Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

My husband took me there for our anniversary, he made a reservation and when we went in it was perfect, there were roses on the table, soft lighting and everyone there eager to serve!! The food was "melt in your mouth" delicious! We even got a free dessert that said "Happy Anniversary" on it!! It was so special I just wish we could afford to go back more often!

Pros: The food

Cons: So expensive!

Posted 07/14/09

Okay I don't know who Jennifer is (she claimed she was a manger) but she has no clue what she is doing. When I asked her a question in regards to my reservation she smiled and turned to one of the other hostess who appeared to be more knowledgeable and more pleasing to the eye as well. I don't remember her name, but I recall it being something eccentric. Anyhow, she knew us my name and had us seated promptly. My only guess is why Chris Pappas would put such a dunce at the front door and pass her as the manager. Everything else was spectacular of course like much of our other dining experience there. Loose the dead weight and for the love of god remember all of your VIP's "manager".

Posted 01/08/09

My wife and I have dined there twice and feel that we have a good take on the place. First, ambience - beautifully excecuted interior decor, but it can get a little loud in the main dining room - you might request a table in one of the side rooms for a more intimate experience. The fillets are of good quality and are cooked to order, but I felt the ribeye was average (though it was touted as the most "flavorable" of their offerings). The wedge salads are huge, easily splittable between 2 people, but are average for this level. The skillet potatoes were dry, the mushrooms tasted burnt, and the creamed spinach was lifeless; however, the potatoes au gratin are sinfully creamy and cheesey, and the special mac and cheeze with lump crab meat was sublime. We had lobster once, and the waiter had the cold water tail prepared as a centerpiece for my wife and I to enjoy; the presentation was nice, but the tail was average for this level. Bottle wine list is extensive, but by-the-glass is limited (ex: only one (sweet) pinot grigio). Service stands out - extremely professional, courteous, and attentive.

One concern: we tried to make a 6:45 PM reservation for 3 on Christmas Eve, but when I called, the receptionist told me the earliest they had was 7:45 PM and that they closed at 9:00 PM that night. I took the 7:45, but when we showed up at 6:45 to have a drink at the bar and wait for our reservation time, they instead offered to seat us immediately (no problem) because the restaurant was half-empty. Did half the parties with reservations just not show? Or was there another reason for not giving us an early reservation? When we were leaving a little after 9:00 PM, they were still seating walk-in parties and the entire restauraunt was in full-swing. Not sure why I was told they closed at 9:00 - perhaps there were staffing issues that were resolved or some game-time decisions made to stay open. Prefer Fleming's or Vic & Anthony's for food.

Pros: Piano bar, service

Cons: Hit-and-miss menu items, better alternatives in town

Posted 12/27/08

Many of the bad reviews from the restaurant are probably because they ordered the cheapest dish on the menu. It is pretty expensive but that doesn't matter because you will be drifted away by the steak and the wine they have. If you're thinking steak i would recommend papas steakhouse. IT's the place to be.

Pros: everything

Cons: nothing

Posted 12/24/08

I had the opportunity to go to Pappas Bros yesterday.

I was seated at a table next to a group of drunks. Screaming, hollering, etc. It's Friday night and I'm not a quiet person but I don't expect to hear the phrase "up the ___" or "moose nugget... EVERYONE knows what a moose nugget is!" in a $40/plate restaurant. My first reaction was maybe they're mentally challenged and I should be more considerate. After all, imitating a police car can come in handy for someone with a limited vocabulary. Nope, just drunk ___holes.

First up: Caesar salad for $9. Dripping with dressing, the main flavors I could discern were salt and wetness, if the latter counts as a flavor.

Entre: 14 oz New York strip, $40, with steak fries. (It's such a classy place, a side order, $8, is not included in the entre like at McDonald's.) The steak fries were burnt on the outside and undercooked inside. And what's that soggy fat taste? My, my, that's the fattiest New York strip I've ever had. What's so wrong with it, I wondered. Sir, how's your ribeye, the waiter asked.

The waiter wanted to make it up to me with desert but how could I let them go for zero out of four? I was only charged for the "salad" and left no tip, except for the free consulting work I left on the receipt:

"Drunks behind. Wrong order. Is the Burger King down the road any good?"

Awful place. Burger King wouldn't put up with this, really.

Posted 12/05/08

Dry-aged steaks are out of this world, they cooked it just the way I asked, food like that you don't need to worry about the price, it is worth it. I had 16 oz NY Strip with wedge iceberg w/ real blue cheese, it was outstanding, service was excellent and so was the fresh backed bread.
I was at Smith and Wollensky at Vegas, had similar meal but Steak at Smith and Wollensky is not even close to the one I had at Pappas, I would give 9 to Pappas and strong 6 to S & W and 4 to Ruth's Chris.
If you like Smith and Wollensky then you will love this place

Pros: Dry-aged steak, Service, bread and salad

Cons: NONE

Posted 10/20/08

My husband and I absolutely LOVE this steak house! We love steak so we have been to tons of places around Houston, including Vic and Anthonys, Ruth Chris's, etc. This place has never let us down! Every time we go I have the best steak I have ever had :O) I definately would only go if you are willing to spend the money but it is worth every cent that you spend. Not only is the food amazing, they make great martinis, the service is excellent, a great ambiance, and they make you feel like a valued guest every time you go! Just a few recommendations.....I get the ribeye and it is great (even though its so big I can only eat 1/4 of it). Also, the server (Brandon, very sweet) recommended a great wine that only Papas Bro's serves and it was AMAZING...2001 Edwards Summit Cabernet. A little pricey but also worth it! Enjoy......

Pros: Everything....great place to treat your significant other :O)

Cons: Pricey but worth it

Posted 10/09/08

I've been coming to Pappas Bros. for 11 years, but after tonight, I'm going to look for a new high-end steak place. It's becoming routine that I have to give them two tries to fix a steak properly. They often over or under cook them, and, from time to time, the filets are very fatty. Sometimes the steak has a very pleasant charring, but sometimes it doesn't.

The service is equally inconsistent. Our waiter tonight was friendly but incompetent (forgetting orders etc.). The management reacts to the varied flaws differently--sometimes (perhaps often) responsive but sometimes not.

The desserts are always good.

I've been very attached to this restaurant. It was my special-occasion place in my youth. It's where I got engaged. But this last meal has been the nadir I needed to prod me to try other places. I'm a little sad it's come to this, but after 11 years of eating their buttered steaks, I suppose it's appropriate that I'm leaving for the last time with a heavy heart.

Posted 06/06/08

Disappointing to say the least. Granted we are "foodies" and dine out a lot so we expect the highest in quality and service, but Pappas fell short this time. What 5-star steakhouse doesn't offer a cowboy ribeye? The waitress stated that they 'just didn't have it today' and really was not able to give us a valid and reasonable excuse. She was very unapologetic about it and just shrugged us off. At any other "fine-dining" establishment, a manager would have been summoned to your table to politely explain this unfortunate situation. The sommelier could not have been snootier! (My brother is also a sommelier, but we didn't tell him this.) The appetizers were excellent (oysters and scallop) -- but the steaks were not memorable. I would suggest Fleming's, The Capital Grille, or Vic and Anthony's if you are going to pay $30-50 for a steak. Texas Monthly rated Pappas Bros. #1, but we disagree!

Pros: Appetizers were impressive

Cons: Service - pretentious and overrated

Posted 05/23/08

Wow...after reading about Paps Stake house in tx monthtly i couldnt wait to go! Now usually when me and my wife go out fancy, we goto Saltgrass Stake House. Man it sure is good so i was i little iffy on trying thsi place because my expectations are so high for stake. whe we got there some ole mexican parked the truck for me which i thought was pretty cool. we sat down and of course i orderd a beer and my wife ordered a doble jack. i was happy unti i seen the menu and the prices. asked my waiter if we had the wrong menu or if these was family prices, because at Saltgrass we can split the stake, shrimp and loaded baked potato for about 20 bucks but at Paps they was going to charge me 30 bucks for the damn Ribeye. I said oh well and my wife and i split that with some mash taters and it was good. i must say that the stake here was better than the stake over at Saltgrass.

Pros: mexican parks your truck

Cons: cost to darn much

Posted 04/14/08

My wife and I went here recently and I have to say that aside from it being overpriced it was also overrated. Everyone hyped this place up for me to go and try it but it fell way short of my expextations. The steaks were very bland and flavorless. The place was decorated nicely but fell short miserably everywhere else. The service was good and knowledgeable but management was bafoon like. I had a problem with my steak being overcooked and instead of getting me what I wanted the manager stated that it was supposed to be cooked that way. Who is the customer here? Won' t be back, my money can be spent where it is valued.

Posted 03/13/08

After reading the review in Texas Monthly, I HAD to try Pappas Steakhouse. We went to the one on Westheimer. We were told there would be an hour wait, which was no problem. So we found a little table at the bar and sat down. Brooke was our cocktail waitress. Our candle burned out, and she did not bother to replace it. We watched the other waitress bring bowls of nuts to her tables, while ours remained empty. We had to ask her for a bowl of nuts. After we ordered our bottle of wine, it took at least 20 minutes for her to return with it. The table next to us, who sat down shortly after we did, was seated before us. They may have had a reservation, but they were waiting at least 30 minutes so I doubt it. After we actually sat down for our meal, everything was great. The server was perfect, the steaks delicious. Unfortunately, the first half of our experience will keep us from returning.

Pros: Delicious steaks, cooked perfectly

Cons: cocktail waitress

Posted 02/04/08

My wife and I dined at Pappas Bros Steakhouse again recently, Dec 2007, (about our 10th time) after seeing them voted the best steak in Texas in the Texas Monthly magazine. However, it was probably our worst dining experience there to date. From the obligatory sitting in the bar where the snooty barmaid rolled her eyes when my (pregnant) wife ordered a non-alcoholoc drink to the fake grin when I settled the bar tab with a credit card -and we hadn't event been seated for dinner!!!

The sommelier was great and very knowledgeable - helping us choose a superb Australian shiraz. Our waiter was ok but forgot a number of items from our order, which were quickly rectified. He did, however, commit the ultimate faux pas and cleared my appetiser plate whilst my wife was still finishing hers!!

Overall, food was good but not the best steak I have had in Houston (and wasn't when we had dined here previously). However, the service was poor and not what we had expected from a restaurant that markets itself at this level. I'll probably end up going here again for a work function but I won't be paying myself ever again.

Pros: Food was good and decor is nice

Cons: Service is atrocious

Posted 12/29/07

I'm from L.A. and I WISH THERE WAS A PAPPA BROS IN THIS TOWN!!!!! I use to be morton's #1 fan but after eating in this restaurant i really fell in love with it!!!!!! OUSTANDING SERVICE FROM VALET PARKING TO THE GENERAL MANAGER!!! extremely polite and friendly--i don't know what to say this place is just FLAWLESS... you definitely have to visit!!!!

Pros: service.wine list,parking,atmosphere

Cons: ZERO

Posted 12/22/07

I had dinner here w/ a friend last night. I thought everything about the restaurant was good, but not great. We had the jumbo lump crab cakes for our appetizer. An order is pretty sizable and serves 2. The crab cakes were nice big chunks, browned on the the outside & decoratively topped w/ very thinly cut fries. I thought it was very good. I had the lettuce wedge as a side & it was good. For the entree, I had the ribeye. I thought it had good flavor, but my cut was a little tough. My friend's ribeye was tough also. They have a very extensive wine list. The service was very good, as expected. Overall, I'd say that this restaurant was good, but nothing sets it apart from other steakhouses.

Pros: Extensive wine list, service, plenty of parking

Posted 12/17/07

THIS PLACE IS PACKED WITH TOO MANY TABLES!! YOU CANNOT HEAR YOURSELF OR YOUR FRIENDS BECAUSE THE PLACE IS SO LOUD. FORGET ROMANCE BECAUSE THE EMPLOYEES ARE EVERYWHERE TALKING LOUDLY AND CONSTANTLY SCREAMING GOOD EVENING TO EVERY SINGLE PERSON THAT WALKS BY. THE FOOD WAS FINE, JUST LIKE ALL OF THE OTHER STEAKHOUSES EXCEPT EVERYTHING WAS FLOODED WITH BUTTER. THE BARTENDER THAT WAS MENTIONED IN THE HOUSTON PRESS WAS AN IDIOT. I ASKED FOR A FRENCH MARTINI (PINAPPLE JUICE, CHAMBORD, VODKA)
AND HE GAVE ME SOMETHING THAT TASTED LIKE CRANBERRY JUICE. HE NEVER INTRODUCED HIMSELF AND DIDN'T REMEMBER WHAT KIND OF BEER MY HUSBAND WAS DRINKING AND WE WERE THE ONLY ONES THERE! HE WAS TOO BUSY TEXTING ON HIS CELL PHONE. THE IDIOT MANAGER WAS STANDING AT THE FRONT , TWO FEET FROM OUR TABLE, SCREAMING AT THE SPORTS CLIPS ON THE TV( MAKE SURE YOU DON'T GET SEATED AT THE BOOTHS IN FRONT OF THE TVS!) WE WENT IN FOR A NICE DINNER AND INSTEAD HAD DINNER SURROUNDED BY A BUNCH OF UNPROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES. WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY.... SHOULD HAVE KNOWN JUDGING FROM EXPERIENCES AT PAPPADEAUX. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.

Pros: WE WERE RUSHED SO WE WEREN'T THERE TOO LONG

Cons: THERE ARE PLENTY OF OTHER GOOD RESTAURANTS IN TOWN

Posted 10/13/07

We went for my wifes birthday with 3 other couples, and were seated promptly. I have been to 80% of all steak houses in Houston, but this place is still the best. The sides, especially the creamed spinach, mushrooms, and augratin potatoes are always tops. The filet was perfectly prepared and dessert left our mouths watering. We will definitely go back again and again.

Posted 10/22/06

Serendipity found us here, by which I mean Ruths Chris doesn't allow smoking in their segregated bar. We sat in the Pappas bar, which is a lush and sumptuous atmosphere, replete with wood paneling, photos of old movie greats and amusing quotes that any epicurean can appreciate. I suppose some people might be bothered by the tradition of cigar smoking, but who cares about those people anyway? The steak was marvelous, the service was so good it bordered on obsequious. We enjoyed four hours of complete escape from the bustle of Houston traffic, which is precisely what I imagine the owners intend. The prices are very competitive with other like steakhouses, which is to say, pricey, but such is the cost of a rare(fied) steak. This is a wonderful spot to take someone special, who is not vegetarian... or a rabid non-smoker, which these days amounts to the same thing.

Pros: good atmosphere, great food, excellent service

Cons: I can't really think of any

Posted 06/23/06

I've been to alot of top notch restaurants in NYC, SF, and Vegas and the steak here was the best I've ever had. I had the Filet Mignon rare and it was amazing.. it even tasted better than some Kobe Steak I had once in SF.

Pros: exceptional steak, good service

Posted 05/24/06

For my Husbands 30th Birthday I treated him to a dinner at Pappas. We were not disappointed. Everything was wonderful. The waitstaff were great and very friendly. They did however leave you alone to enjoy quiet conversation but where there in a flash if you needed something. We spent a hundred dollars and didnt even get a dessert or drinks. So please expect to pay at least that. But every dime was worth it. The food was excellent and was in large portions. Two people can share the side orders. It was a great time and a great Birthday. This is a great place to spend a very lovely evening.

Pros: food, waitstaff, portions

Cons: cost, parking

Posted 05/22/06

Hailing from New England I have enjoyed both the finest of beef and
the finest of Lobster. I have had the pleasure of eating in wonderful resturants
all over the world. I must say that my visits to Houston are not complete
without dinner at Pappas. I Will be moving to Houston this year, and plan
on celebrating that move at the finest steakhouse in the city. Pappas !

Pros: Service, Food, Wine

Posted 02/24/06

The place is a great place to eat, but lacks the ambiance of the prices they charge. Service is slow and stuffy. Food is great but overpriced.

Posted 01/17/06

World Class Steakhouse, reminisant of the chicago steakhouses of old.

Posted 01/17/06

The wine and the pecan pie were wonderful. I've had better steaks and potatoes.

Pros: service, wine, dessert

Cons: steak, price

Posted 10/06/05

We went to Papa's for my birthday and was quite disappointed. We waited for 45 mins (on a week night) even though we already had a reservation. The service was SLOW, server pretentious with some killer breath. My fork was bent, it was loud, felt like just a number... Had much higher expectations considering the price of our meal.

Posted 09/28/05

GOOD AMBIENCE AND SERVICE THE STAKE WAS NOT ALL THAT GREAT AND VERY PRICY FOE WHAT YOU GOT

Posted 06/05/05

Pappas Bros is one of the most comfortable restaurants I've ever been to. They are very professional, but do not make it uncomfortable as most other steak restaurants tend to do. The atmosphere is very relaxing and charming. There's no place I'd rather be than Pappas Bros.

Pros: ambiance, good crowd

Cons: expensive, bit of a wait

Posted 05/19/05

The old saying, "You get what you pay for" is true for Pappas Steakhouse. Absolutely the best service in Houston, I can't say enough about that. The food and drinks were very good. Definitely a great place to celebrate a special occasion. I was expecting an expensive meal but I was suprised by how loud it was in there.

Pros: Amazing Service, Great Food

Cons: Expensive , Noisy

Posted 03/31/05

We stopped here at closing time and were seated right away! We had crab cakes, ribeyes and salmon, potatoes, asparagus and 2 desserts. Not once did we feel rushed to eat and leave. Our waiter was fantastic and took time to talk to us. The wine BOOK was so extensive I had him select my wine, I told him what I liked and what he brought was perfect, and NOT the most expensive! The food, service and atmosphere are the best we've had in a long time. Yes, it was expensive, but it was for a celebration and WELL worth it!!!

Pros: excellent service, great food, la-de-da atmosphere

Posted 05/11/04

PAPPAS BROTHERS STEAKHOUSE IS THE BEST STEAKHOUSE IN TEXAS WHICH IS ALSO AFFORDABLE, BEST ENVIRONMENT, FOOD TEXAS CAN HAVE

Posted 03/11/04

THIS RESTURANT HAS THE BEST FOOD AND SERVICE. THE MOOD IS UNEXPLAINABLE. YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE IN LUXURY WHEN YOU ENTER THIS RESTURANT. I AM ALWAYS COMPARING OTHER RESTURANTS BUT NONE CAN COMPARE.

Posted 03/11/04

My husband and I spent $100.00 easily, even without wine or drinks, but found the steak to be the best we'd ever eaten. The filets were cooked to perfection and delicately seasoned. Melted in our mouths. Everything is al a carte, and if you want more than just meat, you'll have to pay extra, but the service is delightfully unintrusive. Here you can actually have a quiet conversation without someone constantly interrupting you to ask "Is everything all right?" Perfect for a special occasion, such as an anniversary, where a quiet, wonderfully well made dinner is important.

Posted 01/26/04

We were a business party of 3. Again the best steaks were served, one of us had the filet, one other had the rib eye and I had the 18 oz. strip. Without a doubt, these are indeed the best steaks in the southwest by far.

Pros: Best Steak, Best Ambiance, Best Service

Cons: NONE

Posted 09/02/03

I've eaten at every "good" steakhouse in Houston and firmly believe Pappas Bros. to be the best. The steaks (especially the filets) are always perfectly seasoned and prepared; the side-dishes (especially the au gratin potatoes) are mouth-watering; the wine list is incredible. Service is competent and professional, although not warm and fuzzy, and the bartenders mix great cocktails. Yes, Pappas is pricey and perhaps best enjoyed while on an expense account, and the noise level means that this is not the best choice for a quiet, intimate meal, but we love to dine here for festive celebrations. For a special treat, order the lobster tail; it is the absolute best in Texas.

Pros: Perfect steaks, Extensive wine list, Festive atmosphere

Cons: Crowded

Posted 08/26/03

We were there during a weeknight and found the place too noisey. When it comes to these prices, it's not about the food it is about service. A table of 40 was seated and I found myself yelling to talk to my husband! Upon complaining, we were seated in the wine room. Our evening was exceptional thereafter. Unless, I can be seated in the wine room, I will not return.

Pros: great food, great service

Cons: noisey, pricey, poor environment

Posted 08/23/03

Wonderful food, excellent side orders, pricey wine, and too noisy (a trait of all Pappas' establishments). Be prepared to "float the note" it's gonna cost you some big bucks for dinner and if you take advantage of their amazing wine list, you better mortgage the ranch!!

Pros: Food, Service, Wine List

Cons: Cost, Cost, Cost

Posted 08/19/03

Had a mind blowing dinner at Pappas Bros Steakhouse with a freind. Crabcakes were plump with big lumps of meat..served on a crispy bed of noodles. Lobster (market price - $85/medium) was really good..the meat so delicious and sweet....The filet Mignon ($30) was magnificent...char broiled medium rare seasoned with cracked black pepper and kosher salt in melted butter with finely minced chives.....side dishes of sauted mushrooms were so juicy, and plump, and tender green stalks of asparagus. Mmmmmm mmmm...Service was outstanding. I will definately eat there everyday once I win the lotto.

Pros: first class food, service

Cons: none

Posted 07/29/03

My wife and I went for our last anniversery. The service was perfect. The waiter was very subtle in his approach and was not intimidating. Wonderful Crabcakes and the Creme Brulee was excellent. My Rib Eye was done rare, just the way I like it.

Posted 05/14/03

Every time we dine at Pappas Brothers Steakhouse, it is a truly memorable experience. I have been to many steakhouses throughout the world and I would stack Pappas Brothers up against any of them.

Pros: valet parking, quality of food, pace of service

Posted 01/12/03

This restaurant is the absolute best in Houston and in Dallas. As a business development manager with national responsibilities, there is a high demand for quality dining experiences in the repertoire of client entertainment. I can say unequivocably that the Pappas Brothers locations fill the bill with warm genteel service layered over the best seafood, steaks, and wine list anywhere. My personal favorite for the celebrating occasions in my private life as well.

Pros: quality of food, quality of service, best value vs dollars

Posted 01/12/03

I've been to their restraunt twice and have been disappointed in the filet mignon. I can cook a better steak at home on the grill. I'll never go there again. For the price - it just ain't worth it!!

Pros: nice waiter

Cons: steak - tasteless, lobster - rubbery, noisey

Posted 01/12/03

Excellent food, service and ambiance. Pricey, but worth the trip.

Pros: food quality, service, wine list

Cons: price

Posted 01/12/03

Steaks are great, onion rings are great, service is outstanding, expensive.

Posted 01/12/03

The service is wonderful, at all times. One of my favorite places to go. The food is great and served with a smile.

Posted 01/12/03

The Filet mignon is impeccable! It is soft, tender, and juicy. Worth every bit of the 30.00! :)

Pros: Good Food, adult setting, Good Parking

Cons: Fast Seating, Too Crowded, Small eating area

Posted 01/12/03

The food was good. Nothing special just an over priced Mortons or Ruth's. The wine list was overpriced. Good Food but the Capital Grille just down the street gives you the best for less.

Cons: Crowded, expensive

Posted 01/02/03

I was in Houston on business and was referred here for dinner. If you enjoy a traditional VIP style steakhouse from the past, this is the place! Warm, candle-lit leather booths, pampered service, and excellent steaks! I would reccomend this restaurant over and over again. A most enjoyable evening!

Posted 01/02/03