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Rainbow Lodge, Houston, TX

Rainbow Lodge

4.6
4.6
4785 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Top Tags:
Well known and loved for gulf fish, wild game, steaks and chops, Rainbow Lodge features lunch, dinner & Sunday brunch. Owner Donnette Hansen's attention to detail is reflected in everything from the comfortable log cabin setting & landscaped grounds to the seasonally changing menus. Insider's tip: go for the business lunch ($15 for three courses). Sophisticated but not stuffy! Menu hits include elk chops, grilled buffalo tenderloin, Lodge smoked duck gumbo. Veteran chefs prepare gulf fish, wild boar, duck, quail, elk and beef. With 3,000 square feet of kitchen gardens, the Lodge grows vegetables and herbs to complete special dishes. Brunch enthusiasts enjoy casual patio dining with $2 mimosas. Sunday Suppers feature half price wines by the glass. Live Music Fridays in the bar.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 41 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    American, Seafood, Wild Game
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 10:30 am–4:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–5:00 pm Bar Tue–Fri, Sun 11:00 am–10:30 pm Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Happy Hour Tue–Fri 4:00 pm–7:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (713) 861-8666
  • Website
    http://www.rainbow-lodge.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Owned/operated by
    LGBTQ+, Women
  • Executive chef
    Mark Schmidt
  • Catering
    Exciting American cuisine at your own location. Featuring seafood, wild game and signature entree salads. Door Dash, Grub Hub, and Uber Eats all post our menus for home or office delivery within their zones.
  • Private party facilities
    This cozy log cabin is a stunning backdrop for your next event, available for parties from 10-200. Happy hours, weddings, corporate dinners, garden parties. Five different rooms and a gorgeous lawn and deck area.
  • Private party contact
    Tim Neely or Donnette Hansen: (713) 861-8666
  • Location
    2011 Ella Blvd., Houston, TX 77008
  • Neighborhood
    Heights / Washington
  • Cross street
    East TC Jester
  • Parking details
    Complimentary Valet Parking. Some self parking available. Our valets work for and appreciate your tips.
  • Entertainment
    Live Music on Friday nights in the Tied Fly Bar and on the Wine deck outside.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Featured in

What 4,785 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Houston

    Great for scenic views

4,785 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always an excellent experience at Rainbow Lodge!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Dubyakel

    Houston

    42 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    42 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food5service4ambience2
    Maybe the best cooked eggs ever. Kudos to the Chef. Ultra loud group of girls at 100+ decibels in the area were a big bummer. Hope they spent & tipped well. They ran off a single, table of 3 & table of two….

    Is this helpful?

  3. Toby

    Houston

    142 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    142 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Food is always excellent! Duck gumbo and shrimp and crab risotto were amazing. Service is polite but SLOW and staff seem to be around just slow to get basic things like water or a drink order. The rustic dining room is great for a relaxing brunch!

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It's was a great experience....I would recommend it.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Cozy atmosphere, deli food and the best wine collection. I would certainly recommend it for special occasions. The only thing i was expecting when i marked the reservation as anniversary is to have at least a cup cake with a candle otherwise i would’ve done my own arrangements. Overall, it was my first time there and will definitely go back. Thanks for making our night special.

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  6. MeLissaO

    Nashville

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We sat on the patio, it was quiet and peaceful. Service was excellent along with the food. We highly recommend the warm crab and shrimp dip for an appetizer, it was fantastic! The Buffalo filet was excellent but it was the special that night, I had the Antelope Lion which was fantastic, my daughter had filet which you could cut with a fork and her boyfriend had the artichoke chicken that he loved. The jalapeño bacon grips were delicious but spicy. I like things hot and they were. The whole experience took an hour. Not rushed but not a long dinning experience.

    Is this helpful?

  7. BigLew

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Amazing place food was great and the server that we had was wonderful. I did notice that people who didn't have reservation got seated before us and we had a reservation but other than that it was a great experience.

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  8. maryc

    Houston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Super good food. We sat in the bar so noisier than some other spots. Leah was our waitress and she was great! I had a steak, my friend ate the duck and could not stop raving about it. My steak was as good as they get! Done perfectly to my specs.

    Is this helpful?

  9. RubiA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and food. The portions are small but very tasty.

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  10. PaulC

    Houston

    20 reviews

    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Tonight our table had steak, halibut and risotto and all was prepared well. The main courses have always been great which is one reason we enjoy dining at Rainbow Lodge. However the Cesar salad was a complete failure. Extremely bland and boring like from a cafeteria; limp lettuce on a plate. The salad game needs mass improvement and the dessert menu could be broadened. But in all we enjoyed our evening as we always do when we come here. The ambiance is fantastic and there is a nice wine menu.

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  11. buffalo

    Austin

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and waitstaff were excellent. Food had no gamey flavor and was very tender. Staff was attentive and knowledgeable of ingredients and suggestions. Prices were reasonable. Great dinner for our anniversary celebration!

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  12. FrankM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Thought the food was average. Has been better in the past.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Calgary

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Very nice. Great meal and great service from Nancy. Was a little disappointed at some of the other patrons attire - since when is a dirty T-shirt and flip flops appropriate in the dining room of a fine restaurant? Perhaps the Lodge should enforcing a level of attire for dinner time. Otherwise it was great.

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  14. SallyB

    Houston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first time here. The atmosphere is lovely and it’s hard to believe you are right in the middle of the city. The food and service were excellent, and we enjoyed trying all the game meats.

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  15. DanielleH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated a birthday day and i loved it! We will definitely be coming back.

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful setting, wonderful customer service and delicious lunches for our group of 4.

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  17. ReneB

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, this place is wonderful. I prefer the dinner menu for food but the atmosphere there is so peaceful that I go as often as I can.

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  18. Jeanie

    Munich

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were there for brunch and it was fabulous. I had the chicken fried venison. Perfection. Not too much breading and the gravy was spot on! My friend had the duck chilaquiles. She raved about the flavor and was impressed by how much duck was in the dish. We also had the pistachio and venison breakfast sausage. Absolutely amazing. We also split the stone fruit cobbler. Cherries and plums…not too sweet. The ice cream….bourbon pecan caramel ice cream on the side. I could’ve eaten a gallon of it. Best ice cream I’ve had in a very long time.

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  19. garyy

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had dinner with my daughter for her birthday. The ambience was great and the food was delicious.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Simply amazing experience get the bread pudding.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    The 2 couples that sat next to us were extremely loud. Dinner was great. My husband had the Nilgai with mashed potatoes (because he doesn’t care for grits) and they were warm and didn’t look too fresh. I ordered the shrimp and blue crab saffron risotto. I didn’t see any crab meat in it and it came with 2 shrimp placed on top. The dirty Martini was one of the best I’ve ever had. We split the lobster and avocado wedge salad which was great too. We finished off with dessert of the bread pudding which we finished but was definitely not the best I’ve ever had either. The waiter was attentive and good.

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  22. CristinaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was exquisite, I will totally recommend the Antílope was cooked at perfection…. Definitely will be back

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent. Great duo in the bar. People were somewhat boisterous, but I wanted to be near the music Waiter was excellent, personality and honesty. Food excellent.

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  24. JOHNW

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As good as any review, any advertisement, a unique experience in a city BLESSED with great restaurants, you must try!!! Ask for Russell as your wait person, experienced, knowledgeable and the gold standard for any waitstaff in the city

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  25. SuzanneR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had a great lunch at the Lodge as always and brought a guy who is a former executive director for the Houston Safari Club, and he loved it.

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  26. KaDe

    Houston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Great food & ambience! The service was okay. Our waitress forgot an item ordered & our lunch came as we were eating our salads, which created a bit of a rush. Dishes were not removed upon completion, & drinks were not refreshed. The food was amazing though!

    Is this helpful?

  27. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and excellent service, our server Jode went above and beyond to ensure we had a fantastic experience, the duck gumbo was amazing and the wild game entrée was some of the best food I have ever had

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  28. DebbieL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another enjoyable evening at Rainbow Lodge. We visit a few times a year and are always delighted. The pace of our dinner is handled by our server and is perfect every time. Our meal was exceptional once again!

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  29. MilesL

    Houston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The food was just ok, not spectacular. Great wine selection and unique food choices still make this a go-to spot. Service was excellent!

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    Food was amazing. Service so-so. We were excited to be there, but it seemed the half full (we went early) restaurant wasn’t ready to attend customers.

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  31. GinaM

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Real food. Authentic menu. Every dish was delicious. Kelly was a fabulous host.

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  32. YelbaH

    Houston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So romantic and perfect for my birthday celebration. The staff was incredible in helping us with selections. Each dish was better than the last - perfect birthday!

    Is this helpful?

  33. NancyK

    Houston

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was as wonderful as always. The food was excellent, as well as the service.

    Is this helpful?

  34. JibyK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Overall amazing 🤩...very tasty food ... ambiance is awesome.....

    Is this helpful?

  35. TravisP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service and food were outstanding!! Beautiful dining room and patio!! The food was absolutely delicious!! They even brought us a free desert for our anniversary!!

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    A great night out celebrating our anniversary. Food is delicious, wine selection is impressive, the service is kind, friendly, professional and knowledgeable, the decor is what you would expect from a restaurant called the lodge. Honestly, the only thing I can say about this restaurant is that we had an 8:00 reservation and by 9:30, the overnight crew are already doing set up for the following day, moving tables and chairs and talking across the small room about what each other are doing. In a restaurant of this stature, you should never be made to feel like they want you to leave so they can close up for the night. My wife and I were baffled and so we hurried through dessert and left. Just an unfortunate end to an otherwise great experience.

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  37. AngelaE

    Phoenix

    52 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Love CFS night! Great time and good service. Overall a good time.

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  38. Melann

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious. We will definitely be back to try other dishes. We look forward to cooler weather so that we can try out their outdoor space.

    Is this helpful?

  39. CraigS

    Exclusive

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was excellent - Food was very good (Restaurant week price and portion was acceptable).

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    Was expecting their advertised special of chicken fried steak on 1st Sunday of the month and was told it was only for dinner. So I ordered it anyway at regular price, it came out very greasy, dripping in oil. The mashed potatoes were not like anything I have experienced, off color and not fluffy. Green beans were served in the crispy fashion, it would have been nice to know that in advance.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Rainbow Lodge using the Order Online button. Rainbow Lodge also offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Rainbow Lodge also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (713) 861-8666.

Rainbow Lodge is rated 4.6 stars by 4785 OpenTable diners.

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 41 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Rainbow Lodge

2011 Ella Blvd., Houston, TX 77008

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    East TC Jester
  • Neighborhood
    Heights / Washington
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 10:30 am–4:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–5:00 pm Bar Tue–Fri, Sun 11:00 am–10:30 pm Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Happy Hour Tue–Fri 4:00 pm–7:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    American, Seafood, Wild Game
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Complimentary Valet Parking. Some self parking available. Our valets work for and appreciate your tips.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    LGBTQ+, Women
  • Executive chef
    Mark Schmidt
  • Entertainment
    Live Music on Friday nights in the Tied Fly Bar and on the Wine deck outside.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.rainbow-lodge.com/
  • Phone number
    (713) 861-8666
  • Catering
    Exciting American cuisine at your own location. Featuring seafood, wild game and signature entree salads. Door Dash, Grub Hub, and Uber Eats all post our menus for home or office delivery within their zones.
  • Private party facilities
    This cozy log cabin is a stunning backdrop for your next event, available for parties from 10-200. Happy hours, weddings, corporate dinners, garden parties. Five different rooms and a gorgeous lawn and deck area.
  • Private party contact
    Tim Neely or Donnette Hansen: (713) 861-8666

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