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Federal American Grill

3.8 (749 reviews)
Open • 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

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FEDERAL AMERICAN GRILL ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Trendy
Good for groups
Happy hour specials

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Recommended Reviews - Federal American Grill

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The walls are talking to me
Peter D.

Whoever runs this joint knows what they're doing, so it's not surprising they've got a few locations humming along. They've just hit on a formula that works: A menu full of crowd-pleasers that are interesting, visually appealing, and really tasty (enough so that you can charge a little more than I want to pay for wings, for example). Combine that with a welcoming space (great outdoor seating, and interesting quotes/decor all over the walls) and an excellent bar and you've got a restaurant worth visiting. Everything we ate was good, from the bread basket on. We shared sticky ribs, cheeseburger egg rolls (a house specialty that shouldn't be missed), wings, pork belly, quail shots (a new one), etc. The cheesesteak, despite being served on a hot dog bun, was pretty tasty, and if you're in the mood for something a bit healthier, the grilled salmon plate was actually excellent. The people back there in the kitchen are doing good work. They also clearly have a whiskey focus (this is America after all); it was too hot for more than one or two whiskey drinks when we came in, but there are like five different old fashioneds on the menu, and giant signage proclaiming them $5 during lunch. I had to get at least one. $5 old fashioneds at lunch can get dangerous very quickly; I would've drank a lot more if our server was more proactive, but it's probably for the best that she left us alone. This is a great choice for a big group, and we'll do it again.

Jenell M.

Came to the Federal American Grill for restaurant weeks brunch. One of the first things I noticed when I pulled up was that this place actually had parking. Yay!! They have a small front parking lot and another one around back. However, if it's full there is plenty of street parking around which is always a plus. Inside the restaurant had a modern Lodge feel to it which was actually pretty cute. For my first course I went with biscuits and gravy and my second course was bacon and cheese omelette with potatoes. Not pictured was the mimosa carafe that we were also able to purchase for an extra $22. We received excellent service from our server, Carter. I noticed that they had a solid happy hour menu as far as drinks and food, so definitely plan on returning another time post restaurant weeks..

Caim S.

I had skipped lunch so couldn't have gotten seated any sooner! The hostess was warm and welcoming, and the dining room was clean and cozy in an old American aesthetic. The various signs adorning the walls were cheeky. For it to be Sasha's only third day on the job, she was attentive and able to give great Happy Hour recommendations (brussel sprouts, sticky ribs, cheeseburger egg rolls). The brussel spouts were a tad too salty, but the biscuits with jalapeño jam that I devoured made up for it lol I was overjoyed by the cheeseburger egg rolls -- I loved the chipotle mayonnaise sauce that accompanied it. The various signs adorning the walls were cheeky. I'd return for the patio seating alone -- the Bourbon flight is a plus ;) Social Hour (3pm - sundown) all summer long EVERYDAY makes this a standout for me. Overall, this was a great value (thanks to my inKind app) with some classic dishes (with a spin). The Andes mint chocolates and fortune cookies offered on your way out the door (or when you enter?) was a nice touch as well :)

Thai Shrimp & Cheese Grits, Classic Philly Cheesesteak
Neha S.

This is a pretty good place, and I'm glad we came because we never really go out for southern comfort food, and their Houston Restaurant Week brunch menu for $25 each was pretty good. We got the cheeseburger egg rolls, bang bang shrimp, and then the Thai shrimp and grits and Philly cheesesteak. All the dishes were yummy, especially the Thai shrimp and grits and the Philly cheesesteak. The service was also pretty fast, and they gave us free biscuit rolls to eat while we waited for the food with some yummy butter and jalapeño jam. The only thing I didn't love was the ambiance because there was a stale or musty smell.

Easter Brunch!!!
Gary W.

For a Saturday, the place was lightly packed. As we strolled to the wait station to be seated there was no one at the front, but two waiters and a bartender saw us standing there for about 6-8 minutes and not a Hello, someone will be with you shortly, nada. Finally we were seated after I had to stop and ask if someone was working at the entrance. Once we were seated and ordered our meals, I can honestly say that this restaurant had some of the best Americana expired dishes I have tasted in Houston lately. The service could be more attentive especially if there are not that many patrons in their establishment. Look around and you will see many American photos relating to Federal America. The meals will not disappoint.

Jazmin T.

Came in on a Friday night and before we headed over to discovery green for a girls night. We made a reservation and when we arrived it was a pretty quiet night and not too busy. The restaurant itself was dimly lit, which made it feel nice and cozy, loved this for a girls night, but could be great for a date night. Rayna was our server and she was super sweet and very attentive throughout the evening. When I asked for a few recommendations on he handheld options, she was great with helping me decide. I knew that having seen truffle parm's fries on the menu, that it was a must have for anything I ordered. I opted for the Philly cheesesteak and subbed the parm fries. When the meal came the fries were cold, and Rayna was super quick to get some fresh hot ones out. I must say, I was still disappointed in the fries, as I didn't feel they were anything like truffle fries. There was parm on top but couldn't much taste the truffle. I wouldn't go back for those specifically. They Philly itself was good, and well seasoned and cheesy like I like it! I also ordered the espresso martini. I did learn something going forward for when I order these. They're pre-batched, meaning they're premade ahead of time. This could be a good thing or bad, but I love a freshly shaken martini. This one was a bit strong on the espresso taste, so it tooo me a little longer to drink, but definitely had the right amount of vodka! With it being all of our first time here, Rayna brought us out a dessert, the bourbon bread pudding, which was quite delicious!! All in all great night, would want to go back to try some other entrees.

Sticky ribs and bang bang shrimp
Uzi J.

Had lunch at Federal American Grill with my aunt for my birthday and it was such a good time. We all tried different drinks and meals, and everyone left happy. I went for the Philly cheesesteak and a bourbon peach smash. The drink was strong in the best way, and the cheesesteak hit all the right notes with tender meat, soft bread, and no weird chewy bits, just good quality all around. At the table we also tried the mango island, which could definitely use a bit more alcohol, the short rib with mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, the bang bang shrimp, and the sticky ribs with seasonal veggies. The ribs were seasoned perfectly, the short rib was tender though a little more gravy wouldn't hurt, and my aunt was obsessed with the bang bang shrimp's sweet and spicy combo. They even finished the veggies, so that says a lot. The fries, though, need some work. This is the second Federal American Grill location I've tried, and the fries just weren't it both times -- kind of underwhelming compared to everything else on the plate. The service was a bit slow since there was only one server working, but he did the best he could and was still super nice the whole time, so props to him for keeping it together. The cherry on top was the complimentary bread pudding for my birthday, a sweet little surprise and pretty decent too. We also tried the Lalo shots, which they don't serve the traditional way. It was a huge pour for eleven dollars and honestly a great bang for your buck. All in all, it was a great experience with good food, good vibes, and kind service. I'll definitely be back to try more from the menu . I'm just hoping the fries step up their game next time.

Casey C.

Having had a great experience at the Katy location, I came here to celebrate a business deal and left a bit disappointed. The vibe was my first surprise; instead of a high-end steakhouse, the interior leans heavily into a cluttered, noisy sports bar aesthetic. Think photos and memorabilia covering every wall, blaring TVs and music, and staff stations with napkins and high chairs fully visible. It's a lot. It gives Cracker Barrel rather than high end steakhouse. The 8oz filet was the one true highlight--cooked to a perfect medium and excellent. Unfortunately, everything else fell short. The accompanying mac and cheese tasted like it was made with boxed noodles and a watery, flavorless sauce. The spinach had unmelted chunks of butter scattered throughout. Dessert was a true misadventure. The skillet cookie with ice cream presented a bizarre textural experience: a thin, burnt, bitter crust on the bottom, with the rest being raw, mushy, and undercooked to the point I questioned its safety as a raw dough (still ate it though!). The skillet itself was scalding hot, which felt like an unnecessary hazard. With two drinks, my bill came to around $100. For that price, I expect a much more polished experience. This location might work as a middle ground if your group is torn between a sports bar and a nice dinner, but as a destination steakhouse, it doesn't deliver. I definitely prefer the Katy location.

bestie
Kathryn G.

Good parking , music wasn't bad . Service was amazing! people were very welcoming and kind! bathroom was fun and clean . my shrimp and grits was great but the salad was sad but it's restaurant week so it's smaller. I did love the drinks !! 7$ cocktails from 3-7 everyday which is amazing!! $25 for brunch and lunch for restaurants week which is a steal!! and the manager was cuteeeeee i think it was the manger not sure .

Brittany W.

Our waiter was so cool. We chatted about music, Canada lol drinks. The oysters were tiny but good, the surf and turf was delish but the veggies were not, loaded baked potato was fire too. The drinks were decent. Cute date night. Oh the meatballs were so good!

New England  U-10 Diver Scallops

The staff were amazing and the space was not too loud with very low lights. Tyler and V were very attentive. The old fashion was delish and the scallops and risotto were good and the bacon stole the show! I found out later that I should get the bang bang sauce in my Brussels sprouts since although good, I did feel like something was missing. Overall a good night and birthday dinner!

Dessert-Carrot Cake
Zelena C.

Valet parking is best option. We had reservations and were seated right away. The service from the hostess to wait staff was very pleasant; waitresses was super attentive and helpful with making selections. My family and I visited here for Father's Day (Saturday) and we all enjoyed our entrees, appetizers and desserts. The short rib was very tender and was nicely paired with spinach and risotto. The chicken fried streak was delicious and the meatloaf was savory. This was a great experience at a nice local restaurant. We will be back!!

Janice's Meatloaf

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2 months ago

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9 months ago

Food and service was above and beyond. Our waiter gave us a great experience, my parents loved the food and the service.

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Ask the Community - Federal American Grill

Is it okay for kids to come to this restaurant?

Yes

Are shorts ok for brunch?

It depends on the kind of shorts. Nike shorts - no. Casual shorts - yes.

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Federal American Grill - newamerican - Updated October 2026

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