Brennan's of Houston **CLOSED**

09/21/2008 Posted by guillot

I have taken dozens of employees to eat at Brennan's for their 5 year anniversary with our business. Many look forward to going to Brennan's for lunch. I was to take another employee next month and now very sad that we will have to choose another place. I hope they plan on rebuilding as I will miss greatly those special occasions for lunch. Alex, our prayers are with your family during this time. Chris Smith, Grace Community Church.

09/17/2008 Posted by polishcaramel

Our love for Brennan's began in New Orleans, where we lived until Katrina blew us away. When we settled in Houston, discovering a Brennan's here was truly something that allowed us to keep going, to keep hope alive. Knowing that the family supported their workers displaced after Katrina made us feel proud to call this one of our favorite restaurants, and our family, both local and those who have visited Houston, had many memorable dining experiences here. The food is sublime; a treat for palate and senses combined. Never did we have an experience that was not memorable; never did we have a meal that was not exquisite. Thank you for the memories.

Pros: Sevice, cuisine

Cons: None

08/28/2008 Posted by giuls21

Though I would not define myself as a renowned food critic, I try my best to dine at the finer institutions in the various cities in the US I visit. Upon seeing Brennan's Dirona award, I put it on my list to visit while in Houston this past week. I do not think it is possible for a restaurant to be worse than this one. They charge $5 to valet your car...so they enter your valet before you even walk in the door. When you walk in, it looks like a cheap antique store...I really thought I was going to come away with a lamp from 1920. Enough about the awful ambiance...when we were finally seated in the backroom (we didnt have a jacket...so we weren't allowed to sit with the "regular people") we sat by ourselves for a few minutes and then were handed a menu...I honestly had to spend 10 minutes trying to figure out what would hurt my stomach the least. Before they took our order, they brought out a single piece of bread...it was stale on the outside and frozen on the inside...awesome start to the dinner! I ordered the seafood gumbo to start...major letdown. My wife makes gumbo that is about a thousand times better....so based on what I eat at home, I felt like I should be paid to eat Brennan's gumbo. Still it was marginal, so I thought okay....maybe the entree will be better. Not so...I got a pecan crusted Amberjack. The fish was obviously not fresh and the pecan encrusting of the fish was poorly done and done with very low quality pecans. I love pecans...and I had to choke down these "chewy pecans". My stomach gave me the headsup that it was in no shape to eat dessert after the two disheds erstwhile...and therefore I declined dessert. My dining partner had the chicken and grits...and he was also amazed at how bad it was... If anyone has eaten at Cheesecake Bistro or Cheesecake Factory....think of this place as a worse Cheesecake Factory. If you care about your wallet, your stomach, and having a great dinner...skip this overrated restaurant.

Pros: None

Cons: Ambience, food, parking, everything and anything

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful

08/10/2008 Posted by saralynnlena

I wanted to let readers know what a great experience my husband and I had at Brennans for our anniversary. We have always been fans of the Brennans in New Orleans but this was our first try in Houston. WOW! It was our 30th anniversary and they exceeded all expectations. Our table was great - looking out over the patio. The waitstaff was attentive but not oppressive. The food was great from start to finish. The turtle soup was as outstanding as were the crab crakes. Who can resist the "bananas foster" and the great show they put on. I was a little concerned after reading some of the reviews but I honestly don't know how our experience could have been better. The musicians even came to our table and sang a special song for us. Truly a memorable experience.

03/27/2008 Posted by snipdoggydog

Easter brunch was a very pleasant surprise at Brennan's. 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. However, the Brennan's Easter brunch was a great experience. 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. The Easter brunch menu offered a choice of appetizer, entree and dessert for $55 and there were at least 6 selections of each course. 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. I was also pleasantly surprised that they offered one of their signature desserts, bananas foster, which is prepared table side. Brennan's has always been known for their excellent food and service, but I would also recommend it for major holiday dining events. They seem to have figured out how to maintain their food quality, selection and service at a very reasonable price for special occasions.

Pros: Excellent Food and Service

Cons: None

03/01/2008 Posted by z_man1025

My wife and I dined at Brennans tonight and I had to write my review imediately. The evening was terrible and we won't be going back. The service was atrocious and not something we'd expect from a restaurant portrayed as one of Houston's best. 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. I ended up pouring wine into our glasses most of the evening as the waitress was otherwise engaged most of the evening. She even huffily responded when we asked to look at the dessert menu (there was no way we were leaving to end her pain!!!). 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 centre. We definitely won't be going back and I would urge others to really reconsider their choice of restaurant as the quality does not justify the price.

Pros: Honestly can't think of any.....

Cons: Terrible service, average food and unjustified price

02/15/2008 Posted by littlebit0863

We went to Brennans for Valentines day. It was the perfect romantic spot. There was no jacket and tie required, however many people were dressed up. Definitely not a jeans place. I had the strawberry salad, the fettucini with steamed vegetables, and the chocolate souffle. The strawberry salad and steamed vegetables were some of the best I've ever had. There was an extensive wine list, but very few choices for wine by the glass. It was a wonderful romantic restaurant, and felt great to treat ourselves. However, spending $200 for 2 people is a surefire way to ensure we won't be back for a while.

12/11/2007 Posted by will5595

I have been going to this restaurant for many years and it has certainly continued to live up to its stellar reputation. The atmosphere is New Orleans inspired and beautiful. Most recently my girlfriend and I took advantage of their complimentary theater shuttle they offer on show nigts, it was much better than having to try to park and walk to the theater! For dinner we started with the crispy fried oysters. They were fried in an authentic Louisiana fashion and served with potato shavings and a chili sauce... they're addictive! Our entrees were the duo of lamb and the redfish ponchetrain both were equally incredible. And for dessert we had the famous (and i think original) bananas foster...we were both full but couldn't stop eating. The wine list is more than adequate and on request the saumelier will always pair you up with something perfect. On a side note, Thomas is an outstanding waiter!! Will DEFINITELY go back.

Pros: Everything

Cons: none

10/14/2007 Posted by badd02

My husband and I decided to dine here for our anniversary and everything from start to finish was a sore disappointment. First, we were promised a romantic table for 2 overlooking the patio area when we called for our reservations. When we arrived, we were seated at a 4 person table in a room that resembled a wedding banquet hall with no view at all. We could see our "reserved" table, and it was empty! Needless to say, we asked to move and they accommodated (why didn't they get it right the first time?). We were seated at least 30 minutes before anyone brought us a dinner menu. We ordered a bottle of red wine which was poured into what appeared to be water goblets that were already sitting on the table. The waiter did not mention any "specials" for the evening, so I presume they do not have "specials." The web site menu lists a soft shell crab entree, however this was not an option and the waiter replied "we do not have any in house." I ordered the Escargot appetizer and when it arrived it was COLD. The waiter took my plate, microwaved it, and brought me back the same plate which was now burning hot to the touch. My husband ordered the grilled filet of beef medium-rare with emphasis on RARE several times, but it still arrived "MEDIUM". Overall the food was unimaginative and lacked in presentation. At most establishments someone in management checks to make sure the service is satisfactory, however at Brennan's the waiter was the only person we saw despite making it known that things were unsatisfactory. The waiters do not reflect the caliber expected at fine dining in that they were friendly but lacked sophistication. I have never had to wait in line to use the restroom at a fine restaurant because they only had 2 stalls to service hundreds of people daily. In summary, it would appear that Brennan's is getting by on their past reputation, rather than trying to maintain quality and reputable service. Your money would be well spent elsewhere!

Pros: Praline

Cons: Service, Ambience

09/15/2007 Posted by balltownpeople

Apparently the best place in town. Always feel like home. Service is impeccable, all our love goes to Joe - he can make your night special whether it's your anniversary, birthday or one hour before theater. Crab cakes are to die for as well as creme brulee. Wine list is great - James will make sure that you not only pair wine and food but enjoy the conversation as well. I am not sure I would be able to persuade my husband to go to the symphony unless we drop by Brennan's before.