Henry's World Famous Hi-Life — Restaurant in San Jose

Definitely a 5 star top notch overall place and can't wait to go back! First of all, giving it a 4 for atmosphere because it's a little different when you walk in. You stand, give your order which we also told them coke and water to drink, then were are told to order drinks at the bar, waited for the bartender when he finally took our drinks he then redirected us to the back room to order it back there because he only does alcohol. So we go back to be taken to our seat, and weren't sure if we walk up to the back counter where food is prepared to order drinks or what, so I walk up to the counter, and we're immediately greeted and given wonderful service. Then a second waiter stopped to help while I waited for the drinks, then I sat down with our drinks and then another third waiter stopped to bring bread and take drink order. Other than all of this uncertainty being our first visit, the service was some of the best I've ever experienced. Garlic bread is so flavorful, unlimited, soft but baked lightly with this tomato based dipping sauce that was pretty good as well. Reminded me a thick tomato soup. We got a side salad with entree that was pretty basic but great with the bread. We then received entrees, my prime rib was 16 Oz for $48 I believe came with bread the salad and baked potato (pretty much the sides you get and not much others to choose from) came with the au jous and horseradish sauce and it was so food, cooked med rare like I like it, comparable to prime rib at Texas Roadhouse which I love! My baked potato was about the size of a softball, with chives butter and sour cream on the side. The rack of ribs was huge! Very tender meat, lots of meat, and a great balance of bbq that wasn't too sweet. Also ordered side of mushrooms so good like huge button mushrooms great with the sides and great toppers for meat or surf entrees! I want to tey their onions next time! There is only 1 bathroom stall for ladies and one for men so line could get long. The place overall is not that big so I can see how the wait time could get very long and they don't take reservations. Tables are organized very close together, I could have stretched my arms out and touched the person sitting at the table next to me. There is outside seating but we sat inside. It gets pretty loud so it makes you feel more comfortable conversating so close to strangers. Parking we paid at the meter and then walking up total the restaurant we saw across the street a little sidewalk sign for Henry's customer parking for free. It's a one way, small street and you can easily miss it and it's not too big so try to snag a spot if you can. Access and parking can probably be near impossible during busy times and holidays. We went around 4:30 on Saturday early evening and were in and out in a full hour with no wait so I would definitely call ahead to see how busy they are. Overall, I can't...

Homage to SJ steak and rib lovers, my SO and I had a growing curiosity what was so great about Henry's. Of course, we drove to DTSJ for the hype! Plus, Man vs. Food critics, say they're as good as any other place. Let me tell you:

Parking? You have 2 hours to park your car, sit down and eat your food before finding out that your car may have been towed. Be AWARE! DO NOT park it in a zone area that suggests you need a permit. Park it in their small lot or the 2 hour required parking spaces.

Cramped space inside the restaurant. Not much leg room. More like a standing room and hold your plate while in place. Uh, can you guys make more room for the patrons?

Waiting time? 1 hour or more. If you come during the rush, forget about it. If you come during a big party, forget about it. Best luck is before 6pm or after 8:30pm which is 30 minutes before closing time. Yeah...we waited for too long. However, the host was really sweet and friendly. He came around talking to all the customers waiting to be seated and making everyone feel comfortable, taking orders before being seated so their food will be placed on the table right away, etc. Nice gentleman!

Menu? Plastered on the wall. Whatever they have on that wall, that's what you'll get. No desserts. No appetizers. Small kitchen/bbq area? I think so? Otherwise, I like that's it's simple. Nothing too fancy or overbearing with too many items.

Food quality? This is what I was waiting for. To my luck...I am disappointed. I was hoping for that spark with my first bite. Nope. Took another bite of my steak. Nope. My steak came out tough instead of tender and juicy. Grabbed one rib off of my SO plate. One bite of that sucker and nothing caught my attention. Something may be off? I'm not sure what it is but it was awful. I liked that hickory taste of their sauce. However, both of our dishes tasted flat on quality.

What's so FAMOUS about this place? Don't get me wrong fellow SJ peeps, but I feel like Man vs. Food got me too excited over nothing. There is nothing spectacular I liked about their food. I really want to like this place but it's not something I'd rave to my friends nor would...

Henry's is likely most notable for being on TV but it does have a history of garnering a slew of accolades, and if you are big in the BBQ world you may be apt to agree. I, however am not impressed but don't claim to have the BBQ connoisseur's palate so take my review with a grain of salt.

This establishment is raved by my extended family and their visits are euphoric. I have been here many times over the past number of years and come with family so I have had a good number of experiences and my review is based on that. I typically order ribs, brisket or steak. All of which are fine, but not outstanding in any appreciable way. The best BBQ I have had is in TX and AZ and maybe I am comparing but I have had good BBQ and do a fair share of charcoal and smoking myself and don't find the Henry's experience to be more notable than other BBQ places (and I don't go to many).

On entry you wait in a holding space that has access to a bar and the menus are posted on the wall. Your orders are taken before you are seated and the food comes out relatively quickly. The menu is not extensive and rather simple, as it should be for a BBQ place. The most difficult thing about the experience here is probably the parking. Street parking is sparse and odd as it does not have its own dedicated parking so you'll have to hunt on the street for a space. Coming early before major meal hours will be your best bet. The atmosphere is standard BBQ. Nothing special nothing bad. Service is slim since it is during ordering and when they bring you the food so not much to comment on here. Because of the long lines you do tend to feel a little rushed and I do not recommend this place if you want to casually socialize around your meal.

With that said, I won't go into detail on particular dishes but I do believe most who come here will be satisfied. Based on the general opinion and foot traffic it is able to get, I think I may just not be a goo d measure for it so I encourage you to try it for yourself. If nothing more, maybe others with similar tastes to mine can use my opinion as a reference to decide if it is worth their time to to...