Brennan's of Houston   3300 Smith St Houston TX 77006 713.522.9711 You might also be interested in these:     Creole Restaurants    Fine Dining - Upscale Restaurants    Outdoor Dining    ZIP 77006   Add Review       MY REVIEW: From the moment we arrived, my husband and I had a wonderful experience. Our waiter, Eric, was fantastic! He was personable, without being overbearing or obtrusive. His recommendations were appreciated and superb. I ordered the Chef's Tasting Menu and was not dissappointed! We had a 2 1/2 hour dinner...or rather, dining experience. It was so nice to just enjoy a leisurely dinner without feeling rushed. Eric told us that he would let us take our time. We had drinks before we ordered. We took our time. It was such a lovely evening, and the service so attentive that we looking forward to returning soon! The pecan pie and cheesecake were amazing! It was one of those menus that was truly hard to decide what to order...everything sounded too delicious! NAME: rt SUBMITTED: 3/23/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 3/08 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: We went expressly to enjoy outdoor dining on the their patio. The restaurant was empty at 6:45p on a Friday evening. The hostess and wait staff were preoccupied/rude. We were directed to the bar to wait for the outside table to be set. The first 15 minutes were so horribly painful that we left. Upon canceling, the staff became both attentive and defensive following us to our vehicle. It's been a while since I've come for dinner and this visit was so incredibly disappointing that I won't return soon. NAME: Chef's daughter SUBMITTED: 11/22/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: November 20007 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: I have eaten here many times, and have never been dissapointed. My last visit was for thanksgiving dinner with my girlfriend. We started with turtle soup, which I must say is one of the best soups that has ever graced my palette. If you have never had it, don't be turned away by it's univiting brown demeanor; you will be missing out on the most perfect blend of spices that could be tasted. In fact, the reason for most of my visits are the turtle soup! (if you really like it, and can cook, I recommend thier cook book). My girlfriend had the traditional turkey, whereas I opted for the steak fillet. Both were outstanding as usual, my steak cooked to a perfect medium well. If you have room, order the bananas foster for desert. If you are with someone who has never been, the small fire show that comes with the desert is sure to impress. We were seated outside in the courtyard this time, and the setting was quite romantic. The whole restaurant itself is dimly lit and very romantic. They had a live jazz band that moved throughout the dining rooms on this night, which was superb. The wait staff was on par with everything else. The wine guy really knew his stuff and guided us in the right direction. We also got to talk to the manager, Carl, who was really friendly, and genuinley concerned about our experience. This was the first time I have taken my girlfriend here, and she is still talking about returning... we're thinking valentines. NAME: Brandon SUBMITTED: 2/9/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 11/06 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: I'm going to say that Brennan's did not live up to their reputation... We were put in the back room next to the kitchen complete with less than elegant tile flooring. Our arrival Saturday evening at 6:45 sharp included coats for the gentlemen out of respect for their history but as we quickly determined by the sweatshirts and children present, Brennan's has been slipping. Still I expected great food and was teased into thinking I had found it with the warm spinach salad for my appetizer which I thoroughly enjoyed but then completely let down by my main meal: the steak which arrived cold and with mash potatoes that I am convinced I could make better. I might also mention that the wines were severely overpriced and there was not much on the low end worth choosing. The wait staff tried very hard to overcome the shortcomings out of their control yet occasionally slipped on the basics they could control like having a fork, filled glass, etc.. The bottom line is they are far from the level expected by the prices they are charging. NAME: coairdave SUBMITTED: 2/4/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 02/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Any foodie is familiar with Brennan's quality, service and atmosphere. What Houston does not realize about Brennan's is that the stuffy dress code is gone and you can have BRENNAN'S lunch for far less than you pay at P*apas' Seafood. I ran into Carl Walker, general manager of Brennan's Houston, at the summer boat show and told him that I should never be able to stroll into Brennan's at lunch with making reservations weeks in advance. You can get a three course lunch including desert, for less than $20. I have been many time with large tables of business clients and Carl has even allowed me to order their signature Bananas Foster for the table as the included desert. WOW! Brennan's quality, service and atmosphere for less than the seafood platter at P*apas. If you enjoy fine dining but are on a budget, Brennan's for lunch is the answer! NAME: MikeC SUBMITTED: 10/27/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 8/8/06 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: we just moved from London(UK)to Houston and are in the process of checking out the restaurents scene.well, misled by Zagat (the restaurant survey book)I believed that Brennans H. is a romantic restaurant(as listed in there)where my boyfriend and I could drink a good bottle of wine and have great food in a cozy ,relaxed athmosphere...far from it, "suits" everywhere to have their business dinners.great- not! - but we decided to stay and give the place a chance, the menu looked excellent and the "wine guy" was friendly and down to earth making us feel welcome- he had interesting stories to tell about the wine he recommended and thanks to him the place didn't seem too "stiff" afterall. The starters (ooops appertis.) were great and our main courses(entrees)were out of this world. we had the lamp chops and veal and can only recommend it. to sum things up - don't go there if you want a romantic dinner but do take your business partners to Brennans - they will be impressed with the food. NAME: Trixi SUBMITTED: 10/20/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 10/19/2006 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: My husband and I attended a birthday dinner for close friends of ours this past Saturday evening. We sat in possibly the most interesting (if cold) room at Brennans, their wine room. On past trips to Brennans the service has been sketchy and the food hit or miss, but my husband loves it. This past trip however was a world different. Our server, a veritable giant, named Eric was by far the best we have ever had. I was unsure what to order and I think he went through every item on the extensive menu explaining what each item was and how it was prepared. In the past the servers have barely spoken English, much less been able to explain the food, not so this time. My husband and I were both amazed. I had the sea bass with U6 scallop and cauliflower puree. The fish was delicious with crispy skin and just enough salt to bring out its fresh clean flavor. It was my first time having the Tomato salad also, but again our server's description sold it. The wines he recommended were superb. I never thought I would say it but next time we go may be my idea! Next time you go to Brennans ask for Eric, I know i will. NAME: Diana SUBMITTED: 2/12/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 02-06 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: My wife and I visited Brennan's on 6/16 for our 15th anniversary. We've been going to Brennan's since 1990. I've never seen a restaurant on this web site with such wild disparate reviews. For me, the bottom line is that the food is simply excellent. The turtle soup is a must-have, as is the bread pudding. Service here has never been consistently great, but our waiter this night, Marcelino, was completely in control and offered the best service we've ever received at Brennan's. I highly recommend Brennan's. NAME: David S. SUBMITTED: 6/23/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 06/05 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: In response to "a waiter", I contacted Brennan's shortly after my experience with the "hot" spinach salad and spoke to the manager - Carl. Carl stated the salad was "overcooked" and should not have been creamed or well done. Therefore, your comment is not accurate or correct. The salad should not have been served this way. Furthermore, Carl stated Brennan's has had experienced problems with the Redfish; especially the taste and texture. I believe they have removed that variety from the menu. NAME: A Diner SUBMITTED: 6/17/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/2003 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: i am a waiter at a steakhouse in houston. i had to laugh at some of the reveiws. especially the one written by... A diner.. who had complaints on the warm spinach salad. the warm spinach salad....well is warm, they do actually cook the spinach and well it does turn out like cream spinach. hence the name.....warm spinach salad. and the red fish sounds like it was perfect! i will have to try it! the pecans will turn brown when cooking and its suppose to taste like fish....ITS FISH ! i have only had completely bad experiences at say d*ennys or i*hop, but then again its not a "aim to please" type place. maybe the problem is not the resteraunt but the customer. from my experience i believe they strive extremely hard to please everyone. but no ones perfect. i assure you...if you politely let someone know they will be ontop of it to make you happy ! thats there job. this resteraunt is fantastic ! like i said, i wait tables at a high class steakhouse and i enjoy myself everytime i dine. and i know what to look for. keep up the good work brennans ! NAME: a waiter SUBMITTED: 6/15/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 6/14/2001 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: Wanted something different to do on a Friday night. Decided to check out one of the cooking classes offered by Brennans. What an absolute treat this was!! Our class was called "backyard steakout". We started on the patio with appetizers and drinks (which were included). The chefs went over the grilling basics for meats and veggies. The class then moved inside where we were given all of the recipes for what we would be eating for the night. The chefs were entertaining, and engaging. The food and wine was phenomenal!! After class, we were given a tour of the kitchen, and wine cellar. What a great time! This class cost $125 for 2 persons, and I cannot stress what an amazing bargain this is. I think we finally left around 11pm!! If you love to cook, or heck, just EAT great food, give this a try. NAME: lew SUBMITTED: 6/13/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 6/10/2005 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: I read "Reviewer X's" commit and was glad to see Brennan's make good on a bad meal or experience. I wrote in this column in January, 2004 about my bad experience in December, 2003 and called the restaurant to voice my concerns. The reason for my action was because the manager on duty that evening was irritable and unwilling to please. Therefore, I contacted Carl Walker, the general manager - and explained the situation. All I got out of my telephone conversation was - I should come back and give them another try and join him in a server's meeting to explain what a patron looks for while dining out. I have not returned since this date because management was not concerned about my salad or wobbly table; but - he was concerned about serving other guests. NAME: A Diner SUBMITTED: 2/7/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/2003 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: UPDATE! This is a follow up to my recent review of Brennan’s. I must set the record straight and let everyone know what a first class restaurant Brennan’s truly is. As stated in my previous review, for almost 5 years straight we have always experienced some of Houston’s finest food and service at Brennan’s, but it was our visit in January that was a disaster. I wrote about our meal here in B4-U-EAT and soon after, my wife called Brennan’s to let Brennan’s know of our dissatisfaction. Much to her surprise, Brennan’s had read the review on B4-U-EAT and they were quite concerned, and were appreciative that we called. The manager of Brennan’s wanted to let us know that our experience was completely out of the norm for Brennan’s and he wanted to rectify the situation. Brennan’s manager apologized in person and has invited us back to Brennan’s to dine again. Brennan’s has shown us that they do care about each and every one of their customers. Brennan’s is a first class act. I learned something from this experience that I would like to pass on. When dining at Brennan’s or any place, if you should have a problem, let the management know immediately. I know at least at Brennan’s, their goal is to never have a customer leave dissatisfied. And I believe that! NAME: markh a.k.a. REVIEWER "X" SUBMITTED: 2/6/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: January 2005 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: We recently treated VIP guests from the east coast to Brennan's outstanding "Chef's Table" experience, and I just had to share it with everybody! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by very courteous employees who promptly seated us and our guests at the exclusive kitchen table. After being seated, we were presented with a special customized menu along with wine selections appropriate for each course, which was hand picked by Nizar our "wine guy" for the evening. Chef Ojan and his team began bringing each course to us along with an explanation each dish and answered any questions we had about how they had created it, or prepared it, etc. Each course was of course served with the hand picked wine to go along with the dish, and I must say, the selections were excellent! The cuisine, service and presentation were by far the finest we have enjoyed in all our Houston dining experiences. The wait staff was very courteous, always keeping our glasses filled and all of our dining needs met. The special treatment, care and detail that each member of the staff gave us made the evening a success both in our eyes, and our guests'. The quality of service found at Brennan’s of Houston is far above all other restaurants! We greeted at the door as family, welcomed and made to feel welcome, and we never leave without being asked “How was everything?”, or “How did you enjoy your meal?”. We are constantly left with the feeling that these people care about us and sincerely wish to make our dining experience truly memorable – which they consistently achieve with flying colors! Our guests have flown back to the east coast and returned to their lives, but in every conversation we have with them, they go on and on about the “Chef’s Table” experience they had with us at Brennan’s of Houston! If you have not dined at Brennan's of Houston, either at the Chef's Table or in the main dining room, I highly recommend you do so soon! You will be pleasantly surprised! NAME: Very Happy Customer SUBMITTED: 2/1/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: January 2005 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: I've been to Brennans in the past with good experiences. Not this time. We went on a Saturday night, expecting to find the place packed, as it usually is on a weekend. To my surprise there were empty tables everywhere. When we were seated, we were asked if we wanted anything to drink (cocktail) and I said I would like some wine. No wine list was offered, so I specified what type I wanted. Spinach salad appetizer was good, the artichoke bisque was nothing to write home about, fairly tasteless. My wife had the pecan crusted trout, which was excellent, and I had the pork confit....tough and loaded with fat, not just marbling, but fat. The creamed mustard greens were so salty, we could not eat them and sent them back. $110 for 2 average meals is too much. NAME: Eric SUBMITTED: 1/31/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 1/2005 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: A little over 4 years ago we began a tradition of eating regularly at Brennan’s. It all started after experiencing the wonderful event of our wedding reception. Service and attention was exceptionally extraordinary. Since then we have come back to dine on frequent occasions. We are sad to report though, the last couple of visits, both in the last few months, are not what we had grown to know Brennan’s for. Previous dinners at Brennan’s have always been superb. Dinner was always something to rave about with our dining companions, as there was always great ambience, fine service, and splendid food. Tastes would get passed around the table to share, compare, and of course there were lots of ummms and ahhhhs. Our regular table is on the 2nd floor overlooking the courtyard, in the same room as where our reception was held. Great location and out of traffic, but the last couple of visits, I think maybe too far away on the unbeaten path. Today was the worse ever and I don’t think we will ever return again. We were celebrating the Wedding Anniversary of our friends and also one of their Birthdays. Our reservation was honored promptly and we were promptly seated when we arrived at the Restaurant. We ordered mixed drinks and those arrived promptly. Getting some water took a little longer though. We were there for the Sunday Jazz Brunch and there were four of us in all. The waiter took our orders and each of us ordered something different. The appetizers were good, but nothing to go on about. They were the Shrimp Remoulade, Gumbo, Spinach Salad, and Johnny Cakes and Apples. I should say that the Shrimp Remoulade had a couple of “mealy” shrimp in it, not what you expect in a first rate restaurant. Out of all the appetizers, the Spinach Salad was the best. Johnny cakes were good, but more like a desert. The gumbo had a nice rue, but otherwise was nothing to write home about. Service was non existent to poor. (According to our receipt, Jose was our server). Someone always had to be waved down. We had to ask for drink refills and more water. When our main courses arrived, the disaster began. We ordered Brennan’s Gulf Crab Cakes and Eggs, Crabmeat Egg Omelets, and Eggs Brennan, which is a combination of their Eggs Benedict and Eggs Sadou. The Crab Cakes and Eggs and the Eggs Brennan were ice cold, almost as cold as if they sat in the refrigerator! We waved someone down again and sent those back. The other two orders were left at the table, but those two items must have sat under the heat lamps while ours got cold, because the fruit on those plates was hot. After the first two diners at our table completed their meal, ours finally came back. There were no apologies at all; the plates were just plopped back on the table. I had to almost grab the waiter to get one of the teas refilled that had sat empty for quite awhile. Deserts came and went. They were good, but in reality, I think they would have been enjoyed much more if we had enjoyed our meal. Brennans let us down drastically. They have lost a good customer and probably more, as I let others know via this website and word of mouth. Brennan’s has been crossed through in my list of fine dining establishments... and you know what... I feel bad about that... I used to like them so much… NAME: markh a.k.a. REVIEWER "X" SUBMITTED: 1/30/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 1/2005 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: After reading the reviews, I was expecting a wonderful experience. How wrong. All this is a another over-priced, over-hyped average restaurant with emphasis on the over-priced. I was with a large group and we all ordered a variety of dishes. I say variety sarcasticlly because the menu was limited in options and it was easy for everyone to get something different. The turtle soup was tasteless as was the cornbread pudding. My salmon tasted like it came from HEB instead of fresh. Evidently the filet was good but the crabcakes were nothing to rave about. The wine list was WAY overpriced and they didn't have the first two bottles we ordered. And sides? I won't pay 5 bucks a pop for grits, greens or pork and beans. I can get that at the superemarket for alot less. All in all it was an average experience at best and cost way to much for what we got. I won't go back. Ever. NAME: whyayeman SUBMITTED: 1/21/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 01/05 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: This is my annual birthday celebration dinner with my husband. It has never been a dissapointment. Chili Fried Oysters are the best!! All of the staff is wonderful and helpful. I never want for anything while I am there. If I could afford it, I would eat hear once a week! This is a definate place to take someone you want to impress. NAME: Lovetoeatout SUBMITTED: 1/14/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 1/13/05 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: The ambiance was great. Our waiter didn't seem to be very attentive. The food was very good. NAME: jbc SUBMITTED: 12/16/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: 12-04 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: They just always do it right. The service is impeccable and the food is delicious. The one time I had a complaint, the waitperson comped deserts. There is no better place in town for a special occasion. Face it, when a restaurant has been here this long, they are doing something right. Also a nice touch that Chef Carl is out of the kitchen some visiting with the patrons. NAME: Matador SUBMITTED: 12/5/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: 12-04 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: Absolutely perfect! From valet to dessert, could not ask for better!!! We even arrived early for our reservation and were seated promptly. Knowing about the rumor that seating is based on appearance, from our table (a lovely table by a window in the main dining area) we were able to people-watch as other patrons arrived. From the valet to the front desk, we could see each arrival, and those in casual attire were promoptly sent to the back room. Dress up, people, this ain't P*appadeaux! NAME: out of town visitor SUBMITTED: 8/17/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: August 2004 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: We had previously had a disappointing experience at Brennans but their graciousness and genuine concern for our dining pleasure and enjoyment was too great not to give them another a chance. We are quite delighted we did so. We tried the Sunday Jazz Brunch recently and it was outstanding! I had the Eggs Brennan, my wife had the crab cakes, excellent dishes! The soups were out of this world. Service was fantastic, prices were reasonable for the quality and atmosphere and we will definitely return again. Try it, you'll enjoy it! NAME: Dean Bidle SUBMITTED: 7/2/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: June 2004 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: My wife surprised me Saturday and chose this restaurant without my advanced knowledge. My attire was NOT SUFFICIENT for this restaurant. Sadly my wife was not aware of the dinner jacket requirement. We crawled tail between our legs to the hostess and meekly asked if there was some kind of exception. Surprisingly, without a reservation, on a Saturday night, we were seated in the rear room/ kitchen view area. We were presented with our menus very promptly by Antonio, our server, and very interested in all of the menu combinations. If you like a dinning experience where a chef will guide you through a meal then I suggest the "wine me Dine me" 4 course or the "?I forget" 8 course option. Each of these are served with paired glasses of wine with nearly each course. I chose the 8 course meal and my wife chose the halibut poncho train. The Halibut meal was slightly dry (probably a different fish would do better) but satisfactory. My meal was UNBELIEVABLE!!!! If you enjoy French Style dinning where meals can last 3 hours through wave after wave of palate invigorating flavor then I suggest you allow the chef to be your guide. The portions are small, as expected, but the combination was fantastic. If you choose the wine (please do) then your experience will be complete. I cannot express the high level of satisfaction experienced at Brennans. The service was excellent. Antonio was what I consider A+ service. Always yes sir, no sir, visible in the room but not hovering over the table and when asked, quickly resolved any issue. Our meal was EXCELLENT and I will return. Please dress appropriately and bring your wallet. This type of dinner for two ranges in the high 100's to low 200's. If you enjoy eating not gorging, then this place is for you. We did see several others in our area who did not appear to know they were not in p*appadeaux or some other turn and burn restaurant. If this is what you expect then you will be disappointed. Dress your best because the hostess is advised to seat you accordingly. If your waiter is rushing you LOOK in the mirror. Just because you can afford to dine here doesn't mean you know how to dine at this level. Please forgive me for being rude or harshly enlightening however you must be prepared. The regular patrons (of which I am not) will not return if the common RABBLE are not encouraged to rise to the occasion of this restaurant. I am a real estate inspector and a teacher so understand I am not from the upper crust but have the knowledge to dine with them. Enjoy your experience. NAME: c hurley SUBMITTED: 4/27/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: 4/04 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Great seafood dishes. Perfect service. Showing its age though and missing some details. Worst after dinner coffee i have ever had NAME: DrLaw SUBMITTED: 3/3/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: 3/04 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: I took some clients in for superbowl weekend after I had heard rave reviews about Brennan's and I must say I was very disappointed. I don't know what happened but the service was a C-. No one paid any attention to us nor did they care we waited an hour for a table after we had a reservation. Our waiter seemed more interested in getting us out. I understand it was a busy weekend but please don't overbook if you can't take care of us. NAME: UHTex SUBMITTED: 2/6/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: 01/30/2004 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times ©Copyright 1991 - 2008 B4-U-EAT.COM. All rights reserved. Design and database by B4-U-BUY