I have been wanting to come here for years. I finally made for HRW. This was by far my best HRW experience. I had the duck gumbo, venison medallions, and lemon ice box cake. Our server was very attentive and absolutely amazing. The food was cooked perfectly. I am mad it took me so long to come here. I cannot wait to go back again. I will be coming here regularly! read more

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We came for Houston Restaurant Weeks and had a FANTASTIC time. Service was impeccable, food was 8/10, wine was 10/10. Absolutely would come back. Once we had a look at the menu we decided to just order off of it and skip the special HRW menu. Service was a 9.9/10, the only thing that would've turned it to a full 10 would've been perfect reaction time. For instance, instead of me seeing our waiter come down the stairs with the port 15 seconds after the dessert was served it would've been less than 5 seconds. Literally that's the only thing that I could possibly complain about but. Our waiter was really good at his job and knowing what we needed at the right time. Lamb ribs appetizer= Highly Recommend Caesar Salad= Balanced, great dressing (girlfriend had allergic to reaction, it happens sometimes) Main Dish 16oz Ribeye= Cooked 9/10, flavor 10/10 Main Dish Red Snapper= Good but not what she was expecting, a little too much spice, fried oysters were interesting, my first time having them. Dessert was the chocolate pinecone and Mind-blowing good with the port. Ambience in the restaurant was great, felt cozy yet upscale. We will be coming back. read more

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We had a wonderful experience here!! A unique place to visit that anyone can eat at, isn't all game food. Everything we had was delicious and the staff was very helpful! read more

Wonderful date night! Very romantic sitting by the window. It's more than a beautiful place it's amazing food as it's always been. This was our first visit to the "new" location. (Don't know why I waited so long!). It's the best restaurant that's closest to me other than making a trip into town. I'm in Tomball/Cypress area. So our meal..Bison carpaccio was best carpaccio I've had! It's just as tender or more tender than others I've eaten. I did have chipotle aioli on the side as chipotle isn't my favorite but hubby said it was good. Burrata was good but not spectacular or full flavor like most of the food here. Just good burrata. Ours dishes, duck breast with confit duck leg crepe and Halibut with crab claws were both excellent. Couldn't decide on dessert so got 2. Bread pudding and chocolate bourbon pecan pie. Both yummy! Hot chocolate with liquor 43 and vanilla liquor was heaven in this cold weather. Our dinner drinks were also great. My spiced apple drink was a "warn" lightly spiced delight and hubby had their Eagle Rare pick which was super reasonably priced! Was a great dinner. read more

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This is a Houston staple! Food is creative, from the exotic to the classic. The ambiance is incredibly eclectic with intimate rooms everywhere, and is one of the most romantic restaurants in Houston. On nice days, there is a large assemblage of decks overlooking a ravine that are shaded and lovely to sit! Service is always excellent, and as a hint, let your server know if you're wanting a leisurely or more efficient service! This is truly a place I have enjoyed coming to over the years, and will continue to return as often as possible! read more

Beautiful romantic ambience. Nice food. Great for business and casual lunch meetings. read more

Happy to finally add this to my "must try Houston" list. I went during restaurant week and enjoyed everything I got off that menu. I even got a few items from the main menu and was not disappointed. Great service, delicious food, and in a beautiful spot. The only pain is the valet parking. read more

My husband and I went here last weekend to celebrate getting married and it was 10/10! Food and waitstaff were just amazing!! We got the cabin fever (holiday vibes) and Texas rancher cocktails, both we so delicious! We got the bison carpaccio & whipped ricotta toast as an app, both we SO amazing! Flavors were stunning! For our meal we got the elk and nilgai, cooked to perfection, so tender! The grits that came with the nilgai were to die for, the jalapeños gave the perfect kick! We drank a glass of Tempranillo with dinner, perfect pair! For dessert we got the bread pudding and apple tart, which were both so yummy and a perfect finish! This really is the perfect place for the holidays because of the cabin feel and Christmas lights everywhere! Can't wait to go back! read more

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Nice place. Unique. Good service Good food. Staff very nice. Convenient valet. Will cont eating there. 5 stars. read more

Wow. Apparently I did not have the same experience as most other people did. Where to start? Showing up to the restaurant - no option to self park, all valet. I hate using valet services and would rather park my own car since I do not like other people driving my car. Next, we were seated in a pretty tight area. I guess they have to maximize profit but it felt kind of stuffy. Ironic since if you go on their website, it says "sophisticated, not stuffy." Not a good ambiance. Did not feel upscale, grand, casual, or anything. Just felt blank. Food - we did HRW. Portion sizes are not the largest. Gumbo just okay. Salad that I tried from someone else was the same. Short rib benedict - meat was not bad but the egg was so-so. The pheasant sausage $7 add on - small and had like no flavor. Was a waste of money. The lump crab $22 add on - probably get 3 or 4 oz and was not remarkable. I regret not just going home and buying a pound of lump crab meat for $20 at HEB. Redfish not bad but nothing remarkable. Service - just no. Our waiter seemed nice. The place had an issue with condensation / water droplets falling on our table/us. The table next to us was empty and we asked if we could just push our table a little closer to that one to not have water drop on us (and were trying to be considerate to them to not have to reset a new table). Was okayed by our waiter but later manager says we can't cuz they still need to use that empty table - keep in mind the place was not at capacity yet. Their solution? Reseat us at that exact empty table.... okay? We were trying to help you guys out to not have to make another table setting but whatever - who needs logic right? So I guess the next guests to sit at the table we left got to deal with the water droplets later. Tacked on the $3 HRW petite dessert - had choice of panna cotta or chocolate mousse. Ordered the panna cotta. Waiter brings out the chocolate mousse without asking us and says "we were out of the panna cotta." Uhh, usually most waiters come back and say that before bringing out a different dish. I didn't really want the chocolate mousse but just accepted it, wanting to get out of there. So across the board, this was not a good experience. Forced valet, poor service, subpar overpriced food, no thanks. Will not be back. read more

My wife and I visited rainbow Lodge for HRW and were very disappointed in the food. The Ambiance and service were both excellent l; however the food was just awful. The summer salad was ok but the snapper entree was horrible. I do not believe that it was snapper. The meat of the fish was grey in color and smelled like it was scooped up from the bayou across the street. We wanted to love our experience but at this point do not intend to ever go back. read more

Always wonderful in every way Bison with demi-glas is my favorite dish Great service Like a lodge with eood wood and taxidermy read more

We went here for my birthday. It was extremely beautiful and the food was to die for. We will do for sure be back! Paolo took great care of us. read more

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First of all, this review is only on the Friday burger special. Overall Rainbow Lodge is one of my favorite places to dine. However the lunch special "Wild Mushroom Swiss Burger" was lackluster. This lunch in no way reflects the quality of the Restaurant. The Mushrooms were good piled high with all the Shroom Deliciousness. I feel the Swiss cheese could have been a sharper tastier choice. The brioche bun could be lightly toasted. My bun was too crunchy and crumbly. I would order non toasted if I had to do it again. The burger was juicy and cooked to perfection but I tasted a hint of wine which could have been the mushroom medley or the beef marinade but I wasn't fan. I enjoyed the house chips as well. All in all, I'm glad I tried it, would I order it again. No. But please eat at this restaurant it's a destination point and the wild game sampler is my favorite. read more

Rainbow Lodge - Wild Mushroom Burger - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Six of us were here on 8/18/23 for dinner @ 6:00. You definitely need reservations, so plan ahead. Five of us ordered off of the HRW menu. We started with two appetizers. We had the Warm Crab & Shrimp dip and the Big Board. Both were excellent. For our first course, we had the Duck Gumbo and Bison Carpaccio. For the second course, we had the Beef Bistro Filet and the Crispy Rabbit Loin. My one friend had the Elk. For the third course, we had the Bread Pudding, Stone Fruit tart, and the Flourless chocolate mousse cake. We also had a piece of lemon ice box pie. The first and second courses were good. Those who got the bread pudding loved it. I tasted it and thought it was ok. My tart had good flavor and the ice cream was delicious. I just wish they'd diced the stone fruit. It was a little tough to try to cut through with my spoon. The lemon ice box pie was good. The cake was absolutely delicious! Very rich, so you didn't need much. As far as service, it was excellent. Overall, we enjoyed our dinner and would return. read more

This place is really unique in its offerings of wild game. Our favorites are the smoked duck gumbo, fried texas quail bites, lobster risotto, and the duck leg confit. Their interior is log cabin-style but very nice. Their patio is wonderful, overlooking a small creek and surrounded by trees - feels like a retreat. read more

Rainbow Lodge has a great atmosphere and friendly staff. The service has been second to none every time I've been there. And if you're looking for exotic food, well this is the place to go and try it. Everything I have ever ordered has been excellent. read more

Horrible service. I felt judged by ever server there. When the manager came it my table he was disrespectful. I'll never return.

Went here during Houston restaurant week. Definitely one of the best deals. I got the braised pork brunch meal and it was so delicious. The meat was super tender. Will definitely come back! read more

Not just a meal: an experience. Incredible in every way. My night here is best described as "magical". I was spending a weekend alone in Houston (you should really try a solo vacation if you haven't) and had a lot of trouble deciding which fancy restaurant I might try for dinner. I was hesitant about Rainbow Lodge for two reasons: 1, everything I read stated this was a romantic venue (not great for solo) and 2, all the pictures I saw were of adults in their 40s-early 50s, not really my demographic. But I took the chance...and I'm so glad I did. I arrived at the Rainbow Lodge, and it didn't look much from the outside. The valets took my car and I asked the hostesses if I could dine at the bar, and they pointed me in the right direction. Even sitting at the bar, I received excellent service from beginning to end. Once they found out I'd be dining there, the bar menu and napkins were whisked away and I was provided a beautiful table setting, just like the rest of the restaurant. Unfortunately sitting at the bar doesn't provide any other entertainment (it's not set to watch the chef's pass) nor excellent views, but the bar staff was friendly and there was a TV showing sports. But the bar itself is worth checking out- an incredible one of a kind wood carving of a stream with rocks and rainbow trout (what the restaurant is named for). My server/bartender made sure to tell me about the specials. I was really pleased that they did not treat me like a less-worthy guest just because I was at the bar. I chose the 5-course tasting menu, which came with 5 courses and an amuse bouche. Each course was presented by the chef, and I'm killing myself trying to remember his name. Cody? Anyway - he was pleasant, kind, knowledgeable, and answered all my questions. The amuse bouche was probably the largest amuse bouche I've ever had, but it was delish: fried capers, salmon, on-site made boursin cheese, a chip brushed with basil & butter, and something the chef called "black honey". It was fantastic and a great way to start the meal. The fried capers were crispy and delicious. It's always a nice surprise at the beginning. Next up was the salad, which was really the only thing I was totally mesmerized by. I thought everything was fresh (right from their own garden) and tasty, but nothing unique or special. From that point on - everything else was sensational. Chicken fried quail? Ahhh YES. Freaking delicious. Came with some fancy cabbage and a maple-y spicy sauce. It's a must-have. Then the most amazing halibut over a parmesan & asiago risotto. Everyone is trying to do their take on an adult mac & cheese, and this is definitely spot on and bonus points for sophistication. Fish is not my usual pick, but I think this was my favorite dish of the night. Then, venison with fig sauce. WOW. Came with white & green asparagus, and lobster mashed potatoes. A lot of the components from this dish were a part of the special I was so jazzed about, so I was really excited to see them on the tasting menu. The lobster mash wasn't as spectacular as I thought it might be, but still a cool thing on menu. Between courses, I learned more about the restaurant and was pointed to check out their view on the patio. Well no surprise- it's beautiful, and yes, very romantic. Perfect for a special occasion! Now...dessert. WOW. It's like they had some psychic powers or something because chocolate mint desserts are my absolute favorite. And the best thing was that this dish was more mint and less chocolate. I feel like if someone could concoct the most perfect dessert for me, this dish would be it. I'm not really sure even exactly what it was (see picture!), but man I loved it. Also came with some pistachios to keep on with the green theme and give some crunch. Throughout the meal I had 2 glasses of wine and a cocktail of my own making (I told them how to make it). I later had a taste of one of their cocktails with cilantro, which I thought would be cool to try, but I wasn't a fan of it. The bar staff was awesome throughout my meal, chatting with me about Houston and you know, life. Before I left I hit the restroom and randomly asked someone who looked like an employee to point me in the right direction. It was actually the chef! He extended his arm, called me by name, and told me he'd be happy to escort me. Wow!! I felt like royalty. These people know how to make a night special. I can't believe it doesn't have a higher overall rating. Not only will I highly recommend this to everyone I know in Houston, I will definitely be back with coworkers and friends myself. Great job and THANK YOU to all who helped make my solo dining experience an amazing one. read more

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Despite this being a "local" restaurant, it took us over two years to finally dine here. That meant two years of our friends telling us how great this restaurant was, so you can imagine the anticipation! Unfortunately, I was sorely disappointed. Wonk wonk woooonk. The restaurant is a labyrinth of rooms that makes it a very interesting venue. Their sign said it can host 6-300 people (woah!). The night we dined, there was a large company dinner and there was a lot of swearing and, IMO, general obnoxiousness coming from the large room they were situated in. Call me old fashioned, but if shouts of "motherf*cker" and fine dining just don't pair well for me. We were in a smaller room attached to the larger dining room, but could still hear every word the "gentleman" was screaming in the other room. Despite complaining to the waiter TWICE, the guest was allowed to keep on with his antics. Finally, they left and we were able to try to enjoy our dessert without the f-bomb being dropped. As for the food, my fiance ordered the lobster and I had the trout with lump crab meat. We both felt that our meals were respectively "blah." IMO, it seemed like each meal was cooked with too much butter -- so much so that I could not taste the trout and crab. Again, IMO, my meal tasted salty and the extra calories from the over-use of butter felt wasted. I thought this was going to be a light meal, and I felt like I ate a hamburger. The lobster, despite being one of their higher priced items, also felt over-buttered and bland at the same time. We were generally disappointed in our meals. The smoked duck and sausage gumbo was tasty, although a bit salty (IMO anyways). Even more disappointing to me was that we went there to celebrate my fiance's birthday. He ordered dessert and they decorated his plate with a handwritten birthday greeting and topped it with a lit candle...BUT, they charged us for his dessert! This is the first time that I can remember paying for a birthday dessert -- especially for a meal that cost us $150+! The dessert was only $8, but it is the gesture that counts in my book. The final straw was when we, after being tired of waiting for our waiter, walked our tab to the hostess table to ask that we be rung up so we could leave. My heart almost hurts over the poor experience we had. Not sure if we would spend the money to give this place a second chance -- especially with so many great restaurants nearby, PS: Caution to the ladies to watch what heels to wear (flats recommended IMO) as there are several steps that one can potentially trip over, the patio deck is made of wood (my heel got stuck between two boards), and there many steps to conquer to get down to the mini-garden in the backyard. This review is based on my personal experience and all statements made herein reflect my personal opinion only. Your experience may be completely different. read more

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PLEASE READ!!! i never review anywhere bc I don't really care however I have to say I was so so disappointed in this restaurant!!! its sad bc the food was great and the grounds are beautiful. the service was some of the worst I have EVER had! Seriously McDonald's is better!! my sister got engaged and they did NOTHING! They were condescending and terrible I am so so upset!!! read more

If you're a fan of Joe Rogan or something else has inspired you to eat elk, then run to Rainbow Lodge. They have a game inspired menu - antelope, buffalo, elk, and more. The hunting lodge decor and trophies on the wall only add to the experience of feeling like you've escaped to a cabin in the woods. I sampled the scallops as an appetizer, and was astounded at how tender and totally not rubbery each bite was. I might actually like scallops more now than I ever imagined I could. During the main course, I feel in love with antelope done medium rare. The peppery, flavorful grits served on the side added just the right amount of heat to compliment the main meat. I also tasted some of the sampler platter featuring pork, elk, venison, and maybe quail, and was impressed by each bite. What really stands out is how not game-y all this game meat tasted. With the menu loaded with proteins, you're sure to feel full quick, but if you have room, try the bread pudding! It's not too sweet and really rounded out the meal. read more

Rainbow Lodge - Seared sea scallop starter plate - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Great brunch. Our server Jordan, was wonderful, he kept the mimosas flowing too. Great atmosphere. read more

Rainbow Lodge - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Rainbow lodge wasn't as great as I expected, but I still enjoyed eating brunch with my family. The atmosphere is really what sets this place apart. The building was constructed next to a large bayou that collects run off water. Despite that, they somehow polished sense of elegance into the outdoor seating area. On a nice day, customers can sit back and enjoy 99 cent mimosas and take in some of the nature -- a beautiful (and stagnant) trail of water and surrounding greenery. They did a good job with it. It's not the best, but for what Houston has to offer it's considered good. The interior is the most impressive to me. The best way I can describe it is to compare the decor to a rich cabin, owned by a man with a passion for hunting wild game, carpentry, and antiques. Check out some of the pictures already posted, as they can describe more than words can. The food was good, but again, wasn't what I expected. I ordered the fried quail and eggs with grits ($19). The bird tasted great (especially with the bits of bacon around it) but I didn't enjoy the dish as much. The grits didn't seem to go too well with the quail. In a way I wished it was mash potatoes, but that wouldn't have been brunch. My sister ordered braised buffalo short rib Benedict ($23). She and I both liked the dish, however we both thought the sauce was too savory. My cousin ordered the "Mixed Grill of Game Sausage" ($25). I think she ordered the best dish out of all of us. The venison was good and truly represents a Texan meal. Overall this place is good but I think I would stick to other bruncheries. The service and atmosphere was fantastic, but the food was OK for the price. Perhaps I'll try their lunch or dinner menu and give this place another shot. Also note that this place requires (complimentary) valet parking. So bring some cash for tip. read more

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Visiting friends from out of town that recommended this place. Service was superb. Food was excellent! We shared the warm crab and shrimp dip and the fried Texas Quail bites. For entree, I got the special which was red snapper with a pea risotto. So flavorful, best risotto I've ever had. My husband had the Elk, which he enjoyed. It does have a little spice to it that we weren't expecting but it isn't a game changer. Would love to come back when we visit. read more

Spoil yourself elsewhere. Part of the issue was my expectations coming into this experience - the stellar reviews. The service was generally cold or disruptive. Upon entering, the gentleman at the front of the house was arguing with a food delivery person about the timing for pickup. Our server was not engaging and rather abrasive in her delivery for a dietary special meal request. The food didn't live up to its reputation for wild game offerings. I ordered the Wild Game Mixed Grill anticipating a variety of the restaurants' specialty items - boar chop, venison, and elk. The temperature of the food left much to be desired as mentioned by all parties at the table. Valet is the only option for parking unless you opt to park across the street. There did not appear to be any COVID19 protocols in place - gloves, wipes, etc. There was hand sanitizer at the valet station but did not observe valet using this each time they entered a customer's car. One positive note worth mentioning is the restaurant is set on a great piece of property. However, it's difficult to recommend this place to others as there are other superior steak houses within Houston. Vote with your dollar. read more

Houston restaurant week! Here I come! I always want to go to this place and I finally made my start with a nice brunch. We order to starts with duck gumbo and fried quail. Entries we have crab cake and wild boar. The gumbo was nice and quail bite was crispy and not that greasy. The crab cake was amazing with full of crab meats inside and taste not fishy at all. The wild boar was delish too but it was not that surprising. We also have the French toast and it looked super good but it did not taste super good as it looked like. Overall. The arrives was attentive and nice. It's a nice place for sure! I would love to come back for all other yummy stuffs from the menu! read more

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Came here for a team lunch and it was a great ambience. The food portions were big, the complimentary bread was warm and delicious, and the service was great. The complimentary valet parking was nice. I wish there were more chicken options and vegetarian menu options. I don't recommend the chocolate pinecone dessert - I thought there would be more layers in it. The artichoke chicken was delicious. read more

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Our family celebrated my granddaughter's graduation this passed week and we could not have been more pleased with the atmosphere, the food and the service. Thank you, Brittney, for making our evening memorable. read more

Went for Valentine's special. Great menu options. The food portion was a good size and enough food for both of us. I don't feel like over eating. Great atmosphere, service was pomp. Romantic place for special occasions. We will be back! read more

Friends and I came for HRW. I had the Gumbo, Hen Pasta, and Croissant Bread Pudding. All awesome. My friends loved the lamb ribs as well. Overall great ambience in a unique building with a great selection of game meat. read more

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The patio seating area was really pretty... unfortunately, that is about the only thing that was good about this restaurant. I had the Winter Slow Roasted Duck ($30), and my husband had the Wild Game Mixed Grill ($46). Neither was very good, and the portions were very small. The duck was extremely salty, and the accompanying risotto was very mediocre. The wild game mixed grill was... well, gamey. Nothing I would choose to eat again. I would have rather had Shake Shack -- both my stomach and my wallet would have been far happier. So if you really want to eat wild game on a pretty patio, then sure, go for it. Just know that it won't be very tasty. Honestly, it feels like only reason this place exists is so that people can say they ate "wild game." Feels gimmicky to me, and honestly, I just feel cheated out of my money. If you want to spend some money on a nice meal -- go to any number of other great restaurants in Houston (Hugo's, MF sushi, Capital Grille, Nancy's Hustle, to name a few. There are honestly so many good places). If you want to spend a lot of money so you can say that you ate wild game, then Rainbow Lodge is the perfect place for you. read more

I came here after my daughter's dance recital looking for something special. Since she is 11 and didn't want chicken fingers, she settled for the lobster tail for $30. I ordered the meatballs appetizer and my other daughter ordered a Caesar salad. Thank God they brought us a loaf of bread, otherwise for $75 (with soft drinks and a glass of wine), we would have starved. We all licked our plates clean. I think I'm still hungry. (look at the photo for the lobster tail.) I keep wanting to come here and really have a great time but somehow I always leaving feeling like I spent way more than i should have for what funny portion I receive. So, I guess I'll have to try to recreate the nice bayou view elsewhere and make my own mini lobster tail in my back yard on my grill for $10. read more

Rainbow Lodge - Wtf?! - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

The service was good. The food and the quality fell far below my expectations. Everything was over salted. The crab cake was bland. The snapper portion was very small the trout tasted like scrambled eggs. Again, everything was over salted. read more

I got engaged!!!!! The atmosphere was perfect and romantic. Beautiful quiet table, the service was impeccable. The food is unique and sooooooo good! My fiancé requested flowers delivered and special message in dessert and they accommodated all his requests. Highly recommend. Thank you for an amazing night!!!! read more

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Had my birthday dinner here. Great experience, tried almost everything on the menu and it was so worth it!!! Amazing food, amazing outdoor and indoor atmosphere. Would recommend taking your date here read more

Rainbow Lodge - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Food was fabulous , atmosphere was great, service was perfect. Definitely great place for date night! I noticed people dress up or go a little business casual. Nicer restaurant prices but worth it! read more

Excellent place! We came here for brunch (much cheaper option) and it was delicious. We started with $2 mimosas and complimentary cheese rolls and chocolate muffins. We then got the lobster rarebit and rainbow trout fillet. Both were excellent and filling. The service and atmosphere is great as well. read more

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Five stars for food, waitstaff, and window entertainment (raccoon on the terrace), but 4 stars for the host who eyeballed the hell out of us for not being dressed appropriately (work clothes from a networking event). Also, get the bread pudding. read more