Julia's Bistro

I went to Julia's with my wife and another couple for the first time last Friday the 16th. My wife was very pleased with the understated but classy decor. Me, I just want a quiet place to eat some good food. We had a very good time and some wonderful food. I started with one of their foo foo speciaty drinks called a picojito which I would normally avoid like the plague but actually liked real well. It was a very nice blend of mint, pineapple, Bicardi and club soda. I don't care for wine but my companions were pleased with their selections. My friend ordered the black bean soup and quickly ate every drop saying it was very good. I had the Chipotle Caesar salad, it was crisp and not overpowered by the dressing. The women didn't order any starters. We all had different main courses, I had the pan seared scallops and man were they big, tender and flavorful. The other entres we had were the grilled chicken in a creole sauce, grilled ribeye and pan seared tuna. Everyone went home happy and wanting to return again. (what else do you want from a restaurant?)

Julia's is on the same block as the Continental Club and the Big Top Lounge, both usually have some good live music if you are into that.

Pros: Good food with nice variety of selections. Quiet enough for easy conversation.

Cons: Some fresh bread would be nice to have with the meal.

Posted 01/18/09

I visited Julia's for the second time on New Year's Eve. I took 3 friends, all first time visitors, so I was slightly embarassed at the poor service and subpar food, as I had been the one to pick the restaurant that evening. We were given ONE special menu set for that evening, but were not given a wine list. We requested one, and were given ONE....we passed it around the table deciding on cocktails. We asked if we could order from the regular menu. We were given ONE in the form of some loose sheets of paper...we took turns passing around the menu, holiday menu, wine menu, and cocktail menu (all loose papers), since our goup was expected to share menus...(we were one of only four tables there). They took forever to take our order...and our specialty drinks took 20 minutes (order something they can pour out of a bottle to save time). We had made two reservations (accidentally) but neither were on the list when we arrived. We were told we needed to be out of our table by 8:30 to accomodate their 9pm reservations, but they were so slow serving us we didn't get our last course until we questioned if it was coming at all...around 9:20! The empanaditas were hot and savory, complimented by a great sauce...as were the crabcakes. The ceviche was dry for some reason, but the black eyed pea soup was good and comforting. The lobster, and filet were just okay, accompanied by bland overcooked vegetables. The cheesecake we received tasted as if it had just come from the freezer. We had to chip away at the outside shell to get to the softer center. However, the chocolate mousse was really smooth, creamy and worth every bite. The biggest disapointment was when our itemized bill was not reflective of what was listed on the menu. Not sure if their prices are outdated or what...but it makes a difference when ordering more than one cocktail per 4 people. I will not go back to this restaurant, nor will my friends. Hopefully they keep the faith in me for choosing future restaurants.

Pros: Easy to get a table even when they lose your reservation

Cons: Service, Food quality not reflective of pricing

Posted 01/07/09

My wife and I met another couple for dinner on a Thursday night. There were only four other tables occupied in the entire restaurant, so we got prime seating at the front windows. For entrees, the scallops were perfectly seared and tender. The fillet was cooked to order, but the sauce with which it was topped was too salty and made the steak nearly inedible for my wife (who is a filet fanatic). I had the Broiled Flounder and was disappointed; the fish itself seemed fresh, but it (and the stuffing) was surprisingly bland. The accompanying potato cakes were flavorless and dry.

The decor was modern and open. We would not be opposed to returning, but there are several other restaurants we prefer. A note on valet parking ? the parking lot behind the restaurant is small (perhaps 10-15 spaces) and is (complementary) valet only. The night we were there, the lot was empty, but I still had to valet. I simply could not justify a tip for someone moving my car 10 feet to park it and another 10 feet to pull it around. Ridiculous. However, we agree with another posting here: the area can be sketchy at night.

Pros: Ambience, scallops

Cons: Valet parking, service not-to-par

Posted 06/28/08

ok, so my friends mom owns this restaurant. i had heard about it for quite some time before actualy driving up there because we live twenty minutes away. so we went. the place is amazing! i loved the food and the people! i was so happy i was invited to this place! now i cant stop going! im so happy the food is complimentary because well her daughter is my bff! i would love for everyone to have a chance to try this amazing place! dont listen to those who say it wasnt good, because its not good its not great its amazing! you will love it i guarentee! well lots of love to all of you, and ms. vasquez (owner) she is lovely as is her creation- Julia's Bistro!

Posted 06/08/08

This place looked good from the description on it's site and we were not disappointed ! A work buddy & I were in town for a project and made the trip to Julia's - glad we did. Excellent food, service & drinks (didn't do dessert). Some folks really ragged on it, although I can't figure out why. Houston is a big town with a lot of resturants, most likely a lot of mediocre ones. This place is not one of them. Great mix of flavors, beautiful presentation and just the right size portions so you don't waddle away from your table the way so many "American" style cuisine resturants tend to do. Try it.

Pros: Food, Service, decor

Cons: Neighborhood may look a little sketchy at nite

Posted 04/23/08

I have to say that there are not to many places to dine at in Houston that are worthy of comments on great food, atmosphere, and most important the service, but I have to complement Julia's. Some friends and I wanted to relax and have a nice dinner when one suggested going to Julia's. I've been several years ago and it was average. I'm not sure what happened, but I can definitely see that changes have been made and only for the better. We had a waiter by the name of Renato. Our food could have been average and I can honeltly say that all four of us would go back to just to spend time with this guy. Extremely nice and very helpful. Renato suggested food and wine for three of us. Outstanding food and service......Bravo Julia's

Posted 02/09/08

I ordinarily do not concern myself with any restaurant opinions, but the reading of the negative comments by ROCKWELL-1936 regarding Julia?s Bistro energized me and warranted a response. The comments posted in November 2007 were made based on an experience in ?early 2007." I discover Julia?s Bistro in September 2007 and consider myself a foodie and would say your description does not resemble the food, service, and ambience I experienced at Julia?s many times since then. The restaurant is colorful and clean, is always full of interesting flowers, and most importantly the wait staff has always been friendly and professional. The preparation and presentation of the dishes that my guests and I have enjoyed was terrific and tastes even better. Their wine list is extraordinary and the prices continued to be reasonable compared to other restaurants. I?ll give Rockwell-1936 the benefit of the doubt. It must have been a very ?bad hair day" for him. Just know that Julia?s Bistro ROCKS!!!

Pros: unique concept, outstanding dishes & service

Cons: no brunch!!!!!!!!!!!!! come on?

Posted 02/09/08

I went to Julia a few years ago when it was first opened, and the food there was outstanding. I went back a few more times, and the place was always packed and both the food and service are great. Early this year, however, my wife and I went there again, and we were very surprised to see a different working crew and the place was only half occupied on a weekend. This left us with the impression that the restaurant has changed hands and many customers voted their satisfaction by foot. We decided to give it a try any way, and were thoroughly disappointed by the food and the service. It has been a while, and I could not quite remember the name of the dish, but I could remember that the cactus side dish was way too sour to complement the main course. I had the appetizer of some kind of asian style thoroughly cooked pork. The pork was a little dry and lacked the intense flavor compared to the asian counterparts. There was some pickle on side but they tasted cheap and sour. The service was unprofessional?the wrong food was delivered and the bill contained items that we did not order. We came home very sad because Julia used to be a "neighbor" restaurant for us that offers trendy and delicious food with a modern decor to match. That was also where i took my then girlfriend to impress her. We wonder what happened to the original crew and hope that they are doing well some where and can tell us where they are.

Pros: The original decor is still fresh and interesting

Cons: Below average food and service

Posted 11/05/07

Just to offer a counter position to the last review, my date and I went last night (Sept. 28) and had a great meal. The empanaditas were great, cocktails and wine were delicious, our main courses were Scallops and Pork Tenderloin (both wonderful) and the two desserts we tried were top notch. Service was friendly and everyone who came by to check on us seemed passionate about the food and presentation, and interested in making sure we were happy and would return. 5 stars, it's a great little place.

Posted 09/28/07

My husband and I went to Julia's the other night to celebrate and although our first time here was questionable, we are big believers in trying a place twice, just in case it was just an "off night". We started out with the taquitos which were perfectly cooked and left us wanting more, but it was all downhill from there. I chose to begin with the exotic mix salad which boasts of a vanilla dressing. Although the plating was gorgeous, I couldn't eat it as the vanilla took over the dish and was so potent that it made me cringe my shoulders and draw my mouth into a nasty pout. I couldn't beleive that someone had tasted that dressing before serving it to a customer and if they had then they have no business being in the kitchen. I sent the dish back because it was inedible and substitued it with the lobster bisque whcih was a bit thin for my taste, but not bad. For my main course I ordered the scallops and they were still cold and raw inside!!! When I went to send the plate back and explained to our waitress what the problem was she actually said, "That's happened a couple of times tonight!" I was stunned. They tried to make amends with a free dessert but they should have comped our bill for the awful food and quite frankly I was unintrested in experimenting with anymore of their lacklaster cuisine. My advice, SKIP THIS HEALTH HAZARD, and grab some Taco Bell, it will be better trust me!!!

Pros: Convenient midtown location

Cons: undercooked and overseasoned food and overpriced

Posted 08/28/07

TODAY, MY PARTNER AND I TRIED THE BISTRO FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT WAS A TYPICAL RAINY HOUSTON DAY, BUT THE BRIGHTNESS FROM THE DECOR REALLY CHANGED OUR MOOD. THE MAITRE D', FRANZ, PROMPTLY SHOWED US TO OUR TABLE WHERE OUR EXTRAORDINARY GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCE BEGAN. WE STARTED WITH A PERFECTLY MADE CEVICHE. I WILL TAKE MY HAT OFF FOR YOU, CHEF CARMEN, IT WAS VERY WELL EXECUTED WITH THE PERFECT BALANCE OF LIME AND SEASONINGS...AND AN AMAZING CONSISTENCE IN THE TEXTURE OF BOTH THE SHRIMP AND FISH....YUMMMM!!!! NEXT WE DECIDED TO TRY THE CHICKEN WRAP, WOWWW!!!!! THE GRILLED CHICKEN WAS MAGNIFISCENT CREATING AN EXPLOSION OF FLAVOR WITH EVERY BITE.......I AM GOING TO CONFESS....I GOT A LITTLE HOMESICK WITH THE HOMEMADE FLOUR TORTILLAS...KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK GUYS!!!!

Pros: AMAZING FOOD AND SERVICE...WITH A NICE AMBIANCE

Cons: NONE

Posted 08/28/07

Slow service with only about 6 tables occupied. The ceviche was awful - like sucking on a lime. It was a huge portion of tough fish and shrimp that was WAY over marinated. My dining partner and I both had fresh fish dishes that were unfortunately obscured by sweet, gloppy sauces. The menu itself is a bit overcomplicated...if this place stuck to showcasing the fresh ingredients instead of obliterating the tastes with unnecessary sauces and seasonings, they would be much better off. And I think they offer every side dish that can be found in Central and South America. A bit much....
Unless you are set on Latino cuisine, you are much better off at Tafia around the corner (they showed up the day they taught seasoning class at cooking school) or Shade in the Heights.

Pros: Ambiance

Cons: service, food

Posted 08/25/07

This restaurant is among the hidden gems in Houston's culinary environment. The chic decor and free valet doesn't begin to tell the story. The succcent fusion cuisine brings a symphony of flavor to your taste buds. From the soups and lobster quesadillas to the pumpkin flan. The ceviche is unlike any other, exquisite. A must try ! You'll definitely be back again and again.

Posted 07/02/07

This is the first time I have rated a restaurant. That is because this is the first time I have felt the desire to tell everyone about an eatery which I have been lucky enough to be introduced to.

I have dined at Julia's Bistro twice, and both occasions top my best meals list. The food is so fresh, flavorful, and vibrant. The environment is bright, warm, inviting, clean, and comfortable. Top it all off with complimentary valet and you have the winningest combination. Don't forget to try an excellent Mojito and finish off your meal with the deliciously satisfying Torta de Coco.

Meals at Julia's have life, and such life should be experienced by everyone!

Posted 05/12/07

The service was slow and the restaurant was not even half full. The food was bland and small portioned. It was also very overpriced. It was a case of presentation over substance. It sure looked pretty but had no flavor. Our waiter was funny when he finally got to the table.

Don't waste your time or money!!!

Pros: Hmmm?!!

Cons: food, service, value...

Posted 03/31/07

We were very dissappointed in Julia's. While we were seated promptly and the service was good, the food was tastless and overpriced. The wine list however was pretty decent. We went on a Friday night and the place was a third full. My guess is that they do not have much of a repeat business (if any). There are too many good restaurants in Houston, so pass on Julia's.

Pros: Wine List

Cons: Entrees are small, tasteless and over-priced.

Posted 02/16/07

This locally Chef owned restaurant is a true gem of Houston. They have great food and a stellar wine list. Their salads are creavity and always a sure bet. The lobster empandas are out of this world. And the stuffed chicken rolls are better than you can get anywhere. Great for a group of friends or a couple.

Pros: Wine LIst and Food

Cons: Parking

Posted 01/02/07

I went to Julia's Bistro on a Thursday night. After several months of driving by (new to the area) I chose Julia's due to its hip urban look. I had a friend from San Francisco in town and we arrived on a quiet evening, about 7 pm. There was no one at the door, and the bartender and a few random bus boys glanced at us. Hmm, not a good start. When we were seated we waited for longer than expected for our waiter to arrive. When we asked about the food, he stammered and said, "I can send the manager over." No thanks, we said and quickly reviewed the menu, which is not very impressive for a "South American" bistro. The selections sounded good, and they actually didn't taste bad, but for the price and what I exepected, was not impressed at all. They served us white wine in a large red wine balloon glass, which was no loss since the wine tasted flat. We sent it back and ordered the mojitos instead. Appetizers (salad and some tacos "de Filet Mignon") were servicable, but not executed with any conviction. THe pecan crusted fish dish $24 was tiny and dry as were the plantains served with them. My chicken breast $18, was also dry and over taken by the huge amount of green beans on the plate. Only the Mojitos were decent at Julia's and we did not enjoy being served by the kitchen staff and waited on by the bus boys. I'm not going back, and don't recommend you do either.

Pros: Not near the Galleria.

Cons: Severely overpriced food and pathetic service.

Posted 09/16/06

After being taken there for lunch on Wednesday by my very hip daughter, I returned for lunch AND dinner on Friday and had consistently delicious food and great service. Chevre salad with chicken added was outstanding (I'm addicted), taquitos de filet mignon, shrimp quesadillas also wonderful. Not to be missed is the dessert called torta de coco, which resembled a tres leche with a coconut milk twist. I will keep returning until I make my way through the entire menu!

Posted 08/11/06

Had the pork tenderloin entree with spinach and broccoli. The broccoli was good however the salt content in the tenderloin and especially the spinach made it impossible to eat. I will say that the portions were unexpectedly small as well so don't go if you're really hungry. you will be disappointed. Service was extremely slow as well.

Pros: near rail station

Cons: food salty, poor service

Posted 04/26/06

I saw the past reviews and going by their large windows many weekends now and seeing it so homey and busy through their large windows decided to finally give it a try. The food was very good, interesting menu. The service on the other hand was very sub-par. Took awhile for anyone to take our drink order. We ordered a bottle of wine and it came at the same moment my soup came. It made me feel rushed. I didn't feel like we had any attention other than you would at a Denny's or something. In the server's defense he may have been new but someone should have been backing him up if that was the case. Overall, average atmosphere, good food, poor service. With all of the other choices in our great city I don't see the point in going back.

Pros: Menu

Cons: service

Posted 02/19/06

I am honestly amazed at all of the mediocre reviews on this posting. I went to Julia's on Friday with four friends and we all had an amazing meal. The empanadas were out of this and everyone raved about their food. I didn't get a chance to try the specialty drinks, but we found a great bottle of wine for under thirty dollars. Other entrees were just as amazing. The service was amazing. It is a modern dining experience with a casual atmosphere. Everyone came by to check on our meal and make sure we were being taken care of. I want to go back for lunch now and am really shocked at the bad reviews on this site. The food reminded me of when I lived in Argentina and the sauces rival the great restaurants in New Orleans. I think everyone should stop in and give it a try.

Pros: service, outstanding menu, free valet

Posted 11/13/05

I dont't understand what everyone is raving about. The food is mediocre at best. My husband's tropical salad was literally a medley of fruit with overly citrus dressing with a few pieces of lettuce thrown, my beet salad was just beets & some lettuce. I almost asked if they forgot to add dressing to it. My husband had steak which tasted like it was boiled and I had fish which was extremely dry & tough. The service, however, was excellent. There are plenty of other great restaurants in Houston to waste your time and money at Julia's Bistro.

Pros: good service, nice location

Cons: mediocre food, uncomfortable chairs

Posted 11/06/05

Atmosphere was nice, wine list is very good, everything else was very much below average. The food was nothing special. Plenty of other same priced places with food that will leave you full and satisfied. Pork had to be returned twice. Waiter was nice and they did apologize, but overall value just does not cut it. Try it in a year or two, if it's still around.

Pros: location, atmosphere, staff

Cons: food, food, food

Posted 09/30/05

After reading some of the negative reviews on this restaurant, I was reluctant to meet my friends there. But the restaurant was really very good. I am a salmon snob but I thought their's was amazing. Everybody loved their dishes. Service was outstanding. You must give this place a try before reserving judgement.

Pros: Great Service, Great Food

Cons: Bar closes too early

Posted 07/09/05

My girlfriends and I were NOT impressed! There was no ambiance. I would be willing to forgive this had the food been at least half way decent. Our tapas has NO flavor - we had to ask for salt to add some type of flavor. My cesear salad came on a "build your own" plate - the lettuce (not Romaine by the way) was still whole and needed to be torn, and the remaining portions of the salad were seperated. I find it hard to beleive you can mess up a cesear salad- but they did. For the entree, the steak was bland and the potatoes tasted burnt. The only truly decent portion of the entree was the asparagus. Although we complained about the quality and taste of the food, we were only offered a dessert- as if I want to put anything else from this place in my mouth.

Pros: decor is cute, on bus line

Cons: bad food, over priced

Posted 03/30/05

Heard this was a new hot spot! Well my food wasn't that was for sure. Waited awile for our food and my steak was COLD! Sent it back, waiter wanted to continue cooking I said no didnt want it over done. So I get a new one and this one is hot but raw. The rest of the table said there food was very mediocre. Nothing exciting about this restaurant. Waiter had no personality. Would NEVER GO BACK!

Pros: None

Cons: Expensive, bad food, poor service

Posted 03/20/05

On this past new years dinner.
Our experience was very poor. Betweem my stuffed lamb and my girl freinds snapper our enrees were overpowerd by a taste of burnted garic, in all the food including the side dishes.
When we mentioned this to the waiter nothing was done or offerd to compensate for a dissappointing dinner.

Pros: pleasent surroundings

Cons: , high$ little food, service aversge

Posted 01/02/05

The evening at Julia's was a disaster, beginning with chardonnay served in cheap Mexican glasses. I rarely have dinner with only one glass of wine, but half-inch thick glass is not suitable as a wine container. That was followed by a Caesar salad, or at least the ingredients of a Caesar salad. Romaine, cheese, anchovies ($3.00 extra), dressing had not been introduced to each other before being placed on my table. Ever try to toss a Caesar in a tiny glass bowl? The entree of pork loin was overcooked and shoe-leather dry. The "mofunga" was purported to be a mixture on plantains and other ingredients, but had the taste and consistency of cardboard. So long Julia's!

Pros: None

Cons: , Noisy, Fairly expensive

Posted 09/21/04

A restaurant that offers truly unique and delightful fusion dining in Midtown. You could actually eat and then hop the train for a thrill ride. The place is small but it makes up for it in every way except the service. There, I'm afraid, they are barely average. Not that they are bad... just no better than IHOP. Don't let that stop you... the food and drinks are excellent and we'll go back again for sure.

Pros: food, drinks, decor

Posted 08/25/04

A group of us went to Julia's Bistro on Friday night. The menu had a wide array of Latin fussion food which reminded me a little of home. The piña-mojitos were good. We decided to get one appetizer each and share them and then we split two entrees. The portions were a bit small and the appetizers were miniature. When we ordered another round of mojitos it took them about 20 minutes to bring them to the table. We tried 4 out of the 5 desserts and they were all very good, especially the pumpkin flan. Overall we will all come back. The foods a bit over-priced and the portions small...but the food was great!

Pros: great food, good ambience, good service

Cons: , small portions

Posted 08/22/04

I and 8 other business associates visited Julia's on 8/10/04 and had a wonderful dining experience. Every platter of food that was served to us tasted superb. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that is interested in trying something new and different in Houston. We all were impressed with every aspect of our meal (food, service, drink, parking). We will return!

Pros: Moderate Price, Great Tasting Food, Good Service

Posted 08/17/04

The ambience was simple, a little loud with the concrete and open environment at times....but the food was WELL worth it. The sea bass and pork tenderloin excellent, and both types of mashed potatoes (chipotle and garlic) were terrific compliments. Dessert is only $5 and primo....even if you have simple taste like my husband and order the cookies and milk (you are in for a surprise).
It is nice to see places like this appearing around town!

Pros: Food, Service

Posted 07/15/04

, but with slow service. I had a simple salad of field greens with an awesome cilantro vinagerette. My snapper was excellent. You get a choice of two sides with every entree, so it was easy for me to keep my low carb diet. Dessert was really tiny, but tasted heavenly. It was 5 bucks, and i am on a low carb diet, so the size wasn't to bad. There is complimetnry valet, and plenty of parking accross the street is the Breakfast Klub parking lot.

Pros: great food, Nice interior

Posted 06/28/04

I had a great experience at Julia's. Great service and great food. No problems with parking. Reasonably priced for the food. Definitely going back!

Posted 05/27/04

Visited on 5/14/04. Had the Chicken Caesar Pita with Sweet Potato Fries. The food was actually very tasty. Would have liked to try the Apple Tart dessert but service was very slow and ran out of time. Really no where to park but convienent to rail line. Would recommend, if you can take more than an hour for lunch.

Pros: Interesting Menu

Posted 05/13/04

The service was seriously the worst I have ever experienced. Our waiter ignored us - we spent an hour just waiting - 15 minutes for someone to take our order, 15 minutes for our drinks, 15 minutes for our plates to be cleared, 15 minutes for the check. Food was definitely not worth the price, and the waiter screwed up our order. An all-around amateur operation.

Pros: cute interior

Cons: , mediocre food

Posted 05/09/04