What makes your favorite restaurant your favorite

[PapillionWyngs]

Doing some brainstorming and just would love your input.

Thanks.

[TJones]

I guess I should tell everyone what restaurant it is, but I don't need all you "tourists" to come barging through the doors and take up all the seating. It is my little piece of Heaven on Earth for me and my family. I will say that it is in Katy,Tx.

[PapillionWyngs]

I guess I should tell everyone what restaurant it is, but I don't need all you "tourists" to come barging through the doors and take up all the seating. It is my little piece of Heaven on Earth for me and my family. I will say that it is in Katy,Tx.

Ok - but could you please share why - the reasons. I don't want to know the names of the restaurants, just what makes you continue to eat there!

[ToolMan]

You have to have more than just one to be a favorite of mine. For me, it's the food and atmosphere. The location is a plus also.

I also categorize my restaurants:

- Date place

- Lunch place

- Happy hour

- Cheap eats

But remember, "People can get a cheeseburger anywhere, ok? They come to Chotchkie

[PapillionWyngs]

You have to have more than just one to be a favorite of mine. For me, it's the food and atmosphere. The location is a plus also.

I also categorize my restaurants:

- Date place

- Lunch place

- Happy hour

- Cheap eats

But remember, "People can get a cheeseburger anywhere, ok? They come to Chotchkie

[tmariar]

This probably falls under the general "food" category, but I think consistency is very important - not just consistency in quality, but also in taste. It's disappointing to eat a really great dish somewhere, and then go back and find it's not quite like you remembered.

[TheNiche]

Doing some brainstorming and just would love your input.

Thanks.

Other: The service, of course! I drink water or tea like a human sponge, and if a waiter/waitress can manage not to let me ever hit bottom, well that's just spectacular.

[Sebastian De La Ghetto!]

FOOD FOOD FOOD. There are some asian restaurants, for example, that i would love to burn to the ground, were it not for the delicious signature dishes. The service sucks, the place is dirty, but damn, the food is sooo good.... great now i am hungry

[Houston1stWordOnTheMoon]

Convenience and customer recognition. I dont eat out much, but when i do, its usually the same place and the same girls at the drive through window. They recognize my gas guzzler when i pull in the parking lot. Hats off to the girls at WHATABURGER on FM 1960W

[TJones]

Ok - but could you please share why - the reasons. I don't want to know the names of the restaurants, just what makes you continue to eat there!

BEST CHICKEN FRIED STEAK AROUND !

Oh, and the service is good.

[Vertigo58]

Doing some brainstorming and just would love your input.

Thanks.

Mine is a common response I think...

1. As long as I get good service I go back nothing worse than being ignored.

2. The food! yummmmm!

3. The cleanliness of the place (which I dont think was on the list) Nothing worse than seeing insects on your table as you eat or going to the RR and sloppy, no towels, no soap etc.

PS, There is nothing better than seeing the manager or staff walking around and asking if everything is ok?

Love it! Great PR!

[Heights2Bastrop]

Aside from the obvious

[PapillionWyngs]

Ok - that's loyalty. What would make you come in a restaurant for the very first time?

[TheNiche]

What would make you come in a restaurant for the very first time?

Perception of value. I'll give you an example: Texas Land & Cattle isn't too unreasonable for a sit-down lunch, but I'll go elsewhere because they give off a high-brow aura that I perceive while driving by as being too expensive for my taste. In contrast, there is a place called John's Broiler Burger at Telephone & Dumble that beckons me in because it looks like it'll have great food at a reasonable price. But for what you pay, the food is only so-so...doesn't mean that I'll never go back, though.

Uniqueness is also a big factor. I don't tend to give much consideration to chains, and will try a hole-in-the-wall any day of the week before I try a new chain restaurant or something approximating one in design and character. Having said that, there are hundreds of hole-in-the-wall places that are too non-descript in appearance. They need character, too...typically something more than a blank storefront with a lit up 'Open' sign.

Reccomendations are also effective. I'd never have thought to try or even look for 888 or Tel-Wink if HAIFers hadn't prompted me.

[stolitx]

You have to have more than just one to be a favorite of mine. For me, it's the food and atmosphere. The location is a plus also.

I also categorize my restaurants:

- Date place

- Lunch place

- Happy hour

- Cheap eats

But remember, "People can get a cheeseburger anywhere, ok? They come to Chotchkie

[PapillionWyngs]

Perception of value. I'll give you an example: Texas Land & Cattle isn't too unreasonable for a sit-down lunch, but I'll go elsewhere because they give off a high-brow aura that I perceive while driving by as being too expensive for my taste. In contrast, there is a place called John's Broiler Burger at Telephone & Dumble that beckons me in because it looks like it'll have great food at a reasonable price. But for what you pay, the food is only so-so...doesn't mean that I'll never go back, though.

Uniqueness is also a big factor. I don't tend to give much consideration to chains, and will try a hole-in-the-wall any day of the week before I try a new chain restaurant or something approximating one in design and character. Having said that, there are hundreds of hole-in-the-wall places that are too non-descript in appearance. They need character, too...typically something more than a blank storefront with a lit up 'Open' sign.

Reccomendations are also effective. I'd never have thought to try or even look for 888 or Tel-Wink if HAIFers hadn't prompted me.

Ok - well, say for example that a chain has a deal - get your choice of appetizer, beverage (alcoholic - or dessert instead) and a meal for $9.99. If it was a chain that you knew had decent food - would that be enough to bring you in?

[TheNiche]

Ok - well, say for example that a chain has a deal - get your choice of appetizer, beverage (alcoholic - or dessert instead) and a meal for $9.99. If it was a chain that you knew had decent food - would that be enough to bring you in?

Possibly. Depends on which chain it is and how good their desserts are. I rarely ever drink at a restaurant or bar unless someone else is picking up the tab. Gets pricey and I'm just too frugal by nature.

But, for instance, I responded to Subway's everyday sub, chips, and drink for under $5. I'm packing in some pounds on my ass and gut just lately, though, so I had multiple motivations.

[ToolMan]

^^^^^^

Well that sounds like a good deal. If it's a decent meal and I lived close by I would try it out. A good special will always bring me out.

Would I be a regular at this chain? Only if I wanted quick meal and didn't care for something different, or if it was damn good food. It seams like all if the chains taste and feel the same to me. Is it because they all use the same Sysco products? The only exception of chain restaurant I visit regularly is the Pappas chain, but each of their chains has a specialty (unlike a Chillie

[ricco67]

I don't really go to chains that often, but I'll give a list of where I go:

Outback (I like their steaks and my preference...still looking for a good place, btw. The Service is generally good and they make a good prime rib steak and the price is reasonable)

Saltgrass (it's okay, not the place I prefer to go, but I go there in a pinch if I can't find an outback.)

Magnolia's bar and grill: good place. Decent service. Good food. Okay price value.

Bubba's Burger Shack: Good buffalo burgers. Go there when I can. service isn't great, but it's all about the food. Yum!

Red Robins (in the Marq-E) good place, I only go for their Signature burgers and the service is good and I generally ask for the waiters by name.

Taco Trailers: Try Random ones and I'm rarely disappointed.

Grand Lux: Good meals, but a bit overpriced. I go there occasionally, though. The service is OK and I REALLY have to be in the mood.

Mortons: Decent steak, good service for the most part. Not much more I can say about it.

Shanghai River: MY place. I ALWAYS eat the Dumplings. I eat there about 5 times a month.

Yum.. in fact, I'm going there tomorrow night.

I break down my restaurants/ eating establishments by date/cravings/etc..

Food quality

Service

Atmosphere

Cost

Generally in that order.

[musicman]

Grand Lux: Good meals, but a bit overpriced. I go there occasionally, though. The service is OK and I REALLY have to be in the mood.

we went a few weeks ago. nice atmosphere, but food was mediocre esp for the price. we will not be returning.

[stolitx]

Ok - well, say for example that a chain has a deal - get your choice of appetizer, beverage (alcoholic - or dessert instead) and a meal for $9.99. If it was a chain that you knew had decent food - would that be enough to bring you in?

Maybe. I noticed several chains doing this lately. I see the commericals (for Friday's I think) and think well that wouldn't be bad for a quick dinner. But I haven't actually gone yet.

[Htowngirl]

SERVICE. If the service sucks, I will never go back.

I try to not eat at chain restaurants... and a "deal" like $9.99 would seem to me like a chain restaurant deal or a deal like that would appeal to old people/families - but if this place is out in the 'burbs, then maybe that's your target clientele.

I will say that I am attracted to "prix fixe" menus ($30 for entree, app, & dessert) at upscale restaurants - they always seem like a good value.

[Dan the Man]

For me, the two most important attributes in choosing a restaurant are the atmosphere and food. Noise level is very important to me. I cannot stand restaurants that are so noisy that you cannot hear what others at your table are saying, but I also do not care for restaurants that are so quiet that you feel like anyone can hear your conversation. I really like eating outside; restaurants with nicely landscaped patios are winners in my book.

[houstonmacbro]

I am cheap and so price is always a main point. But I also like convenience (not gonna drive all over God's great earth JUST to eat).

[gwilson]

My favorite places range from hole in the wall to very upscale (listed below) and I like each of them for different reasons.

1. Grand Luxe Cafe: (Westheimer @ Post Oak across from the Galleria in the old FAO Schwartz spot)

The food is great and it isn't horridly priced. Huge services, great service and a wonderful atmosphere. Great for a date or for meeting the fellas for some drinks and dinner before going out. Also great for a business dinner.

2. Pappa's Steak House: (Westheimer between Fountainview and Chimney Rock on the east-bound side)

The steaks are wonderful and they have a well rounded menu for a steakhouse. The atmosphere and service are unparalleled. This is a place I generally only go with guy friends and we prefer to sit in the chef's lounge. I've NEVER had a bad experience there. I made a half joking comment to my waiter one night about how the steak wasn't as good as usual. Fifteen minutes later the manager and the chef returned with a new steak and insisted that I not pay for my meal. The replacement steak was heaven.

3. Fogo de Chao: (Westheimer just east of Dunvale on the west-bound side in front of the Home Depot)

The atmosphere is decent and it is definitely relaxed. All you can eat is a plus for business meals. I really enjoy this place for it's food, service and atmosphere. It is also one of the few places in town that carries my favorite dessert wine (Inniskillin).

4. Verona's Flying Pizza: (Gessner @ Westpark on the North East corner)

I have been eating at this Italian restaurant for over twenty years now. The food is great, the service is pretty good (except when it's busy) and the relaxed atmosphere makes it a comfortable place for any dining occasion. It is my normal "First Date" place. They will also cook to order incase you want something a little different than usual. They make a sandwich that bares my uncles name and a manicotti dish that bares mine (manicotti with alfredo sauce rather than marinara and extra mozzarella on top). An employee of my uncle has eaten lunch there damn near every day for the past eight years. If you love Italian food and a relaxed atmosphere, this is the place to go. It isn't the cheapest place in the world, but it isn't expensive either.

5. Fajita Flats: (Fondren just south of Westheimer across from Louis Shanks furniture)

This is an irreverent tex-mex joint that serves decent food, great margaritas and very fun times. It is sort of a hole in the wall, but the staff is friendly and fun. The jukebox is always going and the TVs always have on some sort of sport or news. Friday and Saturday nights, the place is usually a party. Lots of bachelorette parties frequent the place as well as many birthday parties. They have a special treat in store for either occasion. Try their beef and shrimp diablos and their gold margaritas. Their complimentary soup is excellent too.

6. Uni Sushi: (Market Street in the Woodlands next to the theater)

The best sushi I've ever had. The atmosphere is great, the service is excellent and the food is out of this world. They even make a green apple martini that tastes like a green apple jolly rancher disolved in a glass of ice water. Also, try their leechee martini. For the food, you must try their 7 & 1/2 roll, shaggy dog roll, and the don #2 roll.

7. Fadi's: (Westheimer & Dunvale)

This place doesn't really have much of an atmosphere even though they tried really hard. It is a buffet style restaurant that serves excellent Mediterranean food. I typically order a side of beef sherwarma with extra tahini sauce on the side, hummus and greek salad with lots of feta. Their brick oven bread is excellent too. And if you love juice, their juice bar is to die for. I used to pick up their strawberry juice by the GALLON.

8. Kenny & Ziggy's: (Post Oak just north of Richmond next to the Oshmans)

This is the best deli I've found in the city yet. Having lived in NYC for a few years, I became addicted to good deli, be it Jewish or Italian. Since moving back to Houston, it has been tough to find anything remotely as good as them. That was until I was invited to Kenny & Ziggy's by a friend. The service is pretty good, there isn't much of an atmosphere but it isn't uncomfortable and the food is great. I generally go there with at least two friends so we get the three meat plate (pastrami, corned beef and if Gary is around, Tongue) and order the bread and cheese as we need it. The cheesecake is to die for.

9. Lai Lai Dumpling House: (Diho Square on Bellaire in the back right corner next to the Diho market)

If you like Chinese food, you'll love this place. It isn't a buffet, but the portions are HUGE and the prices are cheap. Order three entrees and you've easily got enough for 5-6 people + leftovers. Their tripple mean lo mein, shrimp fried rice and pork fried dumplings are what I usually order and that stuffs the three people I usually go with and feeds us all for several days of leftovers. You can also enjoy all you can drink hot tea while there, which makes it very comfortable. While Lai Lai is very cheap, bring cash as they don't accept credit cards.

10. Smith & Wolensky: (Highland Village on Westheimer just north of the track and south of Weslayan)

Open late, which makes it great for a nice after movie date dinner place. Their steaks are pretty good (priced about the same as any high end steak house) but that isn't the biggest draw for me. They serve a white truffle macaroni & cheese that is worth the trip by itself. In fact, when I go there, I generally go with a lady and we simply order some drinks, the mac & cheese and share it. We might enjoy a dessert afterwards, but the mac & cheese is so good and rich, that it is usually enough. The service and atmosphere are great too.

I suppose that is enough for now.

[mumbles]

Out with it Tjones! These people aren't gonna drive all the way to katy. Clays, Cracker Barrel and Saltgrass Steakhouse are my favs cause I like the food. Atmosphere & service are good too.

[TexasArchitect]

what's #1 on my list is cleanliness of restaurant.

then the food itself

i don't care much about location of the place or price as long as it's worth it.

[pineda]

Doing some brainstorming and just would love your input.

Thanks.

Hey, P.Wyngs-

Did you find a new job yet?

(You did leave Monterey's, didn't you?)

[musicman]

My favorite places range from hole in the wall to very upscale (listed below) and I like each of them for different reasons.

1. Grand Luxe Cafe: (Westheimer @ Post Oak across from the Galleria in the old FAO Schwartz spot)

while i have to say many of your choices are interesting, i'll have to disagree totally with this choice. this is like going to a casino. bad.

[gwilson]

while i have to say many of your choices are interesting, i'll have to disagree totally with this choice. this is like going to a casino. bad.

Hahah, it is a bit over the top design wise. The cost of the onyx in that place alone probably rivals the entire construction and operation budget for a normal restaurant for a year.

That said, great food. Rustic Lasagna. EXCELLENT dish.