Rainbow Lodge

Houston's original lodge restaurant featuring seafood and wild game. Cozy Log Cabin inside the Loop. Call 713.581.8245 for a reservation!

(713) 581-8245

2011 Ella Blvd (TC Jester Boulevard)
Houston, TX 77008 29.804322 -95.429262

Get Map & Directions »

Neighborhoods: Greater Heights, Central

RAINBOW-LODGE.COM

Hours:

Tue-Fri 11:30am-10:30pm

Sat 6pm-10:30pm

Sun 10:30am-3pm, 5pm-10:30pm

Price:

$$

Last updated 2.08.12

Category:

Restaurants, Catering

Payment Methods:

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

Restaurant Special Features:

Private Rooms, View Dining, Lunch Spot, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, Brunch, Outdoor Dining, Fireplace, Notable Wine List, Bar Scene

Cuisine:

Traditional American, Seafood

Smoking Permitted:

Yes

What People Are Saying About Rainbow Lodge

The Owner

Rainbow Lodge

Owner

The Rainbow Lodge is a 100 year old log cabin restaurant on an acre of grounds right in the middle of Houston! Owner Donnette Hansen is focused on the details in this iconic Houston dining spot. Sophisticated but not "stuffy". Enjoy notable and special wines paired with local and seasonal ingredients.

Comfortable presentations of Venison, Elk, Boar, Bison, Gulf Snapper, Smoked Duck and Housemade Sausages appear daily paired with vegetables and herbs growing 20 feet away in the Lodge's expansive gardens. Lunch is lighter, entrees from $12-$20 and Sunday Brunch features 99 cent mimosas!

Only minutes from downtown & the Galleria in the Heights, Rainbow Lodge features dynamic views, 3 fireplaces, a citrus grove, decks and patios, a casual fun bar and four private dining rooms. There are spacious facilities for private parties & garden weddings. Call 713.581.8245 for a reservation!

CityGrid

Read more from the owner

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

In Short – A popular special events venue since 1976, Rainbow Lodge settles in to a charming 100-year-old log cabin overlooking a ravine in White Oak Bayou. A mix of rustic decor and refined dishes continues to romance diners along with roaring fireplaces and a much-lauded wine cellar. The Taste of the Wild appetizer provides samples of the day's selection of wild game. Nightly seafood specials, unique poultry dishes, beef and pasta are also available. Dessert is a must.

Editor's Tips

The Extras:
The lush landscaping, citrus grove, kitchen garden and picturesque grounds make Rainbow Lounge a popular spot for weddings receptions and private parties. Call for reservations and catering menu prices.
Know Before You Go:
Regulars will be relieved to know that the famous Tied Fly Bar (a 20-foot wood bar carved into a trout stream) made it over from the original location.
Look Good:
Request a table on the outdoor terrace for Sunday brunch which features the signature duck gumbo and 99-cent mimosas until 3pm.
Good for Groups:
The restaurant has extended hours during the holiday season, including Monday nights. There are four party rooms available.
When to Go:
"Supper Sunday," starting at 5pm each week, features casual comfort food specials from $15, plus half-price wines by the glass. Entree options include braised buffalo short ribs, grilled bock brined pork chops, smoked duck hash, steak frites and vegetable lasagna.
ambiance
87.6200008392334% positive
  1. parking as im sure youve read, is horrible.
  2. This restaurant has been in the area for a very long time, although it had to move from the wonderful location it originally had.
  3. This would be a great place to have a romantic dinner.
  4. This cozy little lodge is my favorite, it is a must visit for dates and even business meals.
  5. wonderful romantic place, expecially for brunch during a spring afternoon.
  6. The ambience is very unique.
  7. One of the most romantic restaurants in the area.
  8. Even with a wonderful view of the garden, I can think of dozens if not hundreds of restaurants in town where the food and service would be more worth the trip.
  9. While it has an elegant upscale atmosphere it is like a hunting lodge.
  10. Wonderful anniversary location
  11. The food is fantastic, atmosphere is wonderful and service is top notch.
  12. One warning: be prepared to use their valet parking, If you are like me and don't like people driving your car or you don't like to worry about your valuables, DON'T be tempted to park in their overflow lot across Ella blvd.
  13. The service is good, and the atmosphere is unique: a sprawling log cabin in the middle of Houston.
  14. Not a big fan of the decor, but it's a lodge, what else do you expect?
  15. The whole atmosphere is very romantic!
  16. While they are still working on the grounds since they moved to their new location, we found a nice spot at the top of the steps and had great views of the grounds and lodge.
  17. The site is almost as beautiful as the old location but the building is even better.
  18. Excellent game, expensive, gorgeous setting; well worth the splurge; purportedly the most romantic restaurant in Houston; go for Sunday brun.
  19. We enjoyed the service, food, and the unique location which lends itself to quiet, intimate, romantic dinners.
  20. The Rainbow Lodge should be touted as a Business Power Dinner/Lunch Restaurant, but NOT a romantic place for a special night out.
  21. WHile it is great for say a rehearsal dinner not good for a proposal or romantic evening.
  22. The most beautiful view.
  23. For the ultimate romantic dining experience, the spot to sit is upstairs at the window.
  24. Most romantic place.
  25. Please listen - this is NOT a good place for a romantic dinner - it's VERY loud and noisy.
  26. Great food, wine list is respectable and ambience is like no other in Houston.
  27. It has a nice atmosphere.
  28. recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a unique, romantic restaurant.
  29. We tried The Rainbow Lodge for the first time this past Valentine's Day weekend, and really enjoyed the cozy, rustic cabin setting of the interior.
  30. There is not another restaurant in Houston with the combination of great food and perfect atmosphere.
  31. cute atmosphere if you're a big meat eater, with the deer heads on the wall and all!
  32. dine out a lot and enjoy a comfortable experience.
  33. Unfortunately, my family and I were appalled at the terrible service we received almost from the time we entered the parking lot.
  34. Fantastic atmosphere.
  35. We still sat in a great spot next to a window with a nice view.
dessert
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. The dessert was good but definately not why we attened the restaurant.
  2. Everyone cleaned their plates but still had room for dessert, which was just as delicious as the main course.
  3. They also have an excellent pastry chef so it is definitely worth saving room for dessert.
  4. The appetizers, main courses, and deserts were all delectable and creative.
  5. The dessert was great, but I couldnt get past the bad hostess.
  6. As for the food, that was the icing on the bitter cake.
drinks
75.0% positive
  1. Outstanding food & wine list
  2. For our $200 (two salads, two entrees and way overpriced wine) we should have gone to the Strip House and we would have had a much, much better meal.
  3. If I had to make a few suggested improvements, I would suggest bigger portion sizes on the appetizers and main courses, and the addition of several lower-to-medium-priced Napa Valley Cabernet's to their wine list; some with more aged character, such as Be
  4. The food is solid, with some interesting wild game choices and very good wines.
  5. The waiter had a trainee with him and failed to introduce him, and then had a cold response when we did not order wine.
  6. great waitstaff and the best wine list.
  7. Great food, wine list is respectable and ambience is like no other in Houston.
  8. Best thing: I liked the half priced wine by the glass (on Sunday nights).
  9. For the main course, I opted for the beef tenderloin cooked with a side of fresh "smashed" (instead of mashed) potatoes, and served with a port wine reduction sauce.
  10. The service was impeccable, the food very good, wine excellent.
  11. would recommend The Rainbow Lodge for a Special night, lunch, business lunch or dinner (you can acturally hear each other which is unique in Houston) or even a drink at the bar after work.
  12. We didn't have a reservation, but were given our choice of seating next to the bar area (the main dining room was full).
food quality
84.39999580383301% positive
  1. did recommend the tomato salad and warned my host that it was pricey, but worth it.
  2. The food was outstanding, and the portions were perfect for me--i did not leave feeling like the fatted calf!
  3. The food, service, and surroundings turned our special day into a wonderful experience!
  4. Great date place - wonderful food, terrific cosmos, unique setting!
  5. For our $200 (two salads, two entrees and way overpriced wine) we should have gone to the Strip House and we would have had a much, much better meal.
  6. Our waitress suggested this other dish that would have a good variety for our group.
  7. Outstanding food & wine list
  8. Nice setting and the food is consistently excellent.
  9. cute atmosphere if you're a big meat eater, with the deer heads on the wall and all!
  10. Overall everyone enjoyed their food (the food was quite good with a few exceptions), but a crying baby next to us, a server that seemed almost clueless, the "old' smell & low ceilings, and the care less about special occasions attitude--- well, I will pay
  11. The food is solid, with some interesting wild game choices and very good wines.
  12. And the "comfort food" specials are not as impressive as the higher-dollar entrees.
  13. The remoulade sauce served with the fried oysters was wonderful with the unexpected addition of capers.
  14. Visited for lunch on Friday, I had a very tasty seafood stew with saffron and fennel.
  15. don't mean to knock it because it is very well appointed, the food is distinctive, and service far above average.
  16. Great food, wine list is respectable and ambience is like no other in Houston.
  17. We enjoyed the service, food, and the unique location which lends itself to quiet, intimate, romantic dinners.
  18. This is the first time I have been to the Rainbow Lodge and the food was fantastic.
  19. Our food was outstanding, and our waiter was very attentive and accomodating to our requests.
  20. so needless to say, this meal was quite expensive considering the quality and size of dishes.
  21. Pay particular attention to whatever is on special - the pheasant, buffalo tenderloin with penne in gouda sauce, and buffalo ribeye have all been outstanding.
  22. There is not another restaurant in Houston with the combination of great food and perfect atmosphere.
  23. Great food, attentive service and excellent setting to enjoy those special occasions.
  24. The food was excelllently prepared and the service was impeccable.
  25. have never had a meal that didn't make me say "this is the best ___ I have ever had
  26. The menu choices were average, and when our food finally came (after very slow service!)
  27. Noisy, rude waitstaff, and overpriced food.
  28. As for the food, that was the icing on the bitter cake.
  29. On the plus side, the food is very good.
  30. am the first to be willing to spend a pretty penny on a good meal, but this is definitely NOT the place!
  31. Great food and consistent flavor
  32. The service was impeccable, the food very good, wine excellent.
  33. To sum it up, why go here when there are so many other wonderful restaurants in Houston with better food and better service.
  34. Most importantly, the food is delicious.
  35. At one time this was an excellent restaurant and still has great atomosphere but the reviews concerning the service are true; terrible hostess, they dont honor reservation times and the food is now mediocre at best.
  36. Even with a wonderful view of the garden, I can think of dozens if not hundreds of restaurants in town where the food and service would be more worth the trip.
  37. We wanted to order an appetizer, but make it more exciting we wanted to get the entree that had a variety of meats.
  38. The waitress was great, and the food delicious.
  39. The food was great!
  40. They offer a $14.95 3-course business lunch that was very delicious.
  41. The food is fantastic, atmosphere is wonderful and service is top notch.
  42. All in all, the food was nothing special and the service was bad.
  43. The food was superb.
  44. Everyone cleaned their plates but still had room for dessert, which was just as delicious as the main course.
  45. For the main course, I opted for the beef tenderloin cooked with a side of fresh "smashed" (instead of mashed) potatoes, and served with a port wine reduction sauce.
  46. highly recommend the duck gumbo and lamb chops or buffalo rib-eye.
  47. Our food was great as well as service.
menu variety
76.1899995803833% positive
  1. The menu choices were average, and when our food finally came (after very slow service!)
  2. The place was beautiful, the service was ok, but the menu was pricey and overrated.
  3. The food is solid, with some interesting wild game choices and very good wines.
  4. Our waitress suggested this other dish that would have a good variety for our group.
  5. The brunch and dinner menus are excellent ,and each time we have eaten there, the servers have been attentive yet unintrusive on our conversation.
  6. Amazing service and Dining selection
  7. We wanted to order an appetizer, but make it more exciting we wanted to get the entree that had a variety of meats.
overall
90.0% positive
  1. For a special occasion, this is a great place to eat.
  2. Please listen - this is NOT a good place for a romantic dinner - it's VERY loud and noisy.
  3. am the first to be willing to spend a pretty penny on a good meal, but this is definitely NOT the place!
  4. best restaurant in houston
  5. This would be a great place to have a romantic dinner.
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. It was an overall great experience for my first time dining here and I will definitely return!
  2. We highly recommend the Rainbow Lodge for special events, and we can't wait to return for dinner!
service
69.6999979019165% positive
  1. The waitress was great, and the food delicious.
  2. We didn't have to wait for our table, the waitress and other staff were pleasant and very attentative.
  3. The waiter had a trainee with him and failed to introduce him, and then had a cold response when we did not order wine.
  4. The wait staff, though pleasant, was slow to the point of aggravating our entire table.
  5. The dessert was great, but I couldnt get past the bad hostess.
  6. The service from the front entrance hostess to our table waiter, was top-notch, and exectuted with a very professional style.
  7. The place was beautiful, the service was ok, but the menu was pricey and overrated.
  8. The service is good, and the atmosphere is unique: a sprawling log cabin in the middle of Houston.
  9. The food is fantastic, atmosphere is wonderful and service is top notch.
  10. At one time this was an excellent restaurant and still has great atomosphere but the reviews concerning the service are true; terrible hostess, they dont honor reservation times and the food is now mediocre at best.
  11. The menu choices were average, and when our food finally came (after very slow service!)
  12. Noisy, rude waitstaff, and overpriced food.
  13. Amazing service and Dining selection
  14. The service was impeccable, the food very good, wine excellent.
  15. Great food, attentive service and excellent setting to enjoy those special occasions.
  16. All in all, the food was nothing special and the service was bad.
  17. One warning: be prepared to use their valet parking, If you are like me and don't like people driving your car or you don't like to worry about your valuables, DON'T be tempted to park in their overflow lot across Ella blvd.
  18. The service was good, the grounds are pretty, and the restaurant itself is unique for the area.
  19. The food, service, and surroundings turned our special day into a wonderful experience!
  20. To sum it up, why go here when there are so many other wonderful restaurants in Houston with better food and better service.
  21. Even with a wonderful view of the garden, I can think of dozens if not hundreds of restaurants in town where the food and service would be more worth the trip.
  22. Overall everyone enjoyed their food (the food was quite good with a few exceptions), but a crying baby next to us, a server that seemed almost clueless, the "old' smell & low ceilings, and the care less about special occasions attitude--- well, I will pay
  23. The food was excelllently prepared and the service was impeccable.
  24. Our food was great as well as service.
  25. We enjoyed the service, food, and the unique location which lends itself to quiet, intimate, romantic dinners.
  26. The brunch and dinner menus are excellent ,and each time we have eaten there, the servers have been attentive yet unintrusive on our conversation.
  27. Unfortunately, my family and I were appalled at the terrible service we received almost from the time we entered the parking lot.
  28. Our waiter was very knowledgable and recommended some excellent suggestions.
  29. Our waitress suggested this other dish that would have a good variety for our group.
  30. Our food was outstanding, and our waiter was very attentive and accomodating to our requests.
  31. The hostess was not attentive at all and had a snooty attitude.
  32. Our waiter was spot on; courteous and attentive, and the host staff was professional.
  33. don't mean to knock it because it is very well appointed, the food is distinctive, and service far above average.
value
54.54999923706055% positive
  1. did recommend the tomato salad and warned my host that it was pricey, but worth it.
  2. Excellent game, expensive, gorgeous setting; well worth the splurge; purportedly the most romantic restaurant in Houston; go for Sunday brun.
  3. so needless to say, this meal was quite expensive considering the quality and size of dishes.
  4. Noisy, rude waitstaff, and overpriced food.
  5. The place was beautiful, the service was ok, but the menu was pricey and overrated.
  6. The food was outstanding, and the portions were perfect for me--i did not leave feeling like the fatted calf!
  7. And the "comfort food" specials are not as impressive as the higher-dollar entrees.
  8. We started off with the Taste of the Wild appetizer which included quail breast, venison sausage and venison medallions all of which were great but be warned, those of you who complain about $2.50 sodas might not agree with the portions at $14.50.
  9. They also have an excellent pastry chef so it is definitely worth saving room for dessert.
  10. For our $200 (two salads, two entrees and way overpriced wine) we should have gone to the Strip House and we would have had a much, much better meal.
  11. Even with a wonderful view of the garden, I can think of dozens if not hundreds of restaurants in town where the food and service would be more worth the trip.
wait time
50.0% positive
  1. The menu choices were average, and when our food finally came (after very slow service!)
  2. The wait staff, though pleasant, was slow to the point of aggravating our entire table.
  3. This restaurant has been in the area for a very long time, although it had to move from the wonderful location it originally had.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/18/11

Excellent service, delicious food, friendly, cozy atmosphere

by Yolanda Gonzales

My grandest and strongest applause to the Rainbow Lodge! We held my daughter's wedding reception here this month and have received so many compliments from family and guests. My daughter and son-in- law were very satisfied with the overall performance of the restaurant. Excellent service, careful attention to all details, friendly, caring and helpful staff. The restaurant looked awesome, all three fireplaces lit giving us a warm, cozy feeling in a comfortable, sweet lodge which felt far away from our busy city. Large back patio and trees decorated with tiny, white lights was the perfect setting for outdoors music and dancing. Dinner - the red snapper was fantastic in a light sauce with capers and the risotto/mushrooms was the first to go. Guests kept coming back for more. Beef, asparagus and salad, so good. The buffet was constantly being replenished so good work and attention by the waiters and bartenders who kept my guests happy with wine and drink, so taken care of. Thank you! Tim, the manager, was very accomodating from set up to the end. He stayed on top of it and made sure that all needs were met in all areas.

One guest's comment as he left was "this was a five star reception", so what else can I say. The Rainbow Lodge was a good choice for such a special event. I highly recommend it for a special occasion or for Sunday brunch, Friday's burger grill, or the monthly wine evenings, all favorites of mine. Thank you, Donnette, Tim and staff at the Rainbow Lodge for making my precious daughter's wedding day extra special! Yolanda Gonzales

3 Star Rating: Average

11/10/11

Sticker Shock

by yumfun

I went for a business lunch. The atmosphere here was nice although I don't know if it lives up to the hype. I wasn't like WOW but nice. The bar is worth seeing because it's unique. I expected there to be more unique wild game options on the menu. Service was good. The food was good. The one big down fall is that we both ordered the Grill Mix which is different everyday so the waiter explains it to you. I expected that this dish might be more expensive than the other menu items because it is a "special". The most expensive item on the lunch menu was around $20 so $25-$30 for the special would be acceptable. We didn't ask the price and it turned out to be $37/plate and we both got soup which was an extra $7 each. I felt like the lunch warranted $75 max but the bill before tax (no alcohol) was $100. I think if they are going to offer something verbally and it is that much of a jump in price from menu items they should tell you that. All in all, good but watch know the prices.

1 Star Rating: Poor

07/27/11

Never Again!

by Sunny10

NEVER AGAIN!!!! My husband and I decided to celebrate Valentines Day on Saturday since this year it fell on a Monday. This was our first and last time here! It started off with the sitting, we literally sat in the middle of a 12 by 12 room filled with 8 other tables! There were other tables open in the room, and when we asked our waitress if we could move, she flat out said NO! and gave us an ugly look. Our waitress was HORRIBLE! She was inattentive, never brought us water or bread! Never asked if we needed anything, and when we called her, she acted like she didn't hear us! We asked for specials and she mumbled them at us as she was speaking to a bus boy. Someone else got up at another table and she dropped her napkin, the bus boy picked the napkin up from the floor while she was gone folded it and put a dirty napkin back on her table! I ordered the chef's special lobster and it was extremely overcooked and chewy! While we were having dessert our waitress brought us the check, since we didn't ... My husband and I decided to celebrate Valentines Day on Saturday since this year it fell on a Monday. This was our first and last time here! It started off with the sitting, we literally sat in the middle of a 12 by 12 room filled with 8 other tables! There were other tables open in the room, and when we asked our waitress if we could move, she flat out said NO! and gave us an ugly look. Our waitress was HORRIBLE! She was inattentive, never brought us water or bread! Never asked if we needed anything, and when we called her, she acted like she didn't hear us! We asked for specials and she mumbled them at us as she was speaking to a bus boy. Someone else got up at another table and she dropped her napkin, the bus boy picked the napkin up from the floor while she was gone folded it and put a dirty napkin back on her table! I ordered the chef's special lobster and it was extremely overcooked and chewy! While we were having dessert our waitress brought us the check, since we didn't give her our card immediately she kept walking by, she would look at my husband and then at the check with an obvious/ugly look….in other words “hurry up”! She did this 4 times and just because of that I told my husband to wait a little longer. Oh if looks could kill!!! And when we left, I asked my husband to put a note on the receipt, he put “Our first and LAST time here” We walked out and this waitress stormed out the door and yelled at us, she said “Thank You”, but we know by the tone of her voice she wanted to say “F U”….who does that!!! I mean really what upper class restaurant you know of where the waitress literally chases you outside, as if we left without paying the tab or something! Needless to say, if you are looking for a nice ambiance with good service and good food do yourself a favor and go elsewhere….you will thank me later.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/06/11

I love this place!

by greetthedawn

I don't get here as often as I'd like. But, the food, the ambience, and the service are usually impeccable. The one time I had an issue with my service, I spoke with Tim, the manager, and he was extremely responsive, taking the time to listen to my concerns and resolving the situation quickly and in a way with which I was very happy. He really reminded why I continue to return.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/05/11

Outstanding

by jenclark8

It has been several years since I was last at Rainbow Lodge, but I can assure you, that I dream about going back. This restaurant launched my love affair with food and fine dining. The ambiance leaves little to the imagination. I sat on the patio at night over looking the bayou...it was incredibly romantic and very whimsical. Our service was top notch. The food was amazing. I had short ribs that easily compare to the short ribs that I have since eaten at that of celebrity chefs restaurants. My experience from the food to the service to the atmosphere made the blow of the bill much more tolerable. I got what I paid for, and have and will return.

The Details on Rainbow Lodge

Place Categories:

  • great food
  • impeccable service
  • unique romantic restaurant
  • romantic date place
  • fantastic upscale atmosphere
  • wonderful initial dinner experience
  • overpriced wine
  • great anniversary spot
  • nice view
  • great dessert
  • mediocre comfort food
  • absolutely loved rainbow lodge
  • bad attitude
  • unique location
  • fabulous evening
  • delectable appetizers
  • good meal
  • favorite cozy little lodge
  • not pleasant waitress
  • overrated menu
  • romantic dining experience
  • full main dining room
  • great grilled buffalo ribeye
  • nice gorgeous setting
  • not pleasant other staff

As Seen In…

Best of Citysearch

Houston

Best of Citysearch

Houston

Message from Rainbow Lodge

  • Lunch, Sunday Brunch and Dinner
  • Private Party Rooms, Weddings,
  • Gardens Onsite, Local Ingredients

The Rainbow Lodge is a 100 year old log cabin restaurant on an acre of grounds right in the middle of Houston! Owner Donnette Hansen is focused on the details in this iconic Houston dining spot. Sophisticated but not "stuffy". Enjoy notable and special wines paired with local and seasonal ingredients.

Comfortable presentations of Venison, Elk, Boar, Bison, Gulf Snapper, Smoked Duck and Housemade Sausages appear daily paired with vegetables and herbs growing 20 feet away in the Lodge's expansive gardens. Lunch is lighter, entrees from $12-$20 and Sunday Brunch features 99 cent mimosas!

Only minutes from downtown & the Galleria in the Heights, Rainbow Lodge features dynamic views, 3 fireplaces, a citrus grove, decks and patios, a casual fun bar and four private dining rooms. There are spacious facilities for private parties & garden weddings. Call 713.581.8245 for a reservation!

Rainbow Lodge

Sunday Suppers.

In addition to our regular menu items, we offer a "comfort food special and half price wines by the glass" after 5pm.

Rainbow Lodge - 2011 Ella BlvdHouston, TX77008 - (713) 581-8245

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