Reef

Don't waste your money. Below average. more

My wife and I loved this place and have come to Reef for three of our past anniversaries. I used to recommend this restaurant to everyone. I say loved and used to because of our last experience there. \r \r I booked a table for our anniversary, but they must have overlooked the note. I'm not the kind of person who gets too upset over simple mistakes--my wife waited tables from greasy spoons to fine dining--so I'm pretty lenient. We were given the check, and I realized that he didn't know it was our anniversary. When the waiter finally made eye contact (he had been at our table a total of 5 minutes the entire evening), I told him, and he said he would take care of it and be right back. Fifteen minutes pass...nothing. Now, we had already eaten our meal, payed, and were sitting at a dirty table. On my way from the restroom, I see our waiter yelling at the manager with his finger in his face holding our comped milkshakes (if you've been there you know what I'm talking about). I also see my wife sitting alone...how about less yelling, more bringing. At this point I'm feeling really uneasy about dealing with this person at all, so I walk to our table and ask my wife if she's ready to leave. On the way out of the dining room, the waiter looks at me, puts our shakes in the window, and storms off ...a final 'forget you!'. I tell the front desk person that this was a terrible night, and she says 'well the manager was coming to your table'. Was this 15 or 20 mintues ago? We then go to the valet, and I see the manager yelling at her instead of coming out to say sorry. I mean we're five feet away. It was so bad, that I booked another restaurant the next night and surprised my wife with a second anniversary dinner. \r \r But the story doesn't end there. The bar ran my tab twice, so I called the manager the following day. I told him what had happened the previous night and he let me know he was the manager on duty. He said 'it was a Saturday night so he was a little busy which probably kept him from getting to our table in time'. He also told me that the waiter was indeed yelling at him because of the missed anniversary and that when they saw us walking out there was nothing they could do. I told him maybe you could have said you're sorry. He then apologized and said I hope you give Reef another chance. He also assured me that the charges would drop off in the next day or two, but to call back if they didn't. \r \r Now I don't run a restaurant, but I want more of a gesture than 'give us another shot'. I just chose your restaurant for our anniversary so that you could make my wife feel like she was picked last for kickball. I also got to see people yelling at each other on my account which made me uneasy and frustrated. The manager could have offered me an appetizer, dessert...some kind of incentive to get me back through their doors. I don't need to save the money. I just want to feel comfortable coming back. Which, unfortunately, I don't. As a result, I won't be going back or recommending Reef to anyone. more

Last night we celebrated our daughters 18th birthday at Reef. What a fabulous choice! We had the greatest waiter named Gil, nothing to much trouble, very informative and accomodating. The seafood was the best we have had since moving here 6 years ago. Reef will now be our favorite restaurant in Houston. Chef Caswell and his team are remarkable, and all of our courses were great. I genuinely recommend Reef to everyone who enjoys good, unique dining. WOW! more

Ok, so I order baked salmon well done thoroughly cooked because that is my perogative, right? Here it comes, test it and of course it's raw. Back it goes. 10 minutes pass and husband is almost done with his fish and the salmon reappears. Test it and still raw in the middle. WTF? Adios salmon this time with obigatory mumbled apologies, etc. 5 minutes and here again comes the salmon. No Mr. Waiter, don't leave until I test it. Uh oh, still at least half of the piece of fish is raw. Just bring the check. Not going back because this place sucks. more

First visit to Reef. May or may not return. Food was good, but not necessarily memorable. We were hoping for that WOW factor. Might have been more excited about the place if not for the distracted hostess and our no personality waiter. We let him know it was our first visit, but there was no ""welcome to Reef"", nothing regarding the chef or restaurant concept. We are from the Kansas City area (now in West Houston) and are not wowed by a stint on Iron Chef since we have several James Beard nominees, and winners, and Iron Chef participants from which to choose. These restaurants also provide a friendly deference to diners that ""elevate"" their food and make the whole experience memorable. Chef Bryan needs to educate his staff, all of them. We may return, but unfortunately this will not be our ""go to"" place in Houston. The search continues.... doesn't need to be a fancy...just clean, good food (seasonal, local fare), and friendly. Julian, Julian where aren't thou????? more

This was my friends and my first visit to the Reef. The first impression I got of the place was how nice the members of the staff are. We were greeted by the Hostess and upon confirming our later reservation we opted to venture into the 3rd bar for a few minutes. The staff there just really made us feel comfortable as soon as we entered the door. We chose our seats at the bar so we could observe the activities behind the bar and the other patrons setting along the bar. Everyone was enjoying themselves, the staff was upbeat, and upon asking some of the patrons what they recommended, suggestions were readily offered. I decided on some drink I believe called a Blood Orange, man...so good. But I wouldn't want to drink many on an empty stomach. By friend wasn't as adventurous and decided upon a beer. We both decided upon a recommended Shrimp Shooter, a Reef version of a Shrimp cocktail. It was a very, very nice update on an old standby. After enjoying the huge shrimp, we drank the special marinade that was remaining. This appetizer is delicious to the very last drop. \r After my other guests arrive we were seated at our table not far from a huge glass enclosed wine ""cellar"". A beautiful display of so many wines that not one wine connoisseur should leave displeased. A bar patron had told me that she had a couple of friends that visit the Reef often because one of their favorite reds was actually cheaper here than at a popular local retailer. The decor was just as I had expected, not prissy, not a diner, just perfect for this restaurant. From the moment we sat down we had a gentleman coming around often to refill our beverages and we never, ever, ran dry. Running out of tea, water, coffee, or whatever is a pet peeve with me at any restaurant and they've got this art nailed. Our waiter introduced himself, Rich, a handsome clean-cut polite young man and who quickly proved himself knowledgeable of the menu choices along with the wines available. Through Rich’s guidance, for appetizers, two of us settled on the Kinilaw, which is Ceviche with Blue Crab, Orange, and a Coco-Lime broth, another guest chose the steamed mussels (mussels in Shiner Bock and Toasted Ancho), one of my friend's favorites and in which he just raved about upon his very first bite. When this big bowl of huge mussels resting in this wonderful smelling juice arrived, we knew it was going to be a hit with him (his first comment was “Oh my I didn’t realize it was going to be so much”. I must say a unanimous vote from all of us about the flavor since we had to all have one. They were by far the most delicious I've ever eaten. And of course we had to dip a piece of the accompanying toast in the juice, heaven. The fourth guest loves beef so Rich suggested he choose the Sliders with caramelized onions and which comes with a house-prepared spread. These were so delicious and the home-made spread needs to be bottled for sale. We could have ordered double appetizers and been very well fed for the evening. Our entries of choice were, Redfish on the Half Shell, Grilled Amberjack and a Lemon Pepper Pasta with Shrimp. All were tasty to the very last morsel. I just can’t say enough about how pleased we were with our choices for the evening and how fortunate we were to have such a great waiter as well as the other staff members that made this 55th Birthday meal so memorable. \r more

We went there this past wknd for my wife's bday and we were not impressed. Since she is a seafood lover I thought this would satisfy her taste buds. Our service was ok...but took a long time for it to come. \r \r The appetizers Calamari and Spring rolls were good, However, after waiting about 30 minutes after we placed our order I had to remind our waiter that we were hungry. He brought out the green salad and my wifes had little or no dressing. She said it ws dry and almost dirty. So we had to ask for a side of dressing. \r \r She ordered the amber jack and I ordered the baked salmon. Her amber jack was ok but my salmon was undercooked. For the price and hype of this place we will not be back. Sorry Reef :( \r more

Great Service and food. Crab Cakes were outstanding. Pros: fresh fish more

I really enjoyed lunch at REEF. The decor is beautiful and the food was incredib;e. beware, the portions are large on Sanwiches, etc. The mussels were fatastic and the dessert was even better. Would definately go here again! Pros: great Selection and Price Cons: Parking more

My head waiter was asleep at the wheel. Totally missed the mark:\r 1.Took my son's order before waiting on my wife and daughter. \r 2. Finished our appetizer and dishes stayed on the table for an extended length of time.\r 3. Had to waive for attention and order a new drink.\r 4. Brought the wrong drink and I was the only one ordering.\r 5. Still eating and bumped my arm to get his fork down for the entree.\r 6. Served from the right, left, it didn't manner which side. \r 7. Waved to get attention for the check\r 8. Brought another tables check to me the first time. \r This all happened for a 4 top ordering simple food with a $125 tab, the service was terrible, terrible.\r \r Pros: Food was good June '10 Cons: Not busy and my guy was lost in space more

great treat, this chef knows what he's doing. such a great mix of flavors. grouper, oysters, ceviche, snapper, it was all amazing. more

Ok I went thinking surley this isn't as good as my friends and the reviews say, and I was half right, it was actually better!!! I don't think it's possible to try a bad dish, however try the crispy skin snapper and you won't be disappointed. The wait staff, the food, the decor... super awesome. Pros: crispy skin snapper Cons: you'll be dreaming about the snapper till you die:) more

After reading accolades about this restaurant, we chose Reef for a special celebration. The meals at our table were just plain bad all the way around. Around the whole table. Yes, really. The whole table. Bland, tasteless, undercooked, overcooked. You name it and it went wrong. Not one decent meal at the whole table. To add bad to worse, service was lacking. The staff was green, unenthusiastic and not knowledgeable at all. We were dumbfounded....How did this place ever get written up at all? Complaints to management were brushed off with what appeared a very practiced and detached response. ""Sorry. We'll try better next time. Come try us again. Thanks."" At this price point, we were jaw-droppingly amazed all the way around. Despite all the rah-rah and previous write-ups out there, Reef is NOT so all that in our book. Gee. Sorry. Thanks. We'll pass. more

The food varies somewhat from visit to visit, but it's always pretty good. The restaurant is among the best in Houston, whatever that means. But man is this place loud. And for some reason it seems to attract lots and lots of obnoxious people (not sure how it lured me, though). The men talk loudly and look like they butter their heads. The women cackle and wear dresses two sizes too small. The crowd has all of the alleged vices of Dallasites but none of the virtues. I could do without about 90% of them. Pros: food is usually good Cons: LOUD; most patrons more

My first few visits there were very good, that is why I went back. On a recent trip in early October with a few friends to celebrate our birthdays we were all very disappointed with the food and the service.\r \r When I contacted the management to give them details of all that went wrong they offered many excuses, but did nothing to convince me that I should return to Reef or any of the restauants they are now building. They simply said sorry you and your guest were very disappointed with our food and service, perhaps if you come back we can hopefully do better. This kind of response can not be excused and l will never return to Reef, not even if they offered a free meal. \r \r I do not recommend this place to anyone wanting a good meal and a pleasant experience. We are very fortunate to have so many great restaurants in Houston and do not have to put up with the poor food and service at Reef and most importantly the porr attitude of the management. Pros: Cool bar Cons: Mediocre food and poor service more

I’ve wanted to try this place since seeing the fabulous write up in Food & Wine Magazine as an up and coming chef. I had such high hope of putting Houston on the map as a culinary center and higher expectations about the cuisine since many of my friends raved about the place and food. So what went well… I like the décor, the wait staff and wine selections. The crab & shrimp shooters were unique and surprisingly very good. The milkshake was fantastic. The sweet potato & bacon ravioli was tastefully interesting. I wish I had ordered the brandy sauce on the side because it overpowered the main flavors of the dish. The not so well… The main entrees left me with a sour taste for this place. The grouper was overcooked to a point of rubbery, not good. The seafood pot contained bad tasting shrimp (strong ammonia flavor & aroma) and penny size mussels not worth the trouble to eat much less not being cleaned well enough to be served because the bottom of the bowl was sandy making the tasty broth gritty at best. When I explained all this to our waitress, she politely apologized; which is what she was trained to do. She even commented on the strong smell of the shrimp, that I set aside on the bread plate to validate my point by not eating. I’m into service recovery when experiences are below standards. My experience was clearly below quality standards. I don’t look for a free meal, just something to get me to come back and try it again. Even great chefs have bad days. Let’s just say I won’t be back to the Reef restaurant any time soon and I won’t recommend it to any of my friends, family and colleagues. Which is a shame because I had such high hopes… Pros: Shooters and milkshake Cons: entrees and service recovery more

I had been wanting to try Reef since hearing it had opened two years ago. It sparked my memory seeing it listed on MSN as one of the Top 10 Seafood Restaurants in the US and on the Food in Houston Blog. Thankfully we managed to get a table early as the restaurant has quickly booked up after such rave reviews. The menu changes daily based upon the selection of fresh fish that is available in the Gulf. Chef Bryan Caswell has established a very creative and flavorful menu with some fish I have never even heard of! I tried the amberjack with plantains and green beans and my husband tried the grouper over collard greens. The plantains paired with the green beans was such an unusual combination and yet somehow it worked. The two juxtaposing textures and flavors actually complimented each other and brought out so much more flavor in the fish! The grouper and collard greens were also just as delicious. The collard greens were actually light, not too saturated and full of delicious bacon flavor! The wait staff, valet staff, and managers were funny, helpful and truly enhanced our evening. Overall I was incredibly impressed with Reef. The food is impeccable and I am excited to go back to another unique dinner! Pros: Seafood, Atmosphere Cons: Parking more

We've dined at the Reef many times and finally got around to a review. I guess writing reviews about places that you see room for improvement on, or negative experiences comes naturally. Conversely when you can't find anything that isn't best in class you don't think to write anything. Obviously an error to correct on our part! The food is always fresh and fantastic. We love the ecological slant that the Chef, Bryan Caswell has in using only ingredients that are sustainable and on target for the theme. This is one restaurant I find it hard to name a favorite as everything is great, but if I had to it would probably be the Red Fish on the half shell. I have to do some bragging for the Reef as they would not do so themselves...the wine selection and prices are in my opinion the best in Houston, not to mention that Bill Floyd is one heck of a sommelier! Service is top notch, and has a special twist where they keep track of who has waited on you so that you have the same waiter every time you make a reservation. Which is great as they get to know your tastes and recommend things that you might not normally try. David is top notch! Overall this is the best high end seafood restaurant in Houston if not the best restaurant period. Follow our dining escapades on Twitter! thediningduo! Pros: Food, Service, Wine List and prices! more

We have dined at this resturant once before and wanted to try it again. We made a reservatrion for 5 @ 6:30 on a Saturday night. We arrived on time and was seated at the worst table in the resturant and was told it was the most requested table. Hard to beleive considering we sat right at the service station, bathroom and kitchen doors. We had a friend from out of town and wanted to show her a cool hip place. Instead we were told that that was the best they could do and for lack of better terms we could just leave. \r The owner was so pompas and rude that we were speechless. There are many great resturants in Houston that we will never go back or recommend. Cons: A very young hostess and Owner of resturant rude more

Had the grilled redfish and seared tripletail and it was very good. My guests and I sampled almost every appetizer in their Rare section and each were unique in flavors and delicious. We needed some meat though and ordered the pork chop with the cherry mustard dipping sauce. It was amazing. And the molten chocolate cake we had for dessert really was to die for. \r \r I'd avoid weekends and come in on a weeknight as we did. Since the restaurant wasn't completely packed, our servers were able to pamper us more and they certainly did. Everything was wonderful. As for prices- for all the things we orderd... lets just say that whoever thinks they're expensive obviously hasn't dined in Midtown very often. Or anywhere for that matter. Pros: everything Cons: none! more