I was excited to try somewhere new and was meeting some of my fiancé's co-workers here. We were greeted and seated promptly but sat at our table for about 15 minutes without even being greeted by our server. Once our server, Kelly, greeted us we placed our drink order, which came in another 10 minutes. My drink came out wrong, I had a dirty martini that was not dirty at all but we didn't see our server for probably another 15 minutes! So 40 minutes into it, we finally placed our order. I have to say our server was very uptight and not the friendliest and on top of it, she was hard to find and oblivious to our table when we did try to wave her down. She even brought out my second drink wrong after telling her it was a dirty martini. We ended up just getting a glass of olive juice from the bar.
The food came out in a timely manner and was really good. I had the Thai tuna roll and the kale salad. I loved the kale salad! My fiancee had the ribs, which were good as well. We all shared a desert, and their fudge sauce is decadent.
The tackiest thing of the night was when we got the check and our server was the promptest she had been all night to collect the bill and her tip.
This might be a great place for a night cap, and desert, especially with the live jazz music...but cross your fingers that you get a better server than we had.
My husband and I love this place for entertaining  business contacts and out of town friends in a lively, adult atmosphere without pretention.  The ambiance lends to  conversation, although between the wonderful live jazz and chatter from the other tables, it's by no means a quiet restaurant. Â
The menu is varied and nicely priced and I haven't had one thing I didn't like.  We've had no complaints from anyone we've taken here, either.  My favorite is the prime rib sandwich, but the steaks and prime rib entree are delicious.  The Thai Noodle salad is another favorite.  Took a walk on the wild side  and ordered the fish sandwich the other night and was not disappointed.  Seriously, all their food is quite nice and there is something for every taste.  The wait staff takes good care of their tables.  No complaints there,either.  Great wine pour from the bar. Â
Side note, watch out for the aggressive senior set at the bar during happy hour. Â One small woman nearly knocked me over rather than excuse herself or walk around to get back to her seat. Â Guess the Sloe Gin Fizzes or Manhattans are just that good.
Very consistent food and it's always pretty good. Service tends to fluctuate, sometimes it's great, sometimes it's just average. Most often the food comes while you are still eating the appetizer which is one of my biggest pet peeves. The plates are big so you usually have to stop eating the appetizer so the waitstaff can take it. Saves you on calories, but if you were looking forward to finishing your appetizer, you're screwed.
Review Source:The food here is amazing. Â I'm sure the service is great as well, but we were so enthralled with our food we were hardly able to pay attention to anything else. Â
The Thai Steak & Noodle Salad is was phenomenal. Â I'm a small female that's very health conscious, but you couldn't have paid me enough not to finish my plate. Â I'm not huge on left-overs and doggy bags, but this was one dish that was coming home with me no matter what. Â It was gone by noon the next day :P
Great steaks here and good wine too. Â Service and staff are super friendly and helpful. I went here with some friends for the first time and I was impresses. I even tried the sushi roll. Now living in LA, they can't even come close to what I consider amazing sushi, but I'll let that slide. It was actually pretty good.
Review Source:The ambience is what you are paying for here. I've eaten lots of places all over the country and I feel like the combination of sub-par service for the price was very disappointing. After being seated, our waitress came just once the entire night to check on us. There were no customary check-ins to see how the food was and we only got a second glass of wine after asking a different person to bring it. Our server barely talked, causing my friend to joke that ''words cost extra." While my friend had better experiences here, it was my first and there was nothing about it that would make me want to return again. The live jazz was an awesome touch and again, it's worth noting how nice the place is. The food was okay but I just wish the service measured up.
Review Source:Staple. Every time we go we sit at the bar and it is great. Conversations with strangers and the bartenders are friendly as well.
Food, well we have had about all of it by now. Osaka pressed, get one. Oh how I miss the Saturday chili burger though. And if you want the best side salad in town, order the nice little salad. Ribs fall off the bone, and even the Cole slaw is tasty. I don't like Cole slaw , so that says something.
Plus a smart wine menu, to boot.
We are huge fans of Hillstone and eat here often. Â The quality, value, and service are consistently superb. Â This seems so trivial but what a disappointment when we were their today to find that they've changed their philosophy about charging for additional servings of Diet Coke. Â Like virtually every all other restaurants they didn't charge for additional refills for DC. Â Today we found that now they bring you a bottle of soda and then charge for additional bottles. Â Seems so minor, but it just feels a bit tacky. Â
Funny though, they provide complimentary fresh cookies which seems like a such a gracious way to treat the customers, so why go against the norm and charge for the additional coke?
I joked with the server about it and she handled it wonderfully, explaining that by serving DC in bottles it ensures consistent carbonation. Â I appreciate that, but seems like a such a compromise to their otherwise high standards.
I've been here twice in the last year and was very satisfied each time. The ambiance is great on a cold winter evening. There was live music, however it wasn't too loud and overpowering. The service was superb and the food was great! I had the house salad and hickory burger (was a little surprised by the Canadian bacon instead of traditional, but it tasted great nonetheless). The coleslaw was also good, with a somewhat strong mustard flavor (don't order if you are not a fan of mustard).
My mom had an Asian salad which provided enough for two more meals at home.
We plan to make this an annual winter destination when I visit Denver.
pretty sick of hearing people complain that cherry creek grill is better, um, no its not. and by a long shot. cherry creek grill might be good for lunch with your cougar girlfriends, or the occasional french dip sandwich. where as hillstone is good if your a boss and enjoy really good food. the low key decor, comfy seating and ambiance all scream mob boss, not flashy mob boss, but gangster none the less. they have hands down the best filet I have ever had in my life and their sushi puts both sasa and den to shame.
Review Source:I absolutely love Hillstone. My partner and I come frequently. The service is fantastic. They operate like a well oiled machine. I have yet to have a bad meal. To drink I would say you must have The Drop. To eat my favorites are the Sashimi Tuna Salad, Prime Rib, Hawaiian Rib-Eye, Center-Cut Filet, and Hand Filleted Salmon. As an appetizer I would recommend the Thai Tuna Roll and for desert the Key Lime Pie when it's available. It's pretty AMAZING! Moon, Danielle, and Kellan are the best servers. Each are attentive, polite, humorous, and go out of their way to ensure you have an enjoyable experience.
I recommend making reservations on Friday and and Saturday nights. Unless you don't mind waiting. Even if you do have to wait. You can grab a drink at the bar and enjoy the live jazz band.
Super sweet, romantic setting for dinner. I went with a party of six and we specifically chose this place because they have a great patio. Even before it was Hillstone, every restaurant in this location prior, has had a fantastic patio space.
Well, apparently, the patio was closed this evening because a tiny bit or rain had sprinkled earlier in the evening.
With very little coercion, they set up a table for my friends and I, and we got a private party on the patio.
Great bar, good wine choices, and a decent menu. Everything tasted great. Soups, salads, main courses, all good, but the pricing was decent and the service was impeccable.
It has not lost that Houston's chain feel, but it is still a great choice for a mature Cherry Creek dining experience.
I'm usually a big fan of Houston's, never had a bad experience. Â Unfortunately tonight was an exception. Â We ordered several meals for carry-out and I used the online menu. Â I ordered the Thai steak salad and asked for the avocado on the side, due to a food allergy, when I called in. Â When we got home, I realized there were peanuts all over the salad as well (not mentioned on the menu). Â I called to ask if they'd remove the charge from my card, which they did, but not before I was lectured by the manager to ask about all the potential food allergens when ordering by phone. Â My thought was to simply list ingredients on the menu that are known allergens... right?
Review Source:Loved the atmosphere!!! I ordered the salmon and substituted the seasonal vegetables for mashed potatoes...I always like alittle healthy with alittle naughty. My meal was excellent and dessert was divine. You must get the key lime pie. They didn't get 5 stars because I didn't care for their margaritas...too tart and way too much salt on the brim of the glass. I will definetly go back tho.
Review Source:This is an amazingly efficient place to dine. I can only recall one time, in the many times we have gone, when our service was slow. Normally, the service is quick and the food arrives speedily. This is important when you have to entertain a three-year-old. It would be one thing if the food arrived and it was of poor quality, but the food is good and consistent.
My favorites include the Thai Steak and Noodle Salad, the fish sandwich, the sushi, The French Dip and the artichoke appetizer. A word to the mayo haters out there. When ordering the French Dip be sure to tell your server you do not want mayo on the sandwich. I have never seen mayo on a French Dip, so the first time I ordered it I was disappointed to find my condiment nemesis slathered all over the bun. You have been warned.
This place can get very busy most days. Be prepared to wait if you arrive during prime dinner or lunch hours without a reservation.
First I would like to say that we have been here many times. Â We continue to come back, because like another reviewer stated it is "consistent". Â UNTIL 4/22/12. Â The service was horrible. Â
1. Â Our server didn't bring us water
2. Â Two of us ordered tuna burgers ( We received Veggie burgers)
3. Â The rest of our party was finished eating before we received our food
4. Â They neglected to bring the side salad while waiting on their mistake (after the server said she would bring it, we had to ask for it)
5. Â Mid meal we had to ask for water
6. Â No one came to refill my iced tea until we were finished
7. Â We waited literally with empty plates for 15 minutes before anyone came to ask if we needed anything
8. Â The bill wasn't split correctly
9. Â A manager nor the server apologized for the horrible experience
After recommending Hillstone to several friends, I am unsure if I will ever visit again. Â My husband will miss the French Dip but I think he will be fine going elsewhere with the thought of that experience.
Hillstone is the new name for the old Houston's Restaurant. Â The name changed and little else, same menu, same great food, & same excellent service.
Took my sweetheart for a casual lunch after church on Easter Sunday. Â The menu offers a combination of American bistro fare and sushi, sounds strange but they execute both categories flawlessly.
You must try the Chicago Spinach Dip appetizer $11 it is outrageously good! Â I tried the special which was a Creole Trout $21and my wife got the Chicken Tender Platter $15 both items came with a choice of side item and great sauces. Â Both meals were fantastic! Â
We finished by splitting an amazing Ice Cream Sundae $7. Â The dessert was a masterpiece served with a wonderful warm chocolate ganache, whip cream & toffee bits.
The interior of the restaurant is well appointed and the architecture favors the style of Frank Lloyd Wright. Â Service was on point and the staff teams well to ensure a great guest experience.
A lovely patio for that early afternoon Grey Goose Martini with blue cheese olives..  A perfect place to sit on high chairs overlooking third avenue. The  day was glorious and fairly warm weather.good service and it was not too busy.  Felt a bit high because we had a bottle of wine, half Salad and yummy bread just beforehand. At Brio.  Walking back to the cars was fun.  Not as fun as grocery shopping afterwards at the king Soopers on Leetsdale.  I had so much cooking and cleaning to do when I got home.  It took me longer and I did not finish my work oh but  I will.  I have company coming
Four glasses of mandatory wine with dinner and I will be just fine
Stopped in early on a Saturday night with some friends and their B E A U T I F U L Baby, for an early dinner. Â
Big props to the staff for being super kid friendly. Â Half of the tables in the restaurant had children, which says to me...."hey, its ok to bring your kids here", which is nice for families with well behaved children.
The food was good, but not amazing. Â And there didn't appear to be anything extraordinary on the menu, but it seems like the sort of place you could go for reliably good food. Â
My biggest complaint would have to be the lack of attention we received, given the number of servers running around the joint. Â They were all over the place, but getting someone to stop so I could ask for ketchup (for my fries....a totally normal condiment to ask for), took more effort than it should have given the atmosphere they are trying to establish. Â
Overall, decent but a tad bit overpriced food, and mediocre service at best....but kudos for accommodating the little ones!
Hillstone is a bit expensive - but their food and service are top of the line. In my opinion, it's worth the extra $.
I can't order French dip sandwiches anywhere else. They have perfected the prime rib, toasted roll, and creamy horseradish sauce. When the grilled artichoke is on the menu as an appetizer - don't even hesitate, go ahead and order it! Always grilled to perfection, I wish it was available year round. This location also offers a variety of sushi rolls to start with. I enjoy the spicy tuna the most. Beautiful pieces of tuna, just the right amount of spice, the avocado is the right consistency, and they even add jicama for a little extra crunch.
I've only had one bad experience with service - the server came off as a bit snooty and unconcerned...But other than that, the waitstaff is great about taking orders, clearing plates, focusing on details, and refilling drinks.
My only complaint? I've found that I have to ask for my fries to be extra crispy lately. If I'm going to eat a bunch of french fries - I want them golden brown, crisp, and hot! Lately they have been mushy, and lukewarm.
Also - they have live music a couple times a week. Nothing better than enjoying a great meal and a glass of wine with some live piano/bass jazz. Well worth the extra money.
I was just in here for a business lunch. Because of the many bad reviews in the stream I was curious to see if Hillstone had gone downhill at all. They have not. Â Hillstone is still the same great place it always was:
~ It's immaculate and they are constantly cleaning the place.
~ Some of the best service I've experienced in Denver.
~ Very high quality food.
I don't frequent chains and I avoid Cherry Creek: Hillstone is one of the outliers however. Yes, it's not cheap, but I believe you get value for your spend & it is Cherry Creek after all.
I'd been to the Santa Monica Houston's many times and enjoyed it there, despite the overpriced menu. The service at this location, however, is crap:
Our waiter was the perfect blend of super pretentious and utterly incompetent. After ordering drinks and a sushi appetizer to begin (it was just me and my boyf), we didn't see the waiter till he brought the drinks back more than 10 minutes later -- it was a Tuesday night and the restaurant was about half full -- at which point he took our entree orders.
More time goes by, drinks are empty, waiter nowhere in sight. He finally reemerges with our entrees, both of which have the wrong sides. We ask about the appetizer, to which he responded, "Oh my! I am so very sorry!" ... ...
After a few more seconds of awkward silence devoid of any attempt to remedy the situation (hmm... putting in the order for the appetizer at that point might be an idea! Rocket science, I know.), we bring up the fact that the sides are wrong. Again, another saccharine apology followed by... nothing!!
I don't know if this guy was on something or just felt like exemplifying terrible service. Whatever it was, I guess I'll never know since I don't plan to return again. Like many other reviewers have said: there are sooo many other tastier, friendlier, and often cheaper options nearby -- go with one of those and support a local business.
I had been eating at Houston's in Texas for 8 years and usually once a week. Â When I moved to Denver I very much missed Houston's. Â Found out Bandera's now Cherry Creek Grill was owned by the same company. Â But they didn't have some of the things I loved from Houston's on their menu. Â
Was so glad when Houston's opened up. Â I realized several years ago while visiting in Texas that Houston's menu has changed. Â For example, they added sushi. Â Still haven't tried it. Â Seems like it doesn't fit. Â But a couple of my favorites are still there. Â The artichoke dip, I love. Â The ribs are so tender and fall off the bone. Â Do not remember the coleslaw or if they had it in the past but I found it very unique and yummy. Â
They used to have an awesome chicken (fried chicken tenders) salad but no longer have that..bummer. Â But I still love their blue cheese. Â
Service is typically excellent because all the server's watch other server's tables. Â Only a couple of times it's not be excellent but not bad.
So I already knew that Houston's (oops Hillstone, what is it?) is a chain - but I remember it being a good one. Â I saw it pop up on University some months ago and told myself to remember to visit since it's been probably 12 years since my last visit to the chain in New Orleans.
We chose it for an early 5pm dinner since the movie we were headed to at Cherry Creek Mall started at 7. Â The place was pretty empty at 5pm. Â No shocker, though - as I realize that's really early for a Saturday in Denver. Â What's up with movies and 7pm start times, anyway? Â 8 is perfect. Â You just never find that. Â Moving right along........
I had something pretty simple: the fish sandwich, since I wasn't looking for a big entree production before heading to the movie. Â Our server said it was her favorite fish sandwich, so I knew my choice was good. Â It really popped - whatever it was breaded in was fantastic! Â I believe it was grouper. Â
The patio is very, very nice. Â However - there was an odd problem with flies. Â They were EVERYWHERE. Â Not sure what that was all about. Â I've eaten dinner seated on the patio at many Denver restaurants and never remember been bothered by flies. Â Flat-out flies. Â Yeah - seriously - the kind that hang around a stinky dumpster. Â Yup. Â So, I docked a star because of this.
I want to get back when I'm in the mood for an "entree" type of night. Â Just get the flies thing figured out. Â Oh, and the name/identity problem. Â Just my .02, but the name 'Hillstone' seems sorta weak to me. Â Just does. Â Especially for the location.
Ahhhh, Houston's (WHAT???)! Â I have fond childhood memories of meals at a couple of the Houston's locations in Atlanta (HUH, WHAT!!?). Â A lot of things have changed (or at least are different in Denver) but a few things are still the same (SAY AGAIN?!!).
Do not come here looking for a quiet evening - it is VERY LOUD.
But it's a beautiful building, both inside and out, that was featured in this year's Doors Open Denver event. Â It's a contemporary mix of wood, stone and metal with comfy leather booths and club chairs, 2 bars, and a nice patio space. Â The wonderful smell of wood smoke hit me as I crossed the threshold.
I'd like to know what the acoustics designer was thinking, though.
We were told our table would be ready in 20 to 25 minutes but it was more like 5 minutes. Â It gave us just enough time to order some drinks from the bar and have them delivered to our table. Â Drink prices are a bit high but probably appropriate for Cherry Creek. Â We ordered 2 sushi rolls for the table to share: Â the rainbow roll and the Thai tuna roll. Â Both were really fresh and flavorful. Â While this wouldn't be our go-to choice for sushi, we quite enjoyed the interpretation, especially the Thai roll with macadamia nuts and rice paper wrapping.
Our entrees were equally delicious. Â I had the night's special Cajun trout with wilted spinach. Â It was a big piece of fish that was nicely seasoned but not overly spicy. Â Mom got the chicken fingers. Â The batter was very tempura-like light and was seasoned with rosemary (or something). Â I don't think I could have eaten a whole order with that seasoning on it but she liked it. Â The Hubs went with the jumbo fried shrimp. Â That batter was equally as light but tasted more like cornmeal. Â They both agreed that the coleslaw was excellent.
So, we all loved the food and the upscale atmosphere, even though we were practically shouting and having to repeat things in order to hear each other over the noise in the dining room. Â And it wasn't the live band that was loud; it was all of the chatter. Â We really don't think the prices justify repeated visits. Â A lot of the menu items are just trumped up bar food and we can go somewhere else cheaper and quieter for that.
P.S. Â The live jazz band gets 5 stars. Â They were awesome!
BZZZZT. Â Skip it.
I actually went two evenings in a row. Â Yeah, it's a chain and man-o-man was it obvious. Â Crazy jam-packed behind the waitstaff area where clearly they had trainers training trainers and servers, etc. Â That I can stand, but it was an early dinner one night and they need to maybe start with the idea of not hanging-out blabbing about this that and the other thing within earshot of tables...in a half-empty place.
The HUGE bummer was the reaction of the "training" server (a tall big "I am the trainer" type of server gal - plastered with bogus fake and condescending smile)...when I asked her/them (the server guy who was in training) to look at the piece of fish I had been served. Â It was 100% raw in the center and was completely fibrous and oddly freakish. Â Just that piece I am sure...but when she said "Well, yes...we serve ALL of our fish medium rare. Â NEXT time, you should ask for it well done." Â WHAT??? Â This was a raw mutated bit...it was obvious. Â I love/love/love sushi, by the way. Â Ummm, but to tell a customer that they "need to order differently" was a shock...and such a -fill in the blank- attitude.
As interesting was that the piece I was delivered as a replacement while really delicious...still a big bit of connective tissue running through it (Halibut)...but it tasted great. Â The REAL shock was that it was seared RARE...clearly an aggressive f*** you to me...or just incompetence...but wither way...I enjoyed it and blew-off even bothering with trying to escalate. Â Amazed though...really...that they took a re-fire and re-delivered a dish that was even more wrong than the first (based on what they knew) should just not happen.
Again, people with shit attitudes working as servers (a TRAINER in this case)...incredible.
Great bar - stick to having cocktails at the bar and learning all about plastic surgery as you scan the patrons. Â Man, so sorry that it's so obvious how Cherry Creek just annoys me these days.
Have fun...
A very nice chain restaurant lunch experience.
The atmosphere is professional Cherry Creek chic.
The servers were enthusi(pl)astic.
The food was purdy darn good (seared tuna, done as requested . . . seared, that is, and of good quality) and ok sides.
Would I go back. Nope.
Nothing special. Too corporate. Lots of better Cherry Creek options.
Yes, the food is good. But they are so obsessed with turning tables, you may not want to consider this place for a leisurely dinner. We ordered soup and salads, which were delivered to our table in less than 5 minutes of ordering. They came before the wine order arrived at the table. We wanted to have a glass of wine enjoy the moment. Before we were finished with the salads and soup they brought our entrees. This all within 15 minutes of sitting down. Not my idea of a leisurely dining experience. I complained loudly and expected them to take the entrees back to the kitchen but the waiter put the meals on the table and just said the kitchen is fast. He didn't ask if we needed anything else. Manager never came to see if there was anything that could be done to smooth it over.
To me this is a huge problem. There are too many other options in the Cherry Creek area that want my dining dollars. It's impossible for me to find positive moments when Houston's staff obviously wanted our our asses in and out of the chairs in less than 45 minutes. Of course they were successful.
So if a corporate review reader sees this YELP, the training job worked. You managed to turn the table quick and lose a customer that has a huge mouth and loves to do restaurant reviews.
There is nothing I hate worse than an arrogant restaurant operator. It feels even worse that we went to a MEGA CHAIN like Houstons. I really need to give the business to our Denver restaurateurs.
So don't go....stay away....unless you like eating in military style and speed.
A friend took me to lunch here yesterday. We sat in the bar to eat lunch rather than wait for a table. Food arrived in short order, although I suppose if it was my restaurant, I'd serve to food as quickly as possible so no one will notice they are paying twice the going rate for a burger.
In and of itself, the burger was OK, but nothing to write home about.
The biggest feature of this place is the people-watching; that is, if you like observing 50-year old Botoxed women, dressed like 25 year-olds with no fashion sense. Is it really OK to leave the house in broad daylight wearing an outfit that features both leopard prints and tiger stripes? I'm just a guy, but I don't think so.
At any rate, we had a fun lunch eating so-so burgers. I might be back, but won't be in a huge hurry to do so.
First the positives - Houston's food is consistently good - both the lunch and dinner menus provide a lot of variety and some very well done comfort food mixed in with some interesting dishes. Â The service we have experienced is generally above average.
The negatives - last night at dinner after ordering a bottle of wine we were asked for ID, which is no big deal, but then the waitress said they had to take our IDs in the back to "scan" them. Â She didn't return for almost 10 minutes. Â I look forward to my identity being stolen in the near future - this is a ridiculous and stupidly annoying practice. Â Also, the social scene is heavily skewed toward folks looking to pick up their 3rd or 4th spouse - if that is your scene you will love Houston's.
The best thing about Houston's is that it's consistant. Â You know what you're getting into, and you'll never really be blown away or extremely disappointed with the taste of the food. Â It's simple and straightforward.
Last night wasn't my first trip to the Denver Houston's, but I feel pretty confident that it will be my last.
We had a reservation (they DO take them) and were seated promptly. Â We asked for water while we decided on some wine, and were given tiny glasses that held two sips of water. Â I actually felt guilty drinking my water too fast, it must be a lot of work for the servers to constantly be filling midge water glasses.
The boy and I picked two bottles of red that we wanted to ask about (both near $70 a bottle). Â When our server came to the table, we asked about the wines, and her response was- well- completely embarassing.
Our server didn't know a THING about either wine. Â We asked if one of the wines in the 'Cab &Cab blend' section was a Cab or a blend. Â She didn't know. Â She didn't know either bottle's vintage. Â She didn't know what grapes were in the Rhone Valley bottle. Â
Suddenly, she pulled out a reference card and read bland non-descript descriptions: "The Spottswoode Cabernet is velvety, smooth, cherries, currants with soft tannens." Â And the Rhone? Â "That is going to be big and bold with some nice spice."
Great, if I wanted generic and bland descriptions of a bottle of wine, I'd have gone to Applebee's and ordered a $18 bottle.
My boyfriend and I were humiliated for her and humiliated by the experience. Â It's pretty insulting to your customers if they ask about an expensive bottle of wine and the best you can give them is a reading of some bland description from a training manual. Â
Their wine list isn't that big or unique, the least they can do is learn about their offerings. Â I blame both the company for a lack of training, and the servers who could clearly care less about their jobs.
After that response, we should have just skipped the wine all together- she didn't deserve the $70 increase on our tab. Â I have never been to a restaurant where the server referenced a 'wine cheat sheet'. Â At least grab another server/sommelier/bartender who can give us the info we asked about!
Anyway, her descriptions didn't help at all, but we chose the Spotswoode Cab, it was a 2005 and it was lovely.
We had a good laugh over the insanely high prices for their 'sushi rolls'. Â $10 for a california roll? Â $12 for a spicy tuna? Â We work at one of the state's best sushi joints and our rolls are approximately half that price, and certainly tastier. Â The rolls that we saw at other tables looked amateur at best. Â I'm not sure why anyone would order sushi here.
Typically, we will start our meals with one or two starters, perhaps a salad, and then split two entrees. Â Well, the meager selection of starters lead us to jump straight into the entrees. Â
For dinner, I ordered the special fish- a swordfish with a ginger butter, and Adam settled on the filet mignon. Â We both agreed that the menu was lacklustre, and nothing really called our name. Â If we didn't have a gift certificate there, we certainly wouldn't have stayed.
We did start with a side caeser, which was tasty. Â Our meals arrived, and the plates looked as boring as could be. Â No garnishes, no interesting plating. Â Just our chosen proteins and our chosen sides. Â Both dishes tasted good, nothing blew our minds. Â We got exactly what we expected, which was nothing innovative or unique. Â Just a piece of fish and a steak.
We both noticed that we were eating extremely fast. Â I think we both just wanted this whole dinner to end promptly. Â The bland service, bland food, stark environment, and boring stuffy Cherry Creek crowd had us bored to death.
We shoveled down our meals. Â Perhaps our server knew we were rushed to leave, because twice she tried to take our plates before we were finished.
Adam left a tip that was way too good for such mediocre service. Â We work in the service industry and believe in over-tipping, but our server was pretty much an insult to our industry. Â I'm leaving out her name, because I'd feel bad embarassing her more than she already embarassed herself.
The only reason that I've given two stars is because the filet was cooked near perfectly, and the swordfish was very tender.
The ambience is cold, austere and  institutional.  Call it uninviting.  Having dined at other Houston's in California, New York and Boston, something just isn't right about it.  Possibly because the place is far too bright and filled with that often-annoying dining sub-group - unruly  ankle biters / crumb snatchers and their parents who can't be bothered with discipline or a babysitter. Â
Good news is one can immerse one's self in a wide selection of wines in order to drown out the screaming children. Â Plenty of quality and interesting juice by the glass on offer, albeit heavy on domestic. Â Not the insipid selections (KJ Chard anyone) so prevalent in this wine-challenged city. Â Actual careful thought, maybe by someone at corporate HQ, Â was assigned when assembling the cartes des vins. Â
As others have mentioned, the pork ribs DO hold up to the quality at other Houston's. Â It is a very good dish. Â The pork ribs were the sole reason that our group elected to pay Houston's a visit, and the ribs did not disappoint. Â One dim part of the meal was the pre-made and dried out sushi roll. Â Sketchy fish in a land-locked state does not inspire one to come back and try that offering again. Â Â
One note of disappointment for CC Grill diners, Houston's has usurped the old crowd-pleaser "Rutherford Rib Eye" from the CC Grill menu. Â I mark this as a true shame, because it was cheaper and most likely better at CC Grill. Â Haven't had it at Houston's and do not plan too, so here's to acknowledging the aforementioned statement as a hasty generalization. Â This dish will be reserved for enjoying at the original Rutherford Grill in Napa Valley.
My money remains on CC Grill, Â which mercifully seems to be less crowded now that the Houston's has opened. Oh yeah, and the recession / depression.
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