Antone's — Restaurant in Houston

If you look through my review history, it actually takes a lot to earn only 3 stars from me as my background is in client service so I'm more understanding, I would say, that typical customers because I work in the industry and understand that a lot of things are out of your control....however..

I went here on a weekday evening after shopping at a store just a couple doors down from here... I went in and placed my order....while waiting for my order at my table I saw some employees sweeping and chatting with each other and kept staring over at me. I felt kind of uncomfortable, so I whipped out my phone and checked their closing time and realized the restaurant close s at 7pm (early, I know). I didn't realize that when I ordered my food but looked at my watch and saw it was 6:28pm. So, my nature was to feel kind of bad because I was being "that customer". So my food is delivered to my table...and it was alright...nothing fancy about it, and honestly over priced for what it was, but I tried to hurry and eat so I could leave and they could close up... One of the employees, a female wearing a hoodie kept checking her phone as she walked around the dining area, looking at the time on her phone and then staring at me...I work in retail so I'm well aware of the we are closed, hurry up and leave face.. and I was getting it full force. I cram the rest of my food down and then look at my watch...it was 645. Bam, 15 minutes to spare, not to bad...it's not like I was there past closing. Then the girl literally walks right behind me as I walk towards to door and closes the door quickly behind me and locks it and turns off the open sign. I'm like, okay i wasn't that much of an inconvenance was I, and according to your hours on Google and your front door you're still open for 15 more minutes.

Needless to say I won't be returning, and would suggest a tad more tact on the part...

Having family roots from the Bayou city, a Southern Californian flair for decadence, and a global palate, I would aim to think that I can decipher quality in cuisine...especially a Po'Boy sandwich! It was by accident that I ventured upon Antone's during a lunch hour errand run. I missed my turn trying to find the nearest Well's Fargo Bank and had to drive down San Felipe Street and turn into the busy small shopping center where Antone's bustled with a busy lunch crowd. Since I was in the thick of the traffic and my parking angels opened a prime spot for me right in front of the deli, I couldn't let the opportunity to try pass me by.

As I stood in the line looking up at the three board menus posted on the wall above the cashiers, I was surprised to see offerings of Red Beans and Rice, and Gumbo positioned next to deli classics and even flat bread pizza's! Despite the tantalizing options, I had to shoot straight for a crispy shrimp po'boy and boy did I hit the target straight on.

When I opened the neatly wrapped white butcher paper surrounding my hot sandwich, the visual and aromatic appeal made the longer than anticipated wait well worth it! The baguette was crisp with the right amount of crisp and chew, the shrimp were large, plump, and flattened before fried to a crisp perfection, and the sauce had just the right amount of tang to marry the crisp lettuce and flavorful tomatoes. Each bite made me want more and when it was over, I almost shed a tear. Maybe I felt pre-calorie guilt knowing that Antone's will now be on my list of favorites.

When in Houston, you must make your way over to Antone's. You will not be...

My first time visiting this location and I was disappointed more so by the staff on duty then the food. I lead by example of being respectful, attentive and responsible in all regards, especially when it comes to those in the service industry. As a customer I expect and deserve to be greeted by the staff when I walk in, not glared/stared at rudely. The same friendliness and kindness that I authentically give may not be extended in the same manner, but to boldly and directly rush me through my order is not satisfactory. To do so with a negative energy is also bold. To then watch and hear the customer after me be treated more kindly than myself was the seal to let me know the workers may have been prejudiced. I was led to stop by this location to try a sandwich that I have not had in over 5 years. Call it nostalgia, but I did get that sandwich from the grocery store. If your workers, in fact, on display want to express their ignorance towards a kind and pleasant individual because of their hatred/prejudice then ok. But, I will choose to distance my presence and any recommendations for this particular location to any and all that inquire. My feelings were not hurt, I'm an adult, but this type of ignorance is basic, tired and childish in today's landscape. Do better.

*Addendum: One of the ladies overseeing the back kitchen area did say hello and smile before leaving the cook top area behind the pick up counter. But, the person who took my order and the person that "fake" handed me my sandwich with look and shade were a sad and disparaging display of low quality...