02/08/09

Reviews scared me away

by Point2Click

I used CitySearch to look at reviews before making a Valentine's Day reservation. How can an establishment have a 5-star rating with CitySearch when they haven't gotten a good review since 2006? I like what I have read about the atmosphere and ambiance but I am looking for a good steak ably served. I am thankful for the posted reviews and wonder about the high ranking. I guess I'll keep looking.

• Pros: Good Promotion
• Cons: Bad Reviews

12/29/08

Spencer's food can not compete with Houston's other steakhouse alternatives.

by DinnerNight08

My wife and I frequent upscale steakhouses, but until yesterday, we had never been to Spencer?s. The restaurant and bar ambience is nice with bright, open, modern lounge flair. We did not have reservations, and though the restaurant was only half-full, they would not seat us. However, the bar area offered full-service; we actually like dining in the bar area, so this was not a problem. After sitting at a bar table for about 15 minutes without the waiter taking our drink order, we moved to sit at the bar. Once there, the service from the bartenders was fine, and we ordered dinner. The Spencer and Wedge salads were average. The fillets were cooked to order, but the quality of the meat was poor for this level of restaurant ? think Outback steak at Ruth Chris? prices. For a side we tried the hashbrowns au gratin, and it was indescribably bad. When served, it looked like a cold cheese pancake drowning in oil; it tasted like one, too, with enough bacon bits to completely destroy any other flavors. A note on presentation: other than the potatoes just slapped on a random plate, the steaks were just plopped on a plain white plate with nary a sprinkling of parsley or drizzle of juices. I got the distinct impression the restaurant was attempting the bare minimum. I kid you not ? I overheard a gentlemen at the table behind us exclaim about his meal, ?Could they at least TRY on the presentation?? They should at these prices.

I am not one for extremisms, but after last night, Spencer?s has forced me into it. How this place can survive is beyond me ? it must be captive diners from the hotel. I recommend going to Outback for a more flavorful meal at half the price, or go to Vic & Anthony?s, Fleming?s, Pappas Bros, Strip House, or a number of other, better top steakhouses in Houston. For additional info, read the Fearless Critic?s review on Spencer?s; it?s spot-on with our experience. I just wish I had heeded their advice.

• Pros: Ambience, decor
• Cons: Food, service, possibility of intoxicated and boisterous sports fans in jeans and caps

09/22/08

Great food and excellent staff

by AshleyKnows

This place is beautiful. I brought my boyfriend here for our anniversary and we both thought the food was great. The staff was very accommodating and attentive. This was a great experience and I would suggest Spencer's to all of my friends.

12/30/07

Great meal - when we finally got to it!!!

by z_man1025

My wife and I made the mistake of going to Spencer's on a Saturday night. getting to the restaurant was a ngihtmare adn the Hilton valet staff woudl not take any more cars for parking. We were left to find a spot on the street, which we finally managed after almost 30 minutes of circling.

Once we got into the restaurant, I was advised that the special seating I had requested months in advance (private "Wine Room" for 2 people) would not be available as the diners before us had just commenced their meal. When I asked why they only allowed 30 minutes before our reservation, I was given a shrug - totally unacceptable. We were then told there were no other tables and we'd need to wait 45 minutes for another table to become free. I asked for the Manager and he did not show. Happy to say that our wait ended up only being 20 minutes.

Once we were at the table, the service was acceptable and the food was good. Wine service was efficient and knowledgeable. Overall, food and wine were well above average for what we've experienced in Houston. However, the overall service from the staff and management was abysmal and we'll not be going back to this restaurant, especially when you consider the premium prices being charged.

• Pros: Good food
• Cons: Atrocious service

Swank steakhouse in the Hilton-Americas serves beef, lamb, seafood and an extensive wine list in a stylish dining room.

by Joshua Hinsdale

The Scene
Housed within the massive Hilton Americas-Houston hotel, this bustling chop house is popular with hotel guests, convention attendees, sports fans and other downtown diners looking for a trendy scene and quality food. The expansive and elegant lobby echoes a similar atmosphere once inside Spencer's, which manages to be inviting despite its size. The adjacent bar and lounge area gets crowded for drinks and pregame meals. There is an extensive wine list and the service is affable and attentive.

The Food
The kitchen serves up a continental menu with steaks, lamb and seafood. The large porterhouse, filets and prime rib are served sizzling fresh while the lamb and fish are tender and perfectly spiced. The king crab and lobster are succulent and go great with an assortment of west coast beers. The dessert tray is worth a look.

Hits: The king crab legs are massive and delicous when dipped in butter.

Misses: TVs in the bar area distract from the fine dining atmosphere of the main dining room.

06/14/07

Great food ruined by unresponsive wait staff

by jwmichael

I ate at Spencers last year when I was in town on business and was very impressed overall, particularly with the quality and preparation of the food. I am back in town on business again, and this time experienced the same lousy service as many recent diners have reported, which is a real shame.

The restaurant was nearly empty with perhaps 6 parties in the entire place. I was seated by an obviously disinterested hostess who dropped the wine list on an empty chair without any fanfare and mumbled something about "with you soon". I did receive bread and water shortly thereafter from a friendly young fellow, who then disappeared without a word. Then, I sat. And sat. And sat. Several waiters and wait staff passed by me over the next 40 minutes and about half clearly saw me sitting in isolation, but no one had any interest in checking on me. After 40 minutes, I stood up and walked out. No one batted an eye.

For these prices, I would expect first class staff too, but this total breakdown in customer service would be inexcusible even in a burger joint. Since this is apparently becoming a chronic problem, I will avoid Spencers in the future rather than run the risk of another miserable experience.

• Pros: Potentially great food and wine
• Cons: Appallingly bad service

12/20/06

Excellent Meal

by kenholt

Perfect business dinner. Steak was terrific and the service was wonderful. Recommend to anyone in the downtown area looking for a great steakhouse.

• Pros: Food and Service
• Cons: None

09/29/06

Seafood Appetizer Tray - Wow! Private Wine Room for 10

by gdefee

Share the sensational seafood appetizer tray with fine wines recommended by Dane. Quaint wine room holds 10 comfortably with privacy. Large, spacious dining room is accented with an open kitchen area to pick up a few cooking tips. Smiling Chef/General Manager Joel St. John is eager to please. Street level entrance gives easy access to the Rockets, Astros, and all Toyota Center events, and the celebrities are spotted often. Spencer's validates valet parking for easy in and out dining downtown. Jump off Highway 59 at Polk, and you're right there at Spencer's!

• Pros: Quality of Beef, Elegant Bar, Validated Valet Parking

12/28/05

Gotta Try it

by tabikatz33

You should really try it. I went with my friends for a holiday dinner and the atmosphere and staff were great. I can't wait to go back with my husband.

• Pros: atmosphere, wine list, steaks

10/12/05

love it!

by mrsrios

i dont like red meat, but i ate a whole filet mignon and could have eaten another. I may change the red meat issue! brought my 3 yr old and they dont really cater to children but made a special dish for her. did not make me feel embarrased when i ask for steak sauce,it doesnt need it. The reason is the steaks are such fine quality of meat all it needs is course salt and pepper. Coffee nice and hot, plenty, waitress was informative and knowledgable and and wine is super tasty. be advised price you pay if not a typicall price but it is so worth it i will pay it over and over again.

• Pros: romantic, wine, proffesional
• Cons: none