Open City Avg. Prices (excl. tax, tip, & drinks):  Lunch 15  Dinner 25   Brunch 25   Updt 1/9/2008 Hours: See Profile   2416 Brazos St Ste A Houston TX 77006 713.522.0118 You might also be interested in these:     American Food    ZIP 77006 Profile Description: Open City, Bistro, Bar, Rooftop, opened in December '07 and offers upscale American, comfort foods including chicken fried chicken, meatloaf, smoked salmon, butternut squash ravioli, gouda and gruyere mac n cheese, ginger creamed corn, etc. Unpretentious yet trendy dining room, and a covered rooftop bar with an amazing, full on, unobstructed view of downtown.   Add Review PROFILE     MY REVIEW: Horrible experience. I will never return. The restaurant: My husband and I arrived early for a group event. The place was almost complete empty, so we sat at an old booth, badly in need of being re-covered. A waitress came up and asked us which group we were with. We told her, and then she proceeded to tell us that we were not allowed to sit at the tables because they are for dining customers. If she had asked us whether we wanted to order food or appetizers, we would have said yes because we were hungry. Instead we waited by the bar as she instructed. As it turns out, no dining customers showed up for another 2 hours anyway. The bar: Then we discovered that they have no beer on tap and their bottle selection was pathetic. We ordered 2 beers and a jager bomb. The jager bomb was not really a bomb, since the bartender just mixed the 2 ingredients together. Worse yet, the overpriced beer was warm. One bartender said they had no happy hour specials (what kind of bar has no happy hour?), but the other bartender said they did. There seemed to be plenty of employees wandering around, but at no time did ANYONE ask us (or anyone else in our group) if we wanted to order any appetizers, dinner or drinks. NAME: Cherie SUBMITTED: 5/31/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 05/2008 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Where do I start with this place! The view is not that great! The building I live in downtown has a much better view!!! The menu was not that great so we ordered salads. They were soggy, very watery which detracted from the flavor. The drinks were way too sweet...as one friend described her drink "as tasting like a snow cone!" One of my friends martini glass was chipped. They ran out of trays to serve bread, so they put the stale, hard bread in a styrofoam container (like a take-away container with 1 side ripped off.) The service was not horribly bad, but it was not great. I would describe it as below average. (and for the finale...) IT STARTED TO RAIN SO WE GOT UP FROM OUR TABLE. WE WERE IN THE PROCESS OF PAYING THE BILL SO WE WERE STANDING AROUND LOOKING FOR OUR WAITRESS. THIS GUY COMES OUT OF NO WHERE AND SAYS I'LL TAKE THAT. (I GUEST HE WAS THE MANAGER.) ONCE WE FOLLOWED HIM TO THE BAR TO MAKE SURE HE WAS LEGIT AND THE BILL WAS PAID AND WE WALKED OUT, THE SAME GUY CHASES US AND CONFRONTS US ABOUT WHY WE DID NOT TIP THE WAITRESS. WE FOUND THAT ACTION TO BE EXTREMELY TACKY!!!!!!! (what type of place has management chase you down and argues with you about tipping...normally we would tip, but below average service, bad food, below average drinks doesn't deserve a tip! NAME: Never returning SUBMITTED: 5/3/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 05/2008 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I came in with several friends after hearing about this place (in both good and not so good terms). We were seated downstairs by request, but after peeking at the dining area on the roof, I immediately asked if we could move up. I have never seen a better view of downtown. We sat on some corner couches, having drinks and appetizers. Such bliss. We were probably the oldest people up there, but the crowd was fun, nicely dressed and all having a good after-work time. I will say we all loved our food, but I think with the setting, they could have served us just average fare and we would have been happy. Loved the chicken, loved the lamb sliders, and there is no better mac & cheese in the city. The neighborhood has just won the lotto getting Open City. We are all going back! NAME: LiveWellEatWell SUBMITTED: 4/21/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 4/10/08 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: I have to say that after reading some of the reviews I was in between about visiting Open City but it was well worth it. It was a bit empty when I was there with my best friend. We were introduced to the Pop Rock martini which was so good. I had the Georgia Peach which I loved. To eat I had the fried chicken which I have to say is very southern and very filling but very good. It was a great experience though, staff is very friendly and accomidating and its a very warm feel on the inside. Patio is still in the works though but other than that, this is a great growing place. NAME: love2eatout SUBMITTED: 3/28/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 03/2008 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: I was very disappointed in Open City. Based on the concept and drinks, it SHOULD work in Midtown...but the food was so average. Hopefully, the kitchen is still working out kinks (although I'm pretty sure they have been open for awhile now), or I just caught them on a bad night. I would go back, but only for drinks--I did love the pop rocks on my martini, and the half price wine night is genius. For the sake of Midtown, which needs some more upscale restaurants to balance out the growing undergrad-type bar scene, I hope this place makes it. But they definitely have to get their food up to par--people have way too many choices in this city full of amazing restaurants. NAME: redshesaid SUBMITTED: 3/17/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 03/11/2008 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I love the concept of Open City. It offers a wonderful view of downtown Houston from its rooftop bar and restaurant. The night I went was perfect for a meal outside. However, the service there was far from perfect. We requested a table at the hostess stand and she took us upstairs immediately. However, somehow she must have been confused and thought we only wanted drinks. So we didn't receive menus, bread plates, bread, or silverware. We went to the bar and ordered our food since no one ever came to our table. Later we asked one of the multiple servers around if he would wait on us. He simply told us that because we ordered food at the bar, we had no server and wouldn't have one, yet no one ever came to our table to greet us. I even offered to tip him extra if he would just serve us so we wouldn't have to keep going to the bar for drinks and he refused. Although I have no idea why servers wouldn't serve a patron at their restaurant (must be some rule I don't know about), the bartender was extremely nice and made great drinks. And the steaks we had were great, even though I ordered a strip and got a ribeye. At that point, I probably would have eaten anything. A/w, I saw other tables receiving great service from the servers so if the hostess gets it right, you should be fine. I will probably go back for the great bartender that was upstairs, but I doubt I'll ever ask for service from any of their servers again. NAME: Lulu SUBMITTED: 3/14/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: February 2008 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I decided to take my boyfriend to Open City for his birthday and have another couple join us. I read the other reviews before selecting this place and understood it would be a bit difficult to locate. After a few minutes of ring around O.C. we realized the "valet" was actually behind Open City at another restaurant and not adjacent to it. We paid $6 to park there and walked up the sidewalk to O.C. It wasn't a far walk and we didn't mind at all. When we opened the door to O.C. there was a welcome booth to the right, however, there wasn't anyone standing there. We saw our friends sitting at a table and walked over to seat ourselves with them. The white bread on the table was very cold and hard. We requested more and they brought us some of the best, slightly sweet, nutty, wheat bread. It went great with the sweet butter. Yum :) Although, the bread was warm, we were freezing! It was very chilly outside. The doors were open upstairs allowing the outside air to pour downstairs into the dining area. We asked the waiter ( the only one working that night ) to please do something about the air. That's when he went up to the rooftop to close the doors. It instantly warmed up. We all ordered martinis that were very juicy to say the least. The waiter informed us that the bartender was not there and that a woman was filling in for him/her and was doing the best that she could. We drank them down but didn't order anymore since they were $7 a pop and not worth it if a real bartender wasn't making them the proper way. The sole waiter was servicing all four parties there and was unable to attend to us for several minutes at a time. The "bartender" came to take our order instead of the waiter and midway though it the waiter came to our table. He signaled her to go back to the bar and we then had to repeat to the waiter what we had just ordered with the "bartender." We all ordered the mac & cheese, which tasted powdery and slightly overcooked to each of us. I had the meatloaf and it was very cold when I received it. I sent it back and this time it came out burning hot and didn't have much sauce on it. I asked for more sauce and the waiter brought it to me right away. Aside from the steam, it was very good. My boyfriend had the OC pasta and he said it was very good as well. Our friends had the big spoon alfredo pasta and the chicken fried chicken. They both enjoyed their meals, however, the chicken fried chicken was a bit bland. They asked for some hot sauce to give it a little punch and it was brought to them immediately. We ordered creme brulee to end the meal and it was very good. It wasn't very warm how I prefer it but still very good. The waiter also gave us a complimentary bread pudding for my boyfriend's birthday. I'm not a fan of bread pudding but my boyfriend liked it. My boyfriend and I paid about $70 for our meals and our friends paid about $35 for theirs. The waiter accidently charged us in reverse and we had to wait for him and the “bartender” to correct it. Before leaving, my friend and I went to the ladies’ room, which had a very stinky, wet smell. All in all, I would give Open City a 4 out of a 10. They were way too understaffed, the drinks tasted like fruit punch, it was freezing when we arrived and we could never get a hold of our waiter. They do, however, have good food and the staff they do have are friendly and helpful. I don't plan on going back or suggesting this restaurant to a friend. NAME: eatoutalot SUBMITTED: 2/7/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 02/08 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: My boyfriend and I arrived at Open City after having to look for it for quite a while. The entrance actually faces Bagby. It was pretty much empty when we arrived at 7:00, so we were seated immediately. It filled up as we ate. They brought bread and water very quickly. I ordered a house salad that was HUGE. It was very good. It could def. be split by two or even three people, and it was only $6. The menu is somewhat limited, but there is plenty to choose from for most people. I ordered the "not your mother's meat loaf" and my boyfriend ordered the lamb shank. Both were very good, esp. the lamb. The meat loaf was definitely not my mom's - honestly, prob. not as good as my mom's, but still good. It is two pieces of square shaped meatloaf, more like square hamburger patties, but good flavor overall. Each came with one side. I asked if I could have the mac and cheese instead of the mashed potatoes, which I got for $2 extra. My boyfriend replaced the mixed vegs. with carmelized green beans, which were very good - definitely carmelized. The mac and cheese was REALLY good. Very mild. It might be a little better if it was a little sharper or even just had a little parmesan on top, but regardless, it was very good. We had crem brulee and bread pudding for dessert. The crem brulee was good and the bread pudding was really good...a huge portion. We didn't have drinks, just tea and coffee and the total bill with tip was $72. The atmosphere is kind of hip, chic, but def. not pretentious. Most customers (male) and the waiter had on jeans...woman were dressed a bit more "midtown". The service was very good and they had a nice bar. They have a rooftop patio/bar which I am sure will be a hit when the weather is a little nicer. My ONLY complaint is that the entrees only come with one side...a starch OR a veg, not both, and no salad. Other than that, it was great. I will def. go back. NAME: hsh427 SUBMITTED: 2/3/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: feb 2, 2008 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: My boyfriend and I visited Open City Friday night and had a wonderful experience. He has Celiac disorder (cannot eat any gluten--wheat, barley or rye) and I am vegan, so we are sort of the high maintenance menu couple. The owner and the chef/owner and wait staff were all very helpful and attentive. We started with the sangria, which is made with wine and bourbon and is delicious and beautifully presented. We had the OC salad, lovely and fresh and fragrant and unique. He had the meat loaf, a hearty serving which he said was delicious. I had the super yummy garlic smashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables that were perfectly done and very lightly seasoned. I wish I could talk about dessert, but we were just too full. I will definitely be back there! The night was cold and rainy so I must go back to check out the rooftop bar and check out the view of downtown. Better get tehre before you can't even get into this place! NAME: highmaintenance SUBMITTED: 1/28/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 1/08 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I agree with Allie, the mac was terrific. Also the buffalo calamari and the trout entree. We had a great experience with the staff. The owners were very nice and came to our table. Not sure what monkeypaw means about the idea not working in Midtown?? I live in Midtown and I am so glad to have an alternative for reasonably priced American food. I'd like to see more wines by the glass. They have only been open a few weeks so maybe you just went too soon. I'll definitely go again. NAME: Shawna SUBMITTED: 12/30/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/07 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Excellent Staff and Management, food was incredible and the evening was topped off by a wonderful view of downtown. Definatly a place to return to over and over again. Just an over all magnificient experience and I encourage everyone to visit this place. NAME: Rosie4 U SUBMITTED: 12/29/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: Wait staff and management were extremely friendly and delivered great service. The upstairs has an amazing view of downtown that is a must-see. Macaroni 7 cheese was by far the highlight of the evening! NAME: Allie SUBMITTED: 12/27/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/26 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Very over-priced for just okay food. Menu was limited and the staff and management seemed to have no clue to the restaurant business. I hope this is just working out the kinks for a new restaurant. I don't know is there idea/concept will work in Midtown. NAME: monkeypaw SUBMITTED: 12/23/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once ©Copyright 1991 - 2008 B4-U-EAT.COM. All rights reserved. Design and database by B4-U-BUY