Reviewing Pappas Bros. Steakhouse: The definition of a superstar steakhouse in Houston.
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is a privately owned high-end restaurant with two locations in Houston and one in Dallas. The first location opened in the center of Houston on Westheimer Road in 1995. It is owned by a pair of Greek brothers named Chris and Harris Pappas who also own other restaurants that serve American, Tex-Mex, Cajun, and Greek cuisines. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is the most upscale of them all, with a national ranking of fourth among all privately owned steakhouses in the United States. They serve U.S.D.A. Prime Beef steaks along with some meat imported from Japan. Most of their steak cuts are dry aged in-house using a confidential technique that prevents an overly grainy taste, which is what makes them so famous. They offer a nice variety of sides and desserts, each costing $14. Pappas Bros. is also known to be famous in the wine business, having won numerous awards for its extensive selection of high-quality wines and other drinks. They are open daily starting at 5 p.m., except on Sundays and select holidays. Valet parking is recommended if arriving between 6:30 and 7 p.m.
Pappas Bros. has an artistic waterfall outside as well as some stone pavement leading towards the entrance door. It shares its car parking with its family-owned burger cafe neighbor. The inside of this restaurant immediately gives off that classy aura soon as you walk in. The hosts are positioned on the left, the bar area and private room are on the right, and the main dining area sits in the center. The bar area has a professional vibe and consists of pictures of famous food quotes and raw meats behind glass. The lights are dimmed, and the noise level is subtle but lively. You can see the kitchen staff cooking the steaks in the main dining area. It is quite common for families to come here to celebrate a birthday or graduation, as well as business people to meet for work purposes, drinks, or a full meal.
Most recently, I visited Pappas Bros. at the original Houston location, and I ordered a 14-ounce NY Strip cooked medium rare with a glass of sauvignon blanc. Everything was unbelievably delicious and prepared superbly. My steak was nicely buttered and served piping hot when brought to my table. The steak tasted very beefy at its base flavor, and it had a great amount of salt and pepper. It was slightly firm but tender at the same time, with a delightfully crusty top and soft center. The dry-age flavor was not too earthy or funky in any way. The inner redness was bright, as it should be for medium rare. My glass of white wine was served cold with a crispy, tart taste to balance against the savory meal.
For dessert, I ordered the chocolate marshmallow mouse. It tasted extraordinarily rich and sweet and had a soft texture. The dark chocolate ganache smothering the chocolate mousse was epic. The homemade marshmallows were very tender, while the milk sauce and toffee pieces on the bottom added a pleasant creaminess and crunch. Both my steak and dessert were truly divine and were made with precise love from an experienced cooking staff.
The service was impeccable, professional, and welcoming on this visit, as it has been on all my previous visits. The waiters were attentive, and the managers were constantly walking around to ensure top-notch service. For instance, I once got a whole new slice of pie to-go for no additional charge when I asked for a small leftover piece. If you’re here for the first time, I recommend that you take advantage of the newcomer’s special for a free dessert!