This is a nice place to meet friends for cocktails and casual but tasty bites. We noticed several groups in Two camps: Astros game and AC/DC concert. We sat in the patio, which I love because of the atrium-style windows. And, even though it's sweltering summer, they had powerful fans blowing, so it was actually quite cold out there. Loved it! Service was welcoming, friendly, and very attentive. We all enjoyed cocktails. As for the food, the reactions were mixed. I absolutely loved the shishito peppers and French fries. Others at the table said their pizzas were "just okay " and even left a few pieces, opting to not take them home. The burger was also nothing special, but not bad either. We like this place enough to come back for the aesthetic and the casual yet upscale vibe. read more

We had lunch at Monarch today after visiting the museum, and it's an easy walk from there. I had stayed at Hotel ZaZa before, but I had never eaten at their restaurant Monarch. The restaurant is beautifully and artistically decorated, with photos of Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and other iconic figures, along with lots of interesting artwork. The outdoor patio is especially charming, with tree branches hanging overhead and glowing orange lights. For a moment, I wondered if it was an artistic way of creating a Monarch butterfly atmosphere! But our waitress said she didn't think that was the reason. I'm a children's book author, so sometimes I see things that exist only in my imagination! We ordered a Caesar salad--mine with anchovies--and it was spectacular! We also had a hamburger with sweet potato fries and French fries. Both were very thin and delicious. I especially loved the hamburger bun, and the meat was cooked exactly the way we ordered it. The bar looked lively and the dessert menu looked tempting, but we were too full for dessert. The hamburgers were definitely enough! Everyone working there was so friendly, and we had such a happy lunch. We'll definitely come back the next time we visit Houston! read more

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How come I didn't know about this place?! Monarch Restaurant located inside Zaza Hotel, is a hidden gem by the Museum District, perfect location for such a beautiful restaurant. They have valet and friendly hotel hosts that welcome you at your arrival. Monarch staff is attentive and knowledgeable. This restaurant is famous for their Lamb Lollipops, and this is one of my favorites dishes, I have had Lamb Lollipops in many other restaurants, but these blew my mind away! With crushed pistachios and feta cheese, this one of the items they will forever keep, absolutely delicious! We also had pizza, very good as well. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, there is so much art in every corner, definitely a charming place for a date, happy hour or business diner. You will not regret dining here! read more

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Wonderful restaurant inside Hotel Zaza. They were open on Christmas Day and the food was very good. We ate on the beautiful covered patio and had excellent service. I enjoyed the fried egg taco with a side salad. Highly recommend!! read more

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My husband and I came here for Valentine's Day. Since the restaurant is inside Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District, we had to valet, which wasn't a big deal but something to know ahead of time. When we walked in, a couple of really nice girls greeted us and walked us to our table. We were seated all the way in the back in a pretty dark corner. At first I thought it might be a little too dark, but once we sat for a minute it actually felt kind of cozy and worked for the vibe. They had a Valentine's Day special menu, but we decided to order off the regular menu instead. My husband ordered the lamb chops and I got a steak. Both were good... but not good good, if you know what I mean. For the price, we were expecting to be a little more impressed. The service was also pretty slow. Our server didn't seem to have a lot of tables, but it still took quite a while for them to come back around each time. We ended up only having one drink each mainly because it took so long that ordering another one didn't really feel worth it. Overall it wasn't a bad experience, but for the price and the location we were expecting a little more. The atmosphere is nice, but the food and service just didn't quite live up to it. read more

Monarch - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I'll start by saying that like any hotel restaurant, the food is a bit overpriced. Breakfast was definitely much better than dinner. For breakfast I can't say I had any complaints over any of the meals. The short rib grilled cheese was awesome and the pancakes were the perfect amount of sweet. Would definitely order those plates again. For a quick dinner I had the spicy chicken sandwich and was not impressed. No spice at all, so not sure why they even put it in the title. They even paired it with bread and butter pickles. Odd flavor combination. I also thought they were a bit heavy handed with the aioli. Not something I'd recommend ordering. The fries were good though. Considering there aren't many food options within walking distance, I'd say this is probably the best you'll find nearby. But if you can grab dinner elsewhere, do it. read more

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Great food, drinks and great live band on Friday and Saturday nights. Service is great. Ask for Arnold he will take great care of you.

Stopped in for happy hour at Monarch, located inside Hotel Zaza Museum district. Quickly learned they do NOT have happy hour but they do validate parking so that's a win! We ordered 2 different types of old fashioned cocktails and whoa were they potent, but who's complaining...not me. However since they were potent, we placed an order for fries and lamb chops to snack on while we slowly sipped our cocktails. The bartender provided great service and was not overly chatty which was plus. There was private party happening on the patio but it didn't interfere with the indoor area so I enjoyed my time. read more

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I had a Peruvian Ceviche for lunch that was light and really good. The bar was a real fun place super busy at night. Penelope N really took good care of our group. Thanks God she was there as it was intense. A real frenzy of alcohol. The ambiance is cool relaxed. read more

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Monarch was such a great experience. The space feels warm and stylish without being stuffy, and the staff made us feel genuinely welcome from start to finish. The food was thoughtful, well-executed, and full of flavor without trying too hard. We also loved the cocktails--really well balanced and easy to enjoy. It's the kind of place that feels perfect for a relaxed night out or a special occasion without feeling pretentious. Definitely a spot we'd come back to. read more

Monarch - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Drinks are pretty and tasty. Bread is warm and fluffy. Calamari is delicious. French toast . Yogurt granola parfait is the best you can find. So many options Had room service and to go. read more

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I really hate to leave bad reviews... My review is solely based on the cocktails, as I did not dine here. We stayed at this hotel over the weekend for a Valentine's Day staycation. After dinner, we decided to grab a drink before heading to bed, but unfortunately the experience was disappointing enough to change our plans for the next morning. First off, all cocktails are priced at $20. While I have no issue paying for a well-crafted drink, what I received was far from it. I ordered the Trip to Cabo. It tasted overly sugary like it had been made with a cheap pre-mixed syrup. To make matters worse, it wasn't even properly shaken just lightly stirred. For a $20 cocktail I expect a little more care in the preparation. Maybe I am just picky... We originally planned to have multiple rounds, but after that first drink, we called it a night and went back to our room. The experience left such a bad impression that I ended up canceling my plans for brunch at the restaurant the next morning. I hate wasting money y'all, and this felt like a huge waste in my opinion. This is a beautiful hotel but the restaurant simply doesn't match the standard you'd expect at these prices. The vibe didn't entice me to dine there, and based on the cocktail experience alone, I wasn't willing to take the chance. Maybe the food is great...who knows? But for me, the overall ambiance and the overpriced underwhelming drinks weren't convincing enough to find out. read more

This is a review for Monarch Restaurant at Hotel ZaZa which is Great for Dog-Friendly Dining We dined at Monarch twice during our weekend stay--once for late-night drinks after walking our dogs and again for Sunday brunch before checking out. The outdoor patio is comfortable and super dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners. The staff were friendly and provided prompt service, which made both visits enjoyable. Inside, the space is stylish with a bit of sass, but since we had our pups, we stuck to the patio. Overall, a solid choice for a relaxed meal or drinks, especially if you're dining with furry friends! read more

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The location is great ! It's directly across from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston after a day of fine art, this was perfect. The decor is modern and classy, we chose to sit outside .. which is also beautiful. The food is fresh and delicious ! Honestly the chicken was fried but flavorful and juicy. The greens were fresh the drink was delicious & strong. The service was good, fast and courteous! read more

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service was great. the salted caramel pancakes did not particularly taste like any salted caramel except the sauce on the edges. cute little mushrooms for the omelettes. the silverware was high quality. read more

Monarch - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Lauren provided consistent, amazing service and the vibe is always on point. Try the Avocado Stack!! read more

Monarch - Dining Area - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

My wife and I were staying at the Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District and while there enjoyed two meals at the Monarch Bistro which had a visually beautiful appeal. Our first meal was dinner where I ordered the Pan-Roasted Redfish with sautéed spinach and mushrooms with a glass of white wine. The atmosphere here is on the upper scale so recommend business casual attire. The staff was extremely nice and friendly. The redfish arrived and presented nicely. The fish tasted very delicious for it had tremendous flavor and cooked perfectly. The mushrooms and spinach complimented it very well. Next up was brunch and was less busy where I ordered a cup of coffee and the Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich. The coffee tasted as if made using a French press. The staff was once again very friendly and my meal once again presented very nicely. I enjoyed this breakfast sandwich where all the ingredients from the eggs, cheese, bacon, and bun tasted really good with breakfast potatoes on the side. Overall I was very impressed with our meals. read more

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Stopped by for brunch on a weekday. Very pleasant atmosphere and service. Good omelette. Had a small table which made it a great place to meet and visit with friends. read more

The Monarch is attached to Hotel ZaZa and is a very solid spot for food. With a $40 drink credit and a $50 Breakfast credit (package deal with a stay at the ZaZa) it was a win for sure....my very first Dark Chocolate Espresso Martini and I could get used to these...just delious....GD picked the Pineapple Nojito and the wife had a draft beer...staff was super friendly and restaurant in general was very upscale. Breakfast the next morning was next level. Wife had the All American Breakfast...had to be more than 2 eggs, plate was huge...bacon was superb...GD had the Pancakes...super fluffy and delicious ...I have the Loaded Breakfast Skillet...and it was definitely loaded...Have it on the radar to hit this place for dinner even if we don't stay at ZaZa. read more

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We spent a fair amount of time here the last time were were in town. This place is great to meet up with people, have a drink or a meal. read more

Monarch - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

First off, whoever is the interior decorator for Monarch & Hotel Zaza needs a dang raise because the restaurant and hotel decor is so fun and maximalist. I love just walking around and taking all the art in. Great vibes - perfect for a date night or brunch with friends. The cocktails are expensive but super delicious. The food menu is expansive and seems to offer something for everyone. The waitstaff/bartenders are friendly and quick with orders. On a nice evening, I would recommend sitting on the covered patio. They do have valet, but I personally recommend the street parking on Caroline and Binz street (free after 6pm!). Fun vibe, unique themed cocktails, decadent menu choices, and great aesthetics - what more could you ask for in the age of Instagram? I will always recommend Monarch & Hotel Zaza read more

Monarch - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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They did not have good information on their available tables so it took them a couple tries to find us one, and then we waited 45 minutes and our drinks never showed up. We had to ask twice for the check, and then ultimately had to cancel after we paid because we were late for an event. It was loud and service was slow, multiple tables that were seated after us finished their dining, and yet we never got our order. Very disappointed read more

The french onion soup is to die for. Cheesy, oniony, and full of flavor. We had a great time sharing it over cocktails. Unfortunately the Surf & Surf was not up to par. It comes with 4 baby scallops, 2 small crab cakes, and cold garlic fries. Definitely not worth $48. I ended up having to get up and ask the manager for the server to be sent over because he didn't ask us if we were good after dropping our food. While it was fired quickly (mains arrived as soon as we finished our soup), the overall quality was under par. Besides the food, the lighting and seating promotes a casual - business casual atmosphere. No fine dining read more

Monarch - French onion soup - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Can I say quickest food delivery, I have ever seen or experienced in a fool service restaurant. The order could not have taken more 8 to 10 minutes. Wow! Ok, I had a busy weekend as you can see by the reviews. So, amongst the many things here is a review from a trip to The luxurious Za Za Hotel, to check out the Monarch Restaurant for brunch. I would like to say, it's definitely very upscale and classy! Lighting just right Noise level quiet Service Food was awesome The only concern, I had here was when I received my tacos, they came with eggs, which I feel should have been annotated in the menu. Nevertheless, Victor my server quickly resolved the small matter and the tacos were great. I add a few pics of the decorum as well. Overall, this is a 5 start service, however that small piece of information on the menu would have saved a redo of my tacos. Until next time, Bye-Bye! read more

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The venue is beautiful, however, we were disappointed in the generic hotel-food quality compared to prior visits. They seemed short on staff, and the entrees were bland at best. We won't be back. read more

First off I want to say our server was really good. He came and checked on us and explained the menu very well even with the drinks. So nothing but good things to say about our server. We ordered the Bourbon Brioche French Toast, The Lamb Lollipops, and the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl. The French Toast had a really good flavor to them and texture was nice. The Lamb Lollipops had this peppered honey drizzle sauce that had me wishing they had this as a main course! Now when it comes to the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl it just wasn't it. I really love poke and was disappointed in my bowl the flavor was just off. That was really my only complaint. I would try something else there if I go back. The place it self is a nice little social spot and has a room in the back for events. read more

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We had a late night dinner after a busy day. The restaurant was nearly empty and the service was relatively good with the exception of getting our check in a timely manner. The cheeseburger was the best option we ordered and was a good burger. The cheese sticks were basically a cheese pizza covered in chopped pepperoni and then cut into strips. It came hot, but was nothing special. The chicken in the blackened chicken wrap tasted OK, but the chicken lacked a blackened flavor. The star of the show were the Volcano Fries. They were thin, hot, and crisp. read more

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Went for a family birthday brunch. Restaurant was very nice, clean and luxurious. Service was quick and servers were very nice! Shoutout ro Krysten! The food however was disappointing. The lobster bisque was unacceptable. It had no flavor, a watery consistency and an odd color. The bacon on the American breakfast was extremely hard and the fingerling potatoes needed more than just salt and pepper. The portions were plentiful though. The only saving grace was the caesar salad, the dressing was exceptional! read more

Monarch - Lobster Bisque - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This used to be my go-to spot when I worked in TMC now I only frequent when I stay at the hotel. The food is so good! I had the Oatmeal in the morning and the absolutely delicious Shrimp and corn bisque for lunch. I opted for the veggie omelette the next day and it did not disappoint. Service is on point. Our waiter patient with us when ordering as we were too busy talking to make a selection. I sat outside on the enclosed patio which was nice and cool. It gives Miami day drinking vibes. Lol. Don't plan on parking your own car. It's a valet only hotel unless you can find precious street parking but the upside is you get to walk through their beautiful dimly lit lobby. I love all the art work into the hotel and restaurant. I highly recommend this place especially if you're staying at the hotel. read more

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This restaurant is right off the lobby of the hotel. It is very different than you would expect from hotel food. Very complex flavors, very nice variety, very savory. The drink menu is very unique and the bar always hopping. Wine list is very high end as well. Very dark inside and personally would recommend outside dining if available. read more

Monarch - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Stayed at the Zaza Hotel for work and the Monarch was convenient to have breakfast and dinner. Menu had a variety of choices. Service seemed as if they were busy and if you needed something there was a wait for refills to your coffee read more

My husband and I stayed at the hotel inside so it was very nice to just come here and get some drinks. The ambiance is cool and I like that you can charge things to your room. The bartenders are nice and the drinks were strong. Would come again! read more

Monarch - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the incredible service we received during our recent visit to Monarch.The food and the ambience was amazingly good and we were very helped by Kirsten. Her attention to detail, warmth, and genuine care made our dining experience truly unforgettable. It's rare to encounter someone who brings such enthusiasm and professionalism to their role. Thank you for making our time there so special! read more

Not bad for a hotel breakfast! I stayed here on business and had an omelet each morning--really loved the addition of the asparagus on the side, it was a nice touch. Also enjoyed the multi-colored potatoes even though there were a lot, I couldn't ever finish them! Service was a littttle bit slow, but nbd. Not my favorite coffee either, but also nbd! read more

Monarch - Veggie and feta omelet with breakfast potatoes - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

We stayed at the Zaza Hotel and the Monarch is attached. They offered us a $40 bar and $50 breakfast credit for each overnight of the stay. Lovely views from the patio seating. We ended up with room service the first night. Filet for $60, chicken artichoke flat bread. It was served warm, the potatoes with the filet were congealed and not as superb as they were with the buttermilk chicken cutlet the following morning. The flatbread was rather thick to be flatbread, not quite what I was expecting. We ate breakfast on the patio Saturday morning and it was lovely. The food was hot and fresh. The bourbon French toast *chef kiss*. The 4/5 stars was really the quality of the room service, especially on their most expensive dish. I also wasn't expecting room service to bring the tray into the room themselves. We were, erm, not well dressed to have hotel staff in the room. read more

A very nice lounge for anything from breakfast to a late night drink. It's a really nice place within the hotel! (A)

Post museum snacks Still the swanky pricey place it's always been. Still a place for the pretty people to hang out. Decent cocktails and lite bites - the shaved cauliflower and a cucumber salad were both pretty tasty. Parking still sucks - we walked over from MFAH. read more

Staff was very accommodating. There were no more chicken and waffles, instead we got the next best thing... French toast and chicken. To our surprise it was even better! Went after a massage for some brunch. Left relaxed and with a belly full of delicious food read more

Monarch - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Went for a wedding reception in room 710. Had a great time. Then dinner at the monarch. Ahi Tuna salad and artichoke dip with Santa Margherita pinot. Service was a tad slow for our party of 18 by server, Redding but we made it thru. (He needed to be more observant--i e be around more) Great food and ambiance but the lighting was a tad too low for my liking. read more

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Excellent server and team. Beverages were tasty. Dishes were under-seasoned and slightly expensive for the quality received. I'd return for cocktails, but sadly, the ceasar salad and bubbling crab dip needed more flavoring. My companion mentioned the lamb lollipops and garlic fries were delicious, and they also noted the dip was bland. read more