UnderbellyDinner with CousinsWe had a wonderful time. The decor was nice and the atmosphere casual. We really like the block walnut tables. Our server was helpful in explaining the menu and the restaurant philosophy. The mozzarella, tomato and fava bean appetizer was really good. The sausage appetizer was not so much. We all enjoyed the Bycatch family style special. Only suggestion would be to help customers with serving utensils and possibly help from the server to get the filets off the fish. A whole fish service was daunting to our guests. Fortunately, we knew what to expect and how to get to the filets.
The vinegar pie was really tasty.
Thanks for a wonderful eve.6/15/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved it...was apprehensive to go..I was a bit unsure about going to dine here, but I absolutely loved it. Trey did a great job waiting on is, offering awesome recommendations and guiding us along the way. From the start to the finish we all loved it. Will be back for certain6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMUnderbelly: New FavoriteOur first time dining at Underbelly this last weekend was amazing - great service (Chris was our waiter), wine list, and menu. We loved the fact that the menu was based on locally-sourced ingredients...The goat dumplings, sourdough bread w/ leek butter, cornmeal-crusted pork chop (with the most delicious onion bread pudding), pork belly with cheese grits, fried strawberry pie, and vinegar pie were all excellent. Underbelly is now one of our favorites - we will definitely be back!!6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways Wonderful!Underbelly is a must try in Houston! Every dish is wonderful, ambience is so cozy, and service is superb. It is one of my favorite restaurants and I recommend it to everyone I know.6/13/2013 12:00:00 AMone of houstons brightestThis restaurant is pumping out amazing food and service. ANd you can tell by the shear number of people in attendence here on a mid weeknight. FOUR dishes where sold out or modified from the main menu. Even at 8:45pm table sit time, it was loud as...well you know. Our waitress was helpful and patient with us. I dont know if it's part of the service to bring out the ordered plates one at a time or all at once, but we got ours one at a time. Fine by us, but the Braised Goat is a very spicy dish. It wasn't our last dish, and the dish following it, was lack luster because our mouths were still on fire from the goat. It was a shame cause the grouper was excellent.6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMThe open concept and rusticThe open concept and rustic feel makes Underbelly warm yet modern. Great place for a nice lunch if you want a reprise from the city while avoiding the higher dinner prices. I recommend making a reservation regardless of time of day. The food is quintessentially modern Houston, a blending of cultures that work seamlessly together. The Korean goat & dumplings has a kick while not blasting your taste buds, and you get a satisfying crunch in the soft and chewy dumplings. The biscuits and chicken gravy is a deconstructed chicken pot pie w/ ample veggies and a thin, flavorful broth. The vinegar pie w/ salt brittle is interesting and good but bordering on too sweet, worth a try if you've never had it but maybe not a second go.6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of Houston's Best!I had read so much about Underbelly from reviews and Food and Wine that I thought I would be let down. I was not. Underbelly exudes everything that is Houston. From the character of the building, to the decor, the staff, and open kitchen - everything was expertly laid out.6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMEven better than the hype!WOW!
I had my doubts. I won't mention the other restaurants by name that were also written about so often in the Houston Chronicle and other media that my expectations were sky high only to be dashed.
Underbelly was my first experience where a restaurant exceeded the hype. I enjoyed the perfect meal, which was served by the perfect waiter- just a down to earth guy who understood great food.
I ordered two appetizers instead of an entree. My friend ordered an entree (Crispy Pork Schnitzel, which was perfectly done). The Korean Braised Goat and Dumplings was incredible. I have already made plans for lunch there again next week! I can't wait to eat my way through the entire menu and also to try some of the fantastic wine offerings!6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMAWESOME!!Overall dining experience was awesome!! We celebrated my wife's birthday and from initial greeting, throughout dinner, to finishing with desserts and coffee, the evening was wonderful. Entree's were divine (Chef Chris Shepherd is to be commended) and desserts were splendid (Chef Victoria - creative and divinely delicious)!! Service was outstanding!! You never had to "look" for service; someone was always there to serve. I would highly recommend this dining experience. Underbelly is second to none in Houston!!6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMTasty food and outstanding service!Awesome food and service, too expensive! You are paying for the service and atmosphere! Highly reccomend the Korean dumplings with goat and pork!6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellence all aroundAfter waiting a couple of months for our schedule to jive with Underbelly's limited dinner openings, my fiance & I got to experience the excellence that keeps this restaurant constantly booked. The farmhouse-style restaurant has great ambiance, & would be the perfect atmosphere for date night, dinner with friends, or even a family get together. The menu, which changes almost nightly according to our server, is composed of local foods prepared perfectly by conscientious chefs visible in the open kitchen. We ordered several dishes & shared them all, fighting over each last bite. Underbelly was worth the wait (for the reservation- we were seated promptly upon arrival even though we were a few minutes late!) & I look forward to returning!6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMUnderbellyVery creative dishes.
Utilizing local ingredients was a plus.
Braised goat is a must.
Service was wonderful as well
Staff was knowledgeable about wine providing excellents suggestions.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of the more interestingOne of the more interesting restaurants I have been to in a very long time. Pricey, but the quality and execution are so on point. Braised goat is a must. Pot de creme dessert is the best salty/sweet dessert I have EVER had6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat FoodVery interesting food! The goat & dumplings were very hot!6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful evening!!Visited Underbelly last Saturday night. Everything was perfect - the food, the wine, the services and the company! Thank you!6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMHouston at its BEST!!!The food is fabulous! The wait staff are knowledgeable & friendly. They check back on you regularly so you know they haven't forgotten you, but not so much that you feel like they're breathing down your neck. And on top of all of this you can BYOB of wine!!! It doesn't get any better!! Thanks Underbelly for another GREAT night out!!!!6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMOur dishes came out one atOur dishes came out one at a time. This certainly isn't traditional, but it made the dining experience more engaging. It was fun and the food was delicious. You never run out of things to talk about because there is always a new dish to try and discuss.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMCulinary OWonderful experience. Our reservation was at 6:45. The kitchen was very busy but the staff was well organized and focused on serving the customers. My wife had several small plates and they were superb. We split the strip steak and I must say, it was one of the best steaks that I've ever had.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth the wait!After waiting a month to get in to Underbelly I can say that it was worth it. The food was amazing and the service was outstanding. The only down side was that the dining room felt very cramped and noisy. Otherwise it was a wonderful dining experience!5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMUnderbellyWe loved the restaurant, nice food and atmosphere! Good place for a casual dinner!5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Food For FoodiesI am in love with the Korean Goat and Dumplings!!!!!! My favorite food on the Menu (amongst others). My clients want to come back a 3rd Time.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMDoesn't cater to special occasionsI was really excited to try Underbelly since the chef was nominated for the J. Beard award. The food was excellent. Of ALL the restaurants in town, I chose to celebrate a special anniversary on the actual day of our anniversary at Underbelly. I even NOTED it on Open Table and asked the waiter to take a pic for us. Regrettably, I did not feel the restaurant recognized our celebration. We have been to other places for special occasions, and they usually offer a nicely decorated plate, or complimentary dessert (I asked...but the waiter said "no")....or a manager would come by. So, I don't think I can recommend this place for special occasions. My suggestion is that Underbelly train their staff better, and find a way to add a personal touch.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMEnjoyed the foodSome of it was a little "out there"... definitely nothing traditional, but we thoroughly enjoyed trying a bunch of things off the menu!5/29/2013 12:00:00 AManother wonderful, interesting mealWe loved Catalan and we love Underbelly. The food is delicious and interesting. Accessible, but not the same old thing. Service is excellent with wait staff that know the menu and are helpful navigators. Noisy level is low enough that even a large group can easily converse. Wish I could go more often.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic!Underbelly exceeded our expectations. The food is incredible. And despite what other reviewers have indicated, our server, James, could not have been better.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was a wonderful meal allIt was a wonderful meal all around. Since we were dining with 6 people we got to try many dishes. One was better than the next! The only complaint we all had was that the carrot cake was disappointing.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst ExpierenceFor the business it was an excellent choice. The ambiance was a blend of industrial country farm. The staff was friendly and helpful with the wait staff knowledgeable of the fare and theme. Would like to return for dinner and wine. How do I get on the list to dine when the cured meats become available.5/22/2013 12:00:00 AMMeca for the local food movement!Underbelly is a Meca celebrating the local farmer and food movement. Will return with pleasure.5/22/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Place to goGreat place to have an adventure and eat also! Chris goes above and beyond with the menu and the variety!5/22/2013 12:00:00 AMI ordered the Steak Frites.I ordered the Steak Frites. The frites were amazing, but the steak was overcooked and tough. Service was a bit slow, but the atmosphere was superb.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMGood Restaurant!I went for lunch. I had the wagyu steak frites, while my dining partner has the tortilla soup with korean goat and dumplings. The wagyu beef was cooked perfectly in my steak, and I really enjoyed it; however, too many fries that were oily and soggy came with the dish. This was the only negative however, as my partner and I loved the goat and dumplings and soup. We also shared the pot de creme for dessert, which we found delicious. Overall, a great lunch spot, and I would come back again.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMGood ChoiceFood as expected was very good, noise level increased as the evening went on so I had difficulty in hearing table conversation. This was the only low spot in an evening I thoroughly enjoyed.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMLove it!This was my second time at Underbelly. My husband surprised me several months ago by taking me to another trendy Westheimer restaurant, and we were terribly disappointed by the ambience and service, even though the food was good. He was worried this would be like that experience, so he was blown away by the food that Chef Chris Shepherd and his staff prepared as well as the ambience, service, and everything that came with it. We will return again!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMNice Experience and Great FoodThe food is fit for foodies. The food and service is excellent.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMThe BB's Dining GroupFirst trip for some in our group of 10, repeat for some. All I heard around the table was yumms course after course.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMUnderbelly is great for MontroseThis restaurant, along with the Hay Merchant next door has been an excellent addition to Montrose. Unique, amiable, and inventive, just like the chef. You will not be disappointed.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Food- Just not Enough of it!I really like this place. The food is great, so much that I just want more! I can say that is the only negative about it is that the portions are kinda small for the price. I have been there twice and we shared several dishes so that we can try more than one plate and I left hungry both times. We even ordered more the 1st time! But I will be going back..I will just order more next time. Cheers!5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was excellent, butThe food was excellent, but came out of the kitchen in odd courses.... One veg plate , then another with meat dish then another rice dish! I guess I'm not really in step with the tappas style of eating!5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a treat!Love, love, love this restaurant. Do not leave this restaurant withouth have the Korean Braised Goat and Dumplings!5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat foodCreative food that could also be classified as comfort food. A can't miss while in Houston!5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Birthday DinnerBrought my wife here for her birthday on a Monday night and the place was very busy. We were seated quickly and our waiter promptly arrived to explain the menu to us and give us a thorough explanation about Underbelly and its practices. I had read an online review recommending the Korean lamb and dumplings which we ordered along with the garlic bread. The bread was delicious and the dumplings were hands down fantastic, we're definitely getting those when we return. We also ordered the family style pork roast with veggies which was a very large portion but was very tasty and the meat was very moist. For dessert we ordered the caramel popcorn pot de creme with fried pretzel which also had amazing flavors and textures.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing culinary experienceFantastic food fit for fanatics of fine cuisine. The combinations of flavors were served with attitude, clever style, and good humor. Wait staff was a perfect fit for the family-style grub. Definitely coming back for 'seconds'!5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat ambiance, food a little saltyUnderbelly has a great ambiance and a really unique dining experience. The food in general was a bit too salty. The Vietnamese meatballs and roasted vegetables in particular were way oversalted. The beets were excellent (great puree), as was the red snapper and the pot de creme for dessert. The pot roast was a bit underwhelming but the vegetables in it were great.
I would definitely come here again because they rotate their menus and the ambiance is great. Love the interior of the restaurant; the service was also fantastic - not too stuffy but not sloppy.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat overallVery relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The butter biscuits, gulf fish (grouper that day), and tortilla soup all got rave reviews. The acoustics in the dining room are great for having a conversation with others at your table without overhearing others. Our waiter was quite soft spoken, which made him hard to hear at times, but he was very polite, friendly, and timely.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMSmaller were Big! Big was small...We loved the small plates on the right side of the menu. My husband said he could drink the butter that came with the bread! The brussel sprouts/broccoli AND the Korean BBQ with dumplings were amazing!
But the beef pot roast was tasteless. It was a gorgeous piece of meat, but tasted like cardboard. We weren't impressed considering how seriously they take their butchering.
Desserts were worth it-wish we'd ordered more!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMHow can Underbelly match its hype?With one of the most acclaimed restaurant openings in Houston in recent years, followed by fawning praise from the food press, it would be hard to see how Underbelly could live up to the created expectations. It is as good as they say.
Each of our menu selections was a wonderful dish, with the courses paced perfectly by our waiter, Chris, a man big enough to be an NBA power forward. What is it about big guys named Chris at Underbelly, anyway? The service matched the food throughout the dinner and Chris' food and wine suggestions were as spot on as his professional service.
Favorites included Vietnamese meatballs, a Fried Oyster offering, and a pot de creme dessert. The menu changes daily.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food. The pork chopGreat food. The pork chop and butcher's cut of day were amazing!5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMFun place,good food,limited memeA treat to find a fun restaurant that sticks to local ingredients. This creates a problem as some items on the menu will run out, though.
Only beer and wine is served and the service could be better. But the food was very good and it is a place to share with others.
If looking for a casual place with very good food sticking to local
Ingredients you found it.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMDiamond in the RoughMy first time to this restaurant. My supervising attorney brought me to it for a late admin. professional lunch. This is a very nice restaurant. I didn't expect the inside to be as elegant and comfortable with wood, but it was a very nice surprise.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMUniquely wonderful experienceThis was my second time at Underbelly and I brought a friend for a special "thank you" dinner. She had been here for lunch before. But as we were told, dinner is a very different experience.
Both times, I tried/enjoyed foods I normally would shy away from such as goat meat, etc. We loved the Roasted beets, the Korean braised goat and dumplings, and the Butcher's Cut (steak) which were all amazing. The portion of goat meat was smaller than my last visit, which was disappointing since we were sharing all the dishes. Generous amounts of roasted beets and Butcher's Cut made up for this, however. We ordered the Fried Strawberry pie, but felt it should have contained more strawberry filling. The crust was wonderful, we just wanted more berries.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AM