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Main Dining Room  - Upper Kirby Bistro, Houston, TX

Upper Kirby Bistro

4.3
4.3
613 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Remember the good ole days of Corner Table, 1919 Wine & Mixology, and The Brownstone?

This Houston historical landmark venue is now open Tuesday – Sunday for corporate events, private and holiday parties! We are the perfect location with five unique venues for your special event or a weekly night out dining!

Five Central is an Events, Dining, and Entertainment Center located in the heart of River Oaks. Here we feature five unique concepts under one roof offering full-catering, food, and beverage service for events as well as a full dining experience in our restaurant Upper Kirby Bistro.! Your one-stop-shop for Events, Dining, and Entertainment!

• 15,000 total sq ft.
• 600 standing capacity
• Custom Theme Food and Drink Menus
• Full-Service Catering & Events Staff
• Meeting Facilities
• $10 Valet, arrangements can be made for private service
• Private breakout rooms
• River Oaks District
• Located Near I610 & I59
• Turn-Key Venue Experience!





Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 5 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–5:30 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 3:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 6:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 6:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (832) 353-2336
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Owned/operated by
    Black/African American
  • Executive chef
    Albert Gamez
  • Private party facilities
    At Upper Kirby Bistro, we have several venues to fit your party. We specialize in large parties, celebrations, graduations, corporate events. Book a semi-private or private room now.
  • Private party contact
    Private Events: (832) 831-7489
  • Neighborhood
    Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor
  • Cross street
    Westheimer
  • Parking details
    Valet parking is available for a price and there is limited street parking.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cigar Room, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Smoking Area, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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What 613 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

613 Reviews
  1. RITAM

    Houston

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food3service2ambience5
    This cute little spot is quite aesthetically pleasing. The chef was very engaging, however, I did have to send my wings back because they were undercooked! The service was slow, which was surprising because there was hardly anyone there. We did enjoy the soft music that came from next door. Overall, the food and service were pretty mediocre, and the chairs were very uncomfortable. Despite all that, I would probably go back to visit one of the other establishments that are connected to this one!

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  2. Newt

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The good was delicious and the wait time for meal was short. Mimosa was very strong-but some people like their money worth of alcohol. The level of noise was very loud.

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  3. GNE3

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We came for brunch the day of the Beyoncé concert. We made reservations late and this was one of the few places I could find. I’m general it was a cool vibe. Our waiter was great. The food was just ok. I had shrimp and grits. The grits were missing something for me and after 10 minutes were hard. Other in my party had the chicken and waffles…the chicken was bland. The greens were flavorful. The gravy was oddly thick for the biscuits and gravy. The boudin balls were decent. My drinks were tasty. Including the concert specials. Overall I liked the ambience.

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  4. MsSmith

    Kansas City

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    We are not from Houston so it was a little hard to find because we saw other restaurant names outside and the valet didn’t seem to understand us… HOWEVER, once inside, the hostess was very sweet and our server was as well… service was very slow but it was Beyoncé/Renaissance weekend so we understand. All of our food was good but we did think the cocktails were abnormally pricey for them to be so small. Overall, I’m glad my Houston friend recommended it to me. We love to support black owned businesses.

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  5. SydneyS

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Horrible. Horrible. Will never return. Didn’t honor our reservations.

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  6. AngelL

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    My food was ABSOLUTELY amazing!!! I had the soul food plate. The oxtails!! Perfection! The yams…lawd! Great vibe! I found the menu to be a little pricey, but food was great. Gratuity included in a party of 2 ticket. I thinks included on all tickets . Would go back again!

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  7. KeoshaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is was my first time visiting Upper Kirby Bistro and the service, ambience and food was superb. Elijah was our waiter and he was on point and very professional and courteous might I add. I will be visiting again.

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  8. CortniW

    Los Angeles

    14 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience1
    Smelled like sewage and the waitress cackled on the phone for 20 min while our food was visibly sitting on the line getting cold. We weren’t served drinks until after our food was delivered and we were the only table in the restaurant. I was there for a business meeting with 2 superiors and I was embarrassed I chose the place.

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  9. AliciaA

    Houston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We did the HRW menu and the food was amazing from beginning to end!

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Had a good time the food was ok the fruit was great. The stuffed waffle was too greasy.

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  11. CharleneW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was good great environment service was good

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  12. LJHouston

    Houston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Great vibe and amazingly nice staff. Food portions were large and delicious!

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  13. JohnH

    Houston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s a bit difficult to find. It’s tucked away behind several other collocated venues. I only found it because the street number was actually prominently displayed on the front of the building.

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience1
    Went for happy hour - and it was just ok. The food tasted good but was very small portions but of course happy hour is different than regular dining. The food did have good flavor. The drinks were big and tasted good. The ambience was quiet and music pretty low, didn’t have much of a vibe inside really. Service was just ok - waited 10 minutes to put in our order and we were 1 of maybe 3 tables in there. Again not terrible place but probably wouldn’t go back

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  15. KimM

    Houston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Upper Kirby Bistro is a lovely restaurant. The food and the cocktails are so delicious! The staff was attentive and knowledgeable. Elijah took great care of us. It was a great choice for celebrating my birthday with friends. I can't wait to come back again! Thank you!

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    Upper Kirby did not meet my expectations at all. The food was below average. Our waitress was super sweet. The only thing that was actually decent was the calamari. Just a very disappointing experience overall. I wouldn’t recommend it.

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    7 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience1
    First time diner at UKB—probably last time. We were ushered from UKB to a restaurant next door (not sure why, they didn’t explain). It’s 102 degrees outside and it felt like the air conditioning did not work in the restaurant. Very hot and stuffy, with some fans blowing. One hour and fifteen minutes into lunch, we still had not received our appetizers. Incredibly and painfully slow. All in, the lunch was over 2 hours and the food was average. Our young server was very sweet but disappeared for very long periods of 20+ minutes. No idea if this is normal for this place or not.

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  18. ChristopherJ

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    My husband and I came to celebrate my 50th birthday. I am glad with my choice because I enjoyed the food and music. My husband had the fried chicken, collard greens and mashed potatoes. I ate the lamb chops, roasted potatoes and sautéed spinach. Our portions were plenty. For dessert he had peach cobbler w/ a scoop of ice cream. I had the bread pudding which was awesome! The cellist really brought more good vibes! I just wish they had a dance floor!

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  19. FrancesM

    Houston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great! The food was delicious & the service was awesome!

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  20. kindalltyson

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    I loved the atmosphere, and the food was really good. Our service was great too!

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  21. EversEats

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing service and great drinks! Best happy hour!

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall3food5service5ambience3
    The food and service was excellent. The  ambience was not really a vibe.

    1 person found this helpful

  23. AdrinaR

    Memphis/West TN

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The bartender was AMAZING. Nice hidden jewel. Try

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  24. JuliusR

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love supporting black business. The atmosphere did it for me. Everyone was really cool and accommodating. We showed up late to our reservation and they welcomed us just the same while making room for extra guests to our party. Our waitress was friendly and took care of us. The food is dope and I enjoyed the vegan options. We were visiting from out of town and will definitely come back to this spot. Wish there places like this back home…

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  25. Keesmi

    Houston

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    Food not worth the price of the food we paid for . The air conditioning seemed not work either

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  26. Kizzak

    Houston

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    First time dining at Upper Kirby Bistro. For starters there is limited parking. Valet charges $20 which is too costly in my opinion and explains why the small parking lot was empty so I would advise parking on the street. Secondly, my friend and I sat at a table for two which was spaced in between two tables of six on one side and two tables for six on the other side. Rather tight. The food was very good. I ordered the catfish and grits. The grits were a bit soupier than I would have preferred. I like my grits more firmer, however, the flavor was definitely there.

    2 people found this helpful

  27. YolandaH

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First off, I’ll like to thank Upper kirby Bistro for accompanying my birthday party which grew by 3 people. They were so gracious & professional. The drinks were amazing as was the food! Most of us ordered the soul food plate. Not enough oxtails but that was ok. The wait staff was so beautiful. Thank you fir the complimentary bottle of champagne. Until next time!

    1 person found this helpful

  28. Matnovacaine

    Houston

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 4, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Service is absolutely incredible and unmatched. Servers and staff were incredibly attentive. The ambiance of the dining room was quiet and classy. The food presentation was amazing. However, it tasted subpar and we all had what can only be described as “stomach scandals” a few hours after eating. Improving the food would go a long way. Drinks from the fountain also tasted strange. Stick to canned drinks here.

    1 person found this helpful

  29. Gino

    Chicago

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Met a friend for brunch and I must say that this restaurant deserves an encore. The biscuits with sausage gravy were a good starter. The catfish with grits were a hit. And I'm certainly a fan of the oxtail with grits and greens. Not a single complaint about the watermelon mimosa. And service was top.

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  30. Leaux

    Atlanta Metro

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Food was delicious as always. Ordered the Brussels sprout app. Ordered with no cheese and they still bright it w cheese, but fixed their mistake. Texican Mule was VERY strong. One of the strongest on the menu. Chicken quarter, salmon and steak dinner were delicious. Cleaned our plates. Dirty rice was spicy. Poboy was average. Overall a great dinner. Great place. Cool place to bring people to and a great place to chill with some friends before and after dinner.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The whole experience was amazing. We went for brunch and ended up staying after to enjoy drinks and hookah. The food was delicious, service was top tier, and quick! The DJ in the red room had the vibes rolling and energy flowing. Great time overall!

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Some of the sides were salty. Chicken & Oxtails were okay on the soul food plate. chicken and waffles were good, enjoyed the waffles!

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  33. Smith1979

    Houston

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Glazed oxtails were my absolute favorite! I also enjoyed the peach butter spread and the fried chicken. It took about 8 minutes for someone to tend to the table; besides that no major issues.

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  34. Philippe

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on June 5, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    The dinner was great, but the bar next door created a great deal of noise which made it very difficult to have a conversation. It needs to be soundproofed. Our waitress Balsam moved us, which improved the noise level somewhat. I'll come back, but at a time when the bar isn't playing extremely loud music. Also, the valet charged me $20 to park my car and then left my car unlocked and departed before we finished dinner. Fortunately it was okay, but not how things should have been handled for such a high price to valet park. Thanks.

    1 person found this helpful

  35. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Impeccable everything service,food and ambience!! Would recommend to all my friends and family

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  36. AmberA

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    This is a swanky venue. Kind of a hidden gem. I was surprised to see it practically empty upon arrival but it filled up quickly with a late lunch crew. The food is delicious and the menu is good. It’s tricky to find it’s in the multi club area in the right corner. The only reason it’s not getting 5 stars is parking is impossible (unless you pay $20 for valet) and it smelled like behind the bar when I walked in.

    1 person found this helpful

  37. ColinA

    Houston

    7 reviews

    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall2food1service5ambience3
    Let me start by saying my waitress was wonderful! She was attentive and bubbly and I enjoyed her service. The place was advertised as business casual and the attire worn by some patrons was nowhere near those lines. My guests stated the food was bland. I ordered the stuffed blueberry waffle and it was deep fried dough that did not have much stuffed in it at all. I expected some cream to pour from this and it was fried into it as well. It was not a waffle at all. I was very disappointed and so were my guests. Waitstaff was awesome though. Unfortunately we won’t return.

    1 person found this helpful

  38. AntonioT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great place of celebration. Nice friendly staff, and quick service.

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  39. JC2010

    Houston

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Took some people that have never been there. They loved the food and the vibe!!

    Is this helpful?

  40. MichelleC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Awesome time at 5 Central! Always a pleasant experience there. I brought my entire family for Mother’s Day. We all had a great time. They were very accommodating food was delicious and it was a vibe!

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Upper Kirby Bistro using the Order Online button. Upper Kirby Bistro also offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Upper Kirby Bistro also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (832) 353-2336.

Upper Kirby Bistro is rated 4.3 stars by 613 OpenTable diners.

Upper Kirby Bistro does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 5 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Upper Kirby Bistro

2736 Virginia St, Houston, TX 77098

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Westheimer
  • Neighborhood
    Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–5:30 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 3:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 6:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 6:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet parking is available for a price and there is limited street parking.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Black/African American
  • Executive chef
    Albert Gamez
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cigar Room, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Smoking Area, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (832) 353-2336
  • Private party facilities
    At Upper Kirby Bistro, we have several venues to fit your party. We specialize in large parties, celebrations, graduations, corporate events. Book a semi-private or private room now.
  • Private party contact
    Private Events: (832) 831-7489
Gift card

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