Rainbow Lodge

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2011 Ella Blvd (at TC Jester Boulevard)
Houston, TX 77008

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(713) 861-8666
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Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Rainbow Lodge - Houston, TX
Reviews
( 99 )
( 37 )
( 29 )
( 27 )
( 15 )

Best

My grandest and strongest applause to the Rainbow Lodge! We held my daughter's wedding reception here this month and have received so many compliments from family and guests. M...

Worst

The hostess was not attentive at all and had a snooty attitude. The food was ok, but not cooked well through. The dessert was great, but I couldnt get past the bad hostess. ...

Great Place to Eat!!! 2/6/2008

For a special occasion, this is a great place to eat. Interesting and varied menu. Nice setting and the food is consistently excellent. If you are looking for that cool place to take your wife, this is an excellent choice. more

Why bother:Bad service and subpar food - not worth the cost! 12/9/2007

What a disappointment! While the lodge feel and ambiance are nice and the outdoor deck is lovely, our trip to the Rainbow Lodge was a total disappointment. The menu choices were average, and when our food finally came (after very slow service!) what we got did not match the price tag. I could have had a much better brunch (with much better service) for half the cost at so many other places in town. The service was lacking to say the least, starting with a downright snotty hostess who was anything but welcoming. Our waiter had to be flagged down anytime we needed something and for the cost, we expected so much more. To sum it up, why go here when there are so many other wonderful restaurants in Houston with better food and better service. Pros: Nice ambiance and lovely outside deck Cons: Bad service, snotty hostess, overpriced, average food more

Why bother:Bad service and subpar food - not worth the cost! 12/9/2007

What a disappointment! While the lodge feel and ambiance are nice and the outdoor deck is lovely, our trip to the Rainbow Lodge was a total disappointment. The menu choices were average, and when our food finally came (after very slow service!) what we got did not match the price tag. I could have had a much better brunch (with much better service) for half the cost at so many other places in town. The service was lacking to say the least, starting with a downright snotty hostess who was anything but welcoming. Our waiter had to be flagged down anytime we needed something and for the cost, we expected so much more. To sum it up, why go here when there are so many other wonderful restaurants in Houston with better food and better service. Pros: Nice ambiance and lovely outside deck Cons: Bad service, snotty hostess, overpriced, average food more

Why bother:Bad service and subpar food - not worth the cost! 12/9/2007

What a disappointment! While the lodge feel and ambiance are nice and the outdoor deck is lovely, our trip to the Rainbow Lodge was a total disappointment. The menu choices were average, and when our food finally came (after very slow service!) what we got did not match the price tag. I could have had a much better brunch (with much better service) for half the cost at so many other places in town. The service was lacking to say the least, starting with a downright snotty hostess who was anything but welcoming. Our waiter had to be flagged down anytime we needed something and for the cost, we expected so much more. To sum it up, why go here when there are so many other wonderful restaurants in Houston with better food and better service. Pros: Nice ambiance and lovely outside deck Cons: Bad service, snotty hostess, overpriced, average food more

Terrible Service 12/9/2007

We were excited to try Rainbow Lodge at its new location on Ella. Unfortunately, my family and I were appalled at the terrible service we received almost from the time we entered the parking lot. We had heard that this was a classy local institution and we expected better. In fact, we would have been happy with courteous service. Instead, the hostesses at the front were downright rude and, amazingly, completely unapologetic. The wait staff, though pleasant, was slow to the point of aggravating our entire table. Every time we needed something, we had to track him down. At least to me, this is unacceptable when you are about to spend $40-50/person on brunch. As for the food, that was the icing on the bitter cake. The brunch options were nothing special either on the menu or on our plates. The crab omelette was the only thing I would consider coming back for. Otherwise, the salads (both the duck salad and the shrimp and lobster salad) were boring and could have been found in 1,000 other restaurants anywhere else in Houston (and with better service!). All in all, the food was nothing special and the service was bad. Even with a wonderful view of the garden, I can think of dozens if not hundreds of restaurants in town where the food and service would be more worth the trip. Pros: Great view and outdoor seating Cons: Service with an attitude more

Terrible Service 12/9/2007

We were excited to try Rainbow Lodge at its new location on Ella. Unfortunately, my family and I were appalled at the terrible service we received almost from the time we entered the parking lot. We had heard that this was a classy local institution and we expected better. In fact, we would have been happy with courteous service. Instead, the hostesses at the front were downright rude and, amazingly, completely unapologetic. The wait staff, though pleasant, was slow to the point of aggravating our entire table. Every time we needed something, we had to track him down. At least to me, this is unacceptable when you are about to spend $40-50/person on brunch. As for the food, that was the icing on the bitter cake. The brunch options were nothing special either on the menu or on our plates. The crab omelette was the only thing I would consider coming back for. Otherwise, the salads (both the duck salad and the shrimp and lobster salad) were boring and could have been found in 1,000 other restaurants anywhere else in Houston (and with better service!). All in all, the food was nothing special and the service was bad. Even with a wonderful view of the garden, I can think of dozens if not hundreds of restaurants in town where the food and service would be more worth the trip. Pros: Great view and outdoor seating Cons: Service with an attitude more

Terrible Service 12/9/2007

We were excited to try Rainbow Lodge at its new location on Ella. Unfortunately, my family and I were appalled at the terrible service we received almost from the time we entered the parking lot. We had heard that this was a classy local institution and we expected better. In fact, we would have been happy with courteous service. Instead, the hostesses at the front were downright rude and, amazingly, completely unapologetic. The wait staff, though pleasant, was slow to the point of aggravating our entire table. Every time we needed something, we had to track him down. At least to me, this is unacceptable when you are about to spend $40-50/person on brunch. As for the food, that was the icing on the bitter cake. The brunch options were nothing special either on the menu or on our plates. The crab omelette was the only thing I would consider coming back for. Otherwise, the salads (both the duck salad and the shrimp and lobster salad) were boring and could have been found in 1,000 other restaurants anywhere else in Houston (and with better service!). All in all, the food was nothing special and the service was bad. Even with a wonderful view of the garden, I can think of dozens if not hundreds of restaurants in town where the food and service would be more worth the trip. Pros: Great view and outdoor seating Cons: Service with an attitude more

Great date place - wonderful food, terrific cosmos, unique setting! 11/7/2007

My husband and I went here for the first time after an awful week -- I'd heard about it but never had a chance to try it since it moved into our neck of the woods. What a TREAT! We hung out in the bar for bit, had a couple drinks and then headed off to our table--which was quiet enough that we could actually have a conversation. The wait staff was unobtrusive -- just what I want. The food was outstanding, and the portions were perfect for me--i did not leave feeling like the fatted calf! Definitely will return -- regularly! more

Great date place - wonderful food, terrific cosmos, unique setting! 11/7/2007

My husband and I went here for the first time after an awful week -- I'd heard about it but never had a chance to try it since it moved into our neck of the woods. What a TREAT! We hung out in the bar for bit, had a couple drinks and then headed off to our table--which was quiet enough that we could actually have a conversation. The wait staff was unobtrusive -- just what I want. The food was outstanding, and the portions were perfect for me--i did not leave feeling like the fatted calf! Definitely will return -- regularly! more

Great date place - wonderful food, terrific cosmos, unique setting! 11/7/2007

My husband and I went here for the first time after an awful week -- I'd heard about it but never had a chance to try it since it moved into our neck of the woods. What a TREAT! We hung out in the bar for bit, had a couple drinks and then headed off to our table--which was quiet enough that we could actually have a conversation. The wait staff was unobtrusive -- just what I want. The food was outstanding, and the portions were perfect for me--i did not leave feeling like the fatted calf! Definitely will return -- regularly! more

Dinner for two $120, parking in their overflow lot $700, overall experience... priceless 10/15/2007

Exceptional food, limited atmosphere (one reviewer met the mark saying it felt like an attorney's office -- I would add that it comes with plenty of attorney-looking patrons). I don't mean to knock it because it is very well appointed, the food is distinctive, and service far above average. One warning: be prepared to use their valet parking, If you are like me and don't like people driving your car or you don't like to worry about your valuables, DON'T be tempted to park in their overflow lot across Ella blvd. It's very poorly lighted and has the overall appearance of a New Jersey back alley. We emerged from dinner to find my driver's window bashed in and everything of value taken, including a GPS that was hidden inside my console. I let the Manager know what I thought of his choice of parking lots. He had no advice to offer, though he was smart enough not to say -- 'next time try the valet'. Pros: Food quality and presentation, service. Cons: A little bit stuffy (like an exclusive country club), PARKING more

Dinner for two $120, parking in their overflow lot $700, overall experience... priceless 10/15/2007

Exceptional food, limited atmosphere (one reviewer met the mark saying it felt like an attorney's office -- I would add that it comes with plenty of attorney-looking patrons). I don't mean to knock it because it is very well appointed, the food is distinctive, and service far above average. One warning: be prepared to use their valet parking, If you are like me and don't like people driving your car or you don't like to worry about your valuables, DON'T be tempted to park in their overflow lot across Ella blvd. It's very poorly lighted and has the overall appearance of a New Jersey back alley. We emerged from dinner to find my driver's window bashed in and everything of value taken, including a GPS that was hidden inside my console. I let the Manager know what I thought of his choice of parking lots. He had no advice to offer, though he was smart enough not to say -- 'next time try the valet'. Pros: Food quality and presentation, service. Cons: A little bit stuffy (like an exclusive country club), PARKING more

Dinner for two $120, parking in their overflow lot $700, overall experience... priceless 10/15/2007

Exceptional food, limited atmosphere (one reviewer met the mark saying it felt like an attorney's office -- I would add that it comes with plenty of attorney-looking patrons). I don't mean to knock it because it is very well appointed, the food is distinctive, and service far above average. One warning: be prepared to use their valet parking, If you are like me and don't like people driving your car or you don't like to worry about your valuables, DON'T be tempted to park in their overflow lot across Ella blvd. It's very poorly lighted and has the overall appearance of a New Jersey back alley. We emerged from dinner to find my driver's window bashed in and everything of value taken, including a GPS that was hidden inside my console. I let the Manager know what I thought of his choice of parking lots. He had no advice to offer, though he was smart enough not to say -- 'next time try the valet'. Pros: Food quality and presentation, service. Cons: A little bit stuffy (like an exclusive country club), PARKING more

Great selection of meats, but dont get the recommended appetizer 8/30/2007

This is the first time I have been to the Rainbow Lodge and the food was fantastic. The selection is unique and atleast worth trying once if you are willing to try something different. Since we were in a larger group, we wanted to get a variety of the meats for the few who had not been there before. We wanted to order an appetizer, but make it more exciting we wanted to get the entree that had a variety of meats. Our waitress suggested this other dish that would have a good variety for our group. To our surprise, the appetizer was more than double, practically triple the cost of the entree we had originally tried to order. A mistake on our part was not asking for the price of the appetizer prior to agreeing with the suggestion. Take into consideration when ordering off the menu items can be quite pricey, but is still very delicious. Don't forget to save room for dessert, they are worth saving room. more

Great selection of meats, but dont get the recommended appetizer 8/30/2007

This is the first time I have been to the Rainbow Lodge and the food was fantastic. The selection is unique and atleast worth trying once if you are willing to try something different. Since we were in a larger group, we wanted to get a variety of the meats for the few who had not been there before. We wanted to order an appetizer, but make it more exciting we wanted to get the entree that had a variety of meats. Our waitress suggested this other dish that would have a good variety for our group. To our surprise, the appetizer was more than double, practically triple the cost of the entree we had originally tried to order. A mistake on our part was not asking for the price of the appetizer prior to agreeing with the suggestion. Take into consideration when ordering off the menu items can be quite pricey, but is still very delicious. Don't forget to save room for dessert, they are worth saving room. more

Great selection of meats, but dont get the recommended appetizer 8/30/2007

This is the first time I have been to the Rainbow Lodge and the food was fantastic. The selection is unique and atleast worth trying once if you are willing to try something different. Since we were in a larger group, we wanted to get a variety of the meats for the few who had not been there before. We wanted to order an appetizer, but make it more exciting we wanted to get the entree that had a variety of meats. Our waitress suggested this other dish that would have a good variety for our group. To our surprise, the appetizer was more than double, practically triple the cost of the entree we had originally tried to order. A mistake on our part was not asking for the price of the appetizer prior to agreeing with the suggestion. Take into consideration when ordering off the menu items can be quite pricey, but is still very delicious. Don't forget to save room for dessert, they are worth saving room. more

***** (5) 7/18/2007

Every time my wife and I visit our family in Houston, which is 8-10 times a year, we make a special trip to the Rainbow Lodge. The food is fantastic, atmosphere is wonderful and service is top notch. And thank you for the email updates we sometime make trips round your events! Pros: Food Ambience People Cons: The recent rainy weather and can't enjoy the views! more

***** (5) 7/18/2007

Every time my wife and I visit our family in Houston, which is 8-10 times a year, we make a special trip to the Rainbow Lodge. The food is fantastic, atmosphere is wonderful and service is top notch. And thank you for the email updates we sometime make trips round your events! P.S. Before you pass judgment by reading others reviews, click on their username to see what other review the user have made. You will see with 'elwood' 6-07 they look to be pretty negative about all of their dinning experiences. Enjoy your dinner, we and the other 99% of their guest do! Pros: Food Ambience People Cons: The recent rainy weather and can't enjoy the views! more

***** (5) 7/18/2007

Every time my wife and I visit our family in Houston, which is 8-10 times a year, we make a special trip to the Rainbow Lodge. The food is fantastic, atmosphere is wonderful and service is top notch. And thank you for the email updates we sometime make trips round your events! Pros: Food Ambience People Cons: The recent rainy weather and can't enjoy the views! more

HOHUM 6/25/2007

I took my husband, son & girlfriend and another couple to Rainbow Lodge a couple of Sunday nights ago to celebrate my husbands birthday. It ended up being a very average experience. Sat in the bar for about half an hour relaxing and having a drink and trying to take in the atmosphere. It was interesting (don't agree with the other reviews: VERY average outside views), but the "old" smell throughout the entire restaurant/bar threw us off. Best thing: I liked the half priced wine by the glass (on Sunday nights). When we went to our table the menus were given to us as we were sitting down--we even had to put our drinks down to accept them. They remained in our laps throughout being served and eating our appetizers because the server had not taken the rest of our order. Akward! Only about 4-5 other tables were filled so I can't imagine that they were overwhelmed. What do they do special for birthday's, etc. If you PAY for a dessert they will stick a candle in it. Overall everyone enjoyed their food (the food was quite good with a few exceptions), but a crying baby next to us, a server that seemed almost clueless, the "old' smell & low ceilings, and the care less about special occasions attitude--- well, I will pay $500+ (which I did for this evening) somewhere else that "gets" the whole fine dining out & customer service thing! We didn't let the restaurant define our evening tho: We had a great time spending it with our son! Pros: Tasty food Cons: Service, smell, small dining areas, tables too close,valet parking only more
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Menu for Rainbow Lodge


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Houston's original lodge restaurant featuring seafood and wild game. Cozy Log Cabin inside the Loop. Call 713.581.8245 for a reservation!

Owner Message
  • The Rainbow Lodge is a 100 year old log cabin restaurant on an acre of grounds right in the middle of Houston! Owner Donnette Hansen is focused on the details in this iconic Houston dining spot. Sophisticated but not "stuffy". Enjoy notable and special wines paired with local and seasonal ingredients.

    Comfortable presentations of Venison, Elk, Boar, Bison, Gulf Snapper, Smoked Duck and Housemade Sausages appear daily paired with vegetables and herbs growing 20 feet away in the Lodge's expansive gardens. Lunch is lighter, entrees from $12-$20 and Sunday Brunch features 99 cent mimosas!

    Only minutes from downtown & the Galleria in the Heights, Rainbow Lodge features dynamic views, 3 fireplaces, a citrus grove, decks and patios, a casual fun bar and four private dining rooms. There are spacious facilities for private parties & garden weddings. Call 713.581.8245 for a reservation!

Editorial
  • One of Houston's longtime favorite restaurants offers Gulf seafood, wild game, turkey, tenderloin and a variety of innovative and appealing cuisine for private parties, corporate functions and...

  • 11/14/2007 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Tue-Fri 11:30am-10:30pm Sat 6pm-10:30pm Sun 10:30am-3pm, 5pm-10:30pm
  • Payments: Carte Blanche, Discover, Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diner's Club
  • Neighborhoods: Greater Heights, Central
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