. Hitting one pin (a single?) was sometimes counted as a strike. Gutter balls earned you some points. I didn't get it...

Listed in: Houston - Bowling, Houston - Laser Tag

Was this review …?

606 Frenchmen St
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 944-4744

Cafe Negril  

Categories: Bars, Music Venues

5.0 star rating
1/13/2012
I'm ready to go full on Rasta, mon. These fellas so damn friendly. And they sure know how to have fun - if you know what I mean. I probably couldn't pull of the dreads, tho...

We stumbled in here and the place was packed. A giant, colorful mural of Bob Marley set the backdrop for the stage. There was live upbeat calypso and mixed in with the slow reggae, perfect for that sexy "dutty wining."

Bartenders were fast. There wasn't a cover. Restrooms were kinda icky, but what more can you expect from a dive hangout like this? Dunno what was cookin' in the kitchen, but it smelt perfect for the munchies. Had I had 'em.

Listed in: New Orleans - Eats In The Big…, New Orleans - Pubs, Clubs &…, New Orleans - Live Music

Was this review …?


More »

1539 Friends

 
  •  
  • 251 friends
  • 78 reviews
 
 
  •  
  • 155 friends
  • 59 reviews
 
More »

7050 Compliments

  • Thank You

    Does Jessica still work there?  I need to go back

  • Good Writer

    Been wanting to check this place out...you're just convincing me more! BTW,… More »

  • You're Cool

    Awesome tip! I never knew they're dog friendly! My 4-legged one is pretty… More »

More »

336 Lists

Houston - Happy Hour

Drink those sorrows away for a good deal.
1.  Darkhorse Tavern
The Darkhorse never…
2.  Henry Hudson's Pub
Where did all these fancy…
3.  Junction Bar & Grill
Motorcycle boys, college…
See Full List »

Houston - Restaurants -…

I'm a thin-crust kind of gal (less carbs), but I…
1.  300 Houston
300, for the last of my…
2.  Chuck E Cheese
I remember when this…
3.  ERA
So sad to see you go! You…
See Full List »

View All Lists »

4 Events

More »

"Oh. Mah. Gah."

Ambassador

Review votes:
8471 Useful, 4939 Funny, and 6904 Cool

Location

Houston, TX

Yelping Since

May 2008

Things I Love

Yelp, Texas, live music, microbiology, running, soup, dogs, pigs, sunbathing, festivals, wine, magazines, Britney Spears, New Astrology, NYC, fishing, NOLA, campfires

Find Me In

Houston traffic

My Hometown

Houston

My Blog Or Website

https://twitter.com/#!...

When I'm Not Yelping...

As the Houston Community Manager for Yelp, I'm always yelping!

Why You Should Read My Reviews

I know everything.

My Second Favorite Website

http://pinkisthenewblo...

The Last Great Book I Read

"Outliers: The Story of Success" - Malcolm Gladwell

My First Concert

Mili Vanili

My Favorite Movie

The Wizard of Oz

My Last Meal On Earth

Anything Mama makes.

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

I kant spayel.

Most Recent Discovery

I have a bellybutton.

Current Crush

soccer and baseball studs, guitarists, surfers, nerds, cowboys - & Justin Bieber