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Houston's

60 State St

Boston, MA 02109
(617) 573-9777
hillstone.com

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Citysearch

Diners parking underneath the restaurant's building can receive a stamp for a $2 discount.

Posted by Citysearch on April 04, 2008

Citysearch

Visitors familiar with other Houston's locations may notice prices here are a touch higher, likely due to the high-profile location's hefty lease.

Posted by Citysearch on April 04, 2008

Editorial Reviews from the web

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The Scene This popular national chain's only area location resides in the shadow of Faneuil Hall and keeps a steady clientele of area businessmen and tourists happy with heaping plates of freshly-prepared steaks, salads and sandwiches. The large, attractive bar, besides serving up fantastic mixed drinks, provides diners with a comfy place to wait for their tables (no reservations are accepted ... more

Posted by Citysearch on April 04, 2008, (Edited July 26, 2006)

Other Reviews from the web

The Best All Around Meal Experience in Town!

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Citysearch

I have to say this place is absolutely outstanding. My wife and I go here EVERY Sunday and sit at the bar and have not only one of the best meals ever but outstanding service. Additionally whenever we want to celebrate an event with friends, this is the place to go.

The menu: Outstanding, your, what I would call typical, bar fair, that is anything but typical. The best all around tasting foods ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on February 28, 2008

BEWARE: They might kick you out if you don't eat enough

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Citysearch

Last night, a friend and I went to Houston's. We were seated at a table, ordered wine and appetizers. After we ordered our second glass of wine, the manager came to our table and said that our waiter had informed her we had not ordered dinner, just appetizers, and that it was their policy that dinner must be ordered when they had a wait list. She then asked us to move to the bar or leave, despite ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on January 31, 2008

Lovely Chill Post

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Citysearch

I've been here 2x and every experience is one to remember. Food, drinks and service are top of the line... Check it out and you will not be sorry.

Posted by Citysearch user on July 18, 2007

Nice vibe

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Citysearch

The service was very friendly, and the ribs great! Unfortunately, the seats were made for taller people so i had to remove my shoes and sit on them (covered with my jacket)! Very nice to have the doors open after the colder weather.
Limited menu but had heard about the ribs, and was not disappointed!

Cons

- Got the impression that, once the meal was over, it was time to leave.

Posted by Citysearch user on March 14, 2007

review of houston's - boston, ma, 02109-1800 - boston citysearch

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citysearch

houstons is great. i went with the guys for a night out, and it all started here. the filet mignon was excellent and the mashed potatoes were amazing... more

Posted by citysearch user on January 25, 2007

WOW

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Citysearch

I went to Houstons last weekend with a group of friends (guys and girls alike), and our experience was top notch. From the sweet greeter at the door to the adorable server, our time at Houstons was memorable.
The moment we sat down our server was near us, smiling ear to ear and absolutely down to earth--confident--and funny. We ordered the artichoke starter and then each had an entree (I had the ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on January 08, 2007

Great food & ambiance, bad service

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Citysearch

This place is really great, especially for a chain restaurant & probably one of the only decent places to eat around Faneuil Hall. The bar area is a great place for after work drinks. They also have the BEST veggie burger I have eaten in my life - it's so good you won't even miss meat - it's not on the menu but if you order it they will make it. It's my favorite entree here. The downside is that ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on December 28, 2006

Great For a Chain!!

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Citysearch

You need to try the ribs, it is a must. They are tender and fabulous. Also in terms of drinks, hands down the mojito is awesome.

Posted by Citysearch user on November 20, 2006

Good scene and food

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Citysearch

Great food...definitely try the ribs (better than traditional bbq places in town). The drinks were good and had people lined out the door just to have a spot at the bar. Was there a couple months ago, so the weather was still nice and the doors to the patio were open with live jazz playing. 30-something crowd

Posted by Citysearch user on November 11, 2006

Can't stand this place anymore!

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My friends and I used to gather at Houston's after work for dinner and drinks. The last time we went is the last time I will ever go to Houston's! The food is great, I have to admit but the policies and staff are just ridiculous. My friend and I were out to dinner on a weeknight, and had a bill of over $100 as we had ordered apps., dinner and drinks. Another friend came to meet us over drinks and ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on November 02, 2006

Terrible customer service!

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Citysearch

While I absolutely love the California burger and the spinach dip from this restaurant, the customer service at this restaurant is absolutely awful. First of all, every time I go there, they bring out my entree way before I have even had a chance to take more than one bit of my appetizer. They make no secret of the fact that they want you in and out of there as fast as possible. Secondly, last ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on October 29, 2006

Good food and atmosphere

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Citysearch

Like this place when I am in the mood for some good food and fun atmosphere. Great place to eat when you have been in fanueil for the day or are going out for the night in the area. Never had to wait very long. The jumbalaya is great!

Posted by Citysearch user on October 29, 2006

Fine

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Citysearch

I went to Huston's on a Saturday night with some girlfriends. We got right in with no wait and had a nice booth for the four of us. Our waitress came over and introduced herself then just walked away without a word. We wanted to order drinks but had to wait 10 minutes for her to come back. Once we finally got her back, she was very friendly and helpful with suggestions. She even brought one of ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on October 19, 2006

Strange but not in a bad way

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I recently went on a date to Houston's for the first time. Upon entering the restraunt we were greeted by an unusually friendly hostess and a scary metal horse sculpture, this was just beginning of the experience that is Houstons. The wait for only about 20 minutes. After just being seated we had already been waited on by 3 of the staff members, all of them were extremely friendly, almost too friendly ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on August 21, 2006

Amazing Scallops!

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Citysearch

I had heard good things about this place so I took my boyfriend there for his birthday. Everyone was really friendly and our server gave us the recommendations of the scallops and cioppino and we took them. I had the scallops. They came in this cream reduction sauce that was amzing and the scallops were incredible. My boyfriend LOVED his cioppino. So much seafood. I would definitely go back there ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on August 09, 2006

The best food and we love the SERVICE!!!!

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Citysearch

Having been in Boston on an "aquisition search" we discovered Houstons - what a find, at first it looked like we were going to have difficulty being seated and really did not want to 'be at the bar' our hostess took such great care of us, she quietly and sweetly found us a table, took a genuine interest in us and provided information for how we could make the most of our time in town, the next time ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on May 24, 2006

What a bad experience

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Citysearch

Arriving first of a group of 5, approached the bar to order a drink. I was immediately "attended" to by one of the staff members and advised I could not block the (wide) pathway. I found a seat at the bar and shortly after two members of our party joined us. Within seconds they were advised they can't stand there . Finally we made it to our table (30 minutes after the reservation). The husband of ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on April 25, 2006

My new favorite spot in Boston

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Citysearch

I am so happy I went here. The chicken salad was amazing and the little neck clam app. was fabulous and the spinach app. was yummy! The bar was busy with a very nice after work crowd and the food was amazing. The value was great and the restaurant itself was well worth every penny.

Pros

+ food, decor, value

Cons

- none

Posted by Citysearch user on April 20, 2006

Don't bother

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Houston's is overpriced, overblown and corporate. With all the phenomenal culinary options in this city, if you're going wait half the night for a table, then drop loads of money once you finally sit, at least opt for something special... something WORTH the wait and the expense. Also, I've dined here a handful of times and have always felt rushed, only adding insult to injury. Food was unimpressive ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on April 09, 2006

Power lunches are great!

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I love having lunch here, and boss always takes me!
But even better, I love the after work bar scene.
It is so poweful and sexy with all the people in power suits. It makes me feel important!

And the french fries are the best!

Posted by Citysearch user on March 22, 2006

Expensive, Average

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Citysearch

Wait was 1.5 hours on a Friday at 8 pm. Bar was very crowded. Starter was the spinach dip. At $12. Good, but not worth it. I had the ribs, my partner had the prime rib. Ribs were a full rack, but very short. The meat was quite good, but the sauce was more burned on. Meat did fall off the bone though. Redbones is much better and a better deal for ribs. Fries on the side were tiny, shoestring ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on February 17, 2006

It was okay/good.

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Citysearch

We had a reservation so no wait (Friday). I was expecting a more extensive menu. It was listed as a "steakhouse" & but only 3 steaks on the menu, so that was disappointing. The ribeye (my favorite) had some crazy hawaiian stuff on it which didn't interest me, so I got the filet.

We got the clam app- very yummy. We also added salad & both of us were very pleased. My filet was definitely good ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on February 07, 2006

The Evil Salad is tasty - if slow

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Citysearch

Ate lunch there today with a co-worker. The wait was a bit long (10-15 min), and we decided to split the cheese bread and the Evil Steak Thai Noodle Salad with mango, avocado, cabbage, peanuts, and lime dressing. After a while we noticed it was taking long, but w/out asking the waitress came and apologized. Eventually the chef (!) brought out our salad (already split on two plates), and said it was ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on January 08, 2006

In all ways fabulous

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Citysearch

Houston's is one of our favorites. We didn't even realize it was a chain until we'd eaten there many times. The food is amazing - our favorites include the out-of-this-world veggie burger, the luscious french dip, the fall-off-the-bone ribs and - I swear - the best filet mignon in Boston. Every seasonal vegetable side dish we've tried - and we've tried many - has been creative and delectable. ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on October 25, 2005

Wouldn't Go To Again

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Citysearch

I wanted a nice relaxing dinner with my boyfriend and it was very rushed and the food was served very fast. Also, suprisingly people were causually dressed. The side dishes were gross (tarter sauce for the fish= very sugary, cole slaw-yuck, potatos-good minus all the green scallions in it)The artichoke dip was average and wasn't any different than a TGIF maybe a little better but not much. The ceasar ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on October 14, 2005

Not too shabby for such a tourist area

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Citysearch

Order the Seared Tuna. Prepared very nicely and just melts in your mouth. Afterwards, find your way to Finale for dessert...always go to Finale for dessert.

Posted by Citysearch user on August 09, 2005

The Best of all Chains

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Citysearch

I hate Chain Restaurants but Houston's has done it right. Food is excellent and the service is Great. The waitstaff style is simple (no B.S. ) they are there when you need them and not there lurking over you when you dont need them. The menu is great we loved the Spinich Artichoke Dip , Ribeye and Ribs. Where the Beans at!!! Great Prices.

Pros

+ food, price, service

Cons

- lines, lines, lines ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on May 14, 2005

once you get in..

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Dont understand the negative reviews. Delicious food,especially the ribs,thai steak,salads and side orders. waiters are extremely helpful and always around. About the only negative i would list would be getting in. The hostesses always seem to be slow to help. There was a great manager named Matt who was very helpful but he left.

Pros

+ food, waiters, ambience

Cons

- hostess

Posted by Citysearch user on February 05, 2005

Eat Here!

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Houston's is great. I went with the guys for a night out, and it all started here. The Filet Mignon was excellent and the Mashed Potatoes were amazing. We had a beautiful Albanian waitress who was there for all our needs and although the place was packed with patrons, the staff had it well under control. I highly recommend this restaurant for any occasion!

Pros

+ Great service, Good prices, ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on December 05, 2004

Amazing

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Thank goodness a friend recommended Houston's as one of her favorite restuarants as I can now add it to my list as well. Today I not only had what was called the "Famous French Dip," which made my mouth water just at the sight of it, but I also was never left w/o a refill at just the right time or the removal of anything not needed at the table (plates, glasses, silverware, ect...). My awesome experience ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on August 16, 2004

If in a bind

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I went there with family on a Saturday night. The menu was very limited and I was left wondering why in the world did I went there. The service was so-so, the food was ordinary at best which left me wondering whether it'd have made more sense to get a burger at the McD across the street. To sum it up, the VALUE I got for my $ was somewhat negative. I went there to avoid cooking, and ended up making ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on August 03, 2004

Good food, bad waitress

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We went on a recent Friday night, and luckily there was no wait for a very nice table. Too bad the waitress was so rude! Everything we ordered was delicious, if not overpriced, and the decor is really nice. Too bad for the snobby wait staff!

Pros

+ Right in Fanueil Hall, Good food, Nice atmosphere

Cons

- Overpriced, Unfriendly service

Posted by Citysearch user on December 30, 2003

great place!

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I know it's just a chain but Houston's is always a favorite restaurant to go to right now. Their clam chowder is creamy with fat potatoes and a bacon flavoring. The hawaiiwan ribeye is amazing!!! It's a huge slab of ribeye steak marinated in a teriyaki glaze. So tender....so juicy...so good....

definitely check it out!

Pros

+ awesome food, cool interior

Cons

- lack of appetizers, lack of desserts ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on November 24, 2003

Nice, fast lunch

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I went to Houston's for lunch and the service was great. It was very busy yet the food came out quick and was delicious. I recommend the grilled chicken salad. The only criticism I have is there are too few appetizers (only 2!) a smoked salmon dish and a spinach dip. I would have liked more of a variety.

Pros

+ delicious food, upbeat ambiance

Cons

- lack of variety

Posted by Citysearch user on May 15, 2003

Great Lunch

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I have only been to Houston's for lunch and after-work drinks. I was VERY happy with my lunch and the lunch-time atmosphere. VERY good bloody mary as well. The bar does not serve domestic beers which is a little pretentious, and it's a bit expensive BUT they passed around fee appitizers (don't know if they do that all the time) and that was a great touch. I would go back there anytime.

Pros

+ Location ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on May 14, 2003

Worst Service In Boston

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The waiter didn't bring the drink order in a timely fashion, they didn't get my burger order right, the fries were cold, and 3 seperate times another server brought the wrong food to our table. All this for a $12 burger? Never again.

Posted by Citysearch user on February 27, 2003

At Last...

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As many other reviewers, I've been to other Houston's around the country, so I was very happy when I heard one was opening in Faneuil Hall. Great service, great location, and GREAT ribs. It'll be nice to see someone else besides Redbones at the top of next year's citysearch "Best Ribs" category!

Pros

+ Service, Food, RIBS!

Cons

- Parking

Posted by Citysearch user on February 20, 2003

nice scene

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A friend and I went into Houston's after hearing great things from co-workers. Apparently it's becoming known not only for a fabulous meal, but also a great scene before the rest of fanuiel hall starts pumping. The place is nice on the eyes, but I've got to say that the staff is even nicer. Initially only getting apps, a tall blonde behind the bar convinced us to try her favortie, which was the rib ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on February 11, 2003

the best houston's yet!

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Houston's is great! It's one of my favorite restaraunts, I've been to many of them across the country. I am from Boston so I could not be happier that they have finally arrived in this city! I have been to Houston's Boston 3 times since they opened and I believe it is the best Houston's yet! From the service, to the food, to the interior desing, each time I leave I am more impressed than the time ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on February 07, 2003

all time favorite

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i've been to the Houston's in DC, VA and Atlanta, and was pleased that it finally arrived in Boston. My mouth waters for their SPINACH DIP, Salad (their homemade honey mustard dressing is excellent), Double Porkchops (easily split between 2 persons) and Hawaiin Steak (slightly marinated as sweet). However, the absolute BEST dish here are the CRABCAKES. they have yet to offer these babies in Boston ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on February 03, 2003

A MUST TRY!!

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I have heard a lot about Houston's in the other areas of the country and finally got a chance to try them a few nights ago. It was AWESOME! It is very true that it is bit over priced ( salads 11-16, entrees 15-36), but the quality of food and the presentation of it are priceless. The interior design and decoration are done very delicately and the setting is very romantic. Wait staff was very helpful ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on January 22, 2003

houston, we have a problem

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The place is nice, (celings are low) the sevice is great. Twelve dollars for a cheese burger and thirteen dollars for artichoke dip is prohibitive! This is not the Ritz. One has the distinct feel of a mall restaurant while inside. I want a different experience for this kind of money.

Pros

+ service

Cons

- overpriced

Posted by Citysearch user on January 12, 2003

A nice surprise!

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I stumbled upon Houston's in Faneuil Hall when I was out with some coworkers. We initially just stopped in for drinks, but after glancing at the menu, couldn't possibly eat anywhere else. They have something for everyone, and the food is traditional yet inventive. They have taken the basics and added their own twists. Six of us sat down for dinner and we all left more than satisfied. I may have ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on January 10, 2003

It finally came to Boston!

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I have been frequenting this restaurant in various cities since 1989, and couldn't be happier that it's finally come to Boston. From drinks to appetizers to entree's, Houston's never disappoints me. The staff is very attentive, the service amazing and the food superb. I would recommend this place for any occasion - drinks with coworkers, a casual lunch or a romantic dinner.

Pros

+ Great location ... more

Posted by Citysearch user on January 07, 2003