Spencer's for Steaks & Chops

I used CitySearch to look at reviews before making a Valentine's Day reservation. How can an establishment have a 5-star rating with CitySearch when they haven't gotten a good review since 2006? I like what I have read about the atmosphere and ambiance but I am looking for a good steak ably served. I am thankful for the posted reviews and wonder about the high ranking. I guess I'll keep looking.

Pros: Good Promotion

Cons: Bad Reviews

Posted 02/07/09

My wife and I frequent upscale steakhouses, but until yesterday, we had never been to Spencer?s. The restaurant and bar ambience is nice with bright, open, modern lounge flair. We did not have reservations, and though the restaurant was only half-full, they would not seat us. However, the bar area offered full-service; we actually like dining in the bar area, so this was not a problem. After sitting at a bar table for about 15 minutes without the waiter taking our drink order, we moved to sit at the bar. Once there, the service from the bartenders was fine, and we ordered dinner. The Spencer and Wedge salads were average. The fillets were cooked to order, but the quality of the meat was poor for this level of restaurant ? think Outback steak at Ruth Chris? prices. For a side we tried the hashbrowns au gratin, and it was indescribably bad. When served, it looked like a cold cheese pancake drowning in oil; it tasted like one, too, with enough bacon bits to completely destroy any other flavors. A note on presentation: other than the potatoes just slapped on a random plate, the steaks were just plopped on a plain white plate with nary a sprinkling of parsley or drizzle of juices. I got the distinct impression the restaurant was attempting the bare minimum. I kid you not ? I overheard a gentlemen at the table behind us exclaim about his meal, ?Could they at least TRY on the presentation?? They should at these prices.

I am not one for extremisms, but after last night, Spencer?s has forced me into it. How this place can survive is beyond me ? it must be captive diners from the hotel. I recommend going to Outback for a more flavorful meal at half the price, or go to Vic & Anthony?s, Fleming?s, Pappas Bros, Strip House, or a number of other, better top steakhouses in Houston. For additional info, read the Fearless Critic?s review on Spencer?s; it?s spot-on with our experience. I just wish I had heeded their advice.

Pros: Ambience, decor

Cons: Food, service, possibility of intoxicated and boisterous sports fans in jeans and caps

Posted 12/28/08

This place is beautiful. I brought my boyfriend here for our anniversary and we both thought the food was great. The staff was very accommodating and attentive. This was a great experience and I would suggest Spencer's to all of my friends.

Posted 09/21/08

My wife and I made the mistake of going to Spencer's on a Saturday night. getting to the restaurant was a ngihtmare adn the Hilton valet staff woudl not take any more cars for parking. We were left to find a spot on the street, which we finally managed after almost 30 minutes of circling.

Once we got into the restaurant, I was advised that the special seating I had requested months in advance (private "Wine Room" for 2 people) would not be available as the diners before us had just commenced their meal. When I asked why they only allowed 30 minutes before our reservation, I was given a shrug - totally unacceptable. We were then told there were no other tables and we'd need to wait 45 minutes for another table to become free. I asked for the Manager and he did not show. Happy to say that our wait ended up only being 20 minutes.

Once we were at the table, the service was acceptable and the food was good. Wine service was efficient and knowledgeable. Overall, food and wine were well above average for what we've experienced in Houston. However, the overall service from the staff and management was abysmal and we'll not be going back to this restaurant, especially when you consider the premium prices being charged.

Pros: Good food

Cons: Atrocious service

Posted 12/29/07

I ate at Spencers last year when I was in town on business and was very impressed overall, particularly with the quality and preparation of the food. I am back in town on business again, and this time experienced the same lousy service as many recent diners have reported, which is a real shame.

The restaurant was nearly empty with perhaps 6 parties in the entire place. I was seated by an obviously disinterested hostess who dropped the wine list on an empty chair without any fanfare and mumbled something about "with you soon". I did receive bread and water shortly thereafter from a friendly young fellow, who then disappeared without a word. Then, I sat. And sat. And sat. Several waiters and wait staff passed by me over the next 40 minutes and about half clearly saw me sitting in isolation, but no one had any interest in checking on me. After 40 minutes, I stood up and walked out. No one batted an eye.

For these prices, I would expect first class staff too, but this total breakdown in customer service would be inexcusible even in a burger joint. Since this is apparently becoming a chronic problem, I will avoid Spencers in the future rather than run the risk of another miserable experience.

Pros: Potentially great food and wine

Cons: Appallingly bad service

Posted 06/13/07

Perfect business dinner. Steak was terrific and the service was wonderful. Recommend to anyone in the downtown area looking for a great steakhouse.

Pros: Food and Service

Cons: None

Posted 12/19/06

Share the sensational seafood appetizer tray with fine wines recommended by Dane. Quaint wine room holds 10 comfortably with privacy. Large, spacious dining room is accented with an open kitchen area to pick up a few cooking tips. Smiling Chef/General Manager Joel St. John is eager to please. Street level entrance gives easy access to the Rockets, Astros, and all Toyota Center events, and the celebrities are spotted often. Spencer's validates valet parking for easy in and out dining downtown. Jump off Highway 59 at Polk, and you're right there at Spencer's!

Pros: Quality of Beef, Elegant Bar, Validated Valet Parking

Posted 09/28/06

You should really try it. I went with my friends for a holiday dinner and the atmosphere and staff were great. I can't wait to go back with my husband.

Pros: atmosphere, wine list, steaks

Posted 12/27/05

i dont like red meat, but i ate a whole filet mignon and could have eaten another. I may change the red meat issue! brought my 3 yr old and they dont really cater to children but made a special dish for her. did not make me feel embarrased when i ask for steak sauce,it doesnt need it. The reason is the steaks are such fine quality of meat all it needs is course salt and pepper. Coffee nice and hot, plenty, waitress was informative and knowledgable and and wine is super tasty. be advised price you pay if not a typicall price but it is so worth it i will pay it over and over again.

Pros: romantic, wine, proffesional

Cons: none

Posted 10/11/05

Wine list has a great selection of half bottles. Had a half bottle of Pinot to start then a hefty Cabernet w/ the steaks. Two great wines for not much more then the price of one. Steaks cooked as ordered, nice to see rare done as rare. Creamed spinach had a garlic bite. Service was attentive, opened the half bottle of the cab. and poured at the start to let it breath till the steaks arrived. Best steakhouse in town, while it is pricey, still cheaper then the others guys. Be prepared to wait for valet parking if event is going on at the hotel.

Pros: Great wine list, Cooked as ordered

Cons: Long wait at valet

Posted 06/05/05

If you love prime rib, look no further. This is the place to go.

Posted 05/05/05

A fabulous filet, but. didn't get water after asking 2 different people, on 3 separate occasions. I finally got some just before the entree. Twice I had to ask for a refill. My steak came while I was in the middle of my salad. Had to tell 3 different people on 4 separate occasions, no, Im not finished with my salad. The busser asked if he could take my entree plate while I had my last bite in my mouth and my fork in my hand over the plate. Conversely when finished with my meal, I pushed my plates to the other side of the table and read 15 pages in my book before anyone came to take them away. Everyone seemed to have the right attitude; perhaps just some guidance in proper service etiquette is required.

Pros: Great Steak, Good Wine list, Nice Atmosphere

Cons: , Lukewarm coffee

Posted 09/30/04

This is definately not your father's steakhouse. The light stone walls, the marble floors, and the trendy lounge speak more of NY or LA than Houston. But, what a great place - the food is awesome and the service is right on the money.

Pros: great looking place, people watching, great food

Posted 04/24/04

I recently entertained a group of friends and business partners at Spencer's and everything was wonderful. We enjoyed the comfort of the private glass "wine room". Our service was great and the food was even better (I recommend the 16 oz NY Strip - WOW is was fantastic). As for thr wine list, one of the best priced list in town.

Pros: great service, excellent food, well priced wine list

Posted 04/24/04