Rainbow Lodge

713-581-8245

2011 Ella Blvd Houston, TX 77008

www.rainbow-lodge.com

view the menu
Come Visit The Rainbow Lodge in Houston today.

Categories:

Catering Companies, Restaurants, Traditional American Restaurants, Seafood Restaurants

Details:

$$, Bar Scene, Brunch, Fine Dining, Fireplace, Lunch Spot, Notable Wine List, Outdoor Dining, Private Rooms, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, View Dining

Bookmark and Share See hours

Tue-Fri 11:30am-10:30pm Sat 6pm-10:30pm Sun 10:30am-3pm, 5pm-10:30pm

Message from Rainbow Lodge

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The Rainbow Lodge is a 100 year old log cabin restaurant on an acre of grounds right in the middle of Houston! For over 30 years, Rainbow Lodge has been treating food lovers to succulent wild game and regional Gulf seafood in a cozy, lodge setting filled with refined touches. Only minutes from downtown and the Galleria, Rainbow Lodge features dynamic views, three fireplaces, a citrus grove, decks and patios, a casual fun bar and four private dining rooms. There are spacious facilities for wedding receptions, events, private parties and business meetings. Rainbow Lodge is the perfect setting for any event. Come in for lunch or dinner and dine in relaxed elegance. Sunday Brunch is also a treat at the Rainbow Lodge. Visit the website for more information and to read reviews.

Editorial by Citysearch

In Short
A popular special events venue since 1976, Rainbow Lodge settles in to a charming 100-year-old log cabin overlooking a ravine in White Oak Bayou. A mix of rustic decor and refined dishes continues to romance diners along with roaring fireplaces and a much-lauded wine cellar. The Taste of the Wild appetizer provides samples of the day's selection of wild game. Nightly seafood specials, unique poultry dishes, beef and pasta are also available. Dessert is a must.

Key Points

  • Open Sundays-Brunch & Dinner
  • Weddings
  • Gift Certificates

The Inside Scoop

  1. Know Before You Go - Regulars will be relieved to know that the famous Tied Fly Bar (a 20-foot wood bar carved into a trout stream) made it over from the original location.
  2. Good for Groups - The restaurant has extended hours during the holiday season, including Monday nights. There are four party rooms available.
  3. The Extras - The lush landscaping, citrus grove, kitchen garden and picturesque grounds make Rainbow Lounge a popular spot for weddings receptions and private parties. Call for reservations and catering menu prices.
  4. When to Go - "Supper Sunday," starting at 5pm each week, features casual comfort food specials from $15, plus half-price wines by the glass. Entree options include braised buffalo short ribs, grilled bock brined pork chops, smoked duck hash, steak frites and vegetable lasagna.
  5. Look Good - Request a table on the outdoor terrace for Sunday brunch which features the signature duck gumbo and 99-cent mimosas until 3pm.

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

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Insider Pages Reviews for Rainbow Lodge

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Good restaurant

by Manuel P. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 3,605

We enjoyed a lot in this place. It has a nice atmosphere. The waitress very friendly and polite. Fantastic atmosphere. We eat god seafood dishes, grilled salmon.

Posted 12/06/08 | Report Abuse

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Great food and consistent flavor

by Jennifer K. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 3,626

This restaurant has been in the area for a very long time, although it had to move from the wonderful location it originally had. You can get interesting food here - elk, buffalo, trout, game fish, etc.

Posted 08/23/08 | Report Abuse

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Great Place to Eat!!!

by Eric P. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 289

For a special occasion, this is a great place to eat. Interesting and varied menu. Nice setting and the food is consistently excellent. If you are looking for that cool place to take your wife, this is an excellent choice.

Posted 02/05/08 | Report Abuse

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best restaurant in houston

by valentin a. | insider Insider | Rank: 22,938

Excellent game, expensive, gorgeous setting; well worth the splurge; purportedly the most romantic restaurant in Houston; go for Sunday brunch and 99 cent bottomless mimosa.

Posted 09/09/05 | Report Abuse

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Latest reviews from Citysearch.

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restaurant week disapointment

by ciadave2002

Well we went for restaurant week which proved to be the downfall of our dining experience. Our first course was a hot tomato soup with a panzanella salad. Well the tomatoes tasted like the equivalent of opening a can of hunts tomato sauce and pouring it over two croutons with some shaved cabage of some sort. It must have been the deconstructed type of dining experience the chef was looking for his diners to have.

The entree was different then published on houston restuarant week primarily the reason for going was the roasted boar on the bone which turned into filet mingon and was absent of any starch which would have helped the fire in my mouth upon eating the fermented cabage. Three glasses of ice water were no help.

The dessert was good but definately not why we attened the restaurant. If I wanted dessert I'd go to the chocolate bar or dessert gallery.

My wife and I ended up eating left overs when we got home because the portions were so small. We had waited all week for the chance to go out and celebrate and the restaurant left us with an awful taste in our mouth both literally and figuratively.

My impression of restaurant week was to entice new clientele and treat the exsisting customers to an experience never the less this was not accomplished and we wont be back

Pros: beautiful interior

Cons: stunned by the restaurant week menu

Posted 08/16/09

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Great Atmosphere and Food!!

by tamjordan

Best Brunch I've had in a while. The mimosas and complimentary breakfast breads are great!!! Ask for a table with a view or to be seated near the terrace.

Posted 07/06/09

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Beware of Misleading Info

by sheilabac

We went here today because they advertise a Sunday Comfort Supper starting a 5 o'clock, and they also have half price wine by the glass. I had been here a month or so ago and we enjoyed the meals.
When we asked what the specials were our waitress didn't know, and when she returned she mentioned about 4 items, including an appetizer.
We didn't even bother looking at the menu because we'd come for the Comfort Supper. I did recommend the tomato salad and warned my host that it was pricey, but worth it.
You can't imagine the shock my host got when she received a bill for almost $200, with a tip it came to $215.
Pretty expensive when you're expecting a bill for half that.
To add to the problem, the gal who was picking up the tab was given a menu with no prices. The gentleman was probably given one with prices.
So be very vigilent about what you order, and what you can expect to be charged. I also seriously doubt the gentleman was charged half price for the wine we had at the bar while we waited for our table.
He was starving and didn't want to drink on an empty stomach, but there were no peanuts or snacks provided. So he asked for some bread and was told they were making it. We didn't get it til just seconds before our meals were served. Then he had to wait for them to bring theEVOO he'd requested.
The servers were in a much bigger hurry to take food off the table, than they'd been to bring it.
Since we were practically the only guests for the first hour, all of this poor servie was inexcuseable.
They know they open at 5, why isn't the bread baked and why don't the servers know what the specials are?

Pros: Some excellent dishes

Cons: Poor service

Posted 06/06/09

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Sad I made a mistake

by TravisR69

The place was beautiful, the service was ok, but the menu was pricey and overrated. I heard that your ignorant if you make remarks about the uptown reknown restaurants. Then ignorance is bliss. I booked an outing here only to be ashamed in front of my employees. We might be from the woods, but the meals were over priced and the portions very small. My sense of taste wasn't thrilled and no fireworks went off when tasting the food. The food was undercooked, tough or greasy tasting in my opinion. One employee responded when he got his food "Is this an appetizer or the meal", I was embarassed and ashamed.

Pros: nice atmosphere

Cons: Pricey and portions are very small

Posted 04/19/09

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Not worth the $$

by katgirl119

Like the last reviewer, we went for an early Valentine's dinner. We live in the area and had been wanting to try Rainbow Lodge for a while, but we were disappointed. The service was good, the grounds are pretty, and the restaurant itself is unique for the area. But the food was average at best, and for the price we expected much more. For our $200 (two salads, two entrees and way overpriced wine) we should have gone to the Strip House and we would have had a much, much better meal.

Posted 02/11/09

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don't waste ur time

by checkerhead

we went here for an early Valentine's Day dinner, and we were NOT impressed whatsoever! the food is barely average, and way overpriced. we paid $80 for two people, with one appetizer enough to feed one, and no dessert, two sodas, no wine...so needless to say, this meal was quite expensive considering the quality and size of dishes....the staff was okay, nothing special.....cute atmosphere if you're a big meat eater, with the deer heads on the wall and all!! personally, not my style. i am the first to be willing to spend a pretty penny on a good meal, but this is definitely NOT the place!

Pros: view is alright

Cons: no option but to valet, food, prices

Posted 02/11/09

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Fantastic lunch spot

by georay

Visited for lunch on Friday, I had a very tasty seafood stew with saffron and fennel. Service was great and the chef visited our table. Will come again, for dinner this time. I can't wait until it warms up for the patio.

Pros: Thumbs up for a great spot

Posted 01/22/09

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Fantastic spot

by foodiesha

This spot is great! I had the rabbit sausage and beet salad. They were delicious. I dine out a lot and enjoy a comfortable experience. Our service was top notch. The place was busy and buzzy and a very fun hang out.

Pros: Food and Service

Cons: I did not experience any

Posted 01/22/09

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Worst service EVER

by moveasidered

Upon arrival, the person "helping" us at the host stand was rude, mocking and smug. We did not have reservations, but, as out of town visitors, we found the restaurant online and the website failed to indicate reservations were even recommended. We had a party of three and requested to sit on the patio. The man at the host stand was openly condescending toward our request, pointedly intimating that coming into the restaurant and asking to sit on the patio was tantamount to asking for special treatment. Although we were seated, his bad attitude lead to us not eating at the restaurant. When we were leaving, the complimentary (and mandatory) valet brought us the wrong car. Although we described the vehicle's color, make and model, we had to point out our keys and retrieve our own vehicle from the lot. Frankly, this restaurant gave us a terrible impression of Houston in general.

Pros: None that I was able to experience

Cons: TERRIBLE RUDE STAFF

Posted 01/17/09

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Amazing service and Dining selection

by jyd1

I've visited the restaurant many times in the past, both old and new location, and was worried about recent reviews.
Luckily we did not have any issues that everyone complained about. We were celebrating a special event and it remained that way. I highly recommend the duck gumbo and lamb chops or buffalo rib-eye. For dessert hands down the cappuccino cheesecake.
We were sat in a private secluded window alcove overlooking the grounds. While the grounds at the former location was breathtaking, the new location is passable.
All in all it was a great experience and a wonderful memory for both of us.

Posted 01/14/09

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PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU GO>>>>>

by nativehoustonian

At one time this was an excellent restaurant and still has great atomosphere but the reviews concerning the service are true; terrible hostess, they dont honor reservation times and the food is now mediocre at best. This place survives on past glories. FYI I would wager most of the positive reviews were input by staff, owner and management of this place.

Posted 01/07/09

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Run of the mill.....

by B1983

Ok at best. Just not impressed at all. I expected to be wowed. I would rather go to America's - by far!

Posted 12/29/08

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I READ REVIEWS BEFORE GOING THERE...

by byronvisiado09

well lemme start by saying im 20 years old and it was me and my gf's 2 year anniversary. so i looked up a couple of restaurants and well this one caught my attention so i read up some reviews and whatnot. heres my thoughts on it.....I AGREE WITH ONE OF THE POSTERS, THE HOSTESS WAS PRETTY SNOTTY, THE FOOD WAS STRAIGHT UP MEDIOCRE....i got the buffalo rib eye and my gf got the duck. i usually dont eat a REALLY fancy restaurants but for $100 i expected some good stuff. THE FOOS WASNT WORTH 100 dollars AT ALL. and take it from me i went there expecting to love it. yeah the place looks cool and stuff but EVERYONE THAT WORKS THERE ACTS LIKE THEYRE BETTER THAN YOU IN EVERYWAY. its a "FRIENDLY BECAUSE I HAVE TO BE" kinda feeling that you get from them. i also payed $3 for a near flavorless coke....with no refills. parking as im sure youve read, is horrible.... the valet guy treated my car like SH*T for the 20 ft. that he drove it and i was just EXTREMELY dissapointed.....i usually call BS on bad reviews but seriously guys this place is not worth it....all i kept thinkin was I WISH ID WENT TO FOGO..... :(

Pros: Looks pretty awesome.

Cons: service below average, mediocre food, bad parking. trust me i was tryin to cut it slack.

Posted 12/26/08

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Exotic, exciting cuisine

by GourmetFrancine

If you see the buffalo tenderloin on the menu, order it. Unbelievable! I also had a braised short rib, which was good but not memorable. On my last visit, my companion had lobster tail on a bed of risotto cooked in champagne butter--very tasty. The service is good, and the atmosphere is unique: a sprawling log cabin in the middle of Houston. In all, I've only had great dining experiences at Rainbow Lodge. It's becoming one of my favorite places to eat, though I can only afford it on occasion.

Posted 06/18/08

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Best Game Anywhere

by Fergus78

Service is hit-or-miss, and prices are high, but make no mistake - if you're in the mood for expertly-cooked game, this is the place. Pay particular attention to whatever is on special - the pheasant, buffalo tenderloin with penne in gouda sauce, and buffalo ribeye have all been outstanding.

Word of caution though - the "mixed game" appetizer platter will consist of two or three morsels of food at a whopping $15. And the "comfort food" specials are not as impressive as the higher-dollar entrees.

Pros: Ambience, quality of specialty items

Cons: Price, sometimes service, quality of lesser-specialty items (fish, comfort food, etc.)

Posted 03/25/08

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Ambience, Creativity, and Style, but Tiny Portion Sizes

by wadester

We tried The Rainbow Lodge for the first time this past Valentine's Day weekend, and really enjoyed the cozy, rustic cabin setting of the interior. The appetizers, main courses, and deserts were all delectable and creative. For the main course, I opted for the beef tenderloin cooked with a side of fresh "smashed" (instead of mashed) potatoes, and served with a port wine reduction sauce. My fiance tried the wild game mixed grill, and also loved every bit of it.
The service from the front entrance hostess to our table waiter, was top-notch, and exectuted with a very professional style. If I had to make a few suggested improvements, I would suggest bigger portion sizes on the appetizers and main courses, and the addition of several lower-to-medium-priced Napa Valley Cabernet's to their wine list; some with more aged character, such as Beaulieau Vineyards, St Francis, Monticello, Merryvale, Sebastiani, Dry Creek Vineyards, etc.
We enjoyed the service, food, and the unique location which lends itself to quiet, intimate, romantic dinners. But the prices were too high, for the tiny portions of food served.

Pros: Romantic Surroundings, Upscale Service, But Small Portions

Cons: Off Lot Parking (not recommended); Use Valet Parking. Portion sizes

Posted 02/16/08

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Why bother:Bad service and subpar food - not worth the cost!

by sarahslovak

What a disappointment! While the lodge feel and ambiance are nice and the outdoor deck is lovely, our trip to the Rainbow Lodge was a total disappointment. The menu choices were average, and when our food finally came (after very slow service!) what we got did not match the price tag. I could have had a much better brunch (with much better service) for half the cost at so many other places in town. The service was lacking to say the least, starting with a downright snotty hostess who was anything but welcoming. Our waiter had to be flagged down anytime we needed something and for the cost, we expected so much more. To sum it up, why go here when there are so many other wonderful restaurants in Houston with better food and better service.

Pros: Nice ambiance and lovely outside deck

Cons: Bad service, snotty hostess, overpriced, average food

Posted 12/08/07

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Terrible Service

by fwu11

We were excited to try Rainbow Lodge at its new location on Ella. Unfortunately, my family and I were appalled at the terrible service we received almost from the time we entered the parking lot. We had heard that this was a classy local institution and we expected better. In fact, we would have been happy with courteous service. Instead, the hostesses at the front were downright rude and, amazingly, completely unapologetic. The wait staff, though pleasant, was slow to the point of aggravating our entire table. Every time we needed something, we had to track him down. At least to me, this is unacceptable when you are about to spend $40-50/person on brunch. As for the food, that was the icing on the bitter cake. The brunch options were nothing special either on the menu or on our plates. The crab omelette was the only thing I would consider coming back for. Otherwise, the salads (both the duck salad and the shrimp and lobster salad) were boring and could have been found in 1,000 other restaurants anywhere else in Houston (and with better service!). All in all, the food was nothing special and the service was bad. Even with a wonderful view of the garden, I can think of dozens if not hundreds of restaurants in town where the food and service would be more worth the trip.

Pros: Great view and outdoor seating

Cons: Service with an attitude

Posted 12/08/07

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Great date place - wonderful food, terrific cosmos, unique setting!

by marywig

My husband and I went here for the first time after an awful week -- I'd heard about it but never had a chance to try it since it moved into our neck of the woods. What a TREAT! We hung out in the bar for bit, had a couple drinks and then headed off to our table--which was quiet enough that we could actually have a conversation. The wait staff was unobtrusive -- just what I want. The food was outstanding, and the portions were perfect for me--i did not leave feeling like the fatted calf! Definitely will return -- regularly!

Posted 11/06/07

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Dinner for two $120, parking in their overflow lot $700, overall experience... priceless

by pgraff99

Exceptional food, limited atmosphere (one reviewer met the mark saying it felt like an attorney's office -- I would add that it comes with plenty of attorney-looking patrons). I don't mean to knock it because it is very well appointed, the food is distinctive, and service far above average. One warning: be prepared to use their valet parking, If you are like me and don't like people driving your car or you don't like to worry about your valuables, DON'T be tempted to park in their overflow lot across Ella blvd. It's very poorly lighted and has the overall appearance of a New Jersey back alley. We emerged from dinner to find my driver's window bashed in and everything of value taken, including a GPS that was hidden inside my console. I let the Manager know what I thought of his choice of parking lots. He had no advice to offer, though he was smart enough not to say -- 'next time try the valet'.

Pros: Food quality and presentation, service.

Cons: A little bit stuffy (like an exclusive country club), PARKING

Posted 10/14/07

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Great selection of meats, but dont get the recommended appetizer

by meipo

This is the first time I have been to the Rainbow Lodge and the food was fantastic. The selection is unique and atleast worth trying once if you are willing to try something different. Since we were in a larger group, we wanted to get a variety of the meats for the few who had not been there before. We wanted to order an appetizer, but make it more exciting we wanted to get the entree that had a variety of meats. Our waitress suggested this other dish that would have a good variety for our group. To our surprise, the appetizer was more than double, practically triple the cost of the entree we had originally tried to order. A mistake on our part was not asking for the price of the appetizer prior to agreeing with the suggestion. Take into consideration when ordering off the menu items can be quite pricey, but is still very delicious. Don't forget to save room for dessert, they are worth saving room.

Posted 08/29/07

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***** (5)

by jensen1

Every time my wife and I visit our family in Houston, which is 8-10 times a year, we make a special trip to the Rainbow Lodge. The food is fantastic, atmosphere is wonderful and service is top notch. And thank you for the email updates we sometime make trips round your events!

P.S. Before you pass judgment by reading others reviews, click on their username to see what other review the user have made. You will see with 'elwood' 6-07 they look to be pretty negative about all of their dinning experiences.

Enjoy your dinner, we and the other 99% of their guest do!

Pros: Food Ambience People

Cons: The recent rainy weather and can't enjoy the views!

Posted 07/17/07

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HOHUM

by elwood

I took my husband, son & girlfriend and another couple to Rainbow Lodge a couple of Sunday nights ago to celebrate my husbands birthday. It ended up being a very average experience. Sat in the bar for about half an hour relaxing and having a drink and trying to take in the atmosphere. It was interesting (don't agree with the other reviews: VERY average outside views), but the "old" smell throughout the entire restaurant/bar threw us off. Best thing: I liked the half priced wine by the glass (on Sunday nights). When we went to our table the menus were given to us as we were sitting down--we even had to put our drinks down to accept them. They remained in our laps throughout being served and eating our appetizers because the server had not taken the rest of our order. Akward! Only about 4-5 other tables were filled so I can't imagine that they were overwhelmed. What do they do special for birthday's, etc. If you PAY for a dessert they will stick a candle in it. Overall everyone enjoyed their food (the food was quite good with a few exceptions), but a crying baby next to us, a server that seemed almost clueless, the "old' smell & low ceilings, and the care less about special occasions attitude--- well, I will pay $500+ (which I did for this evening) somewhere else that "gets" the whole fine dining out & customer service thing! We didn't let the restaurant define our evening tho: We had a great time spending it with our son!

Pros: Tasty food

Cons: Service, smell, small dining areas, tables too close,valet parking only

Posted 06/24/07

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Great Experience

by cdav

I love this restaurant! The brunch and dinner menus are excellent ,and each time we have eaten there, the servers have been attentive yet unintrusive on our conversation. Most importantly, the food is delicious. I recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a unique, romantic restaurant.

Pros: Great service, unique

Posted 06/13/07

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Great Experience

by wbthieme

My husband and I chose to renew our wedding vows on the grounds of the Rainbow Lodge and to host a private dinner for our family here. We reserved the Pullman Room, and it was the perfect size for our party of 15. The restaurant was everything we expected and more. While they are still working on the grounds since they moved to their new location, we found a nice spot at the top of the steps and had great views of the grounds and lodge. Our food was outstanding, and our waiter was very attentive and accomodating to our requests. He was very patient with the three children in our party as well. Everyone cleaned their plates but still had room for dessert, which was just as delicious as the main course. The food, service, and surroundings turned our special day into a wonderful experience! We highly recommend the Rainbow Lodge for special events, and we can't wait to return for dinner!

Pros: Wonderful food, service, and surroundings

Posted 05/15/07

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Great rustic foods.

by frankfair

The site is almost as beautiful as the old location but the building is even better. We were there for a late lunch, and the crowd was still good. Service was excellent, even though the dining room we were in was full. I had the shrimp and scollops with mushrooms and spinnach on pasta sheets and it was amazing. Others had the Salmon, Shrimp and Bacon and (I can't remember), There were no complaints anywhere at the table. Check it out.

Pros: Menu, Environment, Valet Parking

Cons: A little off the beaten path

Posted 04/23/07

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Great Experience

by fwyde

I recently went to Rainbow Lodge for a close friend's birthday. We had a party of 20 and had a private room with our own waiter. The food was great! I had the shrimp and crab cake to start with and felt like I had found the "pot-of-gold" at the end of the rainbow. I chose the Lamb Duo as my entree which was tasty (a little over done for my tastes, but I had not specifically asked for medium rare either). It was an overall great experience for my first time dining here and I will definitely return!

Pros: Food

Cons: Parking

Posted 02/24/07

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Pleasant experience for what it is.

by ez_bree_z

The atmosphere is exactly as described on their website ?A Historic Log Cabin on an Acre of Grounds.? It?s kinda fun and cozy. I had never been to the original location but I?m sure it didn?t include a view of a Foodarama across the bayou. Still, it was overall a satisfying dining experience. We started off with the Taste of the Wild appetizer which included quail breast, venison sausage and venison medallions all of which were great but be warned, those of you who complain about $2.50 sodas might not agree with the portions at $14.50. My wife had the Truffled Honey Glazed Duck Breast which was cooked to perfection and fantastic. I had the Grilled Buffalo Ribeye which was also great. The temperature was perfect and the cut had just the right amount of marbling. Our waiter was spot on; courteous and attentive, and the host staff was professional. This place is what it is, a special occasion restaurant that specializes in wild game dishes.

Pros: Game dishes, cabin atmosphere

Posted 02/11/07

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Beware of Small Portions at Lunch

by chiceater55

We went here for lunch because we heard it was a well-priced business lunch place. Which is true - $14.95 for a "3-course" lunch. This means soup or salad, choice of a beef, fish, or chicken dish, and a dessert. The flavors, presentation, and overall food quality were tremendous -but as far as "getting your fill" - this didn't happen. My soup bowl was the size of a teacup...my fish portion was about the size of a deck of cards, and the dessert "brownie bite" was literally just a bite. Maybe if you go for dinner you will get fed like an adult, but unless you eat like a bird - when going for lunch order appetizers! :)

Pros: Great service, Delicious food, Good variety of menu choices

Cons: Small small portions

Posted 01/31/07

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Great special occasion dining place

by ladybug247

My friend and I went to Rainbow Lodge for lunch to celebrate my birthday. Parking is valet-only, but complimentary. We didn't have a reservation, but were given our choice of seating next to the bar area (the main dining room was full). We still sat in a great spot next to a window with a nice view. They offer a $14.95 3-course business lunch that was very delicious. I was very happy with the quality of the food and the portion size. This would be a great place to have a romantic dinner. I will most likely return on the next special occasion date.

Pros: Food, service, atmosphere

Posted 12/20/06

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Unique Spot

by stormydanzr

I like this restaurant very much. Known mostly for the different types of game dishes. They also have an excellent pastry chef so it is definitely worth saving room for dessert. The ambience is very unique...a large spacious hunting lodge surrounding by plenty of land and trees.

Posted 11/16/06

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Most romantic place..

by kiran915

I loved this place a lot. My husband took me there for my 27th birthday. I felt like a queen in a far away deserted place in the woods. Sit outside, trust me, its just amazing.. great waitstaff and the best wine list.. The food was to die for. It was truly memorable.

Highly recommended.

Pros: Valet parking, scenery

Cons: Nothing

Posted 09/15/06

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Perfect for Romance

by melgrella

I absolutely loved the Rainbow Lodge!!!!!! Best if visited at sun set!! When you go, ask to sit outside!! The whole atmosphere is very romantic!!! My fiancee asked me to marry him here! There are pathways that lead you to the bayou, a private seating area, and a beautiful pond and waterfall. The food was great!!! I had lobster that was to die for and my fiancee had the mix wild game ( a sample of everything). The service was even better! Our waiter was very knowledgable and recommended some excellent suggestions. I have dined at a lot of places in Houston and the Rainbow Lodge is my favorite!! We will definetly be back!!

Pros: Atmosphere, Service, Food

Cons: Expensive

Posted 05/24/06

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An Oasis of Elegance and and Epicurian Delight

by r_jay_r

I was in Houston to celebrate my son's 29th brthday and was looking for an elegant setting with unusual offerings. The food was excelllently prepared and the service was impeccable. The remoulade sauce served with the fried oysters was wonderful with the unexpected addition of capers. The poached lobster and avocado salad was imaginative and very tasty. And the grilled buffalo ribeye was tender, excellently prepared and accompanied by a marvelous cascabel sauce. The Duo of Lamb also was perfectly prepared and wonderful. We would heartily recommend this restaurant and look forward to my next visit.

Pros: valet parking, garden setting, service

Posted 01/06/06

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Disappointed

by duchess281

Noisy, rude waitstaff, and overpriced food. Please listen - this is NOT a good place for a romantic dinner - it's VERY loud and noisy... and is decorated like your grandfather's hunting lodge, deer heads and all. Every course had something wrong - nothing was prepared or cooked as requested, and the waitstaff seemed VERY unconcerned when we pointed it out and rude when we asked for it to be corrected. Go anywhere else but here!

Cons: Crowded, Poor waitstaff, Decor

Posted 12/26/05

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VERY MIXED REVIEW - This place is like a law firm

by jnmunsey

for 3 sodas(6 oz.) they charge you for 3 @ $2.50each. This is insulting-they think they are so good they can get away with it.

Our initial dinner experience was pleasant. The waitress was great, and the food delicious. Lunch was ok too, but this time the place was losing its charm.

Last night we did not get the type of table I asked when reserving. The waiter had a trainee with him and failed to introduce him, and then had a cold response when we did not order wine. While I was gone when asked by my girlfriend to raise the blinds he had a bad attitude about it, smarting off to her.

Shrimp appetizer had TWO medium sized shrimp for 10 bucks. Dinner was ok this time, and for dessert I had a small request upon which I was charged excessively extra.

Pros: Cool looking place, Wild game on menu

Cons: smug attitude, special requests=$$$$, get better elsewhere

Posted 11/05/05

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Dining Education 101

by ssmith11

This place rocks! True, it is a special occassion location but each time my wife and I go its awesome. Great food, wine list is respectable and ambience is like no other in Houston.
For those of you who say a Con at this location is price, you may not be educated diners. Sorry:) And no, I do not work there, just in the business and understand it.
Great job Rainbow Lodge!

Pros: Consistent

Posted 05/13/05

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A wonderful experience

by amber2019

My husband and I have dined at most of the best of the best in Houston restaurants, and the RL left nothing to be desired. The service was impeccable, the food very good, wine excellent. We are definitely going back.

Pros: Food, Wine, Service

Posted 04/06/05

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Great Place!

by clo321

I visited the Lodge for the first time after so many people had hyped it up. All I can say is that I was quite impressed with the food and service. There were a number of business diners, so not as quiet and romantic as I was told, but it wasn't a bother. Not a big fan of the decor, but it's a lodge, what else do you expect? I would definitely recommend and dine there again in the future.

Pros: Great Food, Attentive Service, Easy Valet Service

Posted 08/23/04

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Exquisite

by mike_916

Rainbow Lodge is one of the finest restaurants in Houston. My first visit was in 1991 when I was in high school and I have been a customer ever since. I have been to many of the highly rated restaurants in Houston, but the one thing that Rainbow lodge has far and above most of these is consistancy. I have never had a meal that didn't make me say "this is the best ___ I have ever had". This cozy little lodge is my favorite, it is a must visit for dates and even business meals.

Pros: Excellent Food, Excellent Service, Ambience

Posted 02/02/04

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Rainbow Lodge

by perpetually_treu

I saw that this was voted one fo the most romatice restraunts and had to disagree. While it has an elegant upscale atmosphere it is like a hunting lodge. Large animal heads decorate the walls and heavy uncomfotable wooden chairs are where you are seated. WHile it is great for say a rehearsal dinner not good for a proposal or romantic evening. The dead animals everywhere you look dont offer wram fuzzy feelings. Rough and rugged ones more like. Greta food though. Jusicy tender game meat.

Pros: Juicy game meats, Upscale Atmosphere, Great for large group

Cons: Not Romantic, Overpriced, Somewhat uncreative

Posted 10/23/03

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Often crowded, but worth a visit

by innerlooper

I've dined at Rainbow Lodge for both special occasions and business dinners, and I have to agree with the posters below who said that the restaurant is more suitable for the latter than the former. On a slow night, Rainbow Lodge has the potential to be romantic, but most nights, it is crowded and loud, and filled with underdressed conventioners and businessmen. A coat and tie rule wouldn't hurt here. The food is solid, with some interesting wild game choices and very good wines. Service is hit-or-miss, but generally friendly. The grounds are beautiful, though, especially in the spring.

Pros: Beautiful grounds, Interesting menu, Good wine list

Cons: Often crowded, noisy

Posted 07/23/03

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Special Events

by Duffy_Dog

Rainbbow Lodge deserves being reserved for special situations: Graduations, weddings, retirement, etc. It can be too crowded some days.

Pros: service, quality, flavor

Cons: price

Posted 04/30/03

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Fantastic!

by kliesing

We had a table of six on Valentines Day! Everything was great. We didn't have to wait for our table, the waitress and other staff were pleasant and very attentative. The food was superb. It was a fabulous evening.

Pros: Food, Service, Decor

Cons: Valet Parking

Posted 02/16/03

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City's Best

by rwsiii

We had out of town guests and the place was really decked out for the holidays. Our food was great as well as service. Get a table by the fireplace. Great setting and hunting lodge feel for an "in town" restaurant. Best kept secret in Houston. Better than expected!

Pros: Ambience, Rustic, Hunting Lodge Feel

Posted 12/23/02

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ugh!

by kae71463

an awful dining experience! from start to finish...over priced, over hyped, over it!

Posted 12/09/02

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