Dish Society — Restaurant in Southside Place

Let me just start by saying that I love this Dish Society location and that I’ve been here and this is an over due review. Every time I go here, the experience and food and service is great! But today, we went to celebrate my moms birthday and chose this location because I knew they had a beautiful outside sitting area that is amazing and private and the ambience is impeccable. From the moment my mom walked in, Vince, catered to her every need and helped her get situated until we arrived and welcomed her with open arms. She made sure to let us know how helpful and delightful he was. I’m so appreciative of that because we were running late and I was worried about her being there alone. For a Saturday mid morning brunch, the restaurant wasn’t crowded or overpacked, it was perfect. She enjoyed an Irish coffee at the bar and loved it so much she even got another one layer on. We sat at a table in the outside seating area and the heaters were on because it was a little windy outside but it was perfect and felt great. It wasn’t windy on the patio because they had it enclosed. There was music at the right volume to still be able to enjoy it but hear each other talk. We pretty much shared everything we ordered. We got the house omelette, smoked salmon avocado toast, the smoked Sousa grits, the kids chicken biscuit, and the regular avocado toast with a sunny side up egg cooked to perfection. The Vital Farm locally sourced fresh eggs are so yellow and delightful. I love the eggs! I love how all the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced. Vince also surprised us with some birthday beignets for my mom. They were soooo good and hot and fresh and out of this world! We tore those up so fast with the coffee anglaise that came on the side with them. I have to order those every time we go now. We all enjoyed those. Thank you so much Vince. Ok I’m going to show the food we got but lastly, I brought my mom flowers and Vince offered to cut the stems and put them in a vase with water for us and let us take them home with us! Can you guys believe that!!? Where else can fly get this file of hospitality and customer service! We enjoyed everything Dish Society had to offer and it was amazing. My mom has now found a favorite place to go and we will be back ! Thank you so much! We are grateful and appreciative for the entire staff. p.s the prickly pear...

This is my second time coming to brunch at the Bellaire location with my girlfriends. We used to frequent the Heights location, but parking is always touch and go there. The Bellaire location has plenty of parking and the dining room seems larger. It may not actually be larger, but it feels that way.

When my girlfriends and I walked in, there was a line, but it moved quickly. The cashier was friendly and you pay at the counter.

I ordered brisket and eggs which also came with Gouda cheese grits and a biscuit. The biscuit is an up charge. I ordered a bottle of water from the cooler as well. The brisket and eggs was very tasty. This was my first time having it. The brisket was very tender and moist. The Gouda cheese grits were creamy and not too runny nor too stiff. The eggs were scrambled and seasoned with salt and pepper. I prefer my eggs scrambled hard, but I neglected to tell the cashier so I didn’t deduct anything for that in my review. My best friend ordered us a fancy mimosa carafe. We each were able to get 3 glasses from the carafe so it was a decent deal.

The manager is very attentive and walks around the dining room making sure things are running smoothly. When we were in line, he asked us how many in our party and saved a table for us. When I ordered my water from the cooler, he opened it for me because he said the packaging was a little tricky. I remember him being very attentive, professional, and friendly during our last visit about 4 months ago.

The people who clean the tables and bring out the food are also very kind.

The bathroom was clean. My only complaint is that there was toilet paper on the floor in the stall. I think this was due to the number of small children I saw going in and out. I typically don’t use public bathrooms, but it smelled clean, the toilet was clean, and the floor did not have any liquids on it. A waste basket in the stall may help with keeping toilet paper off of the floor.

If you’re looking for fast, friendly service, a nice atmosphere, and good food, give this...

This used to be one of our go-to spots - somewhere we’d come once or twice a month as a family. The food was consistently fantastic, and the service made us feel welcome and valued. Lately, though, the quality has become hit or miss. And today, we had an experience that left us deeply disappointed.

We came in with our toddler, who’s one and a half. She’s not especially big, but she has long legs and no longer fits in the tiny high chairs they provide - which, frankly, are only suitable for infants under a year old. As toddlers do, she moves around, greets people, and explores. The bar area is completely open, with no door or barrier to prevent access. Naturally, she wandered in briefly.

Instead of addressing this with understanding or offering a solution, the bar lady told us we are no longer welcome - because my child acted like a child.

Let me be clear: we were never rude, never disruptive, and we always clean up after ourselves. We’ve been loyal, respectful customers who used to love this place. But today, we were treated as if our presence - and our child - were a problem.

This restaurant advertises itself as family-friendly, even offering “kids eat free” promotions. But the physical setup and the attitude we encountered today tell a very different story. If toddlers are truly welcome, then the space should reflect that - starting with something as simple as a push door to block off the bar area, protecting both staff and guests.

We understand our responsibility as parents. But there’s a difference between managing a child and expecting them to behave like an adult. Today, our daughter was punished for being curious and joyful - traits that should be embraced in a family-friendly environment.

Between the declining food quality and the unkind treatment we received, we won’t be returning. And that’s a shame, because we used to genuinely...