Hudson House — Restaurant in Houston

I had the unfortunate experience of dining at this establishment on 1/24/23. I have frequently visited their various locations in Dallas and have always been a fan of their food & drinks. The new Houston location does not serve the same feel as their originals and is extremely lacking in customer service. My guest and I made a reservation and arrived to the establishment requesting a booth at the bar. We were told by the rude and entitled hostess that they were reserved. I questioned this to due to the fact that the Dallas locations state when making a reservation if you would like bar or standard dining, which was NOT an option on open table for the Houston location. I asked to speak with a manager after we were seated in the dining room in a secluded section in an empty restaurant. She approached us and showed no concern that we were unhappy with our experience and did not do anything to rectify the situation. The entire ordeal felt very prejudiced and I do not make that statement lightly. The other male manager for wind of our conversation and made it a point to avoid our table the entire evening except when he wanted us to leave our table. That is when he brought his iPad with Open table up on the screen and awkwardly stood next to our table as if he wanted us to catch the hint.

As a former hostess in the fine dining industry, I understand the premise of Open Table reservation, seating in numbered sections to give each server a fair assignment, as well as making sure your guests have a great experience and leave happy. The manager and hostess were both very nonchalant about the entire ordeal and we noticed the other guests who came in before us were requesting certain tables and were granted their requests. One guest who was also apparently very intoxicated was allowed to walk around the dining room and choose the seat of his preference.

Seeing as Hudson House is a chain, I would expect there to be some sort of formality and consistency. I have never experienced such terrible and prejudice service in the Dallas locations as I have at this Houston establishment. I have forewarned various people who asked of my experience to not waste their time with this location as they will not know what type of service they will get. Houston is full of many other establishments and many that are on the same block as Hudson House that will give you great service and great food. I would not waste my energy or...

Here’s a polished and structured version of your review—refined but still personal, perfect for your Local Guide contributions while offering a clear picture to future guests:

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Stylish Spot with Great Food — A Few Small Fixes Would Make It Perfect ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5)

Absolutely loved this little gem of a restaurant—it has a polished, modern vibe that reminded me of a cross between Federal Grill and the old Houston’s off Kirby. It’s cozy and upscale without being pretentious.

The only downside is the paid parking, which is a bit inconvenient. Reservations are encouraged—not required—but if you don’t have one, expect a possible wait, especially during brunch or dinner hours.

We started with the popcorn chicken, which was fantastic. The breading had the perfect crunch, and the nuggets were just the right size—not overly small. The variety of dipping sauces was a great touch.

I had the breakfast sandwich, which was absolutely delicious. My only wish is that it came on a seedless brioche bun—the current bun was fine, but the seeds were distracting. The hollandaise sauce on the side was flavorful, though I felt it could’ve used a bit more acidity to brighten it up. I also wish the sandwich came with a side dish, like breakfast potatoes, to round out the plate.

We sat at the bar, which was quite close-quartered. The bartending staff was friendly, but the space was busy and I had to flag someone down a couple of times for refills and clearing. A small thing, but I also would’ve appreciated it if the menus were removed after ordering—it’s a minor touch, but it makes a difference in the dining experience.

Given the small footprint of the restaurant in this shopping strip, parties of four or more will definitely need a reservation. It’s intimate and well-designed, but space is limited.

Final thoughts: The food and vibe are excellent, and despite a few service hiccups, I’m already looking forward to returning—especially to try dinner. A great addition to the area and definitely...

Hudson House on West Gray in River Oaks is a fantastic spot for great food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere that makes it an easy choice for a fun meal out. If you’re looking for recommendations, the monthly salad and chicken poppers are both must-tries. The poppers are flavorful with just the right amount of spice, and the salad is fresh and satisfying—a great lighter option. The fries are exceptional, especially the truffle fries, with a crispy texture and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with almost anything on the menu.

The bar here is a highlight, with a fantastic selection of drinks and well-crafted cocktails. Their martinis, in particular, are a crowd favorite, adding a classic touch to the experience. For seafood lovers, Hudson House offers oysters and a highly recommended lobster roll that’s packed with flavor. They also have an impressive sushi selection, which feels like a nice twist for a place known for classic American dishes.

Happy hour is the perfect time to visit, as it offers a range of items to sample at great prices, making it easy to try a bit of everything. Other popular choices include the deviled eggs, which are creamy and well-seasoned, and the avocado dip, a fresh and tasty appetizer that pairs nicely with drinks. And if you’re in the mood for comfort food, the chicken parm is a standout that’s hearty and satisfying.

Hudson House is a stylish, comfortable spot with an inviting atmosphere in the heart of River Oaks. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual happy hour, a weekend brunch, or a full meal, Hudson House is a gem in West Gray, capturing a lively spirit with its great food and...