Sambuca (Reported Closed)

Recommends

rebeccacgunnels

Joined 5 years ago

You can't beat this place. The atmosphere is romantic and upscale, the food is absolutely YUMMY, with a wide variety of options. I've sat everywhere in this restaurant, from the bar, to the patio, near the live music stage, and even had my rehearsal dinner party in the upstairs private-bar room with a balcony overlooking the restaurant and stage. Absolutely amazing restaurant in the walkable heart of downtown Houston. From day one I interfaced with Erica at Sambuca and she is above and beyond the best!

Recommends

Users F.

Joined 11 months ago

Loved the dancing and the atmosphere. Great place would definitely go again. Plus food was amazing.

Recommends

RTZ

Joined 2 years ago

The best!. I had been here many years ago and decided to take my husband with me a few nights ago. We were both impressed. I had my usual, seafood integration and we ordered the buca beignets. The toffee pudding is also incredible. He commented that his steak was perfect. The only complaint that I have (which doesn't make me change my 5* review) is that the portion sizes are way too small. His steak was around $30.00 for a tiny filet. I know this is fine dining, but they should up the portion sizes. The music was fine, we didn't really pay that much attention to it. The restaurant isn't really a quiet place, but we didn't mind. We will definitely be back.

Recommends

Tiger2011

Joined 2 years ago

The ONLY place downtown I'll eat lunch. I work across the street, and try to get to Sambuca for lunch at least 2-3 times per week. I've had the blackened snapper, which was awesome, but a little too large of a portion for me. My favorites are the lobster enchiladas and the fish tacos. I go right at noon and they are usually pretty busy, but I've only had to wait for a table a handful of times. Amy the bartender is awesome and the tall, lighter haired manager always comes by and says hello.

Doesn't Recommend

jamfree

Joined 2 years ago

Theres a reason no one is in your place for lunch. I cant speak for what goes on for evening but as far as lunch goes i cant fathom how they still stay open. Food is borderline garbage, blackened snapper etoufee as they call is taste like flour oil and dirty rice from lubys. Guess what thats not etoufee. Besides the food the service is always horrible and theres never anyone in there. Never again will my coworkers convince me to eat there.

Recommends

pearl2000

Joined 2 years ago

Everything was great and we will return!. I love the live music. The music was not too loud and perfect for me and my friends to chat. The food was awesome, we had a great time. I had the lobster enchiladas and a mohito. I will return soon.

Recommends

Rabihcha

Joined 2 years ago

Dinnner, drinks, and dancing. Sambuca is one of my favorite places, i love going with groups. Its the kind of place to go with good friends not acquaintances- it gets VERY loud with the music so don't expect to be able to hear each other across the table and make small talk. Expect to get tipsy and maybe do a little dancing.

The food is pretty good, i like to get a bunch of their small plates- aka appetizers. I have never had bad service, from the hostesses to the bartenders to the servers and managers. I really love this place. I do wish the music could be just a wee bit softer, but thats ok.

Recommends

AlainHarvey

Joined 4 years ago

Dance the Night Away. Sambuca has become a nationally recognized name for combining fine dining with live music seven nights a week. Sambuca Houston, located in Houston’s historic Rice Hotel, offers a variety of American cuisine satisfying every taste bud. From pizzas, calamari and other shared appetizers to grilled beef tenderloin and miso-glazed sea bass, the menu is sure to please everyone.

Sambuca features live music, which spans a variety of styles, including soft rock, pop, classic rock, sultry singers, jazz, R & B, crooners, and Latin rhythms. Live jazz entertainment plays nightly. Bands are mostly local, but the management books at least one national act a month. A cover charge only applies for national acts, and the amount varies. Think of a lounge with a bordello-like appeal and you are probably thinking of this downtown hot spot. The cigar room alone is worth a visit. The menu features seafood and Mediterranean-style pasta dishes.

The Good:

Food:

Excellent with good-sized of the portions.

Excellent Osso Buco, amazing new sea bass, and outstanding crab cakes.

Service:

The service at Sambuca is good. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and very helpful. All in all, the service here is very good.

Atmosphere:

Sambuca is hard to beat with its combination of romantic ambiance, music and friendly service.



The Bad:

Noise. It can get quite noisy in this particular restaurant. In all fairness, this should come as no surprise considering the live music and popular dance floor. If you are looking for a quiet evening I recommend you go elsewhere.

Sambuca is not cheap. Prices are on the high side, but the quality of the food helps to soften the blow.



The Final Verdict:

I recommend Sambuca for the great atmosphere, the wonderful food, live music and dancing.

Recommends

Stamyers

Joined 2 years ago

Great Times and Wonderful Music. Me and my group went to Sambuca this past weekend. It's been a while since we made the visit. I used to live Downtown and now I live off of Washington Street. Sambuca is still awesome! The band name was FM and they were the so much fun.. I ordered the Seabass skewers for our appetizer, oh my gosh delicious. For dinner I had the Lamb Chops and they were the best. My girlfriend ordered the Halibut, she loved it. Sambuca is the only reason why I miss living downtown. Keep up the good work Sambuca.

Recommends

symbolsex

Joined 2 years ago

Very Nice Experience. I went to this place on a Monday for a first date. The vibe was perfect. It wasn't crowded, the waitstaff was attentive, and the jazz band was phenomenal.

Me and my date got their about 7 and didn't leave until 10. We even got a chance to cut a rug on the dance floor.

I ordered the filet and my date she ordered the filet as well, it was adequate but I thought the portion was small.

All in all, I would definitely go back. Wish there were more spots around town like this!

PROS: Music and Atmosphere

CONS: Price of Food