Mark's American Cuisine
A chic temple of top-notch nouveau American cuisine, complete with a private dining chamber.
(713) 581-8452
1658 Westheimer Rd
(at Dunlavy Street)
Houston,
TX
77006
29.743
-95.4015
Neighborhoods: Central, Neartown/ Montrose
Hours:
Mon-Thu 11am-2pm, 6pm-11pm
Fri 11am-2pm, 5:30pm-12am
Sat 5pm-12am
Sun 5am-10pm
Price:
$$$$
Last updated 6.13.09
What People Are Saying About Mark's American Cuisine
The Owner
Mark's American Cuisine
Owner
Voted Houston's Most Romantic Restaurant, Mark's American Cuisine is located in a 1920's renovated church. The golden ceilings, the hand painted deco walls, and the candle lit tables provide customers with an intimate escape from the outside world.
Dining at Mark's is a true epicurean adventure. Chef Mark Cox prepares not just one but four unique menus for his patrons.
Houstonians and visitors will find food unlike that in any other restaurant.
Mark's wine list, recognized by Wine Spectator offers each customer the opportunity to pair the perfect meal with with enhancing wines. Vineyeards and vintages are selected by taste & value instead of "brand name." Please visit our Online Wine Cellar to wet your palette.
Mark's boasts 3 meeting rooms: 2 private, The Cloisters 32-40 people, The Alcove 5-8 & The Loft up to 24.
Dining at Mark's is truly a memorable dining experience.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
River Oaks socialites and celebratory epicures religiously congregate at innovative Chef Mark Cox's Montrose-area, church-turned-restaurant. A sophisticated redo reveals a side dining room and private upstairs chamber. The main dining room is luminous with stylish shades of coral and there's a constant buzz from the crowd. Service, while not overly friendly, is proficient.
The Food
Lunch starters sparkle, like the ethereal, petite corn souffle crowned with caviar and fire-roasted corn, while dinner showcases the most impressive entrees. Standouts include perfectly moist, pepper-crusted salmon brightened with roasted red pepper coulis; plump, smoky grilled shrimp on cleansing braised fennel with creamy olive risotto; and succulent Summerfield Farms lamb loin perfumed with fresh basil sauce. This is a do-dessert restaurant; in fact, warm raspberry tart blessed with buttery shortbread crust is downright holy.
User Reviews
morastj
July 03, 2009
My husband and I have been going to Marks for years. Some times we rave about it and sometimes we really enjoy it but we are never dissappointed. It's an impressive place to take foks visiting since its an Old Church building converted to a restaurant and its not a chain plus you can count on great specials. Can't go wrong if you are looking for a special restaurant. The service is great too!
read full reviewdrtrumble
February 28, 2009
My wife and I just returned from our 17th anniversary at Mark's. It was everything I had expected and wanted for a quiet and romantic night with outstanding service and food. A few of the reviews had had poor service or food but Mark's ws at it's best for us. We were seated promptly in the 2nd floor as I had requested and the service was flawless. I appreciated the short delay time between when we were seated and when we received our menus: it made me feel that we were not being rushed. Two waiters seated us and served our water and bread. The specials were made known and gave 3 choices for appetizers and 5 entrees which where unique and intriguing. We chose the seafood trio and the lobster bisque (which had perfectly tender pieces of lobster). My wife had an excellent and spicey tuna and I had Kobe beef ribeye medium rare. The desserts were numerous and interesting; I had the coconut bread pudding and she had the warm chocolate cake. Both were al a mode. I now know why people pay high prices for Kobe beef. It was like no beef I have ever had. The setting on the second floor was quiet and intimate and the renovated church is beautiful. Our Desserts came with a candle and chocolate coins imprinted with"Happy Anniversary" on them. Who cares if they do this for all anniversaries...they did it for mine. Overall, excellent in all categories. The perfect place for those who can afford it. Don't worry about the few negative reviews. I'm glad I went.
read full review
Badger5678
February 19, 2009
Words can't begin to describe my experience at Mark's American. I took my girlfriend here for our first Valentine's Day. We got there a little early and the hostess politely informed us that we could wait at the bar if we liked. When we got to the bar, we received prompt service. I've been to places where you would have to wait 10 minutes for a bar tender to ask what you need. Not here. We ordered a couple of drinks and enjoying them immensely when the hostess informed us that our table was being set. She politely took our drinks from us and carried them to our table for us. When we sat down we were introduced to our very friendly waiter for the evening. He was very descriptive and informative in explaining the menu. I highly recommend the lobster bisque if they have it as an appetizer. I regret not ordering it (my girlfriend was smart enough to do so). That is not to say my appetizer wasn't good. It was delicious. Our main entree came and it was art on a plate with a colorful display. As we tasted the entree's our mouths watered for more. Dessert was absolutely to die for. The Creme Brulee was delicious as was the chocolate cake. Between our waiter tending to our every need to the Chef coming out and taking time out to talk with us, service was as good as the food. I definitely will be coming back here to see what else Chef Mark Cox has for our tantalizing taste buds. I'm sure he won't disappoint. He truly is an artist. With his plate as his canvas and his imaginative mind, the flavors that he creates are endless.
read full reviewThe Details on Mark's American Cuisine
What to Drink:
Mark's excellent wine list and fine stemware attracts avid connoisseurs. Also, expect a full list of cognacs, armagnacs and single-malt scotches.
Where to Sit:
Sit at the back of the Cloister section, for quiet dining, soft lighting and plenty of romance.
Category:
Traditional American, Restaurants
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Celeb Hangout, Notable Chef, Private Rooms, Business Dining, Date Spot, Notable Wine List
General Info:
Cuisine:
As Seen In…
Message from Mark's American Cuisine
- Private Parties
- 250+ Wine Selections
- Unbelievable Menu
Voted Houston's Most Romantic Restaurant, Mark's American Cuisine is located in a 1920's renovated church. The golden ceilings, the hand painted deco walls, and the candle lit tables provide customers with an intimate escape from the outside world.
Dining at Mark's is a true epicurean adventure. Chef Mark Cox prepares not just one but four unique menus for his patrons.
Houstonians and visitors will find food unlike that in any other restaurant.
Mark's wine list, recognized by Wine Spectator offers each customer the opportunity to pair the perfect meal with with enhancing wines. Vineyeards and vintages are selected by taste & value instead of "brand name." Please visit our Online Wine Cellar to wet your palette.
Mark's boasts 3 meeting rooms: 2 private, The Cloisters 32-40 people, The Alcove 5-8 & The Loft up to 24.
Dining at Mark's is truly a memorable dining experience.
