Patrenella's   813 Jackson Hill St Houston TX 77007 713.863.8223 You might also be interested in these:     Italian Food Restaurants    ZIP 77007   Add Review       MY REVIEW: Let me start by saying the food was fantastic. The calamari was so much better than any I have ever had. The pieces were huge, not little strings coated in a lot of batter like other places. They were lightly breaded so the focus was the calamari and they were not chewy at all. However, since there were only about a dozen, $10 was a little pricey. My biggest complaint was that their on-line menu is not updated or available everyday. We used the on-line menu to plan our dinner and were very disappointed. There were entrees and desserts that were not on the menu, like the Italian Cream Cake. We were really looking forward to this since it was recommended by several people. It was not available that day. The tiramisu and the brownie cheesecake were heavenly, though. The lasagna was good and very meaty. Without the extra sauce it would have been a little dry, though. My husband’s dish was good, too. Would go back, but may not have a chance. The ambiance was good. Would have preferred not to be seated near the bathroom and the front door, but at least I had a window to look out to their garden. NAME: Karen SUBMITTED: 7/22/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 7/2008 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I have to say that my wife and I did not like the new menu and all the changes to our wonderful Patranella's. We live here in the neighborhood and could always count on good comforting Italian food and excellent friendly service. We noticed a significant increase in price but we could accept that if the food was up to par. However, the food was terrible. My soup was so bland that I kept adding salt to no avail. Ironically, my entree was so salty that I could not even muster more than a few bites. Sometimes change is not always for the better, and they should realize who their customers are. I don't think they can be a T*ony's. But thats not what they are known for, and we still loved them for what they were: a casual mom and pop Italian restaurant without all the hoopla. Thats just too bad however, as I left there thinking they turned into another "chain" restaurant, foodwise. NAME: houston.foodie SUBMITTED: 7/14/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 3/08 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: havent been here in a while; but several friends and I were in the area for the ArtHouston art gallery crawl - even though it was almost 9:30 when we arrived, we were treated like family by the owner and our staff was very attentive. Wine was good - could have had some more pinot / rose wines to pick from - and they need to serve the reds cooler. ALL THE RESTAURANTs in Houston need to do this, though! All our entrees were very good, seasoned well. Pricing was reasonable for the amount of food served, too. Came out to be about $30 / pp with glass of wine, entree and good tip. Nice ending to a fun evening. NAME: DeeGeeGirl SUBMITTED: 7/14/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 07/12/08 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: I heard all these great thing about this place, looking forward to. Serves was slow and it took forever for the food. The menu was not the same as on line menu. The food was ok. NAME: ssmw SUBMITTED: 6/5/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 6/4/08 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I must be Italian, because I can't keep from adding my opinion to all the conversation about this place (and more people are talking about it in Houston than I can remember). For all you who hate the changes, sorry. It happens, especially in restaurants that want to stay busy. Truth is, hats off to the chef (Ryan I think his name is) and a standing ovation to the new menu which we just tried this week. How delightful to take out of town guests to this quirky old house and then watch their faces as they get food that equals that of some of the best Italian restaurants in town. Keep pushing Chef! Such a great location and such first rate food aren't easy to find. I also think a lot of people agree with me as I notice the average age of the diners has dropped by 20 years. Bravo. Well, okay. You want some critcism? Your bartender needs a little more classwork on making a good martini. NAME: Livewelleatwell SUBMITTED: 4/16/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 04/08 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: My wife and I had dinner there the other night and I must say that the food was superb, the waitstaff was fantastic, and the atmosphere was very inviting and cozy. I have eaten here several times in the past and each time the food met a high standard. You have to save room for the Italian Cream cake...it is the best we have ever had. I appreciate the family decor in the restaurant...it makes us feel like we are welcomed into a home. My wife loves it too and we will be back soon! Thank you Patrenella's for a wonderful dinner. NAME: happy customer SUBMITTED: 3/28/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 3/2008 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: I am a very frequent diner at Patrenella's. I have never had anything other than wonderful service while I am there. Yes there have been many changes to the menu, but I have enjoyed every new item I have tried. The chef is trying new things and I think they are for the better. There are not many restaurants you will find where the OWNER is always out on the floor making sure you have everything you need. I have not been there once when Sammy Jr. has not came by the table and stopped to talk with my family. The staff is always very polite and the food is always out in a timely manner. The setting is perfect for a romantic dinner or if you care for something a little more loud just walk around to Corleon's and have a few drinks. I definitely recommend Patrenella's!! NAME: ~ilovetoeat~ SUBMITTED: 3/26/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 20/2008 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: First of all let me say that I had not been back to Patrenella's since the fire back in October / November... I have always considered them an icon in the italian american community. Wonderful wait staff and friendly owners. As many people have stated in the reviews I immediately noticed the menu changes, which, I accepted with a little resistance. I had to give them the benefit of the doubt that they would only better their already wonderful menu. However, I felt that the food quality changed for the worse with the new recipes. Also, the price increases are outrageous. Price increases of 1.00 or so I can understand, however, 3.00 - 4.00 a plate added with the lack of salad / complementaries in the beginning is just horrible. If the current trend continues, I will not be back for a while. NAME: jw SUBMITTED: 3/22/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 03-19-2008 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: I HATE that they changed hte menu here. The new chef has totally missed the mark, as well. His attempt at a "seasonal menu" is nothing short of pathetic, and the removal of several of the old Patrenella's standbys from the menu is a huge mistake. Why did they try fixing something that was outstanding to begin with? I miss the old school italian they used to serve. This change was NOT for the better, and I will not return until they revert to perfection... NAME: txeq SUBMITTED: 3/21/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 2/08 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: GM: Apparently some folks never want things to change??? I wrote that I had no problem with the price increase. I said the service was great as always and the food was fresh. I also said that one entree was larger than the one it replaced. I did say they should have kept the small salad since they raised the prices. Those salads didn't cost much to make. I also indicated that one entree was "kid's size". I stick by everything I posted. I have no problem with adding new items to the menue, but "if something ain't broke, don't fix it". NAME: Ralph W SUBMITTED: 3/4/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 2/08 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Since the days when they were a sandwich and pasta joint, Patrenella's has always had excellent service and excellent food. Hiring a new chef who's made several changes has only made it better. The new, seasonal, menu's are top notch and I look forward to the daily specials. From the pasta, Veal Bolognese is my favorite, to the steaks and seafood - "It's all good!" Yes, some items are more expensive and some freebies are gone. I hope they keep doing what they've always done - Get better and better. Evidently some folks who've posted here expect things to never change. NAME: GM SUBMITTED: 3/1/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 2/2008 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: Our party of 12 (celebrating a milestone birthday of a friend) had a very good meal at Patrenella's. Our waitress provided very good service, too. Our meal started with an oil/garlic/herb with bread (yum!) followed by a very nice antipasto selection (meats, cheeses, olives). There was a choice of four entree dishes (prearranged by our hosts) - something for everyone. I had a spaghetti and shrimp dish that was just perfect. For dessert, Chef Ryan made a special cheesecake (not on the menu) that was lovely. (The birthday boy's favorite dessert.) And, of course, all of this was complemented with red and white wine. I will definitely go back - thank you! NAME: llitl025 SUBMITTED: 2/24/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 2/2008 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I, too, feel the changes are not for the better. We used to go here at least once a week. Service was great, prices reasonable, and food was fantastic. Gone are the olive and cheese you used to enjoy while you waited or when you were seated. Also gone is the yummy free salad. Hubby and I paid ten dollars for a salad to share. Just ridiculous. The place was lost its comfy charm. The higher prices are outrageous and not justified for the quality of food and service we recieved. With all of the new townhomes in the area, the place is constatly jam packed. If the place is making that kind of money, I'm sure these complaints will fall on deaf ears. Too bad. This place used to feel like going home. NAME: tvnewseditor SUBMITTED: 2/21/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 2/2008 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: I agree with the last comment. The changes have not been for the better. Why mess something that many people loved. The place was always packed. Prices are up and there is no longer a salad. I understand the price increase, but not when you no longer get the small salad. Our service was excellent as always. The food was fresh as always. One dish was the same and same size although more expensive. One dish was larger than the dish it replaced but not as good (also more expensive). A pasta dish was a very small (almost kid size) serving. It was overpriced for what was served. I did not see size the other dish. It was quite expensive but I was told it was good. This WAS our favorite Italian resturant. I'll not be back soon. NAME: Ralph W SUBMITTED: 2/19/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 2/08 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: I used to LOVE Patrenella's. I'd go a couple times a week and the wait staff were incredible. This was prior to the electrical fire they had. When I got back to Houston after several months, the first thing I did was go to Patrenella's with some friends. Not only had the menu changed, so had the prices. The overall consensus was that the food was mediocre, undercooked, and lukewarm. And considering the prices, it should have been extraordinary. Not sure why the owner decided to make changes to a menu that was already fantastic, but it was definitely NOT an improvement. I am sorely disappointed and unless it changes, I will not be coming back. Such a shame. NAME: alt SUBMITTED: 2/15/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 01/2008 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: Visited last week for lunch in a small group (7 people). We saw the waiter three times total. 1 - taking the order 2- 10 minutes after the delivery of food 3- to give the bill Gratuity was 25.00 for the table - no drink refill no WARM food (that's a biggie) and the bill was Incorrect. -- can't get it right everytime... NAME: not a complainer SUBMITTED: 1/22/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: jan 07 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: Once again, hit one out of the park, this is one of the best Italian restaurants in a town that has some of the best in the country. With the Italian population in Houston it's difficult for a restaurant to survive the scene without being good. This is one of the top 3. Always have some great special, first place in Houston I have found that makes Succa, great tomato stewed dish made with cucuzza, OUTSTANDING. Service is casual, as is this whole place, play some bocci outside, or have a drink and relax in the bar. Great place to go for any occasion! NAME: Tom Eagle SUBMITTED: 12/7/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 10/07 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: I recently moved to the Heights area and decided to explore some of the area restaurants. The decor and ambiance of Patrenella's was quite cozy and comfortable. The owner even stopped by the table, which I thought was a very nice gesture despite his off-color humor. In my first visit, I thought the food was pretty underwhelming, both in serving size and taste, especially considering the price. Overall, I thought it was a decent experience, but there's better to be found in Houston. Upon reading some of these reviews, I decided to give Patrenella's another shot. Big mistake. Food was even worse, if that was possible. I know they grow a lot of their own ingredients on site, maybe they should try Central Market instead. I would like to point out I didn't have any problems with the serving staff -- they were courteous and attentive in both visits. Two other notes: 1) I asked about their BYOB policy, and they do allow it, but their corking fee ($20) is a little ridiculous 2) I parked in one of their gravel lots, and I ended up with a nail in my tire that I didn't notice until getting home. I would recommend parking on Jackson Hill, although it was pretty crowded the second time I was there. NAME: Frank Lucas SUBMITTED: 11/6/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: November 2007 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: Delightful restaurant. Wonderful atmosphere; excellent attentive friendly service every time; interesting healthy food; good wine. This is a good restaurant for romantic evenings as well as for fellowship with friends or colleagues. This restaurant makes a great impression without seeming pretentious. We will return again and again. NAME: Heights resident SUBMITTED: 11/6/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: Oct 2007 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: The food is very good. Simple things like the regular dinner salad and bread with olive oil & parmesean chunks all have good flavor. The service is very attentive. Menu items and/or specials were all very good. I will be back. NAME: John Q. Publique SUBMITTED: 11/4/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 11/07 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I took my wife to Patrenella's for our anniversary dinner. She has never been before. She is from an Italian family from Boston and is very picky about her Italian food. She absolutely loved the food, saying it was the best she has had in Houston. The vegetables were fresh, the marinara was perfect, and our entree's were fabulous. The service was excellent as well. Our waiter Louis was very friendly and attentive, and sold us on a Chianti that was one of the best we have ever had. We even received complimentary coffee and a glass of wine at the bar in honor of our anniversary. Louis took our picture, and Sammy visited with us. He spent time out of his evening to tell us about the restaurant and his many trips to ballparks around the country. Overall this place is highly recommended. The only problem I have is now it will be hard to convince my wife to go anywhere else. Many thanks to Patrenella's for a wonderful anniversary dinner. NAME: James & Lori SUBMITTED: 9/26/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 09/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: The restaurant was recommended, and we felt the ambiance was very nice-more than what was initally expected-the food was good-the specials for the evening added up to ten, and all sounded very rich -settled on a menu meal---found the service to be lacking though-didn't know if the waiter was still working when we were ready for our check--the busboy cleaned up the table asking us if we were through with various plates on the table. We've never had that happen-definitely think the restaurant could improve upon their service, but would return for the food. NAME: JCC SUBMITTED: 9/21/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 09/21/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: We visited Petrenella's for dinner. I was impressed by the quality selection of wine, the service was excelent and the food even better. It was great to be in an establishment that had a real European atmosphere. Great evening thank you Petrenella's,the lady Hostess also made a fuss of my Jaguar so that helps too ;-) NAME: Patrick SUBMITTED: 8/21/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: July 2007 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: Really enjoyed this restaurant. This food was outstanding and the service was good. After reading some other reviews remarking on bad service, I will say I was pleased with ours. But, it was a Tuesday evening and not very crowded. The atmosphere out on the patio was really nice, and the parts of the inside we saw looked very cozy. The best part was definitely the food though - we'll definitely be back for more. NAME: Mark SUBMITTED: 2/27/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 2/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Food is great. Andrea made us one of his special salads and entress that I can't even tell you what they were called, but they were wonderful. Spumoni cheesecake is to die for and i've never seen it anywhere else. For the person who mentioned Andrea being gone, he is currently at Simpos*ios off of Richmond Ave. He was definitly an asset to Patrenellas and will be missed. NAME: laurel SUBMITTED: 1/20/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: summer 2006 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times ©Copyright 1991 - 2008 B4-U-EAT.COM. All rights reserved. Design and database by B4-U-BUY