Laurenzo's On Washington

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houstoninnerlooper

Joined 5 years ago

Excellent restaurant. What more can we say...this restaurant was FANTASTIC! It is owned by the Lauranzo family, and accordingly, one would believe that it is a Mexican restaurant like their prior restaurants. But, this location serves steaks and seafood, plus a litle mexican food, but not the typical fare. I had the crab enchilada. It was FULL of lump crab, not just pieces, and looked like a stuffed burrito rather than a simple enchilada. I highly recommend it. Happy hour is until 7pm. Now the service: Outstanding. More than ample waitstaff, in fact only a few tables per waiter and schooled as would be expected in a fine steakhouse. Enjoy...

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TheBestCritic

Joined 8 years ago

Service was weird, food was average. After passing Laurenzo's On Washington hundreds of times, we decided to give it a try. Made reservations as the parking lot was always full, and were seated immediately. Our waiter was trying to be funny (Robert), but his humor fell flat. Wasn't knowledgeable about the specials and only suggested the highest priced items on the menu.

First we ordered a couple of their specialty drinks, a Mojito and the Ultimate Caipirinha. Both were average to below average and at $9 each we expected much more in quality and size. The Caipirinha was in a small juice glass (6-7 oz).

We split a "roasted" beet salad, it was very nice but the beets were far from roasted, they came fresh out of the can with no other preparation. The v-e-r-y small piece of blue cheese was excellent touch but for $11.99 you would have expected more. Bottomline: It was tasty, and I'd recommend it, split it, it's too large for one if you plan on a full entree.

I had the Crab Etoufee Enchilada, which was very unique. Two flour tortillas stuffed with lump crab meat and a little cheese, topped with more crab, a very thin Etoufee sauce with very little spices, and sour cream. The highlight of the dish was the plentiful lump crab. The rice and beans were bland. Bottomline: Wouldn't order again. My wife had the French Dip and baked potato; enough for two to share. The prime rib was an excellent touch for the sandwich, but other than that it was a just a French Dip. A copy from Houston's Restaurant, but not executed as well. Bottomline: Worth ordering again.

The ambiance was very nice, very much a take off of Houston's Restaurant, but the food hasn't made it there yet. The server was MIA for over 25 minutes, once we decline on the second round of drinks he literally disappeared for the balance of the evening. Finally someone who appeared to be the section manager, came over cleared our plates and asked if we cared for anything more. He took over after than and we never saw Robert again. Bottomline: We'll give it another try, but if it's a repeat of the first trip, it's off the list.

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justdanielle1

Joined 6 years ago

Delightful, comforatable. Been 2x for brunch. Lovely and comfortable. Service is wonderful; same waitress both times but I forgot her name! Food is great - give it a try at least!

Doesn't Recommend

food snobs

Joined 4 years ago

Damage control. Everything was bad. The smoked salmon appetizer was a cold salmon filet. Both steaks were overcooked, my boyfriend's more than mine. His was well done, he asked for Med. Rare, we sent it back and management came over. He said all he was trying to do is damage control and what did we expect!!!! Well since it took the original order 30 minutes to come after the salad was served, we timed the re-cook. I've been in the industry before, so I know that his steak should have been done "on the fly" and taken about 10 minutes. Well after waiting 25, and not having ANYONE, NOT EVEN OUR SERVER, come by to apologize or update us, we decided to leave. It was the worst experience I have ever had at any restauarant.

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Tiramisu2008

Joined 3 years ago

Best service and great staffs. We have been driving by this restaurant and always saw it crowded from the outside. So we decided to stop by and tried the food. Their service are fast and great. Staffs were friendly and very professional. Food was served hot and delicious. We ordered the Italian cream cake for dessert and was pleased with alot of nuts except it would be more tasty if only serve in 2 layers instead of 4 and more of the cake and less of the cream. Because it was too rich and we had to go our dessert. Other than that, we did have a great dinner and good time. We definitely will come back to try other courses in the menu and recommend to our friends about this restaurant.

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eastender240

Joined 3 years ago

Great Fries!!. Them fries were to die for they're better than any I have ever had. So was the rest of the food!! And the service was splendid!!

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Nikki Metzgar

Joined 4 years ago

Citysearch Editorial Review. The family that introduced Houston to Ninfa's has opened this Washington Avenue spot that specializes in prime rib and margaritas.