This place is consistently gross. I don't really understand why people flock here. I mean come on it's a chain restaurant with mediocre food and annoying waiters. God forbid you ask the kitchen to make any slight changes to your order because they can't. They must just put together already prepared items and cook them. The only thing they have going for them is the Chardonnay which is probably a cheap bottle that they overcharge for but it's decent tasting.
(1)
Julie S.
The sushi was amazing. I ordered a veggie burger minus the bun. It was delish! However, I'm not sure how eating it on a bun would work out because it was very soft and messy. Nice decor, really dark, but kind of romanticy.
(4)
Jocelyn L.
"great place to escape the crazy freezing cold on a wintry day. Food is reliably good"
(3)
Marilyn T.
It was surprisingly not bad for Faneuil Hall. We went for a birthday, and I'm not a huge meat eater, so I got the thai steak salad. The filet was marinated well and seared medium rare, just the way I like it. The dish was a huge mountain of leaves and noodles on my plate, and it was very filling. I tried some of the Hawaiian ribeye, which had hints of sweetness and a tropical flavor, which I liked. The brownie dessert was nice with a candle for the birthday girl, but I wouldn't normally pay $8 for it. Good to know - parking is free nearby at night and on weekends.
(3)
Jill D.
I've been to Houston's a handful of times for lunch and dinner. Likes: the veggie burger (I've never had one like it anywhere else), lots of entree salads, fast and attentive service, reservations accepted for dinner, the atmosphere-- I almost feel like I'm on the set of Mad Men what with the deep booths, low lighting, and bountiful business crowd Mehs: pricey!, gotta get there at 11:45 for a table at lunch Dislikes: the draught beers-- I don't think they clean their tap lines frequently enough. I ordered an Allagash White, and it tasted like I was sucking on an old shoelace. I think it's the only time in my life I have sent something back. Bottom line: it's the veggie burger that keeps me coming back for more. Plus, it's right near my office which makes it a great spot for a business lunch.
(3)
D S.
After having heard good things about this place, I was willing to try this restaurant that I would normally not be drawn to. The outside is uninviting, and I was only drawn inside based on good reviews, and the fact that I had heard good things (from non-yelpers I might add... I should have kept that in mind....) That being said: I went there for lunch with a friend from out of town after doing some sightseeing, and the food was mediocre at best. We shared a french dip that was good enough, and spinach artichoke dip that had NO flavor. It was, without a doubt, the worst version of the stuff that I have ever had. We sat at the bar, which was only about 1/3 full, and at the point when we were ready for our check, there were at least three girls behind the bar, but they were far too busy chatting to be bothered getting the check in any sort of an expeditious manner. That was bothersome, but prior to that the service was pretty good. Fresh squeezed juice is used in the cocktails, and that is delicious... an ordinary greyhound really sings to me with the addition of fresh squeezed grapefruit juiced as opposed to concentrate... even though it was winter, the drink awakened my inner yearning for spring time with it's citrusy punch! But, all in all, my experience at Houston's was nothing to write home about, and with the wealth of great restaurants in the immediate area, I think I will steer clear in the future... maybe a cocktail again when I miss the summer and spring months...
(3)
Nick N.
Christina the waitress was awesome on this saturday December 1st 2012. She was attentive-on time-helpful and alway's had a smile on her face. Such a pleasure from the snappy-rude waiting staff that you can encounter on a dining experience. She was also helpful in helping my wife pick out a special cocktail !!! I had my wife and 2 of my sons. My sons can be picky but they tried the sushi apps and there meals where awesome. My 12 year old had the ribs from the kids pick. I don't believe they have a kids menu but christina had the choices well rehearsed in her head. my son had the ribs which were awesome !!! I had the cheese burger which was outstanding. My son had the prime rib sandwich which he loved and enjoyed and my had the steak/noodle dinner which was fabulous and tasty ! Service again was the best I have had recently in a busy rest. on a saturday evening. You can park at the 60 state street garage and have your ticket validated after you eat which alows you to park 3 hrs total. That is well worth it giving you time to check out the sites at fanuel hall. Thats a 40 dollar parking savings....Just make sure you don'y go over the 3 hrs. I definitely give this place a 5 star....Thanks for a great dining experience.......If you happen to get a bad waiter/waitress go to the hostess and say you want christina....She will make your dining experience the best !!!!!
(5)
Anne K.
If ever given the chance to have a last meal, it would be the ribs from Houston's. When there is a chance that we might go to Houston's for dinner, I start my fast. I have been known to finish the entire plate of ribs, fries, and coleslaw (which is the only coleslaw I eat) and only regret that I didn't wear sweatpants to the restaurant. Great drinks, ambience, and obviously ribs. I suggest putting your name in early and walk through Fanueil Hall while you wait. Not ironic that this is where my fiancee took me before he proposed!
(5)
Marwan A.
went with relatively large group and everybody liked the food.
(2)
Jorge C.
If you want uncompromising solid service, a sunny attitude and well prepared food, Houston's is the place to go. They will not serve you a "memorable" meal, but after dining in their Coral Gables, LA and Boston restaurants I've yet to have a bad experience. Even when the food was late or not prepared to order the staff wen t out of its way to "make it right" and make sure I received a complimentary meal. My favorites are the soups, particularly the chili (a Saturday staple) and the Mexico Style soup, a delicious tortilla soup-like broth with avocado, tomatoes and mexican rice. The spinach dip is an all time classic but the smoked salmon is a solid starter as well. For mains, you can't go wrong with the cheeseburger or french dip with shoe-string fries. If you're a bit hungrier try the off-menu hawaiian ribeye, pittsburgh style, sliced and with a side of bbq sauce.
(5)
Robert T.
Great place! Best dam key lime pie... Ever! These folks always seem to get us seated.... even when its busy!
(5)
J R.
Let me preface this review by saying that a martini is a gin-based cocktail. Traditionally, a martini is not made with vodka. Although, substituting vodka for gin is now common, I object to anyone who doesn't recognize the difference. Suffice to say: I have better taste than you if you're a vodka martini drinker. I stopped into Houston's for some mid-Saturday afternoon pre-Sweeney Todd martinis. I ordered a dirty martini made with Bombay Sapphire. This $13 drink was cold and crisp. The olives were very tasty too, but this should be expected given the premium price paid. Overall great view and good drinks.
(3)
Bunny C.
Went here this past Friday night for drinks with some girlfriends. The ambiance was perfect- it was a warm night so the place was opened up and there was booth seating outside. We all ordered cocktails and they were strong and reasonably priced! Even though we ate somewhere else prior, we ended up ordering the steak sandwich to split and it was delicious. It was a great place to hang out with friends were you could actually hear one another- I'll definitely go back.
(5)
Jack M.
I was just here last night, and I had no idea that Houston's was changing it's name to Hillstone? Both are equally dumb names, if you ask me, but I digress. Well not really: allow me to elaborate. Again! I went here for dinner last night. I already said that didn't I? Well, I'm saying it again. And as you are my captive audience, and my review is easily the best one here, I can say what I please! Kidding. Maybe? - Expensive! But VERY good. Went here with a pal o mine - he got the cod which he was floored with, and I got the filet, which was EXCELLENT. I was expecting "bigger" portions, but really, mine was a perfect size. The filet wasn't quite what I had imagined - this was a 2-inch thick sea-salt encrusted thing. Nice and rare like I wanted. Melts like butter in your mouth. Came with some warm spinach and mashed potatoes on the side. Both were good. I didn't try the cod but my buddy loved it. Cleaned our plates which never happens. - Waitress was very good. We had to wait a bit for our food but, I'd gladly wait the 20 minutes again knowing the outcome. Excellent food and wonderfully attentive service. Pretty darn expensive but I like the location and I love the food and I like the service. You can't go wrong here.
(4)
Amy K.
Houston's has been my favorite restaurant for years now. The shrimp and macadamia sushi is the best sushi I've ever had and the thai steak and noodle salad is delicious. The service is also impeccable!
(5)
Luke P.
I had been here over 6 years ago a couple times when it was Houstons. Back then I thought it was a decent "upscale" chain with a great bar. I returned recently to Hillstone for a late weeknight dinner. We had the place almost entirely to ourselves and experienced great service. My date ordered the cheeseburger and was shocked to find they put ketchup, mustard and bbq sauce directly on the burger even though there was no mention of this on the menu. This is pretty atypical at most restaurants that don't begin with M, B, or W. Given she has no taste for condiments, it was a disaster, but the attentive waitstaff realized immediately that there was a problem and replaced the burger for free - definitely a cool gesture. I ordered the fish of the day which was a sauteed cod. It was OK, but nothing remarkable. I do think the food is greatly overpriced based on this experience, but it's pretty typical given the location. Ambiance is nice and they have some decent beers on draft. Better than some of the FH places, but not highly recommended for dinner. I would definitely come back here for a drink though.
(2)
Sean M.
Houston's is a chain. I really like the Embarcadero location, in San Francisco so I'm not sure why but I waited so long to try the Boston Houston's. I have been three times at lunch and each visit has been a pleasant experience. The service at the bar has been excellent and friendly. I have sampled the steak, prime rib, sushi (yes sushi) and the cheese burger. Everything I have eaten here has been expertly prepared and the ingredients are fresh. They have abundant entree salads if you want to eat lite. It is a an upscale approach to simpler fare. Sure you could spend less at Bennigan's for example but the food and atmosphere are far superior here in my opinion. Yes it's a chain, I guess I fit the demographic profile, I'll be treating myself to lunch here on a regular basis. * The bar is a tough seat at lunch, go early. * Excellent wine list, fair to slightly high in pricing. Good choices for domestic. * A nice choice for an after work Martini. * The Burger is killer, I love the shredded lettuce and chopped onions. * Some may find the atmosphere a bit stuffy, for moi, it's pleasant. * Jeff Nace and his lovely wife were having burgers at the bar our last visit, he sent over glasses of the Ramey Claret, guess I'll have to write that (long overdue) Neptune Oyster review soon.
(4)
Hana C.
Def get the hawaiian rib-eye- so sweet and mouthwatering. Great burgers (although I'm not a burger girl, I always get a bite of someone's, its very yummy), and I love their ribs! so mouth watering. best onion rings in Boston! And the tuna salad is very yumy too- gives you 4 large pices of spicy tuna roll and the salad comes with mango. very yummy. would come here anytime!
(4)
Jennifer S.
I checked out Houston's for the first time last Friday after work and was very pleasantly surprised. got there right after 5pm and it was already pretty crowded around the bar. there still seemed to be plenty of dinner seating though. Large bar area (with hooks for your coat and purse- oh happy day!) and the service was quick and attentive. tried a mojito and shared the spinach & artichoke dip and coconut shrimp rolls with a friend. mojito was just ok. too much seltzer or something. spinach dip was just ok too but the shrimp roll was incredible. i think that lil baby was swaddled in thin strips of coconut instead of seaweed-ingenious! The coconut flavor was not sweet or overpowering at all and combined with crunchy shrimp and creamy avocado it was really a great combo. All the other orders I saw coming out looked so good it made me want to leave the bar and snag a corner booth and stuff my face in secret rather that be respectable and nibble on my sushi rolls at the bar like a lady ( I mean lets be honest Houston's is a big time pick up place right?). Either way I definitely want to come back and try the Thai steak salad and get those rolls again. fun spot for after work drinks!
(4)
Abdulrahman B.
Hillstone so far has the best burger in Boston. So huge with their extra thin fries makes this dish so special. Whenever I go there I can't decide on another dish because I can't resist eating that mouth watering patty!
(4)
David M.
We rolled into Boston later than expected and called the restaurant to see when they closed. Despite the GPS telling us we were at the restaurant, we could not find it. Houston's is very hard to find. It is situated partially below ground in Faneuil Hall Marketplace and is hard to see from the street. I called for assistance from the staff. They could not give directions at all and got me more lost. They did advise that if we did not make it in within 7 minutes, we would not be served. We asked some people on the street and made it on time. This was kind of irritating because some people arrived 10 minutes after us and were seated and served. I came to Houstons because of their clam chowder. It won first place in a recent competition so I had to try it. I was surprised to find they only serve it on Fridays and Sundays and thankfully we were there on a Sunday. Our waitress came, I ordered chowder, an appetizer. When it came to the entree they were out of many items including all fish items except Salmon. This is Boston, how can they be out of fish? I wanted fish so I was out of luck and settled on the ribs. The chowder was great and I have had better, but not that often. Of all the chowders I ate while on the east coast, theirs was the best. The ribs were average. Really, they are boiled then grilled when ordered and slathered with sauce. Not too impressive for sure. I have eaten at many other Houston's and know what to expect. Normally I come for a decent steak but was not in the mood tonight. The service was poor. The waitress took my chowder bowl without asking if I was done (I was not). I had to ask other servers for things. When the bill came, the server had charged us for the appetizer she never brought. She said she would take it off the bill but never apologized for forgetting. We paid and left with regrets that we had chosen Houston's as our first meal in Boston, though I am glad I got to try their wonderful chowder. I left a 7% tip, which was very generous considering the poor service. I would recommend dropping in to try some chowder for lunch on Friday or Sunday and not for much else.
(2)
Jenna C.
I have been to Houston's many a time, but I can only write a review on one dish there: The ultimate, tasty, most mouthwatering thing I crave on a constant basis. The Houston's veggie burger. All I can say is WOW. This has to be, by far, the best veggie burger ever created. Most people say, "Veggie burger? Gross! Why would I want a burger of rice and crap when I can get a meaty patty of goodness?" Well, let me tell you..this is not your run of the mill rice laden dry little patty. It's huge, moist, and the taste is consistently scrumptious. Here's the kicker...it's not on the menu anymore. You can of course still get it, because if it was ever discontinued they could count on me chaining myself to that crazy iron horse statue they have until they brought it back. My exact order (remember I'm a little picky): Veggie burger, no bun, honey mustard on the side. Sub french fries for couscous = party in your mouth. Try it. I promise you will not be disappointed. UPDATE: 12/17/07 - Veggie burger! Back on the menu!
(5)
Roni E.
I went here for dinner one time and I just was not impressed. The waiter was certainly cute and very nice... but.... - The food wasn't great - I had the prime rib and it was just dry and bland - blech! - The drinks were... okay... but nothing special. - The timing was slooooow.... oh yeh he pretty much forgot about us and putting in the order. Yeh.... and they ran out of my veggie so I got the corn instead. Basically we paid for an extremely expensive meal we could have gotten elsewhere for much less and probably gotten better service.
(2)
Steven L.
Hillstone Restaurant at Faneuil Boston seated us on the patio, no problem, waitress came to take orders, then they decided to throw us out of the restaurant because my friend Reinhold had on a sleeveless shirt (we were three gay men), the manger told us that the security guard was "a federal police officer" I took pictures to have proof that the restaurant and patio was full of women in sleeveless tops. The security guard demanded to see the pictures and then he forcibly confiscated my friend's phone. He followed us out, harrassed us, prevented us from leaving in four separate attempts to get into a taxi. He called the police, and kept us hostage for an hour. He told us that we were going to be charged with assault and battery of the manager. Three Boston patrol cars and 5 Boston officers were involved costing the city countless dollars. When Boston Police came they said, "Hillsotne doesn't like you, stay away from them!" My advice to anyone else!! Worse. Restaurant. Ever!
(1)
Becca P.
My friend and I were wandering around Fanueil Hall trying to find a nice place to try out and found Hillstone hidden on the side. We came but didn't have a reservation and the place was packed at 1pm. We were seated after 20 minutes and was greeted by a very nice waitress. I ordered the $32 center cut filet and it was delicious. I do wish they had more sides. All I had was a little veggie side and that was good. My friend ordered the famous french dip au jus sandwich which came with fries. She loved it and was absolutely full after eating the sandwich. This place is a good place for small groups of friends to catch up. Around 1pm there are a lot of business people. We came in dressed casual but definitely felt under dressed.
(4)
Teju P.
This rates high in various areas( at least the ones that matter most to me!): 1) Atmosphere - very social and good for groups. The booth styles seating allows you privacy as well as a good view of the bar! 2) Service - The wait staff was VERY attentive to us and knew the menu very well. 3) Menu - It ranges from very healthy and light to comfort food. Make sure you ask for the super secret veggie burger. It is excellent! When dinner was over me and my friends were having such a good time that we didn't want to leave :(
(5)
Michael S.
Great food, good sushi roll apps, good drinks. Great Location
(5)
Mary Beth F.
This is a great restaurant for a date- lots of candles and dim lighting. The drinks were strong, and the service was wonderful. I got the burger and it was amazing. My boyfriend got the french dip and loved it.
(4)
Aditi R.
Faneuil has its ups and downs in my book. It always ends up being an interesting night, but I wished for something a bit more than the usual ho hum of Irish bars (not that I have anything against them...St. Patty's day wouldn't be the same in Boston otherwise!) Houston's provides the escape. I never really noticed this place perhaps because it's somewhat discrete as you have to walk down a set of stairs to enter the establishment. However, as discrete as the entrance may be, the space is quite the opposite. It's huge. Dim lighting, large bar space, and plenty of tables invite you right in. Not to mention that the wait staff is quite nice as well. I went in around 9 on a Tuesday night and was starving. Their menu looked quite nice and I ordered a chicken burger with fries while my friend ordered a salad which is supposedly phenomenal (the name escapes me, but it was a chicken salad...and not Caesar). There was only one bartender and she was also placing the food orders but despite of being busy, she was really nice and timely in always helping us out. The food ended up being quite good, but I have to say I enjoyed the fries the most as they were the thin cut fries which I dont find in many places. Great stuff! One of the drawbacks for this place however is the dim lighting. It's easy to see that people would trip up especially since there are lots of stairs as you go around the restaurant. Even during the day because it's a level below all the other restaurants, the light doesn't come in as well and the dim lighting only adds to the problem of not being able to see. So careful where you step! Overall I really liked this place and look forward to coming back. I can thank my friend and my 20/20 vision for that ;)
(4)
Kim P.
I'm a fan of Houston's and the Boston location is no exception. The food is a bit pricier than other chain restaurants, but I do believe its higher quality. Nice atmosphere - good service - good wine selection. We went on a Saturday night and were seated right away. I really like their chicken fingers and salads. Give it a try.
(4)
Nicole M.
Spinach artichoke dip, french fries, french martini. Sit me down on their narrow patio and serve me these three things, and I'm happier than a pig in shit. Touristy? Sure. A chain? Yep. Packed with suits pretending to work on their laptops at the bar? Yessiree. All these things would normally drive me away so fast, but I bring your attention back to those three lovely menu items, and I'm happy to sit and linger and people watch.
(4)
Peter G.
i have never been disappointed by houston's. i know it's a chain (i mean, who doesn't love a good chain restaurant every now and again) but i know i can count on houston's for a supremely delicious meal. christina had never been, and i suggested it as i haven't been in quite some time. the service is perfect because the waitstaff is trained to have the pleasant appeal of a stepford wife. our server, jennifer, was a delight and i even saw a couple of acquiantances that i know who work there as well. usually i am wont to partake of the clam chowder, depending on the day, and the thai steak and noodle salad, but we split the coconut shrimp roll to start. i always found it odd that houston's served sushi but it was to die for! christina was craving a burger and i was craving a fish sandwich and we were both in heaven. i coerced her to split the 5-nut brownie with me for dessert, which we devoured. houston's, you are my scarlet lover.
(5)
Andrew A.
While I have a Houston's at home, we visited the restaruant near Fanueil Hall on a recent trip to Boston & the result was less than stellar. My prime issue was with the lackluster service from such a 'high end eatery.' The restaurant was full, (as is expected on a Boston graduation weekend Saturday night), but the waiters & kitchen were NOT ready for the crowds. The bar was slow as we waited an hour for a table. Our waiter was rushed & disappeared after we ordered. Two people ordered prime rib which had WAY more fat than neccesary for this dish. When management was consulted due to this disasterous night they simply apologized after explaining that prime rib needs fat to cook. DUH - but not an inch on both sides! Perhaps it was a bad night for them, but I was just let down by the whole experience...
(2)
Jon F.
This place sucks! NEVER recommend to anyone. We made a reservation for 7 one month in advance. When we showed up , we were told to wait 15 minutes. We ended up waiting for 45 minutes and our table was not ready. After waiting almost one hour , we had to leave. It was a disaster! This place is only for walk ins... We do not want to even remember the name of this restaurant. Very bad management.
(1)
Melissa D.
Houston's is an A\after work bar for the financial district, a place to eat fresh quality food on a Saturday night and a great place to play credit card roulette. The menu ranges from salads to steak, sandwiches to seafood. Decent sized menu and sometimes items are updated with the seasons. FAVES: -Burger (as my friend says: "I'm not a big fan of burgers but this one is making me one!) -Sushi Combo Plate (surprisingly, very good sushi) -Prime Rib (fatty as it should be) -Spinach & Artichoke Dip (not zapped in the microwave) Service, not so great, they had a team of people helping out but when it got busy, it was like the keystone cops. I know people get in the weeds, but that's why you have a team of people to help out...maybe it was just one of those nights!!
(3)
Holly H.
I have been going to Hillstone (formerly Houston's) after work for years. The location is perfect (downstream from the Financial District and on the cusp of Faneuil Hall) as is everything about it. The name change is the only thing that actually changed - which is definitely a good thing! The waitstaff are always smiling and eager to please. The food is nothing less than consistently excellent. I usually go after work for a few drinks at the bar and stay for dinner. The bartenders are friendly, funny, efficient and knowledgeable. They also make one of the best dirty martinis around!! Some of my favorite items on the menu are the Spinach & Artichoke Dip - always delicious - it is the benchmark in which to measure all other spinach dips. The Thai Noodle Salad is spicy, filled with fresh mango, tomato, mint and basil, and is so unique. The burgers (both beef and veggie) are to die for, especially on that fabulous brioche roll! The expanding list of sushi is consistently delicious and worth trying. The wine list is approachable and has many of my favorites! This is a great location to have a business lunch, drinks and appetizers with friends, or a romantic dinner in one of the cozy booths. One very sad newer development - the amazing biscuits are a Hillstone item of the past. Too bad :( Hillstone (Houston's) is definitely a place worth stopping in to - several times. BONUS - they validate at the 60 State Garage if you're driving in!!
(5)
Di L.
Houston's has the best spinach and artichoke dip I've ever had. I don't come here often but I'm always pleased when I do. Most recently I had the salmon and it was excellent. Our service was great when we were seated (a short 15 minute wait on a Wednesday night) and the bartenders were very friendly. The bathrooms are clean, which is a huge bonus and the location is really easy to find. It's hard to go with a larger party, since most of the tables and booths won't sit more than 5 people. The only other downside is parking, but during the week street parking surrounding Faneuil Hall should be pretty easy to find.
(4)
Charoline D.
MmMmm. I went here for the first time yesterday. It's right across from where I work and some co-workers were heading there for a birthday party. They had the front of the bar open to the air, and people were sitting on the benches enjoying beers, and more importantly mojitos. The mojitos here are HEAVEN. (Why is everything "heaven" with her?,,--did you get the curb reference?). It's a little pricier here than I'm used to, but it inspires me to get a perm job working around here, be miserable, but be making entirely too much money to NOT spend it bar hopping after work in a pair of Jimmy Choo's. Although I did get hit on by an overweight guy with frosted hair in a golf shirt, the crowd is mostly people from the financial district i.e. my current place of employment. I later found out that he hit on all my friends just before I showed up, so I took comfort in knowing that it had nothing to do with me, but more the sexual prowess of this poorly put together excuse for a man. Sickens one to the core. We also ordered brownie sundaes in honor of our friends birthday. The brownie was exceptional, and was topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel. Again. Heaven. Oh. And later on we went to Clarks and got circle fries. Now, I've been here before on a bar crawl, and it's not one of my favorite places. It's mostly swamp donkeys in untucked dress shirts from express, jeans, and black dress shoes. I'm fairly certain including a review for clarks is less than nessecary if you've ever been there.
(4)
Alex S.
Great place. Good food and service. I just wish they took opentable. It does get crowded especially without the patio. The veggie burger is OUTSTANDING
(4)
Hailey T.
I stopped in here while my sister was visiting and we decided to escape the madhouse that some Quincy Market area places can be and we were pleasantly surprised! This place has a beautiful interior and great servers. We just sat at the bar and while they don't have a cocktail menu they'll make you anything you like. The bartender made a phenomenal dirty martini for both of us. We also did the sushi combo appetizer and I have to say it was delicious! A top shelf vodka martini will run you about $14, but it's worth it. In fact, we both enjoyed our excursion here so much that when our parents arrived in town a few days later we returned with them...and on that note the bartender makes a great lemon drop as well. I'm certain of two things: the price and atmosphere make the experience worth every penny, and I'll be back soon.
(4)
Enrique D.
FORMERLY KNOWN AS HOUSTON'S - very clean, organized and prompt. the food is typical american fare. sometimes with a fusion twist of somekind. drinks are good. (great pour count) and everything always tastes fresh. the salads are amazing. i'm not a salad guy, but this is not ur girly salad. these are main course salads. burgers are great. desserts are simple classics but done well. staff is always curteous. crowd at the bar is mainly yuppies , enjoy ur drink with better company and bring ur friends.
(3)
Jen S.
Houston's: The Setting For Everything Funny And Awesome Oh brother. I've been putting off writing this review for some time because Houston's is so near and dear to my heart. In fact, if the bartenders at Houston's are reading this (hi Kevin and Amy), in a couple of paragraphs they will be thinking 'this is definitely one of the three girls who comes in, tells us all about their personal lives, falls down drunk and humiliates herself and then does it again a couple nights later.' Thanks for serving us anyway, guys. Good choice. There's a lot to say, and you wouldn't know it by my other reviews, but I know there's a text limit on these things (which is so stupid, I mean do you not want to hear me go on for pages about Balison puking on herself? I mean who ARE you?) Yeah. I'm going to focus and organize and make the following points: (a)(1)(a) The GCS (b)(2)(b) Gentlemen callers (overarching) (c)(3)(c) The night we met the British guys (d)(4)(d) Balison, wine, and the T Here goes. Imagine a salad. You're probably all like oh blah a salad that's boring. YOU'RE WRONG. This salad tastes like Heaven spit a bunch of food into God's mouth who then spit it onto a plate. Wow, that sounds disgusting actually. Do-over. This salad tastes f-ing good. It has all this chicken and peanut sauce and tortilla strips and I don't know how they do it but it comes out to you basically as you're ordering it. Stop reading this now and go get a GCS (Grilled Chicken Salad) - wait, keep reading this because I'm awesome, but when you're done, get the GCS for christ's sake. On to gentlemen callers. Fascinatingly, my friends and I during our Super Single Summer (aka The Summer of Vomit, Humiliation, Cheesecake Factory Chefs and Certain Death Averted) decided we loved this place because of all the eligible, good-looking men. Yet, not a one of us has ever met a decent guy here. Not one of us has been on a successful date as a result of a night out here (although I did go on my first date with The Crazy Texter here, but that's a story for another time), and the only stories I can think of that involve dudes and Houston's are horrible, embarassing anecdotes about red heads, men in necklaces, old men, and.... British guys. You know who we DID meet here? Two British dudes. I was out with Balison on a fine summer evening drinking my weight in white wine when in walks a couple of gents from the motherland (does that even mean England?). I was a bit down and out, having just broke up with a giant jackass (what I really want to do in this parentheses is make fun of his dresser, but I don't think the joke communicates to anyone except Balison - so Balison, imagine a green dresser joke in here), and decided to strike up a conversation with these fellows. Flash forward to the end of the night, when Balison realizes that her British guy is married but nonetheless aggressively hitting on her. All of a sudden, Balison decided to ruin my night. I was gleefully making out with my British guy - yes, at the bar, 19-yr old style, it was probably disgusting - when Balison decided to inquire as to whether his penis was circumsized or not. I believe she also said some insulting things about uncircumsized penises. The British chap looked at us as though someone had stolen his mangy, crappy old puppy and then stuttered "I have to use the bathroom" - and then, quite literally, ran from me. Thanks, Balison. Go puke in your hand. Anyway, those are the dudes you meet at Houston's - but funny story, right? Best for last. Houston's brings out the best in people. One night when many of my friends gathered at Houston's for dinner, Balison decided to have wine at the bar while we sat at a table and ate like normal people. And by "have wine at the bar" I mean she decided to drink all the wine at the bar. By the time we were done with dinner, Balison was a raging lunatic, and I am proud to say I deserted her and went home probably to watch reality tv because I'm cool. Little did I know that Balison would attempt to travel by T to her boyfriend's apartment, and during this attempt would fall asleep and travel all the way to Alewife.* That's not the best part. Upon turning herself around and arriving at her boyfriend's apartment, she vomited and then told his roommate (who sucks) that she hated him.** I suppose the moral of this story is that Balison is awesome. But if you can't have Balison as your friend (and most of you probably can't because she would puke on you and hate you), you can at least have Houston's and a GCS - unless I eat them all first. Seriously. *Addendum: Balison has alerted me to the fact that not only did she fall asleep on the red line, she didn't even wake herself up. Apparently an MBTA worker had to wake her, and when she got on the T going back in the right direction, she still got off the wrong stop. **Balison actually told said roommate "I hate you" and THEN vomited.
(5)
Victoria B.
Good place to go hang out after work. The food is good, nothing amazing but I enjoyed my dining there. The lighting in the place is a little too dark for my taste but that's the style theyre going for, it's not bad for the bar area though. The menu has a little bit of everything and the service was good.
(3)
Kevin L.
This place rocks! This place never fails to serve great food with excellent service. Last night I tried one of the new specials (New York strip) and I have to say it was as good or not better then what you would find at Morton's or grille 23 or any other steak house in the city and as pricey $36.00. whether you going for drinks at the bar(which has outside seats when its warm and dry out) or going for dinner with friends, I can not recommend this restaurant enough.
Made a trip to Houston's today after the Bruin's game. Went at the perfect time around 4 PM and had no wait at all for a table. The service was good and the food came out promptly. Wifey and I started out with the spinach and artichoke dip. That is one of our favorite appetizer's and Houston's delivered. It comes with sour cream and salsa. I got the rotisserie chicken. Which I try at just about at any restaurant. And the Houston's rotisserie chicken is awesome. Chicken is cooked perfect and it comes with Dirty Rice. Wifey got the Salmon and it was soaked in butter. So, stay away. The interior design is cool. Which is modern with a southwestern feel. One big plus of the place is it might have one of the nicest restrooms in the city. Very modern and it has private stalls. Plus a floor Length mirror. So, you can just see how fly you really are.
(3)
Cara J.
This is my favorite place. Cool, upscale but not pretentious, outstanding food and drinks. Nice vibe and comfortable decor. I've toted my reluctant friends along who only praised me with raves. I've been ordering the "Evil Jungle Thai Salad" since the place opened, which is now a different name, but still one of the best dishes on the menu. Service is tops, and when the staff clearly has a reason to be aggravated or annoyed, by a difficult patron, they hide it well. Very professional. Tuna/sashimi is also excellent. Downside, last visit my friend got the salmon special- farm raised. The price was too high and the salmon way to skimpy for $30 or so.
(5)
Cathy H.
Don't get me wrong, it is a nice place. A very chic, fancy drink, downtown kind of crowd. Still, it is a chain, and has a bit of that feel. I would call it "generic chic." The value threw my rating off a bit. Paying $18.00 for a sushi roll (even this macadamian nut, tuna delight) made my eyes roll back a little. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the sushi, and the rest of the meal was good. However, just be prepared to throw down a bit of cash. A great place to go if you are expensing it!
(3)
Celicia C.
I would come here just for their California burger. Sooooooooooo good. See, I never put that many "ooo's" in the "so", but it's that good. So good that I asked the Houston's across the street from my office building in midtown NYC to make it. That's right. The California burger is a Boston specific burger. They don't make it in NYC! Whenever I come back to Boston to see my folks or my boyfriend if I can make it out to Fanueil Hall to have this heavenly burger, I'm a happy camper! So what's in the California burger? Their special angus beef, topped with jack cheese, avocado, red onion, and the spicy arugula. And add into the equation their special stringy fries, I'm in pure heaven. For appetizers their spinach artichoke dip is also yummy. You can never go wrong with that either!
(5)
Heidi E.
I do like this place. And I've been here often in the past and always enjoyed it. I returned this weekend and... Their California burger recently made me a believer. Oh my God, did it ever. I'm now going to top all of my homemade burgers with avacado, arugula, red onion and I'll attempt my own secret sauce (dijon mayo?)...until I get sick of it. And then I'll just go back to Houstons to have the real thing again. The bar is worth mentioning. Plenty to keep your eyes wandering- either in lovely clientele or in the lovely modern interior design. The bar opens up to a nice enclosed patio which is helpful on a Friday night when the wait is long.
(4)
Chase W.
It pain's me to give a CHAIN restaurant 5 stars, but I can't go any lower. I've simply never had a bad experience here; the food is oustanding, the service excellent, and the decor is fantastic. The dining room is set a few feet underground on the edge of both the Financial District and Faneuil Hall, so it's generally a mix of tourists and suit wearing financier's from down the street. Thursday and Friday night bar crowd overwhelms the smallish bar area, but in the summer this opens up to the patio-esq area in front of the restaurant. A note- dont' be surprised if you get a strange look from the bartender if you order a mainstream beer beverage- There are no Miller/Budweiser/Corona/Guiness options here, though they carry the microbrew equivalents. What to order for food... Well, I honestly think 8 out of the 10 times I've dined at Houston's I had the Hawaiian Rib Eye. It's value priced, delicious, and huge! Is it for the steak purist? probably not, but it really is fantastic. Also worth noting, if you order this option, you don't hav eto worry about a la cart sides as this entree comes loaded with a few side veggies and potato. The wine selection isn't as impressive as say Grill 23 or Flemmings, but generally speaking Houston's is a notch below these top tier steak houses and is priced appropriately. It's safe to say, that I can't afford to eat at Grill 23 a few times a month, but I can definately swing a frequent trip to Houston's, and that's why I love it so much. (That and the creame spinach soup, which is very tastey). Other plus's? Besides my general love of the contemporary/art deco decor? (ladies, please close your ear's or cover your eyes) ESPN playing over the 'facilities' in the very well appointed Men's room. Sorry, but it's worth mentioning if you're passing on the Sox game for a dinner date! Updates.... :( I really feel like Houstons has gone down hill- I eat there like 2 or 3 times a month (its just convenient) and the service and menu seems cheapened, rushed, and not as high in quality. The menu isnt' all that different, but it doesn't seem like its as good of a value anymore-
(3)
Lalin A.
I usually go to Houston's for its bar, which is social and comfortable with four sides open. Attentive and quick service. Check this place out during spring and summer days when they open the windows facing Quincy market. It is a pleasure to sit there and just watch the world go on. I had my best mojito at Houston's the first time I went there. The second time it was not as good (I guess my expectations were very high). Quick note: I saw how serious they are about picking their servers (as I met some of the candidates). Big plus! Edit 11/27/2006 I re-visited Houston with a friend, who came to Boston for the first time. He really liked the atmosphere and our mojitos were sweet! Also, I had the BEST spinach dip here. It was thick and rich!
(4)
Matt L.
I had frequented Houston's well living down in Long Island, NY and always liked the food. It has a very creative menu and is a vibrant, trendy restaurant that makes good food at somewhat reasonable prices. This location in particular is a great location being in Quincy Market with a central location to all the Boston hotspots in an old Houlihans location. The menu had a few changes but the specials are always great and the waitstaff friendly and hip. I would definetly make it a point to stop in and have a meal here. The spinach/artichoke dip with nachos is awesome!!
(4)
Ella B.
Slightly pretentious feel, but i was on vacation and my friend skipped out of work to show me around... we like to drink, so we ended up here.... she & I stopped in for an afternoon cocktail after a day of shopping and visiting around Boston and the Public Market area. There wasn't much by way of hostess service, we simply headed straight to the bar. The drinks were ok priced, not too cheap; i think at night this is much more of a "dressy" place. (we did look at the food menu and my pricing rating is based on menu, i think our drinks were about $6-7 for white wine and $8 for my "name brand" vodka), don't remember exactly since i was there Jan. 2007. The deco was "swanky"-ish, leather covered seats in the booths, granite or something like that for the counter tops & tables; good looking servers. Weird statue in the front - was it a cow?..... It seems like all the reviews are about the food, i guess i would have eaten there, but it seemed too much of a meat and potatoes kind of place. Not into that so much. not sure about parking and etc since we parked in a lot a few blocks away and walked to the restaurant. The location is pretty convenient, but i probably wouldn't go for food since it seemed a little pricey. Two stars b/c it wasn't completely horrible - but it wasn't anything phenomenal that would make me want to go back. If i am in the area again i would probably like to try some of the cute little places across the street instead.
(2)
Southie G.
We stopped here one day on a whim around 10:30pm and were pleasently surprised! My sister had a stripped bass which she said was wonderful and my husband and I shared a coconut shrimp sushi plate. Ours was to die for! The atmosphere was very cool, low lit, comfy booths, etc. Our waitress was very friendly too. Great experience, we will be back!
(4)
christina c.
I am a little bias because i worked for the company for 3 years but they have the best Crabcakes ever. Also the best veggie burger ever. I don't eat meat so I am not even going to lie and say anything about the ribs and burgers but they look amazing. Honestly I didn't eat seafood until I started working here and then gave in because it is so good and so fresh. I use to have to avoid watching them cut up the whole fresh fish everyday. Also the wine by the bottle is very well priced. The booze is expensive but the fresh squeezed salty dogs are a god sent on a Sunday afternoon and the sour mix is fresh made none of that bottle stuff. Pricey yes, but worth it.
(4)
S S.
Update: I went here for dinner the other day, and had the best waiter :), absolutely loved him. He gave us a lot of time to enjoy our drinks, before we ordered our food. I loved the lemondrop martini-highly recommeneded. I had the specials-striped bass encrusted with almonds, and my companion had garden burger with the famous fries. I love the service at this place --------------------------------------------------Â------------------------------------ Houston is staple financial district lunch and happy hour place. It has dim lights, big leather couchs. Decent menu and service. The crowd is mostly financial types. This is a good experience, they do everything from moderate sushi choice, burger, salad, tea, coffee. You get the picture? Oh, oh try the fries here, they are thinly sliced yummy kind!
(3)
Melissa K.
Hmm... Houstons. The atmosphere is fabulous (if you like dimmed lights), the colors (orange) are nice, and the bathrooms are clean, well-maintained and have quality fixtures (toto toilets!). A good date restaurant. But the food ... My two friends and I arrived one evening ready to eat. We ordered three drinks ... a delicious mojito concoction (very strong ... I could only drink 1/2), and the spinach artichoke dip with chips. The dip was ok ... not too salty ... and rather underwhelming for the price. It could be improved by adding larger artichoke pieces. I was disappointed because it was slightly less than luke-warm and the chips were regular probably just out of the bag. With those prices, it would be nice if the dip was served warm and if the chips were housemade or at least lightly warmed and/or toasted. The food was only slightly better. My friend N ordered the prime rib, J ordered the ribs, and I got the french dip sandwich with fries. J ordered asparagus to go with the ribs. The side dish appeared delicious ... 5-6 thick strands of asparagus with a light sauce over it ... but J commented that it would be better if it was warm rather than chilled. He seemed a bit disappointed. N loved the prime rib, which arrived beautifully arranged and a large portion. J enjoyed his ribs ... ate all of them except for the three he shared. I tried some of his ribs and they were ok but seriously I've had warmer and better tasting ribs at TGIFriday (c'mon!). My french dip sandwich was ok. It arrived on a hoagie-ish roll with plenty of meat. Unfortunately, the meat and the roll did not complement one another. Each individually was delicious, as well as together, but the roll was too small for the meat and so the meat kept falling out. Difficult to eat a sandwich that way. The fries were disappointing. I love fries and normally would be disappointed when the last fry was gone ... but that night I was apathetic. They are shoestring fries ... but with very little flavour. Also served almost room temperature. All the food was luke-warm. =( The service was excellent. The drinks fabulous. The food presentation is beautiful. But the food itself is average. And cold. =( Especially for the prices. The best part of Houstons are the drinks. Strong, well-crafted, and delicious.
(3)
The D.
Last time I was here, it was Houston's, and it was terrible. Much different this time. The restaurant itself has a cool atmosphere. The bar area was very active, with a hip vibe. Dining room behind it felt like it was almost a separate restaurant. We sat near the bar, and it was much quiter than I thought it would be. It looked like every table was a booth, so you didn't have to listen to other conversations. Little dark in the dining room, but felt appropriate. Our waiter, Cameron, was very good. He was witty, and made good suggestions. Had the artichoke dip, decent, but over priced at $15. Prime Rib was excellent, and cooked perfectly. It came with a loaded baked potato which was also great. My fiancee had sushi which she really enjoyed. Menu isn't large, but offers a little of everything. Definitely a little pricey-spent over $100 getting an app, our entrees and a bottle of moderately priced wine. My only complaint would be the pace in the beginning. We received the spinich/artichoke dip within 5 min, and before our wine. Our dinner came within 15 min, while we were still eating the appetizer. Other than that, it was a great experience.
(4)
Claire W.
This is one of my favorite downtown lunch spots. It gets very crowded, particularly in the summer, so I usually try and get there at 11:45. The big draw for me are the chopped salads - there is a cobb salad and a chicken salad. I don't know why more restaurants don't make a chopped salad. These are huge. You could easily take home half. Since lunch is often my big meal during the week I usually don't have anything left. I went once with a friend who has severe food allergies. We had arrived late and sat at the bar. Despite that, the bartender went back to the kitchen twice with the card describing my friend's allergies to check and doublecheck what she could eat. Heartily recommend - with the caveat "Get there early."
(5)
Amy C.
Ok here's the deal the burgers are really f-ing good. The chicken salad with the peanut dressing is really f-ing good too. The fries are very tasty when they are hot and crisp. I love that they serve Edison Beer. Big plus. The decor and atmosphere is modern but cozy and comfortable, all the tables are booths so that makes for good conversation and comfort. I'll be back.
(4)
mike c.
Houston's is a must do in Boston ,good food and drink in a fun spot as well ,I have been there many time both day and night , the only thing that ever put my off was door man ? maybe G M ? telling a young man and lady at the bar that they were not and could not kiss at the bar and if thay did one more time they would be asked to leave ....O.K I'm am not young at 52 but to be sure I will never go back ,after all how often do you turn 52 ? ? ?
(4)
Vicki T.
Fabulous prime rib, great baked potatoes, delicious corned beef sandwiches, juicy hamburgers, but the worst sushi I have ever tasted. Houston's Restaurants are almost always dependable for good meals. I have no idea why they are attempting to make sushi. The rice was undercooked (hard), and strangely shiny. I do wish they would stick to what they do so well.
(4)
Becka D.
I can say I'm a fan after one visit...so that's saying something. My boss and I sat at the bar. Quick service and SUPER friendly. They profusly apologized after salting my boss's margarita when she asked for no salt. And they make their own sour mix (tres chi-chi)! The spinach-artichoke dip is to die for. I eat this stuff pretty much at any place that has it on the menu, and this is definitely one of the best (if not the best) of all time. My grilled chicken salard was pretty fab too. I would have never guessed that this place was a chain. The prices aren't exactly wallet-friendly, but it's what you would expect from the look of the place. One of the greatest things about this place is the people-watching. We plopped down at the bar about 430, so right before the after-work crowd got there. It was all pretty entertaining (and it was only a Tuesday night). My bet is that on a Thursday or Friday night after work, I'd have a ball here.
(5)
Ingrid F.
I absolutely love their hawaiian rib eye and spinach and artichoke dip! The steak was really juicy and the dip was seasoned just right. I wish there were more choices for desserts though. The desserts were pretty basic and from what I recall there were only 3 to choose from. I think I had the brownie a la mode dish and it was just alright.
(4)
TJ M.
I hate the screne of Houston's, but I can only speak praise for the food. Although you'll find the biggest douche bags in Boston ordering dirty martinis and discussing "the market" you will also find the best Seared Tuna Salad ever created. I'm not kidding... Get the damn Seared Tuna Salad.. I promise you'll be please. If tuna isn't your bag, they make great burgers. A buddy of mine claims they have the best burger in boston, which I would contest (I'd vote Bartley's Burgers in Harvard). The steaks are great and for an appetizer get the baked artichoke heart.... trust me... just do it.
(5)
Trey Joseph W.
Stepped in for drinks on at their bar which wide open to the fresh air on a gorgeous day. I had never been there before, as I presumed it wasn't for me. I really enjoyed the design of the restaurant actually. The little app we got was tasty, and the hot fudge sundae at the bar was fun too. Nice staff too.
(4)
j c.
For me, Houston's in Faneuil Hall is one of those places that is always a safe bet. Whether you're going for drinks, lunch or dinner, you won't be disappointed. The service is excellent, the food is fresh and delicious (no obscene portions) and everything is spotless. I've gone there for lunch by myself on a few occasions and felt very comfortable and well looked after. My only issue is that it's way too dark and the levels can be difficult ot maneuver if you're disabled. My disability is extremely poor night vision, so I sort of have to feel my way along to the table. Also, I'm not sure how elderly people or those in wheelchairs would fare. Otherwise, consistently good.
(4)
Nina W.
Houstons is a very nice bar and restaurant right next to Fanueil Hall. I had a wonderful experience here, and would definately come back when i visit Boston again. Their food was tasty and the ambiance was very original. Something I love about the restaurants and businesses in boston, is that they remove the glass fronts of the buildings in the summer for an open air feel. Definately worth a try.
(4)
Paul G.
Been going here for years. If you're an eat at the bar person like I am, you will agree that Houston's has one of the best bars to have food at in Boston. It's spacious and the bartenders are friendly and accommodating. They do have a peculiar list of beers both in bottle and on tap, and they don't serve Bud or Lite. Not sure why. The food menu hasn't changed much, however, the chef continues to get innovative with the sushi menu (great Rainbow Roll). Some might consider the prices here a bit high. The wine list can be expensive, but they do have several reasonably priced and good wines on the menu. The place hops on Friday night after work and is great place to get a drink and dinner before heading out for the night. Top menu choices: Burger, the french dip sandwich, Thai steak salad, Hawaiian rib-eye and the filet. Top reason I go: Friendly bar staff.
(5)
Greg D.
Decent place for drinks after work, is pricey for what you get though. They had Edison, so I chilled in the Light. An older crowd which is defiantly not my scene. The staff is friendly and very quick.
(4)
Ina C.
A guy walks into a bar and takes a seat. He thinks about what to order, but something interrupts his thoughts. "Nice haircut!" He looks around but can't figure out who said it. He orders a beer, but before he can take his first sip, he hears someone shout out, "I like your shirt!" He slams his beer down on the table and looks around again. "Where could that be coming from?" he thinks to himself. He walks over to the jukebox, sticks in a quarter and chooses a song. The moment he sits back down, he hears someone say, "Great choice! I love this song!" Finally, he turns to the bartender and asks, "Sir, do you know who's saying all these things?" The bartender says over his shoulder, "Oh yeah. It's the peanuts. They're complementary." :D All that to highlight the greatness of complementary sides! I paid $9 for steamed asparagus at the Oak Room and got a plate of asparagus with no seasoning -- basically something that a five-year-old could have prepared. Thank you, Houston's, for coupling your steak with a side of fries that can be substituted for any seasonal vegetable! We got the broccoli which was seasoned so well that even this veggie-hater wanted more! Like Karman L. says, the food, location and service are all fantastic. I especially love the bar that spills out onto the outdoor patio. One of my favorite places in DC has now moved to Boston! And unlike the DC locations, they DO take reservations!
(4)
Lauren H.
Houston's might be my favorite new place in Boston. Great beer selection--you ask for Coors Light or Bud Light and they may as well laugh at you. None of that. It's all delightful, real, for the most part local, beer. Ambience is great. All of the booths (and they are ALL booths) are kind of sunken down so that at no point are you really looking at anyone else at any other table. Very private. It's dark and old school Frank Lloyd Wright-ish, but really modern at the same time. Bar is fantastic, especially in warmer weather because they open the windows and Faneuil Hall makes for a great view. Now for the real deal--they make the best hamburger I have ever eaten. The Hickory Burger is one of the most delicious things ever created. Not sure how they do it, but the meat is incredible, perfect (shredded) cheese, delightfully crispy bun, and delectably crunchy french fries. The whole meal is just perfect. Spinach and artichoke dip is other-worldly, too. Sorry to say those are the only things I can talk about, as they are the only things I've ever ordered. Hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
(5)
Marissa P.
So I visited Houston's again recently, and... UPGRADE! Lahwdy, lahwdy, my salad was so good. Utter 6 magical words: "Thai Steak & Noodle Salad, please." You will be rewarded with a plateful of well-dressed, herbed noodle-y goodness and slices of wonderfully-marinated filet. Add mangos, avacados, and... MMMMMM. Tip: Ask for your mangos diced on the smaller side, and you will avoid my last fiasco (below). MMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmm.
(4)
Tony B.
I went on a Saturday night and the service was outstanding. Best service I have ever experienced at a restaurant. It's like they are watching you, and right before you ask them for something, they bring it or clear it from the table. I can't remember I experienced service this outstanding. Good food too, delicious bloody marry, good appetizers, and delicious hot biscuits. Nice interior and nice location. Parking garage was very convenient and the restaurant will validate it at 60 state street garage. Good place to take visitors. I will be back to this place.
(4)
Heather R.
I'd say, I came because I thought my friend wanted prime rib, but he ended out having the ribs, while I had the prime rib, which was excellent. It came with French fries, and they were okay but I wasn't in French fry heaven. For desert he had the key lime pie which looked amazing, while I had the sundae. It was just, okay. It was really big and had a sauce boat filled with the chocolate syrup on the side, but neither the ice cream nor the sauce was amazing. The sundae did have some candied walnuts on top, which made it more interesting, and quite a bit of real whipped cream was applied. At the end of the meal the remainder of my rib was packed up (he asked if I would like to do it myself, or if I would like to...odd) and when I opened it up the next day I noticed the delicious Au jus sauce was not included. Certainly it would have been possible to put it in a container to go. Service was good, and I even noticed my friends rib bones were removed from the bowl he was given for the bones. Beer selection was just, kind off odd. Not too much on the list in these craft beer times. Probably being due to this restaurant being a national chain. I noticed a large bar and nice interior. Certainly not a bad place to have a burger at the bar on a winters day near Faunille Hall.
(4)
Lynda M.
I am going to up my stars because the last few times I have eaten at Houston's, I have been pretty happy. I LURV their chicken salad with peanut sauce, and their Key Lime Pie is to die for. The man loves their ribs, he looks great with bbq sauce as an accessory. As for the recent posting about parking--yes it does exist, but it is hardly free. The actual garage is for 60 State Street, the entrance is on Merchants Way, next to Bertucci's and across from Clarke's. But my question is---If Houston's only charges $15 for 3 hours after 5PM on weekdays, and weekends, why does the garage itself only charge a flat rate of $14??? I took this from the 60 State Street garage website: newbostonfund.com/direct… "The 60 State Street garage will valet park cars based on availability. The $36 maximum rate is in effect after 2 hours. They do not validate parking. There is evening/weekend parking in the building at a rate of $14. The evening parking is effective after 5:00 PM" Interesting, you can save a dollar by not mentioning Houston's!
(4)
Patrick H.
After visiting Houston's several times over the past few years, my short review would be "overpriced drinks, nice atmosphere, great food." I like this place, but would never come here just to get drinks with friends or colleagues regardless of the fact that the front bar with retractable glass walls makes for great people watching in Faneiul Hall. The food however is reason enough to visit Houston's. I was skeptical of sushi at a place like this, but the spicy tuna roll is fantastic. If you like French dip, they've got the best one I've ever had in the city of Boston. And the burgers here are definitely worth a try. Houston's dining area is cozy, somewhat romantic and dimly lit, which may be a little on the fancy side. I've found the wait staff to be mediocre most of the time, and the bartender will ask for everyone's IDs in order to run them through some fancy machine before you get a drink (I guess the old fashioned method of actually looking at the date and matching the person's face isn't their thing). I'll be back again at some point, but Houston's isn't on my "must have" list by any means.
(3)
Gonzalo B.
Been to this place many, many times, and never once let down. Don't like the 'new' name - I know, it's a 'corporate' thing, but... Management seems very on the ball here. Everything is structured, well-thought out...nice. Atmosphere is pleasant. The service is always wonderful and they seem happy you are there - not always the case, like in the many places whose staff in the people business don't like...people. The fish sandwich is always great, fresh, big, delicious, as is the excellent veggie burger. Have had some fine pieces of fish here as well...the accompaniments are always good, if somewhat limited. Like the sushi mucho gusto...macadamia nut!!! All in all a solid, well-run place. One caveat being that sometimes...the service can be almost 'too' efficient, i.e. fast. As in, we're out to dinner - not the races. It's possible to be in and out of here in like 15 minutes or so, nice in fast-food, not so much when you're out for a nice, leisurely dinner...
(5)
christina P.
THE HAWAIIAN RIBEYE IS UNBELIEVABLE. GET IT. I LOVE IT. The spinach dip is also amazing. I like this place- it's more affordable than some nice steakhouses in boston and the service is prompt. The bartenders were kind of snotty but I don't care I just love this place so much. Even the tap water is the perfect temperature.
(5)
Kylie S.
So I recently visited this establishment for the third time. I like this restaurant, well enough. I have found their waitstaff to be friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. But I do think their menu doesn't offer enough of a selection. I ordered the simplest thing off the menu, chicken tenders and fries. I know, I'm a fancy eater! But I was looking for fast and easy, and that was it for me. The sweet waitress from Texas takes my order. After she writes my order down, she looks up from her pad and says, 'Would you like ketchup, mayonnaise, or mustard for your fries?' And not hesitating, I said mayonnaise. She walked away with me still shaking my head in awe. Honestly, I eat out a lot and I have never been offered mayonnaise with my fries. And while I get oils and eggs are not the number one choice for dipping, I am a mayonnaise girl. I am always forced to order a side of mayo with my food, only to have to ask for it again later when it doesn't arrive. And then wait while my food gets cold to actually get it from the waitress. So imagine how very thrilled I was, that this restaurant knew how very important mayonnaise can be for some!
(3)
Mr. C.
If you are out for the bar scene, this might be a good place. If you are out for dinner however, forget about it and go to one of the others in Quincy Market or the North End. It has pretty good ambience and excellent service. But for $50, I think we could have done better. The menu is very limited. I kind of felt like we were getting our a$$es kissed at McDonald's.
(2)
K G.
I do lunch here at least once a month. The cajun fish specials are a no brainer, spicy and flaky every time. The stick fries are my favorite pairing for a quick and easy lunch. The salads are excellent, especially the thai style with peanut sauce. It could be a little cheaper though for lunch time.
(4)
Tom C.
I've been to this place about three times over ten years and I swear it's called something different every time. The drinks came at a reasonable speed and the ambience was good.
(3)
Carrie M.
So my neighbors claimed that Houston's has the best veggie burger ever. And they're not even vegetarians. Hearing this I had to try it, so the boy and I made plans to meet them there for dinner after work. The place was nice, and their daughter loved the open kitchen and being able to see everyone cook. The menu is a little odd, it's like fancy American but then with sushi? Seems strange to me. What's even stranger is that they don't put the veggie burger on the menu. Huh? I don't get it. What this means is that the standard vegetarian will look at the menu and keep walking, not sure I understand their strategy on this one.... Anyway, knowing the "secret" we order a round of veggie burgers. And we all opt for fries, which are super skinny and I'm undecided on whether that's a plus or minus. What I am decided on is that the neighbors were right and this was the best veggie burger I've ever had. It should be, as it was also the most expensive. Overall, if I was in the area I could see myself craving this and go back. However, the service was lacking (in fact it was just horrible) and the food is overpriced. What I'd really like to do is figure out their secret recipe and make it at home....
(3)
K J.
Four good reasons not to go to Houston's 1) Just because you are in the Faneuil Hall area does not mean that you can charge $$$ for your food. 2) Though the food is $$$ I expect at least **** service (that includes having no cheese on the burger if it was requested, making sure I don't have to ask twice for water to be filled) 3) When I am paying $$$ for the food, have something on the menu that would make you different from a high end McDonald's 4) And you decided to do all of this on a Friday afternoon. So 5-4 = 1 star which can relate to it being a business lunch. Good thing that my wallet did not go empty at this place.
(1)
Karman L.
Stop by Houston for a quick bite before going to Comedy Connection. Great Location. Good Food. Fast Servcie. P.S. Great hang out place after work in the summer for people watching!
(4)
Kenny P.
Been to several of their locations, but this one wasn't as good. The 20min wait on a Friday night around 7pm was a lot shorter than I'm used to, perhaps I should've taken this as a sign, although the outdoor patio was packed. Our Caesar salads were probably the best thing. The sushi was okay, but a little dry, and $14 for 8 pieces is way too much (anyone in the SD area knows you get a lot more sushi for a lot less cash). Their Bloody Mary wasn't as good as usual, despite using Belvedere (they didn't have Chopin). For mains, we each got sandwiches instead of entrees. I got the rotisserie chicken sandwich, a tad salty and a chunk of skin left on by mistake. He got the fish sandwich, which was breaded and deep fried (granted how seafood friendly Boston is, you'd think they'd give you the option of fried or grilled fish). Also, their fries are just gross. They remind me of those little shoestring potato sticks in a can. How about some real pommes frites or steak fries for a change? In any case, we'll probably go back, but to another location. The staff were friendly as usual, however their timing with the food wasn't on par with other locations, as it seemed the food just kept coming out with no regards to pacing. With so many options in the area, we probably would've been better off hitting up a local establishment.
(3)
Julie T.
Houston's is somewhere I go for something I'm familiar with. They have burgers and sandwiches and salads and it's just all good food. I kind of think it's very much like Silvertone, a hip place for good food. Sometimes, you can go to a place with good food, but it lacks atmosphere or the other way around. Houston's offers both. They have pretty good service and just all good food with really awesome fries. I'm quite fond of their fries and yes, it IS easy to mess them up cuz some places just downright suck when it comes to fries. Houston's isn't something I absolutely need to return to or am dying to have, but if you're in the area and looking for some good food that's consistently dependable when it comes to service and taste, you should go on over.
food was really good! waitstaff and barstaff were friendly and engaging. best option in faneuil hall/quincy market for a sit down dinner & drinks!
(4)
Kate S.
I love this place! Use to be Houston's Go for the chicken salad with peanut sauce. Delicious!
(4)
Angel S.
The cod was ok, but sushi not at all
(3)
Cristina S.
While I have a Houston's at home, we visited the restaruant near Fanueil Hall on a recent trip to Boston & the result was less than stellar. My prime issue was with the lackluster service from such a 'high end eatery.' The restaurant was full, (as is expected on a Boston graduation weekend Saturday night), but the waiters & kitchen were NOT ready for the crowds. The bar was slow as we waited an hour for a table. Our waiter was rushed & disappeared after we ordered. Two people ordered prime rib which had WAY more fat than neccesary for this dish. When management was consulted due to this disasterous night they simply apologized after explaining that prime rib needs fat to cook. DUH - but not an inch on both sides! Perhaps it was a bad night for them, but I was just let down by the whole experience...
(2)
Katherine D.
I've been to this place twice on visits to Boston and both times the food and the service have been amazing. the prime rib roast is to die for. next time i visit Boston i will definitely be coming to Hillstone again.
(5)
Rob K.
Excellent food! My steak rivaled that of the Capital Grill. The service excellent as well. Very friendly staff!
(5)
Jeffrey H.
After a recent same sex date to Houston's, I decided two stars wasn't quite fair. Imagine: Two gay boys. Both with insecurities and shallow tendencies. Ordering giant rib dinners and racing to the finish. In a world where image is everything, it says a lot when two homos love their food so much that they are slobbering over BBQ ribs, scooping the most delicious coleslaw, and shoveling crispy fries into their pie holes. I'd give it four stars if the price was a little lower and the waitress hadn't fumbled on our salad order. Then again, who needs salad when you've got ribs and a bottle of white?
(3)
Danielle M.
Houston's has become one of my favorite after work spots. The crowd is fun but mature professionals, and despite its Fanueil Hall location, many tourists pick the Quincy Market spots that have a bit more of a family-friendly atmosphere. There's a sexiness about its signage and tucked-down dining room that gives a bit of privacy from the outside crowds, that its neighboring bar/restaurants lack. The dim lighting, toasty orange, red and brown color scheme , and soft jazz tunes give it a warm ambiance. But with the sights and sounds coming from the open kitchen, rectangular bar that is crowded on all sides , and the buzzing around by the heavy volume of waitstaff , the atmosphere is always lively and bustling. So, I love being at Houston's because I like the vibe. Okay, so the food and drink. Here are the things I like: -The sushi. I love that they have a small sushi menu. It just makes it a unique addition to the upscale comfort food dinner offerings that dominate the menu. The sushi is beautifully presented, fresh, and colorful. -The wine menu offerings, the wine glasses, the wine. -The salads. They are huge! And the ingredients are finely chopped. (Personal preference) So here are the things that I don't like. -The overpriced costs of some of the menu items. $18 for a Chicken Tender platter, are you serious?? -The lack of domestic beers. -The lack of variety in side dishes to accompany my entree. There is a decreasing amount of diners that want a loaded baked potato with their entree. A wider selection of vegetables would be appreciated. So i struggled between 3 and 4 stars. It was really only the overpriced chicken tenders that pissed me off, so I'll stick with four. Its still my current spot for Thirsty Thursday, I'll just stick with the thai tuna roll. Yum!
(4)
Debra L.
Years ago, I actually waited tables at a Houston's in another city for about 3 months. Long story but...it was the worst job I ever had! With that said, I will admit that they use quality ingredients. I had to spend a a few days in training in the kitchen. However, the place is GROSSLY overpriced. It was then and it's even worse now. I hadn't been to the one in Boston until this past Friday. For lunch, my boyfriend and I had: - a soda water each - we split a spinach & artichoke dip appetizer - I had the fish sandiwch - he had the prime rib sandwich The bill, with tip was $70! That was for 2 waters, one app. and 2 sandwiches. The kicker is that we each asked to substitute our fries (that came with the sanwiches) for salads instead. Our waitress just said "sure" and nothing else. Well, instead of a little side of greens we got these big things with stale cheesy bread, chopped eggs & greesy bacon bits (gross!). The worst part of it was that when the bill came we were each charged an extra $5 for the salad. Our waitress never told us we would be charged extra. We dine out a lot and are aware that there is often a charge to substitue fries for a salad but a) we were not informed by our waitress and b) $5 is a bit steep! Given it's location in Faneuil Hall, people will continue to go to Houston's for drinks after work. Fine. And, tourists will still get suckered into the place. Fine. But, for the rest of you discerning diners out there, don't do it!
(1)
Anne B.
Consistently great all around. Central location, great service, upscale decor, amazing food. A little pricy but worth it. A favorite meet up spot after work.
(5)
Karl R.
Houston's is the perfect restaurant if you are looking for casual dining but want food that is a big step above your usual Cheesecake Factory, Chili's, Fridays, etc. At 7pm on a Thursday the atmosphere was lively and the restaurant was full, without feeling crowded. The crowd was sharp dressed, financial district types. The waitresses are cute and friendly and provide good service. I took two clients here for a casual business dinner and we had a great time. We had some good local beer (Whale Tail Pale Ale) and we each had a Prime NY Strip that was on the specials list. The steak was very flavorful. Mine was a bit overcooked. I ordered medium rare, but it was definitely medium. My two clients ordered medium and medium-well. Looking at the three steaks, I couldn't tell that any of the three was cooked any different. But again, it was a very high quality cut of meat and very tasty. I got fries as a side with mine. The fries are "shoe string" and very crisp and tasty. Houston's was perfect for a casual business dinner. I could also see meeting up here with friends. I wouldn't take a high profile client here for a "closing dinner" nor would I take a first date. But I didn't say it was swanky or romantic, now did I? It's casual dining with good food.
(4)
Cathy W.
Three great things about Houston's: 1.Cozy and comfortable booths that are lit just right. Acoustics that make you feel you're in a little zen dining POD. 2. Sushi combo platter - four crazy varieties of sushi - delicious 3. Veggie burger - I haven't tasted it but friends say it's fantastic I hear the bar scene is great but I'm a lady who lunches.
(3)
Nicholas S.
Yes, it's in Faneuil Hall; and, yes, sometimes 40-somethings out for "Ladies Night" in glittery tops who are trying way too hard go there. But if you can deal with these aspects of the Houstons experience, it is a great place to grab a meal. It is more upscale than your ordinary casual dining chain, but not as stuffy or expensive as a true steakhouse or fine dining joint. The best part is that they use prime beef for their steaks (and it would seem for their burgers too) but they do not charge prime beef prices. If you go, definitely get the Grilled Artichoke and the "Heavenly" (formerly the Rosemary) Biscuits ($2 for 2, made to order) - and don't be shy with the honey on the latter. I would also reccommend anything involving beef, including their spectacular and signature prime rib au jus. Also, the service is very good. On our most recent trip, our biscuits came out late (after our entrees), so they were comped. They made a delicious breakfast the day after. Thanks, Houstons!
(5)
Tracy C.
I've only been to Houston once and didn't have much motivation to re-visit. I went one beautiful early afternoon, but couldn't sit outside because they weren't serving the patio area at the time. I decided to pick a stool at the bar since I was there alone, no need for a big table/booth. After a few seconds I was surrounded by job applicants filling out questionnaires and asking questions--quite a mood killer. The bar-tender was helpful and recommended the Vege burger when I said I wanted something not as heavy/greasy but can still be filling. I quite liked the vege burger although I can't recall what exactly made the patty. I got a mojito for a drink, and it was far below expectation. Since the bar was filled with fresh ingredients and fancy tools, I was hoping for something mind-blowing, but was impressed. It is a pretty spot and a cool location. I'd go back if the quality lives up to the price. We'll see.
(3)
Thana T.
I wish there wasn't an obstacle course of cobblestones right by the entry to Houston's. I'm inclined to dress up when I come here, that includes heels, please don't try to break my ankle in the process of me going to enjoy delicious steak. I come here for the steak. Only. Ever. It is so good and worth all of the $30-odd dollars. Other than that, though, I've had to wait unnecessary amounts of time for just about everything. Even after being on time for a reservation. Table? At the very least. Glass of wine? Bring a book. REFILL on your glass of wine? Maybe once you're out the door and well on your way home. Their servers are nice enough, just painfully slow and forgetful. The chefs here make the business. Ok them and the really cool, half underground interior.
(4)
Jolene S.
Impressive desserts. Try the sundae, you won't regret it. Good lemonade and grapefruit juice too. Nice setting--clean bathrooms. Well done! I'll have to come back for dinner.
(4)
Fred B.
We dined here Saturday night - our family of 5, which includes 3 boys. Service was top notch. Our waitress was friendly and extremely attentive; stopping by our table frequently. The food was outstanding. Everything was cooked the way we ordered it and was delicious. Portion sizes are very ample, just how we like them. We had the ribs, salmon, and prime rib. The boys said the ribs were the best ever. All were worth writing about, thus this review. I would highly recommend this spot. It can be family-friendly, business-friendly, and romantic - a winner all the way around.
(5)
Enay V.
Ambiance was awesome. Only sat at the bar & had drinks. the bartender made the WORST drinks - weak weak weak - and very expensive. I'd like to come back though and actually have a meal here as the sushi and appetizers looked really good.
(3)
Nicole B.
a steak house without mashed potatoes? WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT?!! clearly some lost stars here! the food was good. but i was not impressed by the automatic 18% tip. i don't blame the waitresses, but if this a policy there, bull! don't order their couscous. it may seem like a good idea, but it's cold and the couscous(es?) are really small. would be much better warm!
(3)
Liz K.
Used to be Houstons. I've walked by this place so many times and had no idea This review is for dinner Fri night , not the bar. They have a good drink list and the waitress was very attentive and friendly. We only had to wait 15 mins at 7pm. I got the cheeseburger and it was very tasty.
(4)
Patrick V.
Great burgers and awesome service. Burgers are a bit too big but they are really good.
(4)
Katie G.
This is a slightly upscale burger joint. Thumbs up! I went here on a date a few weeks back and was definitely impressed by the atmosphere, service and food. The place is clean, not just in physical cleanliness, but the decorations have nice clean lines to them. It's cool and sheek. I got your typical burger and was delightfully surprised by the flavor blast it came with. They have a special sauce that they put on it that was just to die for. I was very happy with it! I'm a Corona girl when I go out to drink. They didn't have that, but the waiter suggested another Mexican beer that was delicious! Therefore, my applause to the very friendly and knowledgeable wait staff! Great place, not too pricey, but a bit on the high end for a burger joint.
(4)
Patty M.
Whenever my coworkers and I get cravings for burgers, we always turn to Houston's. We all order the California burger with fries. It's pretty pricey for lunch and the wait time/hostess staff can be nothing short of a pain, but I guess that is to be expected during the work-lunch hour in downtown Boston. Walking back to the office on a Friday afternoons we never fail to get the giggles from stuffing ourselves with their mouthwatering burgers and thin-cut fries.
(4)
molly f.
Visited Houston's recently with a friend who has been raving about the food & the service, and I must say...I was quite impressed. Houston's doesn't approach their service like other restaurants, where one server attends to you for the entire evening. Rather, they have many servers and valets who each attend to different aspects of your meal...from food to drinks to HOT HAND TOWELS (yes!) to taking your order and checking in, many different members of their staff are on deck to attend to your every need...and while its a bit confusing at first because each acts as though they already know you, its quite lovely once you get used to it. Service aside, the food at Houston's is tasty! We started with their famous shoe string fries and they were delish...I also tried the coconut shrimp sushi & while I'm not a huge sushi fan, it was worth trying. My entree was fabulous- slow cooked BBQ baby back ribs that were falling off the bone...just perfectly prepared. My friend had the burger, which had been my 2nd choice, and from the bite I took of his, it was fabulous. I'll certainly be back to Houston's to try some of their other offerings and enjoy a delicious hamburger!
(4)
Allison S.
Two words: WHOLY PARSLEY. Have I mentioned that I despise parsley? DESPISE. I went here for lunch with some of my colleagues and clients from work, and it was like we were on a romantic date instead of a business lunch. The lighting was very dim...very much mood lighting. Although my salad was laden with parsley (which was not listed as an ingredient on the menu), the rest of their dishes looked pretty delicious. Our service was good and they have great iced tea. We must have come at peak lunch hour, because it was swamped when we walked in, and completely empty when we left. I'd come back (definitely with a reservation) and try something else on the menu at an off-peak time.
(3)
Dan T.
Pretty damn good California Burger and Fries...medium rare...cooked perfectly. Pricey place but my wife had the ribs...absolutely tender, fall off the bone. Service is great too. Nicely lit, not bright at all but not too dark, very comfortable.
(5)
Erica D.
For my first visit to Hillstone, I was pretty impressed! When I heard they had sushi, I was a little skeptical since it's supposedly an American restaurant, but after I tried a sushi roll, I had to order my own. Price: The sushi combo was a good price, it came with four varieties, three rolls each, which doesn't sound like a lot, but trust me, the quality is worth the price. Their mixed drinks are pretty expensive, around $10. I had my first Pimm's Cup (Pimm's No.1, shaved cucumber, a sprig of mint with ginger ale) and it was heavenly (if not dangerous)! Decor: It's a really cool place. The bathrooms are a bit of a hike from the bar area, just stay on the path and you'll be fine. Service: I sat at the bar and received the best service of my life! Seriously, if I had an empty glass in front of me--the bartender had ESP--a minute later he'd come by to ask if I wanted a another drink, and refilled my water glass every time I finished it. You can't get much better than that! When I asked how the Pimm's Cup was, he gave me a sample of the gin. Food/Presentation: The sushi is AMAZING! Nice, neat presentation. Apparently the chef is an authentic sushi chef, I believe he was from Japan, but don't quote me on that. I shared two orders of the sushi combo which came with three raw tuna rolls, three vegetarian rolls, three mollusk-type rolls with walnuts in it (OH MY GOD!), and three California rolls. I don't normally like California rolls, but this was fantastic. The sushi rolls are two different sizes, which is nice so that you could eat a short one to sample before committing to the taller roll. The combo came with three types of sauces which made everything taste better. Oh man, I need to go back there now! Location: Conveniently in the Faneuil Hall area, on the right side by the Boston ticket booth. It's a short walk from my office, which makes it all the better for after work drinking. Recap: Price: 4/5 Decor: 4/5 Service: 5/5 Food/Presentation: 5/5 Location 5/5 Total: 4.6
(5)
Heather G.
Goodness gracious, Hillstone. Post-name change, I was happy to see the menu hadn't changed and the food (and service!) quality were still very consistently strong. However, for the kind of food they're serving up here, the prices are entirely too high. Would you pay $14 for a spicy tuna roll? It's a great roll, but it's very small. You'd need 2+ for dinner, and at nearly $30, you can sit at a nice sushi bar and eat til your heart's content. The burger continues to be, in my view, the best deal on the menu. The chicken strips, at $18, are probably a close-second in the price/value analysis, and are lightly tempura-battered and fried for a nice change on a heavy, greasy classic. This place does standard fare in a very comfortable yet elegant setting. They've always been busy when I've eaten in, both at lunch and dinner, and I assume this location in particular has no incentive to bring down prices, as it attracts mainly business people with corporate credit cards.
(3)
Daniel K.
the food: hands down, the best french dip sandwich ive ever had. the fries were fancy and skinny, donut takes forever to finish them but the sandwich was amazing. im salivating just thinking about it. the sushi salad was quite good too. the service: great attentiveness, despite the restaurant being packed. we had trouble finding the parking garage (which is off a side road right before you hit the restaurant coming down state street), and the hostess drew us a map for our next visit the decor: the combination of a packed dining room, dim lighting, and open kitchen was perfect. added to the individually sectioned booths, there was a perfect combination of bustle and attention with anonymity and privacy.
(4)
Craig C.
This a bar review only so if you are here to hear about the restaurant please walk over there and wait for someone to come along who is reviewing the restaurant. While i know my opinion is important to you at this particular moment I am only discussing the bar portion of Houstons so please read the rest and then if you still need more info please call 411. Thank you. After work I was walking past Houstons to meet Melissa at Paddy O's where Lango works and where Boston Sports Club is having an event and I notice Houstons is full of people having fun and I think , "Hey, I like to have fun!" So after M and I do business at the other place we go to Houstons. I walk to the far side of the bar to get us drinks, my laptop case banging like three yuppies as i walk by. Sor ree. I am amazed when a big bald guy comes right up to me and says, "Hi are you guys looking for drinks?" wow great service. "Yes we are" He then says, "Well this side of the bar is for waitress service we need to keep this clear can you please go to the other side?" wow that sucks. We go to the other side and even though it's packed I find two seats at the bar ( by speaking fake chinese into some guys ear really loud) I get a dark beer and she gets a long island ice tea after getting ID'ed and waiting for her to take our licenses to some machine and scan them to make sure weren't wanted by AA or something. Her drink was 12 my beer was 6 plus tip. We then go out onto the patio where the fun starts. (two young girls commence fighting over who saw our seats first) Many young upwardly mobile good looking people.We start talking to this guy who is a lawyer about getting sworn in at Faneuil Hall. He and his buddies went to Trinity which means we all hung out at the same bars in Hartford. Melissa is signing them all up for the Lock and Key party coming up May 15. (plug) She's working the room getting emails and I'm doing my new 5 minutes standup for a small group of buyers for Macy's. 2 think I'm funny and 2 are bitches but that's Boston baby. We leave them wanting more like Don Rickles taught me. I like the ambiance and I had fun and it's certainly in a good spot near 99 other bars. Next time I'll eat but you pay. I'm a little short. SO SO SO that's it.
(3)
Tina D.
Okay the first thing you might notice about this place is how crazy expensive everything is on the menu. I'm talking about salads that go for approx. $20 at lunch. If you put that aside, then you can really focus on how wonderful everything else is. The location is spot on in Fan. Hall and since it is a little pricey, you don't get too many of the tourists in for lunch. It is the perfect place for a work lunch or to meet someone for happy hour drinks, oh, its great for dinner too. All of the dishes are executed perfectly and I have never had a bad meal. The servers are polite and the food comes out quickly. There is a patio for outdoor seating, but you can also just sit at the bar because the windows get pulled back on nice days and you are practically sitting outside. Delicious!
(4)
Dan W.
Being new to Boston, I am always looking for classy, trendy places to go to. I really enjoyed Hillstone. I really liked the higher end type of atmosphere. We showed up at 8:30 on a saturday night. We waited for about 45 minutes for a table. Not bad. We had drinks at the bar while we waited. The only knock I would have is that I didn't think they had enough bartenders but at the same time, they may have gotten in each other's way if there were more. The food was great. We ordered sushi which was very fresh and tasty. They put peanuts in their tuna roll. Interesting. Spinach dip was a big hit. I had a fish sandwich which was really, really good. It was on a butter roll. My friend got a French dip. She loved that too. Shoe string fries came with the sandwiches. Delish! This is a super place to go with friends, have good food at reasonable prices and hang out in first class type of atmosphere. Staff was very professional also. They do take reservations but I called too late. They were booked.
(4)
Adriel I.
Houston's (I denounce thee new name...) is the Ray Allen of the Boston restaurant scene. Consistent, Classy, and Clutch. Not the flashiest place, and the menu doesn't change too often, bu ff you need a place to take a group of friends, a date or a client, you can count on Houston's to deliver a great experience. I usually start with the artichoke dip and the biscuits. The biscuits are a must have. Try ordering 6 for a party of five. That way you can observe the cognitive dissonance that plays out as your friends jockey for position on the last biscuit. At least that's what I do. It amuses me. The dip is a strong role player as well. It sets a fine foundation for the steak to come. Oh, no doubt about it, there will be steak. Typically when the server lays down the menu, I can go ahead and give mine right back. Who are we kidding - I know what entree I'll be getting. The Hawaiian Rib Eye is an institution in and of itself. Marinated for what has to be days, and grilled to perfection, I have literally had dreams about this steak. With just the right tangy notes, and perfection of texture, the most amazing thing about it to me is how each time I have it is as good as the last. Another pull up from behind the line, and swish. Three points. Rinse and repeat. You get the drift. Pair it with a baked potato and the combo is unstoppable. So there you have it. Hillstone is consistently great unpretentious dining. Just do us a favor and bring back the name m'kay?
(5)
Jake K.
Best steak in Boston. The fillet is so amazing I can't stop thinking bout it. Just tell them not to make it too salty, as it happens to be too much some times. Comes with spinach and fries. A M A Z I N G. Never had a better steak ever!
(5)
Danny M.
-Nice atmosphere. -Efficient, friendly service. -Food for five was at our table in less than ten minutes. -Delicious cheeseburger. Expensive ($14) but it was worth it. Overall, the experience was flawless.
(5)
Kelsey P.
The old "Houston's" - same great place new name! Delicious and consistent American meals. Moderate pricing with delicious menu options. Lots of options for a group dinner to make everyone happy. Food: - Club Salad - my all-time favorite dinner option here: mixed greens, crispy chicken, avocado, chopped egg and bacon. Try this with the buttermilk ranch dressing on the side! The chicken is very lightly fried and the star of the show. Avocado is always perfectly fresh. - Grilled artichokes - best appetizer by far. Delicious artichokes, cut in half and grilled to perfection. Served with a tasty aioli dip. - Great cheeseburger - delicious thin fries! - Sushi combo plate - really really impressive sushi for what is considered an American restaurant, great dinner option. Drinks & Bar: - Great bar scene at the front of the restaurant near the glass-windowed front of the restaurant. This bar scene overflows outside as the windows open and the front of the restaurant becomes open-air in the spring and summer. - "The Greyhound "- delicious grapefruit cocktail - Fantastic wine list Ambiance & Service: - Beautifully lit dark wood interior - They take reservations and the hosts are really prompt in seating people right upon arrival - Cool bathrooms, which weirdly (or awesomely) enough, even have TV screens for the men!
(5)
Brandy S.
We had a work lunch for ten persons. We were seated promptly (we had a reservation) and attended to without issue. There was resounding approval of the food. We had the Ahi Tuna platter, Crispy Chicken sandwich, Ahi burgers, French Dips, Cheeseburgers and a Grilled Chicken salad - all were deemed phenomenal. The big boss was present so alas no cocktails were consumed. They did seem to have a solid wine list though. I look forward to returning and so does the rest of the crew. Less one star as there was at least five (possibly close to ten) minutes between everyone receiving their meals which was difficult as we were all ravenously hungry.
(4)
Angela D.
I'm from California and have been to several Houston's restaurant's there, which i absolutely LOVE. It's one of my favorite restaurants to go to in Los Angeles. So after I moved to Worcester, I went to the Houston's in Boston. Everything was great. The service, the atmosphere, and the location. However, their French Dip sandwich, which i LOVE, was not up to par at this particular location. It didn't have a lot of flavor and the au jus was oily and bland. We were there early (11am) so maybe that's why the au jus wasn't good yet. I'm willing to give it a try again.
(4)
Kevin B.
Can't quite explain it, but I love this place. Great ambiance, food is always delicious. Favories are spinach artichoke dip and whatever is the fish special. Sushi is great too. I was here last night and my meal was literally 5ish minutes late... and without me saying anything, the mangager came over to apologize and bought my girlfriend and I a complimentary round of drinks. Only gripe is they aren't on opentable. Annoying.
(5)
Sarah G.
My boss made reservations at Hillstone this past Saturday for our Holiday Dinner. Boss & her husband were running late, so they called Hillstone to ask if my girlfriend & I could be seated when we arrived, since we were going to be on time. Hostess assured Boss that this would be no problem at all! When GF and I arrived we were treated coldly by the Hostess, who refused to seat us "until the entire party is present", and when I mentioned that Boss had called ahead and was told this wasn't a problem, Hostess then proceeded to condescend to us about how it is their "policy" and how we must be lying because no one at the restaurant would have said we could be seated. GF & I were then left standing in the doorway (there really isn't a lobby) for the next 20 minutes. When we were all present and finally seated, we were placed in a booth along the back wall, which allowed me to see that the restaurant was a little over half-full. Only one other booth (of the 8-10) along the back wall was occupied, but they made us wait, even though we had a reservation and they were only at half-capacity. The Ambiance says "Classy", but while I was there, I did see (as another reviewer mentioned) screaming children being allowed to run around unattended and diners wearing sweatpants with words printed on the butt. Definitely *not* classy. In a dress and high-heels, I felt overdressed. Between the obnoxious hostesses and screaming children, it's only a step above an Outback at twice the price. Pros: Our server, Emily, was not only adorable but also knowledgeable about both the food and the wine. We took a long time deciding on a bottle of wine and she went back through her tasting notes to help us pick. The food was decent, but the prices were outrageous. TL;DR Hostesses are rude and will infer that you're a liar. If you go, be prepared to be treated poorly and pay through the nose for it.
(2)
Liz K.
LOVE this place!! Came here for my birthday and was extremely impressed. The burger was the best burger I've ever had in my life. Definitely on the pricier side but well worth it especially for a special occasion. The dark wood and decor makes for a nice, classy feel. I really like the open kitchen because while we were waiting for our table to be ready we were able to see all the dishes being made which only made the decision of what to order harder because everything looked so good! Got the warm brownie with ice cream for dessert which I would definitely recommend. Overall it was a great meal and I will definitely be back.
(5)
Lady L.
I can't say enough about our experience at Hillstone. We were visiting Boston, and this was one of our last meals. The ambiance was perfect, service from hostess to server was exceptional (Erin rocked!) and the food and wine was perfect. A pricer restaurant (compared to Boston pubs) but such a value for what you get in return. We were even thinking of having lunch there the following day! You must dine at Hillstone when visiting Boston!
(5)
Sheridan W.
Busy during the lunch and evening hours, but what good place isn't? Great menu, food and service. Yes, its a chain - but you wouldn't think so. I suggest: pressed shushi, tempura chicken tenders (ask for the buttermilk garlic), Tortilla soup on Fridays and the best coleslaw in the city.
(4)
Steve G.
Nice place for a drink. I had a Rusack Pinot Noir at the bar. Comfy chairs and nice atmosphere. Will have to try for dinner sometime.
(4)
Tom A.
Full disclosure, our evening at Hillstone started off a bit rocky. I had made reservations for 4, but explained to the hostess that there would be a possibility for 5. I was told that wasn't a problem. We show up to the restaurant with 5, and the tables are only able to accommodate 4. Long story short, we waited quite a while before being seated. Here is how the staff at Hillstone went above and beyond the call of duty. We were given appetizers on the house to munch on before being seated. Once we were seated, more appetizers. That's only the beginning. We brought a bottle of wine because as ex-Californians, we are used to the no-corkage policy at the west-coast Hillstone restaurants. We were told that by law, Massachusetts doesn't allow this, but they invited us to pick a bottle of wine from their menu, again at no cost. Finally, after our meal (which was delicious, per the usual), our waiter (who was fantastic) let us know that the entire meal would be complimentary. We were blown away by the gesture (Thank you to the GM, Adam). It's things like this that really keep us coming back again and again. The food is consistently amazing, and the service is impeccable. We will be back again soon!
(5)
Kate A.
Sushi lover? MUST EAT HERE. I know it's not Hillstone's number one attraction, but damn they have great sushi! In a snapshot - here's the good and bad of this place. Pros: 1. Great sushi (did I mention that already?) 2. Great drinks 3. Right in the middle of Fanueil Hall - good for afterwork get-togethers. 4. Great staff Cons: 1. A little pricey for location/drinks 2. Right in the middle of tourist-central, so can be a little slow/busy at times 3. Hard to find the first time around (tucked in behind 60 State Street) Overall, for what I was there for, this place was perfect. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for an after work meeting place for drinks and apps.
(4)
Honest O.
I love Hillstone! I've been here 10+ times and never have I been disappointed with the waitstaff or the food. Their burgers are awesome, their prime rib is even better. Their fries are my absolute favorite! Recently, I decided to try their sushi. It took me a while to decide between 3 different plates. Once I finally chose, I had no idea how much sushi came with a $17 plate. When they brought out 4 pieces, I was a little disappointed. A second later, the waitress brought out 2 other plates of sushi (the ones I did not chose) on the house. All three of the different plates were amazing. Never in my life have I had a better waitress who is attentive and knows how to treat her customers!
(5)
Bethany B.
Chain chain chain...I know, I know. But a delicious chain! Growing up I went to Houston's every Sunday after church and grew to L-O-V-E the spinach and artichoke dip and still do! Hillstone still has the delicious dip, but adds fun and interesting items like sushi to the menu. (my friends swear by it, although I'm always nervous about ordering sushi at a non-Asian spot). As usual, with almost any place I'm going to give four stars, Hillstone also has great cocktails. I say go for the gin fizz and call it a night. A tried and true spot that you know will always be delicious, you'll always leave buzzed, and the service will always be good! Enjoy!
(4)
Danielle M.
Love love love this place!!! The reviews are spot on when they say the veggie burger is the best!!! Honestly I would never know this was a chain restaurant if it weren't for the reviews I've read on Yelp. Dinned here on a snowy Monday night. I don't know why but the decor reminded me of Anchorman (very important...smells of rich mahogany) very deep wood colors all around. They had a nice low key bar area and for the dinning seating every table is a booth style, which is great, gives it a more intimate feel. The crowd was definitely the early 30's business type. Our waitress was extremely attentive and recommended an amazing cabernet, I was impressed with her selection. I believe it was Robert Foley? Their menu is a bit limited if you are a vegetarian or have any variations of the sort. The do have a daily fish special, which on the night I went was cod, but I went a different route. I will say (again) I ordered the house made veggie burger. Oh...my...goodness...this was the best veggie burger I've ever had. Huge!! Just the right mix of sweet soy. Beware though, it does have cheese on it so if you do not want cheese, please ask for no cheese. The fries were stringy and, meh. Fries are my weakness and apparently they are weak here as well. I tend to eat on the slower side which allowed the bun of the burger to get a bit soggy. Eh, it was still the best veggie burger!! I will say, I did look at the table next to us who order sushi. I've never seen sushi done quite like here. It looked amazing!!! Not typical for a mostly American restaurant. The rolls appeared to be huge as I saw a girl actually cut the roll in half in order to eat it. They do offer complimentary parking at 60 State Street for 3 hours, which is a nice touch. Also if you would like they will check your coat. Prices for entrees are anywhere from earlier 20's to mid 30's. Not bad for a restaurant in Boston. I will definitely be coming back here again.
(4)
lily l.
Ok my friends love Houston for some reason. They swear up and down that the Veggie Burger is to die for....Meh. So we lunched here today and ordered the following: Clam Chowder - It was good I would definitely have it again, I have an issue with the chowder though. There were large bits of bacon in it I don't like bacon. Spinach artichoke dip - I give them credit for the amount of artichoke that was actually in the dip..but the cheese melted on top was wayyyyy to pungent for me. The "salsa" that came with it was a tangy dissapointment. My friends had the veggie burgers- It was a gloppy mess way too sweet for my taste, my friend said it usually isn't that sloppy and sweet but still I didn't like it I had the spicy tuna sald - EW! The fish was fresh but the giant cuts of daikon in the sushi did not belong there. The salad that came with it had large chunks of daikon, carrots, cucumber, mango, mint, peppers, and sesame seeds. I hated it and for 12 bucks I expected better. The decor...beautiful, the service fast and friendly. This place gets super crowded for lunch so arrive early. The menu...very limited. Others that were with me enjoyed it, but this is definitely not my cup of tea.
(2)
Laura G.
Still got tons of love for Hillstone despite its lame name change and chainy roots. All of the food is so flavorful it's almost puzzling how they manage to do it. I came back and tried their traditional salad, sushi and stuck with my original love - the Hawaiian Rib Eye. The salad was chock full of perfectly cooked bacon, egg and a killer dressing. Don't miss out for $5 as an accompaniment to your entree. It is way better than the Caesar. The sushi was a strange experience and I always thought it was somewhat peculiar that they serve it at a pretty standard steakhouse. I ordered the spicy tuna roll and while the tuna was of good quality, the roll was covered in what appeared to be sea salt. Salt added to sushi? What are you thinking Hillstone? Poor form but i was sort of able to eat around it. The steak came out in all of it's glory, not to be outdone by the baked potato that is a heart attack waiting to happen - but well worth it. Add complimentary garage parking and it's a night to remember.
(4)
Tamar A.
I work as an admin in a tall, shiny office building, and have just started watching Mad Men regularly. Despite the painful realization that in some ways, not a heckova lot has changed in office dynamics since 1960, I still enjoy the throwback thrill of an old-fashioned, three-martini power lunch, especially when the accounting department is picking up the tab. Houston's--or, pardon, "Hillstone"--does not disappoint. The interior is warm and dimly lit, while the waitstaff pretty much give you a Don Draper-worthy tonguebath. One of the nicest elements of the place is that they do sushi--weird and overpriced sushi, perhaps, but sushi nonetheless--meaning that any of the fish your order for your main course, without being charged extra, comes as raw as you want. My swordfish was delicious; a compatriot's cod a buttery delight. The spinach and artichoke dip, perhaps a smidge gluey and not quite worth $10, was nevertheless a tasty opener. Desserts of key lime pie and brownie with a champagne cream sauce were not to be missed, although the cappuccino suffered the same burnt, machine-hasn't-been-cleaned-since-we-opened-what-Âdo-you-think-this-is-Starbucks?-acridity that I've simply come to expect out of even the nicest restaurants. Overall, a gorgeous, decadent time was had by all. Just remember to make a reservation, ideally for 11:45 if you want to get in there--the place swarms come noon--and you know that the service will be speedy enough that you'll have time to return with ice for your boss's 1pm scotch.
(4)
Leo H.
I disapprove with the renaming of Houston's to Hillstone. They have also gone down on portion size (the prime rib's thickness has essentially been cut in half). This all makes me sad and thus I do not go very often anymore. The drinks, bartenders and waitstaff are all still great though.
(3)
Sean O.
This is a cool place that I can't wait to go back to. Just a really nice atmosphere for drinks or dinner. The biscuits are delicious, the artichoke dip was great, my friend's ribs were really good. I had an unfortunately undercooked steak, but they fixed it right away. Next time I'm getting the ribs. Tried a new drink there called a Pimm's Cup. You must go there and drink this drink. You will see varied results but there is a high probability for laughs and adventure upon completion of your second.
(4)
Jules C.
We were extremely loyal regulars at Houstons for years. The house-smoked salmon appetizer was not to be missed! Also, the grilled chicken sandwich and the spicy tuna sushi salad with the awesome salad and awesome sushi. The thing that really kept us coming back was the extremely friendly and knowledgeable service (they actually used to bring us a fresh chilled glass when our martinis started to get warm) and one of my favorite atmospheres anywhere. Good music for dining(soft jazz), not too loud to have a conversation and some separation from other diners in the booths. Not to mention the validated parking - perfect! We brought our friends, we were there like clockwork. Sometime in the last few years, I don't know what happened - it all went away. Now the smoked salmon and the grilled chicken sandwich are gone (in addition to a few other favorites), the spicy tuna salad is unrecognizable. and much more expensive, and the service - meh - not terribly friendly or accommodating. SO SAD... we still occasionally come for the atmosphere and the easy parking, but the food and service no longer distinguish this place. Last time we were there, the music was somewhat bizarre (Bjork, I think) and the host was very rude to us...in a competitive restaurant town, it always surprises me when people think that being rude to customers makes sense... Maybe because we aren't beef eaters... Anyway, we grieve every time we ask each other - "where can we go for dinner?" Big hole in our dining hearts!
(2)
Cami F.
So I know this place is a chain, but I just love it. I get the same thing every time, and it never fails to disappoint. The Thai tuna roll is original and so so good. I've heard they have great burgers but I just can't NOT get the Thai tuna roll when I go. The best part is their drinks taste great and are very strong. Its almost dangerous (confession: I once wiped out there- flat on my back in the middle of the restaurant. I am embarrassed to say I was only one drink deep). GET THE GIN FIZZ!!! you wont regret it.
(5)
Mark M.
Moment of truth: it took me few hours to realize why I couldn't find "Houston's" on Yelp. They changed their name. We just spent two hours there and a couple of hundred bucks and didn't realize this. Anyway...I digress. I've been eating at Houston's (I mean Hillstone...wtf?) for more than fifteen years. I can't think of another national chain that does such an incredible job at making you think you're dining at a one-of-a-kind gem like Houston's does. For your consideration: - service not found elsewhere - a menu that has remained the same for many years...but is still so well executed - a wine list that is not too pompous...but just pompous enough - atmosphere that will make you feel like you're in a movie - pricey..but not so terrible that you have to eat ramen for a month - excellent for: casual business dinners, celebrations, dates, business dinner meetings. etc I love this place and was reminded of the depth of my love tonight! Five Yelp stars all the way. However, I will continue to call it Houston's so the branding house that decided on this move can shove it.
(5)
Cindy K.
I work near Gov. Center & Fanieul hall so this is the go-to place when we actually have time for a 2 hour lunch break. A little bit on the pricier side but the food is really very delicious which is also why there are tons of "suits" here so be warned that its not a very "casual" restaurant. I've only had the burgers here and they are delicious. Also its a pretty big burger so be prepared for some messy hands. I've had both beef and veggie burgers and I have to say that the veggie burgers here are out of this world! They handmake all their burgers in the morning so its freshly made veggie patties made of brown rice and packed with a whole lotta yummy goodness & flavor. DELISH! Fries are super addicting. I dare you to only eat one....trust me, you'll never be able to. Service is really good - waitstaff is always very friendly and accommodating. But be warned that the wait can be very long during the lunchtime and I'm sure after work so plan accordingly.
(4)
Bob G.
Stopped by here based onYelp reviews, just looking for a nice evening meal. Tried the spinach artichoke dip; I'd say high end of average. Atmosphere was OK and service quite prompt, but music a bit too loud for good conversation. Was turned off by $3.50 for an 8oz bottled diet coke, no refills. Opted out at $20 for just the mediocre appetizer and a small diet coke, just on the principle that people should not be ripped off.
(2)
Jessie C.
Big fan - as stated in my last review, but this time we tried the Sushi. I'm not an avid sushi eater but my friend is and she said it was some of the best! We had the shrimp and macadamia nut roll and the tuna & avocado roll - both fantastic. I'm looking forward to going back.
(5)
Reg Z.
For the immediate area, this is a nice place. Tends not to be as touristy, and the outdoor patio is a nice place to grab a beer. Food is good but nothing outstanding. The Thai tuna roll is different with nuts and coconut, needs to be a bit spicier but the jalepenos is probably enough for most.
(4)
Jamie H.
i went to hillstone today for a business lunch, and i was not very impressed. the service was fine, but the food just did not do it for me. i ordered the grilled chicken salad, and asked for the peanut sauce and the vinaigrette on the side. the waitress informed me that the sauce could be on the side, but that the salad already came with the dressing on it, and they best they could do would be to make it "light." this made me realize that the salad was likely prepared in advance and would not be very fresh. i also ordered the steamed broccoli as a side. when the salad came, it was a mountain of chopped cabbage, thinly sliced chicken breast, jicama, carrots, shredded lettuce bits, some mixed greens, and tons and tons of tortilla chip strips. and for being "lightly" dressed i thought it had quite a lot of dressing. the chicken wasn't a very high quality, and i tried to eat around the chips as best as i could. plus, the waitress forgot the side of broccoli, and i felt like it was awkward to ask for it in front of colleagues and business partners. my boss ordered the chicken tenders, and had to leave about half of the batter on the plate - there was probably about three or four times as much batter as there was chicken. one other thing that really bothered me was just how dark it was in the restaurant. i got really tired sitting at the table, and the environment felt very stuffy. if i had been paying for the meal, i would have also been pretty sore about how high the prices were. luckily, i wasn't, but i would not be very excited to return regardless of who was paying.
(2)
Rohit J.
Took a lovely girl here on a date on a Friday night a month ago knowing its a safe bet as there is a Houston's on Long Island by me. First off the parking is free for up to 3 hrs on nights and weekends which is a huge plus! My reservation was for 630 but we had gotten to the restaurant by 6 and were seated without a hiccup. We had ordered 2 dirty martinis but they weren't dirty enough for us and the waitress had no problem taking them back to bartender. Our new drinks were a taste of perfection. To start I had gotten the tortilla soup and we shared the artichoke spinach dip. For the main I had gotten the ribs of course because they are amazing and my date had ordered the special which was cod, I forgot how it was cooked but it came with Cajun shrimp and mashed potatoes. We had shared everything and everything was excellent as expected. My date really enjoyed herself as she has never been before!
(5)
Jillian Q.
I do not know how the chefs at HIllstone make EVERYTHING that comes out of their kitchen so amazingly tasty. I've never had a bad meal here and the service is always excellent. You're never left waiting and your drinks and always refilled. I usually come here for lunch with a have a bit of money to burn. Hillstone is pricey (at least for my salary) but I am not exaggerating when I say it's worth every penny. From the spinach dip to ANY of their fishes dishes or sushi (try the Osaka Pressed Sushi...amazing) to their salads (the one with mango and steak is my fav). The brownie dessert is delicious as well if you have room for it. Be prepared to spend some money, but you will be happy you did.
(5)
Robert C.
Took my wife out for her birthday and we loved the food. my wife had the prime rib and was very pleased. They have awesome hand cut fries and cole slaw. The coconut sushi was also very good. We will be coming back to Hillstone!
(5)
Samantha T.
Where to begin with an old favorite...Houstons/Hillstones is one of the premier upscale dining destinations. Yes it is something of a chain but they have maintained a certain level of service and food excellence that is hard to find anywhere else. I eat here at least once a month with coworkers or my husband and friends. The food is what keeps me coming back again and again, especially the burgers, tuna sandwich and and tuna salad. For the most part I like the recent menu changes where they upgraded the tuna salad and added a delicious friend chicken sandwich (husband gets it every single time). However, there is nothing better than the veggie burger w/avocado or bacon cheeseburger w/avocado if you feel like splurging. The fries are unreal...and you have to try the grilled artichokes (if they have them). That brings me to the reason why I can't give them 5 stars. They somehow never seem to have the artichokes because they source them from only one farm! Why not find a backup farm? The last 3 times i've been there they didn't have the grilled artichokes and I was pissed off! The other problem is that they took the sushi sampler off the menu, jacked up all the prices but got a little skimpier on portions (burger size, fries etc). The bar has a great selection and usually gets a decent crowd of financial district employees and tourists. The afterwork bar scene used to be much better but times change and it's gone out of favor in recent years. Nonetheless the food is still top notch and they have one of the best burgers in town. I also like that they accept reservations and have free parking in the garage below. I do agree with some other reviews that in the past year or so service has deteriorated a little bit and occasionally we have to wait for a table even when there are numerous empty ones. In these circumstances management has told me they were understaffed but that seems like a pretty weak excuse because it pisses people off and makes it look less popular/crowded. Either way i'll still be going back for the delicious food.
(4)
Harri S.
Up until now I thought all chains served consistently the same food. My friend from Miami swore by the artichoke dip, but it tasted like really rotten stinky cheese (which wasn't typical), we sent it back (felt horrible) and got a new one that tasted a bit better, but not much. The burgers are their saving grace though, they are solid burgers that can really fill you up. Well done on the burger-front guys.
(3)
Jessica S.
Really nice atmosphere. Good food and drinks
(4)
Jason S.
I love Hillstone (used to be known as Houston's). Every time my wife and I go to this place we order the Spinach and Artichoke Dip, which is so creamy, smooth and YUMMY. You will love this appetizer. Then what do you get for lunch/dinner? That part is hard to decide because everything I've tried is very very good. I am in love with the BBQ ribs because their meat falls right off the bone and the sauce is great. As sad as this is about to sound, their cheeseburger is very good too, they do a nice job of giving that extra flavor that makes you say....yes! Although, we have never tried a dessert, I am sure that would be great too! Enjoy!
(5)
Evan R.
I recently visited the Last Hurrah under the auspices that it was the "Best Whiskey Bar in Boston". That couldn't be farther from the truth. Hillstone welcome me warmly, the bartender (I sat at the bar) took my order and promptly delivered a delicious mojito (as it was summer), recommended the spinach and artichoke dip, and engaged me in pleasant conversation. I challenged the bartenders with orders for classics like a whiskey sour (which they make with their fresh sour mix, which includes a daily variety of fruit juices, sugar and the traditional egg white; a triumph) and an Old Fashioned, which the bartender made with his own twist (Luxardo cherries - the original maraschino), which was the best Old Fashioned cocktail I have ever had. I enjoyed the Flying Tuna Platter, which consisted of of seared Ahi Tuna, delicious mixed greens and a lovely fruit and vegetable compote (avocado, fresh tomatoes, mango and cucumber with a sesame vinaigrette). The food was delicious, the drinks were top-notch, and the service staff were informed, helpful, and rivaled any Michelin-starred restaurant in the country. Ask for Pat at the bar. He will make an Old Fashioned (with rye whiskey in particular) that will excite even the most stubborn connoisseurs.
(5)
Greg I.
-old fashioned (maker's) -wood-grilled artichokes -pork ribs, baked beans -key-lime pie you. are. welcome. sidenote: if you get a martini at your table, every 15-20 min they'll pour that drink you're nursing too slowly into a frozen glass, keeping it ever
(5)
Sara M.
I came here once a long time ago but I don't remember it very well. I do think that I was dancing drunkenly. However, I recently came back for lunch and enjoyed it immensely! I cannot for the life of me understand how I was dancing in this place because it is mostly booths and a little bit bar. Anyway, we were greeted by classy and friendly hosts/servers. I ordered up a clam chowder and a French dip. Seriously, the clam chowder was one of the best I have ever had; I am not biased because they put scallions and bacon on top. It was creamy, rich, and contained a good amount of clams. It only comes in a bowl so I was too full to eat the rest of my delicious sandwich. That was meaty, warm, juicy, tangy (from the horseradish sauce), and downright yummy! The shoestring fries were crisp and okay. It was a bit on the pricier side but you better believe I'll be back for their prime rib!
(4)
Tiffany C.
I came in with a friend last night and had such a great experience at Hillstone. Our server, Sebastian, absolutely made our night. He was cheerful, funny and warmed our hearts on that cold, cold night. The kitchen ran out of the soup so Sebastian comped us a Spinach and Artichoke Dip. Who doesn't like chips and dip? The loaded baked potato was delicious and my friend enjoyed her Caesar salad. Seb suggested the ice cream sundae for dessert. We were hesitant at first, but when we drizzled on that warm fudge we knew we made the right decision.
(4)
R O.
I honestly cannot believe I have not reviewed this place before! I fell in love with it many many years ago when I was still a tiny college tyke and it went by the name of Houston's. It is exactly the same company. It is said and I believe they renamed many of their Houston's restaurants to Hillstone in order to move under 20 franchise restaurants thus they became exempt from having to label their calories in places such as NY. Anyway ignorance is bliss for me! I come time and time again for the legendary California Burger! My mouth drools simply thinking about it: buttery fresh bun made in house, fresh-ground chuck with melted Jack, avocado, arugula and red onion topped with some honey style mustard. It is no longer on the menu but you are still free to order! Not to mention their delicious fries just brimming with flavour. If you love burgers give this one a try! In my humble opinion it is the best burger I have had in Boston. Must note: you cannot come here without getting the artichoke-spinach dip! mm so good! Honorable mentions (if burgers aren't for you): Thai steak & noodle salad, spicy tuna roll salad (generous portion of tuna roll & greens), & chicken tenders for the little ones. Can't forget the loaded baked potato! What a treat! The only con is I cannot walk over at a moments notice! Must rely on the T or taxi (which is probably good for my hips since it keeps me away more often than not haha!)
(5)
Julie C.
Houston's. This place is tucked away among the hustle & bustle that is Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market. It's a neat spot for happy hour and also a stellar place for some grubbing! The burgers here are gigantic! I have no idea how anyone can eat one without getting it all over themselves. Their spicy tuna roll salad is out of this world! The ingredients are soo fresh! Yum Yum Yum Gobble Gobble Gobble! Chicken tenders are huge too! The portions here are fairly large, so you are totally getting your moneys worth. What recession? Service can be a little lackluster. They don't really pay much attention to you even though you see a ton of staff walking around. Water may be empty for periods of time, so expect to wait for a refill. And this place is mad dark! Its like a bat cave. When you leave prepare for the light unless you are here at night.
(5)
Tom D.
Another review on here recommended the Thai Tuna Roll, and I second that. Very, very good. I tried a bit of the Salmon, which was good as well. Nothing to complain about on the service end. Only downside to the night was that we wanted to order the artichoke dip appetizer, but our waiter told us that the dish wasn't "up to standards" at the moment. He sent us out grilled artichokes on the house instead, which was nice, but we were disappointed that we couldn't get our first choice in appetizer. Overall it was a good experience, I'd probably be back.
(4)
Cristin S.
I'm not from Boston so I read some of these other reviews and didn't realize this place was a chain. I will be looking for other locations! This was hands-down, the BEST meal I had on my 4-day trip to the Boston area. We spent the morning and early afternoon on a whale watching boat and came back starving, dying for something meaty and beefy and delicious. I honestly couldn't decide if I wanted steak and potatoes or a cheeseburger, and we had wandered up to Quincy Market and stumbled on this place. They had both so I figured let's go inside and I'll decide in there. We ordered the biscuits -- they were delicious. Very, very good savory biscuits. I ended up ordering the regular cheeseburger, and my husband ordered the hickory cheeseburger. I would consider myself somewhat of a cheeseburger snob, while my husband could care less. This was easily the best cheeseburger I have ever had in my life. It came to my table dressed with mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle, open-faced. I didn't even realize there wasn't ketchup on it till halfway through, because I was so distracted by how freakin' delicious it was. I motored through that thing. At some point I remember stopping and pulling the bottom bun off, thinking that must be where the ketchup was, and there wasn't, however, I did notice that it was soaked with delicious brown juice. I thought maybe it was some kind of au jus or something, or the juices from the burger.... regardless, whatever was soaking in that bottom bun is what made this burger. The burger itself was cooked perfectly (I asked for medium) -- it was not overdone, it was not all black and crispy like a hockey puck, it was pink in the middle and juicy. Seriously, my mouth is watering now just thinking about it. And it did NOT need ketchup. My husband enjoyed his burger just as much, he was raving about it and like I said, he could really care less about burgers. Whenever I make it back to Boston, I will for sure hit this place up for another cheeseburger. We even toyed around with the idea of staying till lunchtime on Monday and having lunch there, before our long drive back to Philly. Oh wait, before I go, yes, the french fries were also realllllly yummy. :)
(5)
Jenelle J.
If the prices weren't so steep, I think I'd be back more often. Had drinks and appetizers at the bar here - everything was delicious. I had a california roll which was impeccably done. Just as perfect was the ambiance. Intimate and trendy. You'll see when you go there.
(4)
Meridith H.
Worth the price. Red cabbage with goat cheese - worth it. Spicy Thai Sushi roll - worth it. Oversized glass of wine - worth it. Superbly unobtrusive, extraordinarily efficient, and friendly service - worth it.
(5)
Nicole C.
Sexy dark interior!! Bar opens up fully to the outside on nice nights, great place for outdoor drinks. Sushi was wonderful and entrees were great. I recommend the ribs!!! Our server was great too!!! Plus, the coolest napkins of any restaurant I have ever been to!
(4)
Michelle R.
Great for after-work drinks. Wonderful wine selection, very helpful bartenders. Haven't had the food but I hear it's fantastic. Place is always packed. Really nice atmosphere. Plenty of places to stand around the huge bar.
(4)
Mike M.
I took my gf here for Valentine's Day & it was pretty amazing. I loved the atmosphere & the use of lights to show focal points on the walls. Dim setting with lights in all the right places. The staff was pretty amazing. Everyone was so nice & helpful. Our waiter has recommendations as to drinks & starters that were dead on. I got the little house salad , minus the bacon, with a champagne dressing. It was delicious. The artichoke/spinach dip was a great starter & was more than enough for us to share. My entree was the house mad veggie burger with the hand-cut fries. it was amazing & so flavorful. The burger didn't require any other sauce. It was perfect as is. My gf got the pork chop & mashed potatoes. It looked delicious & was such a big cut that she got two meals out of it. Hillstone can be a bit expensive, but I felt like it was well worth it.
(5)
Christina R.
I was impressed by Hillstone, especially due to the fact that five Miami Heat players were sitting in the booth next to me, which shows the high caliber of the restaurant! I got the Thai steak and noodle salad containing marinated filet mignon with avocado, mango and herbs (mostly cilantro/coriander) in a Thai dressing. I asked for the dressing on the side due to my inability to handle spicy food and found that dressing wasn't even necessary for the salad since all ingredients were high quality and delicious! It was quite cilantro-heavy but the mango and steak helped balance that out. Generous portion sizes, a nice selection of wines and friendly, professional service. I'd recommend anything with steak; after all, this is a steakhouse!
(5)
Jason M.
Unexpected. Completely 100% unexpected. Anything in the Faneuil Hall area is suspect at best, but somehow Hillstone manages to rise above their location. The interior is dark and slick, but I highly recommend skipping that and sitting at the bar. The service is at the bar is fast, fun and enjoyable. On a lovely afternoon, we were treated to dueling cocktails between Nicole and Spencer. They attempted to one up each other with their bartending skills... and the result was more than just good drinks, it made for a good experience. Oh, to watch Spencer shake a cocktail... Oh, to hear Nicole then call me out for having Spencer make me a cocktail. And then there's the food. Thai Tuna Roll? Sushi? THERE? Really? Seriously? For reals? Its kind of amazing. When we first visited, I thought it was a slightly nicer version of Chili's... and then I had the thai tuna roll. It's delicious and rolled perfectly. The macadamia nuts give it a special buttery taste and amazing crunch. For food... I recommend the French Dip. It's pile after pile of thinly sliced cow on some tasty bread with an ridiculously good horseradish sauce. I am very thankful that cow sacrificed its life for my stomach. Others rave about the chicken tenders, which sounds a bit crazy until you see them. First of all, they fill up an entire place. And, they're fried to hell and back... it's a beautiful tempura batter which is light, fluffy and incredibly delicious. All in all, a great experience.
(5)
Kimberley S.
GOD. The name change is so hard to get used to! Otherwise, a very solid restaurant, and I completely enjoy my experience every time that I'm here. I have always thought that the menu sounds uninspired. Everything seems run-of-the-mill... on paper. Then you put it in your mouth. They make some really boring-sounding dishes taste just fantastic. I've never eaten anything here that wasn't absolutely delicious, but here are my favorites: - any of the sushi. It's so Americanized, but that's on purpose. This is not an Asian restaurant and it doesn't pretend to be. The best is the pressed ahi and avocado sushi. But I love the spicy tuna roll as well. They're all good, really. And they use some weird ingredients like orange in the California rolls and jicama in some of the others. - On that note, the tuna roll salad is the greatest thing in the world - Steak salad, also delightful - the tortilla soup here is the best I've ever had, bar-none - the french dip is outstanding That's about it. I stick to the basics here. They do an amazing job on the basics. You know what is uninspired? The dessert menu. Don't even bother. FUN FACT: My freshman year of college, I actually worked here for all of two weeks before I realized that I was too lazy for a legitimate restaurant job. I think it's because I know some of the behind-the-scenes that I love it here so much. I am obsessed with the service philosophy here. You don't have one waiter, you have 20. And you're not supposed to notice that. You pretty much have one person coming by all the time, but people pop by every now and then to refill your water and inconspicuously remove your food. You're not even supposed to notice they're there. I love the unobtrusiveness of it. You never want for anything and you can totally focus on your fabulous company. It happens like this because when waiters get a free moment, they patrol the aisles looking for things that need to be done. The service here is like a well-oiled machine. You will never find a place more consistent and efficient in terms of service. Do yourself a favor and give it a try. It's consistent and it excels in food execution.
(4)
Mindy L.
When I think of Houston's...all I think about it how the girls at my old place of work talked about using it as a place to pick up men who work in the financial district. That was in the forefront of my mind during my first visit here...and boy, they were right on target! The bar area was bursting with suits and it showed no signs of letting up. Luckily, I was going in for food and not for rubbin' elbows with the yuppy crowd so I bypassed the bar entirely in favor of sitting down in a booth. I could crow on and on about great service, but it would be biased as it was my roommate at the time and of course, I thought she did an amazing job and I left her a big tip (so she could pay rent). I had the rotissiere chicken and it was seasoned well and enjoyed it. The problem with ordering something so basic is that I'm almost entirely convinced I make it just as well at home in my own kitchen...it just serves to make the cheque's arrival more painful. All in all, simply not my style, but my one and only visit was a solid three stars.
(3)
Elizabeth H.
Went here for a special occasion dinner. For my celebratory drink I asked for a champagne cocktail, I didn't have anything in mind but wanted something other than a mimosa. So I asked the waitress to ask the bartender to make me whatever he wanted. However, after the waitress didn't really know what to do with that and my brother suggested the pomegranate juice may go well with champagne, I ended up with champagne and pomegranate juice, but it was yummy. Needless to say this is my only real complaint about this restaurant. We started our meal with the Spinach and Artichoke Dip; it was delicious - we went through the chips so fast that they had to keep bringing us back more! I then got the chicken tenders and it was a very good size. Because I filled up on the dip I ended up taking some of it home with me. We did have an issue where they overcooked my brother burger, but they were quick on making him another one. We then ended with the key lime pie and one of the girls that I was with loves key lime pie, and she said outside getting it in the key west, this is some of the best key lime pie that she's ever had! I now live in New York City and can't wait to try their locations here!
(4)
Arnold C.
One of our favorite restaurants. We really like the Hawaiian steak. The prime rib is another of our favorites. The mango Thai salad is a light, yet delicious, dish. The cheeseburger is meaty and made just right. Oh, I love the $5 side salad. It has just enough lettuce:bacon ratio to make it a salad. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone for a casual dine-out with a slightly upscale, jazzy feel.
(5)
Maurice B.
Angry , disgusted and saddened by a meal at this restaurant I wanted to write this review last night after the meal ( June 23rd) but was so angry i decided to wait until today to write this. I was in Boston for a few days with my Fiance ( for the basis of this review im Irish and my Fiance is Hispanic) and as we had eaten in Houstons in new York a few years ago we said we would give the new version a try. We were staying at a hotel about 5 minutes from the restaurant and after the thunderstorms had stopped we went out to the restaurant ( around 6.30 / 7). We spoke to the male manager at the door and asked for the wait time which was 15 minutes . Said thank you and sat at the bar and ordered a drink . Waited around 30 minutes even though a number of people seemed to walk in and be seated straight away but these may well be locals so no issue there. A waitress appeared and escorted us to a booth next to the bar. As we sat down a waiter came over and without looking at us as he was speaking to another waiter asked if he could start us with a drink and then looked directly at us and said actually let me go get you , your server ... and stalked off with the initial waitress My fiance and I looked at each other with surprise. We then watched as the waiters/waitress had a mini meeting on the far side of the restaurant. At this stage we had the 2nd drink we had purchased at the bar with us and nothing else but menus on the table. No silverware or even a glass of water. We then waited a full 20 to 25 minutes until someone came near us. During this time i observed our waiter clearing the table in front of us after dealing with their check, getting drinks from the bar for another table while waiting on a number of additional tables. There was plenty of staff milling around but nobody came near our table. Eventually after almost 20 minutes and another couple who had been seated in the booth in front of us who were given water and attended by 2 waiting staff, a waitress must have seen the furious look on my face and came over . I asked her for a manager and gave her our order as we had almost 50 minutes in total to decide what we wanted. When the manager came over said she apologized for the wait . I told her in no uncertain terms the reason for the wait was the only discernible difference between us and the other patrons was that we were an INTERRACIAL COUPLE. She said this was not the reason and muttered that that they had to close the patio area( This had been closed before we had arrived and must have been closed at least an hour previous to that as the thunderstorm and rain were extremely heavy) We were better dressed than the majority of the people there, we were pleasant and courteous to anyone we spoke to ( unlike some of the badly dressed, loud patrons surrounding us) Our food arrived and we ate quickly as our evening had already been ruined. The waitress we had now was very sweet and made sure we were ok . After we had finished our food ( we refused a complimentary dessert )and asked for the check the female manager came over and "said i want to apologize for the wait again" and began to hand us some type of voucher. I handed it straight back to her without hesitation and again stated the real reason we were treated so badly and told her I would never eat in one of these restaurants again. I paid the check and even like a 15% tip for the waitress we had eventually as she was very sweet. I looked for the male manager on may way out but was so angry at this point i wanted to leave. Having been together for over 5 years and having travelled through ireland, the UK and spain together as well as throughout the US we never experienced anything racist like this. My fiance became very upset later on that evening about this and it added a very bitter ending to what had been a nice few days. ADVISE TO HILLSTONE: - Fire any employee who has an issue with race if they dont want to work with the public they should not work as a waiter - Dont try and bribe your way out a problem. A real apology would have made the night a little less worse. Not only will i never step foot in one of your restaurants again but i will tell this story to anyone who will listen.
(1)
Matt G.
Came here for my father's birthday on a Saturday evening. Our server was really pleasant and very friendly... and took my father's, let's call it 'unique', sense of humor in stride. So kudos to her for that. That all being said, the evening was a rather large disappointment. The waitstaff delivered our drinks to the wrong table... then delivered apps to us that weren't ours... then on top of it all, delivered my father's birthday dessert and candle to the table next to us! (they were confused). I had the Hawaiian Rib Eye, which was quite tasty, but replaced the potato with seasonal veggies (which were soggy and mushy... not crisp at all). The capstone to the evening, was when I went to use the restroom... remarkably clean, though a little loud since there are TVs playing in there. While washing my hands, I noticed someone come out of the stall, then immediately B-Line to a urinal. (strange, I thought). Then on my way out... I realized why this person went straight to a urinal,:their date (?) came out of the same stall two seconds later... I chuckled to myself on my way back to the table... classy.
(2)
Cori B.
My fiance and I went here Friday for lunch. We both got the cheeseburger. I had fries and he had coleslaw. The burger is excellent! Good quality meat, fresh toppings, and a great sauce. One of the tastiest burgers. The coleslaw was fresh and the fries were delicious also. Staff is great, and the restaurant itself has nice ambience. Its not cheap but its not expensive. Worth it. I've also had the club salad, spinach and artichoke dip, chicken fingers and a few other things here. Always been happy with everything. There is also one in NYC! Great for after work drinks also.
(5)
Richard C.
Hillstone has a vintage feel; part of a chain of restaurants that includes Houston's, it sits right in Faneuil Hall but is far more appealing on the exterior and the interior than many of the tourist-trap establishments surrounding it. $16 will buy you a burger, seemingly of the straight-forward variety, consisting of cheddar, tomato, lettuce and onion. It's freshly ground Chuck on a homemade bun, and you guessed it, another Big Mac model. It makes sense, it's a riff on the most popular burger in the world, but not as cleverly done as I'd like it to be. If you think about it, most burgers these days are different versions of the fast food model, after all that's where it all started. But the missed opportunity here was the chance to elevate that classic burger, start with beef and add the usual condiments, but why not try to spin them in a unique direction instead of just re-hashing what we've already consumed a billion (trillion?) times over. But maybe that's not the name of the game at Hillstone, it speaks to the classic look of the restaurant and they aren't out to re-create the burger wheel. The burger does fall victim to the "too much stuff" rule to put it not so eloquently. I want my burgers to be beefy with a great supporting cast. The Hillstone burger basically has a decent supporting cast with a burger thrown in. The meat to condiment to bun ratio is way off, although the meat has adequate flavor and juiciness, it is devoid of individual burger character. But if you look it at as a whole, the sum of its parts versus breaking down each individual component, it is appetizing. The fries are better than average, double fried and salty, they get the job done and neither stand-out nor disappoint. A pleasing aioli comes on the side, a fair addition to the plate, with hints of chili, sesame and soy, it is the one twist in an otherwise barely-above-ordinary burger. For $16 the Hillstone burger doesn't let down but fails to blow me away either. I imagine it's consistent and reliable, and there's something to be said about that, but ultimately it just falls short on the burger spectrum.
(2)
Kyle B.
My "go-to" for a quick dinner before the Celtics game. Simply one of the best Cheeseburgers in Boston and with the view of Fanueil Hall...a great place to meet. The bar servers are A+ and the handmade Greyhound is spot-on!
(5)
Yvonne Y.
I have mixed feelings for this place. We came here for dinner on a weekday, and the place was busy. While the ambience is great, I was not impressed by the food. We started off with some sushi as appetizer. But when it came, I realized the sushi were made from some sushi molds, not by a sushi chef. (eeek) Then when the sushi hit my mouth, I realized they put way too much vinegar in the sushi rice. I felt like I was instantly eating my own stomach juice because of how sour it was. (yuck yuck) I struggled, because the fish and ingredients were actually fresh, just the preparation ruined it all. We had the Thai steak salad and California burger, they were okay, nothing to run home about. I didn't leave feeling satisfied with my food. If the review is based solely on food, it'd probably be a 2-star place. But the fresh ingredients and the cool atmosphere gave it another star. With all being said, I think this is a great place to come have a drink at the bar area after work. But go elsewhere to seek for food.
(3)
Travis D.
My wife and I popped in to Hillstone/Houston's last night for a couple of cocktails to kick off a long holiday weekend. It's been a while since I was here, but as I remembered, the drinks were fantastic, and the crowd was electric. On a gorgeous evening like we had last night, the bar is opened up to their outdoor seating, making for a perfect summertime stop. We didn't have a full dinner, but did get their grilled artichokes (which were perfect). Afterward, we found ourselves still a bit hungry, and thus ordered their barbecue pork ribs. Since we did not have a full dinner here, I wasn't really thinking about a Yelp review for this place until we dug into the ribs. I'm writing today to say this: if you have a chance, and you like barbecue ribs, you NEED TO COME HERE AND ORDER THEIR RIBS!!!!! I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that these are the best ribs that my wife and I can ever recall eating. We've tried many of the supposed 'greats' in the Boston area, places that I'll refrain from naming in this review but ones that are known for their ribs, and these guys have the secret formula down - hands down the best ever!! Anyway, I've always liked Houston's and enjoyed their bar at their Boston location, but was never a raving fan. Clearly I never got around to trying their ribs before - now I'm raving!! :)
(4)
Hungry H.
one of my favorite places to go to when i go to boston. love the ambience. always a friendly staff. their french dip au jous roast beef... omg.. DROOL. and i highly recommend their cous cous as well. never had such an amazing cous cous.
(5)
Mo A.
Like its former "Houston's" brethren across the country, this place doesn't disappoint. From the spinach dip to the steaks and sides, this is amazing food at its finest. Service ensures that the customers are checked on regularly and with proper courtesy. All in all, a great experience.
(5)
L. G.
I absolutely love this place. I go to Hillstone regularly and every experience there is fantastic. Consistently great food, amazing customer service and a great atmosphere. For the price, there's nothing better. Oh, and if you like sushi, get the pressed sushi. It is the best I've ever had!
(5)
Jacquelyn M.
HIllstone's, formerly Houston's is lots of fun. It get really packed after work on most days, during all seasons. Food is delicious...recently had the veggie rolls...sooooo good! They have everything from sushi to a cobb salad to a delicious filet mignon. Staff is super friendly.
(4)
Amanda J.
What can anyone say that's bad about Hillstone (fka Houston's)? Their ever expanding sushi menu rocks! They have great, fresh cocktails (my fave the Silver Gin Fizz). The young woman who bartends on Sundays is the best bartender in the city in our opinion. All the wait staff are great. I can honestly say I've never had a bad experience - food, service or otherwise, at Hillstone. If we had to complain (and now, I'm just nitpicking here b/c no where can be that perfect, right?), it would only be that they only offer Clam Chowder on the weekend. Booo. But, we'll forgive and forget, and keep coming back.....
(5)
Khawla A.
I had Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich and it was so delicious
(5)
Julie R.
Sara S. suggested this place to me for their sushi offerings. I did not know they served sushi so was interested to see what they had. On a Wednesday night after work, the place was packed with your hot shot suits. A good eye candy place for single folks. Every seat at the bar was taken so we got an available table instead. The atmosphere was very dim and modern. I had been to Houston's once before for drinks so wasn't too familiar with the menu. It had a good variety of meats, seafood, salad and apps. I decided I would be going with the sushi combo which was 4 special maki's. Sara opted for the veggie burger she spoke highly of. Our server was very friendly. She came over a few times and was prompt. The food arrived a short moment later. I was very impressed with the sushi. The tuna was very fresh and whole in the spicy tuna. The macadamia shrimp roll was fabulous. Their version of a Cali roll involved real crab, it was excellent, and the veggie roll had a good crunch. For $19 it was a great way to try out most of their rolls. I would get the same platter again. I tried some of Sara's veggie burger. Wow, I'm used to the Gardenburger kind but this one had some interesting tastes. It had this Asian tasting sauce on it. The portion was substantial. Even if its not on the menu they might have it so ask! The free parking for up to 3 hours is a killer deal too. The garage is just a few steps from the restaurant. Bring in your ticket for the validation. I'm looking forward to returning!
(4)
Ismael C.
After more than 20 times going back to this place, even when it used to be called Houston, i have always recomended the place to friends visiting Boston... But last time i went had the worst experience ever, to the point where i felt threated by the bouncer there while leaving the place. Once shouldn't have that after dinning out, if tips are not high it is because they were not deserved. Beginning to end it was a constant that we were neglected by the waitress, no explaining specials, not coming back to check on us, even when glasses were empty for what seemed ages, not coming back to collect the check... Apart from beeing neglected all night by our lousy, shouldn't work facing the public if you are a have an attitude, waitress. Food was only ok (Unlike previous times that I used to dine here over the last three years), I think this place has gotten only worse ever since the name change. PS they have discontinued from the menu the best entree that they had, the pork chop. PS2 I hate reviews that are based on a one bad experience, specially if it is about the service, but I felt obliged to share this with everybody since the experience was so bad that made me decide to not come back to a place I used to love.
(1)
Wei W.
Houston's is a great place to go after work, albeit a little pricey, but it's worth it for the atmosphere and service. The waitstaff are always polite and I still have yet to figure out how they've memorized all the specials of the day. I'm a big fan of their "fall-of-the-bone" ribs, hand-cut French fries, and warm fudge brownie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They have a pretty good selection of wine and beer, and the service hasn't failed me yet. They even come by to refold your napkin when you've stepped away from the table. Overall, great food, fantastic service, pretty chill after-work atmosphere. I love going here for drinks after a stressful day.
(5)
Steph P.
I went here on Valentine's Day with no reservation and a party of 5. Dumb, right? Actually not too bad. The restaurant is larger than it seems and it has a very sexy, plush feel. We waited for about 30 minutes at the bar for our table and each tried a different speciality cocktail. The Dark and Stormy was spicy and full of ginger flavor and the Crisp Martini was just that, with a sharp but not too strong gin flavor. The mojito was too light on the mint though, and had too many chunks- I couldnt drink it until it was strained. We were seated in a corner booth, where we could look out over the whole restaurant. It was kind of fun to watch all of the couples eat in comfortable silence. Bread and water were brought out to the table right away- the bread was hot and fresh. We didn't order apps, but did get the clam chowder which was out of this world. Creamy without being too thick, lovely oyster crackers and bacon on top. Oh man, I was ready to cancel my dinner order and get a couple bowls of that only. For dinner we all ordered something different, but all the plates were delicious. the Thai Steak and Noodle Salad had a great lime, basil and chili flavor. It tasted so fresh. The Club Salad is topped with strips of chicken that are lightly battered and crispy, almost like a tempura. You can request the rotisserie chicken instead if you like. Please note though, the salads are not traditional salads. There is not much green to speak of. If you are trying to watch your calories, I think you would be better off with a lean piece of meat or the rotisserie chicken. There were 4 vegetables of the day to chose from, but I heard nothing else after Brussles Sprouts. Oh my, were they delicious. They had a garlicky buttery sauce on top, and were cooked perfectly (a little al dente). I also had the French Dip, piled high with prime rib and served with horseradish on the side. The bun got a little soggy part way through eating, but the beef was so flavorful. We also ordered the Heavenly Biscuts, served with butter and honey. They were plump and warm and had chives baked right in. The portions were nice, so we had no room for dessert. The food was excellent, the service as well, but I do think it was slightly overpriced. The menu is small, indicating everything was good, but $14 for a burger and $7 for a bowl of soup seems a bit much, even if the food is fantastic. While delicious, I don't think that anyone's mind will be blown conceptually.
(4)
Darien G.
Excellent spot for either a business or upscale casual lunch, and even better for drinks. I've been going here for about 5 years now and it occurred to me I'd never written a review. Service and food are always good. I love their burger. Balance is the key, it's not too heavy on any ingredient or flavor, is always cooked just right. Ribs are also good if you're in the mood for something that requires getting your hands a bit sticky. Excellent desserts too, just all around a very good spot. I'll keep coming as long as they keep delivering the above.
(4)
Rich W.
Love the ribs and great service. Make sure you make reservations
(5)
Andrew G.
This is part of a large, upscale restaurant group (hillstone group) and was formerly named 'Houstons' a couple years back. I am now in Chicago, but find myself missing this great, rock-solid option. Consistency is what made Hillstones a frequent stomping ground for me when I live in downtown Boston. You always knew the service would usually be extremely efficient and the quality of the food/drink was at par with any other upscale spots in back bay or north end. Awesome bar-I love to eat at bars and this one has comfy stools, good people watching(local celts and bruins spotted few times), and a few flat screens at the end to watch the bruins. A solid standby for me always was the ribs and a spicy Malbec or of course some tasty sushi which they serve generous portions of. Perks: -Best martini's around -Sushi offered generous portions, rolls are quite substantial and can hold their own to some level against 'sushi' restaurants -Attentive with food allergies (nuts) Dings: -Had an issue with a salmon special about a year ago, wrote to their website, received a call from the mngr, but never followed up after. It's debatable if it was the food or a long night, but nonetheless that left a bad taste in my mouth and the only reason it's not 5. If your looking for a great after work scene, place to start a night off in town, or a great date spot (booths and intimate lighting) this is a good choice. I'm looking to check out one of their sister restaurants 'Bandera' here in Chicago sometime.
(4)
Roja N.
After living in Boston for a year, I only just stumbled upon Hillstone. It was recommended to me by a coworker who raved about it's food. I went there last week with some friends for dinner and I was astonished by the spectacular food and ambience. Being a vegetarian, I usually am limited but after our lovely waitress (she was perhaps Irish?) recommended the veggie burger, I ordered it and was plesantly surprised by how exceptionally tasty it was. I left delighted with the meal and am excited to come back and try something else on the extensive menu. The food and the fantastic service from our genuinely friendly waitress will definitely bring us back soon
(5)
Stewart o.
Nice meal and service in a nice space. Relaxed. Good selection and variety. I loved the steak and Thai noodle dish.
(4)
Frank W.
Love. Love Love Love. Ok now that i've gotten that out of the way here is my review of Houston's (AKA Hillstone). This place rocks. It's got a great ambiance, has outdoor seating for the summer, and has great food/beer to boot. I love their Asian Salads, their Sushi, and their Specials. I usually enjoy a good special here. They're also great at suggesting beer/wine to you to complement your meal, and their coffee for after the "big dig" is actually decent for dinner coffee. While I can't personally afford to come here every night, it's a great place to go if you're looking to class up your life or take someone special out. I would recommend getting a reservation if you have a large party or if you're going out on Week nights. This is a common hot spot for Financial District foodies. (Myself included) GO!
(5)
Michael H.
I've been to Hillstone's several times, both under it's current name and it's prior identity, Houston's. (Actually preffered the name "Houston's" to "Hillstone's" but I apparently was not consulted about the change.) To me, it's okay, and I'll leave it at that. Hillstone's is a somewhat different sort of restaurant. It's very dimly lit, all the servers wear black, and waitresses have their hair pulled back in a pony tail. All the staff seem to be somewhat robotic (in a Matrix kind-of way); it's almost like they are part of a cult! Nevertheless, what the staff lacks in personality, they easily make up for with their efficiency and attentiveness. As for the menu, expect to find the usual suspects. Salads, steaks, seafood, burgers and chicken (and Sushi?) accompanied by daily specials - which the servers sometimes forget to mention. The appetizer selection is woefully limited and beer selection even more so. I've tried the rotisserie chicken which is good, and ordered some of the salads which did not dissapoint either. Hillstone's serves a good onion soup, too. Actually, the only meal I had at Hillstones that I would not recommend was the chicken tender dinner - it was lousy. Overall, the food is above-average. Prices, for this area of Boston are very reasonable, and portions are generous. Kitchen is easily viewable from the seating area and looks to be immaculate. Be advised that after 6:00 p.m, Hillstone's gets very crowded (regardless of what day it is) and reservations would be recommended. Personally, I actually enjoy lunch at Hillstone's more than dinner. The menu is the same and they don't dim the lighting as much. Ultimately, the way I look at Hillstone's, is that it's like eating at a premium Chili's, Applebees, TGI Friday's, or other type of chain restaurant.
(3)
Elizabeth S.
We went to Hillstone twice on a recent trip to Boston and loved it both times! The first time we went we sat at the bar and just ordered drinks. Very friendly bartender. The next day we went back and ordered the shrimp & macadamia roll, the Osaka pressed sushi, and the Thai tuna roll and it was all wonderful! Some of the best sushi I have ever had. And our waitress was a doll! We will continue to visit this wonderful place!
(5)
Liana K.
We had reservations for 8pm and still had to wait a bit to get seated (around 20 minutes). I had a smoked salmon appetizer for my meal, which surprisingly made for a small light meal. The menu didn't look that impressive. I guess the chic, dark ambiance makes it good for corporate whoredom and dates. However, if you want a high end meal, I agree with the yelper below that there are plenty of other places to go to go to in Boston. The place is nicely located for a walk around the Wharf late on a summer night though.
(3)
Courtney M.
I came in around 2pm to celebrate getting a job with my girlfriend on a weekday. The restuarant was calm and spotted with suited professionals on their lunch meeting breaks. Their sushi is really quite incredible and our server was very non-judgemental of our request for a bottle of champagne! What a better way to celebrate getting a job! It has perfect mood lighting and the bar seems like it would be hopping on any night. I will definitely come again just for their fish sandwich which is to die for. A great spot for groups!
(4)
D H.
I ordered the Hawaiian rib eye steak - medium. The steak was cooked perfectly. The waitress was very attentive. This place is a hidden gem-- figurative and literately.
(4)
S. J.
This place is pretty cool, though your wallet may not always think so. Ahhh, the bittersweet sting of steakhouses where tourists collide with cubical survivors. A mojito here is going to seduce your taste buds and slap you in the liver in all the right ways, but will set you back at least $14 if I remember correctly (it's probably better to forget!)... Do yourself a favor in more ways than one by ordering a pint of Brick Red, the limited edition special brew from Sam Adams only served in select Boston bars (and no, you can't buy it at the liquor store). Steaks here are Grade A Awesome. Doesn't matter if you're ordering the filet, prime rib, or their Hawaiian rib eye. When it comes to sides, there can be only one -- the colossal, loaded baked potato. But beware -- it will lead you astray into that dangerous territory of filling up on starch, cheese, bacon, and sour cream instead of some of the best steak in the city. The menu is kinda small, though, so be sure to check it out before making a reservation (recommended) or waiting an hour if you walk up. I haven't tried their burgers, since that's like going to an ice cream parlor and ordering half a popsicle. Save room for dessert -- the key lime pie is pretty damn good, though I'm pretty sure they've changed their crust in the last year... used to be solid gold. Now it's just gold plated. But the pie filling itself is still not to be missed. Take half that loaded baked potato home if you have to.
(4)
Mark W.
This is a great restaurant....if I had to find a fault, it's underground with no view. However the ambiance, service, and quality make up for it! I also preferred the Houston's name over Hillstone....but that's marketing....I'll probably still call it Houston's. While this is so much more than a burger joint, it's got bar none one of the best cheeseburgers I've ever had. It's the fries, the bun, the cheese, the beef - everything brought together - just a really good burger. But also the sushi, the steaks, the salads are all very good. Oh and for this restaurant with a view, try their Houston's in Pompano Beach....I've been to a dozen Houston's and they're consistently great.
(4)
Randy S.
Two words: Hawaiian Rib-eye. It was succulent, delicious and served with incredible aptitude. My dinner party ordered the sushi as a starter and it was some of the best rolls I have ever had. I ordered the Hawaiian Rib-eye, which I have already commented on; my buddy to the left ordered a chicken that was amazing; and across the table the fish was ordered. Everything was served with impeccable timing and style. The waitress was helpful and knowledgeable. We paired our meal with a bottle of malbec, that although it was overpriced was excellent. I must say their wine list offers an option for everyones' taste-buds. The brownies for dessert brought a perfect end to an incredible meal. The atmosphere was the silent fifth star in this review. It will not disappoint.
(5)
Sara S.
Concerning their veggie burger specifically: it is only on the lunch menu, but you can specifically ask for it for dinner. It comes WITH mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles, unless you ask for something different. It also comes with cheese. See below. Because of the other Yelp reviews, I asked for clarification regarding the veggie burger. I was told the above... except I was not told about the cheese. So when I asked for my veggie burger with BBQ sauce rather than mustard and mayo, and without pickles, I was not expecting a cheese veggie burger. Apparently cheese is a default option, and I was not informed. Not a huge deal, but I would have preferred it without and didn't feel like waiting for it to be fixed. So, if you're someone who likes their burger a specific way, please keep this in mind. It was delicious, just a little annoying I wasn't clearly informed.
(5)
Courtney R.
I arrived at Hillstone's and was immediately intrigued by it's sunken floor layout (you walk downstairs to get into the entrance of the restaurant). While it is in Faneuil Hall, this floor-plan creates an elite, separate atmosphere that puts Hillstone's on another plane. At 8:30 on a weeknight, the bar was buzzing with energy and full of 30 somethings. We enjoyed cranberry-vodkas and the servers were attentive and polite. After an hour or so, we decided on ordering Thai tuna roll which was delicious. The two sauces it came with, as well as the crusted exterior to the roll, were nice compliments to one another.
(4)
Lindsay G.
I have been there nearly once a week for the past year. The staff is amazing. Always on point and amazingly friendly. Since I have been there so many times some of the staff stop by my table or seat at the bar just to say hello and even check-in if it has been some time since they have seen me. As for the menu, my only complaint is that they keep taking the "home smoked salmon" off the menu. It is an amazing dish and can easily be had for a lunch. Everything else I have ever had there (which is nearly everything on their menu) has only ever been absolutely amazing. I love the lounge feel of the whole place. I would love if they had an umbrella stand, or a coat rack for the bar. That would be awesome.
(5)
Laura S.
Great ambiance! It's very busy during lunch/right after work so try and get there a wee bit early. Although they have wonderful ribs, they're not exactly conducive to a business lunch. But you can still feel special by ordering "off menu"---the california burger! They grind their chuck every morning (nooo idea how I know that) and layer the burger with cheese, tomatoes, avocado and other fun things. The fries are spectacular as well. Thin, crispy, perfectly-salted. If you want something a little lighter, I highly suggest getting the inside-out spicy tuna roll salad. The tuna roll is delic (better than sakura bana) and the salad that comes with it is divine. Mango-pickled red onion-cilantro perfectly compliment the spicy flavor of the sushi. yum!
(4)
Who Is K.
This is one of my favorite places to eat. Not only are they consistent but they also pay for your parking!!!! From the sushi to the steak...it is excellence. My boyfriend and I usually start with the caesar salad and then go for one of the specials. Awesome food, awesome atmosphere and great service.
(5)
David B.
I am not really a huge fan of chain restaurants, but due to a combination of being tired and simply wanting some dinner, I went to Houston's. Turned out to be a pleasant experience. The interior vibe is cool, dark and masculine. It feels like the kind of place da Mayor and his cronies would hang out as well as the cool kids who work in the area. The wine list was small but the bar was well stocked. I enjoyed my food but have an issue with this place...the portions were WAY too big. I ordered a dinner salad with my entree of ribs. The dinner salad could have been the entree! The ribs, cole slaw and fries were more reasonable, but there could have been a few nips and tucks as well. Still, the ribs were tender and nicely prepared and I really liked the cole slaw. I also thought the prices were rather high for the kind of food offered. Houston's served its need....I found dinner....but is a place I do not have to return. The North End is just Blocks away! :-)
(3)
Erica B.
this really was not good. We were here for a party, had a reservation. Staff wound up dividing our group into two booths and a table - across the room from one another! Had I not been invited to the Hillstone, I would not have gone. ordinary, rote, bland barely elevated from banal chain-restaurant fare. sushi was horrendous, firmly-packed, pre-made kind of stuff. light on the fish, heavy on the mayo and other weird contents. All rolls, about $15 each and not good. Ours is a coastal city, we can easily get fresh sustainable seafood and prepare it right. This was not. drinks small and VERY expensive (and I am a Boston native, not at all buggered by the cost of living here like many tourists - but $14 for a bottle of light beer? seriously?). Server was giving us the very rehearsed specials, etc. and then disappeared. Never mentioned the price of a friend's entree (it was $30 for a 5 oz cut of fish and 4 asparagus spears - he was quite surprised at the bill!). I asked for mustard, it never came. I asked for pickles on the side, no pickles on my plate at all. She later poured water in my beer glass (why do they use the same size glass?), and cleared my dinner while I was still eating it (and didn't wrap up my leftovers) - but it didn't matter, since given the size of our party (over 6), an 18% gratuity was automatically added to the full, post-tax bill. I mean no disrespect to them, but I think the positive reviews about the food must be from people who don't go out much or are tourists from places with fewer dining options. We are fortunate to have a great many far far superior places to eat in Boston. one point of praise - the veggie burger itself is really good. the anemic ice-cold fries served with it? not so much. There is no reason whatsoever to go to Hillstone. Basically, the place is a classed-up Friday's at four times the price. I'd rather have a microwaved bagel, at least I'd get to finish it.
(1)
Linda T.
The best thing about this place is the fact that you can get fresh fruit juice in your cocktails. Makes all the difference when you love gray goose greyhounds. This is definitely a fun place to be after work on a Thursday or Friday in Boston financial district. Its easy to get through and the ambiance is definitely chic!!! The bar fair is pretty good. At least better then the Houston's in Houston, TX. They have a great sushi menu. I recommend the vegetable roll and the Thai tuna roll. YUM!!!!!!!!! The cool part of this place is that the bar opens out to the little outside patio. Great for meeting friends and on a warming and sunny day!!!! Miss HOUSTONS!!!!
(4)
Caitlin A.
Oh, Houston's. Why do you make me crave you every fortnight? On paper, I shouldn't like you. You're a chain. After 5, you fill with goofballs in suits and executive assistant chicks, still carrying the Sketchers they walked to work in. You're a little over priced for what you are. But oh, your chili. And your red bean soup. I love your fries. I love that tourists are a little intimidated by you. They thankfully end up eating at Dick's Last Resort and stumbling out, flushed faced and wearing white paper-tablecloth-turned-pope hats, which never cease to remind me of the KKK. But no one gets paper hats in you, Houston's. And I like that. I love your super friendly bartenders and waitstaff. I love that mere seconds after ordering chips and salsa, they appear in front of me. I love that your bar is a large oval, so that I can sit on one side and watch the after workers try to pick up each other on the opposite side. They usually fail. But sometimes -sometimes they succeed. And you know what, Houston's? I believe they have you to thank.
(4)
Casey H.
Very good BBQ ribs that fall right off the bone.
(3)
Molly M.
My friends and I went here on a Friday later in the evening. It was crowded but still had room to be seated at the table. Drinks were delicious. We didn't really need entrees so we got the loaded baked potato- holy yum! Delicious. Shout out to our server Patrick, who had to put up with 4 silly women but he did it all with a smile. Thanks!
(4)
Liz V.
Over priced? You get what you pay for. Yes, I pay $15.00 for a glass of my favorite red wine, yes I pay $32.00 for a steak that melts in my mouth and HELL yes I pay $12.00, hell I'd even pay $200.00, for that spinach artichoke appetizer. Houston's is like going home. The low ceiling with exposed beams, dark wood accents, candle light and cigar smoking on the patio makes it my heaven. It is expensive but you get what you pay for. I've dined many nights alone at the bar yet I am not the 40 single woman fellow yelper Nicholas S. speaks of but still there are people at the bar that are friendly, make for good company and conversation so I never feel alone in this city. I love you Houstons!
(5)
Janet E.
I love this place. I've been here over a handful of times and their Thai Steak & Noodle salad never fails me. Its so delicious! I get it almost everytime I come here. My friend ordered the clam chowder (because there isnt enough of that in Boston). She wasnt too happy that they had put bacon and crackers in it before it arrived at the table. Just a forewarning to those that like their clam chower plain. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was just right.
(4)
M d.
Visited Houston's for lunch on a quiet Saturday, a few weeks ago. What a disappointment. Won't be eating there again of my own volition! The food? It was ok. At those prices, though, I did not see the value. The service? Here's why I give it one star instead of the three I could give it based on food alone: upon entering the restaurant, the host humiliated me in front of my friends by ordering me to take my hat off. I was wearing a rather understated scally cap, which I had no idea would offend; but I obliged, not wishing to importune my friends and stand in the way of their food. Imagine my ire, however, when - upon leaving the restaurant - I noticed no less than FOUR other patrons wearing hats around the restaurant, happily eating their meals. I felt arbitrarily discriminated against by this bigoted establishment, particularly since one of the other hats being worn was a rather prominent fedora on a guy's head and the another was a typical baseball hat with its female wearer's pony tail sticking out of the back. Classy. If you have a no-hat policy, don't make your customers feel bad about their style choices - and enforce the policy consistently, or don't bother having a policy.
(1)
Bret C.
Houston's is a great place to have a drink and has an outstanding location. It's clean and modern. But the food is not anything overly special. It's verrrrry pricey for what you get and it's just "okay." I've got to say that every single person I talked to that worked there was incredibly nice and courteous - hard to find that at most places in Boston!
(3)
Joe D.
Excellent service, the menu has a very good selection and is not too pricey considering the location and quality of the food. The ambiance and decor make it an unforgetful dining experience.
(5)
Dave W.
While I agree that this is upscale chain and a bit pricy....the food is great and the place is spotless. Considering some of the other choices in Boston, I love Hillstone.
(5)
Ashley H.
This place has a great atmosphere but we felt like we were rushed the entire time. We arrived a little early for our reservation hoping to get a drink at the bar but then just ended up getting seated. One waiter greeted us and took our drink order and a different waitress ended up taking our order. We ordered an app and before we finished the app it was taken away because our dinner was ready. Then while we were eating 6 people asked if they could take our dishes. It is nice to have attentive service but there is a fine line between attentive and annoying and this place definitely crossed the line. I wish the experience was better because this would be a nice place to go, but we will not go back.
(3)
Stacey H.
Here's what makes Houston's great: 1. Large bar with open-air seating - on a warm day they open the windows. The bar is huge and there is also outdoor seating. 2. Cozy booths - good for large groups, classy atmosphere (although I don't agree with the weather vane decor). 3. Fancy bathrooms - I'm a sucker for clean bathrooms, especially in busy restaurants. Houston's bathrooms are super clean - which shows they care. 4. Fantastic service - Our waitress was above and beyond excellent. So was the bartender and the host. 5. Amazing cuisine - Even though we only had lunch I can honestly say that the wild rice salad and asparagus was the best I've ever had. My date's Roast Beef Au Jus sandwich was also hands down amazing. It was a little pricey - but honestly, with that type of service, location and great food I can't really complain. I'll be going back for more!
(4)
Chrissy H.
As a rule, I try not to go to chain restaurants. I always leave disappointed. However, Houston's is the exception. I love it! I'm a creature of habit so I'll often get the same thing on the menu (Thai Steak & Noodle salad & Chicken Finger platter). They accommodate you if you would like to change up the order (which I do often since I'm slightly picky). I ALWAYS have leftovers when I order the Chicken Finger platter. So while it's expensive, it's really two meals in one. One thing to keep in mind is that they also have a secret menu and two items that I've been meaning to try are: California Burger and Club Salad. They look amazing. The ONLY reason I'm giving it four stars is because of the drink prices. They are ridiculous for the size of the drink. I would prefer to grab a cheap drink in one of the other bars in Fan Hall than to order a $10+ drink. Other than that, I love it here and would certainly recommend.
(4)
Meghan P.
We used to head into Boston from Cambridge just for Houston's amazing Cobb salads. My college roommate from Atlanta, Georgia always claimed that Houston's was like a taste of home. She typically led the escapades into Boston for dinner... The food is delicious and the prices are reasonable too. For some reason, while Houston's is a chain, the menu seems to vary a lot nationally. I actually prefer the items on the San Francisco menu but the great quality and friendly service is the same. Please expect to wait for a table but you can always enjoy a glass of wine at the bar until it's your turn for a table...
(4)
Jackie G.
It's a little pricey but the food and drink is amazing. It took a really long time to be seated but it was definitely worth it. We waited at the bar but the hostess was really rude to my friend when she asked 30 minutes later (when told it would only be a 20 minute wait) how much longer. The bartender was also kinda bitchy. Other than that the food and drinks were delicious.
(4)
Jen H.
I truly like Houstons. It's in Faneuil Hall so going in I was expecting lots of tourists... but was pleasantly surprised to find that was not the case. Our waiter was really nice, service was up to par, and the food was made well. We didn't have a reservation and didn't have to wait in line for a table, as we came for an early dinner. The feel of this restaurant is slightly more upscale than other venues around the F.H. area, so I liked that as an option... and despite it's F.H. location this is a venue I would voluntarily go to over many others in the nearby vicinity if hunger strikes.
(4)
Jennifer B.
This is my favorite restaurant in Boston. I love the ambiance there, and the food has always been delicious. My favorite is the Evil Jungle Thai Steak Salad. Also, their filet is excellent when you want a treat and can afford it. They have the best French Dip I've ever had. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because I went there recently and they increased their prices. They don't have any wine choices for under $10 any more! They used to be $7 -$9 for a glass of wine, which is pricey, but not unreasonable. But I will not pay $10 or more for a glass when I can pay that for a decent bottle. Also, I'm not a huge fan of their beer offerings. So: Food=excellent, drinks = sub-par and overpriced
(4)
Erin G.
Stopped by Houston's for an early dinner (530) and though I had a reservation, there were plenty of open tables and we were seated immediately. our service was really professional and warm which is so refreshing for a chain. atmosphere: a little too dark and the banquettes felt super low to the ground, our server towered over us, or at least it felt that way. i ordered the veggie burger, my date ordered the raquet club sandwich, and both were fully enjoyed. Houston's price to portion ratio is even too. It's a good meal, very beef-oriented, so vegetarians take heart. update: i've been back here so i guess i like the place well enough! the sashimi tuna salad is out of this world with huge chunks of avocado and mango. you should also have a few margaritas, they are tasty and refreshing.
(4)
Mary D.
Went to Houston's on a Friday night around 7:30 pm. Without reservations, which I am not sure they take, the wait was about 45 minutes to an hour. The bar was packed, with mostly 20-somethings right from work. Managed to get seats at the bar and decided to eat there. Had the spinach & artichoke dip to start - good, but not great. For dinner, I had the steak and noodle salad, which was just ok. Husband had the steak special, which he declared to be the best steak he has ever had. Good size portions. Bartender was great - talkative and helpful. Chef delivered food to us, which was impressive. Overall, experience was good, but I may be too old for that bar scene. Too loud and crowded.
(3)
Andrea A.
You just can't go wrong here. Everything is always fresh, from the ground beef, to the biscuits to the fries. Forget the burger at the Four Seasons-- Hillstone has it beat by a mile. Spinach dip is addicting, their ribs fall off the bone. It can get pretty crowded at lunch time, so plan accordingly. The after-work bar scene feels like a meat market, so avoid it if that's not your thing.
(4)
Josh P.
Excellent veggie burger and great atmosphere.
(5)
Christine L.
Best veggie burger in town! Recently tried Sushi. Good but not outstanding.
(4)
Traci M.
Get our your wallet cuz it ain't cheap here. Cheesebuger 14 Fish Sandwich 17 ________________ 2 sodas+ 20% tip=$46 The food is great. The service is excellent. But the pricess are crazy and the menu is VERY limited!
(4)
Nathan B.
Great vegetarian burgers and sushi. Steps away from Faneuil Hall. Dine in an elegant setting. Excellent service.
(5)
Jay D.
Ate here this afternoon. It was the first time for all at the table except one. We all tried the Pork Ribs which were delicious, and will again be delicious i'm sure as lunch at work tomorrow. Oh will my work peeps be jealous. :-) The clam chowder was excellent, while the Cheddar Toast was bleh. The 4 nut brownie was also excellent. I wish i still worked in the financial district to check out their Happy Hour which i hear about all too often. Our main server was adorable(Jessie) as were most of the girls on this afternoon. I think we were helped by 4 different servers which was refreshing to see that level of teamwork in a spot where most bills will easily head north of 3 figures very quickly.
(4)
Wendy L.
I know it's a chain, but I love it. The fish and meats are really good, and the spinach and artichoke dip is divine. Boo on no reservations for large parties...but I guess it didn't stop us from waiting it out!
(5)
Jessica A.
I love Houston's! The thai steak and noodle salad is killer. The waitstaff are some of the friendliest servers you'll encounter in Boston. Great service, impeccable food.
(5)
Denise L.
Went for drinks with some friends. Let me start by saying the place was not busy at all and there were 3 bartenders at the bar chatting it up. Took a half hour to get two martinis and had to send one back because it was a gin martini when my friend asked for a vodka martini. My SO ordered a bombay sapphire and tonic, our waitress came back and said they didn't have bombay. So when asked what the alternatives were, she started listed vodkas. She didn't know what the difference was and admitted it. When he finally decided on what gin he wanted, another server brought it over and said "who ordered the bombay and tonic?" They just told us they didn't have bombay - he asked for extra lime but there was no lime in the drink and when asked the server said "I saw the bartender squeeze lime in in there did you also want a piece of lime?" Seriously? As it turned out the tonic water was flat so he sent it back and stuck with water. Never again
(1)
Natalia T.
pricey, but very tasty! if you're willing to pay $14 for a burger, you won't be dissapointed! it's juicy, delicious and something I crave every week now ;) Something as simple as chicken ceasar was also very very good ... the dressing was mixed in there, and the chicken was very very tender and nicely marinaded. $14 tuna roll didn't really live up to be worth $14 ... I think they should get rid of sushi, it's a little too much for a bar staff is not always great, you might get a grumpy one once in a while :(
(5)
R A.
Everything I've had here has been great. Despite being a chain, it doesn't have that feel. Their service was excellent and the food was very well prepared and portioned. They are really lacking in their cocktail variety, but they have excellent mojitos.
(4)
Amanda D.
I go to this bar every couple weeks for after work drinks. I think it is one of the best places in Boston to go for a drin. it is definitely nice in the summer when they have the front glass doors open. Granted, it can get a bit crowded every now and again, but for me it is worth it. Although the food menu is a little small, I have eaten here numerous times and have always loved it. The salads are awesome, steaks great, soups lovely. Why not stop on by!?
(4)
Eric A.
One of my favorite restaurant's in the country. The atmosphere is cool, the food is delicious, and the waitstaff is nice.
(4)
Jen C.
My friend and I ended up have a late lunch at Houston's yesterday. It was a beautiful day out, so we wanted to sit outside. When we arrived, we managed to get the last outside table, but the place was't packed, which made the atmostphere relaxing and people watching fantastic. Our waitress was attentive and knowledgeable. She knew the wines by the glass and even how they were fermented. She brought us our wine and water, and the two of us basically chugged our water. She saw this, and then brought over a carafe of water, filled our glasses and left us the water, without asking. My friend had the French Dip and said it was really good. I had the Hickory burger that was delicious. The buttered grilled bun put it over the top. Skinny, cruchy fries accompanied each of our meals and were yummy. What's funny is that after we finished our meals, my friend and I were still talking about how the water tasted so good. It was cold, but not too cold, and no ice. We laughed that we would write a review and say the food was good, but the water was great!
(4)
Susan M.
I love this restaurant! Every meal that you get is delicious and get an A on presentation every time. They have a small menu but with a variety of choices there is someothing for everyone. There sushi is delicious and always fresh, overall every experience I've had here has been fantastic! The ambiance is great, somewhat romantic with the dim lighting, and a great place to go after work to sit at the bar for drinks. I love going in the fall/spring to sit outside or at the bar right infront of the open doors!
(5)
Alphonse C.
Hillstone, formerly called Houston's is my go to for lunch or dinner when I have a few extra bucks in my pocket. Its tucked away in Faneuil hall Hall and has a big after work business crowd which I try to avoid. I must say the California rolls there are by far probably the best I've ever had and its not even a Japanese restaurant !! Go figure? Also the Hawaiian Rib eye is cooked to perfection served with a loaded baked to potato to die for. (only served for dinner which is annoying BTW). I prefer to sit at the bar, though the bartenders looked a bit stressed often and not that on the ball for such a corporate environment. Though eating in the dinning room is really nice, each table is very private and comforting. There's also an open air kitchen which always brings a nice level of excitement to a restaurant. I always like to see who cooking :) The servers are prompt and all work together at your table which is different and unique. Though I prefer to have one server generally when dining, its a bit impersonal there with that approach.
(4)
Stephen Y.
We only stayed at the bar - difficult to get a seat even on a week night but kinda worth it. Food was surprisingly good (benefits of being associated with a real restaurant). Highly highly recommend the chicken tender and the sushi was pretty decent as well. Expect to pay a bit of a premium for food, however.
(4)
Josh P.
As a former restaurant worker (bartender), I can say that one of the easiest ways to gauge the quality of an establishment is to look at the servers. If they are smiling and seem happy to be there, chances are you're at a good restaurant. Applying this standard, as I always do, I was very encouraged when I walked into Houston's on a recent Sunday night. On the short walk from the entrance to my table, a very comfy booth in the back, I was greeted by smiling face after smiling face. And, my old test proved itself accurate once again. The atmosphere is hip and comfortable without being pretentious, the service was flawless and the food was delicious. I will certainly be going back.
(5)
Roxanne M.
The rows of wide red booths make it a comfy place to meet with friends and linger a while. Make a reservation if you're there on a weekend night, and plan to share the spinach/artichoke dip. As a vegetarian, there weren't too many options for me, but if you eat fish that opens up your options as it (surprisingly) has sushi mixed in with the other offerings. It's a little pricey but that's to be expected in this part of town.
(3)
Alex L.
Houston's is awesome! Everything on the menus is fantastic. The service is always great, but wait a minute... I only gave them 3 stars... Why IS that? Oh that's right EVERYTHING on the menu is at least $5 more than any other Houston's Restaurant in the entire US. I don't care that their rent is extremely high, they are so busy ALL THE TIME that they could afford to be cheaper. That's the biggest reason I don't frequent this restaurant. In Dallas, I LOVE this place. Here, it's like... Ok take the T for 45 minutes, or drive downtown and pay for $25 parking, so either way it sucks to get there, then I have to shell out an extra $5 on whatever I want to eat there. It just bothers the hell out of me. Anyways, I'll probably end up going this week anyway because I've been craving the French Dip like crazy.
(3)
sarah k.
Very much one of my absolute favorite restaurants! The atmosphere is perfect and you really do not want much more than to stay and enjoy the food and drinks, along with the service that does not try to push you away. My only slight criticism I have for Hillstone is with regards to their once outstanding rib entree. Every now and then, the restaurant switches up their menu a bit but the change made 6 months ago is awful. The meal was consistently delicious; ribs laid out as one with the perfect amount of sauce but still able to taste the flavorful pork. Now, they are stacked and smothered in sauce. Needless to say, I sent the dish back and will never order it again. I didn't even know there was meat under it. Some of these changes just seem to reflect a way to cut costs in making their food.
(4)
Jackie D.
We were told that our wait for a table was going to be 25-30 minutes, but it ended up being over an hour. Normally not an issue as we got drinks at the bar, however, I was particularly hungry this Saturday night and was displeased by the unexpectedly excessive wait. Would've got an app at the bar had we known. The host also confused us for another party and got our hopes up, said he'd check on our name but never did. The bar tenders were very busy but did acknowledge us and eventually got to our drinks, a non-issue. When we sat a girl took our drink order but never actually got our drinks and a second waitress came over who ended up serving us. Service was just mediocre which is why I feel as though I can't give Houston's more than 3 stars. However, our food was amazing! We had an eel sushi app, something I've never had before but actually loved. And my juicy steak was cooked perfectly! Wish I could give it at least one more star for the delish food, but the overall experience was just OK. I would go again though, but think next time it will be on a weeknight or a time when it's less busy.
(3)
Emily C.
I basically joined Yelp to write a review on this restaurant. I had such a terrible experience here with the service that it convinced me I would not be returning. I had ordered a pork dish that was quite large. The waiter literally tried to take the dish away from me, with plenty of meat left on it, over five times when I was still eating. Eventually he resorted to sending different waitstaff over to actually clear our plates as I had probably scared him with my sharp words. I understand this is not fine dining, but there has to be some standard to not grab peoples' plates out from under them when they are eating. He even tried to take one of our bottles of wine away from us before it was finished! I know it sounds dramatic, but I truly was appalled at the service. We had probably the best table in the house, I understand they want to turn it over, but we were a group of 5 ordering bottles of wine, drinks, main courses. The service was incredibly inappropriate for any dining-out experience. Since the food was just OK, the horrible service stood out the most for the 1 star rating.
(1)
Nic A.
Houston's is fast becoming one of my go-to restaurants. The other reviews have pretty much said it all: This place is one of the few "good chains" around. Go here! Eat, drink, and be merry.
(4)
jenny c.
I don't ever recall devouring a burger so tasty,, I came here by referral and soon came to find out that this place Rocks! I pass by here to work every morning and I finally ended up getting myself over with a couple co-workers.. Great food, and a nice atmosphere.. Great location as well, right next to the train stop.. and the rest of faneuil hall.
(4)
Sophia C.
Delish. I always try my best to find something vegan on any menu in the hopes that I will not be a complete pain in the ass. I ordered the veggie burger at Houston's - the waitress very nicely took my order and I told her I wanted a veggie burger, but no cheese, butter - I cannot have dairy. When she left, the chef came to our table and made sure that nothing had dairy in it for me - even the bread. After millions of times telling a restaurant that I cant have dairy, then spending a night being sick - (all vegans eventually become lactose-intolerant, usually about a month or so or strictly no dairy in the diet) - Houston's was a nice change. I had a lovely experience and wasnt sick after - what a concept!! ****** The veg burger I orderd today was covered in mayo and butter after I asked for no dairy. Houston's, we have have a problem.
(4)
Sam C.
This is a good dependable place in faneuil hall for drinks and dinner. Good salads, burgers, wine list. Just didn't understand why they opened our bottle of wine before bringing it to the table. I don't think anyone should ever do that. But for an area of Boston severely lacking in decent places to eat this would be my top choice.
(3)
Peter R.
Everything here was very good. The food was tasty, and the menu had a good selection of casual "American" food. I had a fish sandwich, and my friend had chicken tenders. Don't expect to be wowed though, the lunch was good, but still in the "ordinary" range. The server was helpful and friendly. I was at the restaurant in the late afternoon, so it wasn't very crowded and entrees came out quickly. The prices are a bit steep for what you get, but considering it's location that's not surprising (read: it's a little bit of a tourist trap). It's still a better deal than a lot of places in Faneuil Hall (which are all tourist traps). The decor is tasteful and original. It's a little dark (and slightly subterranean), but certainly not in an unpleasant way.
(3)
Ame k.
we went on sat around 1pm, no wait, the service is ok but the veggie burger is the "bomb" and i dont use this term, my coworker did. we (4 ppl) order the veggie burger, it was the best thing i ever tasted.
(5)
Melissa B.
I highly recommend this place for a nicer lunch, but go early because there's always a wait and they won't seat you unless your whole party is there (even w/ a res). Wonderful service as well.
(3)
Matt W.
Yes, it used to be the location of Houlihan's. Not unlike the overwhelming smell of human urine outside Grotto, this fact about Houston's former tenant should not sway your decision to enter. This bunker-like, slightly subterranean location is just the right setting for a unique, Frank Lloyd Wright-esque experience. The service is professional, and team driven. The food is subjected to the "We are near Quincy Market" Tourist Mark-up, but it's absolutely worth it. What to order? The Knife and Fork Ribs. Completely fall-off-the-bone-melt-in-your-mouth fantastic. If you go for dinner, wait till a later hour to avoid the after work drinkers. Reservations are recommended, but the bar is a great place to people watch if you just want to drop in. For those of you (like me) that become addicted to the ribs, and live nearby; They do not do To-Go orders. Great place to bring out of town friends who insist on doing dinner near Quincy Market. (however, I would suggest that you purge your life of such friends as soon as they are on the plane). UPDATE 8/15/06: Recently we visited this establishment again. Friends came from Legal Sea Food to meet up with us at the end of our meal. It was 9:55 and they closed at 10. The server said that she could probably serve them 1 round of drinks (we didn't even plan on that, but were happy she offered). Our 3 friends arrived and the manager stopped them with "We're closed." They said they were meeting us, to which he replied "We're closed." He finally let them by when I came to the front. As the server greeted them and asked if they wanted a drink, the manager came to the table, took the server away, and she returned a moment later stating, "Since you are at a table and not ordering food, my manager said you cannot have a drink." My wife and I just finished a great meal, only to have our friends insulted by the ass manager. How would this affect the price of friggin tea in China if they had 1 beer while waiting us to finish our meal??? As we left, he was locking the revolving door (it was 10:05PM). He grunted "Use the other door" as we approached. Now that's class.... without the "cl". THE FATAL FLAW OF HOUSTONS. THEY HAVE UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME FOOD, BUT A CORPORATE EDICT WHICH GIVES THEIR MANAGERS AN ARROGANT SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT. I AM GOING TO HAVE TO REDUCE THIS REVIEW TO 4 STARS, NOW. Damn you manager!
(4)
Joel S.
Would definitely come back. The fish was very fresh and tasty. Service was impeccable, and cute. Bar staff was good, there's an outdoor patio which is nice and the decor inside was pleasing. Prices are, well, pricey, but the expense report works well. They even had the yankee/sox game on TV which was a nice touch, too bad the score wasn't.
(4)
Carolina L.
This is a great place to go and have a nice dinner.. the food is soo good.. everything i had was incredible the ribs are exquisite the soups too.. and the desserts waooo.. if you are looking for a nice and good restaurant this is the perfect one..
(5)
Jayashree P.
Incredible atmosphere and great service. They serve the best veggie burger in the world that you must have with a side of the most perfect coleslaw. After work the bar can get crowded, but worth a visit.
(4)
Rebecca C.
I definitely love Houston's. It all started when I tried their banana creme pie for the first time. (I believe it's a seasonal dish, be patient if they don't have it...try for it next time). Someone brought it for me to go after their lunch. It was the highlight of my day. Now, I think I've tried nearly everything on the menu. The ribs are truly "the best" ribs I've ever had. They're better than Red Bones! The Tuna Sashimi Salad is truly incredible, as is the Evil Thai Jungle Salad. The service is a bit strange. Generally you get one server who takes your order, but what feels like 12 other servers bringing your food, drinks, etc. So you don't get that camraderie with your server if you enjoy that part of it. Which I do. But other than that, we haven't had a bad experience there. The biggest shortfall of Houston's is the booths. It restricts the number of people you can have sitting at one table. And all they have are booths. No regular tables. So you really and truly can't have a party bigger than 6 or 7 people, unless you want to sit at separate tables...done that too. Not so fun.
(4)
Lala L.
Never had a bad meal here. It's a steak house, but their salads are damn good! Also, do get the baby back ribs...they're juicy and falls off the bone. There may be a long wait on the weekends, and parties more than five/six is not a good idea here. (depending on how tall you peeps are)
(4)
Laura L.
Not really a fan of this place. Maybe because I am a college student but it seemed to business professional type of atmosphere. I have been in there two times once for drinks and the other for dinner. Both weren't bad but definitely pricey. I guess its great for an after work cocktail...
(4)
sunny n.
A decent average place to hang out for drinks and some snacks in the financial district..they make some mean cocktails..the martinis are dam good...the menu is a mixed bag w/ some great items like the Georgian Cod, the Vegetarian Burger...whereas other items can dissapoint....and the service is jus alrite ...I just find too many people helping you out (hostess, person to get your first drink, then waitress) so that kinna confuses me a bit. ..call me ol fashioned if u will but I like to deal with one person once seated..and an occasional check in from the hostess is very charming yet hard to find.......the crowd is a mix of young and some ol.....Comfy leather seating and dim lighting is perfect...located in an almost semi basement venue..with slick low ceilings..and bang outside Fanuel HalI is very cool....I would personally prefer an odd time of the day to go here..because I usually don't like places where many people show up from an office after work..and with Boston's downtown area lacking diversity it just automatically makes it less appealing for me...!
(3)
Cindy C.
Fantastic place to grab lunch or drinks after work. My favorite thing on the menu is the spicy tuna roll salad. I have dreams about that salad. Burgers are delicious, and the fries are unbelievable. Can't go wrong with the spinach & artichoke dip. The restaurant is always busy in the summer. There is some stiff competition, but Houstons is definetly one of the best choices in Faneuil Hall. It can get a little dark in there sometimes, but everything is delish!
(4)
Ryan B.
This is one of my favorite places in Boston, the food is unreal. My wife lives for the chicken tender salad, and the burgers are THE BEST IN BOSTON. Only problem, the service is a joke. I don't get it, we live right in the hood so go all the time, and every freakin time there are a million people in black waiter/waitress outfits walking around, but none of them seem to come to our table. The last two times I have been, we have literally had to walk up to the counter to find our waitress to order something, and both times have had to had our orders fixed since they screwed it up. Very disappointing service, but food is great. Scene sucks by the bar with the financial losebags hanging out every night acting like they own the place.
(2)
Ankita d.
For the longest time, I'd only known Houston's as a bar. But teh food is surprizingly amazing. I had a great roasted squash dish that was unique and so yum. Great drinks and great atmosphere
(4)
Kathryn B.
Went here recently for drinks after work. This place was okay. It wasn't very busy when I got there, but the hostess was rather snippy about sitting me before my friends arrived. The service was decent and the drinks were good but overpriced. My friend ordered the tortilla soup and wasn't that impressed. The waitress was very helpful in determining what items were gluten free, although nothing I wanted was. Would meet people for drinks here again, but probably wouldn't be the one to suggest it.
(3)
Kelly W.
I love Houston's! The spinach and artichoke dip and grilled chicken salad are my favorites. The drinks are a little pricey.
(4)
Rebecca Y.
Great for after work drinks and a meeting spot to grab a bite with a friend. Although the burgers are expensivo - yum.
(4)
Jesse N.
I was first introduced to Houston's by my friend Marisa, who couldn't get over how classy this restaurant is. I agree with her. houston's serves fancy American food, my favorite of which being the cobb salad. This is a great place to meet up with friends after a long day at work. The ambience provides for a quiet and comfortable setting for relaxation and ease. A great place for a weekend lunch.
(4)
Brandy S.
I like this place - one of the few places in Fanuel that is worth going to and probably won't be filled with tourists. While it is great to grab a drink, the food is also delicious. I had an excellent fillet there that has the quality of a steakhouse, but was not quite as expensive.
(4)
Brian G.
I love this place. The California Burger is heaven in every bite. The burger has fresh avocado, pepper jack cheese and the perfect bun. They let you have the choice of fries, which are good but not unreal, and cole slaw which is the second best cole slaw I have ever had in my life. That is saying alot because I am a huge cole slaw fan and the only place I ever had gotten better cole slaw was from a high end deli in Walnut Creek, CA. They also have Pacifico Mexican Beer which is not easy to find and it is the best beer in the world, I have the gut to prove it. I would love to say that I have tried everything on the menu but when I go there I have to get the burger but I have had a few of their appetizers and they are quite good. I recommend the fire roasted artichoke. I also have gotten there hot fudge sundae and let me tell you its the perfect way to end a meal. Houston's may seem pricey with the burger being $15 dollars but you can pay 11 for a sub-par burger down the street at a tourist trap like Cheers. When you want to treat yourself, go to Houston's.
(5)
Mark T.
Great food and atmosphere. Perfect place for a quick lunch with colleagues or clients. During the week, try arriving at 11:45 or there will be a long wait for a table!
(5)
Phil B.
A weird experience here. The place is cavernous with a 70s feel of velour and booths. We had to wait for a table and stand in the bar for quite a while. The greeting staff were not friendly and that was the start of a night of poor service. Once seated, we were harrassed from the start by a waitress who seemed to be speaking an alien language (we nodded and smiled). The food we ordered was pretty average - my haddock was good (if a little small and not with much love), Mrs B's salmon nothing to write home about. Everything was brought to our table in a virtual stampede of waiting staff - at one point four people were working our table simultanously. Despite the fact that the place was emptying out on a Sunday night we were pretty much harrassed out of there in less time than we waited for the table. Given the prices they charge, I would expect much, much better.
(2)
bex g.
good place for a very yummy dinner. hearty meals and nice presentation. not a standout place for drinks or hangout though -- much more of an older crowd. there isn't anything particularly wrong with it, just that there are so many other better choices in the area. but definitely worth a try or two.
(4)
Aunt Selma g.
My tuna salad was good but i give it a three for an unimaginitave menu and a hideous decor.
(3)
Jill M.
This restaurant is great and never fails to please. It's a huge after work spot, so you'll see quite a few people at the bar during happy hour. The food is delicious. I recommend the chicken ceasar salad, the clam chowder, and if you need some meat on your bones the filet mignon is amazing. They have a pretty good wine selection but they are lacking a little bit in the liquor department. My roommate is always disappointed because they don't have SoCo. If you're planning to make a meal of it at Houston's, be prepared to break the bank a bit.
(4)
Anthony A.
The old Houston's. Cool lay out, large bar ( if there's a wait it makes it much easier), and great food. I like the atmosphere at hill stone; the noise level was average, the crowd was young professionals and the food choice was wide ( burgers to sushi). I got the center cut filet and had no complaints!
(4)
Daisy C.
I didn't know what to give "Hillstone". A two or a three. Pricey! That's that. The menu changes often, which was a bad thing for me. Because when the chicken sandwich was taken out, I was out that door to never return. The interior is warm and you'll feel out of place if you're not wearing something more...I don't know...business wear. The menu is small, not a lot of option (to some, this may be a good thing). I think "Hillstone" is more for business meetings (where the company picks up the tab). Once more, it is pricey.
(3)
Meghan C.
This is one of my favorites. Very solid food. You can't misorder here: everything is good. Perfect for a business lunch or after work drinks. It's trendy and not the cheapest spot, but always a great time. For being in Faneuil, it actually isn't very touristy. I'm disappointed that the spicy tuna salad is no longer on the menu. Sushi pieces are HUGE, so ask to have them cut small, and you'll get normal sized pieces. Best bartender in Boston! Chris is friendly, helpful, and makes a great drink.
(4)
Sarah M.
This is one of my favorite local spots. The food is consistently good as is the service. It does get busy on the weekends so I would recommend making a reservation but they are on Open Table so that's easy enough. I've been here with friends and on a date and it's great for either one. The drinks are always good too. My friends and I come here often because we are never disappointed.
(4)
Joan C.
Wow. Totally unexpected. Atmosphere was contemporary and clean. Nice woodwork. The food was great... Had the pork chop, and a bite of my dinner mates Hawaiian, tenderloin, and some other cut. Everything was good! Desserts were yummy too. We'll definitely be back.
(5)
Della G.
I am glad to see that Hillstone has mostly good reviews here. I think this is an excellent restaurant, and one of the most underrated in Boston. Upscale casual with consistently wonderful food and service. The menu has nice variety from great sushi, salads and seafood to one of the best prime ribs in town. They pour a great drink and have some excellent selections on the wine list. I can't say enough about how well everyone who works there pays attention to each table, and is always checking to be sure everyone has what they need. Nobody is over bearing and they seem to train their staff to be just professional and friendly enough. Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, very cool and comfortable.
(4)
O W.
My family and I love this place. Food is fantastic and service is top notch. Several members of the wait staff treat us so warmly every time we visit. My son has several allergies so one of the head chefs , James, always comes out to make sure my little guy is taken care Of. We love this place! My only complaint is one of the managers. Not mentioning any names but she is grumpy and has on several occasions killed my buZz by making some nasty comment. Everyone can't be wonderful and pleasant. Despite this managers grumpy behavior, I highly recommend this place. Food And service is excellent.
(4)
Jules C.
We were extremely loyal regulars at Houstons for years. The house-smoked salmon appetizer was not to be missed! Also, the grilled chicken sandwich and the spicy tuna sushi salad with the awesome salad and awesome sushi. The thing that really kept us coming back was the extremely friendly and knowledgeable service (they actually used to bring us a fresh chilled glass when our martinis started to get warm) and one of my favorite atmospheres anywhere. Good music for dining(soft jazz), not too loud to have a conversation and some separation from other diners in the booths. Not to mention the validated parking - perfect! We brought our friends, we were there like clockwork. Sometime in the last few years, I don't know what happened - it all went away. Now the smoked salmon and the grilled chicken sandwich are gone (in addition to a few other favorites), the spicy tuna salad is unrecognizable. and much more expensive, and the service - meh - not terribly friendly or accommodating. SO SAD... we still occasionally come for the atmosphere and the easy parking, but the food and service no longer distinguish this place. Last time we were there, the music was somewhat bizarre (Bjork, I think) and the host was very rude to us...in a competitive restaurant town, it always surprises me when people think that being rude to customers makes sense... Maybe because we aren't beef eaters... Anyway, we grieve every time we ask each other - "where can we go for dinner?" Big hole in our dining hearts!
(2)
Cami F.
So I know this place is a chain, but I just love it. I get the same thing every time, and it never fails to disappoint. The Thai tuna roll is original and so so good. I've heard they have great burgers but I just can't NOT get the Thai tuna roll when I go. The best part is their drinks taste great and are very strong. Its almost dangerous (confession: I once wiped out there- flat on my back in the middle of the restaurant. I am embarrassed to say I was only one drink deep). GET THE GIN FIZZ!!! you wont regret it.
(5)
O W.
My family and I love this place. Food is fantastic and service is top notch. Several members of the wait staff treat us so warmly every time we visit. My son has several allergies so one of the head chefs , James, always comes out to make sure my little guy is taken care Of. We love this place! My only complaint is one of the managers. Not mentioning any names but she is grumpy and has on several occasions killed my buZz by making some nasty comment. Everyone can't be wonderful and pleasant. Despite this managers grumpy behavior, I highly recommend this place. Food And service is excellent.
(4)
Anthony A.
The old Houston's. Cool lay out, large bar ( if there's a wait it makes it much easier), and great food. I like the atmosphere at hill stone; the noise level was average, the crowd was young professionals and the food choice was wide ( burgers to sushi). I got the center cut filet and had no complaints!
(4)
Mark M.
Moment of truth: it took me few hours to realize why I couldn't find "Houston's" on Yelp. They changed their name. We just spent two hours there and a couple of hundred bucks and didn't realize this. Anyway...I digress. I've been eating at Houston's (I mean Hillstone...wtf?) for more than fifteen years. I can't think of another national chain that does such an incredible job at making you think you're dining at a one-of-a-kind gem like Houston's does. For your consideration: - service not found elsewhere - a menu that has remained the same for many years...but is still so well executed - a wine list that is not too pompous...but just pompous enough - atmosphere that will make you feel like you're in a movie - pricey..but not so terrible that you have to eat ramen for a month - excellent for: casual business dinners, celebrations, dates, business dinner meetings. etc I love this place and was reminded of the depth of my love tonight! Five Yelp stars all the way. However, I will continue to call it Houston's so the branding house that decided on this move can shove it.
(5)
Cindy K.
I work near Gov. Center & Fanieul hall so this is the go-to place when we actually have time for a 2 hour lunch break. A little bit on the pricier side but the food is really very delicious which is also why there are tons of "suits" here so be warned that its not a very "casual" restaurant. I've only had the burgers here and they are delicious. Also its a pretty big burger so be prepared for some messy hands. I've had both beef and veggie burgers and I have to say that the veggie burgers here are out of this world! They handmake all their burgers in the morning so its freshly made veggie patties made of brown rice and packed with a whole lotta yummy goodness & flavor. DELISH! Fries are super addicting. I dare you to only eat one....trust me, you'll never be able to. Service is really good - waitstaff is always very friendly and accommodating. But be warned that the wait can be very long during the lunchtime and I'm sure after work so plan accordingly.
(4)
Bob G.
Stopped by here based onYelp reviews, just looking for a nice evening meal. Tried the spinach artichoke dip; I'd say high end of average. Atmosphere was OK and service quite prompt, but music a bit too loud for good conversation. Was turned off by $3.50 for an 8oz bottled diet coke, no refills. Opted out at $20 for just the mediocre appetizer and a small diet coke, just on the principle that people should not be ripped off.
(2)
Tiffany C.
I came in with a friend last night and had such a great experience at Hillstone. Our server, Sebastian, absolutely made our night. He was cheerful, funny and warmed our hearts on that cold, cold night. The kitchen ran out of the soup so Sebastian comped us a Spinach and Artichoke Dip. Who doesn't like chips and dip? The loaded baked potato was delicious and my friend enjoyed her Caesar salad. Seb suggested the ice cream sundae for dessert. We were hesitant at first, but when we drizzled on that warm fudge we knew we made the right decision.
(4)
Jamie H.
i went to hillstone today for a business lunch, and i was not very impressed. the service was fine, but the food just did not do it for me. i ordered the grilled chicken salad, and asked for the peanut sauce and the vinaigrette on the side. the waitress informed me that the sauce could be on the side, but that the salad already came with the dressing on it, and they best they could do would be to make it "light." this made me realize that the salad was likely prepared in advance and would not be very fresh. i also ordered the steamed broccoli as a side. when the salad came, it was a mountain of chopped cabbage, thinly sliced chicken breast, jicama, carrots, shredded lettuce bits, some mixed greens, and tons and tons of tortilla chip strips. and for being "lightly" dressed i thought it had quite a lot of dressing. the chicken wasn't a very high quality, and i tried to eat around the chips as best as i could. plus, the waitress forgot the side of broccoli, and i felt like it was awkward to ask for it in front of colleagues and business partners. my boss ordered the chicken tenders, and had to leave about half of the batter on the plate - there was probably about three or four times as much batter as there was chicken. one other thing that really bothered me was just how dark it was in the restaurant. i got really tired sitting at the table, and the environment felt very stuffy. if i had been paying for the meal, i would have also been pretty sore about how high the prices were. luckily, i wasn't, but i would not be very excited to return regardless of who was paying.
(2)
Rohit J.
Took a lovely girl here on a date on a Friday night a month ago knowing its a safe bet as there is a Houston's on Long Island by me. First off the parking is free for up to 3 hrs on nights and weekends which is a huge plus! My reservation was for 630 but we had gotten to the restaurant by 6 and were seated without a hiccup. We had ordered 2 dirty martinis but they weren't dirty enough for us and the waitress had no problem taking them back to bartender. Our new drinks were a taste of perfection. To start I had gotten the tortilla soup and we shared the artichoke spinach dip. For the main I had gotten the ribs of course because they are amazing and my date had ordered the special which was cod, I forgot how it was cooked but it came with Cajun shrimp and mashed potatoes. We had shared everything and everything was excellent as expected. My date really enjoyed herself as she has never been before!
(5)
Amanda J.
What can anyone say that's bad about Hillstone (fka Houston's)? Their ever expanding sushi menu rocks! They have great, fresh cocktails (my fave the Silver Gin Fizz). The young woman who bartends on Sundays is the best bartender in the city in our opinion. All the wait staff are great. I can honestly say I've never had a bad experience - food, service or otherwise, at Hillstone. If we had to complain (and now, I'm just nitpicking here b/c no where can be that perfect, right?), it would only be that they only offer Clam Chowder on the weekend. Booo. But, we'll forgive and forget, and keep coming back.....
(5)
Khawla A.
I had Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich and it was so delicious
(5)
L. G.
I absolutely love this place. I go to Hillstone regularly and every experience there is fantastic. Consistently great food, amazing customer service and a great atmosphere. For the price, there's nothing better. Oh, and if you like sushi, get the pressed sushi. It is the best I've ever had!
(5)
Samantha T.
Where to begin with an old favorite...Houstons/Hillstones is one of the premier upscale dining destinations. Yes it is something of a chain but they have maintained a certain level of service and food excellence that is hard to find anywhere else. I eat here at least once a month with coworkers or my husband and friends. The food is what keeps me coming back again and again, especially the burgers, tuna sandwich and and tuna salad. For the most part I like the recent menu changes where they upgraded the tuna salad and added a delicious friend chicken sandwich (husband gets it every single time). However, there is nothing better than the veggie burger w/avocado or bacon cheeseburger w/avocado if you feel like splurging. The fries are unreal...and you have to try the grilled artichokes (if they have them). That brings me to the reason why I can't give them 5 stars. They somehow never seem to have the artichokes because they source them from only one farm! Why not find a backup farm? The last 3 times i've been there they didn't have the grilled artichokes and I was pissed off! The other problem is that they took the sushi sampler off the menu, jacked up all the prices but got a little skimpier on portions (burger size, fries etc). The bar has a great selection and usually gets a decent crowd of financial district employees and tourists. The afterwork bar scene used to be much better but times change and it's gone out of favor in recent years. Nonetheless the food is still top notch and they have one of the best burgers in town. I also like that they accept reservations and have free parking in the garage below. I do agree with some other reviews that in the past year or so service has deteriorated a little bit and occasionally we have to wait for a table even when there are numerous empty ones. In these circumstances management has told me they were understaffed but that seems like a pretty weak excuse because it pisses people off and makes it look less popular/crowded. Either way i'll still be going back for the delicious food.
(4)
Harri S.
Up until now I thought all chains served consistently the same food. My friend from Miami swore by the artichoke dip, but it tasted like really rotten stinky cheese (which wasn't typical), we sent it back (felt horrible) and got a new one that tasted a bit better, but not much. The burgers are their saving grace though, they are solid burgers that can really fill you up. Well done on the burger-front guys.
(3)
Jessica S.
Really nice atmosphere. Good food and drinks
(4)
Jason S.
I love Hillstone (used to be known as Houston's). Every time my wife and I go to this place we order the Spinach and Artichoke Dip, which is so creamy, smooth and YUMMY. You will love this appetizer. Then what do you get for lunch/dinner? That part is hard to decide because everything I've tried is very very good. I am in love with the BBQ ribs because their meat falls right off the bone and the sauce is great. As sad as this is about to sound, their cheeseburger is very good too, they do a nice job of giving that extra flavor that makes you say....yes! Although, we have never tried a dessert, I am sure that would be great too! Enjoy!
(5)
Evan R.
I recently visited the Last Hurrah under the auspices that it was the "Best Whiskey Bar in Boston". That couldn't be farther from the truth. Hillstone welcome me warmly, the bartender (I sat at the bar) took my order and promptly delivered a delicious mojito (as it was summer), recommended the spinach and artichoke dip, and engaged me in pleasant conversation. I challenged the bartenders with orders for classics like a whiskey sour (which they make with their fresh sour mix, which includes a daily variety of fruit juices, sugar and the traditional egg white; a triumph) and an Old Fashioned, which the bartender made with his own twist (Luxardo cherries - the original maraschino), which was the best Old Fashioned cocktail I have ever had. I enjoyed the Flying Tuna Platter, which consisted of of seared Ahi Tuna, delicious mixed greens and a lovely fruit and vegetable compote (avocado, fresh tomatoes, mango and cucumber with a sesame vinaigrette). The food was delicious, the drinks were top-notch, and the service staff were informed, helpful, and rivaled any Michelin-starred restaurant in the country. Ask for Pat at the bar. He will make an Old Fashioned (with rye whiskey in particular) that will excite even the most stubborn connoisseurs.
(5)
Greg I.
-old fashioned (maker's) -wood-grilled artichokes -pork ribs, baked beans -key-lime pie you. are. welcome. sidenote: if you get a martini at your table, every 15-20 min they'll pour that drink you're nursing too slowly into a frozen glass, keeping it ever
(5)
Sara M.
I came here once a long time ago but I don't remember it very well. I do think that I was dancing drunkenly. However, I recently came back for lunch and enjoyed it immensely! I cannot for the life of me understand how I was dancing in this place because it is mostly booths and a little bit bar. Anyway, we were greeted by classy and friendly hosts/servers. I ordered up a clam chowder and a French dip. Seriously, the clam chowder was one of the best I have ever had; I am not biased because they put scallions and bacon on top. It was creamy, rich, and contained a good amount of clams. It only comes in a bowl so I was too full to eat the rest of my delicious sandwich. That was meaty, warm, juicy, tangy (from the horseradish sauce), and downright yummy! The shoestring fries were crisp and okay. It was a bit on the pricier side but you better believe I'll be back for their prime rib!
(4)
Jessie C.
Big fan - as stated in my last review, but this time we tried the Sushi. I'm not an avid sushi eater but my friend is and she said it was some of the best! We had the shrimp and macadamia nut roll and the tuna & avocado roll - both fantastic. I'm looking forward to going back.
(5)
Reg Z.
For the immediate area, this is a nice place. Tends not to be as touristy, and the outdoor patio is a nice place to grab a beer. Food is good but nothing outstanding. The Thai tuna roll is different with nuts and coconut, needs to be a bit spicier but the jalepenos is probably enough for most.
(4)
R O.
I honestly cannot believe I have not reviewed this place before! I fell in love with it many many years ago when I was still a tiny college tyke and it went by the name of Houston's. It is exactly the same company. It is said and I believe they renamed many of their Houston's restaurants to Hillstone in order to move under 20 franchise restaurants thus they became exempt from having to label their calories in places such as NY. Anyway ignorance is bliss for me! I come time and time again for the legendary California Burger! My mouth drools simply thinking about it: buttery fresh bun made in house, fresh-ground chuck with melted Jack, avocado, arugula and red onion topped with some honey style mustard. It is no longer on the menu but you are still free to order! Not to mention their delicious fries just brimming with flavour. If you love burgers give this one a try! In my humble opinion it is the best burger I have had in Boston. Must note: you cannot come here without getting the artichoke-spinach dip! mm so good! Honorable mentions (if burgers aren't for you): Thai steak & noodle salad, spicy tuna roll salad (generous portion of tuna roll & greens), & chicken tenders for the little ones. Can't forget the loaded baked potato! What a treat! The only con is I cannot walk over at a moments notice! Must rely on the T or taxi (which is probably good for my hips since it keeps me away more often than not haha!)
(5)
Julie C.
Houston's. This place is tucked away among the hustle & bustle that is Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market. It's a neat spot for happy hour and also a stellar place for some grubbing! The burgers here are gigantic! I have no idea how anyone can eat one without getting it all over themselves. Their spicy tuna roll salad is out of this world! The ingredients are soo fresh! Yum Yum Yum Gobble Gobble Gobble! Chicken tenders are huge too! The portions here are fairly large, so you are totally getting your moneys worth. What recession? Service can be a little lackluster. They don't really pay much attention to you even though you see a ton of staff walking around. Water may be empty for periods of time, so expect to wait for a refill. And this place is mad dark! Its like a bat cave. When you leave prepare for the light unless you are here at night.
(5)
Tom D.
Another review on here recommended the Thai Tuna Roll, and I second that. Very, very good. I tried a bit of the Salmon, which was good as well. Nothing to complain about on the service end. Only downside to the night was that we wanted to order the artichoke dip appetizer, but our waiter told us that the dish wasn't "up to standards" at the moment. He sent us out grilled artichokes on the house instead, which was nice, but we were disappointed that we couldn't get our first choice in appetizer. Overall it was a good experience, I'd probably be back.
(4)
Jillian Q.
I do not know how the chefs at HIllstone make EVERYTHING that comes out of their kitchen so amazingly tasty. I've never had a bad meal here and the service is always excellent. You're never left waiting and your drinks and always refilled. I usually come here for lunch with a have a bit of money to burn. Hillstone is pricey (at least for my salary) but I am not exaggerating when I say it's worth every penny. From the spinach dip to ANY of their fishes dishes or sushi (try the Osaka Pressed Sushi...amazing) to their salads (the one with mango and steak is my fav). The brownie dessert is delicious as well if you have room for it. Be prepared to spend some money, but you will be happy you did.
(5)
Cristin S.
I'm not from Boston so I read some of these other reviews and didn't realize this place was a chain. I will be looking for other locations! This was hands-down, the BEST meal I had on my 4-day trip to the Boston area. We spent the morning and early afternoon on a whale watching boat and came back starving, dying for something meaty and beefy and delicious. I honestly couldn't decide if I wanted steak and potatoes or a cheeseburger, and we had wandered up to Quincy Market and stumbled on this place. They had both so I figured let's go inside and I'll decide in there. We ordered the biscuits -- they were delicious. Very, very good savory biscuits. I ended up ordering the regular cheeseburger, and my husband ordered the hickory cheeseburger. I would consider myself somewhat of a cheeseburger snob, while my husband could care less. This was easily the best cheeseburger I have ever had in my life. It came to my table dressed with mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle, open-faced. I didn't even realize there wasn't ketchup on it till halfway through, because I was so distracted by how freakin' delicious it was. I motored through that thing. At some point I remember stopping and pulling the bottom bun off, thinking that must be where the ketchup was, and there wasn't, however, I did notice that it was soaked with delicious brown juice. I thought maybe it was some kind of au jus or something, or the juices from the burger.... regardless, whatever was soaking in that bottom bun is what made this burger. The burger itself was cooked perfectly (I asked for medium) -- it was not overdone, it was not all black and crispy like a hockey puck, it was pink in the middle and juicy. Seriously, my mouth is watering now just thinking about it. And it did NOT need ketchup. My husband enjoyed his burger just as much, he was raving about it and like I said, he could really care less about burgers. Whenever I make it back to Boston, I will for sure hit this place up for another cheeseburger. We even toyed around with the idea of staying till lunchtime on Monday and having lunch there, before our long drive back to Philly. Oh wait, before I go, yes, the french fries were also realllllly yummy. :)
(5)
Jenelle J.
If the prices weren't so steep, I think I'd be back more often. Had drinks and appetizers at the bar here - everything was delicious. I had a california roll which was impeccably done. Just as perfect was the ambiance. Intimate and trendy. You'll see when you go there.
(4)
Meridith H.
Worth the price. Red cabbage with goat cheese - worth it. Spicy Thai Sushi roll - worth it. Oversized glass of wine - worth it. Superbly unobtrusive, extraordinarily efficient, and friendly service - worth it.
(5)
Nicole C.
Sexy dark interior!! Bar opens up fully to the outside on nice nights, great place for outdoor drinks. Sushi was wonderful and entrees were great. I recommend the ribs!!! Our server was great too!!! Plus, the coolest napkins of any restaurant I have ever been to!
(4)
Michelle R.
Great for after-work drinks. Wonderful wine selection, very helpful bartenders. Haven't had the food but I hear it's fantastic. Place is always packed. Really nice atmosphere. Plenty of places to stand around the huge bar.
(4)
Mike M.
I took my gf here for Valentine's Day & it was pretty amazing. I loved the atmosphere & the use of lights to show focal points on the walls. Dim setting with lights in all the right places. The staff was pretty amazing. Everyone was so nice & helpful. Our waiter has recommendations as to drinks & starters that were dead on. I got the little house salad , minus the bacon, with a champagne dressing. It was delicious. The artichoke/spinach dip was a great starter & was more than enough for us to share. My entree was the house mad veggie burger with the hand-cut fries. it was amazing & so flavorful. The burger didn't require any other sauce. It was perfect as is. My gf got the pork chop & mashed potatoes. It looked delicious & was such a big cut that she got two meals out of it. Hillstone can be a bit expensive, but I felt like it was well worth it.
(5)
Christina R.
I was impressed by Hillstone, especially due to the fact that five Miami Heat players were sitting in the booth next to me, which shows the high caliber of the restaurant! I got the Thai steak and noodle salad containing marinated filet mignon with avocado, mango and herbs (mostly cilantro/coriander) in a Thai dressing. I asked for the dressing on the side due to my inability to handle spicy food and found that dressing wasn't even necessary for the salad since all ingredients were high quality and delicious! It was quite cilantro-heavy but the mango and steak helped balance that out. Generous portion sizes, a nice selection of wines and friendly, professional service. I'd recommend anything with steak; after all, this is a steakhouse!
(5)
Jason M.
Unexpected. Completely 100% unexpected. Anything in the Faneuil Hall area is suspect at best, but somehow Hillstone manages to rise above their location. The interior is dark and slick, but I highly recommend skipping that and sitting at the bar. The service is at the bar is fast, fun and enjoyable. On a lovely afternoon, we were treated to dueling cocktails between Nicole and Spencer. They attempted to one up each other with their bartending skills... and the result was more than just good drinks, it made for a good experience. Oh, to watch Spencer shake a cocktail... Oh, to hear Nicole then call me out for having Spencer make me a cocktail. And then there's the food. Thai Tuna Roll? Sushi? THERE? Really? Seriously? For reals? Its kind of amazing. When we first visited, I thought it was a slightly nicer version of Chili's... and then I had the thai tuna roll. It's delicious and rolled perfectly. The macadamia nuts give it a special buttery taste and amazing crunch. For food... I recommend the French Dip. It's pile after pile of thinly sliced cow on some tasty bread with an ridiculously good horseradish sauce. I am very thankful that cow sacrificed its life for my stomach. Others rave about the chicken tenders, which sounds a bit crazy until you see them. First of all, they fill up an entire place. And, they're fried to hell and back... it's a beautiful tempura batter which is light, fluffy and incredibly delicious. All in all, a great experience.
(5)
Kimberley S.
GOD. The name change is so hard to get used to! Otherwise, a very solid restaurant, and I completely enjoy my experience every time that I'm here. I have always thought that the menu sounds uninspired. Everything seems run-of-the-mill... on paper. Then you put it in your mouth. They make some really boring-sounding dishes taste just fantastic. I've never eaten anything here that wasn't absolutely delicious, but here are my favorites: - any of the sushi. It's so Americanized, but that's on purpose. This is not an Asian restaurant and it doesn't pretend to be. The best is the pressed ahi and avocado sushi. But I love the spicy tuna roll as well. They're all good, really. And they use some weird ingredients like orange in the California rolls and jicama in some of the others. - On that note, the tuna roll salad is the greatest thing in the world - Steak salad, also delightful - the tortilla soup here is the best I've ever had, bar-none - the french dip is outstanding That's about it. I stick to the basics here. They do an amazing job on the basics. You know what is uninspired? The dessert menu. Don't even bother. FUN FACT: My freshman year of college, I actually worked here for all of two weeks before I realized that I was too lazy for a legitimate restaurant job. I think it's because I know some of the behind-the-scenes that I love it here so much. I am obsessed with the service philosophy here. You don't have one waiter, you have 20. And you're not supposed to notice that. You pretty much have one person coming by all the time, but people pop by every now and then to refill your water and inconspicuously remove your food. You're not even supposed to notice they're there. I love the unobtrusiveness of it. You never want for anything and you can totally focus on your fabulous company. It happens like this because when waiters get a free moment, they patrol the aisles looking for things that need to be done. The service here is like a well-oiled machine. You will never find a place more consistent and efficient in terms of service. Do yourself a favor and give it a try. It's consistent and it excels in food execution.
(4)
Mindy L.
When I think of Houston's...all I think about it how the girls at my old place of work talked about using it as a place to pick up men who work in the financial district. That was in the forefront of my mind during my first visit here...and boy, they were right on target! The bar area was bursting with suits and it showed no signs of letting up. Luckily, I was going in for food and not for rubbin' elbows with the yuppy crowd so I bypassed the bar entirely in favor of sitting down in a booth. I could crow on and on about great service, but it would be biased as it was my roommate at the time and of course, I thought she did an amazing job and I left her a big tip (so she could pay rent). I had the rotissiere chicken and it was seasoned well and enjoyed it. The problem with ordering something so basic is that I'm almost entirely convinced I make it just as well at home in my own kitchen...it just serves to make the cheque's arrival more painful. All in all, simply not my style, but my one and only visit was a solid three stars.
(3)
Elizabeth H.
Went here for a special occasion dinner. For my celebratory drink I asked for a champagne cocktail, I didn't have anything in mind but wanted something other than a mimosa. So I asked the waitress to ask the bartender to make me whatever he wanted. However, after the waitress didn't really know what to do with that and my brother suggested the pomegranate juice may go well with champagne, I ended up with champagne and pomegranate juice, but it was yummy. Needless to say this is my only real complaint about this restaurant. We started our meal with the Spinach and Artichoke Dip; it was delicious - we went through the chips so fast that they had to keep bringing us back more! I then got the chicken tenders and it was a very good size. Because I filled up on the dip I ended up taking some of it home with me. We did have an issue where they overcooked my brother burger, but they were quick on making him another one. We then ended with the key lime pie and one of the girls that I was with loves key lime pie, and she said outside getting it in the key west, this is some of the best key lime pie that she's ever had! I now live in New York City and can't wait to try their locations here!
(4)
Arnold C.
One of our favorite restaurants. We really like the Hawaiian steak. The prime rib is another of our favorites. The mango Thai salad is a light, yet delicious, dish. The cheeseburger is meaty and made just right. Oh, I love the $5 side salad. It has just enough lettuce:bacon ratio to make it a salad. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone for a casual dine-out with a slightly upscale, jazzy feel.
(5)
Maurice B.
Angry , disgusted and saddened by a meal at this restaurant I wanted to write this review last night after the meal ( June 23rd) but was so angry i decided to wait until today to write this. I was in Boston for a few days with my Fiance ( for the basis of this review im Irish and my Fiance is Hispanic) and as we had eaten in Houstons in new York a few years ago we said we would give the new version a try. We were staying at a hotel about 5 minutes from the restaurant and after the thunderstorms had stopped we went out to the restaurant ( around 6.30 / 7). We spoke to the male manager at the door and asked for the wait time which was 15 minutes . Said thank you and sat at the bar and ordered a drink . Waited around 30 minutes even though a number of people seemed to walk in and be seated straight away but these may well be locals so no issue there. A waitress appeared and escorted us to a booth next to the bar. As we sat down a waiter came over and without looking at us as he was speaking to another waiter asked if he could start us with a drink and then looked directly at us and said actually let me go get you , your server ... and stalked off with the initial waitress My fiance and I looked at each other with surprise. We then watched as the waiters/waitress had a mini meeting on the far side of the restaurant. At this stage we had the 2nd drink we had purchased at the bar with us and nothing else but menus on the table. No silverware or even a glass of water. We then waited a full 20 to 25 minutes until someone came near us. During this time i observed our waiter clearing the table in front of us after dealing with their check, getting drinks from the bar for another table while waiting on a number of additional tables. There was plenty of staff milling around but nobody came near our table. Eventually after almost 20 minutes and another couple who had been seated in the booth in front of us who were given water and attended by 2 waiting staff, a waitress must have seen the furious look on my face and came over . I asked her for a manager and gave her our order as we had almost 50 minutes in total to decide what we wanted. When the manager came over said she apologized for the wait . I told her in no uncertain terms the reason for the wait was the only discernible difference between us and the other patrons was that we were an INTERRACIAL COUPLE. She said this was not the reason and muttered that that they had to close the patio area( This had been closed before we had arrived and must have been closed at least an hour previous to that as the thunderstorm and rain were extremely heavy) We were better dressed than the majority of the people there, we were pleasant and courteous to anyone we spoke to ( unlike some of the badly dressed, loud patrons surrounding us) Our food arrived and we ate quickly as our evening had already been ruined. The waitress we had now was very sweet and made sure we were ok . After we had finished our food ( we refused a complimentary dessert )and asked for the check the female manager came over and "said i want to apologize for the wait again" and began to hand us some type of voucher. I handed it straight back to her without hesitation and again stated the real reason we were treated so badly and told her I would never eat in one of these restaurants again. I paid the check and even like a 15% tip for the waitress we had eventually as she was very sweet. I looked for the male manager on may way out but was so angry at this point i wanted to leave. Having been together for over 5 years and having travelled through ireland, the UK and spain together as well as throughout the US we never experienced anything racist like this. My fiance became very upset later on that evening about this and it added a very bitter ending to what had been a nice few days. ADVISE TO HILLSTONE: - Fire any employee who has an issue with race if they dont want to work with the public they should not work as a waiter - Dont try and bribe your way out a problem. A real apology would have made the night a little less worse. Not only will i never step foot in one of your restaurants again but i will tell this story to anyone who will listen.
(1)
Matt G.
Came here for my father's birthday on a Saturday evening. Our server was really pleasant and very friendly... and took my father's, let's call it 'unique', sense of humor in stride. So kudos to her for that. That all being said, the evening was a rather large disappointment. The waitstaff delivered our drinks to the wrong table... then delivered apps to us that weren't ours... then on top of it all, delivered my father's birthday dessert and candle to the table next to us! (they were confused). I had the Hawaiian Rib Eye, which was quite tasty, but replaced the potato with seasonal veggies (which were soggy and mushy... not crisp at all). The capstone to the evening, was when I went to use the restroom... remarkably clean, though a little loud since there are TVs playing in there. While washing my hands, I noticed someone come out of the stall, then immediately B-Line to a urinal. (strange, I thought). Then on my way out... I realized why this person went straight to a urinal,:their date (?) came out of the same stall two seconds later... I chuckled to myself on my way back to the table... classy.
(2)
Cori B.
My fiance and I went here Friday for lunch. We both got the cheeseburger. I had fries and he had coleslaw. The burger is excellent! Good quality meat, fresh toppings, and a great sauce. One of the tastiest burgers. The coleslaw was fresh and the fries were delicious also. Staff is great, and the restaurant itself has nice ambience. Its not cheap but its not expensive. Worth it. I've also had the club salad, spinach and artichoke dip, chicken fingers and a few other things here. Always been happy with everything. There is also one in NYC! Great for after work drinks also.
(5)
Richard C.
Hillstone has a vintage feel; part of a chain of restaurants that includes Houston's, it sits right in Faneuil Hall but is far more appealing on the exterior and the interior than many of the tourist-trap establishments surrounding it. $16 will buy you a burger, seemingly of the straight-forward variety, consisting of cheddar, tomato, lettuce and onion. It's freshly ground Chuck on a homemade bun, and you guessed it, another Big Mac model. It makes sense, it's a riff on the most popular burger in the world, but not as cleverly done as I'd like it to be. If you think about it, most burgers these days are different versions of the fast food model, after all that's where it all started. But the missed opportunity here was the chance to elevate that classic burger, start with beef and add the usual condiments, but why not try to spin them in a unique direction instead of just re-hashing what we've already consumed a billion (trillion?) times over. But maybe that's not the name of the game at Hillstone, it speaks to the classic look of the restaurant and they aren't out to re-create the burger wheel. The burger does fall victim to the "too much stuff" rule to put it not so eloquently. I want my burgers to be beefy with a great supporting cast. The Hillstone burger basically has a decent supporting cast with a burger thrown in. The meat to condiment to bun ratio is way off, although the meat has adequate flavor and juiciness, it is devoid of individual burger character. But if you look it at as a whole, the sum of its parts versus breaking down each individual component, it is appetizing. The fries are better than average, double fried and salty, they get the job done and neither stand-out nor disappoint. A pleasing aioli comes on the side, a fair addition to the plate, with hints of chili, sesame and soy, it is the one twist in an otherwise barely-above-ordinary burger. For $16 the Hillstone burger doesn't let down but fails to blow me away either. I imagine it's consistent and reliable, and there's something to be said about that, but ultimately it just falls short on the burger spectrum.
(2)
Kyle B.
My "go-to" for a quick dinner before the Celtics game. Simply one of the best Cheeseburgers in Boston and with the view of Fanueil Hall...a great place to meet. The bar servers are A+ and the handmade Greyhound is spot-on!
(5)
Yvonne Y.
I have mixed feelings for this place. We came here for dinner on a weekday, and the place was busy. While the ambience is great, I was not impressed by the food. We started off with some sushi as appetizer. But when it came, I realized the sushi were made from some sushi molds, not by a sushi chef. (eeek) Then when the sushi hit my mouth, I realized they put way too much vinegar in the sushi rice. I felt like I was instantly eating my own stomach juice because of how sour it was. (yuck yuck) I struggled, because the fish and ingredients were actually fresh, just the preparation ruined it all. We had the Thai steak salad and California burger, they were okay, nothing to run home about. I didn't leave feeling satisfied with my food. If the review is based solely on food, it'd probably be a 2-star place. But the fresh ingredients and the cool atmosphere gave it another star. With all being said, I think this is a great place to come have a drink at the bar area after work. But go elsewhere to seek for food.
(3)
Travis D.
My wife and I popped in to Hillstone/Houston's last night for a couple of cocktails to kick off a long holiday weekend. It's been a while since I was here, but as I remembered, the drinks were fantastic, and the crowd was electric. On a gorgeous evening like we had last night, the bar is opened up to their outdoor seating, making for a perfect summertime stop. We didn't have a full dinner, but did get their grilled artichokes (which were perfect). Afterward, we found ourselves still a bit hungry, and thus ordered their barbecue pork ribs. Since we did not have a full dinner here, I wasn't really thinking about a Yelp review for this place until we dug into the ribs. I'm writing today to say this: if you have a chance, and you like barbecue ribs, you NEED TO COME HERE AND ORDER THEIR RIBS!!!!! I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that these are the best ribs that my wife and I can ever recall eating. We've tried many of the supposed 'greats' in the Boston area, places that I'll refrain from naming in this review but ones that are known for their ribs, and these guys have the secret formula down - hands down the best ever!! Anyway, I've always liked Houston's and enjoyed their bar at their Boston location, but was never a raving fan. Clearly I never got around to trying their ribs before - now I'm raving!! :)
(4)
Hungry H.
one of my favorite places to go to when i go to boston. love the ambience. always a friendly staff. their french dip au jous roast beef... omg.. DROOL. and i highly recommend their cous cous as well. never had such an amazing cous cous.
(5)
Mo A.
Like its former "Houston's" brethren across the country, this place doesn't disappoint. From the spinach dip to the steaks and sides, this is amazing food at its finest. Service ensures that the customers are checked on regularly and with proper courtesy. All in all, a great experience.
(5)
Robert C.
Took my wife out for her birthday and we loved the food. my wife had the prime rib and was very pleased. They have awesome hand cut fries and cole slaw. The coconut sushi was also very good. We will be coming back to Hillstone!
(5)
Sarah M.
This is one of my favorite local spots. The food is consistently good as is the service. It does get busy on the weekends so I would recommend making a reservation but they are on Open Table so that's easy enough. I've been here with friends and on a date and it's great for either one. The drinks are always good too. My friends and I come here often because we are never disappointed.
(4)
Joan C.
Wow. Totally unexpected. Atmosphere was contemporary and clean. Nice woodwork. The food was great... Had the pork chop, and a bite of my dinner mates Hawaiian, tenderloin, and some other cut. Everything was good! Desserts were yummy too. We'll definitely be back.
(5)
Meghan C.
This is one of my favorites. Very solid food. You can't misorder here: everything is good. Perfect for a business lunch or after work drinks. It's trendy and not the cheapest spot, but always a great time. For being in Faneuil, it actually isn't very touristy. I'm disappointed that the spicy tuna salad is no longer on the menu. Sushi pieces are HUGE, so ask to have them cut small, and you'll get normal sized pieces. Best bartender in Boston! Chris is friendly, helpful, and makes a great drink.
(4)
Erica D.
For my first visit to Hillstone, I was pretty impressed! When I heard they had sushi, I was a little skeptical since it's supposedly an American restaurant, but after I tried a sushi roll, I had to order my own. Price: The sushi combo was a good price, it came with four varieties, three rolls each, which doesn't sound like a lot, but trust me, the quality is worth the price. Their mixed drinks are pretty expensive, around $10. I had my first Pimm's Cup (Pimm's No.1, shaved cucumber, a sprig of mint with ginger ale) and it was heavenly (if not dangerous)! Decor: It's a really cool place. The bathrooms are a bit of a hike from the bar area, just stay on the path and you'll be fine. Service: I sat at the bar and received the best service of my life! Seriously, if I had an empty glass in front of me--the bartender had ESP--a minute later he'd come by to ask if I wanted a another drink, and refilled my water glass every time I finished it. You can't get much better than that! When I asked how the Pimm's Cup was, he gave me a sample of the gin. Food/Presentation: The sushi is AMAZING! Nice, neat presentation. Apparently the chef is an authentic sushi chef, I believe he was from Japan, but don't quote me on that. I shared two orders of the sushi combo which came with three raw tuna rolls, three vegetarian rolls, three mollusk-type rolls with walnuts in it (OH MY GOD!), and three California rolls. I don't normally like California rolls, but this was fantastic. The sushi rolls are two different sizes, which is nice so that you could eat a short one to sample before committing to the taller roll. The combo came with three types of sauces which made everything taste better. Oh man, I need to go back there now! Location: Conveniently in the Faneuil Hall area, on the right side by the Boston ticket booth. It's a short walk from my office, which makes it all the better for after work drinking. Recap: Price: 4/5 Decor: 4/5 Service: 5/5 Food/Presentation: 5/5 Location 5/5 Total: 4.6
(5)
Heather G.
Goodness gracious, Hillstone. Post-name change, I was happy to see the menu hadn't changed and the food (and service!) quality were still very consistently strong. However, for the kind of food they're serving up here, the prices are entirely too high. Would you pay $14 for a spicy tuna roll? It's a great roll, but it's very small. You'd need 2+ for dinner, and at nearly $30, you can sit at a nice sushi bar and eat til your heart's content. The burger continues to be, in my view, the best deal on the menu. The chicken strips, at $18, are probably a close-second in the price/value analysis, and are lightly tempura-battered and fried for a nice change on a heavy, greasy classic. This place does standard fare in a very comfortable yet elegant setting. They've always been busy when I've eaten in, both at lunch and dinner, and I assume this location in particular has no incentive to bring down prices, as it attracts mainly business people with corporate credit cards.
(3)
Daniel K.
the food: hands down, the best french dip sandwich ive ever had. the fries were fancy and skinny, donut takes forever to finish them but the sandwich was amazing. im salivating just thinking about it. the sushi salad was quite good too. the service: great attentiveness, despite the restaurant being packed. we had trouble finding the parking garage (which is off a side road right before you hit the restaurant coming down state street), and the hostess drew us a map for our next visit the decor: the combination of a packed dining room, dim lighting, and open kitchen was perfect. added to the individually sectioned booths, there was a perfect combination of bustle and attention with anonymity and privacy.
(4)
Jacquelyn M.
HIllstone's, formerly Houston's is lots of fun. It get really packed after work on most days, during all seasons. Food is delicious...recently had the veggie rolls...sooooo good! They have everything from sushi to a cobb salad to a delicious filet mignon. Staff is super friendly.
(4)
Craig C.
This a bar review only so if you are here to hear about the restaurant please walk over there and wait for someone to come along who is reviewing the restaurant. While i know my opinion is important to you at this particular moment I am only discussing the bar portion of Houstons so please read the rest and then if you still need more info please call 411. Thank you. After work I was walking past Houstons to meet Melissa at Paddy O's where Lango works and where Boston Sports Club is having an event and I notice Houstons is full of people having fun and I think , "Hey, I like to have fun!" So after M and I do business at the other place we go to Houstons. I walk to the far side of the bar to get us drinks, my laptop case banging like three yuppies as i walk by. Sor ree. I am amazed when a big bald guy comes right up to me and says, "Hi are you guys looking for drinks?" wow great service. "Yes we are" He then says, "Well this side of the bar is for waitress service we need to keep this clear can you please go to the other side?" wow that sucks. We go to the other side and even though it's packed I find two seats at the bar ( by speaking fake chinese into some guys ear really loud) I get a dark beer and she gets a long island ice tea after getting ID'ed and waiting for her to take our licenses to some machine and scan them to make sure weren't wanted by AA or something. Her drink was 12 my beer was 6 plus tip. We then go out onto the patio where the fun starts. (two young girls commence fighting over who saw our seats first) Many young upwardly mobile good looking people.We start talking to this guy who is a lawyer about getting sworn in at Faneuil Hall. He and his buddies went to Trinity which means we all hung out at the same bars in Hartford. Melissa is signing them all up for the Lock and Key party coming up May 15. (plug) She's working the room getting emails and I'm doing my new 5 minutes standup for a small group of buyers for Macy's. 2 think I'm funny and 2 are bitches but that's Boston baby. We leave them wanting more like Don Rickles taught me. I like the ambiance and I had fun and it's certainly in a good spot near 99 other bars. Next time I'll eat but you pay. I'm a little short. SO SO SO that's it.
(3)
Tina D.
Okay the first thing you might notice about this place is how crazy expensive everything is on the menu. I'm talking about salads that go for approx. $20 at lunch. If you put that aside, then you can really focus on how wonderful everything else is. The location is spot on in Fan. Hall and since it is a little pricey, you don't get too many of the tourists in for lunch. It is the perfect place for a work lunch or to meet someone for happy hour drinks, oh, its great for dinner too. All of the dishes are executed perfectly and I have never had a bad meal. The servers are polite and the food comes out quickly. There is a patio for outdoor seating, but you can also just sit at the bar because the windows get pulled back on nice days and you are practically sitting outside. Delicious!
(4)
Dan W.
Being new to Boston, I am always looking for classy, trendy places to go to. I really enjoyed Hillstone. I really liked the higher end type of atmosphere. We showed up at 8:30 on a saturday night. We waited for about 45 minutes for a table. Not bad. We had drinks at the bar while we waited. The only knock I would have is that I didn't think they had enough bartenders but at the same time, they may have gotten in each other's way if there were more. The food was great. We ordered sushi which was very fresh and tasty. They put peanuts in their tuna roll. Interesting. Spinach dip was a big hit. I had a fish sandwich which was really, really good. It was on a butter roll. My friend got a French dip. She loved that too. Shoe string fries came with the sandwiches. Delish! This is a super place to go with friends, have good food at reasonable prices and hang out in first class type of atmosphere. Staff was very professional also. They do take reservations but I called too late. They were booked.
(4)
Adriel I.
Houston's (I denounce thee new name...) is the Ray Allen of the Boston restaurant scene. Consistent, Classy, and Clutch. Not the flashiest place, and the menu doesn't change too often, bu ff you need a place to take a group of friends, a date or a client, you can count on Houston's to deliver a great experience. I usually start with the artichoke dip and the biscuits. The biscuits are a must have. Try ordering 6 for a party of five. That way you can observe the cognitive dissonance that plays out as your friends jockey for position on the last biscuit. At least that's what I do. It amuses me. The dip is a strong role player as well. It sets a fine foundation for the steak to come. Oh, no doubt about it, there will be steak. Typically when the server lays down the menu, I can go ahead and give mine right back. Who are we kidding - I know what entree I'll be getting. The Hawaiian Rib Eye is an institution in and of itself. Marinated for what has to be days, and grilled to perfection, I have literally had dreams about this steak. With just the right tangy notes, and perfection of texture, the most amazing thing about it to me is how each time I have it is as good as the last. Another pull up from behind the line, and swish. Three points. Rinse and repeat. You get the drift. Pair it with a baked potato and the combo is unstoppable. So there you have it. Hillstone is consistently great unpretentious dining. Just do us a favor and bring back the name m'kay?
(5)
Jake K.
Best steak in Boston. The fillet is so amazing I can't stop thinking bout it. Just tell them not to make it too salty, as it happens to be too much some times. Comes with spinach and fries. A M A Z I N G. Never had a better steak ever!
(5)
Danny M.
-Nice atmosphere. -Efficient, friendly service. -Food for five was at our table in less than ten minutes. -Delicious cheeseburger. Expensive ($14) but it was worth it. Overall, the experience was flawless.
(5)
Kelsey P.
The old "Houston's" - same great place new name! Delicious and consistent American meals. Moderate pricing with delicious menu options. Lots of options for a group dinner to make everyone happy. Food: - Club Salad - my all-time favorite dinner option here: mixed greens, crispy chicken, avocado, chopped egg and bacon. Try this with the buttermilk ranch dressing on the side! The chicken is very lightly fried and the star of the show. Avocado is always perfectly fresh. - Grilled artichokes - best appetizer by far. Delicious artichokes, cut in half and grilled to perfection. Served with a tasty aioli dip. - Great cheeseburger - delicious thin fries! - Sushi combo plate - really really impressive sushi for what is considered an American restaurant, great dinner option. Drinks & Bar: - Great bar scene at the front of the restaurant near the glass-windowed front of the restaurant. This bar scene overflows outside as the windows open and the front of the restaurant becomes open-air in the spring and summer. - "The Greyhound "- delicious grapefruit cocktail - Fantastic wine list Ambiance & Service: - Beautifully lit dark wood interior - They take reservations and the hosts are really prompt in seating people right upon arrival - Cool bathrooms, which weirdly (or awesomely) enough, even have TV screens for the men!
(5)
Brandy S.
We had a work lunch for ten persons. We were seated promptly (we had a reservation) and attended to without issue. There was resounding approval of the food. We had the Ahi Tuna platter, Crispy Chicken sandwich, Ahi burgers, French Dips, Cheeseburgers and a Grilled Chicken salad - all were deemed phenomenal. The big boss was present so alas no cocktails were consumed. They did seem to have a solid wine list though. I look forward to returning and so does the rest of the crew. Less one star as there was at least five (possibly close to ten) minutes between everyone receiving their meals which was difficult as we were all ravenously hungry.
(4)
Angela D.
I'm from California and have been to several Houston's restaurant's there, which i absolutely LOVE. It's one of my favorite restaurants to go to in Los Angeles. So after I moved to Worcester, I went to the Houston's in Boston. Everything was great. The service, the atmosphere, and the location. However, their French Dip sandwich, which i LOVE, was not up to par at this particular location. It didn't have a lot of flavor and the au jus was oily and bland. We were there early (11am) so maybe that's why the au jus wasn't good yet. I'm willing to give it a try again.
(4)
Kevin B.
Can't quite explain it, but I love this place. Great ambiance, food is always delicious. Favories are spinach artichoke dip and whatever is the fish special. Sushi is great too. I was here last night and my meal was literally 5ish minutes late... and without me saying anything, the mangager came over to apologize and bought my girlfriend and I a complimentary round of drinks. Only gripe is they aren't on opentable. Annoying.
(5)
Sarah G.
My boss made reservations at Hillstone this past Saturday for our Holiday Dinner. Boss & her husband were running late, so they called Hillstone to ask if my girlfriend & I could be seated when we arrived, since we were going to be on time. Hostess assured Boss that this would be no problem at all! When GF and I arrived we were treated coldly by the Hostess, who refused to seat us "until the entire party is present", and when I mentioned that Boss had called ahead and was told this wasn't a problem, Hostess then proceeded to condescend to us about how it is their "policy" and how we must be lying because no one at the restaurant would have said we could be seated. GF & I were then left standing in the doorway (there really isn't a lobby) for the next 20 minutes. When we were all present and finally seated, we were placed in a booth along the back wall, which allowed me to see that the restaurant was a little over half-full. Only one other booth (of the 8-10) along the back wall was occupied, but they made us wait, even though we had a reservation and they were only at half-capacity. The Ambiance says "Classy", but while I was there, I did see (as another reviewer mentioned) screaming children being allowed to run around unattended and diners wearing sweatpants with words printed on the butt. Definitely *not* classy. In a dress and high-heels, I felt overdressed. Between the obnoxious hostesses and screaming children, it's only a step above an Outback at twice the price. Pros: Our server, Emily, was not only adorable but also knowledgeable about both the food and the wine. We took a long time deciding on a bottle of wine and she went back through her tasting notes to help us pick. The food was decent, but the prices were outrageous. TL;DR Hostesses are rude and will infer that you're a liar. If you go, be prepared to be treated poorly and pay through the nose for it.
(2)
Liz K.
LOVE this place!! Came here for my birthday and was extremely impressed. The burger was the best burger I've ever had in my life. Definitely on the pricier side but well worth it especially for a special occasion. The dark wood and decor makes for a nice, classy feel. I really like the open kitchen because while we were waiting for our table to be ready we were able to see all the dishes being made which only made the decision of what to order harder because everything looked so good! Got the warm brownie with ice cream for dessert which I would definitely recommend. Overall it was a great meal and I will definitely be back.
(5)
Lady L.
I can't say enough about our experience at Hillstone. We were visiting Boston, and this was one of our last meals. The ambiance was perfect, service from hostess to server was exceptional (Erin rocked!) and the food and wine was perfect. A pricer restaurant (compared to Boston pubs) but such a value for what you get in return. We were even thinking of having lunch there the following day! You must dine at Hillstone when visiting Boston!
(5)
Sheridan W.
Busy during the lunch and evening hours, but what good place isn't? Great menu, food and service. Yes, its a chain - but you wouldn't think so. I suggest: pressed shushi, tempura chicken tenders (ask for the buttermilk garlic), Tortilla soup on Fridays and the best coleslaw in the city.
(4)
Steve G.
Nice place for a drink. I had a Rusack Pinot Noir at the bar. Comfy chairs and nice atmosphere. Will have to try for dinner sometime.
(4)
Tom A.
Full disclosure, our evening at Hillstone started off a bit rocky. I had made reservations for 4, but explained to the hostess that there would be a possibility for 5. I was told that wasn't a problem. We show up to the restaurant with 5, and the tables are only able to accommodate 4. Long story short, we waited quite a while before being seated. Here is how the staff at Hillstone went above and beyond the call of duty. We were given appetizers on the house to munch on before being seated. Once we were seated, more appetizers. That's only the beginning. We brought a bottle of wine because as ex-Californians, we are used to the no-corkage policy at the west-coast Hillstone restaurants. We were told that by law, Massachusetts doesn't allow this, but they invited us to pick a bottle of wine from their menu, again at no cost. Finally, after our meal (which was delicious, per the usual), our waiter (who was fantastic) let us know that the entire meal would be complimentary. We were blown away by the gesture (Thank you to the GM, Adam). It's things like this that really keep us coming back again and again. The food is consistently amazing, and the service is impeccable. We will be back again soon!
(5)
Kate A.
Sushi lover? MUST EAT HERE. I know it's not Hillstone's number one attraction, but damn they have great sushi! In a snapshot - here's the good and bad of this place. Pros: 1. Great sushi (did I mention that already?) 2. Great drinks 3. Right in the middle of Fanueil Hall - good for afterwork get-togethers. 4. Great staff Cons: 1. A little pricey for location/drinks 2. Right in the middle of tourist-central, so can be a little slow/busy at times 3. Hard to find the first time around (tucked in behind 60 State Street) Overall, for what I was there for, this place was perfect. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for an after work meeting place for drinks and apps.
(4)
Honest O.
I love Hillstone! I've been here 10+ times and never have I been disappointed with the waitstaff or the food. Their burgers are awesome, their prime rib is even better. Their fries are my absolute favorite! Recently, I decided to try their sushi. It took me a while to decide between 3 different plates. Once I finally chose, I had no idea how much sushi came with a $17 plate. When they brought out 4 pieces, I was a little disappointed. A second later, the waitress brought out 2 other plates of sushi (the ones I did not chose) on the house. All three of the different plates were amazing. Never in my life have I had a better waitress who is attentive and knows how to treat her customers!
(5)
Bethany B.
Chain chain chain...I know, I know. But a delicious chain! Growing up I went to Houston's every Sunday after church and grew to L-O-V-E the spinach and artichoke dip and still do! Hillstone still has the delicious dip, but adds fun and interesting items like sushi to the menu. (my friends swear by it, although I'm always nervous about ordering sushi at a non-Asian spot). As usual, with almost any place I'm going to give four stars, Hillstone also has great cocktails. I say go for the gin fizz and call it a night. A tried and true spot that you know will always be delicious, you'll always leave buzzed, and the service will always be good! Enjoy!
(4)
Danielle M.
Love love love this place!!! The reviews are spot on when they say the veggie burger is the best!!! Honestly I would never know this was a chain restaurant if it weren't for the reviews I've read on Yelp. Dinned here on a snowy Monday night. I don't know why but the decor reminded me of Anchorman (very important...smells of rich mahogany) very deep wood colors all around. They had a nice low key bar area and for the dinning seating every table is a booth style, which is great, gives it a more intimate feel. The crowd was definitely the early 30's business type. Our waitress was extremely attentive and recommended an amazing cabernet, I was impressed with her selection. I believe it was Robert Foley? Their menu is a bit limited if you are a vegetarian or have any variations of the sort. The do have a daily fish special, which on the night I went was cod, but I went a different route. I will say (again) I ordered the house made veggie burger. Oh...my...goodness...this was the best veggie burger I've ever had. Huge!! Just the right mix of sweet soy. Beware though, it does have cheese on it so if you do not want cheese, please ask for no cheese. The fries were stringy and, meh. Fries are my weakness and apparently they are weak here as well. I tend to eat on the slower side which allowed the bun of the burger to get a bit soggy. Eh, it was still the best veggie burger!! I will say, I did look at the table next to us who order sushi. I've never seen sushi done quite like here. It looked amazing!!! Not typical for a mostly American restaurant. The rolls appeared to be huge as I saw a girl actually cut the roll in half in order to eat it. They do offer complimentary parking at 60 State Street for 3 hours, which is a nice touch. Also if you would like they will check your coat. Prices for entrees are anywhere from earlier 20's to mid 30's. Not bad for a restaurant in Boston. I will definitely be coming back here again.
(4)
lily l.
Ok my friends love Houston for some reason. They swear up and down that the Veggie Burger is to die for....Meh. So we lunched here today and ordered the following: Clam Chowder - It was good I would definitely have it again, I have an issue with the chowder though. There were large bits of bacon in it I don't like bacon. Spinach artichoke dip - I give them credit for the amount of artichoke that was actually in the dip..but the cheese melted on top was wayyyyy to pungent for me. The "salsa" that came with it was a tangy dissapointment. My friends had the veggie burgers- It was a gloppy mess way too sweet for my taste, my friend said it usually isn't that sloppy and sweet but still I didn't like it I had the spicy tuna sald - EW! The fish was fresh but the giant cuts of daikon in the sushi did not belong there. The salad that came with it had large chunks of daikon, carrots, cucumber, mango, mint, peppers, and sesame seeds. I hated it and for 12 bucks I expected better. The decor...beautiful, the service fast and friendly. This place gets super crowded for lunch so arrive early. The menu...very limited. Others that were with me enjoyed it, but this is definitely not my cup of tea.
(2)
Laura G.
Still got tons of love for Hillstone despite its lame name change and chainy roots. All of the food is so flavorful it's almost puzzling how they manage to do it. I came back and tried their traditional salad, sushi and stuck with my original love - the Hawaiian Rib Eye. The salad was chock full of perfectly cooked bacon, egg and a killer dressing. Don't miss out for $5 as an accompaniment to your entree. It is way better than the Caesar. The sushi was a strange experience and I always thought it was somewhat peculiar that they serve it at a pretty standard steakhouse. I ordered the spicy tuna roll and while the tuna was of good quality, the roll was covered in what appeared to be sea salt. Salt added to sushi? What are you thinking Hillstone? Poor form but i was sort of able to eat around it. The steak came out in all of it's glory, not to be outdone by the baked potato that is a heart attack waiting to happen - but well worth it. Add complimentary garage parking and it's a night to remember.
(4)
Tamar A.
I work as an admin in a tall, shiny office building, and have just started watching Mad Men regularly. Despite the painful realization that in some ways, not a heckova lot has changed in office dynamics since 1960, I still enjoy the throwback thrill of an old-fashioned, three-martini power lunch, especially when the accounting department is picking up the tab. Houston's--or, pardon, "Hillstone"--does not disappoint. The interior is warm and dimly lit, while the waitstaff pretty much give you a Don Draper-worthy tonguebath. One of the nicest elements of the place is that they do sushi--weird and overpriced sushi, perhaps, but sushi nonetheless--meaning that any of the fish your order for your main course, without being charged extra, comes as raw as you want. My swordfish was delicious; a compatriot's cod a buttery delight. The spinach and artichoke dip, perhaps a smidge gluey and not quite worth $10, was nevertheless a tasty opener. Desserts of key lime pie and brownie with a champagne cream sauce were not to be missed, although the cappuccino suffered the same burnt, machine-hasn't-been-cleaned-since-we-opened-what-Âdo-you-think-this-is-Starbucks?-acridity that I've simply come to expect out of even the nicest restaurants. Overall, a gorgeous, decadent time was had by all. Just remember to make a reservation, ideally for 11:45 if you want to get in there--the place swarms come noon--and you know that the service will be speedy enough that you'll have time to return with ice for your boss's 1pm scotch.
(4)
Leo H.
I disapprove with the renaming of Houston's to Hillstone. They have also gone down on portion size (the prime rib's thickness has essentially been cut in half). This all makes me sad and thus I do not go very often anymore. The drinks, bartenders and waitstaff are all still great though.
(3)
Sean O.
This is a cool place that I can't wait to go back to. Just a really nice atmosphere for drinks or dinner. The biscuits are delicious, the artichoke dip was great, my friend's ribs were really good. I had an unfortunately undercooked steak, but they fixed it right away. Next time I'm getting the ribs. Tried a new drink there called a Pimm's Cup. You must go there and drink this drink. You will see varied results but there is a high probability for laughs and adventure upon completion of your second.
(4)
Julie R.
Sara S. suggested this place to me for their sushi offerings. I did not know they served sushi so was interested to see what they had. On a Wednesday night after work, the place was packed with your hot shot suits. A good eye candy place for single folks. Every seat at the bar was taken so we got an available table instead. The atmosphere was very dim and modern. I had been to Houston's once before for drinks so wasn't too familiar with the menu. It had a good variety of meats, seafood, salad and apps. I decided I would be going with the sushi combo which was 4 special maki's. Sara opted for the veggie burger she spoke highly of. Our server was very friendly. She came over a few times and was prompt. The food arrived a short moment later. I was very impressed with the sushi. The tuna was very fresh and whole in the spicy tuna. The macadamia shrimp roll was fabulous. Their version of a Cali roll involved real crab, it was excellent, and the veggie roll had a good crunch. For $19 it was a great way to try out most of their rolls. I would get the same platter again. I tried some of Sara's veggie burger. Wow, I'm used to the Gardenburger kind but this one had some interesting tastes. It had this Asian tasting sauce on it. The portion was substantial. Even if its not on the menu they might have it so ask! The free parking for up to 3 hours is a killer deal too. The garage is just a few steps from the restaurant. Bring in your ticket for the validation. I'm looking forward to returning!
(4)
Ismael C.
After more than 20 times going back to this place, even when it used to be called Houston, i have always recomended the place to friends visiting Boston... But last time i went had the worst experience ever, to the point where i felt threated by the bouncer there while leaving the place. Once shouldn't have that after dinning out, if tips are not high it is because they were not deserved. Beginning to end it was a constant that we were neglected by the waitress, no explaining specials, not coming back to check on us, even when glasses were empty for what seemed ages, not coming back to collect the check... Apart from beeing neglected all night by our lousy, shouldn't work facing the public if you are a have an attitude, waitress. Food was only ok (Unlike previous times that I used to dine here over the last three years), I think this place has gotten only worse ever since the name change. PS they have discontinued from the menu the best entree that they had, the pork chop. PS2 I hate reviews that are based on a one bad experience, specially if it is about the service, but I felt obliged to share this with everybody since the experience was so bad that made me decide to not come back to a place I used to love.
(1)
Wei W.
Houston's is a great place to go after work, albeit a little pricey, but it's worth it for the atmosphere and service. The waitstaff are always polite and I still have yet to figure out how they've memorized all the specials of the day. I'm a big fan of their "fall-of-the-bone" ribs, hand-cut French fries, and warm fudge brownie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They have a pretty good selection of wine and beer, and the service hasn't failed me yet. They even come by to refold your napkin when you've stepped away from the table. Overall, great food, fantastic service, pretty chill after-work atmosphere. I love going here for drinks after a stressful day.
(5)
S S.
Update: I went here for dinner the other day, and had the best waiter :), absolutely loved him. He gave us a lot of time to enjoy our drinks, before we ordered our food. I loved the lemondrop martini-highly recommeneded. I had the specials-striped bass encrusted with almonds, and my companion had garden burger with the famous fries. I love the service at this place --------------------------------------------------Â------------------------------------ Houston is staple financial district lunch and happy hour place. It has dim lights, big leather couchs. Decent menu and service. The crowd is mostly financial types. This is a good experience, they do everything from moderate sushi choice, burger, salad, tea, coffee. You get the picture? Oh, oh try the fries here, they are thinly sliced yummy kind!
(3)
Steph P.
I went here on Valentine's Day with no reservation and a party of 5. Dumb, right? Actually not too bad. The restaurant is larger than it seems and it has a very sexy, plush feel. We waited for about 30 minutes at the bar for our table and each tried a different speciality cocktail. The Dark and Stormy was spicy and full of ginger flavor and the Crisp Martini was just that, with a sharp but not too strong gin flavor. The mojito was too light on the mint though, and had too many chunks- I couldnt drink it until it was strained. We were seated in a corner booth, where we could look out over the whole restaurant. It was kind of fun to watch all of the couples eat in comfortable silence. Bread and water were brought out to the table right away- the bread was hot and fresh. We didn't order apps, but did get the clam chowder which was out of this world. Creamy without being too thick, lovely oyster crackers and bacon on top. Oh man, I was ready to cancel my dinner order and get a couple bowls of that only. For dinner we all ordered something different, but all the plates were delicious. the Thai Steak and Noodle Salad had a great lime, basil and chili flavor. It tasted so fresh. The Club Salad is topped with strips of chicken that are lightly battered and crispy, almost like a tempura. You can request the rotisserie chicken instead if you like. Please note though, the salads are not traditional salads. There is not much green to speak of. If you are trying to watch your calories, I think you would be better off with a lean piece of meat or the rotisserie chicken. There were 4 vegetables of the day to chose from, but I heard nothing else after Brussles Sprouts. Oh my, were they delicious. They had a garlicky buttery sauce on top, and were cooked perfectly (a little al dente). I also had the French Dip, piled high with prime rib and served with horseradish on the side. The bun got a little soggy part way through eating, but the beef was so flavorful. We also ordered the Heavenly Biscuts, served with butter and honey. They were plump and warm and had chives baked right in. The portions were nice, so we had no room for dessert. The food was excellent, the service as well, but I do think it was slightly overpriced. The menu is small, indicating everything was good, but $14 for a burger and $7 for a bowl of soup seems a bit much, even if the food is fantastic. While delicious, I don't think that anyone's mind will be blown conceptually.
(4)
Matt L.
I had frequented Houston's well living down in Long Island, NY and always liked the food. It has a very creative menu and is a vibrant, trendy restaurant that makes good food at somewhat reasonable prices. This location in particular is a great location being in Quincy Market with a central location to all the Boston hotspots in an old Houlihans location. The menu had a few changes but the specials are always great and the waitstaff friendly and hip. I would definetly make it a point to stop in and have a meal here. The spinach/artichoke dip with nachos is awesome!!
(4)
Darien G.
Excellent spot for either a business or upscale casual lunch, and even better for drinks. I've been going here for about 5 years now and it occurred to me I'd never written a review. Service and food are always good. I love their burger. Balance is the key, it's not too heavy on any ingredient or flavor, is always cooked just right. Ribs are also good if you're in the mood for something that requires getting your hands a bit sticky. Excellent desserts too, just all around a very good spot. I'll keep coming as long as they keep delivering the above.
(4)
Rich W.
Love the ribs and great service. Make sure you make reservations
(5)
Claire W.
This is one of my favorite downtown lunch spots. It gets very crowded, particularly in the summer, so I usually try and get there at 11:45. The big draw for me are the chopped salads - there is a cobb salad and a chicken salad. I don't know why more restaurants don't make a chopped salad. These are huge. You could easily take home half. Since lunch is often my big meal during the week I usually don't have anything left. I went once with a friend who has severe food allergies. We had arrived late and sat at the bar. Despite that, the bartender went back to the kitchen twice with the card describing my friend's allergies to check and doublecheck what she could eat. Heartily recommend - with the caveat "Get there early."
(5)
Amy C.
Ok here's the deal the burgers are really f-ing good. The chicken salad with the peanut dressing is really f-ing good too. The fries are very tasty when they are hot and crisp. I love that they serve Edison Beer. Big plus. The decor and atmosphere is modern but cozy and comfortable, all the tables are booths so that makes for good conversation and comfort. I'll be back.
(4)
Casey H.
Very good BBQ ribs that fall right off the bone.
(3)
Molly M.
My friends and I went here on a Friday later in the evening. It was crowded but still had room to be seated at the table. Drinks were delicious. We didn't really need entrees so we got the loaded baked potato- holy yum! Delicious. Shout out to our server Patrick, who had to put up with 4 silly women but he did it all with a smile. Thanks!
(4)
mike c.
Houston's is a must do in Boston ,good food and drink in a fun spot as well ,I have been there many time both day and night , the only thing that ever put my off was door man ? maybe G M ? telling a young man and lady at the bar that they were not and could not kiss at the bar and if thay did one more time they would be asked to leave ....O.K I'm am not young at 52 but to be sure I will never go back ,after all how often do you turn 52 ? ? ?
(4)
Andrew G.
This is part of a large, upscale restaurant group (hillstone group) and was formerly named 'Houstons' a couple years back. I am now in Chicago, but find myself missing this great, rock-solid option. Consistency is what made Hillstones a frequent stomping ground for me when I live in downtown Boston. You always knew the service would usually be extremely efficient and the quality of the food/drink was at par with any other upscale spots in back bay or north end. Awesome bar-I love to eat at bars and this one has comfy stools, good people watching(local celts and bruins spotted few times), and a few flat screens at the end to watch the bruins. A solid standby for me always was the ribs and a spicy Malbec or of course some tasty sushi which they serve generous portions of. Perks: -Best martini's around -Sushi offered generous portions, rolls are quite substantial and can hold their own to some level against 'sushi' restaurants -Attentive with food allergies (nuts) Dings: -Had an issue with a salmon special about a year ago, wrote to their website, received a call from the mngr, but never followed up after. It's debatable if it was the food or a long night, but nonetheless that left a bad taste in my mouth and the only reason it's not 5. If your looking for a great after work scene, place to start a night off in town, or a great date spot (booths and intimate lighting) this is a good choice. I'm looking to check out one of their sister restaurants 'Bandera' here in Chicago sometime.
(4)
Vicki T.
Fabulous prime rib, great baked potatoes, delicious corned beef sandwiches, juicy hamburgers, but the worst sushi I have ever tasted. Houston's Restaurants are almost always dependable for good meals. I have no idea why they are attempting to make sushi. The rice was undercooked (hard), and strangely shiny. I do wish they would stick to what they do so well.
(4)
Roja N.
After living in Boston for a year, I only just stumbled upon Hillstone. It was recommended to me by a coworker who raved about it's food. I went there last week with some friends for dinner and I was astonished by the spectacular food and ambience. Being a vegetarian, I usually am limited but after our lovely waitress (she was perhaps Irish?) recommended the veggie burger, I ordered it and was plesantly surprised by how exceptionally tasty it was. I left delighted with the meal and am excited to come back and try something else on the extensive menu. The food and the fantastic service from our genuinely friendly waitress will definitely bring us back soon
(5)
Stewart o.
Nice meal and service in a nice space. Relaxed. Good selection and variety. I loved the steak and Thai noodle dish.
(4)
Becka D.
I can say I'm a fan after one visit...so that's saying something. My boss and I sat at the bar. Quick service and SUPER friendly. They profusly apologized after salting my boss's margarita when she asked for no salt. And they make their own sour mix (tres chi-chi)! The spinach-artichoke dip is to die for. I eat this stuff pretty much at any place that has it on the menu, and this is definitely one of the best (if not the best) of all time. My grilled chicken salard was pretty fab too. I would have never guessed that this place was a chain. The prices aren't exactly wallet-friendly, but it's what you would expect from the look of the place. One of the greatest things about this place is the people-watching. We plopped down at the bar about 430, so right before the after-work crowd got there. It was all pretty entertaining (and it was only a Tuesday night). My bet is that on a Thursday or Friday night after work, I'd have a ball here.
(5)
Frank W.
Love. Love Love Love. Ok now that i've gotten that out of the way here is my review of Houston's (AKA Hillstone). This place rocks. It's got a great ambiance, has outdoor seating for the summer, and has great food/beer to boot. I love their Asian Salads, their Sushi, and their Specials. I usually enjoy a good special here. They're also great at suggesting beer/wine to you to complement your meal, and their coffee for after the "big dig" is actually decent for dinner coffee. While I can't personally afford to come here every night, it's a great place to go if you're looking to class up your life or take someone special out. I would recommend getting a reservation if you have a large party or if you're going out on Week nights. This is a common hot spot for Financial District foodies. (Myself included) GO!
(5)
Ingrid F.
I absolutely love their hawaiian rib eye and spinach and artichoke dip! The steak was really juicy and the dip was seasoned just right. I wish there were more choices for desserts though. The desserts were pretty basic and from what I recall there were only 3 to choose from. I think I had the brownie a la mode dish and it was just alright.
(4)
Michael H.
I've been to Hillstone's several times, both under it's current name and it's prior identity, Houston's. (Actually preffered the name "Houston's" to "Hillstone's" but I apparently was not consulted about the change.) To me, it's okay, and I'll leave it at that. Hillstone's is a somewhat different sort of restaurant. It's very dimly lit, all the servers wear black, and waitresses have their hair pulled back in a pony tail. All the staff seem to be somewhat robotic (in a Matrix kind-of way); it's almost like they are part of a cult! Nevertheless, what the staff lacks in personality, they easily make up for with their efficiency and attentiveness. As for the menu, expect to find the usual suspects. Salads, steaks, seafood, burgers and chicken (and Sushi?) accompanied by daily specials - which the servers sometimes forget to mention. The appetizer selection is woefully limited and beer selection even more so. I've tried the rotisserie chicken which is good, and ordered some of the salads which did not dissapoint either. Hillstone's serves a good onion soup, too. Actually, the only meal I had at Hillstones that I would not recommend was the chicken tender dinner - it was lousy. Overall, the food is above-average. Prices, for this area of Boston are very reasonable, and portions are generous. Kitchen is easily viewable from the seating area and looks to be immaculate. Be advised that after 6:00 p.m, Hillstone's gets very crowded (regardless of what day it is) and reservations would be recommended. Personally, I actually enjoy lunch at Hillstone's more than dinner. The menu is the same and they don't dim the lighting as much. Ultimately, the way I look at Hillstone's, is that it's like eating at a premium Chili's, Applebees, TGI Friday's, or other type of chain restaurant.
(3)
TJ M.
I hate the screne of Houston's, but I can only speak praise for the food. Although you'll find the biggest douche bags in Boston ordering dirty martinis and discussing "the market" you will also find the best Seared Tuna Salad ever created. I'm not kidding... Get the damn Seared Tuna Salad.. I promise you'll be please. If tuna isn't your bag, they make great burgers. A buddy of mine claims they have the best burger in boston, which I would contest (I'd vote Bartley's Burgers in Harvard). The steaks are great and for an appetizer get the baked artichoke heart.... trust me... just do it.
(5)
Elizabeth S.
We went to Hillstone twice on a recent trip to Boston and loved it both times! The first time we went we sat at the bar and just ordered drinks. Very friendly bartender. The next day we went back and ordered the shrimp & macadamia roll, the Osaka pressed sushi, and the Thai tuna roll and it was all wonderful! Some of the best sushi I have ever had. And our waitress was a doll! We will continue to visit this wonderful place!
(5)
Trey Joseph W.
Stepped in for drinks on at their bar which wide open to the fresh air on a gorgeous day. I had never been there before, as I presumed it wasn't for me. I really enjoyed the design of the restaurant actually. The little app we got was tasty, and the hot fudge sundae at the bar was fun too. Nice staff too.
(4)
j c.
For me, Houston's in Faneuil Hall is one of those places that is always a safe bet. Whether you're going for drinks, lunch or dinner, you won't be disappointed. The service is excellent, the food is fresh and delicious (no obscene portions) and everything is spotless. I've gone there for lunch by myself on a few occasions and felt very comfortable and well looked after. My only issue is that it's way too dark and the levels can be difficult ot maneuver if you're disabled. My disability is extremely poor night vision, so I sort of have to feel my way along to the table. Also, I'm not sure how elderly people or those in wheelchairs would fare. Otherwise, consistently good.
(4)
Nina W.
Houstons is a very nice bar and restaurant right next to Fanueil Hall. I had a wonderful experience here, and would definately come back when i visit Boston again. Their food was tasty and the ambiance was very original. Something I love about the restaurants and businesses in boston, is that they remove the glass fronts of the buildings in the summer for an open air feel. Definately worth a try.
(4)
Paul G.
Been going here for years. If you're an eat at the bar person like I am, you will agree that Houston's has one of the best bars to have food at in Boston. It's spacious and the bartenders are friendly and accommodating. They do have a peculiar list of beers both in bottle and on tap, and they don't serve Bud or Lite. Not sure why. The food menu hasn't changed much, however, the chef continues to get innovative with the sushi menu (great Rainbow Roll). Some might consider the prices here a bit high. The wine list can be expensive, but they do have several reasonably priced and good wines on the menu. The place hops on Friday night after work and is great place to get a drink and dinner before heading out for the night. Top menu choices: Burger, the french dip sandwich, Thai steak salad, Hawaiian rib-eye and the filet. Top reason I go: Friendly bar staff.
(5)
Greg D.
Decent place for drinks after work, is pricey for what you get though. They had Edison, so I chilled in the Light. An older crowd which is defiantly not my scene. The staff is friendly and very quick.
(4)
Liana K.
We had reservations for 8pm and still had to wait a bit to get seated (around 20 minutes). I had a smoked salmon appetizer for my meal, which surprisingly made for a small light meal. The menu didn't look that impressive. I guess the chic, dark ambiance makes it good for corporate whoredom and dates. However, if you want a high end meal, I agree with the yelper below that there are plenty of other places to go to go to in Boston. The place is nicely located for a walk around the Wharf late on a summer night though.
(3)
Jackie G.
It's a little pricey but the food and drink is amazing. It took a really long time to be seated but it was definitely worth it. We waited at the bar but the hostess was really rude to my friend when she asked 30 minutes later (when told it would only be a 20 minute wait) how much longer. The bartender was also kinda bitchy. Other than that the food and drinks were delicious.
(4)
Jen H.
I truly like Houstons. It's in Faneuil Hall so going in I was expecting lots of tourists... but was pleasantly surprised to find that was not the case. Our waiter was really nice, service was up to par, and the food was made well. We didn't have a reservation and didn't have to wait in line for a table, as we came for an early dinner. The feel of this restaurant is slightly more upscale than other venues around the F.H. area, so I liked that as an option... and despite it's F.H. location this is a venue I would voluntarily go to over many others in the nearby vicinity if hunger strikes.
(4)
Courtney M.
I came in around 2pm to celebrate getting a job with my girlfriend on a weekday. The restuarant was calm and spotted with suited professionals on their lunch meeting breaks. Their sushi is really quite incredible and our server was very non-judgemental of our request for a bottle of champagne! What a better way to celebrate getting a job! It has perfect mood lighting and the bar seems like it would be hopping on any night. I will definitely come again just for their fish sandwich which is to die for. A great spot for groups!
(4)
Jennifer B.
This is my favorite restaurant in Boston. I love the ambiance there, and the food has always been delicious. My favorite is the Evil Jungle Thai Steak Salad. Also, their filet is excellent when you want a treat and can afford it. They have the best French Dip I've ever had. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because I went there recently and they increased their prices. They don't have any wine choices for under $10 any more! They used to be $7 -$9 for a glass of wine, which is pricey, but not unreasonable. But I will not pay $10 or more for a glass when I can pay that for a decent bottle. Also, I'm not a huge fan of their beer offerings. So: Food=excellent, drinks = sub-par and overpriced
(4)
D H.
I ordered the Hawaiian rib eye steak - medium. The steak was cooked perfectly. The waitress was very attentive. This place is a hidden gem-- figurative and literately.
(4)
Erin G.
Stopped by Houston's for an early dinner (530) and though I had a reservation, there were plenty of open tables and we were seated immediately. our service was really professional and warm which is so refreshing for a chain. atmosphere: a little too dark and the banquettes felt super low to the ground, our server towered over us, or at least it felt that way. i ordered the veggie burger, my date ordered the raquet club sandwich, and both were fully enjoyed. Houston's price to portion ratio is even too. It's a good meal, very beef-oriented, so vegetarians take heart. update: i've been back here so i guess i like the place well enough! the sashimi tuna salad is out of this world with huge chunks of avocado and mango. you should also have a few margaritas, they are tasty and refreshing.
(4)
S. J.
This place is pretty cool, though your wallet may not always think so. Ahhh, the bittersweet sting of steakhouses where tourists collide with cubical survivors. A mojito here is going to seduce your taste buds and slap you in the liver in all the right ways, but will set you back at least $14 if I remember correctly (it's probably better to forget!)... Do yourself a favor in more ways than one by ordering a pint of Brick Red, the limited edition special brew from Sam Adams only served in select Boston bars (and no, you can't buy it at the liquor store). Steaks here are Grade A Awesome. Doesn't matter if you're ordering the filet, prime rib, or their Hawaiian rib eye. When it comes to sides, there can be only one -- the colossal, loaded baked potato. But beware -- it will lead you astray into that dangerous territory of filling up on starch, cheese, bacon, and sour cream instead of some of the best steak in the city. The menu is kinda small, though, so be sure to check it out before making a reservation (recommended) or waiting an hour if you walk up. I haven't tried their burgers, since that's like going to an ice cream parlor and ordering half a popsicle. Save room for dessert -- the key lime pie is pretty damn good, though I'm pretty sure they've changed their crust in the last year... used to be solid gold. Now it's just gold plated. But the pie filling itself is still not to be missed. Take half that loaded baked potato home if you have to.
(4)
Mary D.
Went to Houston's on a Friday night around 7:30 pm. Without reservations, which I am not sure they take, the wait was about 45 minutes to an hour. The bar was packed, with mostly 20-somethings right from work. Managed to get seats at the bar and decided to eat there. Had the spinach & artichoke dip to start - good, but not great. For dinner, I had the steak and noodle salad, which was just ok. Husband had the steak special, which he declared to be the best steak he has ever had. Good size portions. Bartender was great - talkative and helpful. Chef delivered food to us, which was impressive. Overall, experience was good, but I may be too old for that bar scene. Too loud and crowded.
(3)
Mark W.
This is a great restaurant....if I had to find a fault, it's underground with no view. However the ambiance, service, and quality make up for it! I also preferred the Houston's name over Hillstone....but that's marketing....I'll probably still call it Houston's. While this is so much more than a burger joint, it's got bar none one of the best cheeseburgers I've ever had. It's the fries, the bun, the cheese, the beef - everything brought together - just a really good burger. But also the sushi, the steaks, the salads are all very good. Oh and for this restaurant with a view, try their Houston's in Pompano Beach....I've been to a dozen Houston's and they're consistently great.
(4)
Andrea A.
You just can't go wrong here. Everything is always fresh, from the ground beef, to the biscuits to the fries. Forget the burger at the Four Seasons-- Hillstone has it beat by a mile. Spinach dip is addicting, their ribs fall off the bone. It can get pretty crowded at lunch time, so plan accordingly. The after-work bar scene feels like a meat market, so avoid it if that's not your thing.
(4)
Randy S.
Two words: Hawaiian Rib-eye. It was succulent, delicious and served with incredible aptitude. My dinner party ordered the sushi as a starter and it was some of the best rolls I have ever had. I ordered the Hawaiian Rib-eye, which I have already commented on; my buddy to the left ordered a chicken that was amazing; and across the table the fish was ordered. Everything was served with impeccable timing and style. The waitress was helpful and knowledgeable. We paired our meal with a bottle of malbec, that although it was overpriced was excellent. I must say their wine list offers an option for everyones' taste-buds. The brownies for dessert brought a perfect end to an incredible meal. The atmosphere was the silent fifth star in this review. It will not disappoint.
(5)
Josh P.
Excellent veggie burger and great atmosphere.
(5)
Christine L.
Best veggie burger in town! Recently tried Sushi. Good but not outstanding.
(4)
Traci M.
Get our your wallet cuz it ain't cheap here. Cheesebuger 14 Fish Sandwich 17 ________________ 2 sodas+ 20% tip=$46 The food is great. The service is excellent. But the pricess are crazy and the menu is VERY limited!
(4)
Nathan B.
Great vegetarian burgers and sushi. Steps away from Faneuil Hall. Dine in an elegant setting. Excellent service.
(5)
Jay D.
Ate here this afternoon. It was the first time for all at the table except one. We all tried the Pork Ribs which were delicious, and will again be delicious i'm sure as lunch at work tomorrow. Oh will my work peeps be jealous. :-) The clam chowder was excellent, while the Cheddar Toast was bleh. The 4 nut brownie was also excellent. I wish i still worked in the financial district to check out their Happy Hour which i hear about all too often. Our main server was adorable(Jessie) as were most of the girls on this afternoon. I think we were helped by 4 different servers which was refreshing to see that level of teamwork in a spot where most bills will easily head north of 3 figures very quickly.
(4)
Wendy L.
I know it's a chain, but I love it. The fish and meats are really good, and the spinach and artichoke dip is divine. Boo on no reservations for large parties...but I guess it didn't stop us from waiting it out!
(5)
Jessica A.
I love Houston's! The thai steak and noodle salad is killer. The waitstaff are some of the friendliest servers you'll encounter in Boston. Great service, impeccable food.
(5)
Denise L.
Went for drinks with some friends. Let me start by saying the place was not busy at all and there were 3 bartenders at the bar chatting it up. Took a half hour to get two martinis and had to send one back because it was a gin martini when my friend asked for a vodka martini. My SO ordered a bombay sapphire and tonic, our waitress came back and said they didn't have bombay. So when asked what the alternatives were, she started listed vodkas. She didn't know what the difference was and admitted it. When he finally decided on what gin he wanted, another server brought it over and said "who ordered the bombay and tonic?" They just told us they didn't have bombay - he asked for extra lime but there was no lime in the drink and when asked the server said "I saw the bartender squeeze lime in in there did you also want a piece of lime?" Seriously? As it turned out the tonic water was flat so he sent it back and stuck with water. Never again
(1)
Natalia T.
pricey, but very tasty! if you're willing to pay $14 for a burger, you won't be dissapointed! it's juicy, delicious and something I crave every week now ;) Something as simple as chicken ceasar was also very very good ... the dressing was mixed in there, and the chicken was very very tender and nicely marinaded. $14 tuna roll didn't really live up to be worth $14 ... I think they should get rid of sushi, it's a little too much for a bar staff is not always great, you might get a grumpy one once in a while :(
(5)
R A.
Everything I've had here has been great. Despite being a chain, it doesn't have that feel. Their service was excellent and the food was very well prepared and portioned. They are really lacking in their cocktail variety, but they have excellent mojitos.
(4)
Amanda D.
I go to this bar every couple weeks for after work drinks. I think it is one of the best places in Boston to go for a drin. it is definitely nice in the summer when they have the front glass doors open. Granted, it can get a bit crowded every now and again, but for me it is worth it. Although the food menu is a little small, I have eaten here numerous times and have always loved it. The salads are awesome, steaks great, soups lovely. Why not stop on by!?
(4)
Eric A.
One of my favorite restaurant's in the country. The atmosphere is cool, the food is delicious, and the waitstaff is nice.
(4)
Jen C.
My friend and I ended up have a late lunch at Houston's yesterday. It was a beautiful day out, so we wanted to sit outside. When we arrived, we managed to get the last outside table, but the place was't packed, which made the atmostphere relaxing and people watching fantastic. Our waitress was attentive and knowledgeable. She knew the wines by the glass and even how they were fermented. She brought us our wine and water, and the two of us basically chugged our water. She saw this, and then brought over a carafe of water, filled our glasses and left us the water, without asking. My friend had the French Dip and said it was really good. I had the Hickory burger that was delicious. The buttered grilled bun put it over the top. Skinny, cruchy fries accompanied each of our meals and were yummy. What's funny is that after we finished our meals, my friend and I were still talking about how the water tasted so good. It was cold, but not too cold, and no ice. We laughed that we would write a review and say the food was good, but the water was great!
(4)
Alphonse C.
Hillstone, formerly called Houston's is my go to for lunch or dinner when I have a few extra bucks in my pocket. Its tucked away in Faneuil hall Hall and has a big after work business crowd which I try to avoid. I must say the California rolls there are by far probably the best I've ever had and its not even a Japanese restaurant !! Go figure? Also the Hawaiian Rib eye is cooked to perfection served with a loaded baked to potato to die for. (only served for dinner which is annoying BTW). I prefer to sit at the bar, though the bartenders looked a bit stressed often and not that on the ball for such a corporate environment. Though eating in the dinning room is really nice, each table is very private and comforting. There's also an open air kitchen which always brings a nice level of excitement to a restaurant. I always like to see who cooking :) The servers are prompt and all work together at your table which is different and unique. Though I prefer to have one server generally when dining, its a bit impersonal there with that approach.
(4)
Stephen Y.
We only stayed at the bar - difficult to get a seat even on a week night but kinda worth it. Food was surprisingly good (benefits of being associated with a real restaurant). Highly highly recommend the chicken tender and the sushi was pretty decent as well. Expect to pay a bit of a premium for food, however.
(4)
Josh P.
As a former restaurant worker (bartender), I can say that one of the easiest ways to gauge the quality of an establishment is to look at the servers. If they are smiling and seem happy to be there, chances are you're at a good restaurant. Applying this standard, as I always do, I was very encouraged when I walked into Houston's on a recent Sunday night. On the short walk from the entrance to my table, a very comfy booth in the back, I was greeted by smiling face after smiling face. And, my old test proved itself accurate once again. The atmosphere is hip and comfortable without being pretentious, the service was flawless and the food was delicious. I will certainly be going back.
(5)
Roxanne M.
The rows of wide red booths make it a comfy place to meet with friends and linger a while. Make a reservation if you're there on a weekend night, and plan to share the spinach/artichoke dip. As a vegetarian, there weren't too many options for me, but if you eat fish that opens up your options as it (surprisingly) has sushi mixed in with the other offerings. It's a little pricey but that's to be expected in this part of town.
(3)
Alex L.
Houston's is awesome! Everything on the menus is fantastic. The service is always great, but wait a minute... I only gave them 3 stars... Why IS that? Oh that's right EVERYTHING on the menu is at least $5 more than any other Houston's Restaurant in the entire US. I don't care that their rent is extremely high, they are so busy ALL THE TIME that they could afford to be cheaper. That's the biggest reason I don't frequent this restaurant. In Dallas, I LOVE this place. Here, it's like... Ok take the T for 45 minutes, or drive downtown and pay for $25 parking, so either way it sucks to get there, then I have to shell out an extra $5 on whatever I want to eat there. It just bothers the hell out of me. Anyways, I'll probably end up going this week anyway because I've been craving the French Dip like crazy.
(3)
Susan M.
I love this restaurant! Every meal that you get is delicious and get an A on presentation every time. They have a small menu but with a variety of choices there is someothing for everyone. There sushi is delicious and always fresh, overall every experience I've had here has been fantastic! The ambiance is great, somewhat romantic with the dim lighting, and a great place to go after work to sit at the bar for drinks. I love going in the fall/spring to sit outside or at the bar right infront of the open doors!
(5)
sarah k.
Very much one of my absolute favorite restaurants! The atmosphere is perfect and you really do not want much more than to stay and enjoy the food and drinks, along with the service that does not try to push you away. My only slight criticism I have for Hillstone is with regards to their once outstanding rib entree. Every now and then, the restaurant switches up their menu a bit but the change made 6 months ago is awful. The meal was consistently delicious; ribs laid out as one with the perfect amount of sauce but still able to taste the flavorful pork. Now, they are stacked and smothered in sauce. Needless to say, I sent the dish back and will never order it again. I didn't even know there was meat under it. Some of these changes just seem to reflect a way to cut costs in making their food.
(4)
Joel S.
Would definitely come back. The fish was very fresh and tasty. Service was impeccable, and cute. Bar staff was good, there's an outdoor patio which is nice and the decor inside was pleasing. Prices are, well, pricey, but the expense report works well. They even had the yankee/sox game on TV which was a nice touch, too bad the score wasn't.
(4)
Carolina L.
This is a great place to go and have a nice dinner.. the food is soo good.. everything i had was incredible the ribs are exquisite the soups too.. and the desserts waooo.. if you are looking for a nice and good restaurant this is the perfect one..
(5)
Jackie D.
We were told that our wait for a table was going to be 25-30 minutes, but it ended up being over an hour. Normally not an issue as we got drinks at the bar, however, I was particularly hungry this Saturday night and was displeased by the unexpectedly excessive wait. Would've got an app at the bar had we known. The host also confused us for another party and got our hopes up, said he'd check on our name but never did. The bar tenders were very busy but did acknowledge us and eventually got to our drinks, a non-issue. When we sat a girl took our drink order but never actually got our drinks and a second waitress came over who ended up serving us. Service was just mediocre which is why I feel as though I can't give Houston's more than 3 stars. However, our food was amazing! We had an eel sushi app, something I've never had before but actually loved. And my juicy steak was cooked perfectly! Wish I could give it at least one more star for the delish food, but the overall experience was just OK. I would go again though, but think next time it will be on a weeknight or a time when it's less busy.
(3)
Emily C.
I basically joined Yelp to write a review on this restaurant. I had such a terrible experience here with the service that it convinced me I would not be returning. I had ordered a pork dish that was quite large. The waiter literally tried to take the dish away from me, with plenty of meat left on it, over five times when I was still eating. Eventually he resorted to sending different waitstaff over to actually clear our plates as I had probably scared him with my sharp words. I understand this is not fine dining, but there has to be some standard to not grab peoples' plates out from under them when they are eating. He even tried to take one of our bottles of wine away from us before it was finished! I know it sounds dramatic, but I truly was appalled at the service. We had probably the best table in the house, I understand they want to turn it over, but we were a group of 5 ordering bottles of wine, drinks, main courses. The service was incredibly inappropriate for any dining-out experience. Since the food was just OK, the horrible service stood out the most for the 1 star rating.
(1)
Nic A.
Houston's is fast becoming one of my go-to restaurants. The other reviews have pretty much said it all: This place is one of the few "good chains" around. Go here! Eat, drink, and be merry.
(4)
jenny c.
I don't ever recall devouring a burger so tasty,, I came here by referral and soon came to find out that this place Rocks! I pass by here to work every morning and I finally ended up getting myself over with a couple co-workers.. Great food, and a nice atmosphere.. Great location as well, right next to the train stop.. and the rest of faneuil hall.
(4)
Jayashree P.
Incredible atmosphere and great service. They serve the best veggie burger in the world that you must have with a side of the most perfect coleslaw. After work the bar can get crowded, but worth a visit.
(4)
Sophia C.
Delish. I always try my best to find something vegan on any menu in the hopes that I will not be a complete pain in the ass. I ordered the veggie burger at Houston's - the waitress very nicely took my order and I told her I wanted a veggie burger, but no cheese, butter - I cannot have dairy. When she left, the chef came to our table and made sure that nothing had dairy in it for me - even the bread. After millions of times telling a restaurant that I cant have dairy, then spending a night being sick - (all vegans eventually become lactose-intolerant, usually about a month or so or strictly no dairy in the diet) - Houston's was a nice change. I had a lovely experience and wasnt sick after - what a concept!! ****** The veg burger I orderd today was covered in mayo and butter after I asked for no dairy. Houston's, we have have a problem.
(4)
Sam C.
This is a good dependable place in faneuil hall for drinks and dinner. Good salads, burgers, wine list. Just didn't understand why they opened our bottle of wine before bringing it to the table. I don't think anyone should ever do that. But for an area of Boston severely lacking in decent places to eat this would be my top choice.
(3)
Matt W.
Yes, it used to be the location of Houlihan's. Not unlike the overwhelming smell of human urine outside Grotto, this fact about Houston's former tenant should not sway your decision to enter. This bunker-like, slightly subterranean location is just the right setting for a unique, Frank Lloyd Wright-esque experience. The service is professional, and team driven. The food is subjected to the "We are near Quincy Market" Tourist Mark-up, but it's absolutely worth it. What to order? The Knife and Fork Ribs. Completely fall-off-the-bone-melt-in-your-mouth fantastic. If you go for dinner, wait till a later hour to avoid the after work drinkers. Reservations are recommended, but the bar is a great place to people watch if you just want to drop in. For those of you (like me) that become addicted to the ribs, and live nearby; They do not do To-Go orders. Great place to bring out of town friends who insist on doing dinner near Quincy Market. (however, I would suggest that you purge your life of such friends as soon as they are on the plane). UPDATE 8/15/06: Recently we visited this establishment again. Friends came from Legal Sea Food to meet up with us at the end of our meal. It was 9:55 and they closed at 10. The server said that she could probably serve them 1 round of drinks (we didn't even plan on that, but were happy she offered). Our 3 friends arrived and the manager stopped them with "We're closed." They said they were meeting us, to which he replied "We're closed." He finally let them by when I came to the front. As the server greeted them and asked if they wanted a drink, the manager came to the table, took the server away, and she returned a moment later stating, "Since you are at a table and not ordering food, my manager said you cannot have a drink." My wife and I just finished a great meal, only to have our friends insulted by the ass manager. How would this affect the price of friggin tea in China if they had 1 beer while waiting us to finish our meal??? As we left, he was locking the revolving door (it was 10:05PM). He grunted "Use the other door" as we approached. Now that's class.... without the "cl". THE FATAL FLAW OF HOUSTONS. THEY HAVE UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME FOOD, BUT A CORPORATE EDICT WHICH GIVES THEIR MANAGERS AN ARROGANT SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT. I AM GOING TO HAVE TO REDUCE THIS REVIEW TO 4 STARS, NOW. Damn you manager!
(4)
Peter R.
Everything here was very good. The food was tasty, and the menu had a good selection of casual "American" food. I had a fish sandwich, and my friend had chicken tenders. Don't expect to be wowed though, the lunch was good, but still in the "ordinary" range. The server was helpful and friendly. I was at the restaurant in the late afternoon, so it wasn't very crowded and entrees came out quickly. The prices are a bit steep for what you get, but considering it's location that's not surprising (read: it's a little bit of a tourist trap). It's still a better deal than a lot of places in Faneuil Hall (which are all tourist traps). The decor is tasteful and original. It's a little dark (and slightly subterranean), but certainly not in an unpleasant way.
(3)
Ame k.
we went on sat around 1pm, no wait, the service is ok but the veggie burger is the "bomb" and i dont use this term, my coworker did. we (4 ppl) order the veggie burger, it was the best thing i ever tasted.
(5)
Rebecca C.
I definitely love Houston's. It all started when I tried their banana creme pie for the first time. (I believe it's a seasonal dish, be patient if they don't have it...try for it next time). Someone brought it for me to go after their lunch. It was the highlight of my day. Now, I think I've tried nearly everything on the menu. The ribs are truly "the best" ribs I've ever had. They're better than Red Bones! The Tuna Sashimi Salad is truly incredible, as is the Evil Thai Jungle Salad. The service is a bit strange. Generally you get one server who takes your order, but what feels like 12 other servers bringing your food, drinks, etc. So you don't get that camraderie with your server if you enjoy that part of it. Which I do. But other than that, we haven't had a bad experience there. The biggest shortfall of Houston's is the booths. It restricts the number of people you can have sitting at one table. And all they have are booths. No regular tables. So you really and truly can't have a party bigger than 6 or 7 people, unless you want to sit at separate tables...done that too. Not so fun.
(4)
Lala L.
Never had a bad meal here. It's a steak house, but their salads are damn good! Also, do get the baby back ribs...they're juicy and falls off the bone. There may be a long wait on the weekends, and parties more than five/six is not a good idea here. (depending on how tall you peeps are)
(4)
Laura L.
Not really a fan of this place. Maybe because I am a college student but it seemed to business professional type of atmosphere. I have been in there two times once for drinks and the other for dinner. Both weren't bad but definitely pricey. I guess its great for an after work cocktail...
(4)
sunny n.
A decent average place to hang out for drinks and some snacks in the financial district..they make some mean cocktails..the martinis are dam good...the menu is a mixed bag w/ some great items like the Georgian Cod, the Vegetarian Burger...whereas other items can dissapoint....and the service is jus alrite ...I just find too many people helping you out (hostess, person to get your first drink, then waitress) so that kinna confuses me a bit. ..call me ol fashioned if u will but I like to deal with one person once seated..and an occasional check in from the hostess is very charming yet hard to find.......the crowd is a mix of young and some ol.....Comfy leather seating and dim lighting is perfect...located in an almost semi basement venue..with slick low ceilings..and bang outside Fanuel HalI is very cool....I would personally prefer an odd time of the day to go here..because I usually don't like places where many people show up from an office after work..and with Boston's downtown area lacking diversity it just automatically makes it less appealing for me...!
(3)
Cindy C.
Fantastic place to grab lunch or drinks after work. My favorite thing on the menu is the spicy tuna roll salad. I have dreams about that salad. Burgers are delicious, and the fries are unbelievable. Can't go wrong with the spinach & artichoke dip. The restaurant is always busy in the summer. There is some stiff competition, but Houstons is definetly one of the best choices in Faneuil Hall. It can get a little dark in there sometimes, but everything is delish!
(4)
bex g.
good place for a very yummy dinner. hearty meals and nice presentation. not a standout place for drinks or hangout though -- much more of an older crowd. there isn't anything particularly wrong with it, just that there are so many other better choices in the area. but definitely worth a try or two.
(4)
Aunt Selma g.
My tuna salad was good but i give it a three for an unimaginitave menu and a hideous decor.
(3)
Jill M.
This restaurant is great and never fails to please. It's a huge after work spot, so you'll see quite a few people at the bar during happy hour. The food is delicious. I recommend the chicken ceasar salad, the clam chowder, and if you need some meat on your bones the filet mignon is amazing. They have a pretty good wine selection but they are lacking a little bit in the liquor department. My roommate is always disappointed because they don't have SoCo. If you're planning to make a meal of it at Houston's, be prepared to break the bank a bit.
(4)
Melissa B.
I highly recommend this place for a nicer lunch, but go early because there's always a wait and they won't seat you unless your whole party is there (even w/ a res). Wonderful service as well.
(3)
Ryan B.
This is one of my favorite places in Boston, the food is unreal. My wife lives for the chicken tender salad, and the burgers are THE BEST IN BOSTON. Only problem, the service is a joke. I don't get it, we live right in the hood so go all the time, and every freakin time there are a million people in black waiter/waitress outfits walking around, but none of them seem to come to our table. The last two times I have been, we have literally had to walk up to the counter to find our waitress to order something, and both times have had to had our orders fixed since they screwed it up. Very disappointing service, but food is great. Scene sucks by the bar with the financial losebags hanging out every night acting like they own the place.
(2)
Ankita d.
For the longest time, I'd only known Houston's as a bar. But teh food is surprizingly amazing. I had a great roasted squash dish that was unique and so yum. Great drinks and great atmosphere
(4)
Kathryn B.
Went here recently for drinks after work. This place was okay. It wasn't very busy when I got there, but the hostess was rather snippy about sitting me before my friends arrived. The service was decent and the drinks were good but overpriced. My friend ordered the tortilla soup and wasn't that impressed. The waitress was very helpful in determining what items were gluten free, although nothing I wanted was. Would meet people for drinks here again, but probably wouldn't be the one to suggest it.
(3)
Kelly W.
I love Houston's! The spinach and artichoke dip and grilled chicken salad are my favorites. The drinks are a little pricey.
(4)
Rebecca Y.
Great for after work drinks and a meeting spot to grab a bite with a friend. Although the burgers are expensivo - yum.
(4)
Jesse N.
I was first introduced to Houston's by my friend Marisa, who couldn't get over how classy this restaurant is. I agree with her. houston's serves fancy American food, my favorite of which being the cobb salad. This is a great place to meet up with friends after a long day at work. The ambience provides for a quiet and comfortable setting for relaxation and ease. A great place for a weekend lunch.
(4)
Brandy S.
I like this place - one of the few places in Fanuel that is worth going to and probably won't be filled with tourists. While it is great to grab a drink, the food is also delicious. I had an excellent fillet there that has the quality of a steakhouse, but was not quite as expensive.
(4)
Brian G.
I love this place. The California Burger is heaven in every bite. The burger has fresh avocado, pepper jack cheese and the perfect bun. They let you have the choice of fries, which are good but not unreal, and cole slaw which is the second best cole slaw I have ever had in my life. That is saying alot because I am a huge cole slaw fan and the only place I ever had gotten better cole slaw was from a high end deli in Walnut Creek, CA. They also have Pacifico Mexican Beer which is not easy to find and it is the best beer in the world, I have the gut to prove it. I would love to say that I have tried everything on the menu but when I go there I have to get the burger but I have had a few of their appetizers and they are quite good. I recommend the fire roasted artichoke. I also have gotten there hot fudge sundae and let me tell you its the perfect way to end a meal. Houston's may seem pricey with the burger being $15 dollars but you can pay 11 for a sub-par burger down the street at a tourist trap like Cheers. When you want to treat yourself, go to Houston's.
(5)
Mark T.
Great food and atmosphere. Perfect place for a quick lunch with colleagues or clients. During the week, try arriving at 11:45 or there will be a long wait for a table!
(5)
Phil B.
A weird experience here. The place is cavernous with a 70s feel of velour and booths. We had to wait for a table and stand in the bar for quite a while. The greeting staff were not friendly and that was the start of a night of poor service. Once seated, we were harrassed from the start by a waitress who seemed to be speaking an alien language (we nodded and smiled). The food we ordered was pretty average - my haddock was good (if a little small and not with much love), Mrs B's salmon nothing to write home about. Everything was brought to our table in a virtual stampede of waiting staff - at one point four people were working our table simultanously. Despite the fact that the place was emptying out on a Sunday night we were pretty much harrassed out of there in less time than we waited for the table. Given the prices they charge, I would expect much, much better.
(2)
Della G.
I am glad to see that Hillstone has mostly good reviews here. I think this is an excellent restaurant, and one of the most underrated in Boston. Upscale casual with consistently wonderful food and service. The menu has nice variety from great sushi, salads and seafood to one of the best prime ribs in town. They pour a great drink and have some excellent selections on the wine list. I can't say enough about how well everyone who works there pays attention to each table, and is always checking to be sure everyone has what they need. Nobody is over bearing and they seem to train their staff to be just professional and friendly enough. Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, very cool and comfortable.
(4)
Sara S.
Concerning their veggie burger specifically: it is only on the lunch menu, but you can specifically ask for it for dinner. It comes WITH mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles, unless you ask for something different. It also comes with cheese. See below. Because of the other Yelp reviews, I asked for clarification regarding the veggie burger. I was told the above... except I was not told about the cheese. So when I asked for my veggie burger with BBQ sauce rather than mustard and mayo, and without pickles, I was not expecting a cheese veggie burger. Apparently cheese is a default option, and I was not informed. Not a huge deal, but I would have preferred it without and didn't feel like waiting for it to be fixed. So, if you're someone who likes their burger a specific way, please keep this in mind. It was delicious, just a little annoying I wasn't clearly informed.
(5)
Courtney R.
I arrived at Hillstone's and was immediately intrigued by it's sunken floor layout (you walk downstairs to get into the entrance of the restaurant). While it is in Faneuil Hall, this floor-plan creates an elite, separate atmosphere that puts Hillstone's on another plane. At 8:30 on a weeknight, the bar was buzzing with energy and full of 30 somethings. We enjoyed cranberry-vodkas and the servers were attentive and polite. After an hour or so, we decided on ordering Thai tuna roll which was delicious. The two sauces it came with, as well as the crusted exterior to the roll, were nice compliments to one another.
(4)
Lindsay G.
I have been there nearly once a week for the past year. The staff is amazing. Always on point and amazingly friendly. Since I have been there so many times some of the staff stop by my table or seat at the bar just to say hello and even check-in if it has been some time since they have seen me. As for the menu, my only complaint is that they keep taking the "home smoked salmon" off the menu. It is an amazing dish and can easily be had for a lunch. Everything else I have ever had there (which is nearly everything on their menu) has only ever been absolutely amazing. I love the lounge feel of the whole place. I would love if they had an umbrella stand, or a coat rack for the bar. That would be awesome.
(5)
Laura S.
Great ambiance! It's very busy during lunch/right after work so try and get there a wee bit early. Although they have wonderful ribs, they're not exactly conducive to a business lunch. But you can still feel special by ordering "off menu"---the california burger! They grind their chuck every morning (nooo idea how I know that) and layer the burger with cheese, tomatoes, avocado and other fun things. The fries are spectacular as well. Thin, crispy, perfectly-salted. If you want something a little lighter, I highly suggest getting the inside-out spicy tuna roll salad. The tuna roll is delic (better than sakura bana) and the salad that comes with it is divine. Mango-pickled red onion-cilantro perfectly compliment the spicy flavor of the sushi. yum!
(4)
Who Is K.
This is one of my favorite places to eat. Not only are they consistent but they also pay for your parking!!!! From the sushi to the steak...it is excellence. My boyfriend and I usually start with the caesar salad and then go for one of the specials. Awesome food, awesome atmosphere and great service.
(5)
Daisy C.
I didn't know what to give "Hillstone". A two or a three. Pricey! That's that. The menu changes often, which was a bad thing for me. Because when the chicken sandwich was taken out, I was out that door to never return. The interior is warm and you'll feel out of place if you're not wearing something more...I don't know...business wear. The menu is small, not a lot of option (to some, this may be a good thing). I think "Hillstone" is more for business meetings (where the company picks up the tab). Once more, it is pricey.
(3)
David B.
I am not really a huge fan of chain restaurants, but due to a combination of being tired and simply wanting some dinner, I went to Houston's. Turned out to be a pleasant experience. The interior vibe is cool, dark and masculine. It feels like the kind of place da Mayor and his cronies would hang out as well as the cool kids who work in the area. The wine list was small but the bar was well stocked. I enjoyed my food but have an issue with this place...the portions were WAY too big. I ordered a dinner salad with my entree of ribs. The dinner salad could have been the entree! The ribs, cole slaw and fries were more reasonable, but there could have been a few nips and tucks as well. Still, the ribs were tender and nicely prepared and I really liked the cole slaw. I also thought the prices were rather high for the kind of food offered. Houston's served its need....I found dinner....but is a place I do not have to return. The North End is just Blocks away! :-)
(3)
Liz V.
Over priced? You get what you pay for. Yes, I pay $15.00 for a glass of my favorite red wine, yes I pay $32.00 for a steak that melts in my mouth and HELL yes I pay $12.00, hell I'd even pay $200.00, for that spinach artichoke appetizer. Houston's is like going home. The low ceiling with exposed beams, dark wood accents, candle light and cigar smoking on the patio makes it my heaven. It is expensive but you get what you pay for. I've dined many nights alone at the bar yet I am not the 40 single woman fellow yelper Nicholas S. speaks of but still there are people at the bar that are friendly, make for good company and conversation so I never feel alone in this city. I love you Houstons!
(5)
Erica B.
this really was not good. We were here for a party, had a reservation. Staff wound up dividing our group into two booths and a table - across the room from one another! Had I not been invited to the Hillstone, I would not have gone. ordinary, rote, bland barely elevated from banal chain-restaurant fare. sushi was horrendous, firmly-packed, pre-made kind of stuff. light on the fish, heavy on the mayo and other weird contents. All rolls, about $15 each and not good. Ours is a coastal city, we can easily get fresh sustainable seafood and prepare it right. This was not. drinks small and VERY expensive (and I am a Boston native, not at all buggered by the cost of living here like many tourists - but $14 for a bottle of light beer? seriously?). Server was giving us the very rehearsed specials, etc. and then disappeared. Never mentioned the price of a friend's entree (it was $30 for a 5 oz cut of fish and 4 asparagus spears - he was quite surprised at the bill!). I asked for mustard, it never came. I asked for pickles on the side, no pickles on my plate at all. She later poured water in my beer glass (why do they use the same size glass?), and cleared my dinner while I was still eating it (and didn't wrap up my leftovers) - but it didn't matter, since given the size of our party (over 6), an 18% gratuity was automatically added to the full, post-tax bill. I mean no disrespect to them, but I think the positive reviews about the food must be from people who don't go out much or are tourists from places with fewer dining options. We are fortunate to have a great many far far superior places to eat in Boston. one point of praise - the veggie burger itself is really good. the anemic ice-cold fries served with it? not so much. There is no reason whatsoever to go to Hillstone. Basically, the place is a classed-up Friday's at four times the price. I'd rather have a microwaved bagel, at least I'd get to finish it.
(1)
Linda T.
The best thing about this place is the fact that you can get fresh fruit juice in your cocktails. Makes all the difference when you love gray goose greyhounds. This is definitely a fun place to be after work on a Thursday or Friday in Boston financial district. Its easy to get through and the ambiance is definitely chic!!! The bar fair is pretty good. At least better then the Houston's in Houston, TX. They have a great sushi menu. I recommend the vegetable roll and the Thai tuna roll. YUM!!!!!!!!! The cool part of this place is that the bar opens out to the little outside patio. Great for meeting friends and on a warming and sunny day!!!! Miss HOUSTONS!!!!
(4)
Caitlin A.
Oh, Houston's. Why do you make me crave you every fortnight? On paper, I shouldn't like you. You're a chain. After 5, you fill with goofballs in suits and executive assistant chicks, still carrying the Sketchers they walked to work in. You're a little over priced for what you are. But oh, your chili. And your red bean soup. I love your fries. I love that tourists are a little intimidated by you. They thankfully end up eating at Dick's Last Resort and stumbling out, flushed faced and wearing white paper-tablecloth-turned-pope hats, which never cease to remind me of the KKK. But no one gets paper hats in you, Houston's. And I like that. I love your super friendly bartenders and waitstaff. I love that mere seconds after ordering chips and salsa, they appear in front of me. I love that your bar is a large oval, so that I can sit on one side and watch the after workers try to pick up each other on the opposite side. They usually fail. But sometimes -sometimes they succeed. And you know what, Houston's? I believe they have you to thank.
(4)
Janet E.
I love this place. I've been here over a handful of times and their Thai Steak & Noodle salad never fails me. Its so delicious! I get it almost everytime I come here. My friend ordered the clam chowder (because there isnt enough of that in Boston). She wasnt too happy that they had put bacon and crackers in it before it arrived at the table. Just a forewarning to those that like their clam chower plain. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was just right.
(4)
M d.
Visited Houston's for lunch on a quiet Saturday, a few weeks ago. What a disappointment. Won't be eating there again of my own volition! The food? It was ok. At those prices, though, I did not see the value. The service? Here's why I give it one star instead of the three I could give it based on food alone: upon entering the restaurant, the host humiliated me in front of my friends by ordering me to take my hat off. I was wearing a rather understated scally cap, which I had no idea would offend; but I obliged, not wishing to importune my friends and stand in the way of their food. Imagine my ire, however, when - upon leaving the restaurant - I noticed no less than FOUR other patrons wearing hats around the restaurant, happily eating their meals. I felt arbitrarily discriminated against by this bigoted establishment, particularly since one of the other hats being worn was a rather prominent fedora on a guy's head and the another was a typical baseball hat with its female wearer's pony tail sticking out of the back. Classy. If you have a no-hat policy, don't make your customers feel bad about their style choices - and enforce the policy consistently, or don't bother having a policy.
(1)
Bret C.
Houston's is a great place to have a drink and has an outstanding location. It's clean and modern. But the food is not anything overly special. It's verrrrry pricey for what you get and it's just "okay." I've got to say that every single person I talked to that worked there was incredibly nice and courteous - hard to find that at most places in Boston!
(3)
Joe D.
Excellent service, the menu has a very good selection and is not too pricey considering the location and quality of the food. The ambiance and decor make it an unforgetful dining experience.
(5)
Dave W.
While I agree that this is upscale chain and a bit pricy....the food is great and the place is spotless. Considering some of the other choices in Boston, I love Hillstone.
(5)
Ashley H.
This place has a great atmosphere but we felt like we were rushed the entire time. We arrived a little early for our reservation hoping to get a drink at the bar but then just ended up getting seated. One waiter greeted us and took our drink order and a different waitress ended up taking our order. We ordered an app and before we finished the app it was taken away because our dinner was ready. Then while we were eating 6 people asked if they could take our dishes. It is nice to have attentive service but there is a fine line between attentive and annoying and this place definitely crossed the line. I wish the experience was better because this would be a nice place to go, but we will not go back.
(3)
Stacey H.
Here's what makes Houston's great: 1. Large bar with open-air seating - on a warm day they open the windows. The bar is huge and there is also outdoor seating. 2. Cozy booths - good for large groups, classy atmosphere (although I don't agree with the weather vane decor). 3. Fancy bathrooms - I'm a sucker for clean bathrooms, especially in busy restaurants. Houston's bathrooms are super clean - which shows they care. 4. Fantastic service - Our waitress was above and beyond excellent. So was the bartender and the host. 5. Amazing cuisine - Even though we only had lunch I can honestly say that the wild rice salad and asparagus was the best I've ever had. My date's Roast Beef Au Jus sandwich was also hands down amazing. It was a little pricey - but honestly, with that type of service, location and great food I can't really complain. I'll be going back for more!
(4)
Chrissy H.
As a rule, I try not to go to chain restaurants. I always leave disappointed. However, Houston's is the exception. I love it! I'm a creature of habit so I'll often get the same thing on the menu (Thai Steak & Noodle salad & Chicken Finger platter). They accommodate you if you would like to change up the order (which I do often since I'm slightly picky). I ALWAYS have leftovers when I order the Chicken Finger platter. So while it's expensive, it's really two meals in one. One thing to keep in mind is that they also have a secret menu and two items that I've been meaning to try are: California Burger and Club Salad. They look amazing. The ONLY reason I'm giving it four stars is because of the drink prices. They are ridiculous for the size of the drink. I would prefer to grab a cheap drink in one of the other bars in Fan Hall than to order a $10+ drink. Other than that, I love it here and would certainly recommend.
(4)
Danielle M.
Houston's has become one of my favorite after work spots. The crowd is fun but mature professionals, and despite its Fanueil Hall location, many tourists pick the Quincy Market spots that have a bit more of a family-friendly atmosphere. There's a sexiness about its signage and tucked-down dining room that gives a bit of privacy from the outside crowds, that its neighboring bar/restaurants lack. The dim lighting, toasty orange, red and brown color scheme , and soft jazz tunes give it a warm ambiance. But with the sights and sounds coming from the open kitchen, rectangular bar that is crowded on all sides , and the buzzing around by the heavy volume of waitstaff , the atmosphere is always lively and bustling. So, I love being at Houston's because I like the vibe. Okay, so the food and drink. Here are the things I like: -The sushi. I love that they have a small sushi menu. It just makes it a unique addition to the upscale comfort food dinner offerings that dominate the menu. The sushi is beautifully presented, fresh, and colorful. -The wine menu offerings, the wine glasses, the wine. -The salads. They are huge! And the ingredients are finely chopped. (Personal preference) So here are the things that I don't like. -The overpriced costs of some of the menu items. $18 for a Chicken Tender platter, are you serious?? -The lack of domestic beers. -The lack of variety in side dishes to accompany my entree. There is a decreasing amount of diners that want a loaded baked potato with their entree. A wider selection of vegetables would be appreciated. So i struggled between 3 and 4 stars. It was really only the overpriced chicken tenders that pissed me off, so I'll stick with four. Its still my current spot for Thirsty Thursday, I'll just stick with the thai tuna roll. Yum!
(4)
Debra L.
Years ago, I actually waited tables at a Houston's in another city for about 3 months. Long story but...it was the worst job I ever had! With that said, I will admit that they use quality ingredients. I had to spend a a few days in training in the kitchen. However, the place is GROSSLY overpriced. It was then and it's even worse now. I hadn't been to the one in Boston until this past Friday. For lunch, my boyfriend and I had: - a soda water each - we split a spinach & artichoke dip appetizer - I had the fish sandiwch - he had the prime rib sandwich The bill, with tip was $70! That was for 2 waters, one app. and 2 sandwiches. The kicker is that we each asked to substitute our fries (that came with the sanwiches) for salads instead. Our waitress just said "sure" and nothing else. Well, instead of a little side of greens we got these big things with stale cheesy bread, chopped eggs & greesy bacon bits (gross!). The worst part of it was that when the bill came we were each charged an extra $5 for the salad. Our waitress never told us we would be charged extra. We dine out a lot and are aware that there is often a charge to substitue fries for a salad but a) we were not informed by our waitress and b) $5 is a bit steep! Given it's location in Faneuil Hall, people will continue to go to Houston's for drinks after work. Fine. And, tourists will still get suckered into the place. Fine. But, for the rest of you discerning diners out there, don't do it!
(1)
Anne B.
Consistently great all around. Central location, great service, upscale decor, amazing food. A little pricy but worth it. A favorite meet up spot after work.
(5)
Meghan P.
We used to head into Boston from Cambridge just for Houston's amazing Cobb salads. My college roommate from Atlanta, Georgia always claimed that Houston's was like a taste of home. She typically led the escapades into Boston for dinner... The food is delicious and the prices are reasonable too. For some reason, while Houston's is a chain, the menu seems to vary a lot nationally. I actually prefer the items on the San Francisco menu but the great quality and friendly service is the same. Please expect to wait for a table but you can always enjoy a glass of wine at the bar until it's your turn for a table...
(4)
Karl R.
Houston's is the perfect restaurant if you are looking for casual dining but want food that is a big step above your usual Cheesecake Factory, Chili's, Fridays, etc. At 7pm on a Thursday the atmosphere was lively and the restaurant was full, without feeling crowded. The crowd was sharp dressed, financial district types. The waitresses are cute and friendly and provide good service. I took two clients here for a casual business dinner and we had a great time. We had some good local beer (Whale Tail Pale Ale) and we each had a Prime NY Strip that was on the specials list. The steak was very flavorful. Mine was a bit overcooked. I ordered medium rare, but it was definitely medium. My two clients ordered medium and medium-well. Looking at the three steaks, I couldn't tell that any of the three was cooked any different. But again, it was a very high quality cut of meat and very tasty. I got fries as a side with mine. The fries are "shoe string" and very crisp and tasty. Houston's was perfect for a casual business dinner. I could also see meeting up here with friends. I wouldn't take a high profile client here for a "closing dinner" nor would I take a first date. But I didn't say it was swanky or romantic, now did I? It's casual dining with good food.
(4)
Cathy W.
Three great things about Houston's: 1.Cozy and comfortable booths that are lit just right. Acoustics that make you feel you're in a little zen dining POD. 2. Sushi combo platter - four crazy varieties of sushi - delicious 3. Veggie burger - I haven't tasted it but friends say it's fantastic I hear the bar scene is great but I'm a lady who lunches.
(3)
Nicholas S.
Yes, it's in Faneuil Hall; and, yes, sometimes 40-somethings out for "Ladies Night" in glittery tops who are trying way too hard go there. But if you can deal with these aspects of the Houstons experience, it is a great place to grab a meal. It is more upscale than your ordinary casual dining chain, but not as stuffy or expensive as a true steakhouse or fine dining joint. The best part is that they use prime beef for their steaks (and it would seem for their burgers too) but they do not charge prime beef prices. If you go, definitely get the Grilled Artichoke and the "Heavenly" (formerly the Rosemary) Biscuits ($2 for 2, made to order) - and don't be shy with the honey on the latter. I would also reccommend anything involving beef, including their spectacular and signature prime rib au jus. Also, the service is very good. On our most recent trip, our biscuits came out late (after our entrees), so they were comped. They made a delicious breakfast the day after. Thanks, Houstons!
(5)
Tracy C.
I've only been to Houston once and didn't have much motivation to re-visit. I went one beautiful early afternoon, but couldn't sit outside because they weren't serving the patio area at the time. I decided to pick a stool at the bar since I was there alone, no need for a big table/booth. After a few seconds I was surrounded by job applicants filling out questionnaires and asking questions--quite a mood killer. The bar-tender was helpful and recommended the Vege burger when I said I wanted something not as heavy/greasy but can still be filling. I quite liked the vege burger although I can't recall what exactly made the patty. I got a mojito for a drink, and it was far below expectation. Since the bar was filled with fresh ingredients and fancy tools, I was hoping for something mind-blowing, but was impressed. It is a pretty spot and a cool location. I'd go back if the quality lives up to the price. We'll see.
(3)
Katherine D.
I've been to this place twice on visits to Boston and both times the food and the service have been amazing. the prime rib roast is to die for. next time i visit Boston i will definitely be coming to Hillstone again.
(5)
Rob K.
Excellent food! My steak rivaled that of the Capital Grill. The service excellent as well. Very friendly staff!
(5)
Jeffrey H.
After a recent same sex date to Houston's, I decided two stars wasn't quite fair. Imagine: Two gay boys. Both with insecurities and shallow tendencies. Ordering giant rib dinners and racing to the finish. In a world where image is everything, it says a lot when two homos love their food so much that they are slobbering over BBQ ribs, scooping the most delicious coleslaw, and shoveling crispy fries into their pie holes. I'd give it four stars if the price was a little lower and the waitress hadn't fumbled on our salad order. Then again, who needs salad when you've got ribs and a bottle of white?
(3)
Thana T.
I wish there wasn't an obstacle course of cobblestones right by the entry to Houston's. I'm inclined to dress up when I come here, that includes heels, please don't try to break my ankle in the process of me going to enjoy delicious steak. I come here for the steak. Only. Ever. It is so good and worth all of the $30-odd dollars. Other than that, though, I've had to wait unnecessary amounts of time for just about everything. Even after being on time for a reservation. Table? At the very least. Glass of wine? Bring a book. REFILL on your glass of wine? Maybe once you're out the door and well on your way home. Their servers are nice enough, just painfully slow and forgetful. The chefs here make the business. Ok them and the really cool, half underground interior.
(4)
Jolene S.
Impressive desserts. Try the sundae, you won't regret it. Good lemonade and grapefruit juice too. Nice setting--clean bathrooms. Well done! I'll have to come back for dinner.
(4)
Fred B.
We dined here Saturday night - our family of 5, which includes 3 boys. Service was top notch. Our waitress was friendly and extremely attentive; stopping by our table frequently. The food was outstanding. Everything was cooked the way we ordered it and was delicious. Portion sizes are very ample, just how we like them. We had the ribs, salmon, and prime rib. The boys said the ribs were the best ever. All were worth writing about, thus this review. I would highly recommend this spot. It can be family-friendly, business-friendly, and romantic - a winner all the way around.
(5)
Enay V.
Ambiance was awesome. Only sat at the bar & had drinks. the bartender made the WORST drinks - weak weak weak - and very expensive. I'd like to come back though and actually have a meal here as the sushi and appetizers looked really good.
(3)
Nicole B.
a steak house without mashed potatoes? WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT?!! clearly some lost stars here! the food was good. but i was not impressed by the automatic 18% tip. i don't blame the waitresses, but if this a policy there, bull! don't order their couscous. it may seem like a good idea, but it's cold and the couscous(es?) are really small. would be much better warm!
(3)
Liz K.
Used to be Houstons. I've walked by this place so many times and had no idea This review is for dinner Fri night , not the bar. They have a good drink list and the waitress was very attentive and friendly. We only had to wait 15 mins at 7pm. I got the cheeseburger and it was very tasty.
(4)
Patrick V.
Great burgers and awesome service. Burgers are a bit too big but they are really good.
(4)
Katie G.
This is a slightly upscale burger joint. Thumbs up! I went here on a date a few weeks back and was definitely impressed by the atmosphere, service and food. The place is clean, not just in physical cleanliness, but the decorations have nice clean lines to them. It's cool and sheek. I got your typical burger and was delightfully surprised by the flavor blast it came with. They have a special sauce that they put on it that was just to die for. I was very happy with it! I'm a Corona girl when I go out to drink. They didn't have that, but the waiter suggested another Mexican beer that was delicious! Therefore, my applause to the very friendly and knowledgeable wait staff! Great place, not too pricey, but a bit on the high end for a burger joint.
(4)
Patty M.
Whenever my coworkers and I get cravings for burgers, we always turn to Houston's. We all order the California burger with fries. It's pretty pricey for lunch and the wait time/hostess staff can be nothing short of a pain, but I guess that is to be expected during the work-lunch hour in downtown Boston. Walking back to the office on a Friday afternoons we never fail to get the giggles from stuffing ourselves with their mouthwatering burgers and thin-cut fries.
(4)
Gonzalo B.
Been to this place many, many times, and never once let down. Don't like the 'new' name - I know, it's a 'corporate' thing, but... Management seems very on the ball here. Everything is structured, well-thought out...nice. Atmosphere is pleasant. The service is always wonderful and they seem happy you are there - not always the case, like in the many places whose staff in the people business don't like...people. The fish sandwich is always great, fresh, big, delicious, as is the excellent veggie burger. Have had some fine pieces of fish here as well...the accompaniments are always good, if somewhat limited. Like the sushi mucho gusto...macadamia nut!!! All in all a solid, well-run place. One caveat being that sometimes...the service can be almost 'too' efficient, i.e. fast. As in, we're out to dinner - not the races. It's possible to be in and out of here in like 15 minutes or so, nice in fast-food, not so much when you're out for a nice, leisurely dinner...
(5)
christina P.
THE HAWAIIAN RIBEYE IS UNBELIEVABLE. GET IT. I LOVE IT. The spinach dip is also amazing. I like this place- it's more affordable than some nice steakhouses in boston and the service is prompt. The bartenders were kind of snotty but I don't care I just love this place so much. Even the tap water is the perfect temperature.
(5)
Marilyn T.
It was surprisingly not bad for Faneuil Hall. We went for a birthday, and I'm not a huge meat eater, so I got the thai steak salad. The filet was marinated well and seared medium rare, just the way I like it. The dish was a huge mountain of leaves and noodles on my plate, and it was very filling. I tried some of the Hawaiian ribeye, which had hints of sweetness and a tropical flavor, which I liked. The brownie dessert was nice with a candle for the birthday girl, but I wouldn't normally pay $8 for it. Good to know - parking is free nearby at night and on weekends.
(3)
Kylie S.
So I recently visited this establishment for the third time. I like this restaurant, well enough. I have found their waitstaff to be friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. But I do think their menu doesn't offer enough of a selection. I ordered the simplest thing off the menu, chicken tenders and fries. I know, I'm a fancy eater! But I was looking for fast and easy, and that was it for me. The sweet waitress from Texas takes my order. After she writes my order down, she looks up from her pad and says, 'Would you like ketchup, mayonnaise, or mustard for your fries?' And not hesitating, I said mayonnaise. She walked away with me still shaking my head in awe. Honestly, I eat out a lot and I have never been offered mayonnaise with my fries. And while I get oils and eggs are not the number one choice for dipping, I am a mayonnaise girl. I am always forced to order a side of mayo with my food, only to have to ask for it again later when it doesn't arrive. And then wait while my food gets cold to actually get it from the waitress. So imagine how very thrilled I was, that this restaurant knew how very important mayonnaise can be for some!
(3)
Carrie M.
So my neighbors claimed that Houston's has the best veggie burger ever. And they're not even vegetarians. Hearing this I had to try it, so the boy and I made plans to meet them there for dinner after work. The place was nice, and their daughter loved the open kitchen and being able to see everyone cook. The menu is a little odd, it's like fancy American but then with sushi? Seems strange to me. What's even stranger is that they don't put the veggie burger on the menu. Huh? I don't get it. What this means is that the standard vegetarian will look at the menu and keep walking, not sure I understand their strategy on this one.... Anyway, knowing the "secret" we order a round of veggie burgers. And we all opt for fries, which are super skinny and I'm undecided on whether that's a plus or minus. What I am decided on is that the neighbors were right and this was the best veggie burger I've ever had. It should be, as it was also the most expensive. Overall, if I was in the area I could see myself craving this and go back. However, the service was lacking (in fact it was just horrible) and the food is overpriced. What I'd really like to do is figure out their secret recipe and make it at home....
(3)
K J.
Four good reasons not to go to Houston's 1) Just because you are in the Faneuil Hall area does not mean that you can charge $$$ for your food. 2) Though the food is $$$ I expect at least **** service (that includes having no cheese on the burger if it was requested, making sure I don't have to ask twice for water to be filled) 3) When I am paying $$$ for the food, have something on the menu that would make you different from a high end McDonald's 4) And you decided to do all of this on a Friday afternoon. So 5-4 = 1 star which can relate to it being a business lunch. Good thing that my wallet did not go empty at this place.
(1)
Karman L.
Stop by Houston for a quick bite before going to Comedy Connection. Great Location. Good Food. Fast Servcie. P.S. Great hang out place after work in the summer for people watching!
(4)
Kenny P.
Been to several of their locations, but this one wasn't as good. The 20min wait on a Friday night around 7pm was a lot shorter than I'm used to, perhaps I should've taken this as a sign, although the outdoor patio was packed. Our Caesar salads were probably the best thing. The sushi was okay, but a little dry, and $14 for 8 pieces is way too much (anyone in the SD area knows you get a lot more sushi for a lot less cash). Their Bloody Mary wasn't as good as usual, despite using Belvedere (they didn't have Chopin). For mains, we each got sandwiches instead of entrees. I got the rotisserie chicken sandwich, a tad salty and a chunk of skin left on by mistake. He got the fish sandwich, which was breaded and deep fried (granted how seafood friendly Boston is, you'd think they'd give you the option of fried or grilled fish). Also, their fries are just gross. They remind me of those little shoestring potato sticks in a can. How about some real pommes frites or steak fries for a change? In any case, we'll probably go back, but to another location. The staff were friendly as usual, however their timing with the food wasn't on par with other locations, as it seemed the food just kept coming out with no regards to pacing. With so many options in the area, we probably would've been better off hitting up a local establishment.
(3)
Julie T.
Houston's is somewhere I go for something I'm familiar with. They have burgers and sandwiches and salads and it's just all good food. I kind of think it's very much like Silvertone, a hip place for good food. Sometimes, you can go to a place with good food, but it lacks atmosphere or the other way around. Houston's offers both. They have pretty good service and just all good food with really awesome fries. I'm quite fond of their fries and yes, it IS easy to mess them up cuz some places just downright suck when it comes to fries. Houston's isn't something I absolutely need to return to or am dying to have, but if you're in the area and looking for some good food that's consistently dependable when it comes to service and taste, you should go on over.
(3)
Allie W.
This place is consistently gross. I don't really understand why people flock here. I mean come on it's a chain restaurant with mediocre food and annoying waiters. God forbid you ask the kitchen to make any slight changes to your order because they can't. They must just put together already prepared items and cook them. The only thing they have going for them is the Chardonnay which is probably a cheap bottle that they overcharge for but it's decent tasting.
(1)
Julie S.
The sushi was amazing. I ordered a veggie burger minus the bun. It was delish! However, I'm not sure how eating it on a bun would work out because it was very soft and messy. Nice decor, really dark, but kind of romanticy.
(4)
Jocelyn L.
"great place to escape the crazy freezing cold on a wintry day. Food is reliably good"
food was really good! waitstaff and barstaff were friendly and engaging. best option in faneuil hall/quincy market for a sit down dinner & drinks!
(4)
Cristina S.
While I have a Houston's at home, we visited the restaruant near Fanueil Hall on a recent trip to Boston & the result was less than stellar. My prime issue was with the lackluster service from such a 'high end eatery.' The restaurant was full, (as is expected on a Boston graduation weekend Saturday night), but the waiters & kitchen were NOT ready for the crowds. The bar was slow as we waited an hour for a table. Our waiter was rushed & disappeared after we ordered. Two people ordered prime rib which had WAY more fat than neccesary for this dish. When management was consulted due to this disasterous night they simply apologized after explaining that prime rib needs fat to cook. DUH - but not an inch on both sides! Perhaps it was a bad night for them, but I was just let down by the whole experience...
(2)
Jill D.
I've been to Houston's a handful of times for lunch and dinner. Likes: the veggie burger (I've never had one like it anywhere else), lots of entree salads, fast and attentive service, reservations accepted for dinner, the atmosphere-- I almost feel like I'm on the set of Mad Men what with the deep booths, low lighting, and bountiful business crowd Mehs: pricey!, gotta get there at 11:45 for a table at lunch Dislikes: the draught beers-- I don't think they clean their tap lines frequently enough. I ordered an Allagash White, and it tasted like I was sucking on an old shoelace. I think it's the only time in my life I have sent something back. Bottom line: it's the veggie burger that keeps me coming back for more. Plus, it's right near my office which makes it a great spot for a business lunch.
(3)
D S.
After having heard good things about this place, I was willing to try this restaurant that I would normally not be drawn to. The outside is uninviting, and I was only drawn inside based on good reviews, and the fact that I had heard good things (from non-yelpers I might add... I should have kept that in mind....) That being said: I went there for lunch with a friend from out of town after doing some sightseeing, and the food was mediocre at best. We shared a french dip that was good enough, and spinach artichoke dip that had NO flavor. It was, without a doubt, the worst version of the stuff that I have ever had. We sat at the bar, which was only about 1/3 full, and at the point when we were ready for our check, there were at least three girls behind the bar, but they were far too busy chatting to be bothered getting the check in any sort of an expeditious manner. That was bothersome, but prior to that the service was pretty good. Fresh squeezed juice is used in the cocktails, and that is delicious... an ordinary greyhound really sings to me with the addition of fresh squeezed grapefruit juiced as opposed to concentrate... even though it was winter, the drink awakened my inner yearning for spring time with it's citrusy punch! But, all in all, my experience at Houston's was nothing to write home about, and with the wealth of great restaurants in the immediate area, I think I will steer clear in the future... maybe a cocktail again when I miss the summer and spring months...
(3)
Nick N.
Christina the waitress was awesome on this saturday December 1st 2012. She was attentive-on time-helpful and alway's had a smile on her face. Such a pleasure from the snappy-rude waiting staff that you can encounter on a dining experience. She was also helpful in helping my wife pick out a special cocktail !!! I had my wife and 2 of my sons. My sons can be picky but they tried the sushi apps and there meals where awesome. My 12 year old had the ribs from the kids pick. I don't believe they have a kids menu but christina had the choices well rehearsed in her head. my son had the ribs which were awesome !!! I had the cheese burger which was outstanding. My son had the prime rib sandwich which he loved and enjoyed and my had the steak/noodle dinner which was fabulous and tasty ! Service again was the best I have had recently in a busy rest. on a saturday evening. You can park at the 60 state street garage and have your ticket validated after you eat which alows you to park 3 hrs total. That is well worth it giving you time to check out the sites at fanuel hall. Thats a 40 dollar parking savings....Just make sure you don'y go over the 3 hrs. I definitely give this place a 5 star....Thanks for a great dining experience.......If you happen to get a bad waiter/waitress go to the hostess and say you want christina....She will make your dining experience the best !!!!!
(5)
Anne K.
If ever given the chance to have a last meal, it would be the ribs from Houston's. When there is a chance that we might go to Houston's for dinner, I start my fast. I have been known to finish the entire plate of ribs, fries, and coleslaw (which is the only coleslaw I eat) and only regret that I didn't wear sweatpants to the restaurant. Great drinks, ambience, and obviously ribs. I suggest putting your name in early and walk through Fanueil Hall while you wait. Not ironic that this is where my fiancee took me before he proposed!
(5)
Marwan A.
went with relatively large group and everybody liked the food.
(2)
Jorge C.
If you want uncompromising solid service, a sunny attitude and well prepared food, Houston's is the place to go. They will not serve you a "memorable" meal, but after dining in their Coral Gables, LA and Boston restaurants I've yet to have a bad experience. Even when the food was late or not prepared to order the staff wen t out of its way to "make it right" and make sure I received a complimentary meal. My favorites are the soups, particularly the chili (a Saturday staple) and the Mexico Style soup, a delicious tortilla soup-like broth with avocado, tomatoes and mexican rice. The spinach dip is an all time classic but the smoked salmon is a solid starter as well. For mains, you can't go wrong with the cheeseburger or french dip with shoe-string fries. If you're a bit hungrier try the off-menu hawaiian ribeye, pittsburgh style, sliced and with a side of bbq sauce.
(5)
Robert T.
Great place! Best dam key lime pie... Ever! These folks always seem to get us seated.... even when its busy!
(5)
J R.
Let me preface this review by saying that a martini is a gin-based cocktail. Traditionally, a martini is not made with vodka. Although, substituting vodka for gin is now common, I object to anyone who doesn't recognize the difference. Suffice to say: I have better taste than you if you're a vodka martini drinker. I stopped into Houston's for some mid-Saturday afternoon pre-Sweeney Todd martinis. I ordered a dirty martini made with Bombay Sapphire. This $13 drink was cold and crisp. The olives were very tasty too, but this should be expected given the premium price paid. Overall great view and good drinks.
(3)
Bunny C.
Went here this past Friday night for drinks with some girlfriends. The ambiance was perfect- it was a warm night so the place was opened up and there was booth seating outside. We all ordered cocktails and they were strong and reasonably priced! Even though we ate somewhere else prior, we ended up ordering the steak sandwich to split and it was delicious. It was a great place to hang out with friends were you could actually hear one another- I'll definitely go back.
(5)
Jack M.
I was just here last night, and I had no idea that Houston's was changing it's name to Hillstone? Both are equally dumb names, if you ask me, but I digress. Well not really: allow me to elaborate. Again! I went here for dinner last night. I already said that didn't I? Well, I'm saying it again. And as you are my captive audience, and my review is easily the best one here, I can say what I please! Kidding. Maybe? - Expensive! But VERY good. Went here with a pal o mine - he got the cod which he was floored with, and I got the filet, which was EXCELLENT. I was expecting "bigger" portions, but really, mine was a perfect size. The filet wasn't quite what I had imagined - this was a 2-inch thick sea-salt encrusted thing. Nice and rare like I wanted. Melts like butter in your mouth. Came with some warm spinach and mashed potatoes on the side. Both were good. I didn't try the cod but my buddy loved it. Cleaned our plates which never happens. - Waitress was very good. We had to wait a bit for our food but, I'd gladly wait the 20 minutes again knowing the outcome. Excellent food and wonderfully attentive service. Pretty darn expensive but I like the location and I love the food and I like the service. You can't go wrong here.
(4)
Kate S.
I love this place! Use to be Houston's Go for the chicken salad with peanut sauce. Delicious!
(4)
Mr. C.
If you are out for the bar scene, this might be a good place. If you are out for dinner however, forget about it and go to one of the others in Quincy Market or the North End. It has pretty good ambience and excellent service. But for $50, I think we could have done better. The menu is very limited. I kind of felt like we were getting our a$$es kissed at McDonald's.
(2)
K G.
I do lunch here at least once a month. The cajun fish specials are a no brainer, spicy and flaky every time. The stick fries are my favorite pairing for a quick and easy lunch. The salads are excellent, especially the thai style with peanut sauce. It could be a little cheaper though for lunch time.
(4)
Tom C.
I've been to this place about three times over ten years and I swear it's called something different every time. The drinks came at a reasonable speed and the ambience was good.
(3)
Amy K.
Houston's has been my favorite restaurant for years now. The shrimp and macadamia sushi is the best sushi I've ever had and the thai steak and noodle salad is delicious. The service is also impeccable!
(5)
Abdulrahman B.
Hillstone so far has the best burger in Boston. So huge with their extra thin fries makes this dish so special. Whenever I go there I can't decide on another dish because I can't resist eating that mouth watering patty!
(4)
Luke P.
I had been here over 6 years ago a couple times when it was Houstons. Back then I thought it was a decent "upscale" chain with a great bar. I returned recently to Hillstone for a late weeknight dinner. We had the place almost entirely to ourselves and experienced great service. My date ordered the cheeseburger and was shocked to find they put ketchup, mustard and bbq sauce directly on the burger even though there was no mention of this on the menu. This is pretty atypical at most restaurants that don't begin with M, B, or W. Given she has no taste for condiments, it was a disaster, but the attentive waitstaff realized immediately that there was a problem and replaced the burger for free - definitely a cool gesture. I ordered the fish of the day which was a sauteed cod. It was OK, but nothing remarkable. I do think the food is greatly overpriced based on this experience, but it's pretty typical given the location. Ambiance is nice and they have some decent beers on draft. Better than some of the FH places, but not highly recommended for dinner. I would definitely come back here for a drink though.
(2)
Sean M.
Houston's is a chain. I really like the Embarcadero location, in San Francisco so I'm not sure why but I waited so long to try the Boston Houston's. I have been three times at lunch and each visit has been a pleasant experience. The service at the bar has been excellent and friendly. I have sampled the steak, prime rib, sushi (yes sushi) and the cheese burger. Everything I have eaten here has been expertly prepared and the ingredients are fresh. They have abundant entree salads if you want to eat lite. It is a an upscale approach to simpler fare. Sure you could spend less at Bennigan's for example but the food and atmosphere are far superior here in my opinion. Yes it's a chain, I guess I fit the demographic profile, I'll be treating myself to lunch here on a regular basis. * The bar is a tough seat at lunch, go early. * Excellent wine list, fair to slightly high in pricing. Good choices for domestic. * A nice choice for an after work Martini. * The Burger is killer, I love the shredded lettuce and chopped onions. * Some may find the atmosphere a bit stuffy, for moi, it's pleasant. * Jeff Nace and his lovely wife were having burgers at the bar our last visit, he sent over glasses of the Ramey Claret, guess I'll have to write that (long overdue) Neptune Oyster review soon.
(4)
Jennifer S.
I checked out Houston's for the first time last Friday after work and was very pleasantly surprised. got there right after 5pm and it was already pretty crowded around the bar. there still seemed to be plenty of dinner seating though. Large bar area (with hooks for your coat and purse- oh happy day!) and the service was quick and attentive. tried a mojito and shared the spinach & artichoke dip and coconut shrimp rolls with a friend. mojito was just ok. too much seltzer or something. spinach dip was just ok too but the shrimp roll was incredible. i think that lil baby was swaddled in thin strips of coconut instead of seaweed-ingenious! The coconut flavor was not sweet or overpowering at all and combined with crunchy shrimp and creamy avocado it was really a great combo. All the other orders I saw coming out looked so good it made me want to leave the bar and snag a corner booth and stuff my face in secret rather that be respectable and nibble on my sushi rolls at the bar like a lady ( I mean lets be honest Houston's is a big time pick up place right?). Either way I definitely want to come back and try the Thai steak salad and get those rolls again. fun spot for after work drinks!
(4)
David M.
We rolled into Boston later than expected and called the restaurant to see when they closed. Despite the GPS telling us we were at the restaurant, we could not find it. Houston's is very hard to find. It is situated partially below ground in Faneuil Hall Marketplace and is hard to see from the street. I called for assistance from the staff. They could not give directions at all and got me more lost. They did advise that if we did not make it in within 7 minutes, we would not be served. We asked some people on the street and made it on time. This was kind of irritating because some people arrived 10 minutes after us and were seated and served. I came to Houstons because of their clam chowder. It won first place in a recent competition so I had to try it. I was surprised to find they only serve it on Fridays and Sundays and thankfully we were there on a Sunday. Our waitress came, I ordered chowder, an appetizer. When it came to the entree they were out of many items including all fish items except Salmon. This is Boston, how can they be out of fish? I wanted fish so I was out of luck and settled on the ribs. The chowder was great and I have had better, but not that often. Of all the chowders I ate while on the east coast, theirs was the best. The ribs were average. Really, they are boiled then grilled when ordered and slathered with sauce. Not too impressive for sure. I have eaten at many other Houston's and know what to expect. Normally I come for a decent steak but was not in the mood tonight. The service was poor. The waitress took my chowder bowl without asking if I was done (I was not). I had to ask other servers for things. When the bill came, the server had charged us for the appetizer she never brought. She said she would take it off the bill but never apologized for forgetting. We paid and left with regrets that we had chosen Houston's as our first meal in Boston, though I am glad I got to try their wonderful chowder. I left a 7% tip, which was very generous considering the poor service. I would recommend dropping in to try some chowder for lunch on Friday or Sunday and not for much else.
(2)
Angel S.
The cod was ok, but sushi not at all
(3)
Jenna C.
I have been to Houston's many a time, but I can only write a review on one dish there: The ultimate, tasty, most mouthwatering thing I crave on a constant basis. The Houston's veggie burger. All I can say is WOW. This has to be, by far, the best veggie burger ever created. Most people say, "Veggie burger? Gross! Why would I want a burger of rice and crap when I can get a meaty patty of goodness?" Well, let me tell you..this is not your run of the mill rice laden dry little patty. It's huge, moist, and the taste is consistently scrumptious. Here's the kicker...it's not on the menu anymore. You can of course still get it, because if it was ever discontinued they could count on me chaining myself to that crazy iron horse statue they have until they brought it back. My exact order (remember I'm a little picky): Veggie burger, no bun, honey mustard on the side. Sub french fries for couscous = party in your mouth. Try it. I promise you will not be disappointed. UPDATE: 12/17/07 - Veggie burger! Back on the menu!
(5)
Roni E.
I went here for dinner one time and I just was not impressed. The waiter was certainly cute and very nice... but.... - The food wasn't great - I had the prime rib and it was just dry and bland - blech! - The drinks were... okay... but nothing special. - The timing was slooooow.... oh yeh he pretty much forgot about us and putting in the order. Yeh.... and they ran out of my veggie so I got the corn instead. Basically we paid for an extremely expensive meal we could have gotten elsewhere for much less and probably gotten better service.
(2)
Steven L.
Hillstone Restaurant at Faneuil Boston seated us on the patio, no problem, waitress came to take orders, then they decided to throw us out of the restaurant because my friend Reinhold had on a sleeveless shirt (we were three gay men), the manger told us that the security guard was "a federal police officer" I took pictures to have proof that the restaurant and patio was full of women in sleeveless tops. The security guard demanded to see the pictures and then he forcibly confiscated my friend's phone. He followed us out, harrassed us, prevented us from leaving in four separate attempts to get into a taxi. He called the police, and kept us hostage for an hour. He told us that we were going to be charged with assault and battery of the manager. Three Boston patrol cars and 5 Boston officers were involved costing the city countless dollars. When Boston Police came they said, "Hillsotne doesn't like you, stay away from them!" My advice to anyone else!! Worse. Restaurant. Ever!
(1)
Becca P.
My friend and I were wandering around Fanueil Hall trying to find a nice place to try out and found Hillstone hidden on the side. We came but didn't have a reservation and the place was packed at 1pm. We were seated after 20 minutes and was greeted by a very nice waitress. I ordered the $32 center cut filet and it was delicious. I do wish they had more sides. All I had was a little veggie side and that was good. My friend ordered the famous french dip au jus sandwich which came with fries. She loved it and was absolutely full after eating the sandwich. This place is a good place for small groups of friends to catch up. Around 1pm there are a lot of business people. We came in dressed casual but definitely felt under dressed.
(4)
Hana C.
Def get the hawaiian rib-eye- so sweet and mouthwatering. Great burgers (although I'm not a burger girl, I always get a bite of someone's, its very yummy), and I love their ribs! so mouth watering. best onion rings in Boston! And the tuna salad is very yumy too- gives you 4 large pices of spicy tuna roll and the salad comes with mango. very yummy. would come here anytime!
(4)
Teju P.
This rates high in various areas( at least the ones that matter most to me!): 1) Atmosphere - very social and good for groups. The booth styles seating allows you privacy as well as a good view of the bar! 2) Service - The wait staff was VERY attentive to us and knew the menu very well. 3) Menu - It ranges from very healthy and light to comfort food. Make sure you ask for the super secret veggie burger. It is excellent! When dinner was over me and my friends were having such a good time that we didn't want to leave :(
(5)
Michael S.
Great food, good sushi roll apps, good drinks. Great Location
(5)
Mary Beth F.
This is a great restaurant for a date- lots of candles and dim lighting. The drinks were strong, and the service was wonderful. I got the burger and it was amazing. My boyfriend got the french dip and loved it.
(4)
Aditi R.
Faneuil has its ups and downs in my book. It always ends up being an interesting night, but I wished for something a bit more than the usual ho hum of Irish bars (not that I have anything against them...St. Patty's day wouldn't be the same in Boston otherwise!) Houston's provides the escape. I never really noticed this place perhaps because it's somewhat discrete as you have to walk down a set of stairs to enter the establishment. However, as discrete as the entrance may be, the space is quite the opposite. It's huge. Dim lighting, large bar space, and plenty of tables invite you right in. Not to mention that the wait staff is quite nice as well. I went in around 9 on a Tuesday night and was starving. Their menu looked quite nice and I ordered a chicken burger with fries while my friend ordered a salad which is supposedly phenomenal (the name escapes me, but it was a chicken salad...and not Caesar). There was only one bartender and she was also placing the food orders but despite of being busy, she was really nice and timely in always helping us out. The food ended up being quite good, but I have to say I enjoyed the fries the most as they were the thin cut fries which I dont find in many places. Great stuff! One of the drawbacks for this place however is the dim lighting. It's easy to see that people would trip up especially since there are lots of stairs as you go around the restaurant. Even during the day because it's a level below all the other restaurants, the light doesn't come in as well and the dim lighting only adds to the problem of not being able to see. So careful where you step! Overall I really liked this place and look forward to coming back. I can thank my friend and my 20/20 vision for that ;)
(4)
Peter G.
i have never been disappointed by houston's. i know it's a chain (i mean, who doesn't love a good chain restaurant every now and again) but i know i can count on houston's for a supremely delicious meal. christina had never been, and i suggested it as i haven't been in quite some time. the service is perfect because the waitstaff is trained to have the pleasant appeal of a stepford wife. our server, jennifer, was a delight and i even saw a couple of acquiantances that i know who work there as well. usually i am wont to partake of the clam chowder, depending on the day, and the thai steak and noodle salad, but we split the coconut shrimp roll to start. i always found it odd that houston's served sushi but it was to die for! christina was craving a burger and i was craving a fish sandwich and we were both in heaven. i coerced her to split the 5-nut brownie with me for dessert, which we devoured. houston's, you are my scarlet lover.
(5)
Enrique D.
FORMERLY KNOWN AS HOUSTON'S - very clean, organized and prompt. the food is typical american fare. sometimes with a fusion twist of somekind. drinks are good. (great pour count) and everything always tastes fresh. the salads are amazing. i'm not a salad guy, but this is not ur girly salad. these are main course salads. burgers are great. desserts are simple classics but done well. staff is always curteous. crowd at the bar is mainly yuppies , enjoy ur drink with better company and bring ur friends.
(3)
Jen S.
Houston's: The Setting For Everything Funny And Awesome Oh brother. I've been putting off writing this review for some time because Houston's is so near and dear to my heart. In fact, if the bartenders at Houston's are reading this (hi Kevin and Amy), in a couple of paragraphs they will be thinking 'this is definitely one of the three girls who comes in, tells us all about their personal lives, falls down drunk and humiliates herself and then does it again a couple nights later.' Thanks for serving us anyway, guys. Good choice. There's a lot to say, and you wouldn't know it by my other reviews, but I know there's a text limit on these things (which is so stupid, I mean do you not want to hear me go on for pages about Balison puking on herself? I mean who ARE you?) Yeah. I'm going to focus and organize and make the following points: (a)(1)(a) The GCS (b)(2)(b) Gentlemen callers (overarching) (c)(3)(c) The night we met the British guys (d)(4)(d) Balison, wine, and the T Here goes. Imagine a salad. You're probably all like oh blah a salad that's boring. YOU'RE WRONG. This salad tastes like Heaven spit a bunch of food into God's mouth who then spit it onto a plate. Wow, that sounds disgusting actually. Do-over. This salad tastes f-ing good. It has all this chicken and peanut sauce and tortilla strips and I don't know how they do it but it comes out to you basically as you're ordering it. Stop reading this now and go get a GCS (Grilled Chicken Salad) - wait, keep reading this because I'm awesome, but when you're done, get the GCS for christ's sake. On to gentlemen callers. Fascinatingly, my friends and I during our Super Single Summer (aka The Summer of Vomit, Humiliation, Cheesecake Factory Chefs and Certain Death Averted) decided we loved this place because of all the eligible, good-looking men. Yet, not a one of us has ever met a decent guy here. Not one of us has been on a successful date as a result of a night out here (although I did go on my first date with The Crazy Texter here, but that's a story for another time), and the only stories I can think of that involve dudes and Houston's are horrible, embarassing anecdotes about red heads, men in necklaces, old men, and.... British guys. You know who we DID meet here? Two British dudes. I was out with Balison on a fine summer evening drinking my weight in white wine when in walks a couple of gents from the motherland (does that even mean England?). I was a bit down and out, having just broke up with a giant jackass (what I really want to do in this parentheses is make fun of his dresser, but I don't think the joke communicates to anyone except Balison - so Balison, imagine a green dresser joke in here), and decided to strike up a conversation with these fellows. Flash forward to the end of the night, when Balison realizes that her British guy is married but nonetheless aggressively hitting on her. All of a sudden, Balison decided to ruin my night. I was gleefully making out with my British guy - yes, at the bar, 19-yr old style, it was probably disgusting - when Balison decided to inquire as to whether his penis was circumsized or not. I believe she also said some insulting things about uncircumsized penises. The British chap looked at us as though someone had stolen his mangy, crappy old puppy and then stuttered "I have to use the bathroom" - and then, quite literally, ran from me. Thanks, Balison. Go puke in your hand. Anyway, those are the dudes you meet at Houston's - but funny story, right? Best for last. Houston's brings out the best in people. One night when many of my friends gathered at Houston's for dinner, Balison decided to have wine at the bar while we sat at a table and ate like normal people. And by "have wine at the bar" I mean she decided to drink all the wine at the bar. By the time we were done with dinner, Balison was a raging lunatic, and I am proud to say I deserted her and went home probably to watch reality tv because I'm cool. Little did I know that Balison would attempt to travel by T to her boyfriend's apartment, and during this attempt would fall asleep and travel all the way to Alewife.* That's not the best part. Upon turning herself around and arriving at her boyfriend's apartment, she vomited and then told his roommate (who sucks) that she hated him.** I suppose the moral of this story is that Balison is awesome. But if you can't have Balison as your friend (and most of you probably can't because she would puke on you and hate you), you can at least have Houston's and a GCS - unless I eat them all first. Seriously. *Addendum: Balison has alerted me to the fact that not only did she fall asleep on the red line, she didn't even wake herself up. Apparently an MBTA worker had to wake her, and when she got on the T going back in the right direction, she still got off the wrong stop. **Balison actually told said roommate "I hate you" and THEN vomited.
(5)
Andrew A.
While I have a Houston's at home, we visited the restaruant near Fanueil Hall on a recent trip to Boston & the result was less than stellar. My prime issue was with the lackluster service from such a 'high end eatery.' The restaurant was full, (as is expected on a Boston graduation weekend Saturday night), but the waiters & kitchen were NOT ready for the crowds. The bar was slow as we waited an hour for a table. Our waiter was rushed & disappeared after we ordered. Two people ordered prime rib which had WAY more fat than neccesary for this dish. When management was consulted due to this disasterous night they simply apologized after explaining that prime rib needs fat to cook. DUH - but not an inch on both sides! Perhaps it was a bad night for them, but I was just let down by the whole experience...
(2)
Jon F.
This place sucks! NEVER recommend to anyone. We made a reservation for 7 one month in advance. When we showed up , we were told to wait 15 minutes. We ended up waiting for 45 minutes and our table was not ready. After waiting almost one hour , we had to leave. It was a disaster! This place is only for walk ins... We do not want to even remember the name of this restaurant. Very bad management.
(1)
Melissa D.
Houston's is an A\after work bar for the financial district, a place to eat fresh quality food on a Saturday night and a great place to play credit card roulette. The menu ranges from salads to steak, sandwiches to seafood. Decent sized menu and sometimes items are updated with the seasons. FAVES: -Burger (as my friend says: "I'm not a big fan of burgers but this one is making me one!) -Sushi Combo Plate (surprisingly, very good sushi) -Prime Rib (fatty as it should be) -Spinach & Artichoke Dip (not zapped in the microwave) Service, not so great, they had a team of people helping out but when it got busy, it was like the keystone cops. I know people get in the weeds, but that's why you have a team of people to help out...maybe it was just one of those nights!!
(3)
Holly H.
I have been going to Hillstone (formerly Houston's) after work for years. The location is perfect (downstream from the Financial District and on the cusp of Faneuil Hall) as is everything about it. The name change is the only thing that actually changed - which is definitely a good thing! The waitstaff are always smiling and eager to please. The food is nothing less than consistently excellent. I usually go after work for a few drinks at the bar and stay for dinner. The bartenders are friendly, funny, efficient and knowledgeable. They also make one of the best dirty martinis around!! Some of my favorite items on the menu are the Spinach & Artichoke Dip - always delicious - it is the benchmark in which to measure all other spinach dips. The Thai Noodle Salad is spicy, filled with fresh mango, tomato, mint and basil, and is so unique. The burgers (both beef and veggie) are to die for, especially on that fabulous brioche roll! The expanding list of sushi is consistently delicious and worth trying. The wine list is approachable and has many of my favorites! This is a great location to have a business lunch, drinks and appetizers with friends, or a romantic dinner in one of the cozy booths. One very sad newer development - the amazing biscuits are a Hillstone item of the past. Too bad :( Hillstone (Houston's) is definitely a place worth stopping in to - several times. BONUS - they validate at the 60 State Garage if you're driving in!!
(5)
molly f.
Visited Houston's recently with a friend who has been raving about the food & the service, and I must say...I was quite impressed. Houston's doesn't approach their service like other restaurants, where one server attends to you for the entire evening. Rather, they have many servers and valets who each attend to different aspects of your meal...from food to drinks to HOT HAND TOWELS (yes!) to taking your order and checking in, many different members of their staff are on deck to attend to your every need...and while its a bit confusing at first because each acts as though they already know you, its quite lovely once you get used to it. Service aside, the food at Houston's is tasty! We started with their famous shoe string fries and they were delish...I also tried the coconut shrimp sushi & while I'm not a huge sushi fan, it was worth trying. My entree was fabulous- slow cooked BBQ baby back ribs that were falling off the bone...just perfectly prepared. My friend had the burger, which had been my 2nd choice, and from the bite I took of his, it was fabulous. I'll certainly be back to Houston's to try some of their other offerings and enjoy a delicious hamburger!
(4)
Ina C.
A guy walks into a bar and takes a seat. He thinks about what to order, but something interrupts his thoughts. "Nice haircut!" He looks around but can't figure out who said it. He orders a beer, but before he can take his first sip, he hears someone shout out, "I like your shirt!" He slams his beer down on the table and looks around again. "Where could that be coming from?" he thinks to himself. He walks over to the jukebox, sticks in a quarter and chooses a song. The moment he sits back down, he hears someone say, "Great choice! I love this song!" Finally, he turns to the bartender and asks, "Sir, do you know who's saying all these things?" The bartender says over his shoulder, "Oh yeah. It's the peanuts. They're complementary." :D All that to highlight the greatness of complementary sides! I paid $9 for steamed asparagus at the Oak Room and got a plate of asparagus with no seasoning -- basically something that a five-year-old could have prepared. Thank you, Houston's, for coupling your steak with a side of fries that can be substituted for any seasonal vegetable! We got the broccoli which was seasoned so well that even this veggie-hater wanted more! Like Karman L. says, the food, location and service are all fantastic. I especially love the bar that spills out onto the outdoor patio. One of my favorite places in DC has now moved to Boston! And unlike the DC locations, they DO take reservations!
(4)
Di L.
Houston's has the best spinach and artichoke dip I've ever had. I don't come here often but I'm always pleased when I do. Most recently I had the salmon and it was excellent. Our service was great when we were seated (a short 15 minute wait on a Wednesday night) and the bartenders were very friendly. The bathrooms are clean, which is a huge bonus and the location is really easy to find. It's hard to go with a larger party, since most of the tables and booths won't sit more than 5 people. The only other downside is parking, but during the week street parking surrounding Faneuil Hall should be pretty easy to find.
(4)
Lauren H.
Houston's might be my favorite new place in Boston. Great beer selection--you ask for Coors Light or Bud Light and they may as well laugh at you. None of that. It's all delightful, real, for the most part local, beer. Ambience is great. All of the booths (and they are ALL booths) are kind of sunken down so that at no point are you really looking at anyone else at any other table. Very private. It's dark and old school Frank Lloyd Wright-ish, but really modern at the same time. Bar is fantastic, especially in warmer weather because they open the windows and Faneuil Hall makes for a great view. Now for the real deal--they make the best hamburger I have ever eaten. The Hickory Burger is one of the most delicious things ever created. Not sure how they do it, but the meat is incredible, perfect (shredded) cheese, delightfully crispy bun, and delectably crunchy french fries. The whole meal is just perfect. Spinach and artichoke dip is other-worldly, too. Sorry to say those are the only things I can talk about, as they are the only things I've ever ordered. Hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
(5)
Marissa P.
So I visited Houston's again recently, and... UPGRADE! Lahwdy, lahwdy, my salad was so good. Utter 6 magical words: "Thai Steak & Noodle Salad, please." You will be rewarded with a plateful of well-dressed, herbed noodle-y goodness and slices of wonderfully-marinated filet. Add mangos, avacados, and... MMMMMM. Tip: Ask for your mangos diced on the smaller side, and you will avoid my last fiasco (below). MMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmm.
(4)
Tony B.
I went on a Saturday night and the service was outstanding. Best service I have ever experienced at a restaurant. It's like they are watching you, and right before you ask them for something, they bring it or clear it from the table. I can't remember I experienced service this outstanding. Good food too, delicious bloody marry, good appetizers, and delicious hot biscuits. Nice interior and nice location. Parking garage was very convenient and the restaurant will validate it at 60 state street garage. Good place to take visitors. I will be back to this place.
(4)
Heather R.
I'd say, I came because I thought my friend wanted prime rib, but he ended out having the ribs, while I had the prime rib, which was excellent. It came with French fries, and they were okay but I wasn't in French fry heaven. For desert he had the key lime pie which looked amazing, while I had the sundae. It was just, okay. It was really big and had a sauce boat filled with the chocolate syrup on the side, but neither the ice cream nor the sauce was amazing. The sundae did have some candied walnuts on top, which made it more interesting, and quite a bit of real whipped cream was applied. At the end of the meal the remainder of my rib was packed up (he asked if I would like to do it myself, or if I would like to...odd) and when I opened it up the next day I noticed the delicious Au jus sauce was not included. Certainly it would have been possible to put it in a container to go. Service was good, and I even noticed my friends rib bones were removed from the bowl he was given for the bones. Beer selection was just, kind off odd. Not too much on the list in these craft beer times. Probably being due to this restaurant being a national chain. I noticed a large bar and nice interior. Certainly not a bad place to have a burger at the bar on a winters day near Faunille Hall.
(4)
Lynda M.
I am going to up my stars because the last few times I have eaten at Houston's, I have been pretty happy. I LURV their chicken salad with peanut sauce, and their Key Lime Pie is to die for. The man loves their ribs, he looks great with bbq sauce as an accessory. As for the recent posting about parking--yes it does exist, but it is hardly free. The actual garage is for 60 State Street, the entrance is on Merchants Way, next to Bertucci's and across from Clarke's. But my question is---If Houston's only charges $15 for 3 hours after 5PM on weekdays, and weekends, why does the garage itself only charge a flat rate of $14??? I took this from the 60 State Street garage website: newbostonfund.com/direct… "The 60 State Street garage will valet park cars based on availability. The $36 maximum rate is in effect after 2 hours. They do not validate parking. There is evening/weekend parking in the building at a rate of $14. The evening parking is effective after 5:00 PM" Interesting, you can save a dollar by not mentioning Houston's!
(4)
Patrick H.
After visiting Houston's several times over the past few years, my short review would be "overpriced drinks, nice atmosphere, great food." I like this place, but would never come here just to get drinks with friends or colleagues regardless of the fact that the front bar with retractable glass walls makes for great people watching in Faneiul Hall. The food however is reason enough to visit Houston's. I was skeptical of sushi at a place like this, but the spicy tuna roll is fantastic. If you like French dip, they've got the best one I've ever had in the city of Boston. And the burgers here are definitely worth a try. Houston's dining area is cozy, somewhat romantic and dimly lit, which may be a little on the fancy side. I've found the wait staff to be mediocre most of the time, and the bartender will ask for everyone's IDs in order to run them through some fancy machine before you get a drink (I guess the old fashioned method of actually looking at the date and matching the person's face isn't their thing). I'll be back again at some point, but Houston's isn't on my "must have" list by any means.
(3)
Allison S.
Two words: WHOLY PARSLEY. Have I mentioned that I despise parsley? DESPISE. I went here for lunch with some of my colleagues and clients from work, and it was like we were on a romantic date instead of a business lunch. The lighting was very dim...very much mood lighting. Although my salad was laden with parsley (which was not listed as an ingredient on the menu), the rest of their dishes looked pretty delicious. Our service was good and they have great iced tea. We must have come at peak lunch hour, because it was swamped when we walked in, and completely empty when we left. I'd come back (definitely with a reservation) and try something else on the menu at an off-peak time.
(3)
Dan T.
Pretty damn good California Burger and Fries...medium rare...cooked perfectly. Pricey place but my wife had the ribs...absolutely tender, fall off the bone. Service is great too. Nicely lit, not bright at all but not too dark, very comfortable.
(5)
Charoline D.
MmMmm. I went here for the first time yesterday. It's right across from where I work and some co-workers were heading there for a birthday party. They had the front of the bar open to the air, and people were sitting on the benches enjoying beers, and more importantly mojitos. The mojitos here are HEAVEN. (Why is everything "heaven" with her?,,--did you get the curb reference?). It's a little pricier here than I'm used to, but it inspires me to get a perm job working around here, be miserable, but be making entirely too much money to NOT spend it bar hopping after work in a pair of Jimmy Choo's. Although I did get hit on by an overweight guy with frosted hair in a golf shirt, the crowd is mostly people from the financial district i.e. my current place of employment. I later found out that he hit on all my friends just before I showed up, so I took comfort in knowing that it had nothing to do with me, but more the sexual prowess of this poorly put together excuse for a man. Sickens one to the core. We also ordered brownie sundaes in honor of our friends birthday. The brownie was exceptional, and was topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel. Again. Heaven. Oh. And later on we went to Clarks and got circle fries. Now, I've been here before on a bar crawl, and it's not one of my favorite places. It's mostly swamp donkeys in untucked dress shirts from express, jeans, and black dress shoes. I'm fairly certain including a review for clarks is less than nessecary if you've ever been there.
(4)
Kim P.
I'm a fan of Houston's and the Boston location is no exception. The food is a bit pricier than other chain restaurants, but I do believe its higher quality. Nice atmosphere - good service - good wine selection. We went on a Saturday night and were seated right away. I really like their chicken fingers and salads. Give it a try.
(4)
Nicole M.
Spinach artichoke dip, french fries, french martini. Sit me down on their narrow patio and serve me these three things, and I'm happier than a pig in shit. Touristy? Sure. A chain? Yep. Packed with suits pretending to work on their laptops at the bar? Yessiree. All these things would normally drive me away so fast, but I bring your attention back to those three lovely menu items, and I'm happy to sit and linger and people watch.
(4)
Alex S.
Great place. Good food and service. I just wish they took opentable. It does get crowded especially without the patio. The veggie burger is OUTSTANDING
(4)
Hailey T.
I stopped in here while my sister was visiting and we decided to escape the madhouse that some Quincy Market area places can be and we were pleasantly surprised! This place has a beautiful interior and great servers. We just sat at the bar and while they don't have a cocktail menu they'll make you anything you like. The bartender made a phenomenal dirty martini for both of us. We also did the sushi combo appetizer and I have to say it was delicious! A top shelf vodka martini will run you about $14, but it's worth it. In fact, we both enjoyed our excursion here so much that when our parents arrived in town a few days later we returned with them...and on that note the bartender makes a great lemon drop as well. I'm certain of two things: the price and atmosphere make the experience worth every penny, and I'll be back soon.
(4)
Victoria B.
Good place to go hang out after work. The food is good, nothing amazing but I enjoyed my dining there. The lighting in the place is a little too dark for my taste but that's the style theyre going for, it's not bad for the bar area though. The menu has a little bit of everything and the service was good.
(3)
Kevin L.
This place rocks! This place never fails to serve great food with excellent service. Last night I tried one of the new specials (New York strip) and I have to say it was as good or not better then what you would find at Morton's or grille 23 or any other steak house in the city and as pricey $36.00. whether you going for drinks at the bar(which has outside seats when its warm and dry out) or going for dinner with friends, I can not recommend this restaurant enough.
Made a trip to Houston's today after the Bruin's game. Went at the perfect time around 4 PM and had no wait at all for a table. The service was good and the food came out promptly. Wifey and I started out with the spinach and artichoke dip. That is one of our favorite appetizer's and Houston's delivered. It comes with sour cream and salsa. I got the rotisserie chicken. Which I try at just about at any restaurant. And the Houston's rotisserie chicken is awesome. Chicken is cooked perfect and it comes with Dirty Rice. Wifey got the Salmon and it was soaked in butter. So, stay away. The interior design is cool. Which is modern with a southwestern feel. One big plus of the place is it might have one of the nicest restrooms in the city. Very modern and it has private stalls. Plus a floor Length mirror. So, you can just see how fly you really are.
(3)
Cara J.
This is my favorite place. Cool, upscale but not pretentious, outstanding food and drinks. Nice vibe and comfortable decor. I've toted my reluctant friends along who only praised me with raves. I've been ordering the "Evil Jungle Thai Salad" since the place opened, which is now a different name, but still one of the best dishes on the menu. Service is tops, and when the staff clearly has a reason to be aggravated or annoyed, by a difficult patron, they hide it well. Very professional. Tuna/sashimi is also excellent. Downside, last visit my friend got the salmon special- farm raised. The price was too high and the salmon way to skimpy for $30 or so.
(5)
Cathy H.
Don't get me wrong, it is a nice place. A very chic, fancy drink, downtown kind of crowd. Still, it is a chain, and has a bit of that feel. I would call it "generic chic." The value threw my rating off a bit. Paying $18.00 for a sushi roll (even this macadamian nut, tuna delight) made my eyes roll back a little. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the sushi, and the rest of the meal was good. However, just be prepared to throw down a bit of cash. A great place to go if you are expensing it!
(3)
Celicia C.
I would come here just for their California burger. Sooooooooooo good. See, I never put that many "ooo's" in the "so", but it's that good. So good that I asked the Houston's across the street from my office building in midtown NYC to make it. That's right. The California burger is a Boston specific burger. They don't make it in NYC! Whenever I come back to Boston to see my folks or my boyfriend if I can make it out to Fanueil Hall to have this heavenly burger, I'm a happy camper! So what's in the California burger? Their special angus beef, topped with jack cheese, avocado, red onion, and the spicy arugula. And add into the equation their special stringy fries, I'm in pure heaven. For appetizers their spinach artichoke dip is also yummy. You can never go wrong with that either!
(5)
Heidi E.
I do like this place. And I've been here often in the past and always enjoyed it. I returned this weekend and... Their California burger recently made me a believer. Oh my God, did it ever. I'm now going to top all of my homemade burgers with avacado, arugula, red onion and I'll attempt my own secret sauce (dijon mayo?)...until I get sick of it. And then I'll just go back to Houstons to have the real thing again. The bar is worth mentioning. Plenty to keep your eyes wandering- either in lovely clientele or in the lovely modern interior design. The bar opens up to a nice enclosed patio which is helpful on a Friday night when the wait is long.
(4)
Chase W.
It pain's me to give a CHAIN restaurant 5 stars, but I can't go any lower. I've simply never had a bad experience here; the food is oustanding, the service excellent, and the decor is fantastic. The dining room is set a few feet underground on the edge of both the Financial District and Faneuil Hall, so it's generally a mix of tourists and suit wearing financier's from down the street. Thursday and Friday night bar crowd overwhelms the smallish bar area, but in the summer this opens up to the patio-esq area in front of the restaurant. A note- dont' be surprised if you get a strange look from the bartender if you order a mainstream beer beverage- There are no Miller/Budweiser/Corona/Guiness options here, though they carry the microbrew equivalents. What to order for food... Well, I honestly think 8 out of the 10 times I've dined at Houston's I had the Hawaiian Rib Eye. It's value priced, delicious, and huge! Is it for the steak purist? probably not, but it really is fantastic. Also worth noting, if you order this option, you don't hav eto worry about a la cart sides as this entree comes loaded with a few side veggies and potato. The wine selection isn't as impressive as say Grill 23 or Flemmings, but generally speaking Houston's is a notch below these top tier steak houses and is priced appropriately. It's safe to say, that I can't afford to eat at Grill 23 a few times a month, but I can definately swing a frequent trip to Houston's, and that's why I love it so much. (That and the creame spinach soup, which is very tastey). Other plus's? Besides my general love of the contemporary/art deco decor? (ladies, please close your ear's or cover your eyes) ESPN playing over the 'facilities' in the very well appointed Men's room. Sorry, but it's worth mentioning if you're passing on the Sox game for a dinner date! Updates.... :( I really feel like Houstons has gone down hill- I eat there like 2 or 3 times a month (its just convenient) and the service and menu seems cheapened, rushed, and not as high in quality. The menu isnt' all that different, but it doesn't seem like its as good of a value anymore-
(3)
Lalin A.
I usually go to Houston's for its bar, which is social and comfortable with four sides open. Attentive and quick service. Check this place out during spring and summer days when they open the windows facing Quincy market. It is a pleasure to sit there and just watch the world go on. I had my best mojito at Houston's the first time I went there. The second time it was not as good (I guess my expectations were very high). Quick note: I saw how serious they are about picking their servers (as I met some of the candidates). Big plus! Edit 11/27/2006 I re-visited Houston with a friend, who came to Boston for the first time. He really liked the atmosphere and our mojitos were sweet! Also, I had the BEST spinach dip here. It was thick and rich!
(4)
Ella B.
Slightly pretentious feel, but i was on vacation and my friend skipped out of work to show me around... we like to drink, so we ended up here.... she & I stopped in for an afternoon cocktail after a day of shopping and visiting around Boston and the Public Market area. There wasn't much by way of hostess service, we simply headed straight to the bar. The drinks were ok priced, not too cheap; i think at night this is much more of a "dressy" place. (we did look at the food menu and my pricing rating is based on menu, i think our drinks were about $6-7 for white wine and $8 for my "name brand" vodka), don't remember exactly since i was there Jan. 2007. The deco was "swanky"-ish, leather covered seats in the booths, granite or something like that for the counter tops & tables; good looking servers. Weird statue in the front - was it a cow?..... It seems like all the reviews are about the food, i guess i would have eaten there, but it seemed too much of a meat and potatoes kind of place. Not into that so much. not sure about parking and etc since we parked in a lot a few blocks away and walked to the restaurant. The location is pretty convenient, but i probably wouldn't go for food since it seemed a little pricey. Two stars b/c it wasn't completely horrible - but it wasn't anything phenomenal that would make me want to go back. If i am in the area again i would probably like to try some of the cute little places across the street instead.
(2)
Southie G.
We stopped here one day on a whim around 10:30pm and were pleasently surprised! My sister had a stripped bass which she said was wonderful and my husband and I shared a coconut shrimp sushi plate. Ours was to die for! The atmosphere was very cool, low lit, comfy booths, etc. Our waitress was very friendly too. Great experience, we will be back!
(4)
christina c.
I am a little bias because i worked for the company for 3 years but they have the best Crabcakes ever. Also the best veggie burger ever. I don't eat meat so I am not even going to lie and say anything about the ribs and burgers but they look amazing. Honestly I didn't eat seafood until I started working here and then gave in because it is so good and so fresh. I use to have to avoid watching them cut up the whole fresh fish everyday. Also the wine by the bottle is very well priced. The booze is expensive but the fresh squeezed salty dogs are a god sent on a Sunday afternoon and the sour mix is fresh made none of that bottle stuff. Pricey yes, but worth it.
(4)
Melissa K.
Hmm... Houstons. The atmosphere is fabulous (if you like dimmed lights), the colors (orange) are nice, and the bathrooms are clean, well-maintained and have quality fixtures (toto toilets!). A good date restaurant. But the food ... My two friends and I arrived one evening ready to eat. We ordered three drinks ... a delicious mojito concoction (very strong ... I could only drink 1/2), and the spinach artichoke dip with chips. The dip was ok ... not too salty ... and rather underwhelming for the price. It could be improved by adding larger artichoke pieces. I was disappointed because it was slightly less than luke-warm and the chips were regular probably just out of the bag. With those prices, it would be nice if the dip was served warm and if the chips were housemade or at least lightly warmed and/or toasted. The food was only slightly better. My friend N ordered the prime rib, J ordered the ribs, and I got the french dip sandwich with fries. J ordered asparagus to go with the ribs. The side dish appeared delicious ... 5-6 thick strands of asparagus with a light sauce over it ... but J commented that it would be better if it was warm rather than chilled. He seemed a bit disappointed. N loved the prime rib, which arrived beautifully arranged and a large portion. J enjoyed his ribs ... ate all of them except for the three he shared. I tried some of his ribs and they were ok but seriously I've had warmer and better tasting ribs at TGIFriday (c'mon!). My french dip sandwich was ok. It arrived on a hoagie-ish roll with plenty of meat. Unfortunately, the meat and the roll did not complement one another. Each individually was delicious, as well as together, but the roll was too small for the meat and so the meat kept falling out. Difficult to eat a sandwich that way. The fries were disappointing. I love fries and normally would be disappointed when the last fry was gone ... but that night I was apathetic. They are shoestring fries ... but with very little flavour. Also served almost room temperature. All the food was luke-warm. =( The service was excellent. The drinks fabulous. The food presentation is beautiful. But the food itself is average. And cold. =( Especially for the prices. The best part of Houstons are the drinks. Strong, well-crafted, and delicious.
(3)
The D.
Last time I was here, it was Houston's, and it was terrible. Much different this time. The restaurant itself has a cool atmosphere. The bar area was very active, with a hip vibe. Dining room behind it felt like it was almost a separate restaurant. We sat near the bar, and it was much quiter than I thought it would be. It looked like every table was a booth, so you didn't have to listen to other conversations. Little dark in the dining room, but felt appropriate. Our waiter, Cameron, was very good. He was witty, and made good suggestions. Had the artichoke dip, decent, but over priced at $15. Prime Rib was excellent, and cooked perfectly. It came with a loaded baked potato which was also great. My fiancee had sushi which she really enjoyed. Menu isn't large, but offers a little of everything. Definitely a little pricey-spent over $100 getting an app, our entrees and a bottle of moderately priced wine. My only complaint would be the pace in the beginning. We received the spinich/artichoke dip within 5 min, and before our wine. Our dinner came within 15 min, while we were still eating the appetizer. Other than that, it was a great experience.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Garage Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Allie W.
This place is consistently gross. I don't really understand why people flock here. I mean come on it's a chain restaurant with mediocre food and annoying waiters. God forbid you ask the kitchen to make any slight changes to your order because they can't. They must just put together already prepared items and cook them. The only thing they have going for them is the Chardonnay which is probably a cheap bottle that they overcharge for but it's decent tasting.
(1)Julie S.
The sushi was amazing. I ordered a veggie burger minus the bun. It was delish! However, I'm not sure how eating it on a bun would work out because it was very soft and messy. Nice decor, really dark, but kind of romanticy.
(4)Jocelyn L.
"great place to escape the crazy freezing cold on a wintry day. Food is reliably good"
(3)Marilyn T.
It was surprisingly not bad for Faneuil Hall. We went for a birthday, and I'm not a huge meat eater, so I got the thai steak salad. The filet was marinated well and seared medium rare, just the way I like it. The dish was a huge mountain of leaves and noodles on my plate, and it was very filling. I tried some of the Hawaiian ribeye, which had hints of sweetness and a tropical flavor, which I liked. The brownie dessert was nice with a candle for the birthday girl, but I wouldn't normally pay $8 for it. Good to know - parking is free nearby at night and on weekends.
(3)Jill D.
I've been to Houston's a handful of times for lunch and dinner. Likes: the veggie burger (I've never had one like it anywhere else), lots of entree salads, fast and attentive service, reservations accepted for dinner, the atmosphere-- I almost feel like I'm on the set of Mad Men what with the deep booths, low lighting, and bountiful business crowd Mehs: pricey!, gotta get there at 11:45 for a table at lunch Dislikes: the draught beers-- I don't think they clean their tap lines frequently enough. I ordered an Allagash White, and it tasted like I was sucking on an old shoelace. I think it's the only time in my life I have sent something back. Bottom line: it's the veggie burger that keeps me coming back for more. Plus, it's right near my office which makes it a great spot for a business lunch.
(3)D S.
After having heard good things about this place, I was willing to try this restaurant that I would normally not be drawn to. The outside is uninviting, and I was only drawn inside based on good reviews, and the fact that I had heard good things (from non-yelpers I might add... I should have kept that in mind....) That being said: I went there for lunch with a friend from out of town after doing some sightseeing, and the food was mediocre at best. We shared a french dip that was good enough, and spinach artichoke dip that had NO flavor. It was, without a doubt, the worst version of the stuff that I have ever had. We sat at the bar, which was only about 1/3 full, and at the point when we were ready for our check, there were at least three girls behind the bar, but they were far too busy chatting to be bothered getting the check in any sort of an expeditious manner. That was bothersome, but prior to that the service was pretty good. Fresh squeezed juice is used in the cocktails, and that is delicious... an ordinary greyhound really sings to me with the addition of fresh squeezed grapefruit juiced as opposed to concentrate... even though it was winter, the drink awakened my inner yearning for spring time with it's citrusy punch! But, all in all, my experience at Houston's was nothing to write home about, and with the wealth of great restaurants in the immediate area, I think I will steer clear in the future... maybe a cocktail again when I miss the summer and spring months...
(3)Nick N.
Christina the waitress was awesome on this saturday December 1st 2012. She was attentive-on time-helpful and alway's had a smile on her face. Such a pleasure from the snappy-rude waiting staff that you can encounter on a dining experience. She was also helpful in helping my wife pick out a special cocktail !!! I had my wife and 2 of my sons. My sons can be picky but they tried the sushi apps and there meals where awesome. My 12 year old had the ribs from the kids pick. I don't believe they have a kids menu but christina had the choices well rehearsed in her head. my son had the ribs which were awesome !!! I had the cheese burger which was outstanding. My son had the prime rib sandwich which he loved and enjoyed and my had the steak/noodle dinner which was fabulous and tasty ! Service again was the best I have had recently in a busy rest. on a saturday evening. You can park at the 60 state street garage and have your ticket validated after you eat which alows you to park 3 hrs total. That is well worth it giving you time to check out the sites at fanuel hall. Thats a 40 dollar parking savings....Just make sure you don'y go over the 3 hrs. I definitely give this place a 5 star....Thanks for a great dining experience.......If you happen to get a bad waiter/waitress go to the hostess and say you want christina....She will make your dining experience the best !!!!!
(5)Anne K.
If ever given the chance to have a last meal, it would be the ribs from Houston's. When there is a chance that we might go to Houston's for dinner, I start my fast. I have been known to finish the entire plate of ribs, fries, and coleslaw (which is the only coleslaw I eat) and only regret that I didn't wear sweatpants to the restaurant. Great drinks, ambience, and obviously ribs. I suggest putting your name in early and walk through Fanueil Hall while you wait. Not ironic that this is where my fiancee took me before he proposed!
(5)Marwan A.
went with relatively large group and everybody liked the food.
(2)Jorge C.
If you want uncompromising solid service, a sunny attitude and well prepared food, Houston's is the place to go. They will not serve you a "memorable" meal, but after dining in their Coral Gables, LA and Boston restaurants I've yet to have a bad experience. Even when the food was late or not prepared to order the staff wen t out of its way to "make it right" and make sure I received a complimentary meal. My favorites are the soups, particularly the chili (a Saturday staple) and the Mexico Style soup, a delicious tortilla soup-like broth with avocado, tomatoes and mexican rice. The spinach dip is an all time classic but the smoked salmon is a solid starter as well. For mains, you can't go wrong with the cheeseburger or french dip with shoe-string fries. If you're a bit hungrier try the off-menu hawaiian ribeye, pittsburgh style, sliced and with a side of bbq sauce.
(5)Robert T.
Great place! Best dam key lime pie... Ever! These folks always seem to get us seated.... even when its busy!
(5)J R.
Let me preface this review by saying that a martini is a gin-based cocktail. Traditionally, a martini is not made with vodka. Although, substituting vodka for gin is now common, I object to anyone who doesn't recognize the difference. Suffice to say: I have better taste than you if you're a vodka martini drinker. I stopped into Houston's for some mid-Saturday afternoon pre-Sweeney Todd martinis. I ordered a dirty martini made with Bombay Sapphire. This $13 drink was cold and crisp. The olives were very tasty too, but this should be expected given the premium price paid. Overall great view and good drinks.
(3)Bunny C.
Went here this past Friday night for drinks with some girlfriends. The ambiance was perfect- it was a warm night so the place was opened up and there was booth seating outside. We all ordered cocktails and they were strong and reasonably priced! Even though we ate somewhere else prior, we ended up ordering the steak sandwich to split and it was delicious. It was a great place to hang out with friends were you could actually hear one another- I'll definitely go back.
(5)Jack M.
I was just here last night, and I had no idea that Houston's was changing it's name to Hillstone? Both are equally dumb names, if you ask me, but I digress. Well not really: allow me to elaborate. Again! I went here for dinner last night. I already said that didn't I? Well, I'm saying it again. And as you are my captive audience, and my review is easily the best one here, I can say what I please! Kidding. Maybe? - Expensive! But VERY good. Went here with a pal o mine - he got the cod which he was floored with, and I got the filet, which was EXCELLENT. I was expecting "bigger" portions, but really, mine was a perfect size. The filet wasn't quite what I had imagined - this was a 2-inch thick sea-salt encrusted thing. Nice and rare like I wanted. Melts like butter in your mouth. Came with some warm spinach and mashed potatoes on the side. Both were good. I didn't try the cod but my buddy loved it. Cleaned our plates which never happens. - Waitress was very good. We had to wait a bit for our food but, I'd gladly wait the 20 minutes again knowing the outcome. Excellent food and wonderfully attentive service. Pretty darn expensive but I like the location and I love the food and I like the service. You can't go wrong here.
(4)Amy K.
Houston's has been my favorite restaurant for years now. The shrimp and macadamia sushi is the best sushi I've ever had and the thai steak and noodle salad is delicious. The service is also impeccable!
(5)Luke P.
I had been here over 6 years ago a couple times when it was Houstons. Back then I thought it was a decent "upscale" chain with a great bar. I returned recently to Hillstone for a late weeknight dinner. We had the place almost entirely to ourselves and experienced great service. My date ordered the cheeseburger and was shocked to find they put ketchup, mustard and bbq sauce directly on the burger even though there was no mention of this on the menu. This is pretty atypical at most restaurants that don't begin with M, B, or W. Given she has no taste for condiments, it was a disaster, but the attentive waitstaff realized immediately that there was a problem and replaced the burger for free - definitely a cool gesture. I ordered the fish of the day which was a sauteed cod. It was OK, but nothing remarkable. I do think the food is greatly overpriced based on this experience, but it's pretty typical given the location. Ambiance is nice and they have some decent beers on draft. Better than some of the FH places, but not highly recommended for dinner. I would definitely come back here for a drink though.
(2)Sean M.
Houston's is a chain. I really like the Embarcadero location, in San Francisco so I'm not sure why but I waited so long to try the Boston Houston's. I have been three times at lunch and each visit has been a pleasant experience. The service at the bar has been excellent and friendly. I have sampled the steak, prime rib, sushi (yes sushi) and the cheese burger. Everything I have eaten here has been expertly prepared and the ingredients are fresh. They have abundant entree salads if you want to eat lite. It is a an upscale approach to simpler fare. Sure you could spend less at Bennigan's for example but the food and atmosphere are far superior here in my opinion. Yes it's a chain, I guess I fit the demographic profile, I'll be treating myself to lunch here on a regular basis. * The bar is a tough seat at lunch, go early. * Excellent wine list, fair to slightly high in pricing. Good choices for domestic. * A nice choice for an after work Martini. * The Burger is killer, I love the shredded lettuce and chopped onions. * Some may find the atmosphere a bit stuffy, for moi, it's pleasant. * Jeff Nace and his lovely wife were having burgers at the bar our last visit, he sent over glasses of the Ramey Claret, guess I'll have to write that (long overdue) Neptune Oyster review soon.
(4)Hana C.
Def get the hawaiian rib-eye- so sweet and mouthwatering. Great burgers (although I'm not a burger girl, I always get a bite of someone's, its very yummy), and I love their ribs! so mouth watering. best onion rings in Boston! And the tuna salad is very yumy too- gives you 4 large pices of spicy tuna roll and the salad comes with mango. very yummy. would come here anytime!
(4)Jennifer S.
I checked out Houston's for the first time last Friday after work and was very pleasantly surprised. got there right after 5pm and it was already pretty crowded around the bar. there still seemed to be plenty of dinner seating though. Large bar area (with hooks for your coat and purse- oh happy day!) and the service was quick and attentive. tried a mojito and shared the spinach & artichoke dip and coconut shrimp rolls with a friend. mojito was just ok. too much seltzer or something. spinach dip was just ok too but the shrimp roll was incredible. i think that lil baby was swaddled in thin strips of coconut instead of seaweed-ingenious! The coconut flavor was not sweet or overpowering at all and combined with crunchy shrimp and creamy avocado it was really a great combo. All the other orders I saw coming out looked so good it made me want to leave the bar and snag a corner booth and stuff my face in secret rather that be respectable and nibble on my sushi rolls at the bar like a lady ( I mean lets be honest Houston's is a big time pick up place right?). Either way I definitely want to come back and try the Thai steak salad and get those rolls again. fun spot for after work drinks!
(4)Abdulrahman B.
Hillstone so far has the best burger in Boston. So huge with their extra thin fries makes this dish so special. Whenever I go there I can't decide on another dish because I can't resist eating that mouth watering patty!
(4)David M.
We rolled into Boston later than expected and called the restaurant to see when they closed. Despite the GPS telling us we were at the restaurant, we could not find it. Houston's is very hard to find. It is situated partially below ground in Faneuil Hall Marketplace and is hard to see from the street. I called for assistance from the staff. They could not give directions at all and got me more lost. They did advise that if we did not make it in within 7 minutes, we would not be served. We asked some people on the street and made it on time. This was kind of irritating because some people arrived 10 minutes after us and were seated and served. I came to Houstons because of their clam chowder. It won first place in a recent competition so I had to try it. I was surprised to find they only serve it on Fridays and Sundays and thankfully we were there on a Sunday. Our waitress came, I ordered chowder, an appetizer. When it came to the entree they were out of many items including all fish items except Salmon. This is Boston, how can they be out of fish? I wanted fish so I was out of luck and settled on the ribs. The chowder was great and I have had better, but not that often. Of all the chowders I ate while on the east coast, theirs was the best. The ribs were average. Really, they are boiled then grilled when ordered and slathered with sauce. Not too impressive for sure. I have eaten at many other Houston's and know what to expect. Normally I come for a decent steak but was not in the mood tonight. The service was poor. The waitress took my chowder bowl without asking if I was done (I was not). I had to ask other servers for things. When the bill came, the server had charged us for the appetizer she never brought. She said she would take it off the bill but never apologized for forgetting. We paid and left with regrets that we had chosen Houston's as our first meal in Boston, though I am glad I got to try their wonderful chowder. I left a 7% tip, which was very generous considering the poor service. I would recommend dropping in to try some chowder for lunch on Friday or Sunday and not for much else.
(2)Jenna C.
I have been to Houston's many a time, but I can only write a review on one dish there: The ultimate, tasty, most mouthwatering thing I crave on a constant basis. The Houston's veggie burger. All I can say is WOW. This has to be, by far, the best veggie burger ever created. Most people say, "Veggie burger? Gross! Why would I want a burger of rice and crap when I can get a meaty patty of goodness?" Well, let me tell you..this is not your run of the mill rice laden dry little patty. It's huge, moist, and the taste is consistently scrumptious. Here's the kicker...it's not on the menu anymore. You can of course still get it, because if it was ever discontinued they could count on me chaining myself to that crazy iron horse statue they have until they brought it back. My exact order (remember I'm a little picky): Veggie burger, no bun, honey mustard on the side. Sub french fries for couscous = party in your mouth. Try it. I promise you will not be disappointed. UPDATE: 12/17/07 - Veggie burger! Back on the menu!
(5)Roni E.
I went here for dinner one time and I just was not impressed. The waiter was certainly cute and very nice... but.... - The food wasn't great - I had the prime rib and it was just dry and bland - blech! - The drinks were... okay... but nothing special. - The timing was slooooow.... oh yeh he pretty much forgot about us and putting in the order. Yeh.... and they ran out of my veggie so I got the corn instead. Basically we paid for an extremely expensive meal we could have gotten elsewhere for much less and probably gotten better service.
(2)Steven L.
Hillstone Restaurant at Faneuil Boston seated us on the patio, no problem, waitress came to take orders, then they decided to throw us out of the restaurant because my friend Reinhold had on a sleeveless shirt (we were three gay men), the manger told us that the security guard was "a federal police officer" I took pictures to have proof that the restaurant and patio was full of women in sleeveless tops. The security guard demanded to see the pictures and then he forcibly confiscated my friend's phone. He followed us out, harrassed us, prevented us from leaving in four separate attempts to get into a taxi. He called the police, and kept us hostage for an hour. He told us that we were going to be charged with assault and battery of the manager. Three Boston patrol cars and 5 Boston officers were involved costing the city countless dollars. When Boston Police came they said, "Hillsotne doesn't like you, stay away from them!" My advice to anyone else!! Worse. Restaurant. Ever!
(1)Becca P.
My friend and I were wandering around Fanueil Hall trying to find a nice place to try out and found Hillstone hidden on the side. We came but didn't have a reservation and the place was packed at 1pm. We were seated after 20 minutes and was greeted by a very nice waitress. I ordered the $32 center cut filet and it was delicious. I do wish they had more sides. All I had was a little veggie side and that was good. My friend ordered the famous french dip au jus sandwich which came with fries. She loved it and was absolutely full after eating the sandwich. This place is a good place for small groups of friends to catch up. Around 1pm there are a lot of business people. We came in dressed casual but definitely felt under dressed.
(4)Teju P.
This rates high in various areas( at least the ones that matter most to me!): 1) Atmosphere - very social and good for groups. The booth styles seating allows you privacy as well as a good view of the bar! 2) Service - The wait staff was VERY attentive to us and knew the menu very well. 3) Menu - It ranges from very healthy and light to comfort food. Make sure you ask for the super secret veggie burger. It is excellent! When dinner was over me and my friends were having such a good time that we didn't want to leave :(
(5)Michael S.
Great food, good sushi roll apps, good drinks. Great Location
(5)Mary Beth F.
This is a great restaurant for a date- lots of candles and dim lighting. The drinks were strong, and the service was wonderful. I got the burger and it was amazing. My boyfriend got the french dip and loved it.
(4)Aditi R.
Faneuil has its ups and downs in my book. It always ends up being an interesting night, but I wished for something a bit more than the usual ho hum of Irish bars (not that I have anything against them...St. Patty's day wouldn't be the same in Boston otherwise!) Houston's provides the escape. I never really noticed this place perhaps because it's somewhat discrete as you have to walk down a set of stairs to enter the establishment. However, as discrete as the entrance may be, the space is quite the opposite. It's huge. Dim lighting, large bar space, and plenty of tables invite you right in. Not to mention that the wait staff is quite nice as well. I went in around 9 on a Tuesday night and was starving. Their menu looked quite nice and I ordered a chicken burger with fries while my friend ordered a salad which is supposedly phenomenal (the name escapes me, but it was a chicken salad...and not Caesar). There was only one bartender and she was also placing the food orders but despite of being busy, she was really nice and timely in always helping us out. The food ended up being quite good, but I have to say I enjoyed the fries the most as they were the thin cut fries which I dont find in many places. Great stuff! One of the drawbacks for this place however is the dim lighting. It's easy to see that people would trip up especially since there are lots of stairs as you go around the restaurant. Even during the day because it's a level below all the other restaurants, the light doesn't come in as well and the dim lighting only adds to the problem of not being able to see. So careful where you step! Overall I really liked this place and look forward to coming back. I can thank my friend and my 20/20 vision for that ;)
(4)Kim P.
I'm a fan of Houston's and the Boston location is no exception. The food is a bit pricier than other chain restaurants, but I do believe its higher quality. Nice atmosphere - good service - good wine selection. We went on a Saturday night and were seated right away. I really like their chicken fingers and salads. Give it a try.
(4)Nicole M.
Spinach artichoke dip, french fries, french martini. Sit me down on their narrow patio and serve me these three things, and I'm happier than a pig in shit. Touristy? Sure. A chain? Yep. Packed with suits pretending to work on their laptops at the bar? Yessiree. All these things would normally drive me away so fast, but I bring your attention back to those three lovely menu items, and I'm happy to sit and linger and people watch.
(4)Peter G.
i have never been disappointed by houston's. i know it's a chain (i mean, who doesn't love a good chain restaurant every now and again) but i know i can count on houston's for a supremely delicious meal. christina had never been, and i suggested it as i haven't been in quite some time. the service is perfect because the waitstaff is trained to have the pleasant appeal of a stepford wife. our server, jennifer, was a delight and i even saw a couple of acquiantances that i know who work there as well. usually i am wont to partake of the clam chowder, depending on the day, and the thai steak and noodle salad, but we split the coconut shrimp roll to start. i always found it odd that houston's served sushi but it was to die for! christina was craving a burger and i was craving a fish sandwich and we were both in heaven. i coerced her to split the 5-nut brownie with me for dessert, which we devoured. houston's, you are my scarlet lover.
(5)Andrew A.
While I have a Houston's at home, we visited the restaruant near Fanueil Hall on a recent trip to Boston & the result was less than stellar. My prime issue was with the lackluster service from such a 'high end eatery.' The restaurant was full, (as is expected on a Boston graduation weekend Saturday night), but the waiters & kitchen were NOT ready for the crowds. The bar was slow as we waited an hour for a table. Our waiter was rushed & disappeared after we ordered. Two people ordered prime rib which had WAY more fat than neccesary for this dish. When management was consulted due to this disasterous night they simply apologized after explaining that prime rib needs fat to cook. DUH - but not an inch on both sides! Perhaps it was a bad night for them, but I was just let down by the whole experience...
(2)Jon F.
This place sucks! NEVER recommend to anyone. We made a reservation for 7 one month in advance. When we showed up , we were told to wait 15 minutes. We ended up waiting for 45 minutes and our table was not ready. After waiting almost one hour , we had to leave. It was a disaster! This place is only for walk ins... We do not want to even remember the name of this restaurant. Very bad management.
(1)Melissa D.
Houston's is an A\after work bar for the financial district, a place to eat fresh quality food on a Saturday night and a great place to play credit card roulette. The menu ranges from salads to steak, sandwiches to seafood. Decent sized menu and sometimes items are updated with the seasons. FAVES: -Burger (as my friend says: "I'm not a big fan of burgers but this one is making me one!) -Sushi Combo Plate (surprisingly, very good sushi) -Prime Rib (fatty as it should be) -Spinach & Artichoke Dip (not zapped in the microwave) Service, not so great, they had a team of people helping out but when it got busy, it was like the keystone cops. I know people get in the weeds, but that's why you have a team of people to help out...maybe it was just one of those nights!!
(3)Holly H.
I have been going to Hillstone (formerly Houston's) after work for years. The location is perfect (downstream from the Financial District and on the cusp of Faneuil Hall) as is everything about it. The name change is the only thing that actually changed - which is definitely a good thing! The waitstaff are always smiling and eager to please. The food is nothing less than consistently excellent. I usually go after work for a few drinks at the bar and stay for dinner. The bartenders are friendly, funny, efficient and knowledgeable. They also make one of the best dirty martinis around!! Some of my favorite items on the menu are the Spinach & Artichoke Dip - always delicious - it is the benchmark in which to measure all other spinach dips. The Thai Noodle Salad is spicy, filled with fresh mango, tomato, mint and basil, and is so unique. The burgers (both beef and veggie) are to die for, especially on that fabulous brioche roll! The expanding list of sushi is consistently delicious and worth trying. The wine list is approachable and has many of my favorites! This is a great location to have a business lunch, drinks and appetizers with friends, or a romantic dinner in one of the cozy booths. One very sad newer development - the amazing biscuits are a Hillstone item of the past. Too bad :( Hillstone (Houston's) is definitely a place worth stopping in to - several times. BONUS - they validate at the 60 State Garage if you're driving in!!
(5)Di L.
Houston's has the best spinach and artichoke dip I've ever had. I don't come here often but I'm always pleased when I do. Most recently I had the salmon and it was excellent. Our service was great when we were seated (a short 15 minute wait on a Wednesday night) and the bartenders were very friendly. The bathrooms are clean, which is a huge bonus and the location is really easy to find. It's hard to go with a larger party, since most of the tables and booths won't sit more than 5 people. The only other downside is parking, but during the week street parking surrounding Faneuil Hall should be pretty easy to find.
(4)Charoline D.
MmMmm. I went here for the first time yesterday. It's right across from where I work and some co-workers were heading there for a birthday party. They had the front of the bar open to the air, and people were sitting on the benches enjoying beers, and more importantly mojitos. The mojitos here are HEAVEN. (Why is everything "heaven" with her?,,--did you get the curb reference?). It's a little pricier here than I'm used to, but it inspires me to get a perm job working around here, be miserable, but be making entirely too much money to NOT spend it bar hopping after work in a pair of Jimmy Choo's. Although I did get hit on by an overweight guy with frosted hair in a golf shirt, the crowd is mostly people from the financial district i.e. my current place of employment. I later found out that he hit on all my friends just before I showed up, so I took comfort in knowing that it had nothing to do with me, but more the sexual prowess of this poorly put together excuse for a man. Sickens one to the core. We also ordered brownie sundaes in honor of our friends birthday. The brownie was exceptional, and was topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel. Again. Heaven. Oh. And later on we went to Clarks and got circle fries. Now, I've been here before on a bar crawl, and it's not one of my favorite places. It's mostly swamp donkeys in untucked dress shirts from express, jeans, and black dress shoes. I'm fairly certain including a review for clarks is less than nessecary if you've ever been there.
(4)Alex S.
Great place. Good food and service. I just wish they took opentable. It does get crowded especially without the patio. The veggie burger is OUTSTANDING
(4)Hailey T.
I stopped in here while my sister was visiting and we decided to escape the madhouse that some Quincy Market area places can be and we were pleasantly surprised! This place has a beautiful interior and great servers. We just sat at the bar and while they don't have a cocktail menu they'll make you anything you like. The bartender made a phenomenal dirty martini for both of us. We also did the sushi combo appetizer and I have to say it was delicious! A top shelf vodka martini will run you about $14, but it's worth it. In fact, we both enjoyed our excursion here so much that when our parents arrived in town a few days later we returned with them...and on that note the bartender makes a great lemon drop as well. I'm certain of two things: the price and atmosphere make the experience worth every penny, and I'll be back soon.
(4)Enrique D.
FORMERLY KNOWN AS HOUSTON'S - very clean, organized and prompt. the food is typical american fare. sometimes with a fusion twist of somekind. drinks are good. (great pour count) and everything always tastes fresh. the salads are amazing. i'm not a salad guy, but this is not ur girly salad. these are main course salads. burgers are great. desserts are simple classics but done well. staff is always curteous. crowd at the bar is mainly yuppies , enjoy ur drink with better company and bring ur friends.
(3)Jen S.
Houston's: The Setting For Everything Funny And Awesome Oh brother. I've been putting off writing this review for some time because Houston's is so near and dear to my heart. In fact, if the bartenders at Houston's are reading this (hi Kevin and Amy), in a couple of paragraphs they will be thinking 'this is definitely one of the three girls who comes in, tells us all about their personal lives, falls down drunk and humiliates herself and then does it again a couple nights later.' Thanks for serving us anyway, guys. Good choice. There's a lot to say, and you wouldn't know it by my other reviews, but I know there's a text limit on these things (which is so stupid, I mean do you not want to hear me go on for pages about Balison puking on herself? I mean who ARE you?) Yeah. I'm going to focus and organize and make the following points: (a)(1)(a) The GCS (b)(2)(b) Gentlemen callers (overarching) (c)(3)(c) The night we met the British guys (d)(4)(d) Balison, wine, and the T Here goes. Imagine a salad. You're probably all like oh blah a salad that's boring. YOU'RE WRONG. This salad tastes like Heaven spit a bunch of food into God's mouth who then spit it onto a plate. Wow, that sounds disgusting actually. Do-over. This salad tastes f-ing good. It has all this chicken and peanut sauce and tortilla strips and I don't know how they do it but it comes out to you basically as you're ordering it. Stop reading this now and go get a GCS (Grilled Chicken Salad) - wait, keep reading this because I'm awesome, but when you're done, get the GCS for christ's sake. On to gentlemen callers. Fascinatingly, my friends and I during our Super Single Summer (aka The Summer of Vomit, Humiliation, Cheesecake Factory Chefs and Certain Death Averted) decided we loved this place because of all the eligible, good-looking men. Yet, not a one of us has ever met a decent guy here. Not one of us has been on a successful date as a result of a night out here (although I did go on my first date with The Crazy Texter here, but that's a story for another time), and the only stories I can think of that involve dudes and Houston's are horrible, embarassing anecdotes about red heads, men in necklaces, old men, and.... British guys. You know who we DID meet here? Two British dudes. I was out with Balison on a fine summer evening drinking my weight in white wine when in walks a couple of gents from the motherland (does that even mean England?). I was a bit down and out, having just broke up with a giant jackass (what I really want to do in this parentheses is make fun of his dresser, but I don't think the joke communicates to anyone except Balison - so Balison, imagine a green dresser joke in here), and decided to strike up a conversation with these fellows. Flash forward to the end of the night, when Balison realizes that her British guy is married but nonetheless aggressively hitting on her. All of a sudden, Balison decided to ruin my night. I was gleefully making out with my British guy - yes, at the bar, 19-yr old style, it was probably disgusting - when Balison decided to inquire as to whether his penis was circumsized or not. I believe she also said some insulting things about uncircumsized penises. The British chap looked at us as though someone had stolen his mangy, crappy old puppy and then stuttered "I have to use the bathroom" - and then, quite literally, ran from me. Thanks, Balison. Go puke in your hand. Anyway, those are the dudes you meet at Houston's - but funny story, right? Best for last. Houston's brings out the best in people. One night when many of my friends gathered at Houston's for dinner, Balison decided to have wine at the bar while we sat at a table and ate like normal people. And by "have wine at the bar" I mean she decided to drink all the wine at the bar. By the time we were done with dinner, Balison was a raging lunatic, and I am proud to say I deserted her and went home probably to watch reality tv because I'm cool. Little did I know that Balison would attempt to travel by T to her boyfriend's apartment, and during this attempt would fall asleep and travel all the way to Alewife.* That's not the best part. Upon turning herself around and arriving at her boyfriend's apartment, she vomited and then told his roommate (who sucks) that she hated him.** I suppose the moral of this story is that Balison is awesome. But if you can't have Balison as your friend (and most of you probably can't because she would puke on you and hate you), you can at least have Houston's and a GCS - unless I eat them all first. Seriously. *Addendum: Balison has alerted me to the fact that not only did she fall asleep on the red line, she didn't even wake herself up. Apparently an MBTA worker had to wake her, and when she got on the T going back in the right direction, she still got off the wrong stop. **Balison actually told said roommate "I hate you" and THEN vomited.
(5)Victoria B.
Good place to go hang out after work. The food is good, nothing amazing but I enjoyed my dining there. The lighting in the place is a little too dark for my taste but that's the style theyre going for, it's not bad for the bar area though. The menu has a little bit of everything and the service was good.
(3)Kevin L.
This place rocks! This place never fails to serve great food with excellent service. Last night I tried one of the new specials (New York strip) and I have to say it was as good or not better then what you would find at Morton's or grille 23 or any other steak house in the city and as pricey $36.00. whether you going for drinks at the bar(which has outside seats when its warm and dry out) or going for dinner with friends, I can not recommend this restaurant enough.
(4)Thomas S.
Pretty good filet steak, big, cooked just right. The French fries are the best I ever had. The only flaw is that the place lacks some good European style deserts like a creme brûlée. The service is really good and the atmosphere is nice. It's a little expensive but worth the money.
(5)Gary G.
Made a trip to Houston's today after the Bruin's game. Went at the perfect time around 4 PM and had no wait at all for a table. The service was good and the food came out promptly. Wifey and I started out with the spinach and artichoke dip. That is one of our favorite appetizer's and Houston's delivered. It comes with sour cream and salsa. I got the rotisserie chicken. Which I try at just about at any restaurant. And the Houston's rotisserie chicken is awesome. Chicken is cooked perfect and it comes with Dirty Rice. Wifey got the Salmon and it was soaked in butter. So, stay away. The interior design is cool. Which is modern with a southwestern feel. One big plus of the place is it might have one of the nicest restrooms in the city. Very modern and it has private stalls. Plus a floor Length mirror. So, you can just see how fly you really are.
(3)Cara J.
This is my favorite place. Cool, upscale but not pretentious, outstanding food and drinks. Nice vibe and comfortable decor. I've toted my reluctant friends along who only praised me with raves. I've been ordering the "Evil Jungle Thai Salad" since the place opened, which is now a different name, but still one of the best dishes on the menu. Service is tops, and when the staff clearly has a reason to be aggravated or annoyed, by a difficult patron, they hide it well. Very professional. Tuna/sashimi is also excellent. Downside, last visit my friend got the salmon special- farm raised. The price was too high and the salmon way to skimpy for $30 or so.
(5)Cathy H.
Don't get me wrong, it is a nice place. A very chic, fancy drink, downtown kind of crowd. Still, it is a chain, and has a bit of that feel. I would call it "generic chic." The value threw my rating off a bit. Paying $18.00 for a sushi roll (even this macadamian nut, tuna delight) made my eyes roll back a little. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the sushi, and the rest of the meal was good. However, just be prepared to throw down a bit of cash. A great place to go if you are expensing it!
(3)Celicia C.
I would come here just for their California burger. Sooooooooooo good. See, I never put that many "ooo's" in the "so", but it's that good. So good that I asked the Houston's across the street from my office building in midtown NYC to make it. That's right. The California burger is a Boston specific burger. They don't make it in NYC! Whenever I come back to Boston to see my folks or my boyfriend if I can make it out to Fanueil Hall to have this heavenly burger, I'm a happy camper! So what's in the California burger? Their special angus beef, topped with jack cheese, avocado, red onion, and the spicy arugula. And add into the equation their special stringy fries, I'm in pure heaven. For appetizers their spinach artichoke dip is also yummy. You can never go wrong with that either!
(5)Heidi E.
I do like this place. And I've been here often in the past and always enjoyed it. I returned this weekend and... Their California burger recently made me a believer. Oh my God, did it ever. I'm now going to top all of my homemade burgers with avacado, arugula, red onion and I'll attempt my own secret sauce (dijon mayo?)...until I get sick of it. And then I'll just go back to Houstons to have the real thing again. The bar is worth mentioning. Plenty to keep your eyes wandering- either in lovely clientele or in the lovely modern interior design. The bar opens up to a nice enclosed patio which is helpful on a Friday night when the wait is long.
(4)Chase W.
It pain's me to give a CHAIN restaurant 5 stars, but I can't go any lower. I've simply never had a bad experience here; the food is oustanding, the service excellent, and the decor is fantastic. The dining room is set a few feet underground on the edge of both the Financial District and Faneuil Hall, so it's generally a mix of tourists and suit wearing financier's from down the street. Thursday and Friday night bar crowd overwhelms the smallish bar area, but in the summer this opens up to the patio-esq area in front of the restaurant. A note- dont' be surprised if you get a strange look from the bartender if you order a mainstream beer beverage- There are no Miller/Budweiser/Corona/Guiness options here, though they carry the microbrew equivalents. What to order for food... Well, I honestly think 8 out of the 10 times I've dined at Houston's I had the Hawaiian Rib Eye. It's value priced, delicious, and huge! Is it for the steak purist? probably not, but it really is fantastic. Also worth noting, if you order this option, you don't hav eto worry about a la cart sides as this entree comes loaded with a few side veggies and potato. The wine selection isn't as impressive as say Grill 23 or Flemmings, but generally speaking Houston's is a notch below these top tier steak houses and is priced appropriately. It's safe to say, that I can't afford to eat at Grill 23 a few times a month, but I can definately swing a frequent trip to Houston's, and that's why I love it so much. (That and the creame spinach soup, which is very tastey). Other plus's? Besides my general love of the contemporary/art deco decor? (ladies, please close your ear's or cover your eyes) ESPN playing over the 'facilities' in the very well appointed Men's room. Sorry, but it's worth mentioning if you're passing on the Sox game for a dinner date! Updates.... :( I really feel like Houstons has gone down hill- I eat there like 2 or 3 times a month (its just convenient) and the service and menu seems cheapened, rushed, and not as high in quality. The menu isnt' all that different, but it doesn't seem like its as good of a value anymore-
(3)Lalin A.
I usually go to Houston's for its bar, which is social and comfortable with four sides open. Attentive and quick service. Check this place out during spring and summer days when they open the windows facing Quincy market. It is a pleasure to sit there and just watch the world go on. I had my best mojito at Houston's the first time I went there. The second time it was not as good (I guess my expectations were very high). Quick note: I saw how serious they are about picking their servers (as I met some of the candidates). Big plus! Edit 11/27/2006 I re-visited Houston with a friend, who came to Boston for the first time. He really liked the atmosphere and our mojitos were sweet! Also, I had the BEST spinach dip here. It was thick and rich!
(4)Matt L.
I had frequented Houston's well living down in Long Island, NY and always liked the food. It has a very creative menu and is a vibrant, trendy restaurant that makes good food at somewhat reasonable prices. This location in particular is a great location being in Quincy Market with a central location to all the Boston hotspots in an old Houlihans location. The menu had a few changes but the specials are always great and the waitstaff friendly and hip. I would definetly make it a point to stop in and have a meal here. The spinach/artichoke dip with nachos is awesome!!
(4)Ella B.
Slightly pretentious feel, but i was on vacation and my friend skipped out of work to show me around... we like to drink, so we ended up here.... she & I stopped in for an afternoon cocktail after a day of shopping and visiting around Boston and the Public Market area. There wasn't much by way of hostess service, we simply headed straight to the bar. The drinks were ok priced, not too cheap; i think at night this is much more of a "dressy" place. (we did look at the food menu and my pricing rating is based on menu, i think our drinks were about $6-7 for white wine and $8 for my "name brand" vodka), don't remember exactly since i was there Jan. 2007. The deco was "swanky"-ish, leather covered seats in the booths, granite or something like that for the counter tops & tables; good looking servers. Weird statue in the front - was it a cow?..... It seems like all the reviews are about the food, i guess i would have eaten there, but it seemed too much of a meat and potatoes kind of place. Not into that so much. not sure about parking and etc since we parked in a lot a few blocks away and walked to the restaurant. The location is pretty convenient, but i probably wouldn't go for food since it seemed a little pricey. Two stars b/c it wasn't completely horrible - but it wasn't anything phenomenal that would make me want to go back. If i am in the area again i would probably like to try some of the cute little places across the street instead.
(2)Southie G.
We stopped here one day on a whim around 10:30pm and were pleasently surprised! My sister had a stripped bass which she said was wonderful and my husband and I shared a coconut shrimp sushi plate. Ours was to die for! The atmosphere was very cool, low lit, comfy booths, etc. Our waitress was very friendly too. Great experience, we will be back!
(4)christina c.
I am a little bias because i worked for the company for 3 years but they have the best Crabcakes ever. Also the best veggie burger ever. I don't eat meat so I am not even going to lie and say anything about the ribs and burgers but they look amazing. Honestly I didn't eat seafood until I started working here and then gave in because it is so good and so fresh. I use to have to avoid watching them cut up the whole fresh fish everyday. Also the wine by the bottle is very well priced. The booze is expensive but the fresh squeezed salty dogs are a god sent on a Sunday afternoon and the sour mix is fresh made none of that bottle stuff. Pricey yes, but worth it.
(4)S S.
Update: I went here for dinner the other day, and had the best waiter :), absolutely loved him. He gave us a lot of time to enjoy our drinks, before we ordered our food. I loved the lemondrop martini-highly recommeneded. I had the specials-striped bass encrusted with almonds, and my companion had garden burger with the famous fries. I love the service at this place --------------------------------------------------Â------------------------------------ Houston is staple financial district lunch and happy hour place. It has dim lights, big leather couchs. Decent menu and service. The crowd is mostly financial types. This is a good experience, they do everything from moderate sushi choice, burger, salad, tea, coffee. You get the picture? Oh, oh try the fries here, they are thinly sliced yummy kind!
(3)Melissa K.
Hmm... Houstons. The atmosphere is fabulous (if you like dimmed lights), the colors (orange) are nice, and the bathrooms are clean, well-maintained and have quality fixtures (toto toilets!). A good date restaurant. But the food ... My two friends and I arrived one evening ready to eat. We ordered three drinks ... a delicious mojito concoction (very strong ... I could only drink 1/2), and the spinach artichoke dip with chips. The dip was ok ... not too salty ... and rather underwhelming for the price. It could be improved by adding larger artichoke pieces. I was disappointed because it was slightly less than luke-warm and the chips were regular probably just out of the bag. With those prices, it would be nice if the dip was served warm and if the chips were housemade or at least lightly warmed and/or toasted. The food was only slightly better. My friend N ordered the prime rib, J ordered the ribs, and I got the french dip sandwich with fries. J ordered asparagus to go with the ribs. The side dish appeared delicious ... 5-6 thick strands of asparagus with a light sauce over it ... but J commented that it would be better if it was warm rather than chilled. He seemed a bit disappointed. N loved the prime rib, which arrived beautifully arranged and a large portion. J enjoyed his ribs ... ate all of them except for the three he shared. I tried some of his ribs and they were ok but seriously I've had warmer and better tasting ribs at TGIFriday (c'mon!). My french dip sandwich was ok. It arrived on a hoagie-ish roll with plenty of meat. Unfortunately, the meat and the roll did not complement one another. Each individually was delicious, as well as together, but the roll was too small for the meat and so the meat kept falling out. Difficult to eat a sandwich that way. The fries were disappointing. I love fries and normally would be disappointed when the last fry was gone ... but that night I was apathetic. They are shoestring fries ... but with very little flavour. Also served almost room temperature. All the food was luke-warm. =( The service was excellent. The drinks fabulous. The food presentation is beautiful. But the food itself is average. And cold. =( Especially for the prices. The best part of Houstons are the drinks. Strong, well-crafted, and delicious.
(3)The D.
Last time I was here, it was Houston's, and it was terrible. Much different this time. The restaurant itself has a cool atmosphere. The bar area was very active, with a hip vibe. Dining room behind it felt like it was almost a separate restaurant. We sat near the bar, and it was much quiter than I thought it would be. It looked like every table was a booth, so you didn't have to listen to other conversations. Little dark in the dining room, but felt appropriate. Our waiter, Cameron, was very good. He was witty, and made good suggestions. Had the artichoke dip, decent, but over priced at $15. Prime Rib was excellent, and cooked perfectly. It came with a loaded baked potato which was also great. My fiancee had sushi which she really enjoyed. Menu isn't large, but offers a little of everything. Definitely a little pricey-spent over $100 getting an app, our entrees and a bottle of moderately priced wine. My only complaint would be the pace in the beginning. We received the spinich/artichoke dip within 5 min, and before our wine. Our dinner came within 15 min, while we were still eating the appetizer. Other than that, it was a great experience.
(4)Claire W.
This is one of my favorite downtown lunch spots. It gets very crowded, particularly in the summer, so I usually try and get there at 11:45. The big draw for me are the chopped salads - there is a cobb salad and a chicken salad. I don't know why more restaurants don't make a chopped salad. These are huge. You could easily take home half. Since lunch is often my big meal during the week I usually don't have anything left. I went once with a friend who has severe food allergies. We had arrived late and sat at the bar. Despite that, the bartender went back to the kitchen twice with the card describing my friend's allergies to check and doublecheck what she could eat. Heartily recommend - with the caveat "Get there early."
(5)Amy C.
Ok here's the deal the burgers are really f-ing good. The chicken salad with the peanut dressing is really f-ing good too. The fries are very tasty when they are hot and crisp. I love that they serve Edison Beer. Big plus. The decor and atmosphere is modern but cozy and comfortable, all the tables are booths so that makes for good conversation and comfort. I'll be back.
(4)mike c.
Houston's is a must do in Boston ,good food and drink in a fun spot as well ,I have been there many time both day and night , the only thing that ever put my off was door man ? maybe G M ? telling a young man and lady at the bar that they were not and could not kiss at the bar and if thay did one more time they would be asked to leave ....O.K I'm am not young at 52 but to be sure I will never go back ,after all how often do you turn 52 ? ? ?
(4)Vicki T.
Fabulous prime rib, great baked potatoes, delicious corned beef sandwiches, juicy hamburgers, but the worst sushi I have ever tasted. Houston's Restaurants are almost always dependable for good meals. I have no idea why they are attempting to make sushi. The rice was undercooked (hard), and strangely shiny. I do wish they would stick to what they do so well.
(4)Becka D.
I can say I'm a fan after one visit...so that's saying something. My boss and I sat at the bar. Quick service and SUPER friendly. They profusly apologized after salting my boss's margarita when she asked for no salt. And they make their own sour mix (tres chi-chi)! The spinach-artichoke dip is to die for. I eat this stuff pretty much at any place that has it on the menu, and this is definitely one of the best (if not the best) of all time. My grilled chicken salard was pretty fab too. I would have never guessed that this place was a chain. The prices aren't exactly wallet-friendly, but it's what you would expect from the look of the place. One of the greatest things about this place is the people-watching. We plopped down at the bar about 430, so right before the after-work crowd got there. It was all pretty entertaining (and it was only a Tuesday night). My bet is that on a Thursday or Friday night after work, I'd have a ball here.
(5)Ingrid F.
I absolutely love their hawaiian rib eye and spinach and artichoke dip! The steak was really juicy and the dip was seasoned just right. I wish there were more choices for desserts though. The desserts were pretty basic and from what I recall there were only 3 to choose from. I think I had the brownie a la mode dish and it was just alright.
(4)TJ M.
I hate the screne of Houston's, but I can only speak praise for the food. Although you'll find the biggest douche bags in Boston ordering dirty martinis and discussing "the market" you will also find the best Seared Tuna Salad ever created. I'm not kidding... Get the damn Seared Tuna Salad.. I promise you'll be please. If tuna isn't your bag, they make great burgers. A buddy of mine claims they have the best burger in boston, which I would contest (I'd vote Bartley's Burgers in Harvard). The steaks are great and for an appetizer get the baked artichoke heart.... trust me... just do it.
(5)Trey Joseph W.
Stepped in for drinks on at their bar which wide open to the fresh air on a gorgeous day. I had never been there before, as I presumed it wasn't for me. I really enjoyed the design of the restaurant actually. The little app we got was tasty, and the hot fudge sundae at the bar was fun too. Nice staff too.
(4)j c.
For me, Houston's in Faneuil Hall is one of those places that is always a safe bet. Whether you're going for drinks, lunch or dinner, you won't be disappointed. The service is excellent, the food is fresh and delicious (no obscene portions) and everything is spotless. I've gone there for lunch by myself on a few occasions and felt very comfortable and well looked after. My only issue is that it's way too dark and the levels can be difficult ot maneuver if you're disabled. My disability is extremely poor night vision, so I sort of have to feel my way along to the table. Also, I'm not sure how elderly people or those in wheelchairs would fare. Otherwise, consistently good.
(4)Nina W.
Houstons is a very nice bar and restaurant right next to Fanueil Hall. I had a wonderful experience here, and would definately come back when i visit Boston again. Their food was tasty and the ambiance was very original. Something I love about the restaurants and businesses in boston, is that they remove the glass fronts of the buildings in the summer for an open air feel. Definately worth a try.
(4)Paul G.
Been going here for years. If you're an eat at the bar person like I am, you will agree that Houston's has one of the best bars to have food at in Boston. It's spacious and the bartenders are friendly and accommodating. They do have a peculiar list of beers both in bottle and on tap, and they don't serve Bud or Lite. Not sure why. The food menu hasn't changed much, however, the chef continues to get innovative with the sushi menu (great Rainbow Roll). Some might consider the prices here a bit high. The wine list can be expensive, but they do have several reasonably priced and good wines on the menu. The place hops on Friday night after work and is great place to get a drink and dinner before heading out for the night. Top menu choices: Burger, the french dip sandwich, Thai steak salad, Hawaiian rib-eye and the filet. Top reason I go: Friendly bar staff.
(5)Greg D.
Decent place for drinks after work, is pricey for what you get though. They had Edison, so I chilled in the Light. An older crowd which is defiantly not my scene. The staff is friendly and very quick.
(4)Ina C.
A guy walks into a bar and takes a seat. He thinks about what to order, but something interrupts his thoughts. "Nice haircut!" He looks around but can't figure out who said it. He orders a beer, but before he can take his first sip, he hears someone shout out, "I like your shirt!" He slams his beer down on the table and looks around again. "Where could that be coming from?" he thinks to himself. He walks over to the jukebox, sticks in a quarter and chooses a song. The moment he sits back down, he hears someone say, "Great choice! I love this song!" Finally, he turns to the bartender and asks, "Sir, do you know who's saying all these things?" The bartender says over his shoulder, "Oh yeah. It's the peanuts. They're complementary." :D All that to highlight the greatness of complementary sides! I paid $9 for steamed asparagus at the Oak Room and got a plate of asparagus with no seasoning -- basically something that a five-year-old could have prepared. Thank you, Houston's, for coupling your steak with a side of fries that can be substituted for any seasonal vegetable! We got the broccoli which was seasoned so well that even this veggie-hater wanted more! Like Karman L. says, the food, location and service are all fantastic. I especially love the bar that spills out onto the outdoor patio. One of my favorite places in DC has now moved to Boston! And unlike the DC locations, they DO take reservations!
(4)Lauren H.
Houston's might be my favorite new place in Boston. Great beer selection--you ask for Coors Light or Bud Light and they may as well laugh at you. None of that. It's all delightful, real, for the most part local, beer. Ambience is great. All of the booths (and they are ALL booths) are kind of sunken down so that at no point are you really looking at anyone else at any other table. Very private. It's dark and old school Frank Lloyd Wright-ish, but really modern at the same time. Bar is fantastic, especially in warmer weather because they open the windows and Faneuil Hall makes for a great view. Now for the real deal--they make the best hamburger I have ever eaten. The Hickory Burger is one of the most delicious things ever created. Not sure how they do it, but the meat is incredible, perfect (shredded) cheese, delightfully crispy bun, and delectably crunchy french fries. The whole meal is just perfect. Spinach and artichoke dip is other-worldly, too. Sorry to say those are the only things I can talk about, as they are the only things I've ever ordered. Hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
(5)Marissa P.
So I visited Houston's again recently, and... UPGRADE! Lahwdy, lahwdy, my salad was so good. Utter 6 magical words: "Thai Steak & Noodle Salad, please." You will be rewarded with a plateful of well-dressed, herbed noodle-y goodness and slices of wonderfully-marinated filet. Add mangos, avacados, and... MMMMMM. Tip: Ask for your mangos diced on the smaller side, and you will avoid my last fiasco (below). MMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmm.
(4)Tony B.
I went on a Saturday night and the service was outstanding. Best service I have ever experienced at a restaurant. It's like they are watching you, and right before you ask them for something, they bring it or clear it from the table. I can't remember I experienced service this outstanding. Good food too, delicious bloody marry, good appetizers, and delicious hot biscuits. Nice interior and nice location. Parking garage was very convenient and the restaurant will validate it at 60 state street garage. Good place to take visitors. I will be back to this place.
(4)Heather R.
I'd say, I came because I thought my friend wanted prime rib, but he ended out having the ribs, while I had the prime rib, which was excellent. It came with French fries, and they were okay but I wasn't in French fry heaven. For desert he had the key lime pie which looked amazing, while I had the sundae. It was just, okay. It was really big and had a sauce boat filled with the chocolate syrup on the side, but neither the ice cream nor the sauce was amazing. The sundae did have some candied walnuts on top, which made it more interesting, and quite a bit of real whipped cream was applied. At the end of the meal the remainder of my rib was packed up (he asked if I would like to do it myself, or if I would like to...odd) and when I opened it up the next day I noticed the delicious Au jus sauce was not included. Certainly it would have been possible to put it in a container to go. Service was good, and I even noticed my friends rib bones were removed from the bowl he was given for the bones. Beer selection was just, kind off odd. Not too much on the list in these craft beer times. Probably being due to this restaurant being a national chain. I noticed a large bar and nice interior. Certainly not a bad place to have a burger at the bar on a winters day near Faunille Hall.
(4)Lynda M.
I am going to up my stars because the last few times I have eaten at Houston's, I have been pretty happy. I LURV their chicken salad with peanut sauce, and their Key Lime Pie is to die for. The man loves their ribs, he looks great with bbq sauce as an accessory. As for the recent posting about parking--yes it does exist, but it is hardly free. The actual garage is for 60 State Street, the entrance is on Merchants Way, next to Bertucci's and across from Clarke's. But my question is---If Houston's only charges $15 for 3 hours after 5PM on weekdays, and weekends, why does the garage itself only charge a flat rate of $14??? I took this from the 60 State Street garage website: newbostonfund.com/direct… "The 60 State Street garage will valet park cars based on availability. The $36 maximum rate is in effect after 2 hours. They do not validate parking. There is evening/weekend parking in the building at a rate of $14. The evening parking is effective after 5:00 PM" Interesting, you can save a dollar by not mentioning Houston's!
(4)Patrick H.
After visiting Houston's several times over the past few years, my short review would be "overpriced drinks, nice atmosphere, great food." I like this place, but would never come here just to get drinks with friends or colleagues regardless of the fact that the front bar with retractable glass walls makes for great people watching in Faneiul Hall. The food however is reason enough to visit Houston's. I was skeptical of sushi at a place like this, but the spicy tuna roll is fantastic. If you like French dip, they've got the best one I've ever had in the city of Boston. And the burgers here are definitely worth a try. Houston's dining area is cozy, somewhat romantic and dimly lit, which may be a little on the fancy side. I've found the wait staff to be mediocre most of the time, and the bartender will ask for everyone's IDs in order to run them through some fancy machine before you get a drink (I guess the old fashioned method of actually looking at the date and matching the person's face isn't their thing). I'll be back again at some point, but Houston's isn't on my "must have" list by any means.
(3)Gonzalo B.
Been to this place many, many times, and never once let down. Don't like the 'new' name - I know, it's a 'corporate' thing, but... Management seems very on the ball here. Everything is structured, well-thought out...nice. Atmosphere is pleasant. The service is always wonderful and they seem happy you are there - not always the case, like in the many places whose staff in the people business don't like...people. The fish sandwich is always great, fresh, big, delicious, as is the excellent veggie burger. Have had some fine pieces of fish here as well...the accompaniments are always good, if somewhat limited. Like the sushi mucho gusto...macadamia nut!!! All in all a solid, well-run place. One caveat being that sometimes...the service can be almost 'too' efficient, i.e. fast. As in, we're out to dinner - not the races. It's possible to be in and out of here in like 15 minutes or so, nice in fast-food, not so much when you're out for a nice, leisurely dinner...
(5)christina P.
THE HAWAIIAN RIBEYE IS UNBELIEVABLE. GET IT. I LOVE IT. The spinach dip is also amazing. I like this place- it's more affordable than some nice steakhouses in boston and the service is prompt. The bartenders were kind of snotty but I don't care I just love this place so much. Even the tap water is the perfect temperature.
(5)Kylie S.
So I recently visited this establishment for the third time. I like this restaurant, well enough. I have found their waitstaff to be friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. But I do think their menu doesn't offer enough of a selection. I ordered the simplest thing off the menu, chicken tenders and fries. I know, I'm a fancy eater! But I was looking for fast and easy, and that was it for me. The sweet waitress from Texas takes my order. After she writes my order down, she looks up from her pad and says, 'Would you like ketchup, mayonnaise, or mustard for your fries?' And not hesitating, I said mayonnaise. She walked away with me still shaking my head in awe. Honestly, I eat out a lot and I have never been offered mayonnaise with my fries. And while I get oils and eggs are not the number one choice for dipping, I am a mayonnaise girl. I am always forced to order a side of mayo with my food, only to have to ask for it again later when it doesn't arrive. And then wait while my food gets cold to actually get it from the waitress. So imagine how very thrilled I was, that this restaurant knew how very important mayonnaise can be for some!
(3)Mr. C.
If you are out for the bar scene, this might be a good place. If you are out for dinner however, forget about it and go to one of the others in Quincy Market or the North End. It has pretty good ambience and excellent service. But for $50, I think we could have done better. The menu is very limited. I kind of felt like we were getting our a$$es kissed at McDonald's.
(2)K G.
I do lunch here at least once a month. The cajun fish specials are a no brainer, spicy and flaky every time. The stick fries are my favorite pairing for a quick and easy lunch. The salads are excellent, especially the thai style with peanut sauce. It could be a little cheaper though for lunch time.
(4)Tom C.
I've been to this place about three times over ten years and I swear it's called something different every time. The drinks came at a reasonable speed and the ambience was good.
(3)Carrie M.
So my neighbors claimed that Houston's has the best veggie burger ever. And they're not even vegetarians. Hearing this I had to try it, so the boy and I made plans to meet them there for dinner after work. The place was nice, and their daughter loved the open kitchen and being able to see everyone cook. The menu is a little odd, it's like fancy American but then with sushi? Seems strange to me. What's even stranger is that they don't put the veggie burger on the menu. Huh? I don't get it. What this means is that the standard vegetarian will look at the menu and keep walking, not sure I understand their strategy on this one.... Anyway, knowing the "secret" we order a round of veggie burgers. And we all opt for fries, which are super skinny and I'm undecided on whether that's a plus or minus. What I am decided on is that the neighbors were right and this was the best veggie burger I've ever had. It should be, as it was also the most expensive. Overall, if I was in the area I could see myself craving this and go back. However, the service was lacking (in fact it was just horrible) and the food is overpriced. What I'd really like to do is figure out their secret recipe and make it at home....
(3)K J.
Four good reasons not to go to Houston's 1) Just because you are in the Faneuil Hall area does not mean that you can charge $$$ for your food. 2) Though the food is $$$ I expect at least **** service (that includes having no cheese on the burger if it was requested, making sure I don't have to ask twice for water to be filled) 3) When I am paying $$$ for the food, have something on the menu that would make you different from a high end McDonald's 4) And you decided to do all of this on a Friday afternoon. So 5-4 = 1 star which can relate to it being a business lunch. Good thing that my wallet did not go empty at this place.
(1)Karman L.
Stop by Houston for a quick bite before going to Comedy Connection. Great Location. Good Food. Fast Servcie. P.S. Great hang out place after work in the summer for people watching!
(4)Kenny P.
Been to several of their locations, but this one wasn't as good. The 20min wait on a Friday night around 7pm was a lot shorter than I'm used to, perhaps I should've taken this as a sign, although the outdoor patio was packed. Our Caesar salads were probably the best thing. The sushi was okay, but a little dry, and $14 for 8 pieces is way too much (anyone in the SD area knows you get a lot more sushi for a lot less cash). Their Bloody Mary wasn't as good as usual, despite using Belvedere (they didn't have Chopin). For mains, we each got sandwiches instead of entrees. I got the rotisserie chicken sandwich, a tad salty and a chunk of skin left on by mistake. He got the fish sandwich, which was breaded and deep fried (granted how seafood friendly Boston is, you'd think they'd give you the option of fried or grilled fish). Also, their fries are just gross. They remind me of those little shoestring potato sticks in a can. How about some real pommes frites or steak fries for a change? In any case, we'll probably go back, but to another location. The staff were friendly as usual, however their timing with the food wasn't on par with other locations, as it seemed the food just kept coming out with no regards to pacing. With so many options in the area, we probably would've been better off hitting up a local establishment.
(3)Julie T.
Houston's is somewhere I go for something I'm familiar with. They have burgers and sandwiches and salads and it's just all good food. I kind of think it's very much like Silvertone, a hip place for good food. Sometimes, you can go to a place with good food, but it lacks atmosphere or the other way around. Houston's offers both. They have pretty good service and just all good food with really awesome fries. I'm quite fond of their fries and yes, it IS easy to mess them up cuz some places just downright suck when it comes to fries. Houston's isn't something I absolutely need to return to or am dying to have, but if you're in the area and looking for some good food that's consistently dependable when it comes to service and taste, you should go on over.
(3)Shirley Y.
To the Management of Houstons: I am writing to express my disappointment in my most recent trip to your establishment for my birthday drink and dinner on June 20th. In the past, I have frequented Houston's in anticipation of the usual bottle of wine and French dip beef sandwich for dinner after work with good friends. I have learned that your establishment is only meant to accommodate intimate dinners and only drinks with friends outdoors. All your rules and regulations made my night there stressful and not as enjoyable as it could have been. We started out in the outdoor deck having drinks, and I wanted to order the usual French dip sandwich, which I remembered as being fantastic. Unfortunately, only appetizers were allowed to be ordered outside, and the server told me that "if she started serving entrées outdoors, she would have to do it for everybody." Food is food. How would others know that you are serving an entrée, rather than an appetizer? It started raining anyway, so I decided that we should move indoors to a table, in order for us to get food. Your hostess was kind enough to find two tables that would accommodate 10 of us quickly. Not all of us were going to order food, which your hostess was fine with, since we could share. However, when seated, that information was not properly conveyed to my friends, and some had left because they felt pressured to order food. So we ended up with one table, while some of my friends had left, and some had remained at the bar. I eventually managed to get my French dip sandwich. The bread was different - it wasn't the same. More of my friends arrived a little later after they got off work. Obviously, some of us had to get up to let them sit down to eat. All of a sudden, we were an obstruction to the walkway while conversing, and some of us had to move back outside where we first started. Eventually, I ended up with my group of friends split off into 4 locations, with some leaving. Because of your lack of flexibility on my last visit and the plentitude of other comparable dining establishments in this city, you have lost my business. I hope that you can be more flexible to your future patrons.
(2)lauren n.
food was really good! waitstaff and barstaff were friendly and engaging. best option in faneuil hall/quincy market for a sit down dinner & drinks!
(4)Kate S.
I love this place! Use to be Houston's Go for the chicken salad with peanut sauce. Delicious!
(4)Angel S.
The cod was ok, but sushi not at all
(3)Cristina S.
While I have a Houston's at home, we visited the restaruant near Fanueil Hall on a recent trip to Boston & the result was less than stellar. My prime issue was with the lackluster service from such a 'high end eatery.' The restaurant was full, (as is expected on a Boston graduation weekend Saturday night), but the waiters & kitchen were NOT ready for the crowds. The bar was slow as we waited an hour for a table. Our waiter was rushed & disappeared after we ordered. Two people ordered prime rib which had WAY more fat than neccesary for this dish. When management was consulted due to this disasterous night they simply apologized after explaining that prime rib needs fat to cook. DUH - but not an inch on both sides! Perhaps it was a bad night for them, but I was just let down by the whole experience...
(2)Katherine D.
I've been to this place twice on visits to Boston and both times the food and the service have been amazing. the prime rib roast is to die for. next time i visit Boston i will definitely be coming to Hillstone again.
(5)Rob K.
Excellent food! My steak rivaled that of the Capital Grill. The service excellent as well. Very friendly staff!
(5)Jeffrey H.
After a recent same sex date to Houston's, I decided two stars wasn't quite fair. Imagine: Two gay boys. Both with insecurities and shallow tendencies. Ordering giant rib dinners and racing to the finish. In a world where image is everything, it says a lot when two homos love their food so much that they are slobbering over BBQ ribs, scooping the most delicious coleslaw, and shoveling crispy fries into their pie holes. I'd give it four stars if the price was a little lower and the waitress hadn't fumbled on our salad order. Then again, who needs salad when you've got ribs and a bottle of white?
(3)Danielle M.
Houston's has become one of my favorite after work spots. The crowd is fun but mature professionals, and despite its Fanueil Hall location, many tourists pick the Quincy Market spots that have a bit more of a family-friendly atmosphere. There's a sexiness about its signage and tucked-down dining room that gives a bit of privacy from the outside crowds, that its neighboring bar/restaurants lack. The dim lighting, toasty orange, red and brown color scheme , and soft jazz tunes give it a warm ambiance. But with the sights and sounds coming from the open kitchen, rectangular bar that is crowded on all sides , and the buzzing around by the heavy volume of waitstaff , the atmosphere is always lively and bustling. So, I love being at Houston's because I like the vibe. Okay, so the food and drink. Here are the things I like: -The sushi. I love that they have a small sushi menu. It just makes it a unique addition to the upscale comfort food dinner offerings that dominate the menu. The sushi is beautifully presented, fresh, and colorful. -The wine menu offerings, the wine glasses, the wine. -The salads. They are huge! And the ingredients are finely chopped. (Personal preference) So here are the things that I don't like. -The overpriced costs of some of the menu items. $18 for a Chicken Tender platter, are you serious?? -The lack of domestic beers. -The lack of variety in side dishes to accompany my entree. There is a decreasing amount of diners that want a loaded baked potato with their entree. A wider selection of vegetables would be appreciated. So i struggled between 3 and 4 stars. It was really only the overpriced chicken tenders that pissed me off, so I'll stick with four. Its still my current spot for Thirsty Thursday, I'll just stick with the thai tuna roll. Yum!
(4)Debra L.
Years ago, I actually waited tables at a Houston's in another city for about 3 months. Long story but...it was the worst job I ever had! With that said, I will admit that they use quality ingredients. I had to spend a a few days in training in the kitchen. However, the place is GROSSLY overpriced. It was then and it's even worse now. I hadn't been to the one in Boston until this past Friday. For lunch, my boyfriend and I had: - a soda water each - we split a spinach & artichoke dip appetizer - I had the fish sandiwch - he had the prime rib sandwich The bill, with tip was $70! That was for 2 waters, one app. and 2 sandwiches. The kicker is that we each asked to substitute our fries (that came with the sanwiches) for salads instead. Our waitress just said "sure" and nothing else. Well, instead of a little side of greens we got these big things with stale cheesy bread, chopped eggs & greesy bacon bits (gross!). The worst part of it was that when the bill came we were each charged an extra $5 for the salad. Our waitress never told us we would be charged extra. We dine out a lot and are aware that there is often a charge to substitue fries for a salad but a) we were not informed by our waitress and b) $5 is a bit steep! Given it's location in Faneuil Hall, people will continue to go to Houston's for drinks after work. Fine. And, tourists will still get suckered into the place. Fine. But, for the rest of you discerning diners out there, don't do it!
(1)Anne B.
Consistently great all around. Central location, great service, upscale decor, amazing food. A little pricy but worth it. A favorite meet up spot after work.
(5)Karl R.
Houston's is the perfect restaurant if you are looking for casual dining but want food that is a big step above your usual Cheesecake Factory, Chili's, Fridays, etc. At 7pm on a Thursday the atmosphere was lively and the restaurant was full, without feeling crowded. The crowd was sharp dressed, financial district types. The waitresses are cute and friendly and provide good service. I took two clients here for a casual business dinner and we had a great time. We had some good local beer (Whale Tail Pale Ale) and we each had a Prime NY Strip that was on the specials list. The steak was very flavorful. Mine was a bit overcooked. I ordered medium rare, but it was definitely medium. My two clients ordered medium and medium-well. Looking at the three steaks, I couldn't tell that any of the three was cooked any different. But again, it was a very high quality cut of meat and very tasty. I got fries as a side with mine. The fries are "shoe string" and very crisp and tasty. Houston's was perfect for a casual business dinner. I could also see meeting up here with friends. I wouldn't take a high profile client here for a "closing dinner" nor would I take a first date. But I didn't say it was swanky or romantic, now did I? It's casual dining with good food.
(4)Cathy W.
Three great things about Houston's: 1.Cozy and comfortable booths that are lit just right. Acoustics that make you feel you're in a little zen dining POD. 2. Sushi combo platter - four crazy varieties of sushi - delicious 3. Veggie burger - I haven't tasted it but friends say it's fantastic I hear the bar scene is great but I'm a lady who lunches.
(3)Nicholas S.
Yes, it's in Faneuil Hall; and, yes, sometimes 40-somethings out for "Ladies Night" in glittery tops who are trying way too hard go there. But if you can deal with these aspects of the Houstons experience, it is a great place to grab a meal. It is more upscale than your ordinary casual dining chain, but not as stuffy or expensive as a true steakhouse or fine dining joint. The best part is that they use prime beef for their steaks (and it would seem for their burgers too) but they do not charge prime beef prices. If you go, definitely get the Grilled Artichoke and the "Heavenly" (formerly the Rosemary) Biscuits ($2 for 2, made to order) - and don't be shy with the honey on the latter. I would also reccommend anything involving beef, including their spectacular and signature prime rib au jus. Also, the service is very good. On our most recent trip, our biscuits came out late (after our entrees), so they were comped. They made a delicious breakfast the day after. Thanks, Houstons!
(5)Tracy C.
I've only been to Houston once and didn't have much motivation to re-visit. I went one beautiful early afternoon, but couldn't sit outside because they weren't serving the patio area at the time. I decided to pick a stool at the bar since I was there alone, no need for a big table/booth. After a few seconds I was surrounded by job applicants filling out questionnaires and asking questions--quite a mood killer. The bar-tender was helpful and recommended the Vege burger when I said I wanted something not as heavy/greasy but can still be filling. I quite liked the vege burger although I can't recall what exactly made the patty. I got a mojito for a drink, and it was far below expectation. Since the bar was filled with fresh ingredients and fancy tools, I was hoping for something mind-blowing, but was impressed. It is a pretty spot and a cool location. I'd go back if the quality lives up to the price. We'll see.
(3)Thana T.
I wish there wasn't an obstacle course of cobblestones right by the entry to Houston's. I'm inclined to dress up when I come here, that includes heels, please don't try to break my ankle in the process of me going to enjoy delicious steak. I come here for the steak. Only. Ever. It is so good and worth all of the $30-odd dollars. Other than that, though, I've had to wait unnecessary amounts of time for just about everything. Even after being on time for a reservation. Table? At the very least. Glass of wine? Bring a book. REFILL on your glass of wine? Maybe once you're out the door and well on your way home. Their servers are nice enough, just painfully slow and forgetful. The chefs here make the business. Ok them and the really cool, half underground interior.
(4)Jolene S.
Impressive desserts. Try the sundae, you won't regret it. Good lemonade and grapefruit juice too. Nice setting--clean bathrooms. Well done! I'll have to come back for dinner.
(4)Fred B.
We dined here Saturday night - our family of 5, which includes 3 boys. Service was top notch. Our waitress was friendly and extremely attentive; stopping by our table frequently. The food was outstanding. Everything was cooked the way we ordered it and was delicious. Portion sizes are very ample, just how we like them. We had the ribs, salmon, and prime rib. The boys said the ribs were the best ever. All were worth writing about, thus this review. I would highly recommend this spot. It can be family-friendly, business-friendly, and romantic - a winner all the way around.
(5)Enay V.
Ambiance was awesome. Only sat at the bar & had drinks. the bartender made the WORST drinks - weak weak weak - and very expensive. I'd like to come back though and actually have a meal here as the sushi and appetizers looked really good.
(3)Nicole B.
a steak house without mashed potatoes? WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT?!! clearly some lost stars here! the food was good. but i was not impressed by the automatic 18% tip. i don't blame the waitresses, but if this a policy there, bull! don't order their couscous. it may seem like a good idea, but it's cold and the couscous(es?) are really small. would be much better warm!
(3)Liz K.
Used to be Houstons. I've walked by this place so many times and had no idea This review is for dinner Fri night , not the bar. They have a good drink list and the waitress was very attentive and friendly. We only had to wait 15 mins at 7pm. I got the cheeseburger and it was very tasty.
(4)Patrick V.
Great burgers and awesome service. Burgers are a bit too big but they are really good.
(4)Katie G.
This is a slightly upscale burger joint. Thumbs up! I went here on a date a few weeks back and was definitely impressed by the atmosphere, service and food. The place is clean, not just in physical cleanliness, but the decorations have nice clean lines to them. It's cool and sheek. I got your typical burger and was delightfully surprised by the flavor blast it came with. They have a special sauce that they put on it that was just to die for. I was very happy with it! I'm a Corona girl when I go out to drink. They didn't have that, but the waiter suggested another Mexican beer that was delicious! Therefore, my applause to the very friendly and knowledgeable wait staff! Great place, not too pricey, but a bit on the high end for a burger joint.
(4)Patty M.
Whenever my coworkers and I get cravings for burgers, we always turn to Houston's. We all order the California burger with fries. It's pretty pricey for lunch and the wait time/hostess staff can be nothing short of a pain, but I guess that is to be expected during the work-lunch hour in downtown Boston. Walking back to the office on a Friday afternoons we never fail to get the giggles from stuffing ourselves with their mouthwatering burgers and thin-cut fries.
(4)molly f.
Visited Houston's recently with a friend who has been raving about the food & the service, and I must say...I was quite impressed. Houston's doesn't approach their service like other restaurants, where one server attends to you for the entire evening. Rather, they have many servers and valets who each attend to different aspects of your meal...from food to drinks to HOT HAND TOWELS (yes!) to taking your order and checking in, many different members of their staff are on deck to attend to your every need...and while its a bit confusing at first because each acts as though they already know you, its quite lovely once you get used to it. Service aside, the food at Houston's is tasty! We started with their famous shoe string fries and they were delish...I also tried the coconut shrimp sushi & while I'm not a huge sushi fan, it was worth trying. My entree was fabulous- slow cooked BBQ baby back ribs that were falling off the bone...just perfectly prepared. My friend had the burger, which had been my 2nd choice, and from the bite I took of his, it was fabulous. I'll certainly be back to Houston's to try some of their other offerings and enjoy a delicious hamburger!
(4)Allison S.
Two words: WHOLY PARSLEY. Have I mentioned that I despise parsley? DESPISE. I went here for lunch with some of my colleagues and clients from work, and it was like we were on a romantic date instead of a business lunch. The lighting was very dim...very much mood lighting. Although my salad was laden with parsley (which was not listed as an ingredient on the menu), the rest of their dishes looked pretty delicious. Our service was good and they have great iced tea. We must have come at peak lunch hour, because it was swamped when we walked in, and completely empty when we left. I'd come back (definitely with a reservation) and try something else on the menu at an off-peak time.
(3)Dan T.
Pretty damn good California Burger and Fries...medium rare...cooked perfectly. Pricey place but my wife had the ribs...absolutely tender, fall off the bone. Service is great too. Nicely lit, not bright at all but not too dark, very comfortable.
(5)Erica D.
For my first visit to Hillstone, I was pretty impressed! When I heard they had sushi, I was a little skeptical since it's supposedly an American restaurant, but after I tried a sushi roll, I had to order my own. Price: The sushi combo was a good price, it came with four varieties, three rolls each, which doesn't sound like a lot, but trust me, the quality is worth the price. Their mixed drinks are pretty expensive, around $10. I had my first Pimm's Cup (Pimm's No.1, shaved cucumber, a sprig of mint with ginger ale) and it was heavenly (if not dangerous)! Decor: It's a really cool place. The bathrooms are a bit of a hike from the bar area, just stay on the path and you'll be fine. Service: I sat at the bar and received the best service of my life! Seriously, if I had an empty glass in front of me--the bartender had ESP--a minute later he'd come by to ask if I wanted a another drink, and refilled my water glass every time I finished it. You can't get much better than that! When I asked how the Pimm's Cup was, he gave me a sample of the gin. Food/Presentation: The sushi is AMAZING! Nice, neat presentation. Apparently the chef is an authentic sushi chef, I believe he was from Japan, but don't quote me on that. I shared two orders of the sushi combo which came with three raw tuna rolls, three vegetarian rolls, three mollusk-type rolls with walnuts in it (OH MY GOD!), and three California rolls. I don't normally like California rolls, but this was fantastic. The sushi rolls are two different sizes, which is nice so that you could eat a short one to sample before committing to the taller roll. The combo came with three types of sauces which made everything taste better. Oh man, I need to go back there now! Location: Conveniently in the Faneuil Hall area, on the right side by the Boston ticket booth. It's a short walk from my office, which makes it all the better for after work drinking. Recap: Price: 4/5 Decor: 4/5 Service: 5/5 Food/Presentation: 5/5 Location 5/5 Total: 4.6
(5)Heather G.
Goodness gracious, Hillstone. Post-name change, I was happy to see the menu hadn't changed and the food (and service!) quality were still very consistently strong. However, for the kind of food they're serving up here, the prices are entirely too high. Would you pay $14 for a spicy tuna roll? It's a great roll, but it's very small. You'd need 2+ for dinner, and at nearly $30, you can sit at a nice sushi bar and eat til your heart's content. The burger continues to be, in my view, the best deal on the menu. The chicken strips, at $18, are probably a close-second in the price/value analysis, and are lightly tempura-battered and fried for a nice change on a heavy, greasy classic. This place does standard fare in a very comfortable yet elegant setting. They've always been busy when I've eaten in, both at lunch and dinner, and I assume this location in particular has no incentive to bring down prices, as it attracts mainly business people with corporate credit cards.
(3)Daniel K.
the food: hands down, the best french dip sandwich ive ever had. the fries were fancy and skinny, donut takes forever to finish them but the sandwich was amazing. im salivating just thinking about it. the sushi salad was quite good too. the service: great attentiveness, despite the restaurant being packed. we had trouble finding the parking garage (which is off a side road right before you hit the restaurant coming down state street), and the hostess drew us a map for our next visit the decor: the combination of a packed dining room, dim lighting, and open kitchen was perfect. added to the individually sectioned booths, there was a perfect combination of bustle and attention with anonymity and privacy.
(4)Craig C.
This a bar review only so if you are here to hear about the restaurant please walk over there and wait for someone to come along who is reviewing the restaurant. While i know my opinion is important to you at this particular moment I am only discussing the bar portion of Houstons so please read the rest and then if you still need more info please call 411. Thank you. After work I was walking past Houstons to meet Melissa at Paddy O's where Lango works and where Boston Sports Club is having an event and I notice Houstons is full of people having fun and I think , "Hey, I like to have fun!" So after M and I do business at the other place we go to Houstons. I walk to the far side of the bar to get us drinks, my laptop case banging like three yuppies as i walk by. Sor ree. I am amazed when a big bald guy comes right up to me and says, "Hi are you guys looking for drinks?" wow great service. "Yes we are" He then says, "Well this side of the bar is for waitress service we need to keep this clear can you please go to the other side?" wow that sucks. We go to the other side and even though it's packed I find two seats at the bar ( by speaking fake chinese into some guys ear really loud) I get a dark beer and she gets a long island ice tea after getting ID'ed and waiting for her to take our licenses to some machine and scan them to make sure weren't wanted by AA or something. Her drink was 12 my beer was 6 plus tip. We then go out onto the patio where the fun starts. (two young girls commence fighting over who saw our seats first) Many young upwardly mobile good looking people.We start talking to this guy who is a lawyer about getting sworn in at Faneuil Hall. He and his buddies went to Trinity which means we all hung out at the same bars in Hartford. Melissa is signing them all up for the Lock and Key party coming up May 15. (plug) She's working the room getting emails and I'm doing my new 5 minutes standup for a small group of buyers for Macy's. 2 think I'm funny and 2 are bitches but that's Boston baby. We leave them wanting more like Don Rickles taught me. I like the ambiance and I had fun and it's certainly in a good spot near 99 other bars. Next time I'll eat but you pay. I'm a little short. SO SO SO that's it.
(3)Tina D.
Okay the first thing you might notice about this place is how crazy expensive everything is on the menu. I'm talking about salads that go for approx. $20 at lunch. If you put that aside, then you can really focus on how wonderful everything else is. The location is spot on in Fan. Hall and since it is a little pricey, you don't get too many of the tourists in for lunch. It is the perfect place for a work lunch or to meet someone for happy hour drinks, oh, its great for dinner too. All of the dishes are executed perfectly and I have never had a bad meal. The servers are polite and the food comes out quickly. There is a patio for outdoor seating, but you can also just sit at the bar because the windows get pulled back on nice days and you are practically sitting outside. Delicious!
(4)Dan W.
Being new to Boston, I am always looking for classy, trendy places to go to. I really enjoyed Hillstone. I really liked the higher end type of atmosphere. We showed up at 8:30 on a saturday night. We waited for about 45 minutes for a table. Not bad. We had drinks at the bar while we waited. The only knock I would have is that I didn't think they had enough bartenders but at the same time, they may have gotten in each other's way if there were more. The food was great. We ordered sushi which was very fresh and tasty. They put peanuts in their tuna roll. Interesting. Spinach dip was a big hit. I had a fish sandwich which was really, really good. It was on a butter roll. My friend got a French dip. She loved that too. Shoe string fries came with the sandwiches. Delish! This is a super place to go with friends, have good food at reasonable prices and hang out in first class type of atmosphere. Staff was very professional also. They do take reservations but I called too late. They were booked.
(4)Adriel I.
Houston's (I denounce thee new name...) is the Ray Allen of the Boston restaurant scene. Consistent, Classy, and Clutch. Not the flashiest place, and the menu doesn't change too often, bu ff you need a place to take a group of friends, a date or a client, you can count on Houston's to deliver a great experience. I usually start with the artichoke dip and the biscuits. The biscuits are a must have. Try ordering 6 for a party of five. That way you can observe the cognitive dissonance that plays out as your friends jockey for position on the last biscuit. At least that's what I do. It amuses me. The dip is a strong role player as well. It sets a fine foundation for the steak to come. Oh, no doubt about it, there will be steak. Typically when the server lays down the menu, I can go ahead and give mine right back. Who are we kidding - I know what entree I'll be getting. The Hawaiian Rib Eye is an institution in and of itself. Marinated for what has to be days, and grilled to perfection, I have literally had dreams about this steak. With just the right tangy notes, and perfection of texture, the most amazing thing about it to me is how each time I have it is as good as the last. Another pull up from behind the line, and swish. Three points. Rinse and repeat. You get the drift. Pair it with a baked potato and the combo is unstoppable. So there you have it. Hillstone is consistently great unpretentious dining. Just do us a favor and bring back the name m'kay?
(5)Jake K.
Best steak in Boston. The fillet is so amazing I can't stop thinking bout it. Just tell them not to make it too salty, as it happens to be too much some times. Comes with spinach and fries. A M A Z I N G. Never had a better steak ever!
(5)Danny M.
-Nice atmosphere. -Efficient, friendly service. -Food for five was at our table in less than ten minutes. -Delicious cheeseburger. Expensive ($14) but it was worth it. Overall, the experience was flawless.
(5)Kelsey P.
The old "Houston's" - same great place new name! Delicious and consistent American meals. Moderate pricing with delicious menu options. Lots of options for a group dinner to make everyone happy. Food: - Club Salad - my all-time favorite dinner option here: mixed greens, crispy chicken, avocado, chopped egg and bacon. Try this with the buttermilk ranch dressing on the side! The chicken is very lightly fried and the star of the show. Avocado is always perfectly fresh. - Grilled artichokes - best appetizer by far. Delicious artichokes, cut in half and grilled to perfection. Served with a tasty aioli dip. - Great cheeseburger - delicious thin fries! - Sushi combo plate - really really impressive sushi for what is considered an American restaurant, great dinner option. Drinks & Bar: - Great bar scene at the front of the restaurant near the glass-windowed front of the restaurant. This bar scene overflows outside as the windows open and the front of the restaurant becomes open-air in the spring and summer. - "The Greyhound "- delicious grapefruit cocktail - Fantastic wine list Ambiance & Service: - Beautifully lit dark wood interior - They take reservations and the hosts are really prompt in seating people right upon arrival - Cool bathrooms, which weirdly (or awesomely) enough, even have TV screens for the men!
(5)Brandy S.
We had a work lunch for ten persons. We were seated promptly (we had a reservation) and attended to without issue. There was resounding approval of the food. We had the Ahi Tuna platter, Crispy Chicken sandwich, Ahi burgers, French Dips, Cheeseburgers and a Grilled Chicken salad - all were deemed phenomenal. The big boss was present so alas no cocktails were consumed. They did seem to have a solid wine list though. I look forward to returning and so does the rest of the crew. Less one star as there was at least five (possibly close to ten) minutes between everyone receiving their meals which was difficult as we were all ravenously hungry.
(4)Angela D.
I'm from California and have been to several Houston's restaurant's there, which i absolutely LOVE. It's one of my favorite restaurants to go to in Los Angeles. So after I moved to Worcester, I went to the Houston's in Boston. Everything was great. The service, the atmosphere, and the location. However, their French Dip sandwich, which i LOVE, was not up to par at this particular location. It didn't have a lot of flavor and the au jus was oily and bland. We were there early (11am) so maybe that's why the au jus wasn't good yet. I'm willing to give it a try again.
(4)Kevin B.
Can't quite explain it, but I love this place. Great ambiance, food is always delicious. Favories are spinach artichoke dip and whatever is the fish special. Sushi is great too. I was here last night and my meal was literally 5ish minutes late... and without me saying anything, the mangager came over to apologize and bought my girlfriend and I a complimentary round of drinks. Only gripe is they aren't on opentable. Annoying.
(5)Sarah G.
My boss made reservations at Hillstone this past Saturday for our Holiday Dinner. Boss & her husband were running late, so they called Hillstone to ask if my girlfriend & I could be seated when we arrived, since we were going to be on time. Hostess assured Boss that this would be no problem at all! When GF and I arrived we were treated coldly by the Hostess, who refused to seat us "until the entire party is present", and when I mentioned that Boss had called ahead and was told this wasn't a problem, Hostess then proceeded to condescend to us about how it is their "policy" and how we must be lying because no one at the restaurant would have said we could be seated. GF & I were then left standing in the doorway (there really isn't a lobby) for the next 20 minutes. When we were all present and finally seated, we were placed in a booth along the back wall, which allowed me to see that the restaurant was a little over half-full. Only one other booth (of the 8-10) along the back wall was occupied, but they made us wait, even though we had a reservation and they were only at half-capacity. The Ambiance says "Classy", but while I was there, I did see (as another reviewer mentioned) screaming children being allowed to run around unattended and diners wearing sweatpants with words printed on the butt. Definitely *not* classy. In a dress and high-heels, I felt overdressed. Between the obnoxious hostesses and screaming children, it's only a step above an Outback at twice the price. Pros: Our server, Emily, was not only adorable but also knowledgeable about both the food and the wine. We took a long time deciding on a bottle of wine and she went back through her tasting notes to help us pick. The food was decent, but the prices were outrageous. TL;DR Hostesses are rude and will infer that you're a liar. If you go, be prepared to be treated poorly and pay through the nose for it.
(2)Liz K.
LOVE this place!! Came here for my birthday and was extremely impressed. The burger was the best burger I've ever had in my life. Definitely on the pricier side but well worth it especially for a special occasion. The dark wood and decor makes for a nice, classy feel. I really like the open kitchen because while we were waiting for our table to be ready we were able to see all the dishes being made which only made the decision of what to order harder because everything looked so good! Got the warm brownie with ice cream for dessert which I would definitely recommend. Overall it was a great meal and I will definitely be back.
(5)Lady L.
I can't say enough about our experience at Hillstone. We were visiting Boston, and this was one of our last meals. The ambiance was perfect, service from hostess to server was exceptional (Erin rocked!) and the food and wine was perfect. A pricer restaurant (compared to Boston pubs) but such a value for what you get in return. We were even thinking of having lunch there the following day! You must dine at Hillstone when visiting Boston!
(5)Sheridan W.
Busy during the lunch and evening hours, but what good place isn't? Great menu, food and service. Yes, its a chain - but you wouldn't think so. I suggest: pressed shushi, tempura chicken tenders (ask for the buttermilk garlic), Tortilla soup on Fridays and the best coleslaw in the city.
(4)Steve G.
Nice place for a drink. I had a Rusack Pinot Noir at the bar. Comfy chairs and nice atmosphere. Will have to try for dinner sometime.
(4)Tom A.
Full disclosure, our evening at Hillstone started off a bit rocky. I had made reservations for 4, but explained to the hostess that there would be a possibility for 5. I was told that wasn't a problem. We show up to the restaurant with 5, and the tables are only able to accommodate 4. Long story short, we waited quite a while before being seated. Here is how the staff at Hillstone went above and beyond the call of duty. We were given appetizers on the house to munch on before being seated. Once we were seated, more appetizers. That's only the beginning. We brought a bottle of wine because as ex-Californians, we are used to the no-corkage policy at the west-coast Hillstone restaurants. We were told that by law, Massachusetts doesn't allow this, but they invited us to pick a bottle of wine from their menu, again at no cost. Finally, after our meal (which was delicious, per the usual), our waiter (who was fantastic) let us know that the entire meal would be complimentary. We were blown away by the gesture (Thank you to the GM, Adam). It's things like this that really keep us coming back again and again. The food is consistently amazing, and the service is impeccable. We will be back again soon!
(5)Kate A.
Sushi lover? MUST EAT HERE. I know it's not Hillstone's number one attraction, but damn they have great sushi! In a snapshot - here's the good and bad of this place. Pros: 1. Great sushi (did I mention that already?) 2. Great drinks 3. Right in the middle of Fanueil Hall - good for afterwork get-togethers. 4. Great staff Cons: 1. A little pricey for location/drinks 2. Right in the middle of tourist-central, so can be a little slow/busy at times 3. Hard to find the first time around (tucked in behind 60 State Street) Overall, for what I was there for, this place was perfect. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for an after work meeting place for drinks and apps.
(4)Honest O.
I love Hillstone! I've been here 10+ times and never have I been disappointed with the waitstaff or the food. Their burgers are awesome, their prime rib is even better. Their fries are my absolute favorite! Recently, I decided to try their sushi. It took me a while to decide between 3 different plates. Once I finally chose, I had no idea how much sushi came with a $17 plate. When they brought out 4 pieces, I was a little disappointed. A second later, the waitress brought out 2 other plates of sushi (the ones I did not chose) on the house. All three of the different plates were amazing. Never in my life have I had a better waitress who is attentive and knows how to treat her customers!
(5)Bethany B.
Chain chain chain...I know, I know. But a delicious chain! Growing up I went to Houston's every Sunday after church and grew to L-O-V-E the spinach and artichoke dip and still do! Hillstone still has the delicious dip, but adds fun and interesting items like sushi to the menu. (my friends swear by it, although I'm always nervous about ordering sushi at a non-Asian spot). As usual, with almost any place I'm going to give four stars, Hillstone also has great cocktails. I say go for the gin fizz and call it a night. A tried and true spot that you know will always be delicious, you'll always leave buzzed, and the service will always be good! Enjoy!
(4)Danielle M.
Love love love this place!!! The reviews are spot on when they say the veggie burger is the best!!! Honestly I would never know this was a chain restaurant if it weren't for the reviews I've read on Yelp. Dinned here on a snowy Monday night. I don't know why but the decor reminded me of Anchorman (very important...smells of rich mahogany) very deep wood colors all around. They had a nice low key bar area and for the dinning seating every table is a booth style, which is great, gives it a more intimate feel. The crowd was definitely the early 30's business type. Our waitress was extremely attentive and recommended an amazing cabernet, I was impressed with her selection. I believe it was Robert Foley? Their menu is a bit limited if you are a vegetarian or have any variations of the sort. The do have a daily fish special, which on the night I went was cod, but I went a different route. I will say (again) I ordered the house made veggie burger. Oh...my...goodness...this was the best veggie burger I've ever had. Huge!! Just the right mix of sweet soy. Beware though, it does have cheese on it so if you do not want cheese, please ask for no cheese. The fries were stringy and, meh. Fries are my weakness and apparently they are weak here as well. I tend to eat on the slower side which allowed the bun of the burger to get a bit soggy. Eh, it was still the best veggie burger!! I will say, I did look at the table next to us who order sushi. I've never seen sushi done quite like here. It looked amazing!!! Not typical for a mostly American restaurant. The rolls appeared to be huge as I saw a girl actually cut the roll in half in order to eat it. They do offer complimentary parking at 60 State Street for 3 hours, which is a nice touch. Also if you would like they will check your coat. Prices for entrees are anywhere from earlier 20's to mid 30's. Not bad for a restaurant in Boston. I will definitely be coming back here again.
(4)lily l.
Ok my friends love Houston for some reason. They swear up and down that the Veggie Burger is to die for....Meh. So we lunched here today and ordered the following: Clam Chowder - It was good I would definitely have it again, I have an issue with the chowder though. There were large bits of bacon in it I don't like bacon. Spinach artichoke dip - I give them credit for the amount of artichoke that was actually in the dip..but the cheese melted on top was wayyyyy to pungent for me. The "salsa" that came with it was a tangy dissapointment. My friends had the veggie burgers- It was a gloppy mess way too sweet for my taste, my friend said it usually isn't that sloppy and sweet but still I didn't like it I had the spicy tuna sald - EW! The fish was fresh but the giant cuts of daikon in the sushi did not belong there. The salad that came with it had large chunks of daikon, carrots, cucumber, mango, mint, peppers, and sesame seeds. I hated it and for 12 bucks I expected better. The decor...beautiful, the service fast and friendly. This place gets super crowded for lunch so arrive early. The menu...very limited. Others that were with me enjoyed it, but this is definitely not my cup of tea.
(2)Laura G.
Still got tons of love for Hillstone despite its lame name change and chainy roots. All of the food is so flavorful it's almost puzzling how they manage to do it. I came back and tried their traditional salad, sushi and stuck with my original love - the Hawaiian Rib Eye. The salad was chock full of perfectly cooked bacon, egg and a killer dressing. Don't miss out for $5 as an accompaniment to your entree. It is way better than the Caesar. The sushi was a strange experience and I always thought it was somewhat peculiar that they serve it at a pretty standard steakhouse. I ordered the spicy tuna roll and while the tuna was of good quality, the roll was covered in what appeared to be sea salt. Salt added to sushi? What are you thinking Hillstone? Poor form but i was sort of able to eat around it. The steak came out in all of it's glory, not to be outdone by the baked potato that is a heart attack waiting to happen - but well worth it. Add complimentary garage parking and it's a night to remember.
(4)Tamar A.
I work as an admin in a tall, shiny office building, and have just started watching Mad Men regularly. Despite the painful realization that in some ways, not a heckova lot has changed in office dynamics since 1960, I still enjoy the throwback thrill of an old-fashioned, three-martini power lunch, especially when the accounting department is picking up the tab. Houston's--or, pardon, "Hillstone"--does not disappoint. The interior is warm and dimly lit, while the waitstaff pretty much give you a Don Draper-worthy tonguebath. One of the nicest elements of the place is that they do sushi--weird and overpriced sushi, perhaps, but sushi nonetheless--meaning that any of the fish your order for your main course, without being charged extra, comes as raw as you want. My swordfish was delicious; a compatriot's cod a buttery delight. The spinach and artichoke dip, perhaps a smidge gluey and not quite worth $10, was nevertheless a tasty opener. Desserts of key lime pie and brownie with a champagne cream sauce were not to be missed, although the cappuccino suffered the same burnt, machine-hasn't-been-cleaned-since-we-opened-what-Âdo-you-think-this-is-Starbucks?-acridity that I've simply come to expect out of even the nicest restaurants. Overall, a gorgeous, decadent time was had by all. Just remember to make a reservation, ideally for 11:45 if you want to get in there--the place swarms come noon--and you know that the service will be speedy enough that you'll have time to return with ice for your boss's 1pm scotch.
(4)Leo H.
I disapprove with the renaming of Houston's to Hillstone. They have also gone down on portion size (the prime rib's thickness has essentially been cut in half). This all makes me sad and thus I do not go very often anymore. The drinks, bartenders and waitstaff are all still great though.
(3)Sean O.
This is a cool place that I can't wait to go back to. Just a really nice atmosphere for drinks or dinner. The biscuits are delicious, the artichoke dip was great, my friend's ribs were really good. I had an unfortunately undercooked steak, but they fixed it right away. Next time I'm getting the ribs. Tried a new drink there called a Pimm's Cup. You must go there and drink this drink. You will see varied results but there is a high probability for laughs and adventure upon completion of your second.
(4)Jules C.
We were extremely loyal regulars at Houstons for years. The house-smoked salmon appetizer was not to be missed! Also, the grilled chicken sandwich and the spicy tuna sushi salad with the awesome salad and awesome sushi. The thing that really kept us coming back was the extremely friendly and knowledgeable service (they actually used to bring us a fresh chilled glass when our martinis started to get warm) and one of my favorite atmospheres anywhere. Good music for dining(soft jazz), not too loud to have a conversation and some separation from other diners in the booths. Not to mention the validated parking - perfect! We brought our friends, we were there like clockwork. Sometime in the last few years, I don't know what happened - it all went away. Now the smoked salmon and the grilled chicken sandwich are gone (in addition to a few other favorites), the spicy tuna salad is unrecognizable. and much more expensive, and the service - meh - not terribly friendly or accommodating. SO SAD... we still occasionally come for the atmosphere and the easy parking, but the food and service no longer distinguish this place. Last time we were there, the music was somewhat bizarre (Bjork, I think) and the host was very rude to us...in a competitive restaurant town, it always surprises me when people think that being rude to customers makes sense... Maybe because we aren't beef eaters... Anyway, we grieve every time we ask each other - "where can we go for dinner?" Big hole in our dining hearts!
(2)Cami F.
So I know this place is a chain, but I just love it. I get the same thing every time, and it never fails to disappoint. The Thai tuna roll is original and so so good. I've heard they have great burgers but I just can't NOT get the Thai tuna roll when I go. The best part is their drinks taste great and are very strong. Its almost dangerous (confession: I once wiped out there- flat on my back in the middle of the restaurant. I am embarrassed to say I was only one drink deep). GET THE GIN FIZZ!!! you wont regret it.
(5)Mark M.
Moment of truth: it took me few hours to realize why I couldn't find "Houston's" on Yelp. They changed their name. We just spent two hours there and a couple of hundred bucks and didn't realize this. Anyway...I digress. I've been eating at Houston's (I mean Hillstone...wtf?) for more than fifteen years. I can't think of another national chain that does such an incredible job at making you think you're dining at a one-of-a-kind gem like Houston's does. For your consideration: - service not found elsewhere - a menu that has remained the same for many years...but is still so well executed - a wine list that is not too pompous...but just pompous enough - atmosphere that will make you feel like you're in a movie - pricey..but not so terrible that you have to eat ramen for a month - excellent for: casual business dinners, celebrations, dates, business dinner meetings. etc I love this place and was reminded of the depth of my love tonight! Five Yelp stars all the way. However, I will continue to call it Houston's so the branding house that decided on this move can shove it.
(5)Cindy K.
I work near Gov. Center & Fanieul hall so this is the go-to place when we actually have time for a 2 hour lunch break. A little bit on the pricier side but the food is really very delicious which is also why there are tons of "suits" here so be warned that its not a very "casual" restaurant. I've only had the burgers here and they are delicious. Also its a pretty big burger so be prepared for some messy hands. I've had both beef and veggie burgers and I have to say that the veggie burgers here are out of this world! They handmake all their burgers in the morning so its freshly made veggie patties made of brown rice and packed with a whole lotta yummy goodness & flavor. DELISH! Fries are super addicting. I dare you to only eat one....trust me, you'll never be able to. Service is really good - waitstaff is always very friendly and accommodating. But be warned that the wait can be very long during the lunchtime and I'm sure after work so plan accordingly.
(4)Bob G.
Stopped by here based onYelp reviews, just looking for a nice evening meal. Tried the spinach artichoke dip; I'd say high end of average. Atmosphere was OK and service quite prompt, but music a bit too loud for good conversation. Was turned off by $3.50 for an 8oz bottled diet coke, no refills. Opted out at $20 for just the mediocre appetizer and a small diet coke, just on the principle that people should not be ripped off.
(2)Jessie C.
Big fan - as stated in my last review, but this time we tried the Sushi. I'm not an avid sushi eater but my friend is and she said it was some of the best! We had the shrimp and macadamia nut roll and the tuna & avocado roll - both fantastic. I'm looking forward to going back.
(5)Reg Z.
For the immediate area, this is a nice place. Tends not to be as touristy, and the outdoor patio is a nice place to grab a beer. Food is good but nothing outstanding. The Thai tuna roll is different with nuts and coconut, needs to be a bit spicier but the jalepenos is probably enough for most.
(4)Jamie H.
i went to hillstone today for a business lunch, and i was not very impressed. the service was fine, but the food just did not do it for me. i ordered the grilled chicken salad, and asked for the peanut sauce and the vinaigrette on the side. the waitress informed me that the sauce could be on the side, but that the salad already came with the dressing on it, and they best they could do would be to make it "light." this made me realize that the salad was likely prepared in advance and would not be very fresh. i also ordered the steamed broccoli as a side. when the salad came, it was a mountain of chopped cabbage, thinly sliced chicken breast, jicama, carrots, shredded lettuce bits, some mixed greens, and tons and tons of tortilla chip strips. and for being "lightly" dressed i thought it had quite a lot of dressing. the chicken wasn't a very high quality, and i tried to eat around the chips as best as i could. plus, the waitress forgot the side of broccoli, and i felt like it was awkward to ask for it in front of colleagues and business partners. my boss ordered the chicken tenders, and had to leave about half of the batter on the plate - there was probably about three or four times as much batter as there was chicken. one other thing that really bothered me was just how dark it was in the restaurant. i got really tired sitting at the table, and the environment felt very stuffy. if i had been paying for the meal, i would have also been pretty sore about how high the prices were. luckily, i wasn't, but i would not be very excited to return regardless of who was paying.
(2)Rohit J.
Took a lovely girl here on a date on a Friday night a month ago knowing its a safe bet as there is a Houston's on Long Island by me. First off the parking is free for up to 3 hrs on nights and weekends which is a huge plus! My reservation was for 630 but we had gotten to the restaurant by 6 and were seated without a hiccup. We had ordered 2 dirty martinis but they weren't dirty enough for us and the waitress had no problem taking them back to bartender. Our new drinks were a taste of perfection. To start I had gotten the tortilla soup and we shared the artichoke spinach dip. For the main I had gotten the ribs of course because they are amazing and my date had ordered the special which was cod, I forgot how it was cooked but it came with Cajun shrimp and mashed potatoes. We had shared everything and everything was excellent as expected. My date really enjoyed herself as she has never been before!
(5)Jillian Q.
I do not know how the chefs at HIllstone make EVERYTHING that comes out of their kitchen so amazingly tasty. I've never had a bad meal here and the service is always excellent. You're never left waiting and your drinks and always refilled. I usually come here for lunch with a have a bit of money to burn. Hillstone is pricey (at least for my salary) but I am not exaggerating when I say it's worth every penny. From the spinach dip to ANY of their fishes dishes or sushi (try the Osaka Pressed Sushi...amazing) to their salads (the one with mango and steak is my fav). The brownie dessert is delicious as well if you have room for it. Be prepared to spend some money, but you will be happy you did.
(5)Robert C.
Took my wife out for her birthday and we loved the food. my wife had the prime rib and was very pleased. They have awesome hand cut fries and cole slaw. The coconut sushi was also very good. We will be coming back to Hillstone!
(5)Samantha T.
Where to begin with an old favorite...Houstons/Hillstones is one of the premier upscale dining destinations. Yes it is something of a chain but they have maintained a certain level of service and food excellence that is hard to find anywhere else. I eat here at least once a month with coworkers or my husband and friends. The food is what keeps me coming back again and again, especially the burgers, tuna sandwich and and tuna salad. For the most part I like the recent menu changes where they upgraded the tuna salad and added a delicious friend chicken sandwich (husband gets it every single time). However, there is nothing better than the veggie burger w/avocado or bacon cheeseburger w/avocado if you feel like splurging. The fries are unreal...and you have to try the grilled artichokes (if they have them). That brings me to the reason why I can't give them 5 stars. They somehow never seem to have the artichokes because they source them from only one farm! Why not find a backup farm? The last 3 times i've been there they didn't have the grilled artichokes and I was pissed off! The other problem is that they took the sushi sampler off the menu, jacked up all the prices but got a little skimpier on portions (burger size, fries etc). The bar has a great selection and usually gets a decent crowd of financial district employees and tourists. The afterwork bar scene used to be much better but times change and it's gone out of favor in recent years. Nonetheless the food is still top notch and they have one of the best burgers in town. I also like that they accept reservations and have free parking in the garage below. I do agree with some other reviews that in the past year or so service has deteriorated a little bit and occasionally we have to wait for a table even when there are numerous empty ones. In these circumstances management has told me they were understaffed but that seems like a pretty weak excuse because it pisses people off and makes it look less popular/crowded. Either way i'll still be going back for the delicious food.
(4)Harri S.
Up until now I thought all chains served consistently the same food. My friend from Miami swore by the artichoke dip, but it tasted like really rotten stinky cheese (which wasn't typical), we sent it back (felt horrible) and got a new one that tasted a bit better, but not much. The burgers are their saving grace though, they are solid burgers that can really fill you up. Well done on the burger-front guys.
(3)Jessica S.
Really nice atmosphere. Good food and drinks
(4)Jason S.
I love Hillstone (used to be known as Houston's). Every time my wife and I go to this place we order the Spinach and Artichoke Dip, which is so creamy, smooth and YUMMY. You will love this appetizer. Then what do you get for lunch/dinner? That part is hard to decide because everything I've tried is very very good. I am in love with the BBQ ribs because their meat falls right off the bone and the sauce is great. As sad as this is about to sound, their cheeseburger is very good too, they do a nice job of giving that extra flavor that makes you say....yes! Although, we have never tried a dessert, I am sure that would be great too! Enjoy!
(5)Evan R.
I recently visited the Last Hurrah under the auspices that it was the "Best Whiskey Bar in Boston". That couldn't be farther from the truth. Hillstone welcome me warmly, the bartender (I sat at the bar) took my order and promptly delivered a delicious mojito (as it was summer), recommended the spinach and artichoke dip, and engaged me in pleasant conversation. I challenged the bartenders with orders for classics like a whiskey sour (which they make with their fresh sour mix, which includes a daily variety of fruit juices, sugar and the traditional egg white; a triumph) and an Old Fashioned, which the bartender made with his own twist (Luxardo cherries - the original maraschino), which was the best Old Fashioned cocktail I have ever had. I enjoyed the Flying Tuna Platter, which consisted of of seared Ahi Tuna, delicious mixed greens and a lovely fruit and vegetable compote (avocado, fresh tomatoes, mango and cucumber with a sesame vinaigrette). The food was delicious, the drinks were top-notch, and the service staff were informed, helpful, and rivaled any Michelin-starred restaurant in the country. Ask for Pat at the bar. He will make an Old Fashioned (with rye whiskey in particular) that will excite even the most stubborn connoisseurs.
(5)Greg I.
-old fashioned (maker's) -wood-grilled artichokes -pork ribs, baked beans -key-lime pie you. are. welcome. sidenote: if you get a martini at your table, every 15-20 min they'll pour that drink you're nursing too slowly into a frozen glass, keeping it ever
(5)Sara M.
I came here once a long time ago but I don't remember it very well. I do think that I was dancing drunkenly. However, I recently came back for lunch and enjoyed it immensely! I cannot for the life of me understand how I was dancing in this place because it is mostly booths and a little bit bar. Anyway, we were greeted by classy and friendly hosts/servers. I ordered up a clam chowder and a French dip. Seriously, the clam chowder was one of the best I have ever had; I am not biased because they put scallions and bacon on top. It was creamy, rich, and contained a good amount of clams. It only comes in a bowl so I was too full to eat the rest of my delicious sandwich. That was meaty, warm, juicy, tangy (from the horseradish sauce), and downright yummy! The shoestring fries were crisp and okay. It was a bit on the pricier side but you better believe I'll be back for their prime rib!
(4)Tiffany C.
I came in with a friend last night and had such a great experience at Hillstone. Our server, Sebastian, absolutely made our night. He was cheerful, funny and warmed our hearts on that cold, cold night. The kitchen ran out of the soup so Sebastian comped us a Spinach and Artichoke Dip. Who doesn't like chips and dip? The loaded baked potato was delicious and my friend enjoyed her Caesar salad. Seb suggested the ice cream sundae for dessert. We were hesitant at first, but when we drizzled on that warm fudge we knew we made the right decision.
(4)R O.
I honestly cannot believe I have not reviewed this place before! I fell in love with it many many years ago when I was still a tiny college tyke and it went by the name of Houston's. It is exactly the same company. It is said and I believe they renamed many of their Houston's restaurants to Hillstone in order to move under 20 franchise restaurants thus they became exempt from having to label their calories in places such as NY. Anyway ignorance is bliss for me! I come time and time again for the legendary California Burger! My mouth drools simply thinking about it: buttery fresh bun made in house, fresh-ground chuck with melted Jack, avocado, arugula and red onion topped with some honey style mustard. It is no longer on the menu but you are still free to order! Not to mention their delicious fries just brimming with flavour. If you love burgers give this one a try! In my humble opinion it is the best burger I have had in Boston. Must note: you cannot come here without getting the artichoke-spinach dip! mm so good! Honorable mentions (if burgers aren't for you): Thai steak & noodle salad, spicy tuna roll salad (generous portion of tuna roll & greens), & chicken tenders for the little ones. Can't forget the loaded baked potato! What a treat! The only con is I cannot walk over at a moments notice! Must rely on the T or taxi (which is probably good for my hips since it keeps me away more often than not haha!)
(5)Julie C.
Houston's. This place is tucked away among the hustle & bustle that is Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market. It's a neat spot for happy hour and also a stellar place for some grubbing! The burgers here are gigantic! I have no idea how anyone can eat one without getting it all over themselves. Their spicy tuna roll salad is out of this world! The ingredients are soo fresh! Yum Yum Yum Gobble Gobble Gobble! Chicken tenders are huge too! The portions here are fairly large, so you are totally getting your moneys worth. What recession? Service can be a little lackluster. They don't really pay much attention to you even though you see a ton of staff walking around. Water may be empty for periods of time, so expect to wait for a refill. And this place is mad dark! Its like a bat cave. When you leave prepare for the light unless you are here at night.
(5)Tom D.
Another review on here recommended the Thai Tuna Roll, and I second that. Very, very good. I tried a bit of the Salmon, which was good as well. Nothing to complain about on the service end. Only downside to the night was that we wanted to order the artichoke dip appetizer, but our waiter told us that the dish wasn't "up to standards" at the moment. He sent us out grilled artichokes on the house instead, which was nice, but we were disappointed that we couldn't get our first choice in appetizer. Overall it was a good experience, I'd probably be back.
(4)Cristin S.
I'm not from Boston so I read some of these other reviews and didn't realize this place was a chain. I will be looking for other locations! This was hands-down, the BEST meal I had on my 4-day trip to the Boston area. We spent the morning and early afternoon on a whale watching boat and came back starving, dying for something meaty and beefy and delicious. I honestly couldn't decide if I wanted steak and potatoes or a cheeseburger, and we had wandered up to Quincy Market and stumbled on this place. They had both so I figured let's go inside and I'll decide in there. We ordered the biscuits -- they were delicious. Very, very good savory biscuits. I ended up ordering the regular cheeseburger, and my husband ordered the hickory cheeseburger. I would consider myself somewhat of a cheeseburger snob, while my husband could care less. This was easily the best cheeseburger I have ever had in my life. It came to my table dressed with mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle, open-faced. I didn't even realize there wasn't ketchup on it till halfway through, because I was so distracted by how freakin' delicious it was. I motored through that thing. At some point I remember stopping and pulling the bottom bun off, thinking that must be where the ketchup was, and there wasn't, however, I did notice that it was soaked with delicious brown juice. I thought maybe it was some kind of au jus or something, or the juices from the burger.... regardless, whatever was soaking in that bottom bun is what made this burger. The burger itself was cooked perfectly (I asked for medium) -- it was not overdone, it was not all black and crispy like a hockey puck, it was pink in the middle and juicy. Seriously, my mouth is watering now just thinking about it. And it did NOT need ketchup. My husband enjoyed his burger just as much, he was raving about it and like I said, he could really care less about burgers. Whenever I make it back to Boston, I will for sure hit this place up for another cheeseburger. We even toyed around with the idea of staying till lunchtime on Monday and having lunch there, before our long drive back to Philly. Oh wait, before I go, yes, the french fries were also realllllly yummy. :)
(5)Jenelle J.
If the prices weren't so steep, I think I'd be back more often. Had drinks and appetizers at the bar here - everything was delicious. I had a california roll which was impeccably done. Just as perfect was the ambiance. Intimate and trendy. You'll see when you go there.
(4)Meridith H.
Worth the price. Red cabbage with goat cheese - worth it. Spicy Thai Sushi roll - worth it. Oversized glass of wine - worth it. Superbly unobtrusive, extraordinarily efficient, and friendly service - worth it.
(5)Nicole C.
Sexy dark interior!! Bar opens up fully to the outside on nice nights, great place for outdoor drinks. Sushi was wonderful and entrees were great. I recommend the ribs!!! Our server was great too!!! Plus, the coolest napkins of any restaurant I have ever been to!
(4)Michelle R.
Great for after-work drinks. Wonderful wine selection, very helpful bartenders. Haven't had the food but I hear it's fantastic. Place is always packed. Really nice atmosphere. Plenty of places to stand around the huge bar.
(4)Mike M.
I took my gf here for Valentine's Day & it was pretty amazing. I loved the atmosphere & the use of lights to show focal points on the walls. Dim setting with lights in all the right places. The staff was pretty amazing. Everyone was so nice & helpful. Our waiter has recommendations as to drinks & starters that were dead on. I got the little house salad , minus the bacon, with a champagne dressing. It was delicious. The artichoke/spinach dip was a great starter & was more than enough for us to share. My entree was the house mad veggie burger with the hand-cut fries. it was amazing & so flavorful. The burger didn't require any other sauce. It was perfect as is. My gf got the pork chop & mashed potatoes. It looked delicious & was such a big cut that she got two meals out of it. Hillstone can be a bit expensive, but I felt like it was well worth it.
(5)Christina R.
I was impressed by Hillstone, especially due to the fact that five Miami Heat players were sitting in the booth next to me, which shows the high caliber of the restaurant! I got the Thai steak and noodle salad containing marinated filet mignon with avocado, mango and herbs (mostly cilantro/coriander) in a Thai dressing. I asked for the dressing on the side due to my inability to handle spicy food and found that dressing wasn't even necessary for the salad since all ingredients were high quality and delicious! It was quite cilantro-heavy but the mango and steak helped balance that out. Generous portion sizes, a nice selection of wines and friendly, professional service. I'd recommend anything with steak; after all, this is a steakhouse!
(5)Jason M.
Unexpected. Completely 100% unexpected. Anything in the Faneuil Hall area is suspect at best, but somehow Hillstone manages to rise above their location. The interior is dark and slick, but I highly recommend skipping that and sitting at the bar. The service is at the bar is fast, fun and enjoyable. On a lovely afternoon, we were treated to dueling cocktails between Nicole and Spencer. They attempted to one up each other with their bartending skills... and the result was more than just good drinks, it made for a good experience. Oh, to watch Spencer shake a cocktail... Oh, to hear Nicole then call me out for having Spencer make me a cocktail. And then there's the food. Thai Tuna Roll? Sushi? THERE? Really? Seriously? For reals? Its kind of amazing. When we first visited, I thought it was a slightly nicer version of Chili's... and then I had the thai tuna roll. It's delicious and rolled perfectly. The macadamia nuts give it a special buttery taste and amazing crunch. For food... I recommend the French Dip. It's pile after pile of thinly sliced cow on some tasty bread with an ridiculously good horseradish sauce. I am very thankful that cow sacrificed its life for my stomach. Others rave about the chicken tenders, which sounds a bit crazy until you see them. First of all, they fill up an entire place. And, they're fried to hell and back... it's a beautiful tempura batter which is light, fluffy and incredibly delicious. All in all, a great experience.
(5)Kimberley S.
GOD. The name change is so hard to get used to! Otherwise, a very solid restaurant, and I completely enjoy my experience every time that I'm here. I have always thought that the menu sounds uninspired. Everything seems run-of-the-mill... on paper. Then you put it in your mouth. They make some really boring-sounding dishes taste just fantastic. I've never eaten anything here that wasn't absolutely delicious, but here are my favorites: - any of the sushi. It's so Americanized, but that's on purpose. This is not an Asian restaurant and it doesn't pretend to be. The best is the pressed ahi and avocado sushi. But I love the spicy tuna roll as well. They're all good, really. And they use some weird ingredients like orange in the California rolls and jicama in some of the others. - On that note, the tuna roll salad is the greatest thing in the world - Steak salad, also delightful - the tortilla soup here is the best I've ever had, bar-none - the french dip is outstanding That's about it. I stick to the basics here. They do an amazing job on the basics. You know what is uninspired? The dessert menu. Don't even bother. FUN FACT: My freshman year of college, I actually worked here for all of two weeks before I realized that I was too lazy for a legitimate restaurant job. I think it's because I know some of the behind-the-scenes that I love it here so much. I am obsessed with the service philosophy here. You don't have one waiter, you have 20. And you're not supposed to notice that. You pretty much have one person coming by all the time, but people pop by every now and then to refill your water and inconspicuously remove your food. You're not even supposed to notice they're there. I love the unobtrusiveness of it. You never want for anything and you can totally focus on your fabulous company. It happens like this because when waiters get a free moment, they patrol the aisles looking for things that need to be done. The service here is like a well-oiled machine. You will never find a place more consistent and efficient in terms of service. Do yourself a favor and give it a try. It's consistent and it excels in food execution.
(4)Mindy L.
When I think of Houston's...all I think about it how the girls at my old place of work talked about using it as a place to pick up men who work in the financial district. That was in the forefront of my mind during my first visit here...and boy, they were right on target! The bar area was bursting with suits and it showed no signs of letting up. Luckily, I was going in for food and not for rubbin' elbows with the yuppy crowd so I bypassed the bar entirely in favor of sitting down in a booth. I could crow on and on about great service, but it would be biased as it was my roommate at the time and of course, I thought she did an amazing job and I left her a big tip (so she could pay rent). I had the rotissiere chicken and it was seasoned well and enjoyed it. The problem with ordering something so basic is that I'm almost entirely convinced I make it just as well at home in my own kitchen...it just serves to make the cheque's arrival more painful. All in all, simply not my style, but my one and only visit was a solid three stars.
(3)Elizabeth H.
Went here for a special occasion dinner. For my celebratory drink I asked for a champagne cocktail, I didn't have anything in mind but wanted something other than a mimosa. So I asked the waitress to ask the bartender to make me whatever he wanted. However, after the waitress didn't really know what to do with that and my brother suggested the pomegranate juice may go well with champagne, I ended up with champagne and pomegranate juice, but it was yummy. Needless to say this is my only real complaint about this restaurant. We started our meal with the Spinach and Artichoke Dip; it was delicious - we went through the chips so fast that they had to keep bringing us back more! I then got the chicken tenders and it was a very good size. Because I filled up on the dip I ended up taking some of it home with me. We did have an issue where they overcooked my brother burger, but they were quick on making him another one. We then ended with the key lime pie and one of the girls that I was with loves key lime pie, and she said outside getting it in the key west, this is some of the best key lime pie that she's ever had! I now live in New York City and can't wait to try their locations here!
(4)Arnold C.
One of our favorite restaurants. We really like the Hawaiian steak. The prime rib is another of our favorites. The mango Thai salad is a light, yet delicious, dish. The cheeseburger is meaty and made just right. Oh, I love the $5 side salad. It has just enough lettuce:bacon ratio to make it a salad. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone for a casual dine-out with a slightly upscale, jazzy feel.
(5)Maurice B.
Angry , disgusted and saddened by a meal at this restaurant I wanted to write this review last night after the meal ( June 23rd) but was so angry i decided to wait until today to write this. I was in Boston for a few days with my Fiance ( for the basis of this review im Irish and my Fiance is Hispanic) and as we had eaten in Houstons in new York a few years ago we said we would give the new version a try. We were staying at a hotel about 5 minutes from the restaurant and after the thunderstorms had stopped we went out to the restaurant ( around 6.30 / 7). We spoke to the male manager at the door and asked for the wait time which was 15 minutes . Said thank you and sat at the bar and ordered a drink . Waited around 30 minutes even though a number of people seemed to walk in and be seated straight away but these may well be locals so no issue there. A waitress appeared and escorted us to a booth next to the bar. As we sat down a waiter came over and without looking at us as he was speaking to another waiter asked if he could start us with a drink and then looked directly at us and said actually let me go get you , your server ... and stalked off with the initial waitress My fiance and I looked at each other with surprise. We then watched as the waiters/waitress had a mini meeting on the far side of the restaurant. At this stage we had the 2nd drink we had purchased at the bar with us and nothing else but menus on the table. No silverware or even a glass of water. We then waited a full 20 to 25 minutes until someone came near us. During this time i observed our waiter clearing the table in front of us after dealing with their check, getting drinks from the bar for another table while waiting on a number of additional tables. There was plenty of staff milling around but nobody came near our table. Eventually after almost 20 minutes and another couple who had been seated in the booth in front of us who were given water and attended by 2 waiting staff, a waitress must have seen the furious look on my face and came over . I asked her for a manager and gave her our order as we had almost 50 minutes in total to decide what we wanted. When the manager came over said she apologized for the wait . I told her in no uncertain terms the reason for the wait was the only discernible difference between us and the other patrons was that we were an INTERRACIAL COUPLE. She said this was not the reason and muttered that that they had to close the patio area( This had been closed before we had arrived and must have been closed at least an hour previous to that as the thunderstorm and rain were extremely heavy) We were better dressed than the majority of the people there, we were pleasant and courteous to anyone we spoke to ( unlike some of the badly dressed, loud patrons surrounding us) Our food arrived and we ate quickly as our evening had already been ruined. The waitress we had now was very sweet and made sure we were ok . After we had finished our food ( we refused a complimentary dessert )and asked for the check the female manager came over and "said i want to apologize for the wait again" and began to hand us some type of voucher. I handed it straight back to her without hesitation and again stated the real reason we were treated so badly and told her I would never eat in one of these restaurants again. I paid the check and even like a 15% tip for the waitress we had eventually as she was very sweet. I looked for the male manager on may way out but was so angry at this point i wanted to leave. Having been together for over 5 years and having travelled through ireland, the UK and spain together as well as throughout the US we never experienced anything racist like this. My fiance became very upset later on that evening about this and it added a very bitter ending to what had been a nice few days. ADVISE TO HILLSTONE: - Fire any employee who has an issue with race if they dont want to work with the public they should not work as a waiter - Dont try and bribe your way out a problem. A real apology would have made the night a little less worse. Not only will i never step foot in one of your restaurants again but i will tell this story to anyone who will listen.
(1)Matt G.
Came here for my father's birthday on a Saturday evening. Our server was really pleasant and very friendly... and took my father's, let's call it 'unique', sense of humor in stride. So kudos to her for that. That all being said, the evening was a rather large disappointment. The waitstaff delivered our drinks to the wrong table... then delivered apps to us that weren't ours... then on top of it all, delivered my father's birthday dessert and candle to the table next to us! (they were confused). I had the Hawaiian Rib Eye, which was quite tasty, but replaced the potato with seasonal veggies (which were soggy and mushy... not crisp at all). The capstone to the evening, was when I went to use the restroom... remarkably clean, though a little loud since there are TVs playing in there. While washing my hands, I noticed someone come out of the stall, then immediately B-Line to a urinal. (strange, I thought). Then on my way out... I realized why this person went straight to a urinal,:their date (?) came out of the same stall two seconds later... I chuckled to myself on my way back to the table... classy.
(2)Cori B.
My fiance and I went here Friday for lunch. We both got the cheeseburger. I had fries and he had coleslaw. The burger is excellent! Good quality meat, fresh toppings, and a great sauce. One of the tastiest burgers. The coleslaw was fresh and the fries were delicious also. Staff is great, and the restaurant itself has nice ambience. Its not cheap but its not expensive. Worth it. I've also had the club salad, spinach and artichoke dip, chicken fingers and a few other things here. Always been happy with everything. There is also one in NYC! Great for after work drinks also.
(5)Richard C.
Hillstone has a vintage feel; part of a chain of restaurants that includes Houston's, it sits right in Faneuil Hall but is far more appealing on the exterior and the interior than many of the tourist-trap establishments surrounding it. $16 will buy you a burger, seemingly of the straight-forward variety, consisting of cheddar, tomato, lettuce and onion. It's freshly ground Chuck on a homemade bun, and you guessed it, another Big Mac model. It makes sense, it's a riff on the most popular burger in the world, but not as cleverly done as I'd like it to be. If you think about it, most burgers these days are different versions of the fast food model, after all that's where it all started. But the missed opportunity here was the chance to elevate that classic burger, start with beef and add the usual condiments, but why not try to spin them in a unique direction instead of just re-hashing what we've already consumed a billion (trillion?) times over. But maybe that's not the name of the game at Hillstone, it speaks to the classic look of the restaurant and they aren't out to re-create the burger wheel. The burger does fall victim to the "too much stuff" rule to put it not so eloquently. I want my burgers to be beefy with a great supporting cast. The Hillstone burger basically has a decent supporting cast with a burger thrown in. The meat to condiment to bun ratio is way off, although the meat has adequate flavor and juiciness, it is devoid of individual burger character. But if you look it at as a whole, the sum of its parts versus breaking down each individual component, it is appetizing. The fries are better than average, double fried and salty, they get the job done and neither stand-out nor disappoint. A pleasing aioli comes on the side, a fair addition to the plate, with hints of chili, sesame and soy, it is the one twist in an otherwise barely-above-ordinary burger. For $16 the Hillstone burger doesn't let down but fails to blow me away either. I imagine it's consistent and reliable, and there's something to be said about that, but ultimately it just falls short on the burger spectrum.
(2)Kyle B.
My "go-to" for a quick dinner before the Celtics game. Simply one of the best Cheeseburgers in Boston and with the view of Fanueil Hall...a great place to meet. The bar servers are A+ and the handmade Greyhound is spot-on!
(5)Yvonne Y.
I have mixed feelings for this place. We came here for dinner on a weekday, and the place was busy. While the ambience is great, I was not impressed by the food. We started off with some sushi as appetizer. But when it came, I realized the sushi were made from some sushi molds, not by a sushi chef. (eeek) Then when the sushi hit my mouth, I realized they put way too much vinegar in the sushi rice. I felt like I was instantly eating my own stomach juice because of how sour it was. (yuck yuck) I struggled, because the fish and ingredients were actually fresh, just the preparation ruined it all. We had the Thai steak salad and California burger, they were okay, nothing to run home about. I didn't leave feeling satisfied with my food. If the review is based solely on food, it'd probably be a 2-star place. But the fresh ingredients and the cool atmosphere gave it another star. With all being said, I think this is a great place to come have a drink at the bar area after work. But go elsewhere to seek for food.
(3)Travis D.
My wife and I popped in to Hillstone/Houston's last night for a couple of cocktails to kick off a long holiday weekend. It's been a while since I was here, but as I remembered, the drinks were fantastic, and the crowd was electric. On a gorgeous evening like we had last night, the bar is opened up to their outdoor seating, making for a perfect summertime stop. We didn't have a full dinner, but did get their grilled artichokes (which were perfect). Afterward, we found ourselves still a bit hungry, and thus ordered their barbecue pork ribs. Since we did not have a full dinner here, I wasn't really thinking about a Yelp review for this place until we dug into the ribs. I'm writing today to say this: if you have a chance, and you like barbecue ribs, you NEED TO COME HERE AND ORDER THEIR RIBS!!!!! I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that these are the best ribs that my wife and I can ever recall eating. We've tried many of the supposed 'greats' in the Boston area, places that I'll refrain from naming in this review but ones that are known for their ribs, and these guys have the secret formula down - hands down the best ever!! Anyway, I've always liked Houston's and enjoyed their bar at their Boston location, but was never a raving fan. Clearly I never got around to trying their ribs before - now I'm raving!! :)
(4)Hungry H.
one of my favorite places to go to when i go to boston. love the ambience. always a friendly staff. their french dip au jous roast beef... omg.. DROOL. and i highly recommend their cous cous as well. never had such an amazing cous cous.
(5)Mo A.
Like its former "Houston's" brethren across the country, this place doesn't disappoint. From the spinach dip to the steaks and sides, this is amazing food at its finest. Service ensures that the customers are checked on regularly and with proper courtesy. All in all, a great experience.
(5)L. G.
I absolutely love this place. I go to Hillstone regularly and every experience there is fantastic. Consistently great food, amazing customer service and a great atmosphere. For the price, there's nothing better. Oh, and if you like sushi, get the pressed sushi. It is the best I've ever had!
(5)Jacquelyn M.
HIllstone's, formerly Houston's is lots of fun. It get really packed after work on most days, during all seasons. Food is delicious...recently had the veggie rolls...sooooo good! They have everything from sushi to a cobb salad to a delicious filet mignon. Staff is super friendly.
(4)Amanda J.
What can anyone say that's bad about Hillstone (fka Houston's)? Their ever expanding sushi menu rocks! They have great, fresh cocktails (my fave the Silver Gin Fizz). The young woman who bartends on Sundays is the best bartender in the city in our opinion. All the wait staff are great. I can honestly say I've never had a bad experience - food, service or otherwise, at Hillstone. If we had to complain (and now, I'm just nitpicking here b/c no where can be that perfect, right?), it would only be that they only offer Clam Chowder on the weekend. Booo. But, we'll forgive and forget, and keep coming back.....
(5)Khawla A.
I had Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich and it was so delicious
(5)Julie R.
Sara S. suggested this place to me for their sushi offerings. I did not know they served sushi so was interested to see what they had. On a Wednesday night after work, the place was packed with your hot shot suits. A good eye candy place for single folks. Every seat at the bar was taken so we got an available table instead. The atmosphere was very dim and modern. I had been to Houston's once before for drinks so wasn't too familiar with the menu. It had a good variety of meats, seafood, salad and apps. I decided I would be going with the sushi combo which was 4 special maki's. Sara opted for the veggie burger she spoke highly of. Our server was very friendly. She came over a few times and was prompt. The food arrived a short moment later. I was very impressed with the sushi. The tuna was very fresh and whole in the spicy tuna. The macadamia shrimp roll was fabulous. Their version of a Cali roll involved real crab, it was excellent, and the veggie roll had a good crunch. For $19 it was a great way to try out most of their rolls. I would get the same platter again. I tried some of Sara's veggie burger. Wow, I'm used to the Gardenburger kind but this one had some interesting tastes. It had this Asian tasting sauce on it. The portion was substantial. Even if its not on the menu they might have it so ask! The free parking for up to 3 hours is a killer deal too. The garage is just a few steps from the restaurant. Bring in your ticket for the validation. I'm looking forward to returning!
(4)Ismael C.
After more than 20 times going back to this place, even when it used to be called Houston, i have always recomended the place to friends visiting Boston... But last time i went had the worst experience ever, to the point where i felt threated by the bouncer there while leaving the place. Once shouldn't have that after dinning out, if tips are not high it is because they were not deserved. Beginning to end it was a constant that we were neglected by the waitress, no explaining specials, not coming back to check on us, even when glasses were empty for what seemed ages, not coming back to collect the check... Apart from beeing neglected all night by our lousy, shouldn't work facing the public if you are a have an attitude, waitress. Food was only ok (Unlike previous times that I used to dine here over the last three years), I think this place has gotten only worse ever since the name change. PS they have discontinued from the menu the best entree that they had, the pork chop. PS2 I hate reviews that are based on a one bad experience, specially if it is about the service, but I felt obliged to share this with everybody since the experience was so bad that made me decide to not come back to a place I used to love.
(1)Wei W.
Houston's is a great place to go after work, albeit a little pricey, but it's worth it for the atmosphere and service. The waitstaff are always polite and I still have yet to figure out how they've memorized all the specials of the day. I'm a big fan of their "fall-of-the-bone" ribs, hand-cut French fries, and warm fudge brownie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They have a pretty good selection of wine and beer, and the service hasn't failed me yet. They even come by to refold your napkin when you've stepped away from the table. Overall, great food, fantastic service, pretty chill after-work atmosphere. I love going here for drinks after a stressful day.
(5)Steph P.
I went here on Valentine's Day with no reservation and a party of 5. Dumb, right? Actually not too bad. The restaurant is larger than it seems and it has a very sexy, plush feel. We waited for about 30 minutes at the bar for our table and each tried a different speciality cocktail. The Dark and Stormy was spicy and full of ginger flavor and the Crisp Martini was just that, with a sharp but not too strong gin flavor. The mojito was too light on the mint though, and had too many chunks- I couldnt drink it until it was strained. We were seated in a corner booth, where we could look out over the whole restaurant. It was kind of fun to watch all of the couples eat in comfortable silence. Bread and water were brought out to the table right away- the bread was hot and fresh. We didn't order apps, but did get the clam chowder which was out of this world. Creamy without being too thick, lovely oyster crackers and bacon on top. Oh man, I was ready to cancel my dinner order and get a couple bowls of that only. For dinner we all ordered something different, but all the plates were delicious. the Thai Steak and Noodle Salad had a great lime, basil and chili flavor. It tasted so fresh. The Club Salad is topped with strips of chicken that are lightly battered and crispy, almost like a tempura. You can request the rotisserie chicken instead if you like. Please note though, the salads are not traditional salads. There is not much green to speak of. If you are trying to watch your calories, I think you would be better off with a lean piece of meat or the rotisserie chicken. There were 4 vegetables of the day to chose from, but I heard nothing else after Brussles Sprouts. Oh my, were they delicious. They had a garlicky buttery sauce on top, and were cooked perfectly (a little al dente). I also had the French Dip, piled high with prime rib and served with horseradish on the side. The bun got a little soggy part way through eating, but the beef was so flavorful. We also ordered the Heavenly Biscuts, served with butter and honey. They were plump and warm and had chives baked right in. The portions were nice, so we had no room for dessert. The food was excellent, the service as well, but I do think it was slightly overpriced. The menu is small, indicating everything was good, but $14 for a burger and $7 for a bowl of soup seems a bit much, even if the food is fantastic. While delicious, I don't think that anyone's mind will be blown conceptually.
(4)Darien G.
Excellent spot for either a business or upscale casual lunch, and even better for drinks. I've been going here for about 5 years now and it occurred to me I'd never written a review. Service and food are always good. I love their burger. Balance is the key, it's not too heavy on any ingredient or flavor, is always cooked just right. Ribs are also good if you're in the mood for something that requires getting your hands a bit sticky. Excellent desserts too, just all around a very good spot. I'll keep coming as long as they keep delivering the above.
(4)Rich W.
Love the ribs and great service. Make sure you make reservations
(5)Andrew G.
This is part of a large, upscale restaurant group (hillstone group) and was formerly named 'Houstons' a couple years back. I am now in Chicago, but find myself missing this great, rock-solid option. Consistency is what made Hillstones a frequent stomping ground for me when I live in downtown Boston. You always knew the service would usually be extremely efficient and the quality of the food/drink was at par with any other upscale spots in back bay or north end. Awesome bar-I love to eat at bars and this one has comfy stools, good people watching(local celts and bruins spotted few times), and a few flat screens at the end to watch the bruins. A solid standby for me always was the ribs and a spicy Malbec or of course some tasty sushi which they serve generous portions of. Perks: -Best martini's around -Sushi offered generous portions, rolls are quite substantial and can hold their own to some level against 'sushi' restaurants -Attentive with food allergies (nuts) Dings: -Had an issue with a salmon special about a year ago, wrote to their website, received a call from the mngr, but never followed up after. It's debatable if it was the food or a long night, but nonetheless that left a bad taste in my mouth and the only reason it's not 5. If your looking for a great after work scene, place to start a night off in town, or a great date spot (booths and intimate lighting) this is a good choice. I'm looking to check out one of their sister restaurants 'Bandera' here in Chicago sometime.
(4)Roja N.
After living in Boston for a year, I only just stumbled upon Hillstone. It was recommended to me by a coworker who raved about it's food. I went there last week with some friends for dinner and I was astonished by the spectacular food and ambience. Being a vegetarian, I usually am limited but after our lovely waitress (she was perhaps Irish?) recommended the veggie burger, I ordered it and was plesantly surprised by how exceptionally tasty it was. I left delighted with the meal and am excited to come back and try something else on the extensive menu. The food and the fantastic service from our genuinely friendly waitress will definitely bring us back soon
(5)Stewart o.
Nice meal and service in a nice space. Relaxed. Good selection and variety. I loved the steak and Thai noodle dish.
(4)Frank W.
Love. Love Love Love. Ok now that i've gotten that out of the way here is my review of Houston's (AKA Hillstone). This place rocks. It's got a great ambiance, has outdoor seating for the summer, and has great food/beer to boot. I love their Asian Salads, their Sushi, and their Specials. I usually enjoy a good special here. They're also great at suggesting beer/wine to you to complement your meal, and their coffee for after the "big dig" is actually decent for dinner coffee. While I can't personally afford to come here every night, it's a great place to go if you're looking to class up your life or take someone special out. I would recommend getting a reservation if you have a large party or if you're going out on Week nights. This is a common hot spot for Financial District foodies. (Myself included) GO!
(5)Michael H.
I've been to Hillstone's several times, both under it's current name and it's prior identity, Houston's. (Actually preffered the name "Houston's" to "Hillstone's" but I apparently was not consulted about the change.) To me, it's okay, and I'll leave it at that. Hillstone's is a somewhat different sort of restaurant. It's very dimly lit, all the servers wear black, and waitresses have their hair pulled back in a pony tail. All the staff seem to be somewhat robotic (in a Matrix kind-of way); it's almost like they are part of a cult! Nevertheless, what the staff lacks in personality, they easily make up for with their efficiency and attentiveness. As for the menu, expect to find the usual suspects. Salads, steaks, seafood, burgers and chicken (and Sushi?) accompanied by daily specials - which the servers sometimes forget to mention. The appetizer selection is woefully limited and beer selection even more so. I've tried the rotisserie chicken which is good, and ordered some of the salads which did not dissapoint either. Hillstone's serves a good onion soup, too. Actually, the only meal I had at Hillstones that I would not recommend was the chicken tender dinner - it was lousy. Overall, the food is above-average. Prices, for this area of Boston are very reasonable, and portions are generous. Kitchen is easily viewable from the seating area and looks to be immaculate. Be advised that after 6:00 p.m, Hillstone's gets very crowded (regardless of what day it is) and reservations would be recommended. Personally, I actually enjoy lunch at Hillstone's more than dinner. The menu is the same and they don't dim the lighting as much. Ultimately, the way I look at Hillstone's, is that it's like eating at a premium Chili's, Applebees, TGI Friday's, or other type of chain restaurant.
(3)Elizabeth S.
We went to Hillstone twice on a recent trip to Boston and loved it both times! The first time we went we sat at the bar and just ordered drinks. Very friendly bartender. The next day we went back and ordered the shrimp & macadamia roll, the Osaka pressed sushi, and the Thai tuna roll and it was all wonderful! Some of the best sushi I have ever had. And our waitress was a doll! We will continue to visit this wonderful place!
(5)Liana K.
We had reservations for 8pm and still had to wait a bit to get seated (around 20 minutes). I had a smoked salmon appetizer for my meal, which surprisingly made for a small light meal. The menu didn't look that impressive. I guess the chic, dark ambiance makes it good for corporate whoredom and dates. However, if you want a high end meal, I agree with the yelper below that there are plenty of other places to go to go to in Boston. The place is nicely located for a walk around the Wharf late on a summer night though.
(3)Courtney M.
I came in around 2pm to celebrate getting a job with my girlfriend on a weekday. The restuarant was calm and spotted with suited professionals on their lunch meeting breaks. Their sushi is really quite incredible and our server was very non-judgemental of our request for a bottle of champagne! What a better way to celebrate getting a job! It has perfect mood lighting and the bar seems like it would be hopping on any night. I will definitely come again just for their fish sandwich which is to die for. A great spot for groups!
(4)D H.
I ordered the Hawaiian rib eye steak - medium. The steak was cooked perfectly. The waitress was very attentive. This place is a hidden gem-- figurative and literately.
(4)S. J.
This place is pretty cool, though your wallet may not always think so. Ahhh, the bittersweet sting of steakhouses where tourists collide with cubical survivors. A mojito here is going to seduce your taste buds and slap you in the liver in all the right ways, but will set you back at least $14 if I remember correctly (it's probably better to forget!)... Do yourself a favor in more ways than one by ordering a pint of Brick Red, the limited edition special brew from Sam Adams only served in select Boston bars (and no, you can't buy it at the liquor store). Steaks here are Grade A Awesome. Doesn't matter if you're ordering the filet, prime rib, or their Hawaiian rib eye. When it comes to sides, there can be only one -- the colossal, loaded baked potato. But beware -- it will lead you astray into that dangerous territory of filling up on starch, cheese, bacon, and sour cream instead of some of the best steak in the city. The menu is kinda small, though, so be sure to check it out before making a reservation (recommended) or waiting an hour if you walk up. I haven't tried their burgers, since that's like going to an ice cream parlor and ordering half a popsicle. Save room for dessert -- the key lime pie is pretty damn good, though I'm pretty sure they've changed their crust in the last year... used to be solid gold. Now it's just gold plated. But the pie filling itself is still not to be missed. Take half that loaded baked potato home if you have to.
(4)Mark W.
This is a great restaurant....if I had to find a fault, it's underground with no view. However the ambiance, service, and quality make up for it! I also preferred the Houston's name over Hillstone....but that's marketing....I'll probably still call it Houston's. While this is so much more than a burger joint, it's got bar none one of the best cheeseburgers I've ever had. It's the fries, the bun, the cheese, the beef - everything brought together - just a really good burger. But also the sushi, the steaks, the salads are all very good. Oh and for this restaurant with a view, try their Houston's in Pompano Beach....I've been to a dozen Houston's and they're consistently great.
(4)Randy S.
Two words: Hawaiian Rib-eye. It was succulent, delicious and served with incredible aptitude. My dinner party ordered the sushi as a starter and it was some of the best rolls I have ever had. I ordered the Hawaiian Rib-eye, which I have already commented on; my buddy to the left ordered a chicken that was amazing; and across the table the fish was ordered. Everything was served with impeccable timing and style. The waitress was helpful and knowledgeable. We paired our meal with a bottle of malbec, that although it was overpriced was excellent. I must say their wine list offers an option for everyones' taste-buds. The brownies for dessert brought a perfect end to an incredible meal. The atmosphere was the silent fifth star in this review. It will not disappoint.
(5)Sara S.
Concerning their veggie burger specifically: it is only on the lunch menu, but you can specifically ask for it for dinner. It comes WITH mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles, unless you ask for something different. It also comes with cheese. See below. Because of the other Yelp reviews, I asked for clarification regarding the veggie burger. I was told the above... except I was not told about the cheese. So when I asked for my veggie burger with BBQ sauce rather than mustard and mayo, and without pickles, I was not expecting a cheese veggie burger. Apparently cheese is a default option, and I was not informed. Not a huge deal, but I would have preferred it without and didn't feel like waiting for it to be fixed. So, if you're someone who likes their burger a specific way, please keep this in mind. It was delicious, just a little annoying I wasn't clearly informed.
(5)Courtney R.
I arrived at Hillstone's and was immediately intrigued by it's sunken floor layout (you walk downstairs to get into the entrance of the restaurant). While it is in Faneuil Hall, this floor-plan creates an elite, separate atmosphere that puts Hillstone's on another plane. At 8:30 on a weeknight, the bar was buzzing with energy and full of 30 somethings. We enjoyed cranberry-vodkas and the servers were attentive and polite. After an hour or so, we decided on ordering Thai tuna roll which was delicious. The two sauces it came with, as well as the crusted exterior to the roll, were nice compliments to one another.
(4)Lindsay G.
I have been there nearly once a week for the past year. The staff is amazing. Always on point and amazingly friendly. Since I have been there so many times some of the staff stop by my table or seat at the bar just to say hello and even check-in if it has been some time since they have seen me. As for the menu, my only complaint is that they keep taking the "home smoked salmon" off the menu. It is an amazing dish and can easily be had for a lunch. Everything else I have ever had there (which is nearly everything on their menu) has only ever been absolutely amazing. I love the lounge feel of the whole place. I would love if they had an umbrella stand, or a coat rack for the bar. That would be awesome.
(5)Laura S.
Great ambiance! It's very busy during lunch/right after work so try and get there a wee bit early. Although they have wonderful ribs, they're not exactly conducive to a business lunch. But you can still feel special by ordering "off menu"---the california burger! They grind their chuck every morning (nooo idea how I know that) and layer the burger with cheese, tomatoes, avocado and other fun things. The fries are spectacular as well. Thin, crispy, perfectly-salted. If you want something a little lighter, I highly suggest getting the inside-out spicy tuna roll salad. The tuna roll is delic (better than sakura bana) and the salad that comes with it is divine. Mango-pickled red onion-cilantro perfectly compliment the spicy flavor of the sushi. yum!
(4)Who Is K.
This is one of my favorite places to eat. Not only are they consistent but they also pay for your parking!!!! From the sushi to the steak...it is excellence. My boyfriend and I usually start with the caesar salad and then go for one of the specials. Awesome food, awesome atmosphere and great service.
(5)David B.
I am not really a huge fan of chain restaurants, but due to a combination of being tired and simply wanting some dinner, I went to Houston's. Turned out to be a pleasant experience. The interior vibe is cool, dark and masculine. It feels like the kind of place da Mayor and his cronies would hang out as well as the cool kids who work in the area. The wine list was small but the bar was well stocked. I enjoyed my food but have an issue with this place...the portions were WAY too big. I ordered a dinner salad with my entree of ribs. The dinner salad could have been the entree! The ribs, cole slaw and fries were more reasonable, but there could have been a few nips and tucks as well. Still, the ribs were tender and nicely prepared and I really liked the cole slaw. I also thought the prices were rather high for the kind of food offered. Houston's served its need....I found dinner....but is a place I do not have to return. The North End is just Blocks away! :-)
(3)Erica B.
this really was not good. We were here for a party, had a reservation. Staff wound up dividing our group into two booths and a table - across the room from one another! Had I not been invited to the Hillstone, I would not have gone. ordinary, rote, bland barely elevated from banal chain-restaurant fare. sushi was horrendous, firmly-packed, pre-made kind of stuff. light on the fish, heavy on the mayo and other weird contents. All rolls, about $15 each and not good. Ours is a coastal city, we can easily get fresh sustainable seafood and prepare it right. This was not. drinks small and VERY expensive (and I am a Boston native, not at all buggered by the cost of living here like many tourists - but $14 for a bottle of light beer? seriously?). Server was giving us the very rehearsed specials, etc. and then disappeared. Never mentioned the price of a friend's entree (it was $30 for a 5 oz cut of fish and 4 asparagus spears - he was quite surprised at the bill!). I asked for mustard, it never came. I asked for pickles on the side, no pickles on my plate at all. She later poured water in my beer glass (why do they use the same size glass?), and cleared my dinner while I was still eating it (and didn't wrap up my leftovers) - but it didn't matter, since given the size of our party (over 6), an 18% gratuity was automatically added to the full, post-tax bill. I mean no disrespect to them, but I think the positive reviews about the food must be from people who don't go out much or are tourists from places with fewer dining options. We are fortunate to have a great many far far superior places to eat in Boston. one point of praise - the veggie burger itself is really good. the anemic ice-cold fries served with it? not so much. There is no reason whatsoever to go to Hillstone. Basically, the place is a classed-up Friday's at four times the price. I'd rather have a microwaved bagel, at least I'd get to finish it.
(1)Linda T.
The best thing about this place is the fact that you can get fresh fruit juice in your cocktails. Makes all the difference when you love gray goose greyhounds. This is definitely a fun place to be after work on a Thursday or Friday in Boston financial district. Its easy to get through and the ambiance is definitely chic!!! The bar fair is pretty good. At least better then the Houston's in Houston, TX. They have a great sushi menu. I recommend the vegetable roll and the Thai tuna roll. YUM!!!!!!!!! The cool part of this place is that the bar opens out to the little outside patio. Great for meeting friends and on a warming and sunny day!!!! Miss HOUSTONS!!!!
(4)Caitlin A.
Oh, Houston's. Why do you make me crave you every fortnight? On paper, I shouldn't like you. You're a chain. After 5, you fill with goofballs in suits and executive assistant chicks, still carrying the Sketchers they walked to work in. You're a little over priced for what you are. But oh, your chili. And your red bean soup. I love your fries. I love that tourists are a little intimidated by you. They thankfully end up eating at Dick's Last Resort and stumbling out, flushed faced and wearing white paper-tablecloth-turned-pope hats, which never cease to remind me of the KKK. But no one gets paper hats in you, Houston's. And I like that. I love your super friendly bartenders and waitstaff. I love that mere seconds after ordering chips and salsa, they appear in front of me. I love that your bar is a large oval, so that I can sit on one side and watch the after workers try to pick up each other on the opposite side. They usually fail. But sometimes -sometimes they succeed. And you know what, Houston's? I believe they have you to thank.
(4)Casey H.
Very good BBQ ribs that fall right off the bone.
(3)Molly M.
My friends and I went here on a Friday later in the evening. It was crowded but still had room to be seated at the table. Drinks were delicious. We didn't really need entrees so we got the loaded baked potato- holy yum! Delicious. Shout out to our server Patrick, who had to put up with 4 silly women but he did it all with a smile. Thanks!
(4)Liz V.
Over priced? You get what you pay for. Yes, I pay $15.00 for a glass of my favorite red wine, yes I pay $32.00 for a steak that melts in my mouth and HELL yes I pay $12.00, hell I'd even pay $200.00, for that spinach artichoke appetizer. Houston's is like going home. The low ceiling with exposed beams, dark wood accents, candle light and cigar smoking on the patio makes it my heaven. It is expensive but you get what you pay for. I've dined many nights alone at the bar yet I am not the 40 single woman fellow yelper Nicholas S. speaks of but still there are people at the bar that are friendly, make for good company and conversation so I never feel alone in this city. I love you Houstons!
(5)Janet E.
I love this place. I've been here over a handful of times and their Thai Steak & Noodle salad never fails me. Its so delicious! I get it almost everytime I come here. My friend ordered the clam chowder (because there isnt enough of that in Boston). She wasnt too happy that they had put bacon and crackers in it before it arrived at the table. Just a forewarning to those that like their clam chower plain. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was just right.
(4)M d.
Visited Houston's for lunch on a quiet Saturday, a few weeks ago. What a disappointment. Won't be eating there again of my own volition! The food? It was ok. At those prices, though, I did not see the value. The service? Here's why I give it one star instead of the three I could give it based on food alone: upon entering the restaurant, the host humiliated me in front of my friends by ordering me to take my hat off. I was wearing a rather understated scally cap, which I had no idea would offend; but I obliged, not wishing to importune my friends and stand in the way of their food. Imagine my ire, however, when - upon leaving the restaurant - I noticed no less than FOUR other patrons wearing hats around the restaurant, happily eating their meals. I felt arbitrarily discriminated against by this bigoted establishment, particularly since one of the other hats being worn was a rather prominent fedora on a guy's head and the another was a typical baseball hat with its female wearer's pony tail sticking out of the back. Classy. If you have a no-hat policy, don't make your customers feel bad about their style choices - and enforce the policy consistently, or don't bother having a policy.
(1)Bret C.
Houston's is a great place to have a drink and has an outstanding location. It's clean and modern. But the food is not anything overly special. It's verrrrry pricey for what you get and it's just "okay." I've got to say that every single person I talked to that worked there was incredibly nice and courteous - hard to find that at most places in Boston!
(3)Joe D.
Excellent service, the menu has a very good selection and is not too pricey considering the location and quality of the food. The ambiance and decor make it an unforgetful dining experience.
(5)Dave W.
While I agree that this is upscale chain and a bit pricy....the food is great and the place is spotless. Considering some of the other choices in Boston, I love Hillstone.
(5)Ashley H.
This place has a great atmosphere but we felt like we were rushed the entire time. We arrived a little early for our reservation hoping to get a drink at the bar but then just ended up getting seated. One waiter greeted us and took our drink order and a different waitress ended up taking our order. We ordered an app and before we finished the app it was taken away because our dinner was ready. Then while we were eating 6 people asked if they could take our dishes. It is nice to have attentive service but there is a fine line between attentive and annoying and this place definitely crossed the line. I wish the experience was better because this would be a nice place to go, but we will not go back.
(3)Stacey H.
Here's what makes Houston's great: 1. Large bar with open-air seating - on a warm day they open the windows. The bar is huge and there is also outdoor seating. 2. Cozy booths - good for large groups, classy atmosphere (although I don't agree with the weather vane decor). 3. Fancy bathrooms - I'm a sucker for clean bathrooms, especially in busy restaurants. Houston's bathrooms are super clean - which shows they care. 4. Fantastic service - Our waitress was above and beyond excellent. So was the bartender and the host. 5. Amazing cuisine - Even though we only had lunch I can honestly say that the wild rice salad and asparagus was the best I've ever had. My date's Roast Beef Au Jus sandwich was also hands down amazing. It was a little pricey - but honestly, with that type of service, location and great food I can't really complain. I'll be going back for more!
(4)Chrissy H.
As a rule, I try not to go to chain restaurants. I always leave disappointed. However, Houston's is the exception. I love it! I'm a creature of habit so I'll often get the same thing on the menu (Thai Steak & Noodle salad & Chicken Finger platter). They accommodate you if you would like to change up the order (which I do often since I'm slightly picky). I ALWAYS have leftovers when I order the Chicken Finger platter. So while it's expensive, it's really two meals in one. One thing to keep in mind is that they also have a secret menu and two items that I've been meaning to try are: California Burger and Club Salad. They look amazing. The ONLY reason I'm giving it four stars is because of the drink prices. They are ridiculous for the size of the drink. I would prefer to grab a cheap drink in one of the other bars in Fan Hall than to order a $10+ drink. Other than that, I love it here and would certainly recommend.
(4)Meghan P.
We used to head into Boston from Cambridge just for Houston's amazing Cobb salads. My college roommate from Atlanta, Georgia always claimed that Houston's was like a taste of home. She typically led the escapades into Boston for dinner... The food is delicious and the prices are reasonable too. For some reason, while Houston's is a chain, the menu seems to vary a lot nationally. I actually prefer the items on the San Francisco menu but the great quality and friendly service is the same. Please expect to wait for a table but you can always enjoy a glass of wine at the bar until it's your turn for a table...
(4)Jackie G.
It's a little pricey but the food and drink is amazing. It took a really long time to be seated but it was definitely worth it. We waited at the bar but the hostess was really rude to my friend when she asked 30 minutes later (when told it would only be a 20 minute wait) how much longer. The bartender was also kinda bitchy. Other than that the food and drinks were delicious.
(4)Jen H.
I truly like Houstons. It's in Faneuil Hall so going in I was expecting lots of tourists... but was pleasantly surprised to find that was not the case. Our waiter was really nice, service was up to par, and the food was made well. We didn't have a reservation and didn't have to wait in line for a table, as we came for an early dinner. The feel of this restaurant is slightly more upscale than other venues around the F.H. area, so I liked that as an option... and despite it's F.H. location this is a venue I would voluntarily go to over many others in the nearby vicinity if hunger strikes.
(4)Jennifer B.
This is my favorite restaurant in Boston. I love the ambiance there, and the food has always been delicious. My favorite is the Evil Jungle Thai Steak Salad. Also, their filet is excellent when you want a treat and can afford it. They have the best French Dip I've ever had. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because I went there recently and they increased their prices. They don't have any wine choices for under $10 any more! They used to be $7 -$9 for a glass of wine, which is pricey, but not unreasonable. But I will not pay $10 or more for a glass when I can pay that for a decent bottle. Also, I'm not a huge fan of their beer offerings. So: Food=excellent, drinks = sub-par and overpriced
(4)Erin G.
Stopped by Houston's for an early dinner (530) and though I had a reservation, there were plenty of open tables and we were seated immediately. our service was really professional and warm which is so refreshing for a chain. atmosphere: a little too dark and the banquettes felt super low to the ground, our server towered over us, or at least it felt that way. i ordered the veggie burger, my date ordered the raquet club sandwich, and both were fully enjoyed. Houston's price to portion ratio is even too. It's a good meal, very beef-oriented, so vegetarians take heart. update: i've been back here so i guess i like the place well enough! the sashimi tuna salad is out of this world with huge chunks of avocado and mango. you should also have a few margaritas, they are tasty and refreshing.
(4)Mary D.
Went to Houston's on a Friday night around 7:30 pm. Without reservations, which I am not sure they take, the wait was about 45 minutes to an hour. The bar was packed, with mostly 20-somethings right from work. Managed to get seats at the bar and decided to eat there. Had the spinach & artichoke dip to start - good, but not great. For dinner, I had the steak and noodle salad, which was just ok. Husband had the steak special, which he declared to be the best steak he has ever had. Good size portions. Bartender was great - talkative and helpful. Chef delivered food to us, which was impressive. Overall, experience was good, but I may be too old for that bar scene. Too loud and crowded.
(3)Andrea A.
You just can't go wrong here. Everything is always fresh, from the ground beef, to the biscuits to the fries. Forget the burger at the Four Seasons-- Hillstone has it beat by a mile. Spinach dip is addicting, their ribs fall off the bone. It can get pretty crowded at lunch time, so plan accordingly. The after-work bar scene feels like a meat market, so avoid it if that's not your thing.
(4)Josh P.
Excellent veggie burger and great atmosphere.
(5)Christine L.
Best veggie burger in town! Recently tried Sushi. Good but not outstanding.
(4)Traci M.
Get our your wallet cuz it ain't cheap here. Cheesebuger 14 Fish Sandwich 17 ________________ 2 sodas+ 20% tip=$46 The food is great. The service is excellent. But the pricess are crazy and the menu is VERY limited!
(4)Nathan B.
Great vegetarian burgers and sushi. Steps away from Faneuil Hall. Dine in an elegant setting. Excellent service.
(5)Jay D.
Ate here this afternoon. It was the first time for all at the table except one. We all tried the Pork Ribs which were delicious, and will again be delicious i'm sure as lunch at work tomorrow. Oh will my work peeps be jealous. :-) The clam chowder was excellent, while the Cheddar Toast was bleh. The 4 nut brownie was also excellent. I wish i still worked in the financial district to check out their Happy Hour which i hear about all too often. Our main server was adorable(Jessie) as were most of the girls on this afternoon. I think we were helped by 4 different servers which was refreshing to see that level of teamwork in a spot where most bills will easily head north of 3 figures very quickly.
(4)Wendy L.
I know it's a chain, but I love it. The fish and meats are really good, and the spinach and artichoke dip is divine. Boo on no reservations for large parties...but I guess it didn't stop us from waiting it out!
(5)Jessica A.
I love Houston's! The thai steak and noodle salad is killer. The waitstaff are some of the friendliest servers you'll encounter in Boston. Great service, impeccable food.
(5)Denise L.
Went for drinks with some friends. Let me start by saying the place was not busy at all and there were 3 bartenders at the bar chatting it up. Took a half hour to get two martinis and had to send one back because it was a gin martini when my friend asked for a vodka martini. My SO ordered a bombay sapphire and tonic, our waitress came back and said they didn't have bombay. So when asked what the alternatives were, she started listed vodkas. She didn't know what the difference was and admitted it. When he finally decided on what gin he wanted, another server brought it over and said "who ordered the bombay and tonic?" They just told us they didn't have bombay - he asked for extra lime but there was no lime in the drink and when asked the server said "I saw the bartender squeeze lime in in there did you also want a piece of lime?" Seriously? As it turned out the tonic water was flat so he sent it back and stuck with water. Never again
(1)Natalia T.
pricey, but very tasty! if you're willing to pay $14 for a burger, you won't be dissapointed! it's juicy, delicious and something I crave every week now ;) Something as simple as chicken ceasar was also very very good ... the dressing was mixed in there, and the chicken was very very tender and nicely marinaded. $14 tuna roll didn't really live up to be worth $14 ... I think they should get rid of sushi, it's a little too much for a bar staff is not always great, you might get a grumpy one once in a while :(
(5)R A.
Everything I've had here has been great. Despite being a chain, it doesn't have that feel. Their service was excellent and the food was very well prepared and portioned. They are really lacking in their cocktail variety, but they have excellent mojitos.
(4)Amanda D.
I go to this bar every couple weeks for after work drinks. I think it is one of the best places in Boston to go for a drin. it is definitely nice in the summer when they have the front glass doors open. Granted, it can get a bit crowded every now and again, but for me it is worth it. Although the food menu is a little small, I have eaten here numerous times and have always loved it. The salads are awesome, steaks great, soups lovely. Why not stop on by!?
(4)Eric A.
One of my favorite restaurant's in the country. The atmosphere is cool, the food is delicious, and the waitstaff is nice.
(4)Jen C.
My friend and I ended up have a late lunch at Houston's yesterday. It was a beautiful day out, so we wanted to sit outside. When we arrived, we managed to get the last outside table, but the place was't packed, which made the atmostphere relaxing and people watching fantastic. Our waitress was attentive and knowledgeable. She knew the wines by the glass and even how they were fermented. She brought us our wine and water, and the two of us basically chugged our water. She saw this, and then brought over a carafe of water, filled our glasses and left us the water, without asking. My friend had the French Dip and said it was really good. I had the Hickory burger that was delicious. The buttered grilled bun put it over the top. Skinny, cruchy fries accompanied each of our meals and were yummy. What's funny is that after we finished our meals, my friend and I were still talking about how the water tasted so good. It was cold, but not too cold, and no ice. We laughed that we would write a review and say the food was good, but the water was great!
(4)Susan M.
I love this restaurant! Every meal that you get is delicious and get an A on presentation every time. They have a small menu but with a variety of choices there is someothing for everyone. There sushi is delicious and always fresh, overall every experience I've had here has been fantastic! The ambiance is great, somewhat romantic with the dim lighting, and a great place to go after work to sit at the bar for drinks. I love going in the fall/spring to sit outside or at the bar right infront of the open doors!
(5)Alphonse C.
Hillstone, formerly called Houston's is my go to for lunch or dinner when I have a few extra bucks in my pocket. Its tucked away in Faneuil hall Hall and has a big after work business crowd which I try to avoid. I must say the California rolls there are by far probably the best I've ever had and its not even a Japanese restaurant !! Go figure? Also the Hawaiian Rib eye is cooked to perfection served with a loaded baked to potato to die for. (only served for dinner which is annoying BTW). I prefer to sit at the bar, though the bartenders looked a bit stressed often and not that on the ball for such a corporate environment. Though eating in the dinning room is really nice, each table is very private and comforting. There's also an open air kitchen which always brings a nice level of excitement to a restaurant. I always like to see who cooking :) The servers are prompt and all work together at your table which is different and unique. Though I prefer to have one server generally when dining, its a bit impersonal there with that approach.
(4)Stephen Y.
We only stayed at the bar - difficult to get a seat even on a week night but kinda worth it. Food was surprisingly good (benefits of being associated with a real restaurant). Highly highly recommend the chicken tender and the sushi was pretty decent as well. Expect to pay a bit of a premium for food, however.
(4)Josh P.
As a former restaurant worker (bartender), I can say that one of the easiest ways to gauge the quality of an establishment is to look at the servers. If they are smiling and seem happy to be there, chances are you're at a good restaurant. Applying this standard, as I always do, I was very encouraged when I walked into Houston's on a recent Sunday night. On the short walk from the entrance to my table, a very comfy booth in the back, I was greeted by smiling face after smiling face. And, my old test proved itself accurate once again. The atmosphere is hip and comfortable without being pretentious, the service was flawless and the food was delicious. I will certainly be going back.
(5)Roxanne M.
The rows of wide red booths make it a comfy place to meet with friends and linger a while. Make a reservation if you're there on a weekend night, and plan to share the spinach/artichoke dip. As a vegetarian, there weren't too many options for me, but if you eat fish that opens up your options as it (surprisingly) has sushi mixed in with the other offerings. It's a little pricey but that's to be expected in this part of town.
(3)Alex L.
Houston's is awesome! Everything on the menus is fantastic. The service is always great, but wait a minute... I only gave them 3 stars... Why IS that? Oh that's right EVERYTHING on the menu is at least $5 more than any other Houston's Restaurant in the entire US. I don't care that their rent is extremely high, they are so busy ALL THE TIME that they could afford to be cheaper. That's the biggest reason I don't frequent this restaurant. In Dallas, I LOVE this place. Here, it's like... Ok take the T for 45 minutes, or drive downtown and pay for $25 parking, so either way it sucks to get there, then I have to shell out an extra $5 on whatever I want to eat there. It just bothers the hell out of me. Anyways, I'll probably end up going this week anyway because I've been craving the French Dip like crazy.
(3)sarah k.
Very much one of my absolute favorite restaurants! The atmosphere is perfect and you really do not want much more than to stay and enjoy the food and drinks, along with the service that does not try to push you away. My only slight criticism I have for Hillstone is with regards to their once outstanding rib entree. Every now and then, the restaurant switches up their menu a bit but the change made 6 months ago is awful. The meal was consistently delicious; ribs laid out as one with the perfect amount of sauce but still able to taste the flavorful pork. Now, they are stacked and smothered in sauce. Needless to say, I sent the dish back and will never order it again. I didn't even know there was meat under it. Some of these changes just seem to reflect a way to cut costs in making their food.
(4)Jackie D.
We were told that our wait for a table was going to be 25-30 minutes, but it ended up being over an hour. Normally not an issue as we got drinks at the bar, however, I was particularly hungry this Saturday night and was displeased by the unexpectedly excessive wait. Would've got an app at the bar had we known. The host also confused us for another party and got our hopes up, said he'd check on our name but never did. The bar tenders were very busy but did acknowledge us and eventually got to our drinks, a non-issue. When we sat a girl took our drink order but never actually got our drinks and a second waitress came over who ended up serving us. Service was just mediocre which is why I feel as though I can't give Houston's more than 3 stars. However, our food was amazing! We had an eel sushi app, something I've never had before but actually loved. And my juicy steak was cooked perfectly! Wish I could give it at least one more star for the delish food, but the overall experience was just OK. I would go again though, but think next time it will be on a weeknight or a time when it's less busy.
(3)Emily C.
I basically joined Yelp to write a review on this restaurant. I had such a terrible experience here with the service that it convinced me I would not be returning. I had ordered a pork dish that was quite large. The waiter literally tried to take the dish away from me, with plenty of meat left on it, over five times when I was still eating. Eventually he resorted to sending different waitstaff over to actually clear our plates as I had probably scared him with my sharp words. I understand this is not fine dining, but there has to be some standard to not grab peoples' plates out from under them when they are eating. He even tried to take one of our bottles of wine away from us before it was finished! I know it sounds dramatic, but I truly was appalled at the service. We had probably the best table in the house, I understand they want to turn it over, but we were a group of 5 ordering bottles of wine, drinks, main courses. The service was incredibly inappropriate for any dining-out experience. Since the food was just OK, the horrible service stood out the most for the 1 star rating.
(1)Nic A.
Houston's is fast becoming one of my go-to restaurants. The other reviews have pretty much said it all: This place is one of the few "good chains" around. Go here! Eat, drink, and be merry.
(4)jenny c.
I don't ever recall devouring a burger so tasty,, I came here by referral and soon came to find out that this place Rocks! I pass by here to work every morning and I finally ended up getting myself over with a couple co-workers.. Great food, and a nice atmosphere.. Great location as well, right next to the train stop.. and the rest of faneuil hall.
(4)Sophia C.
Delish. I always try my best to find something vegan on any menu in the hopes that I will not be a complete pain in the ass. I ordered the veggie burger at Houston's - the waitress very nicely took my order and I told her I wanted a veggie burger, but no cheese, butter - I cannot have dairy. When she left, the chef came to our table and made sure that nothing had dairy in it for me - even the bread. After millions of times telling a restaurant that I cant have dairy, then spending a night being sick - (all vegans eventually become lactose-intolerant, usually about a month or so or strictly no dairy in the diet) - Houston's was a nice change. I had a lovely experience and wasnt sick after - what a concept!! ****** The veg burger I orderd today was covered in mayo and butter after I asked for no dairy. Houston's, we have have a problem.
(4)Sam C.
This is a good dependable place in faneuil hall for drinks and dinner. Good salads, burgers, wine list. Just didn't understand why they opened our bottle of wine before bringing it to the table. I don't think anyone should ever do that. But for an area of Boston severely lacking in decent places to eat this would be my top choice.
(3)Peter R.
Everything here was very good. The food was tasty, and the menu had a good selection of casual "American" food. I had a fish sandwich, and my friend had chicken tenders. Don't expect to be wowed though, the lunch was good, but still in the "ordinary" range. The server was helpful and friendly. I was at the restaurant in the late afternoon, so it wasn't very crowded and entrees came out quickly. The prices are a bit steep for what you get, but considering it's location that's not surprising (read: it's a little bit of a tourist trap). It's still a better deal than a lot of places in Faneuil Hall (which are all tourist traps). The decor is tasteful and original. It's a little dark (and slightly subterranean), but certainly not in an unpleasant way.
(3)Ame k.
we went on sat around 1pm, no wait, the service is ok but the veggie burger is the "bomb" and i dont use this term, my coworker did. we (4 ppl) order the veggie burger, it was the best thing i ever tasted.
(5)Melissa B.
I highly recommend this place for a nicer lunch, but go early because there's always a wait and they won't seat you unless your whole party is there (even w/ a res). Wonderful service as well.
(3)Matt W.
Yes, it used to be the location of Houlihan's. Not unlike the overwhelming smell of human urine outside Grotto, this fact about Houston's former tenant should not sway your decision to enter. This bunker-like, slightly subterranean location is just the right setting for a unique, Frank Lloyd Wright-esque experience. The service is professional, and team driven. The food is subjected to the "We are near Quincy Market" Tourist Mark-up, but it's absolutely worth it. What to order? The Knife and Fork Ribs. Completely fall-off-the-bone-melt-in-your-mouth fantastic. If you go for dinner, wait till a later hour to avoid the after work drinkers. Reservations are recommended, but the bar is a great place to people watch if you just want to drop in. For those of you (like me) that become addicted to the ribs, and live nearby; They do not do To-Go orders. Great place to bring out of town friends who insist on doing dinner near Quincy Market. (however, I would suggest that you purge your life of such friends as soon as they are on the plane). UPDATE 8/15/06: Recently we visited this establishment again. Friends came from Legal Sea Food to meet up with us at the end of our meal. It was 9:55 and they closed at 10. The server said that she could probably serve them 1 round of drinks (we didn't even plan on that, but were happy she offered). Our 3 friends arrived and the manager stopped them with "We're closed." They said they were meeting us, to which he replied "We're closed." He finally let them by when I came to the front. As the server greeted them and asked if they wanted a drink, the manager came to the table, took the server away, and she returned a moment later stating, "Since you are at a table and not ordering food, my manager said you cannot have a drink." My wife and I just finished a great meal, only to have our friends insulted by the ass manager. How would this affect the price of friggin tea in China if they had 1 beer while waiting us to finish our meal??? As we left, he was locking the revolving door (it was 10:05PM). He grunted "Use the other door" as we approached. Now that's class.... without the "cl". THE FATAL FLAW OF HOUSTONS. THEY HAVE UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME FOOD, BUT A CORPORATE EDICT WHICH GIVES THEIR MANAGERS AN ARROGANT SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT. I AM GOING TO HAVE TO REDUCE THIS REVIEW TO 4 STARS, NOW. Damn you manager!
(4)Joel S.
Would definitely come back. The fish was very fresh and tasty. Service was impeccable, and cute. Bar staff was good, there's an outdoor patio which is nice and the decor inside was pleasing. Prices are, well, pricey, but the expense report works well. They even had the yankee/sox game on TV which was a nice touch, too bad the score wasn't.
(4)Carolina L.
This is a great place to go and have a nice dinner.. the food is soo good.. everything i had was incredible the ribs are exquisite the soups too.. and the desserts waooo.. if you are looking for a nice and good restaurant this is the perfect one..
(5)Jayashree P.
Incredible atmosphere and great service. They serve the best veggie burger in the world that you must have with a side of the most perfect coleslaw. After work the bar can get crowded, but worth a visit.
(4)Rebecca C.
I definitely love Houston's. It all started when I tried their banana creme pie for the first time. (I believe it's a seasonal dish, be patient if they don't have it...try for it next time). Someone brought it for me to go after their lunch. It was the highlight of my day. Now, I think I've tried nearly everything on the menu. The ribs are truly "the best" ribs I've ever had. They're better than Red Bones! The Tuna Sashimi Salad is truly incredible, as is the Evil Thai Jungle Salad. The service is a bit strange. Generally you get one server who takes your order, but what feels like 12 other servers bringing your food, drinks, etc. So you don't get that camraderie with your server if you enjoy that part of it. Which I do. But other than that, we haven't had a bad experience there. The biggest shortfall of Houston's is the booths. It restricts the number of people you can have sitting at one table. And all they have are booths. No regular tables. So you really and truly can't have a party bigger than 6 or 7 people, unless you want to sit at separate tables...done that too. Not so fun.
(4)Lala L.
Never had a bad meal here. It's a steak house, but their salads are damn good! Also, do get the baby back ribs...they're juicy and falls off the bone. There may be a long wait on the weekends, and parties more than five/six is not a good idea here. (depending on how tall you peeps are)
(4)Laura L.
Not really a fan of this place. Maybe because I am a college student but it seemed to business professional type of atmosphere. I have been in there two times once for drinks and the other for dinner. Both weren't bad but definitely pricey. I guess its great for an after work cocktail...
(4)sunny n.
A decent average place to hang out for drinks and some snacks in the financial district..they make some mean cocktails..the martinis are dam good...the menu is a mixed bag w/ some great items like the Georgian Cod, the Vegetarian Burger...whereas other items can dissapoint....and the service is jus alrite ...I just find too many people helping you out (hostess, person to get your first drink, then waitress) so that kinna confuses me a bit. ..call me ol fashioned if u will but I like to deal with one person once seated..and an occasional check in from the hostess is very charming yet hard to find.......the crowd is a mix of young and some ol.....Comfy leather seating and dim lighting is perfect...located in an almost semi basement venue..with slick low ceilings..and bang outside Fanuel HalI is very cool....I would personally prefer an odd time of the day to go here..because I usually don't like places where many people show up from an office after work..and with Boston's downtown area lacking diversity it just automatically makes it less appealing for me...!
(3)Cindy C.
Fantastic place to grab lunch or drinks after work. My favorite thing on the menu is the spicy tuna roll salad. I have dreams about that salad. Burgers are delicious, and the fries are unbelievable. Can't go wrong with the spinach & artichoke dip. The restaurant is always busy in the summer. There is some stiff competition, but Houstons is definetly one of the best choices in Faneuil Hall. It can get a little dark in there sometimes, but everything is delish!
(4)Ryan B.
This is one of my favorite places in Boston, the food is unreal. My wife lives for the chicken tender salad, and the burgers are THE BEST IN BOSTON. Only problem, the service is a joke. I don't get it, we live right in the hood so go all the time, and every freakin time there are a million people in black waiter/waitress outfits walking around, but none of them seem to come to our table. The last two times I have been, we have literally had to walk up to the counter to find our waitress to order something, and both times have had to had our orders fixed since they screwed it up. Very disappointing service, but food is great. Scene sucks by the bar with the financial losebags hanging out every night acting like they own the place.
(2)Ankita d.
For the longest time, I'd only known Houston's as a bar. But teh food is surprizingly amazing. I had a great roasted squash dish that was unique and so yum. Great drinks and great atmosphere
(4)Kathryn B.
Went here recently for drinks after work. This place was okay. It wasn't very busy when I got there, but the hostess was rather snippy about sitting me before my friends arrived. The service was decent and the drinks were good but overpriced. My friend ordered the tortilla soup and wasn't that impressed. The waitress was very helpful in determining what items were gluten free, although nothing I wanted was. Would meet people for drinks here again, but probably wouldn't be the one to suggest it.
(3)Kelly W.
I love Houston's! The spinach and artichoke dip and grilled chicken salad are my favorites. The drinks are a little pricey.
(4)Rebecca Y.
Great for after work drinks and a meeting spot to grab a bite with a friend. Although the burgers are expensivo - yum.
(4)Jesse N.
I was first introduced to Houston's by my friend Marisa, who couldn't get over how classy this restaurant is. I agree with her. houston's serves fancy American food, my favorite of which being the cobb salad. This is a great place to meet up with friends after a long day at work. The ambience provides for a quiet and comfortable setting for relaxation and ease. A great place for a weekend lunch.
(4)Brandy S.
I like this place - one of the few places in Fanuel that is worth going to and probably won't be filled with tourists. While it is great to grab a drink, the food is also delicious. I had an excellent fillet there that has the quality of a steakhouse, but was not quite as expensive.
(4)Brian G.
I love this place. The California Burger is heaven in every bite. The burger has fresh avocado, pepper jack cheese and the perfect bun. They let you have the choice of fries, which are good but not unreal, and cole slaw which is the second best cole slaw I have ever had in my life. That is saying alot because I am a huge cole slaw fan and the only place I ever had gotten better cole slaw was from a high end deli in Walnut Creek, CA. They also have Pacifico Mexican Beer which is not easy to find and it is the best beer in the world, I have the gut to prove it. I would love to say that I have tried everything on the menu but when I go there I have to get the burger but I have had a few of their appetizers and they are quite good. I recommend the fire roasted artichoke. I also have gotten there hot fudge sundae and let me tell you its the perfect way to end a meal. Houston's may seem pricey with the burger being $15 dollars but you can pay 11 for a sub-par burger down the street at a tourist trap like Cheers. When you want to treat yourself, go to Houston's.
(5)Mark T.
Great food and atmosphere. Perfect place for a quick lunch with colleagues or clients. During the week, try arriving at 11:45 or there will be a long wait for a table!
(5)Phil B.
A weird experience here. The place is cavernous with a 70s feel of velour and booths. We had to wait for a table and stand in the bar for quite a while. The greeting staff were not friendly and that was the start of a night of poor service. Once seated, we were harrassed from the start by a waitress who seemed to be speaking an alien language (we nodded and smiled). The food we ordered was pretty average - my haddock was good (if a little small and not with much love), Mrs B's salmon nothing to write home about. Everything was brought to our table in a virtual stampede of waiting staff - at one point four people were working our table simultanously. Despite the fact that the place was emptying out on a Sunday night we were pretty much harrassed out of there in less time than we waited for the table. Given the prices they charge, I would expect much, much better.
(2)bex g.
good place for a very yummy dinner. hearty meals and nice presentation. not a standout place for drinks or hangout though -- much more of an older crowd. there isn't anything particularly wrong with it, just that there are so many other better choices in the area. but definitely worth a try or two.
(4)Aunt Selma g.
My tuna salad was good but i give it a three for an unimaginitave menu and a hideous decor.
(3)Jill M.
This restaurant is great and never fails to please. It's a huge after work spot, so you'll see quite a few people at the bar during happy hour. The food is delicious. I recommend the chicken ceasar salad, the clam chowder, and if you need some meat on your bones the filet mignon is amazing. They have a pretty good wine selection but they are lacking a little bit in the liquor department. My roommate is always disappointed because they don't have SoCo. If you're planning to make a meal of it at Houston's, be prepared to break the bank a bit.
(4)Anthony A.
The old Houston's. Cool lay out, large bar ( if there's a wait it makes it much easier), and great food. I like the atmosphere at hill stone; the noise level was average, the crowd was young professionals and the food choice was wide ( burgers to sushi). I got the center cut filet and had no complaints!
(4)Daisy C.
I didn't know what to give "Hillstone". A two or a three. Pricey! That's that. The menu changes often, which was a bad thing for me. Because when the chicken sandwich was taken out, I was out that door to never return. The interior is warm and you'll feel out of place if you're not wearing something more...I don't know...business wear. The menu is small, not a lot of option (to some, this may be a good thing). I think "Hillstone" is more for business meetings (where the company picks up the tab). Once more, it is pricey.
(3)Meghan C.
This is one of my favorites. Very solid food. You can't misorder here: everything is good. Perfect for a business lunch or after work drinks. It's trendy and not the cheapest spot, but always a great time. For being in Faneuil, it actually isn't very touristy. I'm disappointed that the spicy tuna salad is no longer on the menu. Sushi pieces are HUGE, so ask to have them cut small, and you'll get normal sized pieces. Best bartender in Boston! Chris is friendly, helpful, and makes a great drink.
(4)Sarah M.
This is one of my favorite local spots. The food is consistently good as is the service. It does get busy on the weekends so I would recommend making a reservation but they are on Open Table so that's easy enough. I've been here with friends and on a date and it's great for either one. The drinks are always good too. My friends and I come here often because we are never disappointed.
(4)Joan C.
Wow. Totally unexpected. Atmosphere was contemporary and clean. Nice woodwork. The food was great... Had the pork chop, and a bite of my dinner mates Hawaiian, tenderloin, and some other cut. Everything was good! Desserts were yummy too. We'll definitely be back.
(5)Della G.
I am glad to see that Hillstone has mostly good reviews here. I think this is an excellent restaurant, and one of the most underrated in Boston. Upscale casual with consistently wonderful food and service. The menu has nice variety from great sushi, salads and seafood to one of the best prime ribs in town. They pour a great drink and have some excellent selections on the wine list. I can't say enough about how well everyone who works there pays attention to each table, and is always checking to be sure everyone has what they need. Nobody is over bearing and they seem to train their staff to be just professional and friendly enough. Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, very cool and comfortable.
(4)O W.
My family and I love this place. Food is fantastic and service is top notch. Several members of the wait staff treat us so warmly every time we visit. My son has several allergies so one of the head chefs , James, always comes out to make sure my little guy is taken care Of. We love this place! My only complaint is one of the managers. Not mentioning any names but she is grumpy and has on several occasions killed my buZz by making some nasty comment. Everyone can't be wonderful and pleasant. Despite this managers grumpy behavior, I highly recommend this place. Food And service is excellent.
(4)Jules C.
We were extremely loyal regulars at Houstons for years. The house-smoked salmon appetizer was not to be missed! Also, the grilled chicken sandwich and the spicy tuna sushi salad with the awesome salad and awesome sushi. The thing that really kept us coming back was the extremely friendly and knowledgeable service (they actually used to bring us a fresh chilled glass when our martinis started to get warm) and one of my favorite atmospheres anywhere. Good music for dining(soft jazz), not too loud to have a conversation and some separation from other diners in the booths. Not to mention the validated parking - perfect! We brought our friends, we were there like clockwork. Sometime in the last few years, I don't know what happened - it all went away. Now the smoked salmon and the grilled chicken sandwich are gone (in addition to a few other favorites), the spicy tuna salad is unrecognizable. and much more expensive, and the service - meh - not terribly friendly or accommodating. SO SAD... we still occasionally come for the atmosphere and the easy parking, but the food and service no longer distinguish this place. Last time we were there, the music was somewhat bizarre (Bjork, I think) and the host was very rude to us...in a competitive restaurant town, it always surprises me when people think that being rude to customers makes sense... Maybe because we aren't beef eaters... Anyway, we grieve every time we ask each other - "where can we go for dinner?" Big hole in our dining hearts!
(2)Cami F.
So I know this place is a chain, but I just love it. I get the same thing every time, and it never fails to disappoint. The Thai tuna roll is original and so so good. I've heard they have great burgers but I just can't NOT get the Thai tuna roll when I go. The best part is their drinks taste great and are very strong. Its almost dangerous (confession: I once wiped out there- flat on my back in the middle of the restaurant. I am embarrassed to say I was only one drink deep). GET THE GIN FIZZ!!! you wont regret it.
(5)O W.
My family and I love this place. Food is fantastic and service is top notch. Several members of the wait staff treat us so warmly every time we visit. My son has several allergies so one of the head chefs , James, always comes out to make sure my little guy is taken care Of. We love this place! My only complaint is one of the managers. Not mentioning any names but she is grumpy and has on several occasions killed my buZz by making some nasty comment. Everyone can't be wonderful and pleasant. Despite this managers grumpy behavior, I highly recommend this place. Food And service is excellent.
(4)Anthony A.
The old Houston's. Cool lay out, large bar ( if there's a wait it makes it much easier), and great food. I like the atmosphere at hill stone; the noise level was average, the crowd was young professionals and the food choice was wide ( burgers to sushi). I got the center cut filet and had no complaints!
(4)Mark M.
Moment of truth: it took me few hours to realize why I couldn't find "Houston's" on Yelp. They changed their name. We just spent two hours there and a couple of hundred bucks and didn't realize this. Anyway...I digress. I've been eating at Houston's (I mean Hillstone...wtf?) for more than fifteen years. I can't think of another national chain that does such an incredible job at making you think you're dining at a one-of-a-kind gem like Houston's does. For your consideration: - service not found elsewhere - a menu that has remained the same for many years...but is still so well executed - a wine list that is not too pompous...but just pompous enough - atmosphere that will make you feel like you're in a movie - pricey..but not so terrible that you have to eat ramen for a month - excellent for: casual business dinners, celebrations, dates, business dinner meetings. etc I love this place and was reminded of the depth of my love tonight! Five Yelp stars all the way. However, I will continue to call it Houston's so the branding house that decided on this move can shove it.
(5)Cindy K.
I work near Gov. Center & Fanieul hall so this is the go-to place when we actually have time for a 2 hour lunch break. A little bit on the pricier side but the food is really very delicious which is also why there are tons of "suits" here so be warned that its not a very "casual" restaurant. I've only had the burgers here and they are delicious. Also its a pretty big burger so be prepared for some messy hands. I've had both beef and veggie burgers and I have to say that the veggie burgers here are out of this world! They handmake all their burgers in the morning so its freshly made veggie patties made of brown rice and packed with a whole lotta yummy goodness & flavor. DELISH! Fries are super addicting. I dare you to only eat one....trust me, you'll never be able to. Service is really good - waitstaff is always very friendly and accommodating. But be warned that the wait can be very long during the lunchtime and I'm sure after work so plan accordingly.
(4)Bob G.
Stopped by here based onYelp reviews, just looking for a nice evening meal. Tried the spinach artichoke dip; I'd say high end of average. Atmosphere was OK and service quite prompt, but music a bit too loud for good conversation. Was turned off by $3.50 for an 8oz bottled diet coke, no refills. Opted out at $20 for just the mediocre appetizer and a small diet coke, just on the principle that people should not be ripped off.
(2)Tiffany C.
I came in with a friend last night and had such a great experience at Hillstone. Our server, Sebastian, absolutely made our night. He was cheerful, funny and warmed our hearts on that cold, cold night. The kitchen ran out of the soup so Sebastian comped us a Spinach and Artichoke Dip. Who doesn't like chips and dip? The loaded baked potato was delicious and my friend enjoyed her Caesar salad. Seb suggested the ice cream sundae for dessert. We were hesitant at first, but when we drizzled on that warm fudge we knew we made the right decision.
(4)Jamie H.
i went to hillstone today for a business lunch, and i was not very impressed. the service was fine, but the food just did not do it for me. i ordered the grilled chicken salad, and asked for the peanut sauce and the vinaigrette on the side. the waitress informed me that the sauce could be on the side, but that the salad already came with the dressing on it, and they best they could do would be to make it "light." this made me realize that the salad was likely prepared in advance and would not be very fresh. i also ordered the steamed broccoli as a side. when the salad came, it was a mountain of chopped cabbage, thinly sliced chicken breast, jicama, carrots, shredded lettuce bits, some mixed greens, and tons and tons of tortilla chip strips. and for being "lightly" dressed i thought it had quite a lot of dressing. the chicken wasn't a very high quality, and i tried to eat around the chips as best as i could. plus, the waitress forgot the side of broccoli, and i felt like it was awkward to ask for it in front of colleagues and business partners. my boss ordered the chicken tenders, and had to leave about half of the batter on the plate - there was probably about three or four times as much batter as there was chicken. one other thing that really bothered me was just how dark it was in the restaurant. i got really tired sitting at the table, and the environment felt very stuffy. if i had been paying for the meal, i would have also been pretty sore about how high the prices were. luckily, i wasn't, but i would not be very excited to return regardless of who was paying.
(2)Rohit J.
Took a lovely girl here on a date on a Friday night a month ago knowing its a safe bet as there is a Houston's on Long Island by me. First off the parking is free for up to 3 hrs on nights and weekends which is a huge plus! My reservation was for 630 but we had gotten to the restaurant by 6 and were seated without a hiccup. We had ordered 2 dirty martinis but they weren't dirty enough for us and the waitress had no problem taking them back to bartender. Our new drinks were a taste of perfection. To start I had gotten the tortilla soup and we shared the artichoke spinach dip. For the main I had gotten the ribs of course because they are amazing and my date had ordered the special which was cod, I forgot how it was cooked but it came with Cajun shrimp and mashed potatoes. We had shared everything and everything was excellent as expected. My date really enjoyed herself as she has never been before!
(5)Amanda J.
What can anyone say that's bad about Hillstone (fka Houston's)? Their ever expanding sushi menu rocks! They have great, fresh cocktails (my fave the Silver Gin Fizz). The young woman who bartends on Sundays is the best bartender in the city in our opinion. All the wait staff are great. I can honestly say I've never had a bad experience - food, service or otherwise, at Hillstone. If we had to complain (and now, I'm just nitpicking here b/c no where can be that perfect, right?), it would only be that they only offer Clam Chowder on the weekend. Booo. But, we'll forgive and forget, and keep coming back.....
(5)Khawla A.
I had Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich and it was so delicious
(5)L. G.
I absolutely love this place. I go to Hillstone regularly and every experience there is fantastic. Consistently great food, amazing customer service and a great atmosphere. For the price, there's nothing better. Oh, and if you like sushi, get the pressed sushi. It is the best I've ever had!
(5)Samantha T.
Where to begin with an old favorite...Houstons/Hillstones is one of the premier upscale dining destinations. Yes it is something of a chain but they have maintained a certain level of service and food excellence that is hard to find anywhere else. I eat here at least once a month with coworkers or my husband and friends. The food is what keeps me coming back again and again, especially the burgers, tuna sandwich and and tuna salad. For the most part I like the recent menu changes where they upgraded the tuna salad and added a delicious friend chicken sandwich (husband gets it every single time). However, there is nothing better than the veggie burger w/avocado or bacon cheeseburger w/avocado if you feel like splurging. The fries are unreal...and you have to try the grilled artichokes (if they have them). That brings me to the reason why I can't give them 5 stars. They somehow never seem to have the artichokes because they source them from only one farm! Why not find a backup farm? The last 3 times i've been there they didn't have the grilled artichokes and I was pissed off! The other problem is that they took the sushi sampler off the menu, jacked up all the prices but got a little skimpier on portions (burger size, fries etc). The bar has a great selection and usually gets a decent crowd of financial district employees and tourists. The afterwork bar scene used to be much better but times change and it's gone out of favor in recent years. Nonetheless the food is still top notch and they have one of the best burgers in town. I also like that they accept reservations and have free parking in the garage below. I do agree with some other reviews that in the past year or so service has deteriorated a little bit and occasionally we have to wait for a table even when there are numerous empty ones. In these circumstances management has told me they were understaffed but that seems like a pretty weak excuse because it pisses people off and makes it look less popular/crowded. Either way i'll still be going back for the delicious food.
(4)Harri S.
Up until now I thought all chains served consistently the same food. My friend from Miami swore by the artichoke dip, but it tasted like really rotten stinky cheese (which wasn't typical), we sent it back (felt horrible) and got a new one that tasted a bit better, but not much. The burgers are their saving grace though, they are solid burgers that can really fill you up. Well done on the burger-front guys.
(3)Jessica S.
Really nice atmosphere. Good food and drinks
(4)Jason S.
I love Hillstone (used to be known as Houston's). Every time my wife and I go to this place we order the Spinach and Artichoke Dip, which is so creamy, smooth and YUMMY. You will love this appetizer. Then what do you get for lunch/dinner? That part is hard to decide because everything I've tried is very very good. I am in love with the BBQ ribs because their meat falls right off the bone and the sauce is great. As sad as this is about to sound, their cheeseburger is very good too, they do a nice job of giving that extra flavor that makes you say....yes! Although, we have never tried a dessert, I am sure that would be great too! Enjoy!
(5)Evan R.
I recently visited the Last Hurrah under the auspices that it was the "Best Whiskey Bar in Boston". That couldn't be farther from the truth. Hillstone welcome me warmly, the bartender (I sat at the bar) took my order and promptly delivered a delicious mojito (as it was summer), recommended the spinach and artichoke dip, and engaged me in pleasant conversation. I challenged the bartenders with orders for classics like a whiskey sour (which they make with their fresh sour mix, which includes a daily variety of fruit juices, sugar and the traditional egg white; a triumph) and an Old Fashioned, which the bartender made with his own twist (Luxardo cherries - the original maraschino), which was the best Old Fashioned cocktail I have ever had. I enjoyed the Flying Tuna Platter, which consisted of of seared Ahi Tuna, delicious mixed greens and a lovely fruit and vegetable compote (avocado, fresh tomatoes, mango and cucumber with a sesame vinaigrette). The food was delicious, the drinks were top-notch, and the service staff were informed, helpful, and rivaled any Michelin-starred restaurant in the country. Ask for Pat at the bar. He will make an Old Fashioned (with rye whiskey in particular) that will excite even the most stubborn connoisseurs.
(5)Greg I.
-old fashioned (maker's) -wood-grilled artichokes -pork ribs, baked beans -key-lime pie you. are. welcome. sidenote: if you get a martini at your table, every 15-20 min they'll pour that drink you're nursing too slowly into a frozen glass, keeping it ever
(5)Sara M.
I came here once a long time ago but I don't remember it very well. I do think that I was dancing drunkenly. However, I recently came back for lunch and enjoyed it immensely! I cannot for the life of me understand how I was dancing in this place because it is mostly booths and a little bit bar. Anyway, we were greeted by classy and friendly hosts/servers. I ordered up a clam chowder and a French dip. Seriously, the clam chowder was one of the best I have ever had; I am not biased because they put scallions and bacon on top. It was creamy, rich, and contained a good amount of clams. It only comes in a bowl so I was too full to eat the rest of my delicious sandwich. That was meaty, warm, juicy, tangy (from the horseradish sauce), and downright yummy! The shoestring fries were crisp and okay. It was a bit on the pricier side but you better believe I'll be back for their prime rib!
(4)Jessie C.
Big fan - as stated in my last review, but this time we tried the Sushi. I'm not an avid sushi eater but my friend is and she said it was some of the best! We had the shrimp and macadamia nut roll and the tuna & avocado roll - both fantastic. I'm looking forward to going back.
(5)Reg Z.
For the immediate area, this is a nice place. Tends not to be as touristy, and the outdoor patio is a nice place to grab a beer. Food is good but nothing outstanding. The Thai tuna roll is different with nuts and coconut, needs to be a bit spicier but the jalepenos is probably enough for most.
(4)R O.
I honestly cannot believe I have not reviewed this place before! I fell in love with it many many years ago when I was still a tiny college tyke and it went by the name of Houston's. It is exactly the same company. It is said and I believe they renamed many of their Houston's restaurants to Hillstone in order to move under 20 franchise restaurants thus they became exempt from having to label their calories in places such as NY. Anyway ignorance is bliss for me! I come time and time again for the legendary California Burger! My mouth drools simply thinking about it: buttery fresh bun made in house, fresh-ground chuck with melted Jack, avocado, arugula and red onion topped with some honey style mustard. It is no longer on the menu but you are still free to order! Not to mention their delicious fries just brimming with flavour. If you love burgers give this one a try! In my humble opinion it is the best burger I have had in Boston. Must note: you cannot come here without getting the artichoke-spinach dip! mm so good! Honorable mentions (if burgers aren't for you): Thai steak & noodle salad, spicy tuna roll salad (generous portion of tuna roll & greens), & chicken tenders for the little ones. Can't forget the loaded baked potato! What a treat! The only con is I cannot walk over at a moments notice! Must rely on the T or taxi (which is probably good for my hips since it keeps me away more often than not haha!)
(5)Julie C.
Houston's. This place is tucked away among the hustle & bustle that is Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market. It's a neat spot for happy hour and also a stellar place for some grubbing! The burgers here are gigantic! I have no idea how anyone can eat one without getting it all over themselves. Their spicy tuna roll salad is out of this world! The ingredients are soo fresh! Yum Yum Yum Gobble Gobble Gobble! Chicken tenders are huge too! The portions here are fairly large, so you are totally getting your moneys worth. What recession? Service can be a little lackluster. They don't really pay much attention to you even though you see a ton of staff walking around. Water may be empty for periods of time, so expect to wait for a refill. And this place is mad dark! Its like a bat cave. When you leave prepare for the light unless you are here at night.
(5)Tom D.
Another review on here recommended the Thai Tuna Roll, and I second that. Very, very good. I tried a bit of the Salmon, which was good as well. Nothing to complain about on the service end. Only downside to the night was that we wanted to order the artichoke dip appetizer, but our waiter told us that the dish wasn't "up to standards" at the moment. He sent us out grilled artichokes on the house instead, which was nice, but we were disappointed that we couldn't get our first choice in appetizer. Overall it was a good experience, I'd probably be back.
(4)Jillian Q.
I do not know how the chefs at HIllstone make EVERYTHING that comes out of their kitchen so amazingly tasty. I've never had a bad meal here and the service is always excellent. You're never left waiting and your drinks and always refilled. I usually come here for lunch with a have a bit of money to burn. Hillstone is pricey (at least for my salary) but I am not exaggerating when I say it's worth every penny. From the spinach dip to ANY of their fishes dishes or sushi (try the Osaka Pressed Sushi...amazing) to their salads (the one with mango and steak is my fav). The brownie dessert is delicious as well if you have room for it. Be prepared to spend some money, but you will be happy you did.
(5)Cristin S.
I'm not from Boston so I read some of these other reviews and didn't realize this place was a chain. I will be looking for other locations! This was hands-down, the BEST meal I had on my 4-day trip to the Boston area. We spent the morning and early afternoon on a whale watching boat and came back starving, dying for something meaty and beefy and delicious. I honestly couldn't decide if I wanted steak and potatoes or a cheeseburger, and we had wandered up to Quincy Market and stumbled on this place. They had both so I figured let's go inside and I'll decide in there. We ordered the biscuits -- they were delicious. Very, very good savory biscuits. I ended up ordering the regular cheeseburger, and my husband ordered the hickory cheeseburger. I would consider myself somewhat of a cheeseburger snob, while my husband could care less. This was easily the best cheeseburger I have ever had in my life. It came to my table dressed with mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle, open-faced. I didn't even realize there wasn't ketchup on it till halfway through, because I was so distracted by how freakin' delicious it was. I motored through that thing. At some point I remember stopping and pulling the bottom bun off, thinking that must be where the ketchup was, and there wasn't, however, I did notice that it was soaked with delicious brown juice. I thought maybe it was some kind of au jus or something, or the juices from the burger.... regardless, whatever was soaking in that bottom bun is what made this burger. The burger itself was cooked perfectly (I asked for medium) -- it was not overdone, it was not all black and crispy like a hockey puck, it was pink in the middle and juicy. Seriously, my mouth is watering now just thinking about it. And it did NOT need ketchup. My husband enjoyed his burger just as much, he was raving about it and like I said, he could really care less about burgers. Whenever I make it back to Boston, I will for sure hit this place up for another cheeseburger. We even toyed around with the idea of staying till lunchtime on Monday and having lunch there, before our long drive back to Philly. Oh wait, before I go, yes, the french fries were also realllllly yummy. :)
(5)Jenelle J.
If the prices weren't so steep, I think I'd be back more often. Had drinks and appetizers at the bar here - everything was delicious. I had a california roll which was impeccably done. Just as perfect was the ambiance. Intimate and trendy. You'll see when you go there.
(4)Meridith H.
Worth the price. Red cabbage with goat cheese - worth it. Spicy Thai Sushi roll - worth it. Oversized glass of wine - worth it. Superbly unobtrusive, extraordinarily efficient, and friendly service - worth it.
(5)Nicole C.
Sexy dark interior!! Bar opens up fully to the outside on nice nights, great place for outdoor drinks. Sushi was wonderful and entrees were great. I recommend the ribs!!! Our server was great too!!! Plus, the coolest napkins of any restaurant I have ever been to!
(4)Michelle R.
Great for after-work drinks. Wonderful wine selection, very helpful bartenders. Haven't had the food but I hear it's fantastic. Place is always packed. Really nice atmosphere. Plenty of places to stand around the huge bar.
(4)Mike M.
I took my gf here for Valentine's Day & it was pretty amazing. I loved the atmosphere & the use of lights to show focal points on the walls. Dim setting with lights in all the right places. The staff was pretty amazing. Everyone was so nice & helpful. Our waiter has recommendations as to drinks & starters that were dead on. I got the little house salad , minus the bacon, with a champagne dressing. It was delicious. The artichoke/spinach dip was a great starter & was more than enough for us to share. My entree was the house mad veggie burger with the hand-cut fries. it was amazing & so flavorful. The burger didn't require any other sauce. It was perfect as is. My gf got the pork chop & mashed potatoes. It looked delicious & was such a big cut that she got two meals out of it. Hillstone can be a bit expensive, but I felt like it was well worth it.
(5)Christina R.
I was impressed by Hillstone, especially due to the fact that five Miami Heat players were sitting in the booth next to me, which shows the high caliber of the restaurant! I got the Thai steak and noodle salad containing marinated filet mignon with avocado, mango and herbs (mostly cilantro/coriander) in a Thai dressing. I asked for the dressing on the side due to my inability to handle spicy food and found that dressing wasn't even necessary for the salad since all ingredients were high quality and delicious! It was quite cilantro-heavy but the mango and steak helped balance that out. Generous portion sizes, a nice selection of wines and friendly, professional service. I'd recommend anything with steak; after all, this is a steakhouse!
(5)Jason M.
Unexpected. Completely 100% unexpected. Anything in the Faneuil Hall area is suspect at best, but somehow Hillstone manages to rise above their location. The interior is dark and slick, but I highly recommend skipping that and sitting at the bar. The service is at the bar is fast, fun and enjoyable. On a lovely afternoon, we were treated to dueling cocktails between Nicole and Spencer. They attempted to one up each other with their bartending skills... and the result was more than just good drinks, it made for a good experience. Oh, to watch Spencer shake a cocktail... Oh, to hear Nicole then call me out for having Spencer make me a cocktail. And then there's the food. Thai Tuna Roll? Sushi? THERE? Really? Seriously? For reals? Its kind of amazing. When we first visited, I thought it was a slightly nicer version of Chili's... and then I had the thai tuna roll. It's delicious and rolled perfectly. The macadamia nuts give it a special buttery taste and amazing crunch. For food... I recommend the French Dip. It's pile after pile of thinly sliced cow on some tasty bread with an ridiculously good horseradish sauce. I am very thankful that cow sacrificed its life for my stomach. Others rave about the chicken tenders, which sounds a bit crazy until you see them. First of all, they fill up an entire place. And, they're fried to hell and back... it's a beautiful tempura batter which is light, fluffy and incredibly delicious. All in all, a great experience.
(5)Kimberley S.
GOD. The name change is so hard to get used to! Otherwise, a very solid restaurant, and I completely enjoy my experience every time that I'm here. I have always thought that the menu sounds uninspired. Everything seems run-of-the-mill... on paper. Then you put it in your mouth. They make some really boring-sounding dishes taste just fantastic. I've never eaten anything here that wasn't absolutely delicious, but here are my favorites: - any of the sushi. It's so Americanized, but that's on purpose. This is not an Asian restaurant and it doesn't pretend to be. The best is the pressed ahi and avocado sushi. But I love the spicy tuna roll as well. They're all good, really. And they use some weird ingredients like orange in the California rolls and jicama in some of the others. - On that note, the tuna roll salad is the greatest thing in the world - Steak salad, also delightful - the tortilla soup here is the best I've ever had, bar-none - the french dip is outstanding That's about it. I stick to the basics here. They do an amazing job on the basics. You know what is uninspired? The dessert menu. Don't even bother. FUN FACT: My freshman year of college, I actually worked here for all of two weeks before I realized that I was too lazy for a legitimate restaurant job. I think it's because I know some of the behind-the-scenes that I love it here so much. I am obsessed with the service philosophy here. You don't have one waiter, you have 20. And you're not supposed to notice that. You pretty much have one person coming by all the time, but people pop by every now and then to refill your water and inconspicuously remove your food. You're not even supposed to notice they're there. I love the unobtrusiveness of it. You never want for anything and you can totally focus on your fabulous company. It happens like this because when waiters get a free moment, they patrol the aisles looking for things that need to be done. The service here is like a well-oiled machine. You will never find a place more consistent and efficient in terms of service. Do yourself a favor and give it a try. It's consistent and it excels in food execution.
(4)Mindy L.
When I think of Houston's...all I think about it how the girls at my old place of work talked about using it as a place to pick up men who work in the financial district. That was in the forefront of my mind during my first visit here...and boy, they were right on target! The bar area was bursting with suits and it showed no signs of letting up. Luckily, I was going in for food and not for rubbin' elbows with the yuppy crowd so I bypassed the bar entirely in favor of sitting down in a booth. I could crow on and on about great service, but it would be biased as it was my roommate at the time and of course, I thought she did an amazing job and I left her a big tip (so she could pay rent). I had the rotissiere chicken and it was seasoned well and enjoyed it. The problem with ordering something so basic is that I'm almost entirely convinced I make it just as well at home in my own kitchen...it just serves to make the cheque's arrival more painful. All in all, simply not my style, but my one and only visit was a solid three stars.
(3)Elizabeth H.
Went here for a special occasion dinner. For my celebratory drink I asked for a champagne cocktail, I didn't have anything in mind but wanted something other than a mimosa. So I asked the waitress to ask the bartender to make me whatever he wanted. However, after the waitress didn't really know what to do with that and my brother suggested the pomegranate juice may go well with champagne, I ended up with champagne and pomegranate juice, but it was yummy. Needless to say this is my only real complaint about this restaurant. We started our meal with the Spinach and Artichoke Dip; it was delicious - we went through the chips so fast that they had to keep bringing us back more! I then got the chicken tenders and it was a very good size. Because I filled up on the dip I ended up taking some of it home with me. We did have an issue where they overcooked my brother burger, but they were quick on making him another one. We then ended with the key lime pie and one of the girls that I was with loves key lime pie, and she said outside getting it in the key west, this is some of the best key lime pie that she's ever had! I now live in New York City and can't wait to try their locations here!
(4)Arnold C.
One of our favorite restaurants. We really like the Hawaiian steak. The prime rib is another of our favorites. The mango Thai salad is a light, yet delicious, dish. The cheeseburger is meaty and made just right. Oh, I love the $5 side salad. It has just enough lettuce:bacon ratio to make it a salad. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone for a casual dine-out with a slightly upscale, jazzy feel.
(5)Maurice B.
Angry , disgusted and saddened by a meal at this restaurant I wanted to write this review last night after the meal ( June 23rd) but was so angry i decided to wait until today to write this. I was in Boston for a few days with my Fiance ( for the basis of this review im Irish and my Fiance is Hispanic) and as we had eaten in Houstons in new York a few years ago we said we would give the new version a try. We were staying at a hotel about 5 minutes from the restaurant and after the thunderstorms had stopped we went out to the restaurant ( around 6.30 / 7). We spoke to the male manager at the door and asked for the wait time which was 15 minutes . Said thank you and sat at the bar and ordered a drink . Waited around 30 minutes even though a number of people seemed to walk in and be seated straight away but these may well be locals so no issue there. A waitress appeared and escorted us to a booth next to the bar. As we sat down a waiter came over and without looking at us as he was speaking to another waiter asked if he could start us with a drink and then looked directly at us and said actually let me go get you , your server ... and stalked off with the initial waitress My fiance and I looked at each other with surprise. We then watched as the waiters/waitress had a mini meeting on the far side of the restaurant. At this stage we had the 2nd drink we had purchased at the bar with us and nothing else but menus on the table. No silverware or even a glass of water. We then waited a full 20 to 25 minutes until someone came near us. During this time i observed our waiter clearing the table in front of us after dealing with their check, getting drinks from the bar for another table while waiting on a number of additional tables. There was plenty of staff milling around but nobody came near our table. Eventually after almost 20 minutes and another couple who had been seated in the booth in front of us who were given water and attended by 2 waiting staff, a waitress must have seen the furious look on my face and came over . I asked her for a manager and gave her our order as we had almost 50 minutes in total to decide what we wanted. When the manager came over said she apologized for the wait . I told her in no uncertain terms the reason for the wait was the only discernible difference between us and the other patrons was that we were an INTERRACIAL COUPLE. She said this was not the reason and muttered that that they had to close the patio area( This had been closed before we had arrived and must have been closed at least an hour previous to that as the thunderstorm and rain were extremely heavy) We were better dressed than the majority of the people there, we were pleasant and courteous to anyone we spoke to ( unlike some of the badly dressed, loud patrons surrounding us) Our food arrived and we ate quickly as our evening had already been ruined. The waitress we had now was very sweet and made sure we were ok . After we had finished our food ( we refused a complimentary dessert )and asked for the check the female manager came over and "said i want to apologize for the wait again" and began to hand us some type of voucher. I handed it straight back to her without hesitation and again stated the real reason we were treated so badly and told her I would never eat in one of these restaurants again. I paid the check and even like a 15% tip for the waitress we had eventually as she was very sweet. I looked for the male manager on may way out but was so angry at this point i wanted to leave. Having been together for over 5 years and having travelled through ireland, the UK and spain together as well as throughout the US we never experienced anything racist like this. My fiance became very upset later on that evening about this and it added a very bitter ending to what had been a nice few days. ADVISE TO HILLSTONE: - Fire any employee who has an issue with race if they dont want to work with the public they should not work as a waiter - Dont try and bribe your way out a problem. A real apology would have made the night a little less worse. Not only will i never step foot in one of your restaurants again but i will tell this story to anyone who will listen.
(1)Matt G.
Came here for my father's birthday on a Saturday evening. Our server was really pleasant and very friendly... and took my father's, let's call it 'unique', sense of humor in stride. So kudos to her for that. That all being said, the evening was a rather large disappointment. The waitstaff delivered our drinks to the wrong table... then delivered apps to us that weren't ours... then on top of it all, delivered my father's birthday dessert and candle to the table next to us! (they were confused). I had the Hawaiian Rib Eye, which was quite tasty, but replaced the potato with seasonal veggies (which were soggy and mushy... not crisp at all). The capstone to the evening, was when I went to use the restroom... remarkably clean, though a little loud since there are TVs playing in there. While washing my hands, I noticed someone come out of the stall, then immediately B-Line to a urinal. (strange, I thought). Then on my way out... I realized why this person went straight to a urinal,:their date (?) came out of the same stall two seconds later... I chuckled to myself on my way back to the table... classy.
(2)Cori B.
My fiance and I went here Friday for lunch. We both got the cheeseburger. I had fries and he had coleslaw. The burger is excellent! Good quality meat, fresh toppings, and a great sauce. One of the tastiest burgers. The coleslaw was fresh and the fries were delicious also. Staff is great, and the restaurant itself has nice ambience. Its not cheap but its not expensive. Worth it. I've also had the club salad, spinach and artichoke dip, chicken fingers and a few other things here. Always been happy with everything. There is also one in NYC! Great for after work drinks also.
(5)Richard C.
Hillstone has a vintage feel; part of a chain of restaurants that includes Houston's, it sits right in Faneuil Hall but is far more appealing on the exterior and the interior than many of the tourist-trap establishments surrounding it. $16 will buy you a burger, seemingly of the straight-forward variety, consisting of cheddar, tomato, lettuce and onion. It's freshly ground Chuck on a homemade bun, and you guessed it, another Big Mac model. It makes sense, it's a riff on the most popular burger in the world, but not as cleverly done as I'd like it to be. If you think about it, most burgers these days are different versions of the fast food model, after all that's where it all started. But the missed opportunity here was the chance to elevate that classic burger, start with beef and add the usual condiments, but why not try to spin them in a unique direction instead of just re-hashing what we've already consumed a billion (trillion?) times over. But maybe that's not the name of the game at Hillstone, it speaks to the classic look of the restaurant and they aren't out to re-create the burger wheel. The burger does fall victim to the "too much stuff" rule to put it not so eloquently. I want my burgers to be beefy with a great supporting cast. The Hillstone burger basically has a decent supporting cast with a burger thrown in. The meat to condiment to bun ratio is way off, although the meat has adequate flavor and juiciness, it is devoid of individual burger character. But if you look it at as a whole, the sum of its parts versus breaking down each individual component, it is appetizing. The fries are better than average, double fried and salty, they get the job done and neither stand-out nor disappoint. A pleasing aioli comes on the side, a fair addition to the plate, with hints of chili, sesame and soy, it is the one twist in an otherwise barely-above-ordinary burger. For $16 the Hillstone burger doesn't let down but fails to blow me away either. I imagine it's consistent and reliable, and there's something to be said about that, but ultimately it just falls short on the burger spectrum.
(2)Kyle B.
My "go-to" for a quick dinner before the Celtics game. Simply one of the best Cheeseburgers in Boston and with the view of Fanueil Hall...a great place to meet. The bar servers are A+ and the handmade Greyhound is spot-on!
(5)Yvonne Y.
I have mixed feelings for this place. We came here for dinner on a weekday, and the place was busy. While the ambience is great, I was not impressed by the food. We started off with some sushi as appetizer. But when it came, I realized the sushi were made from some sushi molds, not by a sushi chef. (eeek) Then when the sushi hit my mouth, I realized they put way too much vinegar in the sushi rice. I felt like I was instantly eating my own stomach juice because of how sour it was. (yuck yuck) I struggled, because the fish and ingredients were actually fresh, just the preparation ruined it all. We had the Thai steak salad and California burger, they were okay, nothing to run home about. I didn't leave feeling satisfied with my food. If the review is based solely on food, it'd probably be a 2-star place. But the fresh ingredients and the cool atmosphere gave it another star. With all being said, I think this is a great place to come have a drink at the bar area after work. But go elsewhere to seek for food.
(3)Travis D.
My wife and I popped in to Hillstone/Houston's last night for a couple of cocktails to kick off a long holiday weekend. It's been a while since I was here, but as I remembered, the drinks were fantastic, and the crowd was electric. On a gorgeous evening like we had last night, the bar is opened up to their outdoor seating, making for a perfect summertime stop. We didn't have a full dinner, but did get their grilled artichokes (which were perfect). Afterward, we found ourselves still a bit hungry, and thus ordered their barbecue pork ribs. Since we did not have a full dinner here, I wasn't really thinking about a Yelp review for this place until we dug into the ribs. I'm writing today to say this: if you have a chance, and you like barbecue ribs, you NEED TO COME HERE AND ORDER THEIR RIBS!!!!! I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that these are the best ribs that my wife and I can ever recall eating. We've tried many of the supposed 'greats' in the Boston area, places that I'll refrain from naming in this review but ones that are known for their ribs, and these guys have the secret formula down - hands down the best ever!! Anyway, I've always liked Houston's and enjoyed their bar at their Boston location, but was never a raving fan. Clearly I never got around to trying their ribs before - now I'm raving!! :)
(4)Hungry H.
one of my favorite places to go to when i go to boston. love the ambience. always a friendly staff. their french dip au jous roast beef... omg.. DROOL. and i highly recommend their cous cous as well. never had such an amazing cous cous.
(5)Mo A.
Like its former "Houston's" brethren across the country, this place doesn't disappoint. From the spinach dip to the steaks and sides, this is amazing food at its finest. Service ensures that the customers are checked on regularly and with proper courtesy. All in all, a great experience.
(5)Robert C.
Took my wife out for her birthday and we loved the food. my wife had the prime rib and was very pleased. They have awesome hand cut fries and cole slaw. The coconut sushi was also very good. We will be coming back to Hillstone!
(5)Sarah M.
This is one of my favorite local spots. The food is consistently good as is the service. It does get busy on the weekends so I would recommend making a reservation but they are on Open Table so that's easy enough. I've been here with friends and on a date and it's great for either one. The drinks are always good too. My friends and I come here often because we are never disappointed.
(4)Joan C.
Wow. Totally unexpected. Atmosphere was contemporary and clean. Nice woodwork. The food was great... Had the pork chop, and a bite of my dinner mates Hawaiian, tenderloin, and some other cut. Everything was good! Desserts were yummy too. We'll definitely be back.
(5)Meghan C.
This is one of my favorites. Very solid food. You can't misorder here: everything is good. Perfect for a business lunch or after work drinks. It's trendy and not the cheapest spot, but always a great time. For being in Faneuil, it actually isn't very touristy. I'm disappointed that the spicy tuna salad is no longer on the menu. Sushi pieces are HUGE, so ask to have them cut small, and you'll get normal sized pieces. Best bartender in Boston! Chris is friendly, helpful, and makes a great drink.
(4)Erica D.
For my first visit to Hillstone, I was pretty impressed! When I heard they had sushi, I was a little skeptical since it's supposedly an American restaurant, but after I tried a sushi roll, I had to order my own. Price: The sushi combo was a good price, it came with four varieties, three rolls each, which doesn't sound like a lot, but trust me, the quality is worth the price. Their mixed drinks are pretty expensive, around $10. I had my first Pimm's Cup (Pimm's No.1, shaved cucumber, a sprig of mint with ginger ale) and it was heavenly (if not dangerous)! Decor: It's a really cool place. The bathrooms are a bit of a hike from the bar area, just stay on the path and you'll be fine. Service: I sat at the bar and received the best service of my life! Seriously, if I had an empty glass in front of me--the bartender had ESP--a minute later he'd come by to ask if I wanted a another drink, and refilled my water glass every time I finished it. You can't get much better than that! When I asked how the Pimm's Cup was, he gave me a sample of the gin. Food/Presentation: The sushi is AMAZING! Nice, neat presentation. Apparently the chef is an authentic sushi chef, I believe he was from Japan, but don't quote me on that. I shared two orders of the sushi combo which came with three raw tuna rolls, three vegetarian rolls, three mollusk-type rolls with walnuts in it (OH MY GOD!), and three California rolls. I don't normally like California rolls, but this was fantastic. The sushi rolls are two different sizes, which is nice so that you could eat a short one to sample before committing to the taller roll. The combo came with three types of sauces which made everything taste better. Oh man, I need to go back there now! Location: Conveniently in the Faneuil Hall area, on the right side by the Boston ticket booth. It's a short walk from my office, which makes it all the better for after work drinking. Recap: Price: 4/5 Decor: 4/5 Service: 5/5 Food/Presentation: 5/5 Location 5/5 Total: 4.6
(5)Heather G.
Goodness gracious, Hillstone. Post-name change, I was happy to see the menu hadn't changed and the food (and service!) quality were still very consistently strong. However, for the kind of food they're serving up here, the prices are entirely too high. Would you pay $14 for a spicy tuna roll? It's a great roll, but it's very small. You'd need 2+ for dinner, and at nearly $30, you can sit at a nice sushi bar and eat til your heart's content. The burger continues to be, in my view, the best deal on the menu. The chicken strips, at $18, are probably a close-second in the price/value analysis, and are lightly tempura-battered and fried for a nice change on a heavy, greasy classic. This place does standard fare in a very comfortable yet elegant setting. They've always been busy when I've eaten in, both at lunch and dinner, and I assume this location in particular has no incentive to bring down prices, as it attracts mainly business people with corporate credit cards.
(3)Daniel K.
the food: hands down, the best french dip sandwich ive ever had. the fries were fancy and skinny, donut takes forever to finish them but the sandwich was amazing. im salivating just thinking about it. the sushi salad was quite good too. the service: great attentiveness, despite the restaurant being packed. we had trouble finding the parking garage (which is off a side road right before you hit the restaurant coming down state street), and the hostess drew us a map for our next visit the decor: the combination of a packed dining room, dim lighting, and open kitchen was perfect. added to the individually sectioned booths, there was a perfect combination of bustle and attention with anonymity and privacy.
(4)Jacquelyn M.
HIllstone's, formerly Houston's is lots of fun. It get really packed after work on most days, during all seasons. Food is delicious...recently had the veggie rolls...sooooo good! They have everything from sushi to a cobb salad to a delicious filet mignon. Staff is super friendly.
(4)Craig C.
This a bar review only so if you are here to hear about the restaurant please walk over there and wait for someone to come along who is reviewing the restaurant. While i know my opinion is important to you at this particular moment I am only discussing the bar portion of Houstons so please read the rest and then if you still need more info please call 411. Thank you. After work I was walking past Houstons to meet Melissa at Paddy O's where Lango works and where Boston Sports Club is having an event and I notice Houstons is full of people having fun and I think , "Hey, I like to have fun!" So after M and I do business at the other place we go to Houstons. I walk to the far side of the bar to get us drinks, my laptop case banging like three yuppies as i walk by. Sor ree. I am amazed when a big bald guy comes right up to me and says, "Hi are you guys looking for drinks?" wow great service. "Yes we are" He then says, "Well this side of the bar is for waitress service we need to keep this clear can you please go to the other side?" wow that sucks. We go to the other side and even though it's packed I find two seats at the bar ( by speaking fake chinese into some guys ear really loud) I get a dark beer and she gets a long island ice tea after getting ID'ed and waiting for her to take our licenses to some machine and scan them to make sure weren't wanted by AA or something. Her drink was 12 my beer was 6 plus tip. We then go out onto the patio where the fun starts. (two young girls commence fighting over who saw our seats first) Many young upwardly mobile good looking people.We start talking to this guy who is a lawyer about getting sworn in at Faneuil Hall. He and his buddies went to Trinity which means we all hung out at the same bars in Hartford. Melissa is signing them all up for the Lock and Key party coming up May 15. (plug) She's working the room getting emails and I'm doing my new 5 minutes standup for a small group of buyers for Macy's. 2 think I'm funny and 2 are bitches but that's Boston baby. We leave them wanting more like Don Rickles taught me. I like the ambiance and I had fun and it's certainly in a good spot near 99 other bars. Next time I'll eat but you pay. I'm a little short. SO SO SO that's it.
(3)Tina D.
Okay the first thing you might notice about this place is how crazy expensive everything is on the menu. I'm talking about salads that go for approx. $20 at lunch. If you put that aside, then you can really focus on how wonderful everything else is. The location is spot on in Fan. Hall and since it is a little pricey, you don't get too many of the tourists in for lunch. It is the perfect place for a work lunch or to meet someone for happy hour drinks, oh, its great for dinner too. All of the dishes are executed perfectly and I have never had a bad meal. The servers are polite and the food comes out quickly. There is a patio for outdoor seating, but you can also just sit at the bar because the windows get pulled back on nice days and you are practically sitting outside. Delicious!
(4)Dan W.
Being new to Boston, I am always looking for classy, trendy places to go to. I really enjoyed Hillstone. I really liked the higher end type of atmosphere. We showed up at 8:30 on a saturday night. We waited for about 45 minutes for a table. Not bad. We had drinks at the bar while we waited. The only knock I would have is that I didn't think they had enough bartenders but at the same time, they may have gotten in each other's way if there were more. The food was great. We ordered sushi which was very fresh and tasty. They put peanuts in their tuna roll. Interesting. Spinach dip was a big hit. I had a fish sandwich which was really, really good. It was on a butter roll. My friend got a French dip. She loved that too. Shoe string fries came with the sandwiches. Delish! This is a super place to go with friends, have good food at reasonable prices and hang out in first class type of atmosphere. Staff was very professional also. They do take reservations but I called too late. They were booked.
(4)Adriel I.
Houston's (I denounce thee new name...) is the Ray Allen of the Boston restaurant scene. Consistent, Classy, and Clutch. Not the flashiest place, and the menu doesn't change too often, bu ff you need a place to take a group of friends, a date or a client, you can count on Houston's to deliver a great experience. I usually start with the artichoke dip and the biscuits. The biscuits are a must have. Try ordering 6 for a party of five. That way you can observe the cognitive dissonance that plays out as your friends jockey for position on the last biscuit. At least that's what I do. It amuses me. The dip is a strong role player as well. It sets a fine foundation for the steak to come. Oh, no doubt about it, there will be steak. Typically when the server lays down the menu, I can go ahead and give mine right back. Who are we kidding - I know what entree I'll be getting. The Hawaiian Rib Eye is an institution in and of itself. Marinated for what has to be days, and grilled to perfection, I have literally had dreams about this steak. With just the right tangy notes, and perfection of texture, the most amazing thing about it to me is how each time I have it is as good as the last. Another pull up from behind the line, and swish. Three points. Rinse and repeat. You get the drift. Pair it with a baked potato and the combo is unstoppable. So there you have it. Hillstone is consistently great unpretentious dining. Just do us a favor and bring back the name m'kay?
(5)Jake K.
Best steak in Boston. The fillet is so amazing I can't stop thinking bout it. Just tell them not to make it too salty, as it happens to be too much some times. Comes with spinach and fries. A M A Z I N G. Never had a better steak ever!
(5)Danny M.
-Nice atmosphere. -Efficient, friendly service. -Food for five was at our table in less than ten minutes. -Delicious cheeseburger. Expensive ($14) but it was worth it. Overall, the experience was flawless.
(5)Kelsey P.
The old "Houston's" - same great place new name! Delicious and consistent American meals. Moderate pricing with delicious menu options. Lots of options for a group dinner to make everyone happy. Food: - Club Salad - my all-time favorite dinner option here: mixed greens, crispy chicken, avocado, chopped egg and bacon. Try this with the buttermilk ranch dressing on the side! The chicken is very lightly fried and the star of the show. Avocado is always perfectly fresh. - Grilled artichokes - best appetizer by far. Delicious artichokes, cut in half and grilled to perfection. Served with a tasty aioli dip. - Great cheeseburger - delicious thin fries! - Sushi combo plate - really really impressive sushi for what is considered an American restaurant, great dinner option. Drinks & Bar: - Great bar scene at the front of the restaurant near the glass-windowed front of the restaurant. This bar scene overflows outside as the windows open and the front of the restaurant becomes open-air in the spring and summer. - "The Greyhound "- delicious grapefruit cocktail - Fantastic wine list Ambiance & Service: - Beautifully lit dark wood interior - They take reservations and the hosts are really prompt in seating people right upon arrival - Cool bathrooms, which weirdly (or awesomely) enough, even have TV screens for the men!
(5)Brandy S.
We had a work lunch for ten persons. We were seated promptly (we had a reservation) and attended to without issue. There was resounding approval of the food. We had the Ahi Tuna platter, Crispy Chicken sandwich, Ahi burgers, French Dips, Cheeseburgers and a Grilled Chicken salad - all were deemed phenomenal. The big boss was present so alas no cocktails were consumed. They did seem to have a solid wine list though. I look forward to returning and so does the rest of the crew. Less one star as there was at least five (possibly close to ten) minutes between everyone receiving their meals which was difficult as we were all ravenously hungry.
(4)Angela D.
I'm from California and have been to several Houston's restaurant's there, which i absolutely LOVE. It's one of my favorite restaurants to go to in Los Angeles. So after I moved to Worcester, I went to the Houston's in Boston. Everything was great. The service, the atmosphere, and the location. However, their French Dip sandwich, which i LOVE, was not up to par at this particular location. It didn't have a lot of flavor and the au jus was oily and bland. We were there early (11am) so maybe that's why the au jus wasn't good yet. I'm willing to give it a try again.
(4)Kevin B.
Can't quite explain it, but I love this place. Great ambiance, food is always delicious. Favories are spinach artichoke dip and whatever is the fish special. Sushi is great too. I was here last night and my meal was literally 5ish minutes late... and without me saying anything, the mangager came over to apologize and bought my girlfriend and I a complimentary round of drinks. Only gripe is they aren't on opentable. Annoying.
(5)Sarah G.
My boss made reservations at Hillstone this past Saturday for our Holiday Dinner. Boss & her husband were running late, so they called Hillstone to ask if my girlfriend & I could be seated when we arrived, since we were going to be on time. Hostess assured Boss that this would be no problem at all! When GF and I arrived we were treated coldly by the Hostess, who refused to seat us "until the entire party is present", and when I mentioned that Boss had called ahead and was told this wasn't a problem, Hostess then proceeded to condescend to us about how it is their "policy" and how we must be lying because no one at the restaurant would have said we could be seated. GF & I were then left standing in the doorway (there really isn't a lobby) for the next 20 minutes. When we were all present and finally seated, we were placed in a booth along the back wall, which allowed me to see that the restaurant was a little over half-full. Only one other booth (of the 8-10) along the back wall was occupied, but they made us wait, even though we had a reservation and they were only at half-capacity. The Ambiance says "Classy", but while I was there, I did see (as another reviewer mentioned) screaming children being allowed to run around unattended and diners wearing sweatpants with words printed on the butt. Definitely *not* classy. In a dress and high-heels, I felt overdressed. Between the obnoxious hostesses and screaming children, it's only a step above an Outback at twice the price. Pros: Our server, Emily, was not only adorable but also knowledgeable about both the food and the wine. We took a long time deciding on a bottle of wine and she went back through her tasting notes to help us pick. The food was decent, but the prices were outrageous. TL;DR Hostesses are rude and will infer that you're a liar. If you go, be prepared to be treated poorly and pay through the nose for it.
(2)Liz K.
LOVE this place!! Came here for my birthday and was extremely impressed. The burger was the best burger I've ever had in my life. Definitely on the pricier side but well worth it especially for a special occasion. The dark wood and decor makes for a nice, classy feel. I really like the open kitchen because while we were waiting for our table to be ready we were able to see all the dishes being made which only made the decision of what to order harder because everything looked so good! Got the warm brownie with ice cream for dessert which I would definitely recommend. Overall it was a great meal and I will definitely be back.
(5)Lady L.
I can't say enough about our experience at Hillstone. We were visiting Boston, and this was one of our last meals. The ambiance was perfect, service from hostess to server was exceptional (Erin rocked!) and the food and wine was perfect. A pricer restaurant (compared to Boston pubs) but such a value for what you get in return. We were even thinking of having lunch there the following day! You must dine at Hillstone when visiting Boston!
(5)Sheridan W.
Busy during the lunch and evening hours, but what good place isn't? Great menu, food and service. Yes, its a chain - but you wouldn't think so. I suggest: pressed shushi, tempura chicken tenders (ask for the buttermilk garlic), Tortilla soup on Fridays and the best coleslaw in the city.
(4)Steve G.
Nice place for a drink. I had a Rusack Pinot Noir at the bar. Comfy chairs and nice atmosphere. Will have to try for dinner sometime.
(4)Tom A.
Full disclosure, our evening at Hillstone started off a bit rocky. I had made reservations for 4, but explained to the hostess that there would be a possibility for 5. I was told that wasn't a problem. We show up to the restaurant with 5, and the tables are only able to accommodate 4. Long story short, we waited quite a while before being seated. Here is how the staff at Hillstone went above and beyond the call of duty. We were given appetizers on the house to munch on before being seated. Once we were seated, more appetizers. That's only the beginning. We brought a bottle of wine because as ex-Californians, we are used to the no-corkage policy at the west-coast Hillstone restaurants. We were told that by law, Massachusetts doesn't allow this, but they invited us to pick a bottle of wine from their menu, again at no cost. Finally, after our meal (which was delicious, per the usual), our waiter (who was fantastic) let us know that the entire meal would be complimentary. We were blown away by the gesture (Thank you to the GM, Adam). It's things like this that really keep us coming back again and again. The food is consistently amazing, and the service is impeccable. We will be back again soon!
(5)Kate A.
Sushi lover? MUST EAT HERE. I know it's not Hillstone's number one attraction, but damn they have great sushi! In a snapshot - here's the good and bad of this place. Pros: 1. Great sushi (did I mention that already?) 2. Great drinks 3. Right in the middle of Fanueil Hall - good for afterwork get-togethers. 4. Great staff Cons: 1. A little pricey for location/drinks 2. Right in the middle of tourist-central, so can be a little slow/busy at times 3. Hard to find the first time around (tucked in behind 60 State Street) Overall, for what I was there for, this place was perfect. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for an after work meeting place for drinks and apps.
(4)Honest O.
I love Hillstone! I've been here 10+ times and never have I been disappointed with the waitstaff or the food. Their burgers are awesome, their prime rib is even better. Their fries are my absolute favorite! Recently, I decided to try their sushi. It took me a while to decide between 3 different plates. Once I finally chose, I had no idea how much sushi came with a $17 plate. When they brought out 4 pieces, I was a little disappointed. A second later, the waitress brought out 2 other plates of sushi (the ones I did not chose) on the house. All three of the different plates were amazing. Never in my life have I had a better waitress who is attentive and knows how to treat her customers!
(5)Bethany B.
Chain chain chain...I know, I know. But a delicious chain! Growing up I went to Houston's every Sunday after church and grew to L-O-V-E the spinach and artichoke dip and still do! Hillstone still has the delicious dip, but adds fun and interesting items like sushi to the menu. (my friends swear by it, although I'm always nervous about ordering sushi at a non-Asian spot). As usual, with almost any place I'm going to give four stars, Hillstone also has great cocktails. I say go for the gin fizz and call it a night. A tried and true spot that you know will always be delicious, you'll always leave buzzed, and the service will always be good! Enjoy!
(4)Danielle M.
Love love love this place!!! The reviews are spot on when they say the veggie burger is the best!!! Honestly I would never know this was a chain restaurant if it weren't for the reviews I've read on Yelp. Dinned here on a snowy Monday night. I don't know why but the decor reminded me of Anchorman (very important...smells of rich mahogany) very deep wood colors all around. They had a nice low key bar area and for the dinning seating every table is a booth style, which is great, gives it a more intimate feel. The crowd was definitely the early 30's business type. Our waitress was extremely attentive and recommended an amazing cabernet, I was impressed with her selection. I believe it was Robert Foley? Their menu is a bit limited if you are a vegetarian or have any variations of the sort. The do have a daily fish special, which on the night I went was cod, but I went a different route. I will say (again) I ordered the house made veggie burger. Oh...my...goodness...this was the best veggie burger I've ever had. Huge!! Just the right mix of sweet soy. Beware though, it does have cheese on it so if you do not want cheese, please ask for no cheese. The fries were stringy and, meh. Fries are my weakness and apparently they are weak here as well. I tend to eat on the slower side which allowed the bun of the burger to get a bit soggy. Eh, it was still the best veggie burger!! I will say, I did look at the table next to us who order sushi. I've never seen sushi done quite like here. It looked amazing!!! Not typical for a mostly American restaurant. The rolls appeared to be huge as I saw a girl actually cut the roll in half in order to eat it. They do offer complimentary parking at 60 State Street for 3 hours, which is a nice touch. Also if you would like they will check your coat. Prices for entrees are anywhere from earlier 20's to mid 30's. Not bad for a restaurant in Boston. I will definitely be coming back here again.
(4)lily l.
Ok my friends love Houston for some reason. They swear up and down that the Veggie Burger is to die for....Meh. So we lunched here today and ordered the following: Clam Chowder - It was good I would definitely have it again, I have an issue with the chowder though. There were large bits of bacon in it I don't like bacon. Spinach artichoke dip - I give them credit for the amount of artichoke that was actually in the dip..but the cheese melted on top was wayyyyy to pungent for me. The "salsa" that came with it was a tangy dissapointment. My friends had the veggie burgers- It was a gloppy mess way too sweet for my taste, my friend said it usually isn't that sloppy and sweet but still I didn't like it I had the spicy tuna sald - EW! The fish was fresh but the giant cuts of daikon in the sushi did not belong there. The salad that came with it had large chunks of daikon, carrots, cucumber, mango, mint, peppers, and sesame seeds. I hated it and for 12 bucks I expected better. The decor...beautiful, the service fast and friendly. This place gets super crowded for lunch so arrive early. The menu...very limited. Others that were with me enjoyed it, but this is definitely not my cup of tea.
(2)Laura G.
Still got tons of love for Hillstone despite its lame name change and chainy roots. All of the food is so flavorful it's almost puzzling how they manage to do it. I came back and tried their traditional salad, sushi and stuck with my original love - the Hawaiian Rib Eye. The salad was chock full of perfectly cooked bacon, egg and a killer dressing. Don't miss out for $5 as an accompaniment to your entree. It is way better than the Caesar. The sushi was a strange experience and I always thought it was somewhat peculiar that they serve it at a pretty standard steakhouse. I ordered the spicy tuna roll and while the tuna was of good quality, the roll was covered in what appeared to be sea salt. Salt added to sushi? What are you thinking Hillstone? Poor form but i was sort of able to eat around it. The steak came out in all of it's glory, not to be outdone by the baked potato that is a heart attack waiting to happen - but well worth it. Add complimentary garage parking and it's a night to remember.
(4)Tamar A.
I work as an admin in a tall, shiny office building, and have just started watching Mad Men regularly. Despite the painful realization that in some ways, not a heckova lot has changed in office dynamics since 1960, I still enjoy the throwback thrill of an old-fashioned, three-martini power lunch, especially when the accounting department is picking up the tab. Houston's--or, pardon, "Hillstone"--does not disappoint. The interior is warm and dimly lit, while the waitstaff pretty much give you a Don Draper-worthy tonguebath. One of the nicest elements of the place is that they do sushi--weird and overpriced sushi, perhaps, but sushi nonetheless--meaning that any of the fish your order for your main course, without being charged extra, comes as raw as you want. My swordfish was delicious; a compatriot's cod a buttery delight. The spinach and artichoke dip, perhaps a smidge gluey and not quite worth $10, was nevertheless a tasty opener. Desserts of key lime pie and brownie with a champagne cream sauce were not to be missed, although the cappuccino suffered the same burnt, machine-hasn't-been-cleaned-since-we-opened-what-Âdo-you-think-this-is-Starbucks?-acridity that I've simply come to expect out of even the nicest restaurants. Overall, a gorgeous, decadent time was had by all. Just remember to make a reservation, ideally for 11:45 if you want to get in there--the place swarms come noon--and you know that the service will be speedy enough that you'll have time to return with ice for your boss's 1pm scotch.
(4)Leo H.
I disapprove with the renaming of Houston's to Hillstone. They have also gone down on portion size (the prime rib's thickness has essentially been cut in half). This all makes me sad and thus I do not go very often anymore. The drinks, bartenders and waitstaff are all still great though.
(3)Sean O.
This is a cool place that I can't wait to go back to. Just a really nice atmosphere for drinks or dinner. The biscuits are delicious, the artichoke dip was great, my friend's ribs were really good. I had an unfortunately undercooked steak, but they fixed it right away. Next time I'm getting the ribs. Tried a new drink there called a Pimm's Cup. You must go there and drink this drink. You will see varied results but there is a high probability for laughs and adventure upon completion of your second.
(4)Julie R.
Sara S. suggested this place to me for their sushi offerings. I did not know they served sushi so was interested to see what they had. On a Wednesday night after work, the place was packed with your hot shot suits. A good eye candy place for single folks. Every seat at the bar was taken so we got an available table instead. The atmosphere was very dim and modern. I had been to Houston's once before for drinks so wasn't too familiar with the menu. It had a good variety of meats, seafood, salad and apps. I decided I would be going with the sushi combo which was 4 special maki's. Sara opted for the veggie burger she spoke highly of. Our server was very friendly. She came over a few times and was prompt. The food arrived a short moment later. I was very impressed with the sushi. The tuna was very fresh and whole in the spicy tuna. The macadamia shrimp roll was fabulous. Their version of a Cali roll involved real crab, it was excellent, and the veggie roll had a good crunch. For $19 it was a great way to try out most of their rolls. I would get the same platter again. I tried some of Sara's veggie burger. Wow, I'm used to the Gardenburger kind but this one had some interesting tastes. It had this Asian tasting sauce on it. The portion was substantial. Even if its not on the menu they might have it so ask! The free parking for up to 3 hours is a killer deal too. The garage is just a few steps from the restaurant. Bring in your ticket for the validation. I'm looking forward to returning!
(4)Ismael C.
After more than 20 times going back to this place, even when it used to be called Houston, i have always recomended the place to friends visiting Boston... But last time i went had the worst experience ever, to the point where i felt threated by the bouncer there while leaving the place. Once shouldn't have that after dinning out, if tips are not high it is because they were not deserved. Beginning to end it was a constant that we were neglected by the waitress, no explaining specials, not coming back to check on us, even when glasses were empty for what seemed ages, not coming back to collect the check... Apart from beeing neglected all night by our lousy, shouldn't work facing the public if you are a have an attitude, waitress. Food was only ok (Unlike previous times that I used to dine here over the last three years), I think this place has gotten only worse ever since the name change. PS they have discontinued from the menu the best entree that they had, the pork chop. PS2 I hate reviews that are based on a one bad experience, specially if it is about the service, but I felt obliged to share this with everybody since the experience was so bad that made me decide to not come back to a place I used to love.
(1)Wei W.
Houston's is a great place to go after work, albeit a little pricey, but it's worth it for the atmosphere and service. The waitstaff are always polite and I still have yet to figure out how they've memorized all the specials of the day. I'm a big fan of their "fall-of-the-bone" ribs, hand-cut French fries, and warm fudge brownie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They have a pretty good selection of wine and beer, and the service hasn't failed me yet. They even come by to refold your napkin when you've stepped away from the table. Overall, great food, fantastic service, pretty chill after-work atmosphere. I love going here for drinks after a stressful day.
(5)S S.
Update: I went here for dinner the other day, and had the best waiter :), absolutely loved him. He gave us a lot of time to enjoy our drinks, before we ordered our food. I loved the lemondrop martini-highly recommeneded. I had the specials-striped bass encrusted with almonds, and my companion had garden burger with the famous fries. I love the service at this place --------------------------------------------------Â------------------------------------ Houston is staple financial district lunch and happy hour place. It has dim lights, big leather couchs. Decent menu and service. The crowd is mostly financial types. This is a good experience, they do everything from moderate sushi choice, burger, salad, tea, coffee. You get the picture? Oh, oh try the fries here, they are thinly sliced yummy kind!
(3)Steph P.
I went here on Valentine's Day with no reservation and a party of 5. Dumb, right? Actually not too bad. The restaurant is larger than it seems and it has a very sexy, plush feel. We waited for about 30 minutes at the bar for our table and each tried a different speciality cocktail. The Dark and Stormy was spicy and full of ginger flavor and the Crisp Martini was just that, with a sharp but not too strong gin flavor. The mojito was too light on the mint though, and had too many chunks- I couldnt drink it until it was strained. We were seated in a corner booth, where we could look out over the whole restaurant. It was kind of fun to watch all of the couples eat in comfortable silence. Bread and water were brought out to the table right away- the bread was hot and fresh. We didn't order apps, but did get the clam chowder which was out of this world. Creamy without being too thick, lovely oyster crackers and bacon on top. Oh man, I was ready to cancel my dinner order and get a couple bowls of that only. For dinner we all ordered something different, but all the plates were delicious. the Thai Steak and Noodle Salad had a great lime, basil and chili flavor. It tasted so fresh. The Club Salad is topped with strips of chicken that are lightly battered and crispy, almost like a tempura. You can request the rotisserie chicken instead if you like. Please note though, the salads are not traditional salads. There is not much green to speak of. If you are trying to watch your calories, I think you would be better off with a lean piece of meat or the rotisserie chicken. There were 4 vegetables of the day to chose from, but I heard nothing else after Brussles Sprouts. Oh my, were they delicious. They had a garlicky buttery sauce on top, and were cooked perfectly (a little al dente). I also had the French Dip, piled high with prime rib and served with horseradish on the side. The bun got a little soggy part way through eating, but the beef was so flavorful. We also ordered the Heavenly Biscuts, served with butter and honey. They were plump and warm and had chives baked right in. The portions were nice, so we had no room for dessert. The food was excellent, the service as well, but I do think it was slightly overpriced. The menu is small, indicating everything was good, but $14 for a burger and $7 for a bowl of soup seems a bit much, even if the food is fantastic. While delicious, I don't think that anyone's mind will be blown conceptually.
(4)Matt L.
I had frequented Houston's well living down in Long Island, NY and always liked the food. It has a very creative menu and is a vibrant, trendy restaurant that makes good food at somewhat reasonable prices. This location in particular is a great location being in Quincy Market with a central location to all the Boston hotspots in an old Houlihans location. The menu had a few changes but the specials are always great and the waitstaff friendly and hip. I would definetly make it a point to stop in and have a meal here. The spinach/artichoke dip with nachos is awesome!!
(4)Darien G.
Excellent spot for either a business or upscale casual lunch, and even better for drinks. I've been going here for about 5 years now and it occurred to me I'd never written a review. Service and food are always good. I love their burger. Balance is the key, it's not too heavy on any ingredient or flavor, is always cooked just right. Ribs are also good if you're in the mood for something that requires getting your hands a bit sticky. Excellent desserts too, just all around a very good spot. I'll keep coming as long as they keep delivering the above.
(4)Rich W.
Love the ribs and great service. Make sure you make reservations
(5)Claire W.
This is one of my favorite downtown lunch spots. It gets very crowded, particularly in the summer, so I usually try and get there at 11:45. The big draw for me are the chopped salads - there is a cobb salad and a chicken salad. I don't know why more restaurants don't make a chopped salad. These are huge. You could easily take home half. Since lunch is often my big meal during the week I usually don't have anything left. I went once with a friend who has severe food allergies. We had arrived late and sat at the bar. Despite that, the bartender went back to the kitchen twice with the card describing my friend's allergies to check and doublecheck what she could eat. Heartily recommend - with the caveat "Get there early."
(5)Amy C.
Ok here's the deal the burgers are really f-ing good. The chicken salad with the peanut dressing is really f-ing good too. The fries are very tasty when they are hot and crisp. I love that they serve Edison Beer. Big plus. The decor and atmosphere is modern but cozy and comfortable, all the tables are booths so that makes for good conversation and comfort. I'll be back.
(4)Casey H.
Very good BBQ ribs that fall right off the bone.
(3)Molly M.
My friends and I went here on a Friday later in the evening. It was crowded but still had room to be seated at the table. Drinks were delicious. We didn't really need entrees so we got the loaded baked potato- holy yum! Delicious. Shout out to our server Patrick, who had to put up with 4 silly women but he did it all with a smile. Thanks!
(4)mike c.
Houston's is a must do in Boston ,good food and drink in a fun spot as well ,I have been there many time both day and night , the only thing that ever put my off was door man ? maybe G M ? telling a young man and lady at the bar that they were not and could not kiss at the bar and if thay did one more time they would be asked to leave ....O.K I'm am not young at 52 but to be sure I will never go back ,after all how often do you turn 52 ? ? ?
(4)Andrew G.
This is part of a large, upscale restaurant group (hillstone group) and was formerly named 'Houstons' a couple years back. I am now in Chicago, but find myself missing this great, rock-solid option. Consistency is what made Hillstones a frequent stomping ground for me when I live in downtown Boston. You always knew the service would usually be extremely efficient and the quality of the food/drink was at par with any other upscale spots in back bay or north end. Awesome bar-I love to eat at bars and this one has comfy stools, good people watching(local celts and bruins spotted few times), and a few flat screens at the end to watch the bruins. A solid standby for me always was the ribs and a spicy Malbec or of course some tasty sushi which they serve generous portions of. Perks: -Best martini's around -Sushi offered generous portions, rolls are quite substantial and can hold their own to some level against 'sushi' restaurants -Attentive with food allergies (nuts) Dings: -Had an issue with a salmon special about a year ago, wrote to their website, received a call from the mngr, but never followed up after. It's debatable if it was the food or a long night, but nonetheless that left a bad taste in my mouth and the only reason it's not 5. If your looking for a great after work scene, place to start a night off in town, or a great date spot (booths and intimate lighting) this is a good choice. I'm looking to check out one of their sister restaurants 'Bandera' here in Chicago sometime.
(4)Vicki T.
Fabulous prime rib, great baked potatoes, delicious corned beef sandwiches, juicy hamburgers, but the worst sushi I have ever tasted. Houston's Restaurants are almost always dependable for good meals. I have no idea why they are attempting to make sushi. The rice was undercooked (hard), and strangely shiny. I do wish they would stick to what they do so well.
(4)Roja N.
After living in Boston for a year, I only just stumbled upon Hillstone. It was recommended to me by a coworker who raved about it's food. I went there last week with some friends for dinner and I was astonished by the spectacular food and ambience. Being a vegetarian, I usually am limited but after our lovely waitress (she was perhaps Irish?) recommended the veggie burger, I ordered it and was plesantly surprised by how exceptionally tasty it was. I left delighted with the meal and am excited to come back and try something else on the extensive menu. The food and the fantastic service from our genuinely friendly waitress will definitely bring us back soon
(5)Stewart o.
Nice meal and service in a nice space. Relaxed. Good selection and variety. I loved the steak and Thai noodle dish.
(4)Becka D.
I can say I'm a fan after one visit...so that's saying something. My boss and I sat at the bar. Quick service and SUPER friendly. They profusly apologized after salting my boss's margarita when she asked for no salt. And they make their own sour mix (tres chi-chi)! The spinach-artichoke dip is to die for. I eat this stuff pretty much at any place that has it on the menu, and this is definitely one of the best (if not the best) of all time. My grilled chicken salard was pretty fab too. I would have never guessed that this place was a chain. The prices aren't exactly wallet-friendly, but it's what you would expect from the look of the place. One of the greatest things about this place is the people-watching. We plopped down at the bar about 430, so right before the after-work crowd got there. It was all pretty entertaining (and it was only a Tuesday night). My bet is that on a Thursday or Friday night after work, I'd have a ball here.
(5)Frank W.
Love. Love Love Love. Ok now that i've gotten that out of the way here is my review of Houston's (AKA Hillstone). This place rocks. It's got a great ambiance, has outdoor seating for the summer, and has great food/beer to boot. I love their Asian Salads, their Sushi, and their Specials. I usually enjoy a good special here. They're also great at suggesting beer/wine to you to complement your meal, and their coffee for after the "big dig" is actually decent for dinner coffee. While I can't personally afford to come here every night, it's a great place to go if you're looking to class up your life or take someone special out. I would recommend getting a reservation if you have a large party or if you're going out on Week nights. This is a common hot spot for Financial District foodies. (Myself included) GO!
(5)Ingrid F.
I absolutely love their hawaiian rib eye and spinach and artichoke dip! The steak was really juicy and the dip was seasoned just right. I wish there were more choices for desserts though. The desserts were pretty basic and from what I recall there were only 3 to choose from. I think I had the brownie a la mode dish and it was just alright.
(4)Michael H.
I've been to Hillstone's several times, both under it's current name and it's prior identity, Houston's. (Actually preffered the name "Houston's" to "Hillstone's" but I apparently was not consulted about the change.) To me, it's okay, and I'll leave it at that. Hillstone's is a somewhat different sort of restaurant. It's very dimly lit, all the servers wear black, and waitresses have their hair pulled back in a pony tail. All the staff seem to be somewhat robotic (in a Matrix kind-of way); it's almost like they are part of a cult! Nevertheless, what the staff lacks in personality, they easily make up for with their efficiency and attentiveness. As for the menu, expect to find the usual suspects. Salads, steaks, seafood, burgers and chicken (and Sushi?) accompanied by daily specials - which the servers sometimes forget to mention. The appetizer selection is woefully limited and beer selection even more so. I've tried the rotisserie chicken which is good, and ordered some of the salads which did not dissapoint either. Hillstone's serves a good onion soup, too. Actually, the only meal I had at Hillstones that I would not recommend was the chicken tender dinner - it was lousy. Overall, the food is above-average. Prices, for this area of Boston are very reasonable, and portions are generous. Kitchen is easily viewable from the seating area and looks to be immaculate. Be advised that after 6:00 p.m, Hillstone's gets very crowded (regardless of what day it is) and reservations would be recommended. Personally, I actually enjoy lunch at Hillstone's more than dinner. The menu is the same and they don't dim the lighting as much. Ultimately, the way I look at Hillstone's, is that it's like eating at a premium Chili's, Applebees, TGI Friday's, or other type of chain restaurant.
(3)TJ M.
I hate the screne of Houston's, but I can only speak praise for the food. Although you'll find the biggest douche bags in Boston ordering dirty martinis and discussing "the market" you will also find the best Seared Tuna Salad ever created. I'm not kidding... Get the damn Seared Tuna Salad.. I promise you'll be please. If tuna isn't your bag, they make great burgers. A buddy of mine claims they have the best burger in boston, which I would contest (I'd vote Bartley's Burgers in Harvard). The steaks are great and for an appetizer get the baked artichoke heart.... trust me... just do it.
(5)Elizabeth S.
We went to Hillstone twice on a recent trip to Boston and loved it both times! The first time we went we sat at the bar and just ordered drinks. Very friendly bartender. The next day we went back and ordered the shrimp & macadamia roll, the Osaka pressed sushi, and the Thai tuna roll and it was all wonderful! Some of the best sushi I have ever had. And our waitress was a doll! We will continue to visit this wonderful place!
(5)Trey Joseph W.
Stepped in for drinks on at their bar which wide open to the fresh air on a gorgeous day. I had never been there before, as I presumed it wasn't for me. I really enjoyed the design of the restaurant actually. The little app we got was tasty, and the hot fudge sundae at the bar was fun too. Nice staff too.
(4)j c.
For me, Houston's in Faneuil Hall is one of those places that is always a safe bet. Whether you're going for drinks, lunch or dinner, you won't be disappointed. The service is excellent, the food is fresh and delicious (no obscene portions) and everything is spotless. I've gone there for lunch by myself on a few occasions and felt very comfortable and well looked after. My only issue is that it's way too dark and the levels can be difficult ot maneuver if you're disabled. My disability is extremely poor night vision, so I sort of have to feel my way along to the table. Also, I'm not sure how elderly people or those in wheelchairs would fare. Otherwise, consistently good.
(4)Nina W.
Houstons is a very nice bar and restaurant right next to Fanueil Hall. I had a wonderful experience here, and would definately come back when i visit Boston again. Their food was tasty and the ambiance was very original. Something I love about the restaurants and businesses in boston, is that they remove the glass fronts of the buildings in the summer for an open air feel. Definately worth a try.
(4)Paul G.
Been going here for years. If you're an eat at the bar person like I am, you will agree that Houston's has one of the best bars to have food at in Boston. It's spacious and the bartenders are friendly and accommodating. They do have a peculiar list of beers both in bottle and on tap, and they don't serve Bud or Lite. Not sure why. The food menu hasn't changed much, however, the chef continues to get innovative with the sushi menu (great Rainbow Roll). Some might consider the prices here a bit high. The wine list can be expensive, but they do have several reasonably priced and good wines on the menu. The place hops on Friday night after work and is great place to get a drink and dinner before heading out for the night. Top menu choices: Burger, the french dip sandwich, Thai steak salad, Hawaiian rib-eye and the filet. Top reason I go: Friendly bar staff.
(5)Greg D.
Decent place for drinks after work, is pricey for what you get though. They had Edison, so I chilled in the Light. An older crowd which is defiantly not my scene. The staff is friendly and very quick.
(4)Liana K.
We had reservations for 8pm and still had to wait a bit to get seated (around 20 minutes). I had a smoked salmon appetizer for my meal, which surprisingly made for a small light meal. The menu didn't look that impressive. I guess the chic, dark ambiance makes it good for corporate whoredom and dates. However, if you want a high end meal, I agree with the yelper below that there are plenty of other places to go to go to in Boston. The place is nicely located for a walk around the Wharf late on a summer night though.
(3)Jackie G.
It's a little pricey but the food and drink is amazing. It took a really long time to be seated but it was definitely worth it. We waited at the bar but the hostess was really rude to my friend when she asked 30 minutes later (when told it would only be a 20 minute wait) how much longer. The bartender was also kinda bitchy. Other than that the food and drinks were delicious.
(4)Jen H.
I truly like Houstons. It's in Faneuil Hall so going in I was expecting lots of tourists... but was pleasantly surprised to find that was not the case. Our waiter was really nice, service was up to par, and the food was made well. We didn't have a reservation and didn't have to wait in line for a table, as we came for an early dinner. The feel of this restaurant is slightly more upscale than other venues around the F.H. area, so I liked that as an option... and despite it's F.H. location this is a venue I would voluntarily go to over many others in the nearby vicinity if hunger strikes.
(4)Courtney M.
I came in around 2pm to celebrate getting a job with my girlfriend on a weekday. The restuarant was calm and spotted with suited professionals on their lunch meeting breaks. Their sushi is really quite incredible and our server was very non-judgemental of our request for a bottle of champagne! What a better way to celebrate getting a job! It has perfect mood lighting and the bar seems like it would be hopping on any night. I will definitely come again just for their fish sandwich which is to die for. A great spot for groups!
(4)Jennifer B.
This is my favorite restaurant in Boston. I love the ambiance there, and the food has always been delicious. My favorite is the Evil Jungle Thai Steak Salad. Also, their filet is excellent when you want a treat and can afford it. They have the best French Dip I've ever had. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because I went there recently and they increased their prices. They don't have any wine choices for under $10 any more! They used to be $7 -$9 for a glass of wine, which is pricey, but not unreasonable. But I will not pay $10 or more for a glass when I can pay that for a decent bottle. Also, I'm not a huge fan of their beer offerings. So: Food=excellent, drinks = sub-par and overpriced
(4)D H.
I ordered the Hawaiian rib eye steak - medium. The steak was cooked perfectly. The waitress was very attentive. This place is a hidden gem-- figurative and literately.
(4)Erin G.
Stopped by Houston's for an early dinner (530) and though I had a reservation, there were plenty of open tables and we were seated immediately. our service was really professional and warm which is so refreshing for a chain. atmosphere: a little too dark and the banquettes felt super low to the ground, our server towered over us, or at least it felt that way. i ordered the veggie burger, my date ordered the raquet club sandwich, and both were fully enjoyed. Houston's price to portion ratio is even too. It's a good meal, very beef-oriented, so vegetarians take heart. update: i've been back here so i guess i like the place well enough! the sashimi tuna salad is out of this world with huge chunks of avocado and mango. you should also have a few margaritas, they are tasty and refreshing.
(4)S. J.
This place is pretty cool, though your wallet may not always think so. Ahhh, the bittersweet sting of steakhouses where tourists collide with cubical survivors. A mojito here is going to seduce your taste buds and slap you in the liver in all the right ways, but will set you back at least $14 if I remember correctly (it's probably better to forget!)... Do yourself a favor in more ways than one by ordering a pint of Brick Red, the limited edition special brew from Sam Adams only served in select Boston bars (and no, you can't buy it at the liquor store). Steaks here are Grade A Awesome. Doesn't matter if you're ordering the filet, prime rib, or their Hawaiian rib eye. When it comes to sides, there can be only one -- the colossal, loaded baked potato. But beware -- it will lead you astray into that dangerous territory of filling up on starch, cheese, bacon, and sour cream instead of some of the best steak in the city. The menu is kinda small, though, so be sure to check it out before making a reservation (recommended) or waiting an hour if you walk up. I haven't tried their burgers, since that's like going to an ice cream parlor and ordering half a popsicle. Save room for dessert -- the key lime pie is pretty damn good, though I'm pretty sure they've changed their crust in the last year... used to be solid gold. Now it's just gold plated. But the pie filling itself is still not to be missed. Take half that loaded baked potato home if you have to.
(4)Mary D.
Went to Houston's on a Friday night around 7:30 pm. Without reservations, which I am not sure they take, the wait was about 45 minutes to an hour. The bar was packed, with mostly 20-somethings right from work. Managed to get seats at the bar and decided to eat there. Had the spinach & artichoke dip to start - good, but not great. For dinner, I had the steak and noodle salad, which was just ok. Husband had the steak special, which he declared to be the best steak he has ever had. Good size portions. Bartender was great - talkative and helpful. Chef delivered food to us, which was impressive. Overall, experience was good, but I may be too old for that bar scene. Too loud and crowded.
(3)Mark W.
This is a great restaurant....if I had to find a fault, it's underground with no view. However the ambiance, service, and quality make up for it! I also preferred the Houston's name over Hillstone....but that's marketing....I'll probably still call it Houston's. While this is so much more than a burger joint, it's got bar none one of the best cheeseburgers I've ever had. It's the fries, the bun, the cheese, the beef - everything brought together - just a really good burger. But also the sushi, the steaks, the salads are all very good. Oh and for this restaurant with a view, try their Houston's in Pompano Beach....I've been to a dozen Houston's and they're consistently great.
(4)Andrea A.
You just can't go wrong here. Everything is always fresh, from the ground beef, to the biscuits to the fries. Forget the burger at the Four Seasons-- Hillstone has it beat by a mile. Spinach dip is addicting, their ribs fall off the bone. It can get pretty crowded at lunch time, so plan accordingly. The after-work bar scene feels like a meat market, so avoid it if that's not your thing.
(4)Randy S.
Two words: Hawaiian Rib-eye. It was succulent, delicious and served with incredible aptitude. My dinner party ordered the sushi as a starter and it was some of the best rolls I have ever had. I ordered the Hawaiian Rib-eye, which I have already commented on; my buddy to the left ordered a chicken that was amazing; and across the table the fish was ordered. Everything was served with impeccable timing and style. The waitress was helpful and knowledgeable. We paired our meal with a bottle of malbec, that although it was overpriced was excellent. I must say their wine list offers an option for everyones' taste-buds. The brownies for dessert brought a perfect end to an incredible meal. The atmosphere was the silent fifth star in this review. It will not disappoint.
(5)Josh P.
Excellent veggie burger and great atmosphere.
(5)Christine L.
Best veggie burger in town! Recently tried Sushi. Good but not outstanding.
(4)Traci M.
Get our your wallet cuz it ain't cheap here. Cheesebuger 14 Fish Sandwich 17 ________________ 2 sodas+ 20% tip=$46 The food is great. The service is excellent. But the pricess are crazy and the menu is VERY limited!
(4)Nathan B.
Great vegetarian burgers and sushi. Steps away from Faneuil Hall. Dine in an elegant setting. Excellent service.
(5)Jay D.
Ate here this afternoon. It was the first time for all at the table except one. We all tried the Pork Ribs which were delicious, and will again be delicious i'm sure as lunch at work tomorrow. Oh will my work peeps be jealous. :-) The clam chowder was excellent, while the Cheddar Toast was bleh. The 4 nut brownie was also excellent. I wish i still worked in the financial district to check out their Happy Hour which i hear about all too often. Our main server was adorable(Jessie) as were most of the girls on this afternoon. I think we were helped by 4 different servers which was refreshing to see that level of teamwork in a spot where most bills will easily head north of 3 figures very quickly.
(4)Wendy L.
I know it's a chain, but I love it. The fish and meats are really good, and the spinach and artichoke dip is divine. Boo on no reservations for large parties...but I guess it didn't stop us from waiting it out!
(5)Jessica A.
I love Houston's! The thai steak and noodle salad is killer. The waitstaff are some of the friendliest servers you'll encounter in Boston. Great service, impeccable food.
(5)Denise L.
Went for drinks with some friends. Let me start by saying the place was not busy at all and there were 3 bartenders at the bar chatting it up. Took a half hour to get two martinis and had to send one back because it was a gin martini when my friend asked for a vodka martini. My SO ordered a bombay sapphire and tonic, our waitress came back and said they didn't have bombay. So when asked what the alternatives were, she started listed vodkas. She didn't know what the difference was and admitted it. When he finally decided on what gin he wanted, another server brought it over and said "who ordered the bombay and tonic?" They just told us they didn't have bombay - he asked for extra lime but there was no lime in the drink and when asked the server said "I saw the bartender squeeze lime in in there did you also want a piece of lime?" Seriously? As it turned out the tonic water was flat so he sent it back and stuck with water. Never again
(1)Natalia T.
pricey, but very tasty! if you're willing to pay $14 for a burger, you won't be dissapointed! it's juicy, delicious and something I crave every week now ;) Something as simple as chicken ceasar was also very very good ... the dressing was mixed in there, and the chicken was very very tender and nicely marinaded. $14 tuna roll didn't really live up to be worth $14 ... I think they should get rid of sushi, it's a little too much for a bar staff is not always great, you might get a grumpy one once in a while :(
(5)R A.
Everything I've had here has been great. Despite being a chain, it doesn't have that feel. Their service was excellent and the food was very well prepared and portioned. They are really lacking in their cocktail variety, but they have excellent mojitos.
(4)Amanda D.
I go to this bar every couple weeks for after work drinks. I think it is one of the best places in Boston to go for a drin. it is definitely nice in the summer when they have the front glass doors open. Granted, it can get a bit crowded every now and again, but for me it is worth it. Although the food menu is a little small, I have eaten here numerous times and have always loved it. The salads are awesome, steaks great, soups lovely. Why not stop on by!?
(4)Eric A.
One of my favorite restaurant's in the country. The atmosphere is cool, the food is delicious, and the waitstaff is nice.
(4)Jen C.
My friend and I ended up have a late lunch at Houston's yesterday. It was a beautiful day out, so we wanted to sit outside. When we arrived, we managed to get the last outside table, but the place was't packed, which made the atmostphere relaxing and people watching fantastic. Our waitress was attentive and knowledgeable. She knew the wines by the glass and even how they were fermented. She brought us our wine and water, and the two of us basically chugged our water. She saw this, and then brought over a carafe of water, filled our glasses and left us the water, without asking. My friend had the French Dip and said it was really good. I had the Hickory burger that was delicious. The buttered grilled bun put it over the top. Skinny, cruchy fries accompanied each of our meals and were yummy. What's funny is that after we finished our meals, my friend and I were still talking about how the water tasted so good. It was cold, but not too cold, and no ice. We laughed that we would write a review and say the food was good, but the water was great!
(4)Alphonse C.
Hillstone, formerly called Houston's is my go to for lunch or dinner when I have a few extra bucks in my pocket. Its tucked away in Faneuil hall Hall and has a big after work business crowd which I try to avoid. I must say the California rolls there are by far probably the best I've ever had and its not even a Japanese restaurant !! Go figure? Also the Hawaiian Rib eye is cooked to perfection served with a loaded baked to potato to die for. (only served for dinner which is annoying BTW). I prefer to sit at the bar, though the bartenders looked a bit stressed often and not that on the ball for such a corporate environment. Though eating in the dinning room is really nice, each table is very private and comforting. There's also an open air kitchen which always brings a nice level of excitement to a restaurant. I always like to see who cooking :) The servers are prompt and all work together at your table which is different and unique. Though I prefer to have one server generally when dining, its a bit impersonal there with that approach.
(4)Stephen Y.
We only stayed at the bar - difficult to get a seat even on a week night but kinda worth it. Food was surprisingly good (benefits of being associated with a real restaurant). Highly highly recommend the chicken tender and the sushi was pretty decent as well. Expect to pay a bit of a premium for food, however.
(4)Josh P.
As a former restaurant worker (bartender), I can say that one of the easiest ways to gauge the quality of an establishment is to look at the servers. If they are smiling and seem happy to be there, chances are you're at a good restaurant. Applying this standard, as I always do, I was very encouraged when I walked into Houston's on a recent Sunday night. On the short walk from the entrance to my table, a very comfy booth in the back, I was greeted by smiling face after smiling face. And, my old test proved itself accurate once again. The atmosphere is hip and comfortable without being pretentious, the service was flawless and the food was delicious. I will certainly be going back.
(5)Roxanne M.
The rows of wide red booths make it a comfy place to meet with friends and linger a while. Make a reservation if you're there on a weekend night, and plan to share the spinach/artichoke dip. As a vegetarian, there weren't too many options for me, but if you eat fish that opens up your options as it (surprisingly) has sushi mixed in with the other offerings. It's a little pricey but that's to be expected in this part of town.
(3)Alex L.
Houston's is awesome! Everything on the menus is fantastic. The service is always great, but wait a minute... I only gave them 3 stars... Why IS that? Oh that's right EVERYTHING on the menu is at least $5 more than any other Houston's Restaurant in the entire US. I don't care that their rent is extremely high, they are so busy ALL THE TIME that they could afford to be cheaper. That's the biggest reason I don't frequent this restaurant. In Dallas, I LOVE this place. Here, it's like... Ok take the T for 45 minutes, or drive downtown and pay for $25 parking, so either way it sucks to get there, then I have to shell out an extra $5 on whatever I want to eat there. It just bothers the hell out of me. Anyways, I'll probably end up going this week anyway because I've been craving the French Dip like crazy.
(3)Susan M.
I love this restaurant! Every meal that you get is delicious and get an A on presentation every time. They have a small menu but with a variety of choices there is someothing for everyone. There sushi is delicious and always fresh, overall every experience I've had here has been fantastic! The ambiance is great, somewhat romantic with the dim lighting, and a great place to go after work to sit at the bar for drinks. I love going in the fall/spring to sit outside or at the bar right infront of the open doors!
(5)sarah k.
Very much one of my absolute favorite restaurants! The atmosphere is perfect and you really do not want much more than to stay and enjoy the food and drinks, along with the service that does not try to push you away. My only slight criticism I have for Hillstone is with regards to their once outstanding rib entree. Every now and then, the restaurant switches up their menu a bit but the change made 6 months ago is awful. The meal was consistently delicious; ribs laid out as one with the perfect amount of sauce but still able to taste the flavorful pork. Now, they are stacked and smothered in sauce. Needless to say, I sent the dish back and will never order it again. I didn't even know there was meat under it. Some of these changes just seem to reflect a way to cut costs in making their food.
(4)Joel S.
Would definitely come back. The fish was very fresh and tasty. Service was impeccable, and cute. Bar staff was good, there's an outdoor patio which is nice and the decor inside was pleasing. Prices are, well, pricey, but the expense report works well. They even had the yankee/sox game on TV which was a nice touch, too bad the score wasn't.
(4)Carolina L.
This is a great place to go and have a nice dinner.. the food is soo good.. everything i had was incredible the ribs are exquisite the soups too.. and the desserts waooo.. if you are looking for a nice and good restaurant this is the perfect one..
(5)Jackie D.
We were told that our wait for a table was going to be 25-30 minutes, but it ended up being over an hour. Normally not an issue as we got drinks at the bar, however, I was particularly hungry this Saturday night and was displeased by the unexpectedly excessive wait. Would've got an app at the bar had we known. The host also confused us for another party and got our hopes up, said he'd check on our name but never did. The bar tenders were very busy but did acknowledge us and eventually got to our drinks, a non-issue. When we sat a girl took our drink order but never actually got our drinks and a second waitress came over who ended up serving us. Service was just mediocre which is why I feel as though I can't give Houston's more than 3 stars. However, our food was amazing! We had an eel sushi app, something I've never had before but actually loved. And my juicy steak was cooked perfectly! Wish I could give it at least one more star for the delish food, but the overall experience was just OK. I would go again though, but think next time it will be on a weeknight or a time when it's less busy.
(3)Emily C.
I basically joined Yelp to write a review on this restaurant. I had such a terrible experience here with the service that it convinced me I would not be returning. I had ordered a pork dish that was quite large. The waiter literally tried to take the dish away from me, with plenty of meat left on it, over five times when I was still eating. Eventually he resorted to sending different waitstaff over to actually clear our plates as I had probably scared him with my sharp words. I understand this is not fine dining, but there has to be some standard to not grab peoples' plates out from under them when they are eating. He even tried to take one of our bottles of wine away from us before it was finished! I know it sounds dramatic, but I truly was appalled at the service. We had probably the best table in the house, I understand they want to turn it over, but we were a group of 5 ordering bottles of wine, drinks, main courses. The service was incredibly inappropriate for any dining-out experience. Since the food was just OK, the horrible service stood out the most for the 1 star rating.
(1)Nic A.
Houston's is fast becoming one of my go-to restaurants. The other reviews have pretty much said it all: This place is one of the few "good chains" around. Go here! Eat, drink, and be merry.
(4)jenny c.
I don't ever recall devouring a burger so tasty,, I came here by referral and soon came to find out that this place Rocks! I pass by here to work every morning and I finally ended up getting myself over with a couple co-workers.. Great food, and a nice atmosphere.. Great location as well, right next to the train stop.. and the rest of faneuil hall.
(4)Jayashree P.
Incredible atmosphere and great service. They serve the best veggie burger in the world that you must have with a side of the most perfect coleslaw. After work the bar can get crowded, but worth a visit.
(4)Sophia C.
Delish. I always try my best to find something vegan on any menu in the hopes that I will not be a complete pain in the ass. I ordered the veggie burger at Houston's - the waitress very nicely took my order and I told her I wanted a veggie burger, but no cheese, butter - I cannot have dairy. When she left, the chef came to our table and made sure that nothing had dairy in it for me - even the bread. After millions of times telling a restaurant that I cant have dairy, then spending a night being sick - (all vegans eventually become lactose-intolerant, usually about a month or so or strictly no dairy in the diet) - Houston's was a nice change. I had a lovely experience and wasnt sick after - what a concept!! ****** The veg burger I orderd today was covered in mayo and butter after I asked for no dairy. Houston's, we have have a problem.
(4)Sam C.
This is a good dependable place in faneuil hall for drinks and dinner. Good salads, burgers, wine list. Just didn't understand why they opened our bottle of wine before bringing it to the table. I don't think anyone should ever do that. But for an area of Boston severely lacking in decent places to eat this would be my top choice.
(3)Matt W.
Yes, it used to be the location of Houlihan's. Not unlike the overwhelming smell of human urine outside Grotto, this fact about Houston's former tenant should not sway your decision to enter. This bunker-like, slightly subterranean location is just the right setting for a unique, Frank Lloyd Wright-esque experience. The service is professional, and team driven. The food is subjected to the "We are near Quincy Market" Tourist Mark-up, but it's absolutely worth it. What to order? The Knife and Fork Ribs. Completely fall-off-the-bone-melt-in-your-mouth fantastic. If you go for dinner, wait till a later hour to avoid the after work drinkers. Reservations are recommended, but the bar is a great place to people watch if you just want to drop in. For those of you (like me) that become addicted to the ribs, and live nearby; They do not do To-Go orders. Great place to bring out of town friends who insist on doing dinner near Quincy Market. (however, I would suggest that you purge your life of such friends as soon as they are on the plane). UPDATE 8/15/06: Recently we visited this establishment again. Friends came from Legal Sea Food to meet up with us at the end of our meal. It was 9:55 and they closed at 10. The server said that she could probably serve them 1 round of drinks (we didn't even plan on that, but were happy she offered). Our 3 friends arrived and the manager stopped them with "We're closed." They said they were meeting us, to which he replied "We're closed." He finally let them by when I came to the front. As the server greeted them and asked if they wanted a drink, the manager came to the table, took the server away, and she returned a moment later stating, "Since you are at a table and not ordering food, my manager said you cannot have a drink." My wife and I just finished a great meal, only to have our friends insulted by the ass manager. How would this affect the price of friggin tea in China if they had 1 beer while waiting us to finish our meal??? As we left, he was locking the revolving door (it was 10:05PM). He grunted "Use the other door" as we approached. Now that's class.... without the "cl". THE FATAL FLAW OF HOUSTONS. THEY HAVE UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME FOOD, BUT A CORPORATE EDICT WHICH GIVES THEIR MANAGERS AN ARROGANT SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT. I AM GOING TO HAVE TO REDUCE THIS REVIEW TO 4 STARS, NOW. Damn you manager!
(4)Peter R.
Everything here was very good. The food was tasty, and the menu had a good selection of casual "American" food. I had a fish sandwich, and my friend had chicken tenders. Don't expect to be wowed though, the lunch was good, but still in the "ordinary" range. The server was helpful and friendly. I was at the restaurant in the late afternoon, so it wasn't very crowded and entrees came out quickly. The prices are a bit steep for what you get, but considering it's location that's not surprising (read: it's a little bit of a tourist trap). It's still a better deal than a lot of places in Faneuil Hall (which are all tourist traps). The decor is tasteful and original. It's a little dark (and slightly subterranean), but certainly not in an unpleasant way.
(3)Ame k.
we went on sat around 1pm, no wait, the service is ok but the veggie burger is the "bomb" and i dont use this term, my coworker did. we (4 ppl) order the veggie burger, it was the best thing i ever tasted.
(5)Rebecca C.
I definitely love Houston's. It all started when I tried their banana creme pie for the first time. (I believe it's a seasonal dish, be patient if they don't have it...try for it next time). Someone brought it for me to go after their lunch. It was the highlight of my day. Now, I think I've tried nearly everything on the menu. The ribs are truly "the best" ribs I've ever had. They're better than Red Bones! The Tuna Sashimi Salad is truly incredible, as is the Evil Thai Jungle Salad. The service is a bit strange. Generally you get one server who takes your order, but what feels like 12 other servers bringing your food, drinks, etc. So you don't get that camraderie with your server if you enjoy that part of it. Which I do. But other than that, we haven't had a bad experience there. The biggest shortfall of Houston's is the booths. It restricts the number of people you can have sitting at one table. And all they have are booths. No regular tables. So you really and truly can't have a party bigger than 6 or 7 people, unless you want to sit at separate tables...done that too. Not so fun.
(4)Lala L.
Never had a bad meal here. It's a steak house, but their salads are damn good! Also, do get the baby back ribs...they're juicy and falls off the bone. There may be a long wait on the weekends, and parties more than five/six is not a good idea here. (depending on how tall you peeps are)
(4)Laura L.
Not really a fan of this place. Maybe because I am a college student but it seemed to business professional type of atmosphere. I have been in there two times once for drinks and the other for dinner. Both weren't bad but definitely pricey. I guess its great for an after work cocktail...
(4)sunny n.
A decent average place to hang out for drinks and some snacks in the financial district..they make some mean cocktails..the martinis are dam good...the menu is a mixed bag w/ some great items like the Georgian Cod, the Vegetarian Burger...whereas other items can dissapoint....and the service is jus alrite ...I just find too many people helping you out (hostess, person to get your first drink, then waitress) so that kinna confuses me a bit. ..call me ol fashioned if u will but I like to deal with one person once seated..and an occasional check in from the hostess is very charming yet hard to find.......the crowd is a mix of young and some ol.....Comfy leather seating and dim lighting is perfect...located in an almost semi basement venue..with slick low ceilings..and bang outside Fanuel HalI is very cool....I would personally prefer an odd time of the day to go here..because I usually don't like places where many people show up from an office after work..and with Boston's downtown area lacking diversity it just automatically makes it less appealing for me...!
(3)Cindy C.
Fantastic place to grab lunch or drinks after work. My favorite thing on the menu is the spicy tuna roll salad. I have dreams about that salad. Burgers are delicious, and the fries are unbelievable. Can't go wrong with the spinach & artichoke dip. The restaurant is always busy in the summer. There is some stiff competition, but Houstons is definetly one of the best choices in Faneuil Hall. It can get a little dark in there sometimes, but everything is delish!
(4)bex g.
good place for a very yummy dinner. hearty meals and nice presentation. not a standout place for drinks or hangout though -- much more of an older crowd. there isn't anything particularly wrong with it, just that there are so many other better choices in the area. but definitely worth a try or two.
(4)Aunt Selma g.
My tuna salad was good but i give it a three for an unimaginitave menu and a hideous decor.
(3)Jill M.
This restaurant is great and never fails to please. It's a huge after work spot, so you'll see quite a few people at the bar during happy hour. The food is delicious. I recommend the chicken ceasar salad, the clam chowder, and if you need some meat on your bones the filet mignon is amazing. They have a pretty good wine selection but they are lacking a little bit in the liquor department. My roommate is always disappointed because they don't have SoCo. If you're planning to make a meal of it at Houston's, be prepared to break the bank a bit.
(4)Melissa B.
I highly recommend this place for a nicer lunch, but go early because there's always a wait and they won't seat you unless your whole party is there (even w/ a res). Wonderful service as well.
(3)Ryan B.
This is one of my favorite places in Boston, the food is unreal. My wife lives for the chicken tender salad, and the burgers are THE BEST IN BOSTON. Only problem, the service is a joke. I don't get it, we live right in the hood so go all the time, and every freakin time there are a million people in black waiter/waitress outfits walking around, but none of them seem to come to our table. The last two times I have been, we have literally had to walk up to the counter to find our waitress to order something, and both times have had to had our orders fixed since they screwed it up. Very disappointing service, but food is great. Scene sucks by the bar with the financial losebags hanging out every night acting like they own the place.
(2)Ankita d.
For the longest time, I'd only known Houston's as a bar. But teh food is surprizingly amazing. I had a great roasted squash dish that was unique and so yum. Great drinks and great atmosphere
(4)Kathryn B.
Went here recently for drinks after work. This place was okay. It wasn't very busy when I got there, but the hostess was rather snippy about sitting me before my friends arrived. The service was decent and the drinks were good but overpriced. My friend ordered the tortilla soup and wasn't that impressed. The waitress was very helpful in determining what items were gluten free, although nothing I wanted was. Would meet people for drinks here again, but probably wouldn't be the one to suggest it.
(3)Kelly W.
I love Houston's! The spinach and artichoke dip and grilled chicken salad are my favorites. The drinks are a little pricey.
(4)Rebecca Y.
Great for after work drinks and a meeting spot to grab a bite with a friend. Although the burgers are expensivo - yum.
(4)Jesse N.
I was first introduced to Houston's by my friend Marisa, who couldn't get over how classy this restaurant is. I agree with her. houston's serves fancy American food, my favorite of which being the cobb salad. This is a great place to meet up with friends after a long day at work. The ambience provides for a quiet and comfortable setting for relaxation and ease. A great place for a weekend lunch.
(4)Brandy S.
I like this place - one of the few places in Fanuel that is worth going to and probably won't be filled with tourists. While it is great to grab a drink, the food is also delicious. I had an excellent fillet there that has the quality of a steakhouse, but was not quite as expensive.
(4)Brian G.
I love this place. The California Burger is heaven in every bite. The burger has fresh avocado, pepper jack cheese and the perfect bun. They let you have the choice of fries, which are good but not unreal, and cole slaw which is the second best cole slaw I have ever had in my life. That is saying alot because I am a huge cole slaw fan and the only place I ever had gotten better cole slaw was from a high end deli in Walnut Creek, CA. They also have Pacifico Mexican Beer which is not easy to find and it is the best beer in the world, I have the gut to prove it. I would love to say that I have tried everything on the menu but when I go there I have to get the burger but I have had a few of their appetizers and they are quite good. I recommend the fire roasted artichoke. I also have gotten there hot fudge sundae and let me tell you its the perfect way to end a meal. Houston's may seem pricey with the burger being $15 dollars but you can pay 11 for a sub-par burger down the street at a tourist trap like Cheers. When you want to treat yourself, go to Houston's.
(5)Mark T.
Great food and atmosphere. Perfect place for a quick lunch with colleagues or clients. During the week, try arriving at 11:45 or there will be a long wait for a table!
(5)Phil B.
A weird experience here. The place is cavernous with a 70s feel of velour and booths. We had to wait for a table and stand in the bar for quite a while. The greeting staff were not friendly and that was the start of a night of poor service. Once seated, we were harrassed from the start by a waitress who seemed to be speaking an alien language (we nodded and smiled). The food we ordered was pretty average - my haddock was good (if a little small and not with much love), Mrs B's salmon nothing to write home about. Everything was brought to our table in a virtual stampede of waiting staff - at one point four people were working our table simultanously. Despite the fact that the place was emptying out on a Sunday night we were pretty much harrassed out of there in less time than we waited for the table. Given the prices they charge, I would expect much, much better.
(2)Della G.
I am glad to see that Hillstone has mostly good reviews here. I think this is an excellent restaurant, and one of the most underrated in Boston. Upscale casual with consistently wonderful food and service. The menu has nice variety from great sushi, salads and seafood to one of the best prime ribs in town. They pour a great drink and have some excellent selections on the wine list. I can't say enough about how well everyone who works there pays attention to each table, and is always checking to be sure everyone has what they need. Nobody is over bearing and they seem to train their staff to be just professional and friendly enough. Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, very cool and comfortable.
(4)Sara S.
Concerning their veggie burger specifically: it is only on the lunch menu, but you can specifically ask for it for dinner. It comes WITH mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles, unless you ask for something different. It also comes with cheese. See below. Because of the other Yelp reviews, I asked for clarification regarding the veggie burger. I was told the above... except I was not told about the cheese. So when I asked for my veggie burger with BBQ sauce rather than mustard and mayo, and without pickles, I was not expecting a cheese veggie burger. Apparently cheese is a default option, and I was not informed. Not a huge deal, but I would have preferred it without and didn't feel like waiting for it to be fixed. So, if you're someone who likes their burger a specific way, please keep this in mind. It was delicious, just a little annoying I wasn't clearly informed.
(5)Courtney R.
I arrived at Hillstone's and was immediately intrigued by it's sunken floor layout (you walk downstairs to get into the entrance of the restaurant). While it is in Faneuil Hall, this floor-plan creates an elite, separate atmosphere that puts Hillstone's on another plane. At 8:30 on a weeknight, the bar was buzzing with energy and full of 30 somethings. We enjoyed cranberry-vodkas and the servers were attentive and polite. After an hour or so, we decided on ordering Thai tuna roll which was delicious. The two sauces it came with, as well as the crusted exterior to the roll, were nice compliments to one another.
(4)Lindsay G.
I have been there nearly once a week for the past year. The staff is amazing. Always on point and amazingly friendly. Since I have been there so many times some of the staff stop by my table or seat at the bar just to say hello and even check-in if it has been some time since they have seen me. As for the menu, my only complaint is that they keep taking the "home smoked salmon" off the menu. It is an amazing dish and can easily be had for a lunch. Everything else I have ever had there (which is nearly everything on their menu) has only ever been absolutely amazing. I love the lounge feel of the whole place. I would love if they had an umbrella stand, or a coat rack for the bar. That would be awesome.
(5)Laura S.
Great ambiance! It's very busy during lunch/right after work so try and get there a wee bit early. Although they have wonderful ribs, they're not exactly conducive to a business lunch. But you can still feel special by ordering "off menu"---the california burger! They grind their chuck every morning (nooo idea how I know that) and layer the burger with cheese, tomatoes, avocado and other fun things. The fries are spectacular as well. Thin, crispy, perfectly-salted. If you want something a little lighter, I highly suggest getting the inside-out spicy tuna roll salad. The tuna roll is delic (better than sakura bana) and the salad that comes with it is divine. Mango-pickled red onion-cilantro perfectly compliment the spicy flavor of the sushi. yum!
(4)Who Is K.
This is one of my favorite places to eat. Not only are they consistent but they also pay for your parking!!!! From the sushi to the steak...it is excellence. My boyfriend and I usually start with the caesar salad and then go for one of the specials. Awesome food, awesome atmosphere and great service.
(5)Daisy C.
I didn't know what to give "Hillstone". A two or a three. Pricey! That's that. The menu changes often, which was a bad thing for me. Because when the chicken sandwich was taken out, I was out that door to never return. The interior is warm and you'll feel out of place if you're not wearing something more...I don't know...business wear. The menu is small, not a lot of option (to some, this may be a good thing). I think "Hillstone" is more for business meetings (where the company picks up the tab). Once more, it is pricey.
(3)David B.
I am not really a huge fan of chain restaurants, but due to a combination of being tired and simply wanting some dinner, I went to Houston's. Turned out to be a pleasant experience. The interior vibe is cool, dark and masculine. It feels like the kind of place da Mayor and his cronies would hang out as well as the cool kids who work in the area. The wine list was small but the bar was well stocked. I enjoyed my food but have an issue with this place...the portions were WAY too big. I ordered a dinner salad with my entree of ribs. The dinner salad could have been the entree! The ribs, cole slaw and fries were more reasonable, but there could have been a few nips and tucks as well. Still, the ribs were tender and nicely prepared and I really liked the cole slaw. I also thought the prices were rather high for the kind of food offered. Houston's served its need....I found dinner....but is a place I do not have to return. The North End is just Blocks away! :-)
(3)Liz V.
Over priced? You get what you pay for. Yes, I pay $15.00 for a glass of my favorite red wine, yes I pay $32.00 for a steak that melts in my mouth and HELL yes I pay $12.00, hell I'd even pay $200.00, for that spinach artichoke appetizer. Houston's is like going home. The low ceiling with exposed beams, dark wood accents, candle light and cigar smoking on the patio makes it my heaven. It is expensive but you get what you pay for. I've dined many nights alone at the bar yet I am not the 40 single woman fellow yelper Nicholas S. speaks of but still there are people at the bar that are friendly, make for good company and conversation so I never feel alone in this city. I love you Houstons!
(5)Erica B.
this really was not good. We were here for a party, had a reservation. Staff wound up dividing our group into two booths and a table - across the room from one another! Had I not been invited to the Hillstone, I would not have gone. ordinary, rote, bland barely elevated from banal chain-restaurant fare. sushi was horrendous, firmly-packed, pre-made kind of stuff. light on the fish, heavy on the mayo and other weird contents. All rolls, about $15 each and not good. Ours is a coastal city, we can easily get fresh sustainable seafood and prepare it right. This was not. drinks small and VERY expensive (and I am a Boston native, not at all buggered by the cost of living here like many tourists - but $14 for a bottle of light beer? seriously?). Server was giving us the very rehearsed specials, etc. and then disappeared. Never mentioned the price of a friend's entree (it was $30 for a 5 oz cut of fish and 4 asparagus spears - he was quite surprised at the bill!). I asked for mustard, it never came. I asked for pickles on the side, no pickles on my plate at all. She later poured water in my beer glass (why do they use the same size glass?), and cleared my dinner while I was still eating it (and didn't wrap up my leftovers) - but it didn't matter, since given the size of our party (over 6), an 18% gratuity was automatically added to the full, post-tax bill. I mean no disrespect to them, but I think the positive reviews about the food must be from people who don't go out much or are tourists from places with fewer dining options. We are fortunate to have a great many far far superior places to eat in Boston. one point of praise - the veggie burger itself is really good. the anemic ice-cold fries served with it? not so much. There is no reason whatsoever to go to Hillstone. Basically, the place is a classed-up Friday's at four times the price. I'd rather have a microwaved bagel, at least I'd get to finish it.
(1)Linda T.
The best thing about this place is the fact that you can get fresh fruit juice in your cocktails. Makes all the difference when you love gray goose greyhounds. This is definitely a fun place to be after work on a Thursday or Friday in Boston financial district. Its easy to get through and the ambiance is definitely chic!!! The bar fair is pretty good. At least better then the Houston's in Houston, TX. They have a great sushi menu. I recommend the vegetable roll and the Thai tuna roll. YUM!!!!!!!!! The cool part of this place is that the bar opens out to the little outside patio. Great for meeting friends and on a warming and sunny day!!!! Miss HOUSTONS!!!!
(4)Caitlin A.
Oh, Houston's. Why do you make me crave you every fortnight? On paper, I shouldn't like you. You're a chain. After 5, you fill with goofballs in suits and executive assistant chicks, still carrying the Sketchers they walked to work in. You're a little over priced for what you are. But oh, your chili. And your red bean soup. I love your fries. I love that tourists are a little intimidated by you. They thankfully end up eating at Dick's Last Resort and stumbling out, flushed faced and wearing white paper-tablecloth-turned-pope hats, which never cease to remind me of the KKK. But no one gets paper hats in you, Houston's. And I like that. I love your super friendly bartenders and waitstaff. I love that mere seconds after ordering chips and salsa, they appear in front of me. I love that your bar is a large oval, so that I can sit on one side and watch the after workers try to pick up each other on the opposite side. They usually fail. But sometimes -sometimes they succeed. And you know what, Houston's? I believe they have you to thank.
(4)Janet E.
I love this place. I've been here over a handful of times and their Thai Steak & Noodle salad never fails me. Its so delicious! I get it almost everytime I come here. My friend ordered the clam chowder (because there isnt enough of that in Boston). She wasnt too happy that they had put bacon and crackers in it before it arrived at the table. Just a forewarning to those that like their clam chower plain. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was just right.
(4)M d.
Visited Houston's for lunch on a quiet Saturday, a few weeks ago. What a disappointment. Won't be eating there again of my own volition! The food? It was ok. At those prices, though, I did not see the value. The service? Here's why I give it one star instead of the three I could give it based on food alone: upon entering the restaurant, the host humiliated me in front of my friends by ordering me to take my hat off. I was wearing a rather understated scally cap, which I had no idea would offend; but I obliged, not wishing to importune my friends and stand in the way of their food. Imagine my ire, however, when - upon leaving the restaurant - I noticed no less than FOUR other patrons wearing hats around the restaurant, happily eating their meals. I felt arbitrarily discriminated against by this bigoted establishment, particularly since one of the other hats being worn was a rather prominent fedora on a guy's head and the another was a typical baseball hat with its female wearer's pony tail sticking out of the back. Classy. If you have a no-hat policy, don't make your customers feel bad about their style choices - and enforce the policy consistently, or don't bother having a policy.
(1)Bret C.
Houston's is a great place to have a drink and has an outstanding location. It's clean and modern. But the food is not anything overly special. It's verrrrry pricey for what you get and it's just "okay." I've got to say that every single person I talked to that worked there was incredibly nice and courteous - hard to find that at most places in Boston!
(3)Joe D.
Excellent service, the menu has a very good selection and is not too pricey considering the location and quality of the food. The ambiance and decor make it an unforgetful dining experience.
(5)Dave W.
While I agree that this is upscale chain and a bit pricy....the food is great and the place is spotless. Considering some of the other choices in Boston, I love Hillstone.
(5)Ashley H.
This place has a great atmosphere but we felt like we were rushed the entire time. We arrived a little early for our reservation hoping to get a drink at the bar but then just ended up getting seated. One waiter greeted us and took our drink order and a different waitress ended up taking our order. We ordered an app and before we finished the app it was taken away because our dinner was ready. Then while we were eating 6 people asked if they could take our dishes. It is nice to have attentive service but there is a fine line between attentive and annoying and this place definitely crossed the line. I wish the experience was better because this would be a nice place to go, but we will not go back.
(3)Stacey H.
Here's what makes Houston's great: 1. Large bar with open-air seating - on a warm day they open the windows. The bar is huge and there is also outdoor seating. 2. Cozy booths - good for large groups, classy atmosphere (although I don't agree with the weather vane decor). 3. Fancy bathrooms - I'm a sucker for clean bathrooms, especially in busy restaurants. Houston's bathrooms are super clean - which shows they care. 4. Fantastic service - Our waitress was above and beyond excellent. So was the bartender and the host. 5. Amazing cuisine - Even though we only had lunch I can honestly say that the wild rice salad and asparagus was the best I've ever had. My date's Roast Beef Au Jus sandwich was also hands down amazing. It was a little pricey - but honestly, with that type of service, location and great food I can't really complain. I'll be going back for more!
(4)Chrissy H.
As a rule, I try not to go to chain restaurants. I always leave disappointed. However, Houston's is the exception. I love it! I'm a creature of habit so I'll often get the same thing on the menu (Thai Steak & Noodle salad & Chicken Finger platter). They accommodate you if you would like to change up the order (which I do often since I'm slightly picky). I ALWAYS have leftovers when I order the Chicken Finger platter. So while it's expensive, it's really two meals in one. One thing to keep in mind is that they also have a secret menu and two items that I've been meaning to try are: California Burger and Club Salad. They look amazing. The ONLY reason I'm giving it four stars is because of the drink prices. They are ridiculous for the size of the drink. I would prefer to grab a cheap drink in one of the other bars in Fan Hall than to order a $10+ drink. Other than that, I love it here and would certainly recommend.
(4)Danielle M.
Houston's has become one of my favorite after work spots. The crowd is fun but mature professionals, and despite its Fanueil Hall location, many tourists pick the Quincy Market spots that have a bit more of a family-friendly atmosphere. There's a sexiness about its signage and tucked-down dining room that gives a bit of privacy from the outside crowds, that its neighboring bar/restaurants lack. The dim lighting, toasty orange, red and brown color scheme , and soft jazz tunes give it a warm ambiance. But with the sights and sounds coming from the open kitchen, rectangular bar that is crowded on all sides , and the buzzing around by the heavy volume of waitstaff , the atmosphere is always lively and bustling. So, I love being at Houston's because I like the vibe. Okay, so the food and drink. Here are the things I like: -The sushi. I love that they have a small sushi menu. It just makes it a unique addition to the upscale comfort food dinner offerings that dominate the menu. The sushi is beautifully presented, fresh, and colorful. -The wine menu offerings, the wine glasses, the wine. -The salads. They are huge! And the ingredients are finely chopped. (Personal preference) So here are the things that I don't like. -The overpriced costs of some of the menu items. $18 for a Chicken Tender platter, are you serious?? -The lack of domestic beers. -The lack of variety in side dishes to accompany my entree. There is a decreasing amount of diners that want a loaded baked potato with their entree. A wider selection of vegetables would be appreciated. So i struggled between 3 and 4 stars. It was really only the overpriced chicken tenders that pissed me off, so I'll stick with four. Its still my current spot for Thirsty Thursday, I'll just stick with the thai tuna roll. Yum!
(4)Debra L.
Years ago, I actually waited tables at a Houston's in another city for about 3 months. Long story but...it was the worst job I ever had! With that said, I will admit that they use quality ingredients. I had to spend a a few days in training in the kitchen. However, the place is GROSSLY overpriced. It was then and it's even worse now. I hadn't been to the one in Boston until this past Friday. For lunch, my boyfriend and I had: - a soda water each - we split a spinach & artichoke dip appetizer - I had the fish sandiwch - he had the prime rib sandwich The bill, with tip was $70! That was for 2 waters, one app. and 2 sandwiches. The kicker is that we each asked to substitute our fries (that came with the sanwiches) for salads instead. Our waitress just said "sure" and nothing else. Well, instead of a little side of greens we got these big things with stale cheesy bread, chopped eggs & greesy bacon bits (gross!). The worst part of it was that when the bill came we were each charged an extra $5 for the salad. Our waitress never told us we would be charged extra. We dine out a lot and are aware that there is often a charge to substitue fries for a salad but a) we were not informed by our waitress and b) $5 is a bit steep! Given it's location in Faneuil Hall, people will continue to go to Houston's for drinks after work. Fine. And, tourists will still get suckered into the place. Fine. But, for the rest of you discerning diners out there, don't do it!
(1)Anne B.
Consistently great all around. Central location, great service, upscale decor, amazing food. A little pricy but worth it. A favorite meet up spot after work.
(5)Meghan P.
We used to head into Boston from Cambridge just for Houston's amazing Cobb salads. My college roommate from Atlanta, Georgia always claimed that Houston's was like a taste of home. She typically led the escapades into Boston for dinner... The food is delicious and the prices are reasonable too. For some reason, while Houston's is a chain, the menu seems to vary a lot nationally. I actually prefer the items on the San Francisco menu but the great quality and friendly service is the same. Please expect to wait for a table but you can always enjoy a glass of wine at the bar until it's your turn for a table...
(4)Karl R.
Houston's is the perfect restaurant if you are looking for casual dining but want food that is a big step above your usual Cheesecake Factory, Chili's, Fridays, etc. At 7pm on a Thursday the atmosphere was lively and the restaurant was full, without feeling crowded. The crowd was sharp dressed, financial district types. The waitresses are cute and friendly and provide good service. I took two clients here for a casual business dinner and we had a great time. We had some good local beer (Whale Tail Pale Ale) and we each had a Prime NY Strip that was on the specials list. The steak was very flavorful. Mine was a bit overcooked. I ordered medium rare, but it was definitely medium. My two clients ordered medium and medium-well. Looking at the three steaks, I couldn't tell that any of the three was cooked any different. But again, it was a very high quality cut of meat and very tasty. I got fries as a side with mine. The fries are "shoe string" and very crisp and tasty. Houston's was perfect for a casual business dinner. I could also see meeting up here with friends. I wouldn't take a high profile client here for a "closing dinner" nor would I take a first date. But I didn't say it was swanky or romantic, now did I? It's casual dining with good food.
(4)Cathy W.
Three great things about Houston's: 1.Cozy and comfortable booths that are lit just right. Acoustics that make you feel you're in a little zen dining POD. 2. Sushi combo platter - four crazy varieties of sushi - delicious 3. Veggie burger - I haven't tasted it but friends say it's fantastic I hear the bar scene is great but I'm a lady who lunches.
(3)Nicholas S.
Yes, it's in Faneuil Hall; and, yes, sometimes 40-somethings out for "Ladies Night" in glittery tops who are trying way too hard go there. But if you can deal with these aspects of the Houstons experience, it is a great place to grab a meal. It is more upscale than your ordinary casual dining chain, but not as stuffy or expensive as a true steakhouse or fine dining joint. The best part is that they use prime beef for their steaks (and it would seem for their burgers too) but they do not charge prime beef prices. If you go, definitely get the Grilled Artichoke and the "Heavenly" (formerly the Rosemary) Biscuits ($2 for 2, made to order) - and don't be shy with the honey on the latter. I would also reccommend anything involving beef, including their spectacular and signature prime rib au jus. Also, the service is very good. On our most recent trip, our biscuits came out late (after our entrees), so they were comped. They made a delicious breakfast the day after. Thanks, Houstons!
(5)Tracy C.
I've only been to Houston once and didn't have much motivation to re-visit. I went one beautiful early afternoon, but couldn't sit outside because they weren't serving the patio area at the time. I decided to pick a stool at the bar since I was there alone, no need for a big table/booth. After a few seconds I was surrounded by job applicants filling out questionnaires and asking questions--quite a mood killer. The bar-tender was helpful and recommended the Vege burger when I said I wanted something not as heavy/greasy but can still be filling. I quite liked the vege burger although I can't recall what exactly made the patty. I got a mojito for a drink, and it was far below expectation. Since the bar was filled with fresh ingredients and fancy tools, I was hoping for something mind-blowing, but was impressed. It is a pretty spot and a cool location. I'd go back if the quality lives up to the price. We'll see.
(3)Katherine D.
I've been to this place twice on visits to Boston and both times the food and the service have been amazing. the prime rib roast is to die for. next time i visit Boston i will definitely be coming to Hillstone again.
(5)Rob K.
Excellent food! My steak rivaled that of the Capital Grill. The service excellent as well. Very friendly staff!
(5)Jeffrey H.
After a recent same sex date to Houston's, I decided two stars wasn't quite fair. Imagine: Two gay boys. Both with insecurities and shallow tendencies. Ordering giant rib dinners and racing to the finish. In a world where image is everything, it says a lot when two homos love their food so much that they are slobbering over BBQ ribs, scooping the most delicious coleslaw, and shoveling crispy fries into their pie holes. I'd give it four stars if the price was a little lower and the waitress hadn't fumbled on our salad order. Then again, who needs salad when you've got ribs and a bottle of white?
(3)Thana T.
I wish there wasn't an obstacle course of cobblestones right by the entry to Houston's. I'm inclined to dress up when I come here, that includes heels, please don't try to break my ankle in the process of me going to enjoy delicious steak. I come here for the steak. Only. Ever. It is so good and worth all of the $30-odd dollars. Other than that, though, I've had to wait unnecessary amounts of time for just about everything. Even after being on time for a reservation. Table? At the very least. Glass of wine? Bring a book. REFILL on your glass of wine? Maybe once you're out the door and well on your way home. Their servers are nice enough, just painfully slow and forgetful. The chefs here make the business. Ok them and the really cool, half underground interior.
(4)Jolene S.
Impressive desserts. Try the sundae, you won't regret it. Good lemonade and grapefruit juice too. Nice setting--clean bathrooms. Well done! I'll have to come back for dinner.
(4)Fred B.
We dined here Saturday night - our family of 5, which includes 3 boys. Service was top notch. Our waitress was friendly and extremely attentive; stopping by our table frequently. The food was outstanding. Everything was cooked the way we ordered it and was delicious. Portion sizes are very ample, just how we like them. We had the ribs, salmon, and prime rib. The boys said the ribs were the best ever. All were worth writing about, thus this review. I would highly recommend this spot. It can be family-friendly, business-friendly, and romantic - a winner all the way around.
(5)Enay V.
Ambiance was awesome. Only sat at the bar & had drinks. the bartender made the WORST drinks - weak weak weak - and very expensive. I'd like to come back though and actually have a meal here as the sushi and appetizers looked really good.
(3)Nicole B.
a steak house without mashed potatoes? WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT?!! clearly some lost stars here! the food was good. but i was not impressed by the automatic 18% tip. i don't blame the waitresses, but if this a policy there, bull! don't order their couscous. it may seem like a good idea, but it's cold and the couscous(es?) are really small. would be much better warm!
(3)Liz K.
Used to be Houstons. I've walked by this place so many times and had no idea This review is for dinner Fri night , not the bar. They have a good drink list and the waitress was very attentive and friendly. We only had to wait 15 mins at 7pm. I got the cheeseburger and it was very tasty.
(4)Patrick V.
Great burgers and awesome service. Burgers are a bit too big but they are really good.
(4)Katie G.
This is a slightly upscale burger joint. Thumbs up! I went here on a date a few weeks back and was definitely impressed by the atmosphere, service and food. The place is clean, not just in physical cleanliness, but the decorations have nice clean lines to them. It's cool and sheek. I got your typical burger and was delightfully surprised by the flavor blast it came with. They have a special sauce that they put on it that was just to die for. I was very happy with it! I'm a Corona girl when I go out to drink. They didn't have that, but the waiter suggested another Mexican beer that was delicious! Therefore, my applause to the very friendly and knowledgeable wait staff! Great place, not too pricey, but a bit on the high end for a burger joint.
(4)Patty M.
Whenever my coworkers and I get cravings for burgers, we always turn to Houston's. We all order the California burger with fries. It's pretty pricey for lunch and the wait time/hostess staff can be nothing short of a pain, but I guess that is to be expected during the work-lunch hour in downtown Boston. Walking back to the office on a Friday afternoons we never fail to get the giggles from stuffing ourselves with their mouthwatering burgers and thin-cut fries.
(4)Gonzalo B.
Been to this place many, many times, and never once let down. Don't like the 'new' name - I know, it's a 'corporate' thing, but... Management seems very on the ball here. Everything is structured, well-thought out...nice. Atmosphere is pleasant. The service is always wonderful and they seem happy you are there - not always the case, like in the many places whose staff in the people business don't like...people. The fish sandwich is always great, fresh, big, delicious, as is the excellent veggie burger. Have had some fine pieces of fish here as well...the accompaniments are always good, if somewhat limited. Like the sushi mucho gusto...macadamia nut!!! All in all a solid, well-run place. One caveat being that sometimes...the service can be almost 'too' efficient, i.e. fast. As in, we're out to dinner - not the races. It's possible to be in and out of here in like 15 minutes or so, nice in fast-food, not so much when you're out for a nice, leisurely dinner...
(5)christina P.
THE HAWAIIAN RIBEYE IS UNBELIEVABLE. GET IT. I LOVE IT. The spinach dip is also amazing. I like this place- it's more affordable than some nice steakhouses in boston and the service is prompt. The bartenders were kind of snotty but I don't care I just love this place so much. Even the tap water is the perfect temperature.
(5)Marilyn T.
It was surprisingly not bad for Faneuil Hall. We went for a birthday, and I'm not a huge meat eater, so I got the thai steak salad. The filet was marinated well and seared medium rare, just the way I like it. The dish was a huge mountain of leaves and noodles on my plate, and it was very filling. I tried some of the Hawaiian ribeye, which had hints of sweetness and a tropical flavor, which I liked. The brownie dessert was nice with a candle for the birthday girl, but I wouldn't normally pay $8 for it. Good to know - parking is free nearby at night and on weekends.
(3)Kylie S.
So I recently visited this establishment for the third time. I like this restaurant, well enough. I have found their waitstaff to be friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. But I do think their menu doesn't offer enough of a selection. I ordered the simplest thing off the menu, chicken tenders and fries. I know, I'm a fancy eater! But I was looking for fast and easy, and that was it for me. The sweet waitress from Texas takes my order. After she writes my order down, she looks up from her pad and says, 'Would you like ketchup, mayonnaise, or mustard for your fries?' And not hesitating, I said mayonnaise. She walked away with me still shaking my head in awe. Honestly, I eat out a lot and I have never been offered mayonnaise with my fries. And while I get oils and eggs are not the number one choice for dipping, I am a mayonnaise girl. I am always forced to order a side of mayo with my food, only to have to ask for it again later when it doesn't arrive. And then wait while my food gets cold to actually get it from the waitress. So imagine how very thrilled I was, that this restaurant knew how very important mayonnaise can be for some!
(3)Carrie M.
So my neighbors claimed that Houston's has the best veggie burger ever. And they're not even vegetarians. Hearing this I had to try it, so the boy and I made plans to meet them there for dinner after work. The place was nice, and their daughter loved the open kitchen and being able to see everyone cook. The menu is a little odd, it's like fancy American but then with sushi? Seems strange to me. What's even stranger is that they don't put the veggie burger on the menu. Huh? I don't get it. What this means is that the standard vegetarian will look at the menu and keep walking, not sure I understand their strategy on this one.... Anyway, knowing the "secret" we order a round of veggie burgers. And we all opt for fries, which are super skinny and I'm undecided on whether that's a plus or minus. What I am decided on is that the neighbors were right and this was the best veggie burger I've ever had. It should be, as it was also the most expensive. Overall, if I was in the area I could see myself craving this and go back. However, the service was lacking (in fact it was just horrible) and the food is overpriced. What I'd really like to do is figure out their secret recipe and make it at home....
(3)K J.
Four good reasons not to go to Houston's 1) Just because you are in the Faneuil Hall area does not mean that you can charge $$$ for your food. 2) Though the food is $$$ I expect at least **** service (that includes having no cheese on the burger if it was requested, making sure I don't have to ask twice for water to be filled) 3) When I am paying $$$ for the food, have something on the menu that would make you different from a high end McDonald's 4) And you decided to do all of this on a Friday afternoon. So 5-4 = 1 star which can relate to it being a business lunch. Good thing that my wallet did not go empty at this place.
(1)Karman L.
Stop by Houston for a quick bite before going to Comedy Connection. Great Location. Good Food. Fast Servcie. P.S. Great hang out place after work in the summer for people watching!
(4)Kenny P.
Been to several of their locations, but this one wasn't as good. The 20min wait on a Friday night around 7pm was a lot shorter than I'm used to, perhaps I should've taken this as a sign, although the outdoor patio was packed. Our Caesar salads were probably the best thing. The sushi was okay, but a little dry, and $14 for 8 pieces is way too much (anyone in the SD area knows you get a lot more sushi for a lot less cash). Their Bloody Mary wasn't as good as usual, despite using Belvedere (they didn't have Chopin). For mains, we each got sandwiches instead of entrees. I got the rotisserie chicken sandwich, a tad salty and a chunk of skin left on by mistake. He got the fish sandwich, which was breaded and deep fried (granted how seafood friendly Boston is, you'd think they'd give you the option of fried or grilled fish). Also, their fries are just gross. They remind me of those little shoestring potato sticks in a can. How about some real pommes frites or steak fries for a change? In any case, we'll probably go back, but to another location. The staff were friendly as usual, however their timing with the food wasn't on par with other locations, as it seemed the food just kept coming out with no regards to pacing. With so many options in the area, we probably would've been better off hitting up a local establishment.
(3)Julie T.
Houston's is somewhere I go for something I'm familiar with. They have burgers and sandwiches and salads and it's just all good food. I kind of think it's very much like Silvertone, a hip place for good food. Sometimes, you can go to a place with good food, but it lacks atmosphere or the other way around. Houston's offers both. They have pretty good service and just all good food with really awesome fries. I'm quite fond of their fries and yes, it IS easy to mess them up cuz some places just downright suck when it comes to fries. Houston's isn't something I absolutely need to return to or am dying to have, but if you're in the area and looking for some good food that's consistently dependable when it comes to service and taste, you should go on over.
(3)Allie W.
This place is consistently gross. I don't really understand why people flock here. I mean come on it's a chain restaurant with mediocre food and annoying waiters. God forbid you ask the kitchen to make any slight changes to your order because they can't. They must just put together already prepared items and cook them. The only thing they have going for them is the Chardonnay which is probably a cheap bottle that they overcharge for but it's decent tasting.
(1)Julie S.
The sushi was amazing. I ordered a veggie burger minus the bun. It was delish! However, I'm not sure how eating it on a bun would work out because it was very soft and messy. Nice decor, really dark, but kind of romanticy.
(4)Jocelyn L.
"great place to escape the crazy freezing cold on a wintry day. Food is reliably good"
(3)Shirley Y.
To the Management of Houstons: I am writing to express my disappointment in my most recent trip to your establishment for my birthday drink and dinner on June 20th. In the past, I have frequented Houston's in anticipation of the usual bottle of wine and French dip beef sandwich for dinner after work with good friends. I have learned that your establishment is only meant to accommodate intimate dinners and only drinks with friends outdoors. All your rules and regulations made my night there stressful and not as enjoyable as it could have been. We started out in the outdoor deck having drinks, and I wanted to order the usual French dip sandwich, which I remembered as being fantastic. Unfortunately, only appetizers were allowed to be ordered outside, and the server told me that "if she started serving entrées outdoors, she would have to do it for everybody." Food is food. How would others know that you are serving an entrée, rather than an appetizer? It started raining anyway, so I decided that we should move indoors to a table, in order for us to get food. Your hostess was kind enough to find two tables that would accommodate 10 of us quickly. Not all of us were going to order food, which your hostess was fine with, since we could share. However, when seated, that information was not properly conveyed to my friends, and some had left because they felt pressured to order food. So we ended up with one table, while some of my friends had left, and some had remained at the bar. I eventually managed to get my French dip sandwich. The bread was different - it wasn't the same. More of my friends arrived a little later after they got off work. Obviously, some of us had to get up to let them sit down to eat. All of a sudden, we were an obstruction to the walkway while conversing, and some of us had to move back outside where we first started. Eventually, I ended up with my group of friends split off into 4 locations, with some leaving. Because of your lack of flexibility on my last visit and the plentitude of other comparable dining establishments in this city, you have lost my business. I hope that you can be more flexible to your future patrons.
(2)lauren n.
food was really good! waitstaff and barstaff were friendly and engaging. best option in faneuil hall/quincy market for a sit down dinner & drinks!
(4)Cristina S.
While I have a Houston's at home, we visited the restaruant near Fanueil Hall on a recent trip to Boston & the result was less than stellar. My prime issue was with the lackluster service from such a 'high end eatery.' The restaurant was full, (as is expected on a Boston graduation weekend Saturday night), but the waiters & kitchen were NOT ready for the crowds. The bar was slow as we waited an hour for a table. Our waiter was rushed & disappeared after we ordered. Two people ordered prime rib which had WAY more fat than neccesary for this dish. When management was consulted due to this disasterous night they simply apologized after explaining that prime rib needs fat to cook. DUH - but not an inch on both sides! Perhaps it was a bad night for them, but I was just let down by the whole experience...
(2)Jill D.
I've been to Houston's a handful of times for lunch and dinner. Likes: the veggie burger (I've never had one like it anywhere else), lots of entree salads, fast and attentive service, reservations accepted for dinner, the atmosphere-- I almost feel like I'm on the set of Mad Men what with the deep booths, low lighting, and bountiful business crowd Mehs: pricey!, gotta get there at 11:45 for a table at lunch Dislikes: the draught beers-- I don't think they clean their tap lines frequently enough. I ordered an Allagash White, and it tasted like I was sucking on an old shoelace. I think it's the only time in my life I have sent something back. Bottom line: it's the veggie burger that keeps me coming back for more. Plus, it's right near my office which makes it a great spot for a business lunch.
(3)D S.
After having heard good things about this place, I was willing to try this restaurant that I would normally not be drawn to. The outside is uninviting, and I was only drawn inside based on good reviews, and the fact that I had heard good things (from non-yelpers I might add... I should have kept that in mind....) That being said: I went there for lunch with a friend from out of town after doing some sightseeing, and the food was mediocre at best. We shared a french dip that was good enough, and spinach artichoke dip that had NO flavor. It was, without a doubt, the worst version of the stuff that I have ever had. We sat at the bar, which was only about 1/3 full, and at the point when we were ready for our check, there were at least three girls behind the bar, but they were far too busy chatting to be bothered getting the check in any sort of an expeditious manner. That was bothersome, but prior to that the service was pretty good. Fresh squeezed juice is used in the cocktails, and that is delicious... an ordinary greyhound really sings to me with the addition of fresh squeezed grapefruit juiced as opposed to concentrate... even though it was winter, the drink awakened my inner yearning for spring time with it's citrusy punch! But, all in all, my experience at Houston's was nothing to write home about, and with the wealth of great restaurants in the immediate area, I think I will steer clear in the future... maybe a cocktail again when I miss the summer and spring months...
(3)Nick N.
Christina the waitress was awesome on this saturday December 1st 2012. She was attentive-on time-helpful and alway's had a smile on her face. Such a pleasure from the snappy-rude waiting staff that you can encounter on a dining experience. She was also helpful in helping my wife pick out a special cocktail !!! I had my wife and 2 of my sons. My sons can be picky but they tried the sushi apps and there meals where awesome. My 12 year old had the ribs from the kids pick. I don't believe they have a kids menu but christina had the choices well rehearsed in her head. my son had the ribs which were awesome !!! I had the cheese burger which was outstanding. My son had the prime rib sandwich which he loved and enjoyed and my had the steak/noodle dinner which was fabulous and tasty ! Service again was the best I have had recently in a busy rest. on a saturday evening. You can park at the 60 state street garage and have your ticket validated after you eat which alows you to park 3 hrs total. That is well worth it giving you time to check out the sites at fanuel hall. Thats a 40 dollar parking savings....Just make sure you don'y go over the 3 hrs. I definitely give this place a 5 star....Thanks for a great dining experience.......If you happen to get a bad waiter/waitress go to the hostess and say you want christina....She will make your dining experience the best !!!!!
(5)Anne K.
If ever given the chance to have a last meal, it would be the ribs from Houston's. When there is a chance that we might go to Houston's for dinner, I start my fast. I have been known to finish the entire plate of ribs, fries, and coleslaw (which is the only coleslaw I eat) and only regret that I didn't wear sweatpants to the restaurant. Great drinks, ambience, and obviously ribs. I suggest putting your name in early and walk through Fanueil Hall while you wait. Not ironic that this is where my fiancee took me before he proposed!
(5)Marwan A.
went with relatively large group and everybody liked the food.
(2)Jorge C.
If you want uncompromising solid service, a sunny attitude and well prepared food, Houston's is the place to go. They will not serve you a "memorable" meal, but after dining in their Coral Gables, LA and Boston restaurants I've yet to have a bad experience. Even when the food was late or not prepared to order the staff wen t out of its way to "make it right" and make sure I received a complimentary meal. My favorites are the soups, particularly the chili (a Saturday staple) and the Mexico Style soup, a delicious tortilla soup-like broth with avocado, tomatoes and mexican rice. The spinach dip is an all time classic but the smoked salmon is a solid starter as well. For mains, you can't go wrong with the cheeseburger or french dip with shoe-string fries. If you're a bit hungrier try the off-menu hawaiian ribeye, pittsburgh style, sliced and with a side of bbq sauce.
(5)Robert T.
Great place! Best dam key lime pie... Ever! These folks always seem to get us seated.... even when its busy!
(5)J R.
Let me preface this review by saying that a martini is a gin-based cocktail. Traditionally, a martini is not made with vodka. Although, substituting vodka for gin is now common, I object to anyone who doesn't recognize the difference. Suffice to say: I have better taste than you if you're a vodka martini drinker. I stopped into Houston's for some mid-Saturday afternoon pre-Sweeney Todd martinis. I ordered a dirty martini made with Bombay Sapphire. This $13 drink was cold and crisp. The olives were very tasty too, but this should be expected given the premium price paid. Overall great view and good drinks.
(3)Bunny C.
Went here this past Friday night for drinks with some girlfriends. The ambiance was perfect- it was a warm night so the place was opened up and there was booth seating outside. We all ordered cocktails and they were strong and reasonably priced! Even though we ate somewhere else prior, we ended up ordering the steak sandwich to split and it was delicious. It was a great place to hang out with friends were you could actually hear one another- I'll definitely go back.
(5)Jack M.
I was just here last night, and I had no idea that Houston's was changing it's name to Hillstone? Both are equally dumb names, if you ask me, but I digress. Well not really: allow me to elaborate. Again! I went here for dinner last night. I already said that didn't I? Well, I'm saying it again. And as you are my captive audience, and my review is easily the best one here, I can say what I please! Kidding. Maybe? - Expensive! But VERY good. Went here with a pal o mine - he got the cod which he was floored with, and I got the filet, which was EXCELLENT. I was expecting "bigger" portions, but really, mine was a perfect size. The filet wasn't quite what I had imagined - this was a 2-inch thick sea-salt encrusted thing. Nice and rare like I wanted. Melts like butter in your mouth. Came with some warm spinach and mashed potatoes on the side. Both were good. I didn't try the cod but my buddy loved it. Cleaned our plates which never happens. - Waitress was very good. We had to wait a bit for our food but, I'd gladly wait the 20 minutes again knowing the outcome. Excellent food and wonderfully attentive service. Pretty darn expensive but I like the location and I love the food and I like the service. You can't go wrong here.
(4)Kate S.
I love this place! Use to be Houston's Go for the chicken salad with peanut sauce. Delicious!
(4)Mr. C.
If you are out for the bar scene, this might be a good place. If you are out for dinner however, forget about it and go to one of the others in Quincy Market or the North End. It has pretty good ambience and excellent service. But for $50, I think we could have done better. The menu is very limited. I kind of felt like we were getting our a$$es kissed at McDonald's.
(2)K G.
I do lunch here at least once a month. The cajun fish specials are a no brainer, spicy and flaky every time. The stick fries are my favorite pairing for a quick and easy lunch. The salads are excellent, especially the thai style with peanut sauce. It could be a little cheaper though for lunch time.
(4)Tom C.
I've been to this place about three times over ten years and I swear it's called something different every time. The drinks came at a reasonable speed and the ambience was good.
(3)Amy K.
Houston's has been my favorite restaurant for years now. The shrimp and macadamia sushi is the best sushi I've ever had and the thai steak and noodle salad is delicious. The service is also impeccable!
(5)Abdulrahman B.
Hillstone so far has the best burger in Boston. So huge with their extra thin fries makes this dish so special. Whenever I go there I can't decide on another dish because I can't resist eating that mouth watering patty!
(4)Luke P.
I had been here over 6 years ago a couple times when it was Houstons. Back then I thought it was a decent "upscale" chain with a great bar. I returned recently to Hillstone for a late weeknight dinner. We had the place almost entirely to ourselves and experienced great service. My date ordered the cheeseburger and was shocked to find they put ketchup, mustard and bbq sauce directly on the burger even though there was no mention of this on the menu. This is pretty atypical at most restaurants that don't begin with M, B, or W. Given she has no taste for condiments, it was a disaster, but the attentive waitstaff realized immediately that there was a problem and replaced the burger for free - definitely a cool gesture. I ordered the fish of the day which was a sauteed cod. It was OK, but nothing remarkable. I do think the food is greatly overpriced based on this experience, but it's pretty typical given the location. Ambiance is nice and they have some decent beers on draft. Better than some of the FH places, but not highly recommended for dinner. I would definitely come back here for a drink though.
(2)Sean M.
Houston's is a chain. I really like the Embarcadero location, in San Francisco so I'm not sure why but I waited so long to try the Boston Houston's. I have been three times at lunch and each visit has been a pleasant experience. The service at the bar has been excellent and friendly. I have sampled the steak, prime rib, sushi (yes sushi) and the cheese burger. Everything I have eaten here has been expertly prepared and the ingredients are fresh. They have abundant entree salads if you want to eat lite. It is a an upscale approach to simpler fare. Sure you could spend less at Bennigan's for example but the food and atmosphere are far superior here in my opinion. Yes it's a chain, I guess I fit the demographic profile, I'll be treating myself to lunch here on a regular basis. * The bar is a tough seat at lunch, go early. * Excellent wine list, fair to slightly high in pricing. Good choices for domestic. * A nice choice for an after work Martini. * The Burger is killer, I love the shredded lettuce and chopped onions. * Some may find the atmosphere a bit stuffy, for moi, it's pleasant. * Jeff Nace and his lovely wife were having burgers at the bar our last visit, he sent over glasses of the Ramey Claret, guess I'll have to write that (long overdue) Neptune Oyster review soon.
(4)Jennifer S.
I checked out Houston's for the first time last Friday after work and was very pleasantly surprised. got there right after 5pm and it was already pretty crowded around the bar. there still seemed to be plenty of dinner seating though. Large bar area (with hooks for your coat and purse- oh happy day!) and the service was quick and attentive. tried a mojito and shared the spinach & artichoke dip and coconut shrimp rolls with a friend. mojito was just ok. too much seltzer or something. spinach dip was just ok too but the shrimp roll was incredible. i think that lil baby was swaddled in thin strips of coconut instead of seaweed-ingenious! The coconut flavor was not sweet or overpowering at all and combined with crunchy shrimp and creamy avocado it was really a great combo. All the other orders I saw coming out looked so good it made me want to leave the bar and snag a corner booth and stuff my face in secret rather that be respectable and nibble on my sushi rolls at the bar like a lady ( I mean lets be honest Houston's is a big time pick up place right?). Either way I definitely want to come back and try the Thai steak salad and get those rolls again. fun spot for after work drinks!
(4)David M.
We rolled into Boston later than expected and called the restaurant to see when they closed. Despite the GPS telling us we were at the restaurant, we could not find it. Houston's is very hard to find. It is situated partially below ground in Faneuil Hall Marketplace and is hard to see from the street. I called for assistance from the staff. They could not give directions at all and got me more lost. They did advise that if we did not make it in within 7 minutes, we would not be served. We asked some people on the street and made it on time. This was kind of irritating because some people arrived 10 minutes after us and were seated and served. I came to Houstons because of their clam chowder. It won first place in a recent competition so I had to try it. I was surprised to find they only serve it on Fridays and Sundays and thankfully we were there on a Sunday. Our waitress came, I ordered chowder, an appetizer. When it came to the entree they were out of many items including all fish items except Salmon. This is Boston, how can they be out of fish? I wanted fish so I was out of luck and settled on the ribs. The chowder was great and I have had better, but not that often. Of all the chowders I ate while on the east coast, theirs was the best. The ribs were average. Really, they are boiled then grilled when ordered and slathered with sauce. Not too impressive for sure. I have eaten at many other Houston's and know what to expect. Normally I come for a decent steak but was not in the mood tonight. The service was poor. The waitress took my chowder bowl without asking if I was done (I was not). I had to ask other servers for things. When the bill came, the server had charged us for the appetizer she never brought. She said she would take it off the bill but never apologized for forgetting. We paid and left with regrets that we had chosen Houston's as our first meal in Boston, though I am glad I got to try their wonderful chowder. I left a 7% tip, which was very generous considering the poor service. I would recommend dropping in to try some chowder for lunch on Friday or Sunday and not for much else.
(2)Angel S.
The cod was ok, but sushi not at all
(3)Jenna C.
I have been to Houston's many a time, but I can only write a review on one dish there: The ultimate, tasty, most mouthwatering thing I crave on a constant basis. The Houston's veggie burger. All I can say is WOW. This has to be, by far, the best veggie burger ever created. Most people say, "Veggie burger? Gross! Why would I want a burger of rice and crap when I can get a meaty patty of goodness?" Well, let me tell you..this is not your run of the mill rice laden dry little patty. It's huge, moist, and the taste is consistently scrumptious. Here's the kicker...it's not on the menu anymore. You can of course still get it, because if it was ever discontinued they could count on me chaining myself to that crazy iron horse statue they have until they brought it back. My exact order (remember I'm a little picky): Veggie burger, no bun, honey mustard on the side. Sub french fries for couscous = party in your mouth. Try it. I promise you will not be disappointed. UPDATE: 12/17/07 - Veggie burger! Back on the menu!
(5)Roni E.
I went here for dinner one time and I just was not impressed. The waiter was certainly cute and very nice... but.... - The food wasn't great - I had the prime rib and it was just dry and bland - blech! - The drinks were... okay... but nothing special. - The timing was slooooow.... oh yeh he pretty much forgot about us and putting in the order. Yeh.... and they ran out of my veggie so I got the corn instead. Basically we paid for an extremely expensive meal we could have gotten elsewhere for much less and probably gotten better service.
(2)Steven L.
Hillstone Restaurant at Faneuil Boston seated us on the patio, no problem, waitress came to take orders, then they decided to throw us out of the restaurant because my friend Reinhold had on a sleeveless shirt (we were three gay men), the manger told us that the security guard was "a federal police officer" I took pictures to have proof that the restaurant and patio was full of women in sleeveless tops. The security guard demanded to see the pictures and then he forcibly confiscated my friend's phone. He followed us out, harrassed us, prevented us from leaving in four separate attempts to get into a taxi. He called the police, and kept us hostage for an hour. He told us that we were going to be charged with assault and battery of the manager. Three Boston patrol cars and 5 Boston officers were involved costing the city countless dollars. When Boston Police came they said, "Hillsotne doesn't like you, stay away from them!" My advice to anyone else!! Worse. Restaurant. Ever!
(1)Becca P.
My friend and I were wandering around Fanueil Hall trying to find a nice place to try out and found Hillstone hidden on the side. We came but didn't have a reservation and the place was packed at 1pm. We were seated after 20 minutes and was greeted by a very nice waitress. I ordered the $32 center cut filet and it was delicious. I do wish they had more sides. All I had was a little veggie side and that was good. My friend ordered the famous french dip au jus sandwich which came with fries. She loved it and was absolutely full after eating the sandwich. This place is a good place for small groups of friends to catch up. Around 1pm there are a lot of business people. We came in dressed casual but definitely felt under dressed.
(4)Hana C.
Def get the hawaiian rib-eye- so sweet and mouthwatering. Great burgers (although I'm not a burger girl, I always get a bite of someone's, its very yummy), and I love their ribs! so mouth watering. best onion rings in Boston! And the tuna salad is very yumy too- gives you 4 large pices of spicy tuna roll and the salad comes with mango. very yummy. would come here anytime!
(4)Teju P.
This rates high in various areas( at least the ones that matter most to me!): 1) Atmosphere - very social and good for groups. The booth styles seating allows you privacy as well as a good view of the bar! 2) Service - The wait staff was VERY attentive to us and knew the menu very well. 3) Menu - It ranges from very healthy and light to comfort food. Make sure you ask for the super secret veggie burger. It is excellent! When dinner was over me and my friends were having such a good time that we didn't want to leave :(
(5)Michael S.
Great food, good sushi roll apps, good drinks. Great Location
(5)Mary Beth F.
This is a great restaurant for a date- lots of candles and dim lighting. The drinks were strong, and the service was wonderful. I got the burger and it was amazing. My boyfriend got the french dip and loved it.
(4)Aditi R.
Faneuil has its ups and downs in my book. It always ends up being an interesting night, but I wished for something a bit more than the usual ho hum of Irish bars (not that I have anything against them...St. Patty's day wouldn't be the same in Boston otherwise!) Houston's provides the escape. I never really noticed this place perhaps because it's somewhat discrete as you have to walk down a set of stairs to enter the establishment. However, as discrete as the entrance may be, the space is quite the opposite. It's huge. Dim lighting, large bar space, and plenty of tables invite you right in. Not to mention that the wait staff is quite nice as well. I went in around 9 on a Tuesday night and was starving. Their menu looked quite nice and I ordered a chicken burger with fries while my friend ordered a salad which is supposedly phenomenal (the name escapes me, but it was a chicken salad...and not Caesar). There was only one bartender and she was also placing the food orders but despite of being busy, she was really nice and timely in always helping us out. The food ended up being quite good, but I have to say I enjoyed the fries the most as they were the thin cut fries which I dont find in many places. Great stuff! One of the drawbacks for this place however is the dim lighting. It's easy to see that people would trip up especially since there are lots of stairs as you go around the restaurant. Even during the day because it's a level below all the other restaurants, the light doesn't come in as well and the dim lighting only adds to the problem of not being able to see. So careful where you step! Overall I really liked this place and look forward to coming back. I can thank my friend and my 20/20 vision for that ;)
(4)Peter G.
i have never been disappointed by houston's. i know it's a chain (i mean, who doesn't love a good chain restaurant every now and again) but i know i can count on houston's for a supremely delicious meal. christina had never been, and i suggested it as i haven't been in quite some time. the service is perfect because the waitstaff is trained to have the pleasant appeal of a stepford wife. our server, jennifer, was a delight and i even saw a couple of acquiantances that i know who work there as well. usually i am wont to partake of the clam chowder, depending on the day, and the thai steak and noodle salad, but we split the coconut shrimp roll to start. i always found it odd that houston's served sushi but it was to die for! christina was craving a burger and i was craving a fish sandwich and we were both in heaven. i coerced her to split the 5-nut brownie with me for dessert, which we devoured. houston's, you are my scarlet lover.
(5)Enrique D.
FORMERLY KNOWN AS HOUSTON'S - very clean, organized and prompt. the food is typical american fare. sometimes with a fusion twist of somekind. drinks are good. (great pour count) and everything always tastes fresh. the salads are amazing. i'm not a salad guy, but this is not ur girly salad. these are main course salads. burgers are great. desserts are simple classics but done well. staff is always curteous. crowd at the bar is mainly yuppies , enjoy ur drink with better company and bring ur friends.
(3)Jen S.
Houston's: The Setting For Everything Funny And Awesome Oh brother. I've been putting off writing this review for some time because Houston's is so near and dear to my heart. In fact, if the bartenders at Houston's are reading this (hi Kevin and Amy), in a couple of paragraphs they will be thinking 'this is definitely one of the three girls who comes in, tells us all about their personal lives, falls down drunk and humiliates herself and then does it again a couple nights later.' Thanks for serving us anyway, guys. Good choice. There's a lot to say, and you wouldn't know it by my other reviews, but I know there's a text limit on these things (which is so stupid, I mean do you not want to hear me go on for pages about Balison puking on herself? I mean who ARE you?) Yeah. I'm going to focus and organize and make the following points: (a)(1)(a) The GCS (b)(2)(b) Gentlemen callers (overarching) (c)(3)(c) The night we met the British guys (d)(4)(d) Balison, wine, and the T Here goes. Imagine a salad. You're probably all like oh blah a salad that's boring. YOU'RE WRONG. This salad tastes like Heaven spit a bunch of food into God's mouth who then spit it onto a plate. Wow, that sounds disgusting actually. Do-over. This salad tastes f-ing good. It has all this chicken and peanut sauce and tortilla strips and I don't know how they do it but it comes out to you basically as you're ordering it. Stop reading this now and go get a GCS (Grilled Chicken Salad) - wait, keep reading this because I'm awesome, but when you're done, get the GCS for christ's sake. On to gentlemen callers. Fascinatingly, my friends and I during our Super Single Summer (aka The Summer of Vomit, Humiliation, Cheesecake Factory Chefs and Certain Death Averted) decided we loved this place because of all the eligible, good-looking men. Yet, not a one of us has ever met a decent guy here. Not one of us has been on a successful date as a result of a night out here (although I did go on my first date with The Crazy Texter here, but that's a story for another time), and the only stories I can think of that involve dudes and Houston's are horrible, embarassing anecdotes about red heads, men in necklaces, old men, and.... British guys. You know who we DID meet here? Two British dudes. I was out with Balison on a fine summer evening drinking my weight in white wine when in walks a couple of gents from the motherland (does that even mean England?). I was a bit down and out, having just broke up with a giant jackass (what I really want to do in this parentheses is make fun of his dresser, but I don't think the joke communicates to anyone except Balison - so Balison, imagine a green dresser joke in here), and decided to strike up a conversation with these fellows. Flash forward to the end of the night, when Balison realizes that her British guy is married but nonetheless aggressively hitting on her. All of a sudden, Balison decided to ruin my night. I was gleefully making out with my British guy - yes, at the bar, 19-yr old style, it was probably disgusting - when Balison decided to inquire as to whether his penis was circumsized or not. I believe she also said some insulting things about uncircumsized penises. The British chap looked at us as though someone had stolen his mangy, crappy old puppy and then stuttered "I have to use the bathroom" - and then, quite literally, ran from me. Thanks, Balison. Go puke in your hand. Anyway, those are the dudes you meet at Houston's - but funny story, right? Best for last. Houston's brings out the best in people. One night when many of my friends gathered at Houston's for dinner, Balison decided to have wine at the bar while we sat at a table and ate like normal people. And by "have wine at the bar" I mean she decided to drink all the wine at the bar. By the time we were done with dinner, Balison was a raging lunatic, and I am proud to say I deserted her and went home probably to watch reality tv because I'm cool. Little did I know that Balison would attempt to travel by T to her boyfriend's apartment, and during this attempt would fall asleep and travel all the way to Alewife.* That's not the best part. Upon turning herself around and arriving at her boyfriend's apartment, she vomited and then told his roommate (who sucks) that she hated him.** I suppose the moral of this story is that Balison is awesome. But if you can't have Balison as your friend (and most of you probably can't because she would puke on you and hate you), you can at least have Houston's and a GCS - unless I eat them all first. Seriously. *Addendum: Balison has alerted me to the fact that not only did she fall asleep on the red line, she didn't even wake herself up. Apparently an MBTA worker had to wake her, and when she got on the T going back in the right direction, she still got off the wrong stop. **Balison actually told said roommate "I hate you" and THEN vomited.
(5)Andrew A.
While I have a Houston's at home, we visited the restaruant near Fanueil Hall on a recent trip to Boston & the result was less than stellar. My prime issue was with the lackluster service from such a 'high end eatery.' The restaurant was full, (as is expected on a Boston graduation weekend Saturday night), but the waiters & kitchen were NOT ready for the crowds. The bar was slow as we waited an hour for a table. Our waiter was rushed & disappeared after we ordered. Two people ordered prime rib which had WAY more fat than neccesary for this dish. When management was consulted due to this disasterous night they simply apologized after explaining that prime rib needs fat to cook. DUH - but not an inch on both sides! Perhaps it was a bad night for them, but I was just let down by the whole experience...
(2)Jon F.
This place sucks! NEVER recommend to anyone. We made a reservation for 7 one month in advance. When we showed up , we were told to wait 15 minutes. We ended up waiting for 45 minutes and our table was not ready. After waiting almost one hour , we had to leave. It was a disaster! This place is only for walk ins... We do not want to even remember the name of this restaurant. Very bad management.
(1)Melissa D.
Houston's is an A\after work bar for the financial district, a place to eat fresh quality food on a Saturday night and a great place to play credit card roulette. The menu ranges from salads to steak, sandwiches to seafood. Decent sized menu and sometimes items are updated with the seasons. FAVES: -Burger (as my friend says: "I'm not a big fan of burgers but this one is making me one!) -Sushi Combo Plate (surprisingly, very good sushi) -Prime Rib (fatty as it should be) -Spinach & Artichoke Dip (not zapped in the microwave) Service, not so great, they had a team of people helping out but when it got busy, it was like the keystone cops. I know people get in the weeds, but that's why you have a team of people to help out...maybe it was just one of those nights!!
(3)Holly H.
I have been going to Hillstone (formerly Houston's) after work for years. The location is perfect (downstream from the Financial District and on the cusp of Faneuil Hall) as is everything about it. The name change is the only thing that actually changed - which is definitely a good thing! The waitstaff are always smiling and eager to please. The food is nothing less than consistently excellent. I usually go after work for a few drinks at the bar and stay for dinner. The bartenders are friendly, funny, efficient and knowledgeable. They also make one of the best dirty martinis around!! Some of my favorite items on the menu are the Spinach & Artichoke Dip - always delicious - it is the benchmark in which to measure all other spinach dips. The Thai Noodle Salad is spicy, filled with fresh mango, tomato, mint and basil, and is so unique. The burgers (both beef and veggie) are to die for, especially on that fabulous brioche roll! The expanding list of sushi is consistently delicious and worth trying. The wine list is approachable and has many of my favorites! This is a great location to have a business lunch, drinks and appetizers with friends, or a romantic dinner in one of the cozy booths. One very sad newer development - the amazing biscuits are a Hillstone item of the past. Too bad :( Hillstone (Houston's) is definitely a place worth stopping in to - several times. BONUS - they validate at the 60 State Garage if you're driving in!!
(5)molly f.
Visited Houston's recently with a friend who has been raving about the food & the service, and I must say...I was quite impressed. Houston's doesn't approach their service like other restaurants, where one server attends to you for the entire evening. Rather, they have many servers and valets who each attend to different aspects of your meal...from food to drinks to HOT HAND TOWELS (yes!) to taking your order and checking in, many different members of their staff are on deck to attend to your every need...and while its a bit confusing at first because each acts as though they already know you, its quite lovely once you get used to it. Service aside, the food at Houston's is tasty! We started with their famous shoe string fries and they were delish...I also tried the coconut shrimp sushi & while I'm not a huge sushi fan, it was worth trying. My entree was fabulous- slow cooked BBQ baby back ribs that were falling off the bone...just perfectly prepared. My friend had the burger, which had been my 2nd choice, and from the bite I took of his, it was fabulous. I'll certainly be back to Houston's to try some of their other offerings and enjoy a delicious hamburger!
(4)Ina C.
A guy walks into a bar and takes a seat. He thinks about what to order, but something interrupts his thoughts. "Nice haircut!" He looks around but can't figure out who said it. He orders a beer, but before he can take his first sip, he hears someone shout out, "I like your shirt!" He slams his beer down on the table and looks around again. "Where could that be coming from?" he thinks to himself. He walks over to the jukebox, sticks in a quarter and chooses a song. The moment he sits back down, he hears someone say, "Great choice! I love this song!" Finally, he turns to the bartender and asks, "Sir, do you know who's saying all these things?" The bartender says over his shoulder, "Oh yeah. It's the peanuts. They're complementary." :D All that to highlight the greatness of complementary sides! I paid $9 for steamed asparagus at the Oak Room and got a plate of asparagus with no seasoning -- basically something that a five-year-old could have prepared. Thank you, Houston's, for coupling your steak with a side of fries that can be substituted for any seasonal vegetable! We got the broccoli which was seasoned so well that even this veggie-hater wanted more! Like Karman L. says, the food, location and service are all fantastic. I especially love the bar that spills out onto the outdoor patio. One of my favorite places in DC has now moved to Boston! And unlike the DC locations, they DO take reservations!
(4)Di L.
Houston's has the best spinach and artichoke dip I've ever had. I don't come here often but I'm always pleased when I do. Most recently I had the salmon and it was excellent. Our service was great when we were seated (a short 15 minute wait on a Wednesday night) and the bartenders were very friendly. The bathrooms are clean, which is a huge bonus and the location is really easy to find. It's hard to go with a larger party, since most of the tables and booths won't sit more than 5 people. The only other downside is parking, but during the week street parking surrounding Faneuil Hall should be pretty easy to find.
(4)Lauren H.
Houston's might be my favorite new place in Boston. Great beer selection--you ask for Coors Light or Bud Light and they may as well laugh at you. None of that. It's all delightful, real, for the most part local, beer. Ambience is great. All of the booths (and they are ALL booths) are kind of sunken down so that at no point are you really looking at anyone else at any other table. Very private. It's dark and old school Frank Lloyd Wright-ish, but really modern at the same time. Bar is fantastic, especially in warmer weather because they open the windows and Faneuil Hall makes for a great view. Now for the real deal--they make the best hamburger I have ever eaten. The Hickory Burger is one of the most delicious things ever created. Not sure how they do it, but the meat is incredible, perfect (shredded) cheese, delightfully crispy bun, and delectably crunchy french fries. The whole meal is just perfect. Spinach and artichoke dip is other-worldly, too. Sorry to say those are the only things I can talk about, as they are the only things I've ever ordered. Hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
(5)Marissa P.
So I visited Houston's again recently, and... UPGRADE! Lahwdy, lahwdy, my salad was so good. Utter 6 magical words: "Thai Steak & Noodle Salad, please." You will be rewarded with a plateful of well-dressed, herbed noodle-y goodness and slices of wonderfully-marinated filet. Add mangos, avacados, and... MMMMMM. Tip: Ask for your mangos diced on the smaller side, and you will avoid my last fiasco (below). MMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmm.
(4)Tony B.
I went on a Saturday night and the service was outstanding. Best service I have ever experienced at a restaurant. It's like they are watching you, and right before you ask them for something, they bring it or clear it from the table. I can't remember I experienced service this outstanding. Good food too, delicious bloody marry, good appetizers, and delicious hot biscuits. Nice interior and nice location. Parking garage was very convenient and the restaurant will validate it at 60 state street garage. Good place to take visitors. I will be back to this place.
(4)Heather R.
I'd say, I came because I thought my friend wanted prime rib, but he ended out having the ribs, while I had the prime rib, which was excellent. It came with French fries, and they were okay but I wasn't in French fry heaven. For desert he had the key lime pie which looked amazing, while I had the sundae. It was just, okay. It was really big and had a sauce boat filled with the chocolate syrup on the side, but neither the ice cream nor the sauce was amazing. The sundae did have some candied walnuts on top, which made it more interesting, and quite a bit of real whipped cream was applied. At the end of the meal the remainder of my rib was packed up (he asked if I would like to do it myself, or if I would like to...odd) and when I opened it up the next day I noticed the delicious Au jus sauce was not included. Certainly it would have been possible to put it in a container to go. Service was good, and I even noticed my friends rib bones were removed from the bowl he was given for the bones. Beer selection was just, kind off odd. Not too much on the list in these craft beer times. Probably being due to this restaurant being a national chain. I noticed a large bar and nice interior. Certainly not a bad place to have a burger at the bar on a winters day near Faunille Hall.
(4)Lynda M.
I am going to up my stars because the last few times I have eaten at Houston's, I have been pretty happy. I LURV their chicken salad with peanut sauce, and their Key Lime Pie is to die for. The man loves their ribs, he looks great with bbq sauce as an accessory. As for the recent posting about parking--yes it does exist, but it is hardly free. The actual garage is for 60 State Street, the entrance is on Merchants Way, next to Bertucci's and across from Clarke's. But my question is---If Houston's only charges $15 for 3 hours after 5PM on weekdays, and weekends, why does the garage itself only charge a flat rate of $14??? I took this from the 60 State Street garage website: newbostonfund.com/direct… "The 60 State Street garage will valet park cars based on availability. The $36 maximum rate is in effect after 2 hours. They do not validate parking. There is evening/weekend parking in the building at a rate of $14. The evening parking is effective after 5:00 PM" Interesting, you can save a dollar by not mentioning Houston's!
(4)Patrick H.
After visiting Houston's several times over the past few years, my short review would be "overpriced drinks, nice atmosphere, great food." I like this place, but would never come here just to get drinks with friends or colleagues regardless of the fact that the front bar with retractable glass walls makes for great people watching in Faneiul Hall. The food however is reason enough to visit Houston's. I was skeptical of sushi at a place like this, but the spicy tuna roll is fantastic. If you like French dip, they've got the best one I've ever had in the city of Boston. And the burgers here are definitely worth a try. Houston's dining area is cozy, somewhat romantic and dimly lit, which may be a little on the fancy side. I've found the wait staff to be mediocre most of the time, and the bartender will ask for everyone's IDs in order to run them through some fancy machine before you get a drink (I guess the old fashioned method of actually looking at the date and matching the person's face isn't their thing). I'll be back again at some point, but Houston's isn't on my "must have" list by any means.
(3)Allison S.
Two words: WHOLY PARSLEY. Have I mentioned that I despise parsley? DESPISE. I went here for lunch with some of my colleagues and clients from work, and it was like we were on a romantic date instead of a business lunch. The lighting was very dim...very much mood lighting. Although my salad was laden with parsley (which was not listed as an ingredient on the menu), the rest of their dishes looked pretty delicious. Our service was good and they have great iced tea. We must have come at peak lunch hour, because it was swamped when we walked in, and completely empty when we left. I'd come back (definitely with a reservation) and try something else on the menu at an off-peak time.
(3)Dan T.
Pretty damn good California Burger and Fries...medium rare...cooked perfectly. Pricey place but my wife had the ribs...absolutely tender, fall off the bone. Service is great too. Nicely lit, not bright at all but not too dark, very comfortable.
(5)Charoline D.
MmMmm. I went here for the first time yesterday. It's right across from where I work and some co-workers were heading there for a birthday party. They had the front of the bar open to the air, and people were sitting on the benches enjoying beers, and more importantly mojitos. The mojitos here are HEAVEN. (Why is everything "heaven" with her?,,--did you get the curb reference?). It's a little pricier here than I'm used to, but it inspires me to get a perm job working around here, be miserable, but be making entirely too much money to NOT spend it bar hopping after work in a pair of Jimmy Choo's. Although I did get hit on by an overweight guy with frosted hair in a golf shirt, the crowd is mostly people from the financial district i.e. my current place of employment. I later found out that he hit on all my friends just before I showed up, so I took comfort in knowing that it had nothing to do with me, but more the sexual prowess of this poorly put together excuse for a man. Sickens one to the core. We also ordered brownie sundaes in honor of our friends birthday. The brownie was exceptional, and was topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel. Again. Heaven. Oh. And later on we went to Clarks and got circle fries. Now, I've been here before on a bar crawl, and it's not one of my favorite places. It's mostly swamp donkeys in untucked dress shirts from express, jeans, and black dress shoes. I'm fairly certain including a review for clarks is less than nessecary if you've ever been there.
(4)Kim P.
I'm a fan of Houston's and the Boston location is no exception. The food is a bit pricier than other chain restaurants, but I do believe its higher quality. Nice atmosphere - good service - good wine selection. We went on a Saturday night and were seated right away. I really like their chicken fingers and salads. Give it a try.
(4)Nicole M.
Spinach artichoke dip, french fries, french martini. Sit me down on their narrow patio and serve me these three things, and I'm happier than a pig in shit. Touristy? Sure. A chain? Yep. Packed with suits pretending to work on their laptops at the bar? Yessiree. All these things would normally drive me away so fast, but I bring your attention back to those three lovely menu items, and I'm happy to sit and linger and people watch.
(4)Alex S.
Great place. Good food and service. I just wish they took opentable. It does get crowded especially without the patio. The veggie burger is OUTSTANDING
(4)Hailey T.
I stopped in here while my sister was visiting and we decided to escape the madhouse that some Quincy Market area places can be and we were pleasantly surprised! This place has a beautiful interior and great servers. We just sat at the bar and while they don't have a cocktail menu they'll make you anything you like. The bartender made a phenomenal dirty martini for both of us. We also did the sushi combo appetizer and I have to say it was delicious! A top shelf vodka martini will run you about $14, but it's worth it. In fact, we both enjoyed our excursion here so much that when our parents arrived in town a few days later we returned with them...and on that note the bartender makes a great lemon drop as well. I'm certain of two things: the price and atmosphere make the experience worth every penny, and I'll be back soon.
(4)Victoria B.
Good place to go hang out after work. The food is good, nothing amazing but I enjoyed my dining there. The lighting in the place is a little too dark for my taste but that's the style theyre going for, it's not bad for the bar area though. The menu has a little bit of everything and the service was good.
(3)Kevin L.
This place rocks! This place never fails to serve great food with excellent service. Last night I tried one of the new specials (New York strip) and I have to say it was as good or not better then what you would find at Morton's or grille 23 or any other steak house in the city and as pricey $36.00. whether you going for drinks at the bar(which has outside seats when its warm and dry out) or going for dinner with friends, I can not recommend this restaurant enough.
(4)Thomas S.
Pretty good filet steak, big, cooked just right. The French fries are the best I ever had. The only flaw is that the place lacks some good European style deserts like a creme brûlée. The service is really good and the atmosphere is nice. It's a little expensive but worth the money.
(5)Gary G.
Made a trip to Houston's today after the Bruin's game. Went at the perfect time around 4 PM and had no wait at all for a table. The service was good and the food came out promptly. Wifey and I started out with the spinach and artichoke dip. That is one of our favorite appetizer's and Houston's delivered. It comes with sour cream and salsa. I got the rotisserie chicken. Which I try at just about at any restaurant. And the Houston's rotisserie chicken is awesome. Chicken is cooked perfect and it comes with Dirty Rice. Wifey got the Salmon and it was soaked in butter. So, stay away. The interior design is cool. Which is modern with a southwestern feel. One big plus of the place is it might have one of the nicest restrooms in the city. Very modern and it has private stalls. Plus a floor Length mirror. So, you can just see how fly you really are.
(3)Cara J.
This is my favorite place. Cool, upscale but not pretentious, outstanding food and drinks. Nice vibe and comfortable decor. I've toted my reluctant friends along who only praised me with raves. I've been ordering the "Evil Jungle Thai Salad" since the place opened, which is now a different name, but still one of the best dishes on the menu. Service is tops, and when the staff clearly has a reason to be aggravated or annoyed, by a difficult patron, they hide it well. Very professional. Tuna/sashimi is also excellent. Downside, last visit my friend got the salmon special- farm raised. The price was too high and the salmon way to skimpy for $30 or so.
(5)Cathy H.
Don't get me wrong, it is a nice place. A very chic, fancy drink, downtown kind of crowd. Still, it is a chain, and has a bit of that feel. I would call it "generic chic." The value threw my rating off a bit. Paying $18.00 for a sushi roll (even this macadamian nut, tuna delight) made my eyes roll back a little. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the sushi, and the rest of the meal was good. However, just be prepared to throw down a bit of cash. A great place to go if you are expensing it!
(3)Celicia C.
I would come here just for their California burger. Sooooooooooo good. See, I never put that many "ooo's" in the "so", but it's that good. So good that I asked the Houston's across the street from my office building in midtown NYC to make it. That's right. The California burger is a Boston specific burger. They don't make it in NYC! Whenever I come back to Boston to see my folks or my boyfriend if I can make it out to Fanueil Hall to have this heavenly burger, I'm a happy camper! So what's in the California burger? Their special angus beef, topped with jack cheese, avocado, red onion, and the spicy arugula. And add into the equation their special stringy fries, I'm in pure heaven. For appetizers their spinach artichoke dip is also yummy. You can never go wrong with that either!
(5)Heidi E.
I do like this place. And I've been here often in the past and always enjoyed it. I returned this weekend and... Their California burger recently made me a believer. Oh my God, did it ever. I'm now going to top all of my homemade burgers with avacado, arugula, red onion and I'll attempt my own secret sauce (dijon mayo?)...until I get sick of it. And then I'll just go back to Houstons to have the real thing again. The bar is worth mentioning. Plenty to keep your eyes wandering- either in lovely clientele or in the lovely modern interior design. The bar opens up to a nice enclosed patio which is helpful on a Friday night when the wait is long.
(4)Chase W.
It pain's me to give a CHAIN restaurant 5 stars, but I can't go any lower. I've simply never had a bad experience here; the food is oustanding, the service excellent, and the decor is fantastic. The dining room is set a few feet underground on the edge of both the Financial District and Faneuil Hall, so it's generally a mix of tourists and suit wearing financier's from down the street. Thursday and Friday night bar crowd overwhelms the smallish bar area, but in the summer this opens up to the patio-esq area in front of the restaurant. A note- dont' be surprised if you get a strange look from the bartender if you order a mainstream beer beverage- There are no Miller/Budweiser/Corona/Guiness options here, though they carry the microbrew equivalents. What to order for food... Well, I honestly think 8 out of the 10 times I've dined at Houston's I had the Hawaiian Rib Eye. It's value priced, delicious, and huge! Is it for the steak purist? probably not, but it really is fantastic. Also worth noting, if you order this option, you don't hav eto worry about a la cart sides as this entree comes loaded with a few side veggies and potato. The wine selection isn't as impressive as say Grill 23 or Flemmings, but generally speaking Houston's is a notch below these top tier steak houses and is priced appropriately. It's safe to say, that I can't afford to eat at Grill 23 a few times a month, but I can definately swing a frequent trip to Houston's, and that's why I love it so much. (That and the creame spinach soup, which is very tastey). Other plus's? Besides my general love of the contemporary/art deco decor? (ladies, please close your ear's or cover your eyes) ESPN playing over the 'facilities' in the very well appointed Men's room. Sorry, but it's worth mentioning if you're passing on the Sox game for a dinner date! Updates.... :( I really feel like Houstons has gone down hill- I eat there like 2 or 3 times a month (its just convenient) and the service and menu seems cheapened, rushed, and not as high in quality. The menu isnt' all that different, but it doesn't seem like its as good of a value anymore-
(3)Lalin A.
I usually go to Houston's for its bar, which is social and comfortable with four sides open. Attentive and quick service. Check this place out during spring and summer days when they open the windows facing Quincy market. It is a pleasure to sit there and just watch the world go on. I had my best mojito at Houston's the first time I went there. The second time it was not as good (I guess my expectations were very high). Quick note: I saw how serious they are about picking their servers (as I met some of the candidates). Big plus! Edit 11/27/2006 I re-visited Houston with a friend, who came to Boston for the first time. He really liked the atmosphere and our mojitos were sweet! Also, I had the BEST spinach dip here. It was thick and rich!
(4)Ella B.
Slightly pretentious feel, but i was on vacation and my friend skipped out of work to show me around... we like to drink, so we ended up here.... she & I stopped in for an afternoon cocktail after a day of shopping and visiting around Boston and the Public Market area. There wasn't much by way of hostess service, we simply headed straight to the bar. The drinks were ok priced, not too cheap; i think at night this is much more of a "dressy" place. (we did look at the food menu and my pricing rating is based on menu, i think our drinks were about $6-7 for white wine and $8 for my "name brand" vodka), don't remember exactly since i was there Jan. 2007. The deco was "swanky"-ish, leather covered seats in the booths, granite or something like that for the counter tops & tables; good looking servers. Weird statue in the front - was it a cow?..... It seems like all the reviews are about the food, i guess i would have eaten there, but it seemed too much of a meat and potatoes kind of place. Not into that so much. not sure about parking and etc since we parked in a lot a few blocks away and walked to the restaurant. The location is pretty convenient, but i probably wouldn't go for food since it seemed a little pricey. Two stars b/c it wasn't completely horrible - but it wasn't anything phenomenal that would make me want to go back. If i am in the area again i would probably like to try some of the cute little places across the street instead.
(2)Southie G.
We stopped here one day on a whim around 10:30pm and were pleasently surprised! My sister had a stripped bass which she said was wonderful and my husband and I shared a coconut shrimp sushi plate. Ours was to die for! The atmosphere was very cool, low lit, comfy booths, etc. Our waitress was very friendly too. Great experience, we will be back!
(4)christina c.
I am a little bias because i worked for the company for 3 years but they have the best Crabcakes ever. Also the best veggie burger ever. I don't eat meat so I am not even going to lie and say anything about the ribs and burgers but they look amazing. Honestly I didn't eat seafood until I started working here and then gave in because it is so good and so fresh. I use to have to avoid watching them cut up the whole fresh fish everyday. Also the wine by the bottle is very well priced. The booze is expensive but the fresh squeezed salty dogs are a god sent on a Sunday afternoon and the sour mix is fresh made none of that bottle stuff. Pricey yes, but worth it.
(4)Melissa K.
Hmm... Houstons. The atmosphere is fabulous (if you like dimmed lights), the colors (orange) are nice, and the bathrooms are clean, well-maintained and have quality fixtures (toto toilets!). A good date restaurant. But the food ... My two friends and I arrived one evening ready to eat. We ordered three drinks ... a delicious mojito concoction (very strong ... I could only drink 1/2), and the spinach artichoke dip with chips. The dip was ok ... not too salty ... and rather underwhelming for the price. It could be improved by adding larger artichoke pieces. I was disappointed because it was slightly less than luke-warm and the chips were regular probably just out of the bag. With those prices, it would be nice if the dip was served warm and if the chips were housemade or at least lightly warmed and/or toasted. The food was only slightly better. My friend N ordered the prime rib, J ordered the ribs, and I got the french dip sandwich with fries. J ordered asparagus to go with the ribs. The side dish appeared delicious ... 5-6 thick strands of asparagus with a light sauce over it ... but J commented that it would be better if it was warm rather than chilled. He seemed a bit disappointed. N loved the prime rib, which arrived beautifully arranged and a large portion. J enjoyed his ribs ... ate all of them except for the three he shared. I tried some of his ribs and they were ok but seriously I've had warmer and better tasting ribs at TGIFriday (c'mon!). My french dip sandwich was ok. It arrived on a hoagie-ish roll with plenty of meat. Unfortunately, the meat and the roll did not complement one another. Each individually was delicious, as well as together, but the roll was too small for the meat and so the meat kept falling out. Difficult to eat a sandwich that way. The fries were disappointing. I love fries and normally would be disappointed when the last fry was gone ... but that night I was apathetic. They are shoestring fries ... but with very little flavour. Also served almost room temperature. All the food was luke-warm. =( The service was excellent. The drinks fabulous. The food presentation is beautiful. But the food itself is average. And cold. =( Especially for the prices. The best part of Houstons are the drinks. Strong, well-crafted, and delicious.
(3)The D.
Last time I was here, it was Houston's, and it was terrible. Much different this time. The restaurant itself has a cool atmosphere. The bar area was very active, with a hip vibe. Dining room behind it felt like it was almost a separate restaurant. We sat near the bar, and it was much quiter than I thought it would be. It looked like every table was a booth, so you didn't have to listen to other conversations. Little dark in the dining room, but felt appropriate. Our waiter, Cameron, was very good. He was witty, and made good suggestions. Had the artichoke dip, decent, but over priced at $15. Prime Rib was excellent, and cooked perfectly. It came with a loaded baked potato which was also great. My fiancee had sushi which she really enjoyed. Menu isn't large, but offers a little of everything. Definitely a little pricey-spent over $100 getting an app, our entrees and a bottle of moderately priced wine. My only complaint would be the pace in the beginning. We received the spinich/artichoke dip within 5 min, and before our wine. Our dinner came within 15 min, while we were still eating the appetizer. Other than that, it was a great experience.
(4)