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Kim Son

Zagat rated "Best Vietnamese & Chinese". Praised by Texas Monthly & Houston Press
Family owned & Operated since 1982

MY REVIEW: One of the best Asian banquet hall and restaurant for large group such as meeting and wedding. (better than most)

We had two wedding parties here for our sons.

Very please with Miss Cindy(Manager).

NAME: Cn
SUBMITTED: 12/31/2011   LAST VISIT WAS: Nov-2011
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

MY REVIEW: I first visited Kim Son on 6/15/11. However, when I arrived (3 PM) it was between services. I took a card with the intent to return at a later date. I returned on 6/19 about 12:30 PM. There was a HUGE crowd! I went to the reception desk and waited my turn. I then asked where did one place to go orders. I was informed they did not provide to go service. How odd and how disappointing.

NAME: Dovie
SUBMITTED: 6/20/2011   LAST VISIT WAS: 6/19/11
FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times

MY REVIEW: I had lunch today at Kim Son’s Bellaire location’s buffet for the first time and was utterly blown away. This has got to be one of the nicest Asian buffets in Houston if not Texas. I say “Asian” buffet instead of “Chinese” because there is a very distinct Vietnamese influence at this buffet.

When I walked through the front door, I was immediately greeted and asked if this was my first visit. I said, “Yes”, and was given a gracious and informative mini-tour of the buffet’s layout.

There was a manned noodle soup counter where you could order several different types of soups and could also obtain tasty hunks of duck and pork that were hanging from the ceiling.

There was a wrap station with a stack of huge lettuce leafs waiting for you to stuff and roll with meats, vegetables, etc. All the other buffet offerings I found in this buffet were outstanding: everything tasted good.

Half of the building was a buffet; the other half was a Dim Sum restaurant. I did not visit the Dim Sum side, but would like to soon.

I tried -– I really did -- but could not think of any criticism for Kim Son’s Bellaire buffet. The food was delicious, the staff was super friendly, and the restaurant was spotlessly clean. The word “classy” comes to mind. Even the price was good: it was under ten bucks including tax. I have already recommended this restaurant to friends and family and will absolutely return soon without a doubt.

NAME: Mainframe
SUBMITTED: 8/8/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: August 6 2010
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: We eat there at least once a week, and have for many years. we bring out of town visitors, and meet friends there. The food is excellent! no one is ever disappointed. Our favorite dish is the chicken chow mein which we always have. We love the eggrolls (all kinds--spring rolls, vietnamese and regular). the ribs are to die for!! egg foo young is wonderful.......the menu is extensive and all delicious!!

The service is excellent as the staff is all long time, and we know most of them if not by name, then face recognition. The managers are always there, and greet you as you walk in the door, or they are circulating!! There is always a wedding or private party! Even so, we enjoy the food, as it's always fresh, with generous portions.

It's a happening place!! We love it!!!! And, the bathrooms are clean, too!!!!

NAME: THE STERNS
SUBMITTED: 7/4/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: 7/4/10
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: We went to the Kim Son buffet on Bellaire a few months ago and I was underwhelmed as we had gone off-peak and a lot of the food appeared to have been sitting in warmers for a while. When family visited recently, I was out-voted and we went back. WOW, the place has improved dramatically.

The selection of food is incredible. Very few items you would find in a "traditional" Chinese buffet. There is probably more Vietnamese food than Chinese, and they manage to keep it fresh. Five different soups, roast duck, roast pork, roast chicken, sushi, clams, frog legs(!), crab legs, shrimp... Honestly it goes on and on, with many obscure items I could not even identify. Then they also do the hot pot soup thing at your table and have all the ingredients at the buffet to throw in there.

AND THEN, there are some really good desserts, such as green tea ice cream. The interior of the restaurant is palatial, the staff very friendly and good English-speakers. Highly recommend.

NAME: Mo C.
SUBMITTED: 12/23/2009   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/09
FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times

MY REVIEW: Everytime we go to Kim Son we order the spring rolls and the Vietnamese fajitas. They are always excellent. We also ordered a chicken dish the last time and were quite happy with the results. I wish they would open a place in the north side of town.

NAME: British Literature
SUBMITTED: 7/10/2009   LAST VISIT WAS: 7/2/2009
FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times

MY REVIEW: Me and my wife, tired of the bland, recycled crap that passes for Asian food on the Northside of town, went out of our way to Bellaire and drove around for a little while and spotted Kim Son just off the Beltway, on Bellaire blvd.

neither one of us had ever been but it looked upscale and was buffet so we thought "give it a shot".

WE LOVED. NOT ONLY WAS THE FOOD VARIED, GREAT TASTING AND FRESH, the staff were EXCELLENT!!! I dont remember her name, but I think she was the manager on duty. she took time to talk to us and shoot the breeze and was very nice (even if its their job, they DONT all do that, folks.). the waiter was top notch. he kept refilling our drinks before we even needed it. good service. I had no problem tipping him.

specifically, I loved the spicy soups and the on-the-table warmers.

I even sampled some crab legs; and Im not even into Seafood! THEY WERE GREAT!

their chinese beef was tasty and their different varieties of fried rice were good as well.

the place isnt cuisine but for a buffet, its THE BEST WE'VE EVER BEEN TO IN HOUSTON. we are definatly going back!

NAME: Brian H
SUBMITTED: 4/20/2009   LAST VISIT WAS: 4/19/2009
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: It has been too long ago to remember what it was exactly that turned us off to this location (dirty menu and extremely slow service were at least part of the problem), but we decided to give it another go tonight. I can say for sure that we will be returning.

We were seated quickly, and drink orders were taken a few moments later. Our server, Calvin, was wonderfully friendly and helpful, without being obtrusive. Since we couldn't seem to make up our minds, he asked if he could make suggestions based on what we were craving. Thing is, we were craving it all!

We started with the spring rolls, and they were okay; not the best I've had. I really like mint and/or basil in spring rolls, but I've only found a couple of places where they are prepared that way.

Next came our entrees, and they came out so fast that I worried they might have been pre-made and sitting around. Worry not, folks! These dishes were prepared right after we ordered, they were so fresh. Hubby had the pepper steak with black bean sauce, and I had the beef with snowpeas. Both were excellent! I'd requested mine to be prepared spicy, and Calvin asked how spicy. I told him I like it fairly hot, just not steam-out-the-ears over the top. He laughed, and said he knew what I meant. I counted 8 dried chiles, and it was just right. Big portions, too (LOTS of snowpeas); I wound up with enough leftovers to make a good lunch tomorrow.

After receiving our entrees, I decided to order some jasmine tea for myself. By this time, the restaurant staff was bustling around obviously getting seating arranged for a large group. Calvin forgot about the tea, but was very apologetic, immediately brought it out (along with a second cup for my husband), and comped it. Strangely, instead of jasmine tea, he decided to treat us to what he called his "special blend" of four different teas, something he said he usually only serves his regular customers. It was the best pot of tea I've ever had, bar none, and since it was so good I couldn't be upset that he hadn't asked if I'd like to try his instead of what I had ordered. Anyone can order/make jasmine tea anytime, so it pleased me to no end that he was intuitive enough to know we'd like it. Couldn't get him to share the ingredients, but hey I don't give out my special recipes either! lol

All in all, a very pleasurable experience, Calvin's great customer service making it perfect.

NAME: Rebecca
SUBMITTED: 1/18/2009   LAST VISIT WAS: Jan 2009
FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times

MY REVIEW: I requested the buffet for take-out. One of the servers signal me to come over to the buffet line. Surprisingly, she held the plastic to-go container and asked me what I wanted. I was shocked. She literally walked with me as she asked me what food I wanted while she placed it in the container. It was a total trip. By the way, the summer rolls were bland and the selection of food I got was simply OK. I won't be back.

NAME: thedove
SUBMITTED: 11/18/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 11/2008
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: It's been about a year or so since we've eaten at Kim Son and I'm concerned about this old favorite (a whole lot has changed since my previous 8/04 review). Two of our favorite locations have closed and this most recent visit was not nearly as good as before. Service was poor on this visit; our appetizer AND our entrees were initially delivered to the wrong table (its somewhat disconcerting to have your food placed on someone elses table and then picked up and brought to yours) and drink refills were only brought when asked.

The Spring Roll Appetizers were bland and tasteless - a huge disappointment from previous visits. The two entrees were OK, but not as good as before. Maybe a bad night?

NAME: msu79gt82
SUBMITTED: 8/6/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 8/08
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: I love the hell out of this place. In all my years of going here, I have never had a bad dish, bad service, or had anything that has made me not enjoy my meal there. I know I may be blowing my own horn, but the menu selection is such that anyone should be able to find something to eat there. I absolutely love their sauteed tofu, the barbecue shrimp (wrapped in bacon and deep fried), the spring and Vietnamese rolls, the Kim Son Special, and the Vietnamese crepes/'pizza' - just not all at the same time.

I had the pleasure of introducing this place to some of my co-workers who were nice enough to have a going away party for me, as I will be moving out of state in August. They were blown away by the menu, the service, and the amount of food that you get for the price. I'll miss this place, but I'll be back to visit and make this one of my stops when I do come back to Houston.

NAME: kytxan
SUBMITTED: 8/3/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: July 2008
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: I love the food at this place. I am always greeted with a warm smile and they try their best to sit me at a great table. I live far away, but everytime I am in Houston (the Jefferson location), I always stop by for a great meal. Decent prices and a great bar area. My boyfriend absolutly loves their vietnamese soups and their spring rolls. I am crazy for their Mangolia chicken and chicken fried rice. Not too greasy and I can not believe how tender the meat is. Service is great. Never even had to ask for a refill. I higly recommend the Jefferson location.

NAME: Ashley
SUBMITTED: 4/8/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 03/08
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

MY REVIEW: Best buffet for the price and I've gone to quite a few. Had some exotic foods like duck feet and frog legs among others. Being able to prepare your own soup with your choice of ingredients at your own table was pretty neat. Great variety of authentic Asian foods for people to try, whether you knew what you were eating or not. Would highly recommend.

NAME: Robert
SUBMITTED: 3/17/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: March, 2008
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: I first visited the Bellaire location in the early 90's and fell in love with the food. I have switched to the Jefferson restaurant as it is closest to my home/work.

I/we have never been dissappointed. Food quality and service is 5 stars. I have visited several other restaurants who claim to have similar items on their menu but nothing can compare with the overall quality they offer. My favorite is Black Peppered Crab Legs, and I will pay any price for it, as well as their Singapore Noodles.

If there was ever a negative, although I have never seen a panhandler when we have visited, it is when I place my order to go. I alway's ask that they not overcook the onions on the crab; many look black and sometimes burnt. It is on very rare occasion that my wishes are ignored.

You won't be disappointed at any of their locations in my opinion!

NAME: Jeannie in Clear Lake
SUBMITTED: 1/23/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 1/4/08
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

MY REVIEW: This was must first time there, I was not sure what to expect. IT WAS WONDERFUL. My family and I enjoyed the atmosphere, the service, and the food was really wonderful. Our waiter was very attentive. I would go back and I would recommend you try it. 5 stars, and not over priced.

NAME: Boater Babe
SUBMITTED: 12/31/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 12 30 07
FREQUENCY: Visited once

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