September
I went to Brenner's for my birthday dinner. Steakhouses are a new endeavor I have decided to take as an addition to the list especially since this is Texas.
Brennar's on The Bayou is not Brenner's Steakhouse but an offshoot offering a romantically rustic decor with a phenomenal view of one of Houston many bayous.
The View:
From every corner Brenner's is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and lighting is dim but not dark. I might like to mention that Blue Bar is located behind this establishment and would have loved to shed some light on the atmosphere there but it was closed for a private function. The interior is decorated with wood accents and the walls display art with alarming color. I wasn't particularly moved by any of the pieces which looked like stock art. The lighting fixtures where quite charming hanging in the center of the dining areas in place of chandeliers.Seating:
If you are making reservation view the tour and decide on a dinning area here is a link.
http://www.brennerssteakhouse.com/bayou/tour.htm
We sat in the West Balcony which claims to be semi-private although located at the entrance.
Drinks:
I ordered a Prosecco which there was only one of but they do offer an extensive wine list and cocktails. Travis ordered an old fashioned a standard gentlemen's drink which any steakhouse should be able to make. An old fashion has one ice cube not many was my biggest complaint about the drink another point was that it was semi doused in grenadine but to each there own.
Food: http://www.brennerssteakhouse.com/bayou/pdf/BOB_DinnerMenu.pdf
At the time Brenner's was offering an appetizer sampler. If you are unsure of the dish to order in case steak was a not concrete then try this dish. Bite sized samples which at the time was a lump crab dressed in basil and a lemon butter sauce, quail wrapped in Bacon dressed in a chipotle and one blackened scallop topped with onion rings and a dill hollandaise sauce.
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Main Order:
Hanger Steak on a bed of Parmesan Fries
The steak was cut in slabs and placed on a bed of fries. Although ordered medium-rare it was definitely more on the rare side. Chewing was not an issue and although more rare it definitely did not taste of pure blood or rawness. Could have used a bit more cooking for my eyes but the flavor was savory and full not overshadowed by any sauce and well accompanied by the heavily seasoned fries. Not bad fries either. There was no need to add salt to this well plated dish.
Sides:
The Caramelized Brussels Sprouts were not garnished in bacon but blanketed in it. Fans of Bacon will want this dish. It overshadowed the dish a bit allowing us to barely taste the green. The sprouts themselves were slightly bitter but apparently bacon makes everything better.
Smoked Macaroni and Cheese was hearty dish but nothing to memorable compared to the other accompaniments. We were recommended the potatoes au gratin
Dessert:
Chocolate Mousse
This was a phenomenal dish great balance between sweet and chocolate.
Watch Out Tips:
Cooking: If you order medium rare as any steak eater is recommended to eat the cook does veer more toward rare than medium.
Side Portions: Portions for the sides are large and are sharable 2-3 guests.
Bathrooms: Ladies especially the bathroom, yes as in one private bathroom for the entire area not stalls or multiples are downstair and be mindful of the slippery stairs in heels.
Happy Hour Prices: Only observed at the bar
