Houston's Restaurant

626-577-6001
320 S Arroyo Pkwy
Pasadena, CA 91105
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Business Information

Restaurants
Traditional American

Top Sentiments among Houston's Restaurant Reviewers

Fabulous steaks Recommend Barbecue Ribs Fantastic Hickory burger Good grilled chicken salad Fresh grilled fish Tasty tuna appetizer Large parties Delicious french fries Expensive drinks Casual steakhouse dinner

Customer Reviews (100 reviews)

Geri

on Yahoo Jan 11, 2010
I was there last week in LA and they had great food and great services as well. Will definitely be back soon. (more)

Setsuo

on Yahoo Jan 03, 2010
FOOD WAS DELICIOUS! I ate a veggie burger with a hint of bbq flavor, & guests ate a fish sandwich served with coleslaw & California burger.I like how the french fries are extra slender cut. Althou we did not order... (more)

bcotto

on Citysearch Nov 03, 2009
I just like dining there. I love their babyback ribs (more)

mclove him

on Yahoo Jul 27, 2009
one of my favorite places to eat. eveything on the menu is great, even the desserts are filling and very tasty. it does get busy so plan on making reservations or you could have to wait up to an hour on a weekend night.... (more)

BLA

on Citysearch May 10, 2009
The atmosphere here is second to none - lively but never noisy. Food is great and the wait staff is always amazing, the steaks here are very tasty (more)

californiajones

on Citysearch Mar 07, 2009
My wife and I had another fantastic experience at Houston's last night. Every time we go, the food is excellent and the service is perfect. For drinks, try the Pomegranate Martini. I usually eat the Ribs, which are so... (more)

priscilla

on Yahoo Dec 22, 2008
I got food poisoning from eating half of my ceaser salad at this place. Stay away from anything containing lettuce right now, I dont think they washed it properly. Im already on my third full day being ill.... (more)

HikerPutt

on Citysearch Dec 18, 2008
Excellent friendly service. Great Traditional salad, nice steaming baked potato. Avoid Prime Rib - Mostly fat and bone, small size and medium was bloody and well-done was very pink. Better prime at Carrow's or... (more)

William

on Yahoo Nov 23, 2008
If you don't like "high end" restaurants that serve tiny over-priced portions, then you'll love this place. It's a nice classy place that serves good food. The staff is very polite and every single one of them greeted... (more)

???3confused

on Yahoo Nov 11, 2008
I love Houston's!! Yes, there is always a wait especially at dinner time. Yes, they don't let people wear hats or talk on their phones at the table (I would be annoyed if someone had a cell phone ringing while I was eating... (more)

g12313

on Yahoo Nov 03, 2008
martini bar with no apple martinis, i don't get it..... yes it getting pricey, and changing of staff members make it a unfriendily envoirment because they don't know the locals... (more)

SashaP

on Yahoo Oct 27, 2008
Wow, I cant believe the reviews Im reading. First of all, Christian Angel... You have NO manners when going out to dinner. Yes, its a free world, but come on.. being on your cell phone is rude, to the people youre with and... (more)

Carlitos Way

on Yahoo Oct 12, 2008
Pls, do not waste your time or money at this "Family Restaurant". First of all NO cell phone calls at your table. NO blended drinks. NO Heineken. I was asked to remove my hat at the table WTF! If you're to loud you'll be... (more)

me

on Yahoo Oct 08, 2008
Frankly the food was below standard, mediocrity would be a better way to describe it- I was served farm raised salmon passed as wild caught, texture was plain, tasteless, too long in the freezer, and way too over price... (more)

Citysearch User

on Citysearch Oct 07, 2008
Frankly the food was below standard, mediocrity would be a better way to describe it- I was served farm raised salmon passed as wild caught, texture was plain, tasteless, too long in the freezer, and way too over price... (more)

loves good food....

on Yahoo Oct 01, 2008
Food is good...but they have slowly taken the best things off the menu. WORST THING - SELL SELL SELL. Waiters must be told to push appetizers, drinks & deserts. I HATE being asked if I need another beer - when the one I... (more)

CaliforniaT

on Citysearch Jul 26, 2008
We used to like Houston's for the Hawaiian Ribeye, and that alone, the baked potato, and drinks rounded off a good meal. A few years ago, we went back and no Hawaiian Ribeye on the menu, to me, taking away a signature dish... (more)

Maradona 1986

on Yahoo Jul 21, 2008
Bomb food...great ambience...beauty waitresses....what more could you ask? (more)

angdavec

on Citysearch Jun 24, 2008
Houston's is one of my most favorite restaurants with an amazing chicken sandwich for lunch and knife and fork ribs... HOWEVER, there are slippery hardwood floors in the front area and around the bar that are highly... (more)

foodcritic4564

on Citysearch Jun 23, 2008
I try many restaurants in Pasadena and avoid Houstons like the plague (but had to go that night with another couple who "rave"). Had the $27 pork ribs- very sweet sauce, not smoked, just smothered. Lets face it - pork... (more)

Contributor

on Citysearch Jun 20, 2008
<b>In Short<br></b>Burnished brass and stained wood complement roughly mortared brick and the occasional plant. Amid ubiquitous earth tones, corporate types and small parties (celebrating or simply living... (more)

bluebug83

on Citysearch Apr 10, 2008
I ate here with my husband for a "date night" not too long ago and we went rather early so as to make it to a show in L.A. We walked right in, it was about 5pm, so that was perfect. We were seated by a window in a booth by a... (more)

dshad

on Citysearch Apr 07, 2008
This is my first-time message. I tried Houston's last Saturday night with a friend. First we were sat right next to the center kitchen area. We asked if we could sit somewhere else, and they led us to a table with very... (more)

rls

on Yahoo Apr 04, 2008
Excellent food well prepared, good service, especially impressed with the team work; even a "suit" will pick up an empty plate. Contrary to other posts, friendly waitress. One gripe, they give a suggested gratuity... (more)

jflores73

on Citysearch Apr 04, 2008
Amazing service, great food, amazing service, excellent staff, amazing service and oh yeah did i mention amazing service! (more)

Kitty K

on Yahoo Feb 23, 2008
The restaurant is far too dark. Each table could use more light by which to even see the menu. The service was poor by any standard as the servers were slow to respond, and, seemed put out by customer's requests. The... (more)

ucla2006

on Citysearch Feb 20, 2008
I've been here many times and I have to say it is probably my favorite restaurant in LA. Great food and drinks(including some off the menu items), nice atmosphere and service as well. I even like the cole slaw, which I... (more)

thechefknows

on Yahoo Jan 26, 2008
It took a little getting used to the prices, but I now understand. The service and food are great. I usually don't put chains on my TV Show-----The Chef Knows--- Shameless plug. But this one tops the list. The Roast Dip... (more)

blitz16

on Citysearch Dec 28, 2007
I'm a little turned off by chain restaurants, but I must say, I was surprised with Houstons. The food was good, especially the sushi (which I was excited about). The mojitos were made well. The service was... (more)

just me

on Yahoo Dec 18, 2007
I love going to Houston's. The waitresses have always been courteous and friendly. The food is superb. You can pick anything on the menu and the quality and taste is exceptional. The ambience at Houston's is great for... (more)

organickali

on Citysearch Nov 06, 2007
So Houston's has a reputation for great steak, & great anything else that came from an animal. I, however, found a surprise treat: their fries. Even for those who hate fries, Houston's will change your mind & make you a... (more)

Reviewer

on Yahoo Nov 03, 2007
We've been going to Houston's for years, and will only go when a certain waitress is working, as she provides superb service. Food is good. ALL of the hostess's are EXTREMELY RUDE AND SNOTTY. They can easily turn you... (more)

Pamela

on Yahoo Aug 29, 2007
After reading some of these reviews, I was very hesitant on making reservations for my boss and co-workers, but boy am I glad I did!! The service was great, the food was better and yes the water had no ice, but it was... (more)

alsharpton

on Citysearch Aug 29, 2007
good food, had to wait even tho we had a reservation . my hamburger was more flavorful than my girlfriends filet, which she also conceded. it needed a sauce or something, and I think they just grill it , as opposed to... (more)

Citysearch User

on Citysearch Aug 27, 2007
The service is great and is quick. Outside it has a garden where you can sit and wait. You need to make reservations first. The food is really good, it is mostly known for their famous ribs and their hamburgers are great.... (more)

a Yahoo! Local User

on Yahoo Aug 09, 2007
Horrible service! unfriendly and food is blah: I just went to houston's in pasadena and i have to complain about how snotty and poor attitude the staff is. i walk up to the hostess stand with a smile and get a women saying... (more)

Keith

on Yahoo Aug 06, 2007
Avoid At All Cost!: Just called Houston's Pasadena for a reservation for this Friday. A snotty lady answered and said we do not take reservations for large parties (6 adults & 1 child?). She then continues to say "We... (more)

keithlca

on Citysearch Aug 05, 2007
Just called Houston's Pasadena for a reservation for this Friday. A snotty lady answered and said we do not take reservations for large parties (6 adults & 1 child?). She then continues to say "We only take... (more)

jimgerry

on Citysearch Jul 18, 2007
I ate here 7-18-07. The hostess asked my friend to remove his baseball hat. This rule is so ridiculous, that I countered with " I'm so glad you asked him to remove his cap, because he is a major hooligan which could cause... (more)

Jezzy-f

on Yahoo Jul 10, 2007
Excellent: The restaurant is usually crowded and reservations are needed but only for parties under 4 or under :(. The food there is great value for the quality. The Ribs are one of the best I've ever eaten. The Rib eye... (more)

YiffyFox

on Yahoo May 29, 2007
Not worth the price: Upscale atmosphere, though you could hardly tell for the extremely darkly, barely lit interiors. Moderately, if confusingly diverse menu selction. Wait staff seemed mediocre at best. They... (more)

perkeneff

on Citysearch May 25, 2007
Restaurants can be graded on a number of fronts: cleanliness, service, food, menu items, presentation of the food, price, to mention a few. Houston's food for the buck isn't too back. $13 for a deluxe cheeseburger is... (more)

a Yahoo! Local User

on Yahoo Apr 27, 2007
Many Pros and Cons: I love the food here. The steaks are excellent, and the ribs are the best anywhere outside of the south. Appetizers are good and a fine selection of wines and beer. But, the service can be very slow at... (more)

michmill813

on Citysearch Mar 18, 2007
I've been going to Houstons for 7 years now, and have always been very happy with my experience. Until today. Houston's used to be a nice place to eat - slightly more expensive than your average lunch spot, but worth... (more)

gstharris

on Yahoo Mar 15, 2007
They have lost their mind at Houstons: Houstons is never really that exciting, but it used to always fit the bill for a pretty good meal and a nice glass of wine or beer. However, now they call themsevles a "fine dining... (more)

vintagew

on Citysearch Mar 12, 2007
I ate at the Pasadena location after having not been there for a few years. I remembered the comfort food like pork chops, mashed potatoes and brownie ala mode. I was suprised to see mostly fish and asian food on the... (more)

a Yahoo! Local User

on Yahoo Feb 13, 2007
Terrible and expensive: While the legions of waitstaff were all overly nice and accomodating, the food was absolutely terrible. It was nothing like the Houston's in New Orleans or Boston. The fish I got was very... (more)

superhungry

on Citysearch Jan 25, 2007
I have been going to this Houston's for years. I consider it my go to spot when I want something good to eat and great service. They even make brussell sprouts taste good. Try to make a reservation though because the line... (more)

josecanejo

on Citysearch Jan 15, 2007
The food is consistently good. The service can be choppy; I have had good, and bad experiences in all Houston?s owned restaurant (Hillstone Restaurant group). The worst Huston?s as far as service is in Century City... (more)

David R.

on Judys Book Nov 18, 2006
This is now our favorite restaurant, and thanks to a great host, Joy Rourman. She always makes us feel very welcome. The food and service are excellent.David I. Reynolds, OD (more)

a Yahoo! Local User

on Yahoo Oct 28, 2006
I will never go back: A group of us were there for a birthday dinner. The food was good, I guess... I liked my prime rib but another one of us who ordered the same thounght that her prime rib was too salty. We asked for breads... (more)

carriecozmo

on Citysearch Sep 19, 2006
I used to love their hawaiian rib-eye, but they don't have it anymore. Still, the food are great. The spinach dip appetizer are the best. Romantic environment. (more)

Citysearch User

on Citysearch Aug 20, 2006
This was a treat. The food was good and the service was amazing. Having worked as a server before I am usually sympathetic to servers. When you were done with a dish its gone when you need a refill its there. They told us... (more)

waipahugirl

on Citysearch Aug 09, 2006
My family loves Houston's----can't go for longer than a month before I gotta have their Spinach Artichoke dip! The servers are always friendly and helpful--love their sushi Plate and the Rib Eye Steak sandwich.... (more)

pi_dpiper

on Citysearch Jul 28, 2006
Jess... tall ...smart and perfect.. his energy is beyond the best...I will refer this place to everyone based on his service and vibe.. PI (more)

Basherjd

on Yahoo Jul 26, 2006
Absolutely wonderfull: This is one of the greater restaurants in pasadena. I love going to Houstons ordering a rib eye and some johnny walker blue and relaxing. Wonderfully refreshing restaurant with a delicious... (more)

Gerald

on Yahoo Jul 14, 2006
Truly a disappointment: First off, we had a party of about 12 people that had to wait about an hour before we were seated because they do not take reservations. Upon seating, they did not have a table large enough for our... (more)

shoegal84

on Citysearch Jun 28, 2006
I wasn't a huge fan of this palce the first few times around, but since most people like it I was dragged out against my will...and to my surprise I actually had a change of heart. The food is delicious and there is plenty... (more)

trophygrrl

on Citysearch Jun 27, 2006
Houston's is the only restaurant that satisfies my meat loving family and my vegetarian diet. My husband and I go out of our way for the veggie burger. I've turned on plenty of meat eaters to it as well and they all agree... (more)

suejd

on Citysearch Jun 01, 2006
I'm not sure when these other people are going, but we never had to wait... We've been for dinner, and lunch. The food is consistently great and we always look forward to returning. We love the ambience and room booths.... (more)

donwan

on Citysearch Apr 30, 2006
great ribs!!! the lines get too long (usually over an hour wait) but still has great food (more)

SusieG

on Yahoo Apr 25, 2006
We won't be back!: We usually love this restaurant until our last visit. First of all they put sushi on the menu. Who goes to Houstons for sushi? They took the club sandwich off the menu which is what I had been craving.... (more)

Yummy Goodness

on Yahoo Apr 23, 2006
Fork and Knife: I like this one. You don't have to eat with your hands. I love the service. They always refill my Cranberry drink. Great place to hide in the dark. Great for dates if you want a cozy place to hang.... (more)

mistaxmike

on Citysearch Mar 14, 2006
Only thing I want to say about this place is that the food was really good. Me and my gf both love steak and this place is up on our list. Anyone who says otherwise either does not have a taste for meat or went on a bad day.... (more)

darenp

on Citysearch Jan 10, 2006
Houston's is one of my favorite restaurants because it is consistently good and the service is very attentive. My favorites are Prime Rib, Rib-Eye steak, and the fries are seasoned, thin, & crispy. They also serve a... (more)

a Yahoo! Local User

on Yahoo Dec 21, 2005
We will never go back!: We have being going to our local Pasadena Houstons for years as well as the other locations throughout the States. This paticular one has dissappointed us one too many times. There's only one... (more)

a Yahoo! Local User

on Yahoo Dec 20, 2005
did the owners or management CHANGE??????: I used to love this restaurant i went their about once a month the food was delicious the hawaiian ribeye steak was out of this world. Then it happened they took it of their... (more)

Citysearch User

on Citysearch Dec 19, 2005
I went here with my roomate and two of my guy friends, who happen to be brothers, and their mother and sister who were visiting from out of town. Their mother was raving about this place. She said we had to try their ribs. I... (more)

a Yahoo! Local User

on Yahoo Dec 08, 2005
I can't wait to go back!: Bomb steak! Bomb Cosmos! Que mas quieren?! (more)

pretty75004

on Yahoo Nov 03, 2005
Nice restaurant!: Romantic setting that makes you feel like there is (almost) no one else around. I like the decor and atmosphere of the place. (more)

AJ

on Yahoo Sep 30, 2005
Overall great dining experience: While others pay upwards of $35 for a steak at the Arroyo Chophouse, Houston's still remains a great value. Great steak at a fair price. (more)

Brittany

on Yahoo Sep 12, 2005
Best resturant: get the hawaiian ribeye with the baked potatoe youll die and go to heaven... (more)

smile

on Yahoo Aug 18, 2005
Want something nice but not too expensive?: Houstons is the place to go. My boyfriend and I love going here on our anniversaries just to celebrate a little. It is on the expensive side, but you definitely get your... (more)

Cat

on Yahoo Aug 11, 2005
A nice treat: It's nice to go here every once in awhile. Always crowded so be prepared to wait. The bartenders are friendly but it's hard to get their attention. They don't even make a simple apple martini, oh well. Food... (more)

haze

on Yahoo Aug 11, 2005
Pricy but worth it: Occasionally it's nice to bring your family and friends to this place for a treat. (more)

leeprechaun

on Yahoo Jul 18, 2005
Good but pricey-- is it worth it?: pretty good but pricey. I could find just as good a steak, and lots more included at Outback Steakhouse for about 10 bucks a head less. (more)

Citysearch User

on Citysearch Jun 06, 2005
The food at Houstons is something I think about often. I can still taste the ceaser salad I had on my last visit. If this place wasn't as expensive I would eat there all the time. The service is awesome but the food is... (more)

mrdonschaefer

on Citysearch May 24, 2005
ok, Houston's is alright... but I think it is over rated. The servers are friendly, but a little robotic. I don't think I have ever had the same server twice. It's like a factory in there. To me, Houston's is the... (more)

Citysearch User

on Citysearch May 15, 2005
If you like grilled meat, this is the place to go, but it is also surprisingly friendly for vegetarians - their veggie burger is very good. The fish is good here too. Houston's is also known for their good service -... (more)

Citysearch User

on Citysearch Apr 17, 2005
Houstons is a great place for steaks, fish, and other foods. Prices are typical for a nice restaurant but the food is fantastic. I recommend the fries as a side! They take reservations. The only problem that I have with... (more)

Annette and Jack

on Yahoo Mar 31, 2005
Definitely worth a try!: Had a nice birthday dinner at Houston's. My recommendation is to get there early because it gets incredibly busy and you'll be waiting for hours. They have great parking lot service and will... (more)

dining315

on Citysearch Mar 14, 2005
The only negative thing about going to Houston's for dinner is the long wait. We've dined at Houston's several times and have waited up to an hour to be seated. However, you can pass the time by ordering drinks at their... (more)

a Yahoo! Local User

on Yahoo Jan 28, 2005
Houstons in Pasadena: Houstons Resaurant is a perfect place to sit down, relax, and chow down on a delicious piece of steak. The ambiance and the food is great here. You will pay for it, but it is well worth the cost.... (more)

NellieG

on Yahoo Jan 28, 2005
Best Experience: I loved the mood and the service. I was engaged here and the manager sent us some champagne. My experience was exceptional. I will recommend this place. (more)

netter1

on Citysearch Sep 01, 2004
I've also seen the lines outside this restaurant and wondered about the attraction. We decided to indulge my curiosity and my fiance's craving at the same time and do the "Houston's experience". From the first... (more)

roegirl

on Citysearch Jun 02, 2004
I don't know what the big hoopla is about the wait. We all know that good places usually have big lines. It's not like you're the only person who wants a table! Anyways, the food is delicious! Hawaiian Rib Eye is my fave.... (more)

gerryjim

on Citysearch Apr 20, 2004
I have eaten here quite a few times now. I have tried many selections on the menu which doesn't change and is limited. Overall the food is consistently good. The salads are especially delicious. Almost everyone can... (more)

mlorenz1

on Citysearch Apr 19, 2004
I was seriously disappointed by the high prices and lack of good food. I had the filet mignon with a caesar salad, but the salad had so much oil in it I could have refined it and used it to gas up the car. The filet mignon was... (more)

california91207

on Citysearch Jul 14, 2003
Can't get a table? Sit at the bar! Great service, same menu, more fun than the main room. (more)

goodoldsparkey

on Citysearch Jul 11, 2003
Knowing that Houston's was a chain, we were pleasantly surprised at the wonderful quality of the food. A simple hamburger that tasted like the best steak, a salad that was out of this world, and the special dessert of... (more)

bobaholic

on Citysearch Feb 20, 2003
while the food was delicious, and the service was attentive, my boyfriend and i waited almost 3 damn hours to get a table! well, it was valentines day after all, but really a 3 hour wait is rather ridiculous and we... (more)

hym

on Citysearch Feb 19, 2003
My husband and I waited close to 2 hours for a table one Saturday night since the Pasadena location does not take reservations. Both the Hawaiian Rib Eye and the Filet Mignon were tender and juicy. Although, with the... (more)

gcheng123

on Citysearch Nov 29, 2002
quality is #1. hawaiian rib-eye, spinach artichoke dip, 5 nut brownie with ice cream on top is the way to go. i love this place. service is excellent. atmosphere is real nice and dark. this restaurant never takes... (more)

tribalpinay

on Citysearch Nov 01, 2002
I highly recommend Houston's for any occasion. From first date to Retirement parties, as long as you're of age, let the drinks pour and eat to your heart's content. The food is excellent. I highly recommend the... (more)

foreverhis

on Citysearch Sep 15, 2002
I went to Houstons in Pasadena for Mother's Day and I had the babyback ribs. The meat just fell off the bones and the BBQ sauce was scrump deli umptious. I won't wait for Mothers Day to go back for seconds!! Absolutely... (more)

pixiestyyx

on Citysearch Sep 12, 2002
Oh, I am so conflicted about Houston's. One thing's for sure - the food is incredible! From the salad to the seared ahi to the fabulous brownie sundae for dessert - no complaints there. Unfortunately, I went with a... (more)

jasa

on Citysearch Jun 25, 2002
This is probably one of the best meals that I have ever had from the appetizers, to the prime rib, to the dessert, to the service. The entire experience was awesome. I highly recommend it.... (more)

Ghost_Town_Monster

on Citysearch May 29, 2002
I first took my girlfriend here over a year ago, and we both fell in love with this place so much, we make it a regular outing... every appetiser on the menu i have had was wonderful. I admit that I am stuck on the Hawaiian... (more)

monkfishliver

on Citysearch May 28, 2002
I've been going to the Houston's in Pasadena for a while now. They've been consistently good with the Babyback Ribs and the Seared Ahi Tuna. Be warned, you can't make reservations at the Pasadena location which... (more)

jaepu

on Citysearch May 19, 2002
Houston's is one of the few establishments that rises above its chain nature to excel as a restaurant in its own right. Large portions of impeccably prepared beef, pork, and chicken await heartier diners, while... (more)

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