Plonk! Bistro & Wine Cellar — Restaurant in Houston

One great thing about the Houston Heights is the number of exceptional and unique restaurants and bars. I love eating and shopping local, and this area gives me that opportunity in great quantities. Garden Oaks is an quaint neighborhood just north of the Heights. One such find, tucked away in the corner of an updated 43rd Street strip center, is "Plonk! Wine and Beer Bistro", a place that many friends had been to, but we had not. For sometime, I had been wanting to experience this place named for a term that means "derogatory wine" - indeed, my visit here was anything but derogatory!

Yes, I had heard they made a very good burger, so I was not one to try something else. While we started with wine (Malbec for me, Pinot Grigio for Susan), along with a Scallops appetizer, I ordered the $14 Guanciale Burger - Hand-Formed Angus Beef Patty, Niman Ranch Guanciale, Gruyere Cheese & Caramelized Onions on their signature Shallot Bun served with BAKED! Sweet Potato Fries! While I was doing my usual photography, Susan cut hers in half, and commented on the juiciness of the burger. So, I really couldn't wait for my first bite.

My first bite taken, I enjoyed the taste, but felt there was something missing, which I kept commenting on to Susan. The meat was cooked perfectly, it was juicy, the bun, caramelized onions, cheeses and Guanciale proved quite flavorful, but the meat itself was not overly "biting". But, once dipping into the side of the accompanying secret sauce, I GOT IT! That was the missing piece. To fully experience the meat and dipping it into the sauce for a true compliment of aromas, tastes, and flavor. From that point on, I just took bite after bite. And, those sweet potato fries - hand cut sweet potatoes with cayenne pepper and molasses were the most incredible ones I had ever eaten! EVER EVER! (No, this is not a Taylor Swift song!) Just take...

From the very beginning, the planning process was top-notch. I’d been in contact with the owner, Scott, for weeks leading up to our reservation, and he was nothing short of incredible. He was so generous with his time and ideas, even offering to create a personalized pre-fixe menu just for our group (which we ultimately didn’t need, but the gesture said so much about the level of care they put into their guests).

We had a gorgeous private indoor room that accommodated our large group comfortably and stylishly—it felt intimate and special without being cramped. One of the highlights of the evening was the charcuterie board, a total showstopper crafted by their chef. It was beautifully presented and packed with flavor, a perfect way to kick off our celebration.

Our server, Chris, was phenomenal—super engaged, attentive, and genuinely enthusiastic about making our night great. Every dish that came out was delicious, from start to finish. You can tell the team at Plonk! takes real pride in what they do.

Whether you’re planning a big event like we did or just looking for a cozy, elevated date night, I can’t recommend this place enough. I felt welcomed, cared for, and totally impressed. Plonk! made our night unforgettable, and I’ll...

Haven't been here for a long time but used to go frequently with friends. It was a little weird this time. Good, friendly service and comfy chairs (always a plus). Nice decor. My friend had very few vegetarian options. Cheese/nut appetizer with honey and roasted garlic is always good. Wine is a short pour and a tad high priced. Friends ordered a cheese pizza to share. Here's where it gets a little weird. They want to charge you extra for some cheese to sprinkle on your pizza... You know, like lots of people do? Then I asked for a little bread to go with my salad which was a baguette for another$2. Celebrating two birthdays but no little tidbit for that. We were full so I wanted to take home a piece of chocolate cake which they had, but no. We were told they didn't sell their desserts to go because they didn't " travel well." A piece of chocolate cake? It's not an ice cream pie... And shouldn't that be the customer's choice?. If they don't want my money, fine. The two people waiting on us had to give us these little bits of news as if quoting a policy but it seemed rather strained. Like I said, just a little weirdness. Don't think...