Escalante's — Restaurant in Houston

Have been eating here for 18 years and last night something felt different about the wait staff. We were seated immediately as it wasn’t very busy at 6 PM and walked past a group of about 6 waiters chatting, smiling and laughing which we very much like about this place. First issue was we needed to ask the hostess for the Happy Hour menu despite it seeming obvious that customers would be interested in that but perhaps they try to avoid selling discounted drinks to diners if they can. Second issue was we waited several minutes without anyone approaching us despite being in full view of the chatting waiters and in the path of several bus boys. We eventually got the attention of a bus boy who did get us help and brought water. First a polite mgr approached, apologized for the delay and took our drinks order in a professional but not overly friendly manner. The same mgr brought us a bowl of Queso on the house which was a nice gesture. When our waiter arrived he was professional but again did not seem particularly pleased to be serving us. The food was great as always but suggest they need to reformulate the tortilla chips to make them thinner as they seem like mass produced store bought kind. We had enchiladas, empanadas and bacon wrapped shrimp. Paying annoyed me as the tip selections on the hand-held machine were 25%, 22% and 20% and custom and the waiter kind of watches to see what you enter. This has become an issue everywhere. I suggest showing 20% and custom only. When we left, none of the staff we walked past acknowledged us with a smile or a thank you/good night which used to be the case in the past. Something feels like it has changed so suggest the management work to step this up to match the quality...

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From the moment I walked into the restaurant, I was genuinely impressed by the hostess’s professionalism, friendliness, and attention to detail. She greeted us with the brightest smile and made us feel instantly welcome, setting the perfect tone for the evening. Even though the restaurant was busy, she handled everything with grace — managing the waitlist efficiently, keeping us updated on our table, and making sure every guest was comfortable.

What stood out most was her positive energy. She didn’t just seat us — she made conversation, asked how our night was going, and even remembered my name when we came back from the bar area. It’s rare to see someone who balances hospitality and efficiency so effortlessly. Her warm personality and polished demeanor made the whole dining experience even better.

Honestly, the hostess deserves as much credit as the food and ambiance. She’s the kind of person who turns a normal dinner into something memorable. If I could give more than five stars, I absolutely would. Restaurants need more people like her — professional, kind, and genuinely passionate about making guests feel welcome.

I can't wait to come back here, and bring even more of my family and friends!! This place is one of the greatest restaurants I have been to here in Houston, and has provided one of the greatest experiences for me and my lil boo thang. HUGE shoutout to the hostess Isabella for providing such an amazing night! Once again, she truly is one of a kind, and really created such a night that I cannot, and will...