Actually tasty food. I was in for breakfast, and was impressed by the quality and quantity of the dishes. Good selection and the service was fast. The staff was courteous and efficient. Due to COVID they are using single use containers a lot, but they are of good quality so you don't feel cheated. read more

Bigger is not better! Super expensive 4.50 for a coke, 17 for an egg and bacon sandwich. And it was tasteless, my sausages were burnt. Service was ok, no complaints on that front. Counters needed a better wipe down. Family of 5 I blew $100 for basic breakfast and coffee. read more

Ember - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I wanted to think the reviews were just harsh or old. But sadly, the food and experience wasn't just bad for a higher price restaurant but just bad in general. The braised short rib pasta tasted like an overcooked TV dinner that has been sitting around all day. Mushy broccoli and fettuccini. Meat was tender tho. The baby carrots were the only things not mushy and were in fact crunchy. But plastic (yes plastic!!) utensils can't cut through the long baby carrot, so I had to use my fingers. At least the beer was cold and the servers were kind. As I sat trying to stomach the $30 for an overcooked dish, I looked longingly across the hall to the Wendy's and wished I had gotten that instead. Food would have been fresher at Wendy's. read more

As far as airport food goes it was quick and delicious! Far better than ready made sandwich or salad out of the fridge!! Had a good manhattan to wash it down, complete with a real classic cocktail cherry not that glow in the dark maraschino cherry tahtll give you cancer. read more

A very interesting concept that would do very well once kinks are sorted out. Coming from a flight, you're already tired (possibly hungry?) and just zone out walking through the terminals. We were on a red-eye flight back to Chicago when we came across Ember. First of all, you just grab a table. There's no one to greet you or explain to you what the concept is until you get to your table. Mind you we were initially a little confused. Once we found a table we finally got it, you order through the iPads and your food will come out. Unfortunately, not everyone found that innate. The couple next to us was so lost and didn't understand why the servers couldn't just take their orders. We put in our order and the server who was helping the lost couple next to us saw us and was like, "you guys got it." I think if this was more of an adopted process everywhere where you know you just grab a table instead of looking for someone to direct you to a table or having to explain it to your customers then I would've given this a better review. Alas, there's some sort of disconnect with the process so sitting there hearing other customers complain didn't make me feel good about the atmosphere. Food on the other hand was pretty solid. I ordered the Frisee Lardon and thoroughly enjoyed it. One thing I wished we would've realized earlier was that you can get your food brought to your gate so I wouldn't have to bother with seating at the actual restaurant. This brings me to another point, the seating in the restaurant itself isn't traveler friendly. It's spaced like a regular restaurant without regards to customers having to roll their luggage into an establishment. Again, I think if this process was stated clearly on the iPads or on a screen in the restaurant it would lessen the disconnect between patrons and the process. read more

My one star rating is for the lack of service, so I'm not a fan. What surprises me is the default gratuity is 18% at checkout. I would rather give someone at McDonalds a tip over Embers which provided nothing more than serving a cup of coffee and plate of food. Before I could ask for a glass of water and hot sauce, the server quickly disappeared. Orders are taken on a tablet located at each seat. I was a bit hesitant to touch the tablet as it had many smears and what appeared to be dried food on the screen. After wiping the tablet screen with a lens cleaner, I ordered a breakfast sandwich which consisted of scrambled eggs, smoked bacon and cheddar cheese on a toasted brioche bun with a side of home fries. The egg, bacon and cheese part was good, but the bun was too big. They should offer an option to have it served on a biscuit or toast. The potatoes were soggy and barely cooked. For a reasonable and more friendly experience, go to Wendy's located nearby in the same terminal. read more

I don't get all of these negative reviews. Maybe I have just been very lucky but I have eaten here 4 times in the past 6 months for breakfast, lunch and dinner and have been very happy each time. Today I just had a 10oz fillet mignon I would be happy with at any restaurant much less in an airport. It was perfectly grilled over a wood fire. Yep cooking with wood in the airport. As for complaints about the beer selection, unbelievable. I just had an Elysian Space Dust IPA 8.2% that was incredible. The list is large and on tap. People get real. You are in an airport with already heightened stress levels, chill out. Btw these workers deal with airport hassles of parking and security everyday. Not to mention dealing with hyper stressed customers. Give them a break. I find these new airport restaurants all over the country incredible. If you don't like it get in line at clown food central and order the happy meal to brighten your day. Jeez....... read more

Ember - Easy choice - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Not well seasoned food or served hot - truly disappointing for a "premium steak" Restaurant. Sat at the bar, service is prompt but not really engaging. The iPads to place orders are convenient, but it does hinder the service experience when you aren't asked if you need anything such as water, condiments or how is your meal? Could of just used a vending machine... ugh read more

So disappointing, French fries and a vodka soda. How do you mess that up. The French fries are cold and have almost no salt. Suppose to have seas salt, really?? The vodka has a funny taste as if the ice is bad. I know Houston has done a great job making the airport shiny and seem new. But the food is still crappy airport food. Really disappointed. read more

Ember - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

It is a really nice atmosphere and the area is well-maintained and taken care of. However, the food is very pricey for the quality that you receive. I ordered the fish and chips, which was up about $18, and what I got looked very skimpy and not the value that I thought I would get. My Partner ordered the Tucker club sandwich, which was pretty decent, but we could not justify spending $18 again for it. read more

Ember - Turkey Club sandwich - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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My brother and I had a layover in Houston for a couple hours & this was the only sit down food place that seemed decent. He ordered the grits which had tomato, cheese, & a fried egg on top. It was savory but it didn't feel too heavy. The only complaint I have is the implementation of the ipads. I understand that we're in a digital age and the transitions are being made. But it did take my brother and I a while to figure out that we would have to order through the ipad before we become face to face with someone. We were sitting in the bar area assuming someone would greet us first. It would be nice if people were greeted and directed to order through the ipad. read more

Ember - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Got to the airport early and needed a cup of coffee and some eggs for breakfast. If that's what you want, DONT EAT HERE. My eggs were over cooked, my mother's eggs were undercooked, and haven't been offered for a refill of coffee yet. Looking at a party of 8 that has been here twice as long as us, and they haven't gotten their food yet. read more

The iPad ordering system is an excuse not to come back to the table to see how everything tasted or even fill water glass. Got my wine after my appetizer and sent back my main. Several employees around but not working very hard and the system has you tip before the service!! I don't think this is unique to this restaurant alone as all of them in this terminal have iPad order at your table. Too bad i didn't read the reviews prior. Just Not a fan! read more

I tried this place out while waiting for my flight to board. Using the iPad was easy and a waitress appeared quickly to give me water. To those complaining that the iPad makes you share your boarding pass, you do not have to. You can bypass this step if you'd like. I think the reason it asks is because it will give you a reminder when your flight is close to boarding and because you can pay with United points should you choose to. I had the shrimp and arugula salad and a side of fries. Both were delicious. During the time I was there, both the waitress and restaurant manager checked in several times. The manager was kind and provided recommendations and I saw him going around checking in table to table which I thought was a nice gesture. read more

Good spot to grab a quick bite in Terminal C. The service is usually good and I haven't had any issues thus far. The double bacon cheeseburger dumplings are my new favorite. read more

Ember - Double bacon cheeseburger dumplings | tempura broccoli w/pimento cheese | fries - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Ember starts with a beautiful view an intriguing restaurant and a James Beard chef award. Sadly that's about all this restaurant has to offer. Service has basically been taken out of the picture with a guessing game between your server and what you ordered on your phone. The menu you would expect is fresh and exciting but feels more like a year 1 culinary student has haphazardly remade American food. With dishes like cheese burger dumplings and drinks that barely top out at 2.5 ounces ($20 dollars a piece) the whole thing feels like a sham. The nice feel of this restaurant ends at the front door and heavens forbid you see the meesly grill where you mediocre meal will be made. This is a definite skip destination. read more

This place was offensively bad. Really bad service, I didn't get my drink until after my food. And the food... disgusting. I got the fried chicken sandwich and it was one of the worst chicken sandwiches i've ever had. Was pretty much all breading with a small sliver of chicken. For $24???? What a waste. Wendy's is right across the way and would have been cheaper and better. Go somewhere else!!! read more

Expensive but decent breakfast. You order from the iPad, so unable to make any modifications. My fried eggs and bacon were yummy so no complaints. read more

I had a poboy sandwich and the shrimp was packed with flavor and was perfectly juicy. I got it without any lettuce. The service and atmosphere was pleasant. Not sure why this place has such bad reviews. If you can work an iPad, it's pretty straight forward. And if not, the staff will offer to help. read more

Pros Friendly staff and good ambiance Cons - Cannot order from a human - iPad only - Checking price of Long Island Tea while waiting for beer - system auto-ordered for me (BTW it's $20). Told a human not to make, she said it would be taken off bill - it wasn't - I had receipts for expense report emailed to me, never arrived to inbox or junk mail folder -Took another hour following day to find/fill out website form (for each of 3 non-conformances) to get refund and get receipts. Got refund, emailed 360pages of code instead of receipt. Conclusion - The only thing that went right was where human interaction was involved (don't make Long Island Tea) -highly recommended if you don't get enough daily screen time, dislike human interaction, enjoy poor customer service. - Ember excels at removing human element, including the customer - I won't be back. read more

If you have a layover at IAH run, don't walk to Ember. The poutine was the best airport food I have ever had. Fries, gravy, cheese and slices of short ribs. Nice wine and beer lists. Made the flight back to Newark bearable. Four stars only because the 9 oz and 6 oz glass of wine looked identical. read more

I ordered food at my table on an iPad. I left an 18% tip. The waiters dropped off food and didn't check on me once. The only saving grace was the cute bartender that checked in on me. I sat there for at least an hour and she was the only person that checked in. Thanks for helping me figure out how to get to gate E! You are a lifesaver! read more

The Duchess and I stopped in to this place during our layover in the way to Vegas. I had the poutine with short rib and i would eat that again any day of the week and twice on Sundays. Duchess' burger was also amazing with some extra bacon on it. Also had the side order of carrots; I can't lie, that was a weak element. Would it kill y'all to throw on a little salt? But for airport food this was excellent. Rapid service, comfy setup, contactless ordering and payment. Thank you Houston International!! read more

Agree with all the previous comments regarding the service. There is none. Food is decent for the airport spot. When you have time to kill in between flights it will do. Order on the iPod right at your table and play a game or watch today's disastrous news in our great country. Full bar to ease the pain :)) read more

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What a terrible idea for service. I hate that they have these iPad terminals at the bar and tables. Then you need help from what should be a server and all they do is briefly show you how to use the terminal. Once you finally figure out how to navigate and decide what you want you have to figure out how to dress your food. Don't bother undressing your food because that option doesn't exist. You need to get a person to help write a ticket for that. Good luck finding one of these so called waiters because they are busy busing tables, hauling food and helping all the other confused customers who likely will not be repeat customers. The food: it was good and the presentation was good. The kitchen was open and a very appealing reason we stopped in to try them . A big open wood burning flame, active cooks who looked like chefs carefully preparing food. 2 stars because I hated the do it yourself terminals. read more

Ember - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Don't be fooled by the delightful smoked meat smell. Observed a cook on the line taking phone calls with his single use gloves then go right back to handling and serving food. The same cook also left the line to go in back somewhere, cleaned off a table with a dirty dish then came back and started serving food to guests again! The horrifying thing is this guy could be heard telling everyone he was the boss. He probably hasn't changed those gloves since he got to work today (I have been in the industry for years FYI). Even when the manager eventually did show up he didn't wash his hands before jumping in to run food to guests that were getting increasingly impatient waiting for their food while "the boss man" took another phone call with the same pair of gloves on. Leading by example is clearly evident. Observed two other employees come to the hot line without gloves, and not a single employee wash their hands before handling ours and other guests food. GROSS! Unacceptable when dealing with so many guests and public safety.. Who is managing this place? Better yet, where is the HEALTH DEPARTMENT! read more

The food was good, but service and technology is terrible. They charged my credit card three (3) times for my meal, and have been unresponsive on my attempts to contact them via phone, website, and FB message. Worse yet, and probably the cause of the triple charge was the technology didn't print out my receipt. I called on 4 different servers to help me get my receipt and they couldn't figure it out. Finally, they got the receipt to print. Reluctantly, I tipped bringing my total to $31. I get home to see a charge for the $31, and then two more original bill totals of $29, $29. Don't recommend going here unless you want to deal with credit card issues or technology problems with poor customer service! Also you'll see an attached photo of me attempting to contact them on FB messenger. I received their auto-reply but nothing else. I also tried both links, and no e-mail or phone call and it's been 4 days. read more

Ember - Auto reply technology, but no customer service! - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Apathetic employees, zero urgency and tasteless food. Another spot that couldn't survive outside an airport. The employees couldn't care less and only survive due to the automatic tipping policy. Avoid. read more

Arrived and was explained the iPad use. Only a dozen customers sitting down in the dining area. The waitress was pleasant. However the kitchen staff needs some serious management to turn this place around. Scratching head and crooking. We saw at one time 5 people in the kitchen talking excessively loud. The wait staff was very professional. Meatloaf burger was dry ...very dry.. and bland. My wife had Tex-mex burger: it was cooked right but no flavors at all even the aioli sauce was missing spices. The price for the food was excessive! Mc Donald's or Burger King are almost better than this. read more

This was my first time dining at Embers. I visited the location at Terminal C at Houston Airport. There is seating outside of the restaurant where you can order food from an I-Pad. I am not sure if this was the cause of the poor service and cold food but I was satisfied. I ordered a turkey club and pineapple juice. The juice arrived first. I requested a straw and the waiter advised they would bring one back. No problem I thought. I like to drink my beverage with my meal. I decided to distract myself with work as I waited for my food. 15 to 20 minutes later a new waiter comes out with my food items. (No straw) I asked the waiter if I can have a straw for the my juice which was served in a cup that clearly requires a straw. He said he would bring one and disappeared never to return or look back. That's my first issue. The fries were served hot and they were quite tasty. They came in a separate bio friendly container than my main dish the turkey club. When I bit into the club I found it odd that the bacon was not hot or even lukewarm. It was cold. I thought maybe that's how the food is served in Texas... maybe. As I continued eating the first half I noticed the bottom of the club was completely soggy and cold. It was as if I was served someone else's cancelled order that they did not want to throw away. I am deeply disappointed in my first experience at Ember restaurant at IAH airport Terminal C. read more

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Our server, Terry was very helpful, without him we wouldn't have bothered. The QR system is almost impossible to use in the airport

Nehemiah, the manager took great care of us before our flight. The food and service was great. Ember is a great stop for a bite before your flight! read more

So upset I discovered this ribeye at Ember cooked up by Mr. Keddric Ferguson on my last day in Houston it was unforgettable and the best I've had! read more

Ember - Rib-eye - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

The cook was eating while cooking food. Isn't there some food safety law that prevents this? Stuffing food into his mouth & then handling the food you're going to eat. Gross. The food was average...I was served a plastic knife and metal fork. Classy read more

Ordered a burger with fries Fries were at least 3 days old and cold. Hard on the outside with nothing on the inside Asked for new fries, NICE server! Brought new fries, warm 3 day old fries hard on the outside nothing on the inside - I don't understand. Burger was also Cold! Sent that back. Got a new burger warm , awful stale bun, and COLD 3 day old fries again! I didn't ask for more fries but they came with the burger. $21.00! Terrible Terrible. I should have gone to Wendy's Don't eat here read more

I was actually looking for a different restaurant in the terminal but couldn't find it so ended up here which looked to be the next best thing. There was no one greeting folks as they came in so I just sat myself and waited for someone to come take my order. After awhile I realized that you can only order through the ipad which they should have someone explain when you come in. Numerous people who came in after me had the same confusion. I ordered a pretty basic cheeseburger and fries along with a side of roasted veggies. The veggies were delicious (the 3rd star is solely for these veggies FYI), the burger was way too salty for my taste I could only get through a few bites. Thankfully I wasn't starving so I didn't bother having it sent back. **Business Diners Beware** The only way to get a receipt is to have it emailed to you. They have no way to print a receipt for you. That said make sure you see it in your email before you leave, I was there for 20 minutes and had not received mine yet and when I asked the waiter he said it should show up a few minutes after I ordered and left it at that even though I made it clear I needed it to get reimbursed by my job. I had to continue insisting for some sort of resolution before he finally asked another waiter who went and got his manager. Once the manager resubmitted my email address it showed up. Way too much hassle for mediocre dining. read more

Don't eat bacon so I ordered the egg and cheese breakfast sandwich. Food finally came and presented in front of me was a bacon and egg breakfast sandwich. I explained that I ordered only egg and cheese. Server apologized and took it back. Came back five minutes later with a cold breakfast sandwich that had been mangled beyond belief and yet pieces of bacon were still on it. Was also served on very stale (inedible) old hamburger bun with frozen tater tots (definitely not the brioche bun and potato wedges advertised). Nobody has come to check on me so writing this review. Plus it was $18.00 and you're forced to leave a tip up front. Sigh... there goes $20+. read more

Yay! Quality food in an airport! Hummus platter, fresh salad, roasted broccoli and Brussel sprouts. Made to order Bloody Mary, fresh-brewed iced tea, and delicious green tea. Excellent service, very expedited to catch flight read more

Ember - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

I really enjoyed the service in Houston. We had an amazing server named Kevin who our family of 3 really enjoyed. I traveled with my parents and we were headed back to Baltimore. We decided to get breakfast. I had the build your own omelet. It came with potatoes and a small salad. It was so good. Even though we had lunch on the plane a bit later, all I could think about was the breakfast at Ember. I would have had it twice if they would serve it in first class! Not that the United First Class meals aren't great, it was just that the breakfast at Ember was so yummy. Kevin was a great server. My father & mother are very particular business people and are big on service. Kevin nailed it. He brought refilled drinks before my parents could even say a word. He showed my parents how to use the digital pads to order and went above and beyond. Customer service is big and this Houston location nailed it. If you're looking for a great place to eat, head to the the United area and go to Ember. read more

Ember - Eating @ Ember while trying to play a game. I ended up losing the game because the food was so good :) - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Definitely disappointed. I knew being an airport "restaurant" it would be overpriced but i thought it would actually be good at least. Took very long to get food even though it was not busy at all, the chkn wrap wasnt bad i admit, the salad with it was garbage (basically just some mixed greens with almost no dressing so tasted like eating them out of a bag), but the $10 side of "redneck mac n cheese" was absolutely terrible. Left a burnt metal taste in my mouth the rest of the night even after chewing much gum. The service.....well, it just plain sucked. Do not expect a water refill no matter how many times your waiter looks directly at the empty glass. read more