Grooves Restaurant & Bar   2300 Pierce St Houston TX 77003 713.759.9702 You might also be interested in these:     Seafood Restaurants    Steaks    ZIP 77003   Add Review       MY REVIEW: I hate reading reviews where people just complain about everything. I am a restaurant owner and I am here to write some positives about this venue. First off, the decor is beautiful. It's a big place and I even peeked in to see an an extra room for private parties. The booths are big and comfortable and there is plenty of seating available. My group of 6 were seated promptly at a booth and greated by our waitress. I believe she said her name was Amy. She sold us on some drinks and took our appetizer orders. We received our food in a timely manner, hot and fresh. We then ordered our entrees and enjoyed them greatly. The portions were a good size. There was live entertainment by Mary Griffin who gave a fantastic performance. My group thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Working in the industry, I understand that there may be kinks throughout the night, but the service, entertainment, and heavy drinks kept us happy. Overall, I would highly recommend this establishment, with hopes that others will visit and enjoy a nice night out. NAME: tdjacks SUBMITTED: 5/3/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 4/08 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I visited Grooves for a relatives bachelorette party, the ambiance, decor, and everything within eyesight was beautiful. But the wait staff was not on their toes..I had to ask for a refill on water maybe 3-4 times. The food wasnt what I expected for such a nice restaurant..they brought out one plate at a time for our entire party..some items were cold or lukewarm..that was ridiculous. Drinks were the only thing I was able to consume. The band and dee-jay were GREAT. but as far as coming here for dinner..never again. NAME: Ci-Ci SUBMITTED: 4/21/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: April/2008 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: The ambiance of the restaurant was very nice and the food was actually pretty good. However I was extremely disappointed in the price/portion of their appetizers. We ordered asparagus with crabmeat in butter sauce. The price was $9.00 and there were 3 asparagus spears! Yes I said 3!! I'm sorry, but for 9.00 you expect more! If the restaurant isn't going to lower their prices, they should at least increase the portion size. On top of that, i was not happy that you had to pay 20% gratuiity just for sitting in a booth seat! I think that's crazy! The C*heesecake factory doesn't charge extra for the type of seat you choose. NAME: Carmel Delite SUBMITTED: 4/19/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: April 2008 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I visited Grooves on Friday, March 14th. It was not what I expected. I expected a lounge-type atmosphere with music that allowed for conversation and a nice meal. I had the crab cakes. Even though there were only 2 small ones that looked as though they were scooped with a melon ball tool, I ate only one because the taste of capers was over-whelming and they were dry, not flaky. To their credit, this was an appetizer item. But at $14.00, you just expect more. The atmosphere is like that of a club, inclusive of the hand-stamp as you leave and non-diners standing around the perimeter of the restaurant area staring at you as if you’re a caged animal during feeding time at the zoo. And then of course there is the club attire; the tight short dresses, weekend –length weave and over-exposed breasts. As always, you have that group of women waiting for the next line-dance song to be played which this night was the Cupid Shuffle. Then they run through the tables to the small dance floor in front of the stage to do their “club thing”. And as you leave, there is the ever popular handing out of brochures for the next big event. Once the check is paid, without regard as to whether or not you’ve finished your drinks, you are shooed away from your table to join the spectators standing around the perimeter of the restaurant. Needless to say, my party and I left. After waiting for my car at the valet station for 27 minutes, I received it covered in mud and muddy water and today, Monday, I am writing this review as I wait for my alignment to be re-adjusted. Pros: Diverse age group, centrally located, lots of material for your comedy routine. Cons: Not a very safe side of town, food not a good value for the atmosphere, music too loud to be enjoyed by diners. NAME: bpierre SUBMITTED: 3/17/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: March 2008 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Grooves is definatly positioning themselves as a premiere lounge and the place to be in Houston. Got a call late Friday to come to Grooves because Patti Labelle was on stage singing! I got there 45 minutes later to find her doing an after set at Grooves (she had been in concert earlier that evening at the Arena) Not only did Patti suprise people by showing up at Grooves, but she did mini concert complete with praise and worship! It was incredible. She and her entire band tore it up. Word has it Crisette Michelle will be in the house March 22 for her after party! Grooves is what Houston has been missing! They seem to be working to improve the service and the quality of the food (order the fried asparagus topped w/lump crabmeat, youll never go wrong!) They definatly have the entertainment vibe on lock! Not many spots you go to where the live band has the dance floor packed on a Friday night! The sunday brunch is awesome too....especially bottomless mimosas! NAME: 40 and fine! SUBMITTED: 3/16/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: march 2008 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: Attention to detail and quality of service is lacking with this establishment. There is no sense of urgency to please the customer or any going out of their (waite staff) way to make your experience a good one. The food is almost always cold, you wait forever if you open a tab to close it, and you will be serve without silverware almost everytime. Prior to attending "Grooves" Ladies night - last night, I phoned to get the details of specials, and was informed that Drinks and Appetizer were half off all night. So great right? Wrong there were select drinks and the appetizer special ended at 7pm. I like the warehouse feel, but the service leaves a lot to be desired... Keeping it real! NAME: R SUBMITTED: 3/13/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 03/2008 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: Where is the personal service???? I went to dinner on a Friday night and was told to be there before 9:15 or we would loose our reservation... Arrived at 8:30pm and did not get seated until 10:30pm… Then you have a party of 15 being seated at a table that was suitable for a party of 10 too tight... This was not the same table we had been told the week prior we would have... The staff and bouncers where more concerned with getting the money than paying some type or attention to the customers... I will never return. Also while I was waiting in the disorganized valet parking for over 10mins the same was being echoed by other couples... The service is horrible and I would never recommend it to any of my friends or enemies... NAME: Renee SUBMITTED: 2/26/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 02/22/08 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: The first time I visited Grooves, I was totally impressed the no smoking environment of a big plus. The second time i took my wife and 14 other ladies and everyone fell in love with it. They just wished the men would have danced and not stood on the wall. We are definitely going back soon. NAME: Rundious E'elliott SUBMITTED: 2/7/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 1 Feb 2008 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: I visted Grooves on Saturday, 2/2/08, my wife and I were driving around and decided to give Grooves a shot.The ambiance,the band, the hostess and the wait staff were extraordinary, I was thoroughly impressed. We did not try a wide range of food, but what we did try, I had expected a greater quality. I will indeed return to Grooves because they got so many things right. We were especially impressed with our waiter, Brandon. Brandon was pleasent, patient, accomodating and not overwhelming in his effort to please. I recommend asking for Brandon, I hope our tip was sufficient. For all that you get I say confidently that it is money well spent. NAME: Roger SUBMITTED: 2/4/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: February 2008 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I recently visited the restaurant during the holidays with a few family members and the experience was great from start to finish.. We were a bit concerned about the area but upon arrival the valet was pleasant and expeditious then upon entering the establishment the decor was amazing. The waitstaff was attentive and the food was fabulous. We started with the crabcakes and wings, the moved on to the main course where we each sampled several different items and all was superb.. I will definately refer my family and friends!!! NAME: totalwoman SUBMITTED: 1/9/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/07 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I went to Grooves for the first time during the holidays and was very impressed. The ambiance was very nice. There were a lot of beautiful people in the house and it was crowded. The music,the drinks and the atmosphere were fantastic. I shall return. NAME: Impressive SUBMITTED: 12/29/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: december/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I went to Grooves for a birthday party. The atmosphere caught me by surprise because I was not expecting anything so laid back and beautiful. The service was great and the live band was feeling it. The best part of the night was the singer. She worked the crown and we all had a wonderful time. My fiance and his mother are jazz fans so I will be visiting again and again. NAME: hard to satisfy SUBMITTED: 12/9/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: December/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I met my sorority sisters for brunch and I must say I was very impressed. The food was excellent!! We received excellent service! I plan on going back real soon for brunch! NAME: Miss High Maintenance SUBMITTED: 12/4/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: November/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: My husband and I attended Grooves for my bestfriend's birthday and I was quite impressed with the decor and the live music. I thought I was in Chicago or New York for the moment. The singer was fabulous as she got everyone engaged in her performance. But on another note the food was subpar for the prices. The stuffed chicken was dry and my husband was not that impressed with his snapper. The best thing on the menu was the entree with 2 Lobster Tails, which my bestfriend ordered. You would think the owners would have sampled the food for their menu....with those type of owners you would think their palettes would know what good food is. So, if you are looking for a grown & sexy environment to hang with friends and have a couple of drinks, then this is your place. But I wouldn't bank on the food. NAME: Disappointed SUBMITTED: 11/9/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 9/16/07 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: This was a lovely night spot. I enjoyed the atmosphere and great music. THe owner made me feel very special and I can't rememember when I had such a nice time. The cigar lounge was great. This is the perfect place for multiple occassions. If enjoy a mature sophisticated envirement,this is YOUR place. NAME: Antavia SUBMITTED: 11/3/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 9/07 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: This place is very revitalizing. My husband and I went there on a Saturday night for his birthday. I must admit that I was a little worried while we were in route; but very pleasantly surprised upon arrival. The valet parking was not over priced and the ambiance on the inside was very intriguing. I love the floor seating it has a cozy/romantic type setting. The live band was a good incentive as well. We didn’t par-take in any food, but the drinks are mixed well and not watered down. We’re not the club/large crowd type so this was perfect for us. This establishment is really nice for the more mature adults who can appreciate nice surroundings. On the way out my husband and I had a brief chat with Horry which was the ending of nice night out in my memoir being that I’m a fan. NAME: "TeeRo" SUBMITTED: 10/30/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 10/07 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Great crowd. Definitely a mature downtown retreat. Nice cigar room & lounge. Restaurant is in desperate need of new chefs, waitstaff and valet. I realize the restaurant recently opened, but the food was not very good at all. The waitstaff was very inexperienced and unattentive. Valet was well...go figure? If you like grabbing your keys from the keyholder and fetching your own car, then you'll enjoy their service. NAME: CJAX SUBMITTED: 10/30/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: October 2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Nice ambiance. It's a "good look". Reminds me of dining in Los Angeles. Saw a few familiar faces. Seems like the place to be as long you're not hungry or enjoy great service. As the waitstaff was very inexperienced and the crab cakes were definitely not fresh, but frozen and heated in the microwave. Valet was a DISASTER! Only two valets to park and retrieve cars from the busy streets of Houston. Go figure? Expected more, but got less. Hope management reads these reviews as good food and service go a LONG way in this city. Definite room for improvement. NAME: REALTORONTHEGO SUBMITTED: 10/26/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: September 2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: The atmosphere is amazing. The decorations make it so romantic and "grown and sexy." I've been twice, once on a Saturday night and the restaurant had a nice crowd, the hostess was great. We sat at a table in the bar for about 15 minutes and were never greeted by the waitress in that area. The live band was awesome though. Then I came back with my dad on a Thursday night and as mentioned in other reviews, the 15% gratuity is added automatically which is always a turn-off because I am generally a very good tipper with at least 20%. However, the were right in getting their tip automatically because they wouldn't have received much that night. We sat at our table for 30 minutes before I stopped the waiter to ask him if he could help us. There were 3 other tables of people in the restaurant at the time that he was visiting frequently, but never stopped at ours, so when I stopped him he said, "Oh, noone has helped you yet?" I wasn't sure if he saw another imaginary waiter around because he was the only one working that area. Once served, the food was mediocre. Presentation was beautiful but that's where it all ended. My stuffed chicken was not tender and had a funny taste to it. The seasonal veggies were great though. We also ordered pecan pie which may be homemade, but is not good. You may want to stick to drinks when you go here, I was not impressed by the food at all! NAME: picky eater SUBMITTED: 10/7/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 10/07 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: Our girlfriend's group, along with other friends met for Sunday Brunch. I highly recommend this place. The atmosphere and ambiance are perfect. The food was delicious and plenty to choose from. What an awesome dining experience! The hostess and wait staff were very professional and attentative. I will certainly return to this fine establishment for as long as I am in Houston. NAME: Wapenzi SUBMITTED: 9/30/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 09/30/07 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I have dined here twice. I find the interior relaxing and the style of service also comfortable. Since it has only been open for a few weeks the wait staff must be, I believe, given time to sharpen their skills. But to be honest I went there for the food. I found it different from most Resturants in the Houston area. The portions were more than enough. The quality was the highest and the taste was 5 Star. The beef was the best I have had at any eatery in years. My wife had a chicken dish where the meat fell off the bone if you just looked at it. Desserts I beleive must be HOME MADE. This is one of those places where if what you are looking for is great food priced based on quality and portion and not on getting out the door as if you had eaten at a fast food resturant. I highly recommend Grooves as a dining experence and not just a resturant. NAME: The Food Doc SUBMITTED: 9/27/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 9/26/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: I visited the resturant for a drink with my girlfriend and the experience was less than enjoyable. The atmosphere of the resturant is certainly grown and sexy. It has great potential if a few things are tweaked. The prices on the dinner menu were reasonable but the experience went downhill after we received our meal. We had the crabcake dinner, the crabcakes tasted as if they were taken from a plastic bag and nuked for about 3mins. The side orders were flavorless. I was also a little upset to see on the menu that a 15% gratuity would be added to all checks. But I noticed when the bill arrived it had not been added. The wait staff seems a little inexperienced and the valet service.....HORRIBLE what's the point in paying 5 dollars so your car can be parked on the street. I will give the resturant another chance since it is new hopefully the resturant management staff reads these reviews and makes the appropriate improvements. NAME: The Foodie SUBMITTED: 9/22/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 09/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Great ambiance! Miss the mark on service. Hostess did not greet us and was not friendly. Wait staff was inexperienced. VALET was a nightmare!! Menu notes that a 15% gratuity is calculated into your bill regardless of the number in your party. I was offended b/c I always tip between 18-20% based on the level of service. Felt the waitstaff should be very experienced if you are bold enough to include 15% gratuity. Room for growth here, but the atmosphere was NICE! NAME: Caught off guard SUBMITTED: 9/22/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: September 2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: If you have class this is the place to be. everything was on point Is nice to see out people doing it up.... from the food to the drinks to the music....... all I can say is "WOW" I hope they stay around for a long time.. I would rate it a five star. NAME: Mr.Mrs. Smith SUBMITTED: 9/19/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 09/17/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I was invited to a private party in the banquet room, but I was so amazed at what I saw at the bar and the main dining area, total class. Not to mentioned the live band, I could not believe I was in Houston. This was a total grown folks atmosphere. NAME: ES SUBMITTED: 9/17/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 9-15-07 FREQUENCY: Visited once ©Copyright 1991 - 2008 B4-U-EAT.COM. All rights reserved. Design and database by B4-U-BUY