Bob's Steak & Chop House [Closed]
This entry was posted on 5/28/2007 2:38 PM and is filed under Steakhouses, New Openings, Casual Chic - Jeans Allowed, closed.
UPDATE: CLOSED EARLY 2008
To suggest that this restaurant exudes testosterone is an understatement -- start with the name, the dark wood interior, and the bar that seems to have usurped The Remington (f/k/a/ Ritz Carlton) as the place to hang for the over sixty guy looking for some action. (And there's some to be had judging by the young women we observed.) If J. Howard Marshall and Anna Nicole decided to return to earth for another meal, they'd likely pick Bob's.
Bob's has been a Dallas institution for years. In Houston, it has taken over the old Tony's location on Post Oak. Other than the front door being in the same place, you wouldn't recognize the restaurant from the Tony's days. Gone are the rich velvety tones, replaced by the aforementioned dark wood and muted colors. The bar features prominently when you walk in the door; the ubiquitous televisions and attractive bartenders continue the guy theme.
We'd heard that the service could be shaky, but our reservation was honored right on time, and everyone from the waitress, sommelier, and busguys was very attentive. We were seated in a very comfortable booth with a great view for people watching. And for those who have trouble seeing, the rooms are well lit. Don't expect the sexy warmth of Flemings or Capital Grille; this place feels more like a country club grill room. The very large jar of pickled red peppers and cucumbers on each table is an interesting, somewhat odd touch that one can only assume has been a Bob's tradition for many years.
The menu is standard steakhouse fare. The calamari was disappointing, as were the two salads that we tried -- tomato, red onion, and blue cheese and a mixed greens salad with a creamy blue cheese dressing. The main culprit -- blue cheese crumbles that rivaled those you'd find in bulk at Costco. The restaurant redeemed itself with the steaks and sides. We tried the NY strip and the filet -- both were great, as good as we can recall at any steakhouse in Houston. A nice touch is that every entrée comes with a potato dish -- either baked, (s)mashed, or pan fried with onions and green peppercorn sauce. Although the latter is a signature item, the smashed potatoes were delicious, and the largest portion we've ever seen. The creamed spinach was as good as most, as were the onion rings. And we can't fail but mention perhaps the coup de grace in continuing the men's club theme--the signature whole glazed carrot that adorns every entrée. The men at the table felt weird eating it--need we say more? Bigger sometimes is better, so it's a good thing there were four of us as the warm brownie with peanut butter ice cream was definitely a dessert to be shared, and share we did with spoons a flying.
It doesn't seem this town can have too many steakhouses and, judging by the packed dining room, Bob's will likely be around for awhile, particularly with the aging of the baby boomers.
1801 Post Oak Boulevard
713/877-8325
http://www.bobs-steakandchop.com/
