Brennan's of Houston

(713) 522-9711

3300 Smith Street (Stuart)
Houston, TX 77006 29.74269 -95.38131

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Neighborhoods: Midtown, South Central

BRENNANSHOUSTON.COM

Years in business

Established in 1967

Hours:

Monday To Friday From 11:30 AM To 01:30 PM Monday To Friday From 05:45 PM To 09:30 PM Saturday From 11:00 AM To 02:00 PM Saturday From 05:45 PM To 09:30 PM Sunday From 10:00 AM To 02:00 PM Sunday From 05:45 PM To 09:00 PM

Price:

$$$

Last updated 8.16.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard, Travelers Check

Catering Services:

Restaurant Management

Restaurant Special Features:

Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, Brunch, Outdoor Dining, View Dining, Theater District Dining, Private Rooms, Chef's Table, Business Dining, Group Dining, Notable Wine List

Cuisine:

French, Seafood, Cajun & Creole

Smoking Permitted:

Yes

What People Are Saying About Brennan's of Houston

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

In a classic New Orleans-style abode, this local landmark serves upper-crust Cajun-Creole cuisine. – – The Scene – You can't top the oak-shaded patio for jazz brunch or a romantic occasion. If reserved way ahead, dinner can be served at the chef's table, a snug, glass-enclosed dining room in the middle of the kitchen. – – The Food – Talented Executive Chef Randy Evans has created a lighter Creole menu infused with Texas taste, along with traditional, ultrarich Creole cuisine. Start with the generous crab cake and shrimp remoulade drizzled with hot sauce…

Editor's Tips

The Extras:
Brennan's famous jazz brunch is served on Saturdays from 11am to 2pm and Sundays from 10am to 2pm. Reservations recommended.
Look Good:
Plan your next business event or special occasion in one of the seven private dining rooms.
Where to Sit:
Request a private table in the Terms of Endearment room, where parts of the movie were actually filmed.
ambiance
77.77999877929688% positive
  1. We were looking forward to a rare romantic evening out alone without our one year old.
  2. It was the perfect romantic spot.
  3. Had such an amazing evening, the reservationist helped plan a romantic evening in their "little room" with flowers and candlelight.
  4. It was a wonderful romantic restaurant, and felt great to treat ourselves.
  5. One of the most romantic restaurants in Houston.
  6. The food was good, but the meal was not enjoyable as we were so distracted with the poor ambience.
  7. Very romantic, excellent food
  8. Unfortunately, my family & I found the food to be overpriced, the atmosphere uncomfortably pretentious, and we all ended up sick.
  9. food is savory, the service was expeditious, and the ambiance superb
  10. Enough about the awful ambiance.
  11. made reservations in advance and when we showed up, they had our table waiting in a very romantic, seculded spot.
  12. We held our son's rehearsal dinner at Brennan's for over 100 guests from accross the U.S. All were more than impressed at the food, the service, and the ambiance.
dessert
88.88999938964844% positive
  1. And for dessert we had the famous (and i think original) bananas foster.
  2. Our steaks were divine, vegetables perfect and dessert divine.
  3. To surprise us even more, on our dessert they had spelled in chocolate sauce, Happy 1 Year Anniversary and they made us wear those tall chef hats.
  4. When you go, don't fill up on any one thing, make sure you save room to experience an appetizer, a dinner with a nice wine, a dessert and coffee.
  5. still love the ultra-rich pecan-crusted fish and the white chocolate bread pudding (which is alone worth the visit), but other dishes have been disappointing of late.
  6. Shortly thereafter, yet another dessert arrives - pralines and strawberries, "Happy Anniversary" written in chocolate!
  7. Recently the President of a Carribean country discovered the exquisite dessert Bread Pudding from Brennans.
  8. The food, which had been highly rated by Zagat's, was also bland and unimaginative - veal was dry, creole pranws were overcooked and the chocolate souffle was the size of a walnut and very floury with no chocolate
  9. The dessert was also less than impressive and you can get stuff that tastes better at a bakery.
  10. Everyone's food was delicious and they even accomodated one of our group that didn't think she could eat an appetizer, entree and dessert by preparing her entree choice and packing it "to go" for her.
  11. For best dessert, nothing can top Bananas Foster at Brennan's - except having it at the Brennan's on Royal in New Orleans.
  12. recommend the chocolate molten for dessert and ask for Chris the Wine Guy.
drinks
85.19000053405762% positive
  1. Wine list is great - James will make sure that you not only pair wine and food but enjoy the conversation as well.
  2. The service was slow, our waitress was very poorly informed and I even had to ask for the wine list a number of times before she finally remebered to bring it.
  3. When you go, don't fill up on any one thing, make sure you save room to experience an appetizer, a dinner with a nice wine, a dessert and coffee.
  4. am still impressed by their surprisingly affordable wine list, however, and I've had good experiences with the competent banquet manager.
  5. rare find in the modern bar scene, Richard is of the old school NY grand hotel bartender class who serves up the classics with perfect attention to detail and pride.
  6. There is nothing more relaxing than enjoying a good glass of wine with friends in Brennan's courtyard.
  7. On the bright side, bar staff is very friendly and helpful and free pralines at the end helps with the bad taste left in the mouth.
  8. On our way out we notice the chef at the bar and stop to thank him for a wonderful meal.
  9. They did however have good wait staff and the wine guy was very nice.
food quality
76.5999984741211% positive
  1. food is savory, the service was expeditious, and the ambiance superb
  2. The turtle soup was as outstanding as were the crab crakes.
  3. Food is always great and you can always count on the beautiful surroundings to help you enjoy your meal!
  4. We held our son's rehearsal dinner at Brennan's for over 100 guests from accross the U.S. All were more than impressed at the food, the service, and the ambiance.
  5. They seem to have figured out how to maintain their food quality, selection and service at a very reasonable price for special occasions.
  6. We were a party of 5 and although we had a late reservation at 3:45 p.m., we were seated promptly upon arrival and the service was attentive during the entire meal.
  7. Wine list is great - James will make sure that you not only pair wine and food but enjoy the conversation as well.
  8. Brennan's has always been known for their excellent food and service, but I would also recommend it for major holiday dining events.
  9. We don't mind spending good money for a nice meal out, but this was a complete and utter dissappointment.
  10. The turtle soup is great, and so is everything on the brunch menu.
  11. You can get food just as good at any other generic restaurant/steakhouse for less than half the price.
  12. was very disappointed by my lacquered duck, the food was almost inedible.
  13. To surprise us even more, on our dessert they had spelled in chocolate sauce, Happy 1 Year Anniversary and they made us wear those tall chef hats.
  14. Turtle soup, fried oysters and shrimp remoulade are still good, but a few items are not enough to carry the extensive menu.
  15. The quality of the food over our last four visits has become progressively worse and at these prices is unacceptable.
  16. Our steaks were divine, vegetables perfect and dessert divine.
  17. The service was amazing and the food was outstanding.
  18. The food, which had been highly rated by Zagat's, was also bland and unimaginative - veal was dry, creole pranws were overcooked and the chocolate souffle was the size of a walnut and very floury with no chocolate
  19. Never did we have an experience that was not memorable; never did we have a meal that was not exquisite.
  20. Unfortunately, my family & I found the food to be overpriced, the atmosphere uncomfortably pretentious, and we all ended up sick.
  21. Not to mention the food is absolutely fantastic!
  22. The fish was obviously not fresh and the pecan encrusting of the fish was poorly done and done with very low quality pecans.
  23. The mint julep was tasty but the margaritas had no tequila.
  24. They were fried in an authentic Louisiana fashion and served with potato shavings and a chili sauce.
  25. The food was good, but the meal was not enjoyable as we were so distracted with the poor ambience.
  26. This restaurant is a close to Louisiana cuisine perfection as you can get.
  27. I cannot fathom someone not liking Brennan's - I've been eating here a little over 2 years, the people are just as wonderful, the food is just as outstanding.
  28. like food in which you can taste each ingredients and allows them to come alive in harmony.
  29. Dress nice, prepare to eat delicious food, and savor the experience.
  30. The meat was cold and dry with minimal taste and the seafood was oversalted and didn't taste entirely fresh.
  31. was hoping that the grits would be something lighter to help compliment the food.
  32. Our entrees were the duo of lamb and the redfish ponchetrain both were equally incredible.
  33. Brennan's is just an amazing restaurant with superb food and a wonderful staff.
  34. Everyone's food was delicious and they even accomodated one of our group that didn't think she could eat an appetizer, entree and dessert by preparing her entree choice and packing it "to go" for her.
  35. won't go back - I'd rather relax and enjoy a good meal when I go out where the wait staff is friendly and the food is not served cold and overpriced.
  36. Out of the many restaurants I have visited in Houston, Brennans is always money well spent - everytime is a great experience and the food is superb.
  37. After having heard that the turtle soup is outstanding I decided to give it a try.
  38. still love the ultra-rich pecan-crusted fish and the white chocolate bread pudding (which is alone worth the visit), but other dishes have been disappointing of late.
  39. The bread was even stale.
  40. The main dish (deconstructed rabbit) was NOT good at all.
  41. Very romantic, excellent food
  42. was extremely dissappointed; after reading the rave reviews I expected great service and great food.
  43. The food was great from start to finish.
  44. ... funny, we didn't even try the food, but i'm sure if service is this bad, not much can be said about the food
  45. On our way out we notice the chef at the bar and stop to thank him for a wonderful meal.
  46. The food is great.
  47. Quality of food, presentation, and service are all excellent.
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. The cheese tasting menu was reasonably good with good cheeses but the portions they give you are hardly even large enough to be considered bite sized.
  2. While their menu is impressive, the talent truly shines when it is allowed freedom.
  3. The turtle soup is great, and so is everything on the brunch menu.
  4. Turtle soup, fried oysters and shrimp remoulade are still good, but a few items are not enough to carry the extensive menu.
  5. They seem to have figured out how to maintain their food quality, selection and service at a very reasonable price for special occasions.
  6. So many good restaurants perform poorly on the major holidays when they are expecting large groups of diners and they want to offer a limited menu.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. This was one of the best restaurant experiences I have ever had.
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. When I went back for the second time, I received the same great treatment; and I don't expect anything less when I go back for my birthday!
  2. won't go back - I'd rather relax and enjoy a good meal when I go out where the wait staff is friendly and the food is not served cold and overpriced.
service
74.74999904632568% positive
  1. The servers were very polite.
  2. was extremely dissappointed; after reading the rave reviews I expected great service and great food.
  3. The waitstaff was attentive but not oppressive.
  4. On a side note, Thomas is an outstanding waiter!
  5. From the time we entered to the time we left we received outstanding service
  6. ... funny, we didn't even try the food, but i'm sure if service is this bad, not much can be said about the food
  7. Quality of food, presentation, and service are all excellent.
  8. We held our son's rehearsal dinner at Brennan's for over 100 guests from accross the U.S. All were more than impressed at the food, the service, and the ambiance.
  9. They seem to have figured out how to maintain their food quality, selection and service at a very reasonable price for special occasions.
  10. We had an extremely rude hostess this last friday night, who does not belong in the customer service field.
  11. We were a party of 5 and although we had a late reservation at 3:45 p.m., we were seated promptly upon arrival and the service was attentive during the entire meal.
  12. They did however have good wait staff and the wine guy was very nice.
  13. food is savory, the service was expeditious, and the ambiance superb
  14. The service was slow, our waitress was very poorly informed and I even had to ask for the wine list a number of times before she finally remebered to bring it.
  15. On the bright side, bar staff is very friendly and helpful and free pralines at the end helps with the bad taste left in the mouth.
  16. Brennan's is just an amazing restaurant with superb food and a wonderful staff.
  17. won't go back - I'd rather relax and enjoy a good meal when I go out where the wait staff is friendly and the food is not served cold and overpriced.
  18. Staff was not attentive and did not act as though they appreciated my business.
  19. Polished, professional service.
  20. First of all, getting there was a pain and then the valet service was terrible: slow and obviously didn't care at all about your car.
  21. The staff here is provides awesome and sophisticated service.
  22. I cannot fathom someone not liking Brennan's - I've been eating here a little over 2 years, the people are just as wonderful, the food is just as outstanding.
  23. The waiters do not reflect the caliber expected at fine dining in that they were friendly but lacked sophistication.
  24. Brennan's has always been known for their excellent food and service, but I would also recommend it for major holiday dining events.
  25. The service was amazing and the food was outstanding.
  26. Our waiter is excellent throughout the evening, particularly considering that we have a late reservation.
  27. valet service was very rude.
  28. The service was impeccable.
  29. am still impressed by their surprisingly affordable wine list, however, and I've had good experiences with the competent banquet manager.
  30. The service was OUTSTANDING!
  31. After having to negotiate the horrible street conditions that can barely get you to this establishment, the snotty service wasn't worth the hype.
  32. Extremely pleasant dining experience and wonderful staff.
  33. rare find in the modern bar scene, Richard is of the old school NY grand hotel bartender class who serves up the classics with perfect attention to detail and pride.
value
72.22000122070312% positive
  1. The cheese tasting menu was reasonably good with good cheeses but the portions they give you are hardly even large enough to be considered bite sized.
  2. However, the patio with the huge tree was wonderful.
  3. won't go back - I'd rather relax and enjoy a good meal when I go out where the wait staff is friendly and the food is not served cold and overpriced.
  4. The quality of the food over our last four visits has become progressively worse and at these prices is unacceptable.
  5. am still impressed by their surprisingly affordable wine list, however, and I've had good experiences with the competent banquet manager.
  6. We don't mind spending good money for a nice meal out, but this was a complete and utter dissappointment.
  7. still love the ultra-rich pecan-crusted fish and the white chocolate bread pudding (which is alone worth the visit), but other dishes have been disappointing of late.
  8. Out of the many restaurants I have visited in Houston, Brennans is always money well spent - everytime is a great experience and the food is superb.
  9. Unfortunately, my family & I found the food to be overpriced, the atmosphere uncomfortably pretentious, and we all ended up sick.
  10. After having to negotiate the horrible street conditions that can barely get you to this establishment, the snotty service wasn't worth the hype.
  11. They seem to have figured out how to maintain their food quality, selection and service at a very reasonable price for special occasions.
  12. You can get food just as good at any other generic restaurant/steakhouse for less than half the price.
wait time
0.0% positive
  1. The service was slow, our waitress was very poorly informed and I even had to ask for the wine list a number of times before she finally remebered to bring it.
  2. First of all, getting there was a pain and then the valet service was terrible: slow and obviously didn't care at all about your car.
2 Star Rating: Below Average

03/07/11

Not like the past

by BryanPooch

We hadn't been to Brennan's since The Fire and were eager to have a taste of the good old turtle soup. But this was so aggressively spiced and out of balance we thought we had been given a bowl of Texas Red. More like chili, we agreed, than the old turtle soup. Now some folks might like this. We didn't. My partner also handed over his Bloody Mary after two sips. "I can't drink this. You have to," I was told. Too much of something, again. Tamarind? Our eggs were poached beautifully. But my hussard seemed out of whack again. The Marchand du vin sauce seemed over-reduced. Hard to say. I used to say the eggs hussard here were the single best thing I ever ate. Not this weekend, though. Too bad. The eggs sardou were better, but the spinach overwhelmed the artichokes.

This all said, the service was -- as usual -- beyond reproach. One feels special, cosseted and thoroughly at ease. The desserts: one bananas Foster and one bread pudding souffle were excellent .

The space is lighter, airier than in the past. It is a nice update from the previous structure given all the damage.

I might have a more glowing review had we eaten NEW items. After such a hiatus, it IS always dangerous to try to go with the stuff you've loved for thirty years.

Go. See for yourself. The experience is worth it!

4 Star Rating: Recommended

11/14/10

Excellent Food and Service

by ultratiger89

Went to Brennan's for the first time and my wife and I both thoroughly enjoyed the food and atmosphere. The service was prompt but not in your face. The waiter didn't have the best personality, but I'm not paying him/her to be conversational, I'm paying them to serve my food and be there when I need them. I rate it 4 out of 5 because it doesn't quite compare to my favorite place to eat, Pappa's Bros Steakhouse. As for another review I read on here. Seriously? You go to a a high end restaurant and complain about having to valet park and pay $5 for it? I always valet park, it's part of the experience of eating out at a high end restaurant, and $5 is the minimum tip anyway, unless you're a real cheap skate.

2 Star Rating: Below Average

11/03/10

Bad Birthday Gift

by mountaincorona

Like every good boyfriend, I picked a restaurant that was one of the top rated dining establishments in the city as a birthday treat. I was tolerant of the slow start to the service as the restaurant was busy, but did not understand why I had to ask the waiter (Marshall) three times for a wine list. The food was exceptional as always, but the service never recovered. I love the New Orleans Brennan's concepts, but southern hospitality apparently does not cross the Mississippi river.

2 Star Rating: Below Average

10/17/10

Service was slow given the pricey menu

by reddog639

The eggs benedict was very good but not as good as Ruggles. Now, having said that the service was a bit, let's tell it like it was, slow on all phases. Slow on drinks, slow to get my turtle soup. Finally the entree and after finishing the eggs benedict the plates sat there for an inordinate amount of time. Given they are using the Captain's system, it was awlful. I know because I owned and operated two full service restaurants in my date. Thus, the critique comes from an insider of the business. Given, the lunch run was partiacially over and not busy, the service was very, very slow.

Not what I was expecting and quite frankly, disappointing.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

07/17/10

Sinfully delicious!

by canwetalk

Brennan's is a Houston institution with reason! The service is impeccable, the food is delicious. The menu is interesting, beautifully served. There is a dining section for those more casually dressed (no flip flops or shorts, please!). Relaxing, tasty, great service. One note for improvement: I was not offered a coffee refill (this was coffee following lunch).

  • Pros: Outstanding food
  • Cons: Parking

The Details on Brennan's of Houston

Place Categories:

  • great excellent food
  • perfect romantic restaurant
  • great first experience
  • nice meal
  • romantic evening
  • wonderful wait staff
  • favorite romantic spot
  • very rude valet service
  • impressive menu
  • divine steaks
  • outstanding turtle soup
  • favorite place
  • unacceptable price
  • cold meat
  • worst restaurant
  • not just as outstanding food
  • crispy fried oysters
  • bad taste
  • awful ambiance
  • happy year anniversary
  • helpful bar staff
  • really poor last saturday brunch
  • memorable dining experience
  • outstanding waiter
  • outstanding service

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