Sambuca Restaurant - Houston

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1. DM

   DavidM

   Houston

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall4food4service2ambience4

   One of our group waited about 20 minutes for his entree after the three of us had our food.
   

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2. CC

   CharlesC

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall2food3service3ambience4

   Food was good. Through it was overpriced on food especially the drinks. Parking not very good. Atmosphere was good. Overall 5 rating on a scale 1-10.
   

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3. O

   Olivia

   Houston

   4 reviews

   4.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall4food3service5ambience5

   Great place for a Friday w/ friends/significant other. The energy and ambiance was great and it was nice being somewhere w/ good, clean misc and a grown, diverse crowd. The live band (CC Rider, I believe is their name) was wonderful and did a great job of mixing up the songs they performed. I'm taking off points only because the food was mediocre (stale chips came with my crab dip). I also ordered a cocktail that had a gnat in it--BEYOND not okay. Our server was very kind and professional, however, and he immediately corrected the cocktail issue. Unfortunately, the food was what it was. I'd definitely return, but may opt to eat first before going.
   

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 27, 2023

   overall2food1service5ambience4

   Food quality was disappointing. I could make a better meal at home. Prices are too high and the meal was not savory enough. Would not be going there again. Music was too loud and it was just a DJ.
   

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5. k

   kennethc

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 27, 2023

   overall4food3service5ambience5

   Fish (Red Snapper) was a bit pricey with no sides, except some sour(basily) shredded vegetable under it.
   

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6. AJ

   AnonymousJ

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 21, 2023

   overall4food5service5ambience5

   Love this restaurant, very classy. Came to see Clutch City, which was awesome. Only weird thing was, that tagged on a cover charge of $5 to my check. That was unexpected…
   

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7. KS

   KarenS

   Atlanta Metro

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on May 21, 2023

   overall3food3service3ambience2

   Sambuca used to be a nice, elegant, more upscale place to eat… not anymore. Food wasn’t great, service was ok. We had to wait for drinks because the the dishwasher wasn’t done? The place was not full. And to top it off they charged everyone at our table a $5 cover charge on the bill…. Was not mentioned at the door. Won’t eat there again
   

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8. NF

   NaquishaF

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 14, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Great restaurant and superb food. This place is great
   

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Houston

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on May 13, 2023

   overall3food3service4ambience3

   It was ok. But it was a lot less of a great experience from my previous visits
   

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10. MS

    MichaelS

    Houston

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience1

    Food was okay but nothing special. Service was mediocre at beast and a very high noise level even without the band ploaying. Definitely not worth the cost. Will not be going back.
    

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11. MS

    MartinS

    Houston

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    A few minutes wait time with reservation... no problem. Wait staff response time reasonable. Seated about 8-10 feet from where the live music would play, but arrived and left before it started, which was fine. Set up was underway while we selected our entrees and chatted. From the volume level during setup, I was just as glad to have left before the music started as conversation was frustratingly impossible without yelling. Just gave up trying until after setup was complete. Place is small enough that boosted volume shouldn't have been necessary. Obvious to me that some customers arrived just for the music, which is fine but for first- time daters who actually want conversation, go to a piano bar. After almost 21 years of marriage, I still like to converse with my wife, so this wouldn't have been a pleasant dining experience had we arrived and departed at a later time. My wife ordered their lasagna and was enthusiastically pleased with her selection...a generous serving. My veal dish arrived with two small cutlets about 3/8 inch thick and about 3 1/2 inches in diameter, smothered in Shitake mushrooms and shallots and a light wine sauce accompanied by five broccoli stalks that needed a sharper knife than what was given to cut them. The veal was unremarkable (confirmed by my wife) and, after finishing my meal, my wife generously allowed me to finish the final third of her lasagna, which I thought was average, at best, but I'm not trying to discredit my wife's sense of taste, so for a dish that is almost impossible to ruin, it was tasty. The service was adequate but not stellar and, at least, was better than the meal I ordered. I judge a restaurant by my desire to return again. In summary, while not excruciating, too many restaurants are in the area to warrant a return visit this year. Maybe we'll come back to hear what we missed in the music.
    

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12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience2

    Meatballs were very tough, hard and it much flavor. Our daughter got a Caesar salad, it came with almost no dressing and our waitress went awol for 15 minutes (someone else brought our food). There was a pretty good band playing but the noise level was out of this world. I am used to go to concerts and love live music, just it was too loud for a venue that small; we were at the other end of the restaurant and couldn’t hear each other across the table. It was pretty bad.
    

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13. S

    Sabes

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall1food4service1ambience1

    Hostess was not friendly at all. It felt like a bother to look up the reservation. Waitress let us sit between 20 to 25 min until I called her to the table. She ignored us while helping other people that came long after us. She would only come over when i called on her. Knives were dirty and asked to get them replaced but never got clean knives. We had to eat the meal with a fork. We felt like we were a bother to her. Music was too loud. We had to raise our voices to hear one another. Music before the band was terrible. Too much base. Overall experience was the worst ever. I do not recommend sambuca to anyone.
    

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14. BM

    BryanM

    Houston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    First time at Sambuca - Went to see NightBird. Completely enjoyed the drinks, appetizers, and meal. The food was good, the entertainment was great, and the crowd was a lot of fun.
    

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15. m

    mark

    Houston

    155 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    155 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    We had pre-theater dinner with friends. The reservation was honored on time and we had good service. The complication was a late arriving person and the wait staff did a great job assisting us to plan ordering her meal. We were able to get our check in time to make the performance so it worked out well.
    

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16. JH

    JoshuaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We plan on staying longer for the music next time.
    

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17. F

    Frances

    Orlando

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4

    This is mostly for the “Shadiness” on this restaurant. We made a last min reservation and once we got there we check in with the host. We then order drinks and dinner right away because we were hungry. Our server brought our drinks, then We never saw our server again until time to get our check. My husband noticed a $20 charge on the bill (it was 4 of us so Im guessing $5 per person cover charge) !!! Like why? Thats just rude and shady! Once My husband told me about it, I went and asked the host if she was supposed to tell us about this charge before seating us, which she said” not really, but when u see live music theres usually a charge everywhere u go” (which I disagree, And I dont like to assume!) and she told me “there is also a sign outside” , which I replied “ I dont go around reading signs specially at a restaurant that has tables outside too and the only sign I saw was a “specials sign” . Im sure that sign about cover charge was a very small sign… Manager Omar was standing by the host this whole time and didnt say a word until I asked “are u the manager” then he said yes… and offered to take it off the bill but I said well my husband already paid… then he just said Im sorry about that… so I asked are u doing anything for me? A complimentary drink? … he said yes but my husband and friends had already left so I told him just give me my drink …. I took it and left… ** Food was good** I wish our server came back to order more drinks Soooo Shady! Wont go back!
    

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18. CS

    ChrisS

    Houston

    24 reviews

    3.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience2

    Food not bad service was horrible! Wouldn’t consider it worth what we paid at all.
    

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19. SR

    SalR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Excellent carpaccio as an appetizer and the redfish as sn entree. Cocktails were decent but a rather limited selection. It would be good if they had craft beers or ar l ast on draft
    

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20. CB

    CeliaB

    Houston

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful Easter jazz brunch! Food was great and plentiful. Service was attentive and so nice!
    

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21. JC

    JillC

    Houston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great night! We didn’t care for the calamari, but everything else was wonderful.
    

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22. RH

    RobinH

    Houston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Pork chop was moist and juicy, Mac and cheese was one of the best I have tasted
    

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23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall2food5service4ambience4

    Music use way too loud for dinner but god for a night club
    

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24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything we had was fantastic and ambiance was great!
    

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25. AT

    AudreyT

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent customer and music. Will definitely visit again.
    

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26. PM

    PhillipM

    Houston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Awesome establishment, great live music, and great food, and awesome service. This place is a cool little spot nestled in downtown Houston. Definitely worth trying at least once.
    

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27. AM

    AndrewM

    Houston

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Had a great time dining outside with coworkers. Waitress was very nice and attentive, food was tasty and portions were generous.
    

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28. m

    mike

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Very relaxing atmosphere and the live music really added a special touch to the evening!
    

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29. MF

    MayraFJ

    Houston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was great. I ordered filet medium well and it was juicy and tender and the asparagus were cooked perfectly. The first spicy blueberry margarita that I had wasn’t strong enough but the waiter fix it for my second and third ones. Great ambiance and wonderful band.
    

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30. MB

    MariaB

    Nashville

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Great time. Happy hour. The shrimp and crab dip was outstanding. Our waiter Hector was extremely attentive and friendly.
    

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31. FS

    FranciscoS

    Houston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food2service5ambience5

    Just for the music, the food was no good.
    

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32. SG

    SalvadorG

    Houston

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience4

    Valentine's dinner. They were SEVERELY overwhelmed and unable to keep up with the reservations ( I think they overbooked dinner) OVER a 45min wait‐ with reservations!!! Our server (if you can call him that) only took our order but others dropped it off, which is fine, but no one noticed that we didn't have water or utensils (at our dessert with our hands) They wanted to add a $30.00 tip to our tab... after all that!! Crazy! . The food was ok, nothing to write home about. It was decorated for V-Day and was nice in appearance. The band was good, enjoyed that very much. . *Sambuca, I expected more from you! ;( disappointed
    

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33. KB

    KirstenB

    Houston

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3

    We waited an hour on Valentine’s Day with a large crowd who all were waiting. AFTER PREPAYING. We had a reservation like all the other people who were waiting. The food was very mid.
    

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34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3

    I made a reservation on Valentine's Day for 8pm and showed up 20 minutes early. They told us there was a 15 min wait on reservations and that we could wait at the bar in the meantime. When being seated at 9pm, they tried to seat us in a high traffic area on the entry level. We politely asked if we could be seated on the second floor like we selected when making the reservation. Seating was crammed at best, and it was only tables for two. The "premium dining menu" was $100 per person and included four courses. The first two were brought out simultaneously after being seated for 30 minutes. They afforded us one glass of water each with our meal which was finished before the entrée course. When asked for a medium rare steak, they provided a purple oozing mess, at which point we asked if it could be brought back and cooked longer. This took another 20 minutes because the cooks had a problem with our request. While my date finished the now well done steak, we sat patiently waiting for our promised and paid for dessert. After waiting another 15 minutes, the waitress came and asked if everything was alright, to which we responded, "Could we get some water and our dessert?" When she came back, we received our refills and two plates of 3 bite-sized desserts from the lesser menu and were told that our dessert that we paid for was out, and this was all they had. Our waitress had disappointed me at this point, and I was ready to leave. We finished the dessert and stood up to leave but were stopped by the waitress. We had to pay another $50 for forced gratuity and the house entertainment fee of $3 per person. The whole experience was a complete rip-off, and I wouldn't go back if the meal cost $1. Not to mention our payment for parking being much more expensive due to the unexplained wait time. When I make a reservation for 8pm, I expect to be seated at 8pm and be able to leave an hour later completely satisfied. We left at 11pm completely underwhelmed and flabbergasted.
    

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35. m

    mpma

    Houston

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience3

    We waited 90 minutes after our reservation on Valentine's Day 2023. This was the case for many people. We bought a prepaid reservation for 140 dollars inclusive of tip. However, after our dinner we were charged 20% tip despite me showing the waiter the prepaid receipt with tip included. They said manager was busy and to call back next day. I called each day for 4 days and each day the hostess said manager would can back in 24 hrs. I also sent 2 emails. Despite 45 days now I have yet to receivea phone call or email response. Food quality was average and not up to par for a higher end restaurant.
    

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36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience5

    Good was awesome had reservations still had a wait of an hour and 30 min
    

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37. T

    Technofile

    Houston

    29 reviews

    3.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall3food4service5ambience3

    I booked a Valentine's experience for my partner and me. The restaurant vastly overbooked for the night, causing long wait times. The staff worked hard to keep everyone happy but the experience was disappointing because of it. I'd be cautious of going there again for a special occasion.
    

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38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience4

    Service was bad. Took so long to get anything from the waiter. If you can catch them.
    

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39. DF

    DaveF

    Dallas

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3

    Small portions, bad food (“pasta Fresca” dry pasta without as much as butter or olive oil). Terribly overpriced. Scammer waiter dunned us (a party of four) for a required 20% gratuity after not returning with salt, pepper, or butter and leaving our glasses dry for the entire main course. Caesar salad dry and tasteless, full of romaine leaf, and very small. Salmon overcooked and dry with a small ribbon of hollandaise. Desert small and not particularly good. To top it off, the waiter tried to scam us into a “band cover charge”. We were rushed out for the table and not offered as much as coffee. It was more like being held by a criminal enterprise than a night out. This experience was so bad it was comical. The band, what little we were allowed to hear, was excellent, even though they had to use a back-up track for some numbers.
    

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40. R

    Redhead

    Houston

    17 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3

    We choose Sambucas because we wanted to dance on Valentines Day. They filled up the dance floor with tables. The music was so loud we moved from near the dance floor to the very back. We were very disappointed regarding the dancing and loudness. If you can’t dance, you should be able to talk, right? The food and wine were delicious. Our waiter really hustled but they needed more help.
    

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