Vargo's International   2401 Fondren Rd @ Westheimer Houston TX 77063 713.782.3888 You might also be interested in these:     American Food    Continental Cuisine    Romantic Restaurants    Sunday Brunch    ZIP 77063   Add Review       MY REVIEW: My husband I ate at Vargo's last night for his birthdays. There service was some of the best we've ever had. Each year I try to take him for the 'best steak in town'. This year Vargo's topped the rest! He had the Twin Filet Oscar plate and I had the stuffed chicken. Both were delicious. Carrot cake and tiramisu to cap off the night were wonderful as well. I'd love to go back again. NAME: Felicia SUBMITTED: 6/19/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 06/2008 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: My fiance' and I went to Vargo's to tour the facility for our upcoming wedding. We had, over the years, heard wonderful things about Vargo's and decided to check it out since we both wanted an outdoor venue. Upon entering the foyer, it's impossible to not notice how dated the furniture are carpet, indeed the whole decor are. The chairs in the reception area are old and worn. The place looked and smelled dirty and old. The garden is the saving grace of this facility. The peacocks and swans and squirrels make this an enchanting venue for a wedding. We might have considered it if we could have both the wedding and the reception outside. But then there is the issue of the food... We've never eaten there, but it doesn't look as if that will happen any time soon. They need to update to save what's left of their reputation. NAME: ZLF SUBMITTED: 5/25/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 2008 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I have never been to Vargo's before my recent visit, but I can assure you that the burgundy carpet, wooden dining tables and horrible chairs have not been updated since it first opened for business. I was literally at a loss for words at what I heard was the mecca of fine dining. Vargo's desperately needs to revamp their marketing plan and update the restaurant and in turn it will attract a more viable, hipper, more classic clientele. If you are taking your great grandparents there for a Sunday brunch then this place is ideal. We went for my 26 year old brother's birthday which probably was not the best choice. The food was subpar but I can say without hesitation, the dessert bar was the best. I just could not see what all the hype was about this long standing establishment. The grounds need to be maintained and renovated. I wish them luck but my experience seriously depressed me. NAME: LT SUBMITTED: 9/5/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: September 2, 2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Lee High School had their prom at Vargos. It was wonderful. The service was excellent! The atmosphere was breathtaking. Most of the food was good. The prime rib was a little to rare for my taste. I defintely will go back for a romantic date. NAME: GS SUBMITTED: 5/30/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 5/11/07 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: Vargo's has new owners as of 2006 and our visit there was pleasant to say the least. None of the negative issues I read about here in earlier reviews were evident. I would say if you were one of the persons that had a prior bad experience that the new owners will change your mind. NAME: brenhamite SUBMITTED: 3/29/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: November 2006 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: The grounds surrounding the property were pretty even if only partially kept, much was blloming. It is unfortunate once we entered the building for a first brunch there everything else went down hill. The mimosas were watered down from ice and flat from staying in a pitcher too long, our water glasses were never refilled for 45 minutes, my appetizer was incorrect, my date's three medium to small shrimps on a plate hardly qualified as a shrimp cocktail and our entree orders lost in the kitchen. The seafood crepes and the red snapper were average. While probably not appropriate to compare the experience to a trip to i*hop, at least at i*hop we were asked if we wanted more coffee; oh and then there was the magnitude of check. My suggestion would be to enjoy a stroll around there grounds then go to some place were the experience closer matches the price. NAME: David SUBMITTED: 3/25/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 3/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: This is a GREAT prom destination. The food is great, the girls absolutely love the scenery, and the service is excellent. I'm from the Woodlands and think the drive was well worth the experience. There was a piano guy playing the night we were there; he was playing quietly, elevator music...I went over and asked if I could play the piano; he let me. I started off with some classic chopsticks to his horror but then proceeded to play some jazz and some classical. They were very nice and it was a lot of fun. (I think they only let me play because pretty much everyone in the room was from one prom or another that night). I loved the place. I've been there several times before, I'm going back tonight actually. Can't wait. I needed to get the address and I found this site. I couldn't believe all of the bad reviews. I think people don't take the time to say nice things...so I'm adding my own review. YOU SHOULD GO WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE!!!! NAME: Happy Customer SUBMITTED: 3/16/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 5/06 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: Peacocks roosting upon the building's gables as you pull into the parking lot is perhaps the best metaphor for Vargo's. Under new ownership, and trying harder, the site has always been astonishing, set on 8 acres just off Westheimer and Fondren. Swans, peacocks, ducks, squirells, rabbits wandering amongst tall trees and flowering shrubbery complement a pond and aging 70's style chalet dining room. Advice: arrive early and walk the gardens, it's both a respite from city stress and will compensate for a meal that is fairly average and unambitious. NAME: fiorucci SUBMITTED: 2/3/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 2/07 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: In the 80's, Vargos was the place to go. So, for our wedding anniversary, my husband and I decided to go back. When I made the reservation, I was asked if it was a special occassion and I told them it was our anniversary. I didn't expect anything from that comment, except perhpas a nicer table, better service, or a kind mention of the event. No such luck. When we arrived, the place was practically empty, but we got a table with no view. With very few customers, we were shocked at how poor the service was. We waited far too long for our very subpar food. After our main course, we requested a dessert menu which never came. After watching our waitress and another waiter have a verbal disagreement about 10 feet from us, we were very obviously displeased with the evening. We asked for the check (remember we never received a dessert menu or were offered one). The waitress dropped off our very expensive check and didn't thank us or apologize for the poor service or the embarrassing argument. I was so displeased that I called the restaurant the following day to let them know how I felt. I left a message, but to no surprise my call was not returned. Needless to say, we'll NEVER return. NAME: Colleen SUBMITTED: 11/29/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 6/06 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: We had a small retirement party at Vargo's on Saturday night. The grounds are incredible...the service was incredible...the piano player was great...the food was average but good. A wonderful place for a special dinner. NAME: Mo SUBMITTED: 10/17/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 10/06 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: been a while since we have been back to vargo's. first time for sunday brunch. the eggs benedict were excellent and the service was top notch. the piano, atmosphere and scenery were excellent as always. NAME: bayoubooger SUBMITTED: 9/5/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 09/03/2006 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: I went to prom here and it was pretty nice. But those of you who are afraid of spiders, please watch yourself while in the garden, i hated that part. - food was pretty good - music was nice - service was excellent - nice for fine/romantic dining NAME: Jennifer SUBMITTED: 5/12/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 05/2006 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I have had the pleasure to have our Russian Ladies Club year-end meeting at Vargos for the past 4 years. We always ask for ideas to make this meeting special and Vargos is where every woman wants to go for a nice atmosphere to have our last meeting of the year. Our experience at Vargos is always pleasant because the manager, Jesus always exceeds our expectations and he always introduces something outstanding to differentiate each experience from the last. The food is always wondeful. The service is prompt and courteous. If there is a special need, it is always accomodated. The ability to have a large meeting in such a soothing atmosphere takes dining to a new level when you have many Russian ladies in a room. We played the piano and had several musical performances without disturbing any guest. Of course, Vargos has become a tradition and we hope to be here many times over. NAME: Aigul Mokhova-Walker SUBMITTED: 5/7/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 4/2006 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: My son is currently serving our Country in Iraq. Wanting to make Christmas Day lunch special for my daughter-in-law and my granddaughter, I took them to Vargos. The holiday menu was splendid, especially the prime rib. We had the Bananas Foster dessert which was quite tasty. I was impressed that the Children's Menu was quite nice (not just an "add-on" to the menu). The servers had that special skill of being attentive without being a nuisance. The piano music added a touch of class to the atmosphere. It was nice that General Manager Jesus stopped by to chat. This dining experience was a special holiday treat. NAME: Carol SUBMITTED: 12/31/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: December 2005 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: My family and I went to Vargo's for dinner the night before my cousin and his wife were flying back to New York. I have to say the restaurant has an equal amount of strong and weak points. Their stong points were the gardens, live piano, and attentive servers. After we ordered our drinks and entrees, we took a stroll around the lovely gardens. I have to say, the walk is not meant for the elderly. My grandmother of 77 years old came with us on the walk. It was difficult for her to even make it past the bridge. None-the-less, the grounds and peacocks were a site to see. I'm sure it looks even more beautiful when Spring comes around. If you decide to go, I suggest you go an hour before the sun goes down so you can take photos. Warning, it's quite hot and there are mosquitoes! The view from inside the restaurant is just as nice. There are huge windows surrounding the entire half of the building that faces the gardens, so every table is a box seat. The servers are quite attentive and timely. The live piano created a romantic atmosphere, especially when the lights were dimmed and the candles were lit. The pianist played and sang beautifully. As far as Vargo's disadvantages, I have to say the biggest one was the food. The majority of the table got mixed drinks like the Pina Colada, Brandy Freeze, and Coffee Freeze. The first two drinks were OK but the Coffee Freeze was a great disappointment. It was NOT worth $8 for one glass. Let me put it this way, the Cappuccino Icy at S*weet Cafe in New Chinatown was exceptionlly better and it was one-third the price! Also, even though I didn't order any wine, I noticed that their wine list was very limited. We ordered escargot for our appetizer. I have to say that was pretty tasty. However, the entrees were average or below. Out of the three entrees we ordered, the Hen and Filet Mignon was the most edible, but that doesn't mean they were worth the price. The Duck A'Lorange was the worst. It was too sweet. Another tip, never just take the House salad that comes with each entree. Substitute it for a Caesar salad. Their House salad was the worst house salad I have ever tried and the portion was too large. Another tip, don't ever order a fish entree at Vargo's. The first time I went there for my Godfather's Birthday, I ordered fish. It tasted bland and the flavors clashed. P*appadeux has better seafood dishes than Vargo's does and they're slightly less expensive. I would inform you about dessert but we didn't have any. Also, the tables and chairs looked like they've been there since the restaurant first opened. Just lift up the table cloth a little and you'll know what I mean. The furniture just didn't fit the quality the restaurant is suppose to represent. The bill ended up being over $130 without tip. That money would have been more well spent on sushi. Overall, the atmosphere at Vargo's was my favorite part but that didn't make up for the poor quality of food. For the price, the food should be above average. Anyways, hope this review helps anyone who is curious about trying this restaurant. Happy dining! NAME: ShieldMdn Eowyn SUBMITTED: 8/31/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: August 27, 2005 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: Our daughter’s wedding was at Vargo’s on August 13, 2005. The manager Jesus was very, very helpful. Everything was as we discussed. Jesus informed me that he is now the new manger and I must say that everything was beautiful. The wedding was one hour late which, could not be helped. My great aunt had traveled from Chicago and couldn’t walk to the gazebo were the ceremony took place. Since the wedding was running behind she needed something to eat. She asked one of the servers if they could bring her something to eat. They were very kind; they brought her hot rolls with butter. We asked for 80 chairs at the gazebo and that’s what we got. The reception was held in the Clubroom, which was very beautiful. Once the wedding party had taking pictures dinner was served. Our guests enjoy the meal, which was very good; just we had tasted before the big day. The servers were very good and worked in a timely matter. I would suggest if you have second thoughts about Vargo’s because of the past review. I would highly suggest you give them another chance. The grounds are beautiful it’s a landmark of Houston. My husband and I are very critical people and were a little worried after we read all the bad reviews. We were very pleased. We will for sure go back for dinner just the two of us to enjoy the view. The only thing that I heard from our guests was the room had gotten a little warm because guests were going in and out of the back door and it was a very hot day. Happy customer!!!!!!! NAME: mother of the bride SUBMITTED: 8/19/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 08/13/2005 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: We had a beautfil wedding there on Saturday, Aug. 13th. The food was excellent and hot. The cooks did a wonderful job. The room was a little warm, but people kept going in and out the back door so it was taking longer to cool off. Great Job!!! NAME: Ms Kiss SUBMITTED: 8/15/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 08-13-05 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: I can remember Vargo's as a beautiful and special place to have a nice dinner, I just recently attended a wedding that had their reception there, it was terrible. The air conditioners were not on, it was like SAUNA. We asked repeatly to please turn on the air, but to no avail did that happen. If it were my wedding I would demand my money back. The management and the waiters had to know how hot it was it there, they should have had the waiters walking around filling your glasses with water. My husband had to keep looking for the waiters to fill our glasses. Then we saw the waiters later serving coffee, who in their right mind would drink coffee when sitting in a SAUNA (hello! wake up people it's to hot to drink coffee when your melting). Unless they get new management, I will never return there again. NAME: Disappointed Guest SUBMITTED: 6/20/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 05/01/05 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: I have been to Vargo's approximately 3 times over the past 15 years prior to my wedding and reception held in May 2005. I can not express how much I encourage any and all brides to not hold their wedding/reception at this facility. I would hate for any other bride to be as disappointed as I was. Let me just run through the events of our wedding day for you. We arrived at Vargo's at the specified time the makeup/hair artist, Vargo's and myself agreed on. I had discussed with Vargo's weeks prior to the wedding and we agreed on the girls getting ready in the Swan room where my reception was being held due to the "small Bride's dressing room" (quote according to Vargo's). Once I arrived, Vargo's argued with me that we did not discuss this prior to the wedding...but indeed we did. Well after a couple of sighs and looks of irritation from Vargo's, they moved a mirror and table and chair and retrieved the makeup/hair artist from the Bride's dressing room. This stall made the makeup/hair artist in a rush which definitely did not help my pre-wedding jitters. Now it is time to proceed to the gazebo for the ceremony. I round the corner with my arm in my daddy's arm and thinking this is one of the happiest days of my life and I see some of my guests standing up at the ceremony! I was completely appalled! Now instead of enjoying my walk down the aisle and looking into my wonderful husband's eyes, I am wondering why some of my guests are having to stand. I also notice the chairs were not set up the agreed upon way Vargo's and I had discussed weeks prior and neither was the String Quartet.....what a nightmare. We continue on with the ceremony and I have taken deep breaths and told myself don't worry about the small things, just enjoy yourself on this special day. After the ceremony was over and the guests have proceeded to the reception room, I count the chairs to try to figure out what happened. Well, there were only 69 chairs when we ordered 80. Please be advised Vargo's charges $3 per chair....the money did not matter, it was the fact that some of my guests that chose to share our special day with us were having to stand. I again put on a smile and took pictures. Time for the reception....boy I need a cocktail and just forget how upset I am.....WRONG!!! We arrive in the reception room and it is like a sauna in there. I ask Vargo's to please turn on the wall unit on the other side of the room that is not on. A little later I ask again to please turn it on. A little later I ask again! Finally, my professional wedding photographer had to grab a chair to stand on and turn on the other a/c. Let's just say about 2 hours later it finally cooled off in there but not before we had our dance, cut the cake and toasted with sweat running down our face! I can not comment on the food because I did not eat any. The only thing that went right was the cake was delicious. Girls dream about their wedding for years and years and Vargo's is not the place to make your dreams come true. Yes the gazebo and pond is beautiful and that is the reason I was chose Vargo's but please don't let your day be ruined like mine. I will never be able to get that day back and I don't want any other bride to have this awful experience like I did. NAME: extremely disappointed bride SUBMITTED: 6/1/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 5/05 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: We had our wedding and reception at Vargo's, what a nightmare. They had nothing right from the amount of chairs, to reception set up to the food. You can be assured we will be taking them to court. They dont seem to care what they do wrong, all they say is sorry and are very rude. Never go there for any reason NAME: jlund SUBMITTED: 5/23/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 5/14/05 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I was there with a group of 30+ people for a casual meeting and I don't think I will come back there by my self again. Service was so-so, ..once the waiter took away my plate with some salad on it right out from under my nose without even asking if I am done or not! Salad and dressing was blend and not tasty, salmon was okay, but lots of people complained that food and side dishes were not very tasty. Nobody could explain how much evrything is..Dissapointing overall... The best thing was-outdoors-nice pond and peacocks..I guess it would be better to be sitted in a lower area of the restaraunt where one would have a better view of the garden and birds.. NAME: VK SUBMITTED: 5/9/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: May 07,2005 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: My parents invited me and my wife, my sister and her husband my son, my daugher and her boyfriend to Easter Brunch at Vargo's this year. We arrived at 12:30pm and were greated by the Easter Bunny at the entrance. We were seated in the lower section and had a nice view of the garden and the many peacocks roaming around the garden. It was a casual, relaxed afternoon with a crisp cool breeze in the air. The service was good and the food were excellant. The Prime rib I had was very good and cooked just as I had ordered it. So was the trout, and salmon which others in our group of 8 were served. The meal was excellant and our waiter, who had only been working there one week was extremely attentive to our needs and was polite. Although very crowded for it being Easter Sunday, the service was above average for eating at restraunt for a holiday meal, The hot food was hot and the cold food was cold the Shrimp salad I had was excellant. The assortment of deserts were very good and enjoyed by everyone in our party. My rating of this restraunt was 3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed the walk thru the garden after dinner, as it had been many many years since I had been there and it brought back many fond memories. I will definately return again for many more special occasions. NAME: Donald SUBMITTED: 3/28/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: March 2005 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: We had San Patrick's day at Vargo's. It was lovely. The food was great and the service was wonderful as always. We love eating there! NAME: me SUBMITTED: 3/21/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: march 19th FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: My husband and I had the pleasure of attending the Paulson reception and we found everything to be excellent. My husband has to be the most critical person when it comes to food but he gave rave reviews, especially to the beef. All attendants were courteous and efficient without being intrusive. The grounds were lovely. Thanks to all who made the evening so special. NAME: Ms. Simmons SUBMITTED: 3/6/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: March/2005 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: What has happened to VARGOS? This used to be a place that I loved! My husband I I go there once a year for our anniversay. What a huge disappointment. The servers were good, but the management was abhorrant. When we entered the restaurant, we overheard a female manager biting the head off of the poor elderly hostess at the front. It was quite embarrassing. Once we were seated, our servers were pleasant - but the meal disgusting. My filet mignon didn't appear to have even been cooked. Quite purple in the middle. And my dessert tasted like it came out of a box. I sure do hate paying over $100 for a bad meal. When I asked to speak to a manager, she seemed rushed and not very apologetic. What a shame - good times at VARGOS are long gone......... NAME: Nicola SUBMITTED: 2/17/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: Febraury 2004 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... ©Copyright 1991 - 2008 B4-U-EAT.COM. All rights reserved. Design and database by B4-U-BUY