A Masterclass in Hospitality -- Our New Favorite Hotel! I don't even know where to begin with how exceptional our stay at The Lancaster Hotel in downtown Houston was. From the moment we arrived until the second we left, we were treated like royalty. The heart of this hotel is truly its staff--by the end of our trip, we felt like we had made genuine friendships and truly became part of the hotel family. The flawless service started at the door with Sam, who welcomed us with the most cheerful and polite attitude. At the front desk, Kevin made absolute magic happen. He quickly coordinated with housekeeping to get us into a room for a very early check-in, and he was incredibly personable and fun to visit with. Kevin also rushed to our aid with a first-aid kit when my son had a little fall, showing just how deeply they care about their guests. The incredible service extended everywhere. The bartenders are masters of their craft--extremely knowledgeable and brilliant at making you feel special the second you sit at the bar. We even crossed paths with the owner in the elevator; he went completely out of his way to welcome us and ensure our stay was pleasant. He is such a warm, thoughtful gentleman, and his hospitality clearly sets the standard for the entire hotel. Late one night, the hotel manager performed another absolute miracle--since the rooms feature a sleek, drawer-style fridge, she found a separate place to securely store our three bulky takeout bags from dinner. Housekeeping was equally attentive, keeping our room immaculate, cozy, and flawlessly stocked with complimentary snacks and drinks. Beyond the unparalleled service, the location is beyond perfect for exploring downtown Houston, with tons of restaurants and theaters within walking distance. Parking is a breeze with their back lot and two neighboring garages. Before you check out, do yourself a favor and purchase one of their signature scent candles at the desk--it smells absolutely dreamy and brings the hotel's luxury vibe right into your home. We have officially found our new favorite hotel and cannot wait to return! read more

went to afternoon tea here. the service is amazing. very attentive and friendly. the ambiance is very upscale. the food is wonderful. and they are special that you get to try as many teas as you want. most places just let you pick one. you really get your moneys worth here. read more

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We love to slip in here for a quick bite before or after a show at one of the nearby venues. The food is delicious, the selections are many and the ambience is just right. The Services four star. read more

I had the pleasure of staying at this hotel after attending a holiday party nearby, and it was an absolutely wonderful experience. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and cared for. The personalized touches truly set this property apart-- a handwritten welcome note, delicious macaroons, complimentary snacks and drinks, and the cozy robe and slippers waiting in the room made me feel right at home. The room was exceptionally clean. The valet attendant was exceptionally kind and professional, making arrival and departure seamless. Every detail reflected thoughtfulness and hospitality, and I left feeling refreshed and impressed. I will definitely return and am especially excited to try the restaurant downstairs on my next visit. This hotel exceeded my expectations in every way--highly recommended! read more

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I think for the price there are better options in the city. No pool, but great free snacks and refreshments in your room. The last time I needed the valet he said they didn't have my car and there was only one key left in the drawer. He told me it couldn't be my key which I replied it had to be and he checked and it was... odd way to end a mostly enjoyable stay. Never tried the restaurant but did sit at the bar. Service wasn't great but I was patient and enjoyed the drinks I ordered. read more

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Great hotel. Recent renovation. New restaurant design. All good. When I first came to Houston, I worked across the street-ish. This was my introduction to downtown Houston. Historic, Today, the hotel is still majestic. Service is on point. As locals, we don't stay here much. However, this is our first and last stop when visiting the Alley Theater. read more

Did a 2 night staycation here for NYE and NYD, and it was fantastic! We ubered here and were promptly checked in, with bubbly. The room itself was charming historical. There was a handout in the desk drawer describing the art in the room. There was a welcome card and macarons. The mini-fridge is stocked with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, which are unlimited. The toiletries are top-notch - Bulgari. There is a gourmet breakfast buffet that is included - top pics were the charcuterie, lox, and various pastries. The gym onsite is small - just for cardio (2 pelotons and 3 treadmills), but you have access to a much larger gym 1.5 blocks away. Unfortunately, there is no pool here. Overall, we had a great experience! read more

Excellent good and drinks. Hotel is well decorated and feels very luxurious without being stuffy. Valet and restaurant staff were excellent. Front desk really needs more training except the young man who checked us out. They had a huge hiccup with our special occasion, but I reached out to the management and did offer to remedy the situation. read more

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The Lancaster Hotel is perfectly located in downtown Houston, especially if you're visiting the Theater District. The complimentary breakfast was a pleasant surprise, offering higher-quality items than you'd normally expect, along with a nice selection of hot teas. One small suggestion would be to include oat or almond milk/creamer options for coffee. After a show, we enjoyed dessert and drinks at the hotel restaurant, which was a great way to end the evening. The front desk and valet staff were consistently friendly and welcoming. Our room was a bit on the smaller side, but we appreciated the thoughtful touches--two macarons on arrival and a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage bar that included Perrier, mini bottled water, assorted canned sodas, and orange juice. We also received a bag of Zapp's chips. The photos mentioned "snacks," but the large drawer was empty, so housekeeping may have missed a restock. Overall, it was a great stay, especially with the points discount on the room. We would definitely consider staying here again for its location, service, and charming details. read more

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This review is only for their afternoon tea service. Their tea room is located on the second floor. You check in downstairs and someone takes you upstairs to the tea room. Ambiance of the tea room is simple and clean, although nothing special. Service was top notch. The tea was well brewed and the sandwiches delicious. My only complaint was the scones were very mediocre. My biggest complaint has to be with the booking system. When you make a reservation, instead of a normal restaurant reservation, you have to fill out what looks like a hotel events form, which is a bit ridiculous. They really need to work out a less cumbersome booking system. They're also quite pricey. At $69 per person, this is one of the more expensive afternoon teas in town. There's also a 20% mandatory service charge. Overall I'd say this place is worth trying if you love afternoon tea. read more

The Lancaster Hotel - Hotels Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Such a beautiful hotel in the middle of the Theater District. Only 2 blocks from the Houston Opera. Upon arrival, we were upgraded to a full suite without asking! In room breakfast was amazing and included in the price. The staff was super attentive, the beds and shower were fantastic and they have a very cool little restaurant and bar. I would definitely stay here again! read more

Wonderful hotel with so much character! Exceptional, superior customer service at every level! My room was spotless, beautifully appointed, and comfortable. The complimentary snacks & drinks (replenished daily) are a great touch, as is the Nespresso. English Breakfast and Egyptian Chamomile round out the additional tea choices. Beds and pillows are super comfy, and the showers are great! The sparkling wine at checkin is a lovely kickoff to each stay. The complimentary breakfast has a nice array of choices, cold and hot, along with several pastries (there is definitely something for everyone!). And with the several hours long breakfast times, I never had an issue, in 4 days, finding seating, despite the hotel being sold out. They do an excellent job of keeping the breakfast area clean, stocked, and efficiently bussed - no easy feat! I will now only stay at The Lancaster when visiting Houston - nowhere else compares! 10/10 on every note! read more

Loved this high tea spot! The host was able to fit us in last minute although he did make a fuss about it and made it seem as though they were completely booked which they weren't. Yummy sweets and savory food. My favorite was the hot biscuit and clotted cream. Would highly recommend if you're looking for some flavorful teas and some relaxing time read more

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Beautiful stay! My husband and I decided to do a little staycation and The Lancaster did not disappoint! From the moment we drove up to the moment we got in our car to leave. Impeccable service from the gentlemen in the front, to the front desk staff, to the breakfast in the morning. I will definitely be staying here again! read more

The Lancaster Hotel - Hotels Near Me - Houston, Texas

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The service is amazing. Really a bougie experience. The have so many complimentary items and the bed was comfortable with soft sheets. So close to so many items downtown we pretty much walked everywhere. The best thing was we went to the theater and it happened to be right across the street. The breakfast was expansive so good no matter your tastes. Definitely would stay here again. read more

This is a new review based on my experience at the Lancaster Hotel which was built in 1926 and full of history The hotel is gorgeous! The service impeccable! From valet to front desk, where sparkling wine is available Beautiful, comfortable room, wonderful lighting in bathroom Loved the amenities Lovely bar and restaurant next to lobby Breakfast was buffet style Honestly, i can hardly wait to return read more

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Really cute, convenient and comfortable hotel close to the music hall and a lot of shows. Our room wasn't fancy, but the AC worked well and they had a lot of cute decor around the room. The bed was also comfortable, and they had king pillows!! The free breakfast was really good, buffet style with eggs, bacon, pancakes and beverages. The lady working there wasn't too friendly saying that they're prepping for the tea room so everyone had to leave by 10:45. The tea is in the afternoon so I don't know why ppl can't just eat until 11 and then you have 2ish hours to prepare for tea.... Parking is expensive! I think they said $56 for valet, the lot next door was about the same cost. We parked in the garage next door which was $30. I was nervous getting back in on a Saturday but the gates opened up after you paid, and they buzzed us in to use the elevator. They also don't have a gym on sight. I think they let you use one downtown but it's closed on the weekend. Suggest maybe running along the bayou since it's close by. read more

My review is based on afternoon tea. I chose this location for tea because of its location; I brought tickets to see a show at the Hobby Center, and it's just mere blocks away. Upon arrival at the hotel, I received a warm welcome from the valet staff as well as the gentleman who greeted me at the door (and rerouted me to right direction). Afternoon tea is served on the mezzanine level and there was a small waiting area with comfortable furniture. The main area was a pretty intimate space, but it was very bright with plenty of natural light. There was a great selection of teas to choose from, and I enjoyed all of the sandwich selections except for the egg salad (I just don't like egg salad period). The scone was wonderful and my favorite option of the sweets tray was the chocolate pot de crème. We also received tea cookies to take home (they were delicious). The only downside is the reservation process; the person in charge of reservations was perfectly nice and answered all of my questions, but to place a reservation you have to email, which just isn't very efficient. If they would make that process more convenient, I would have nothing bad to say. Overall, they made my birthday celebration special and I would gladly return. read more

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I did afternoon tea here a while back and forgot to review. It was my first afternoon tea so I was very impressed and happy then. Since then, I have gone to afternoon tea at the Plaza in NY, and I now know that the quality of the tray is not great here. But I am talking about the gluten free tray, which is great that they even offer it at all. I'd like to come back and see that they have improved it. Some of the details were nicer here, though. They didn't have sugar cubes at the Plaza, just packets. The lancaster's dishes were fancier. read more

Amazing experience! I stayed here with my dog, this is one of the nicest hotel experiences I've ever had. All of the staff are SO friendly, everything is very clean, rooms are adorable, comfy beds, and you can just feel a good vibe all around. If you're bringing a dog, there's a nice public park across the street. Would definitely stay again and recommend to anyone. Very reasonably priced too. read more

The Lancaster is a classic luxury hotel with beautiful lobby, hallways, and rooms. Everything just seems above and beyond with complimentary wine upon arrival, valet, bellhop and doormen, and complimentary snacks and drinks in the room (refreshed daily!). The room was large and had a seating area and room darkening drapes. Robes and slippers, fresh smelling toiletries and plush towels- everything to make you feel like you're in a luxurious hotel room. Bar was great and restaurant seemed nice although we didn't eat there. Plenty of places within walking distance- restaurants, theaters and attractions like the aquarium. Would love to stay here again! Exceptional staff and hotel! read more

The Lancaster Hotel - Outside of hotel - Hotels Near Me - Houston, Texas

I stayed here two nights, Saturday through Monday. Capital One offers a promotion here. It includes a $100 experience credit, late check out, and a free room upgrade upon availability. This hotel is fantastic. The doormen are welcoming as soon as you approach the front entrance. At check-in, the receptionists greet you with a warm smile and offer you complimentary water and champaign. The lobby is elegant and charming. It's an historic building, so keep that in mind as it's a smaller hotel, with 2 operating elevators, shared with the staff. Your stay includes complimentary breakfast on the mezzanine floor. I enjoyed the selection of foods, laid out buffet style. Our room was spacious and relaxing. It includes standard amenities. Mini bar snacks and drinks are complimentary. Your reservation also includes access to a local fitness center, though I did not try it out. I don't regularly books luxury hotels. However, I felt that my stay was worth the price, especially with the promotional. I'm overall happy with this stay. read more

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lovely hotel whenever you want a weekend getaway to enjoy nice dinner and the theater downtown . great staff as well !

I had a great stay here on Super Bowl weekend. I was greeted at the door by friendly staff, checked in promptly and offered a water and glass of champagne. Easy check in process, beautiful room and a free breakfast in the mornings. Lots of art in the hallways, this hotel is an homage to its historic roots, which sometimes becomes comically evident when you realize there is no dedicated service elevator and you share a ride down with a giant cart carrying food from the kitchen. I really enjoyed my stay here, and would recommend it to anyone visiting Houston and wanting a convenient central location. read more

The Lancaster Hotel - Bar area - Hotels Near Me - Houston, Texas

If I could give this hotel 10 stars I would. I will stay here time and time again. Top tier luxury. Beautiful artwork, so many complimentary features and items. Beautiful rooms. Excellent staff. read more

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The WORST experience we have ever had at a hotel I have stayed at hotels all across the USA, From LA to Washington DC, and on both the east and west coasts and a lot in between... including a roadway inn outside Roswell NM that had better service and people than Lancaster. Oh, and this was Christmas Eve as well. All our kids are grown so this was sort of an adult mini-vacation. I am not sure where to start Checking in the clerk was surely at best. I would say downright unfriendly The pillow on the couch in our room had BLOOD stains on it It was obvious the room had NOT been properly cleaned. We had tickets for the Nut Cracker next door ( the reason we stayed at this hotel) We got drinks at the bar and the desk knew we had not eaten ect but they did not advise us the restaurant was closing early so after the Ballet we had to struggle to find someplace for food. When I asked for help from the front desk.. I was given a bad copy of some nearby restaurants without any offer to help us find any. We then had to walk in the rain to the nearest place and return the food to our room. We had to pay for and use the hotel valet parking and in the morning when we checked out the parking attendant had left our lights on and so had a dead battery. I had to go out with cables to jump-start our car. There is so much more MY best advice is to stay away. For a supposed 4-star hotel in my opinion it does not deserve any stars. I will admit the breakfast was above average at least. Let me add when I finally got to speak with the hotel manager He too was less than professional and again a bit unfriendly. Getting a refund was not my point. 300$ will not make or break me. It was more the point of the poor care by the staff and lack of communication by them as well. I am a former regional trainer manager for a very large company and all of this was 100 % avoidable, There is no excuse for any of it to have happened the way it did. To add when I was downstairs trying to complain and find some resolution, to the many issues another guest came up to me and asked if I found bedbugs in our room ( we did not ) but her question made me worry a bit. We put everything we wore and all of our clothes in the wash as soon as we got home just in case Again my sincere advice is to stay somewhere else if you go to the ballet or any other nearby event near The Lancaster Hotel. Tip: Make sure that the room is cleaned before accepting it. We had a dirty room with fresh blood stain on the couch pillow read more

There's so much to say! My boyfriend and I have stayed at this hotel multiple times, and it tops the list among downtown hotels. Firstly, the rooms are incredibly cozy. Secondly, the reception is prompt in providing anything you might need, from a Coke to a tampon (apologies for the TMI, but it's true). It's not just a hotel; it's an experience. Currently, our planned one-night stay has extended to four. This place is fantastic. read more

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Me and my wife stayed here for a night out and it was great. They really take care of you and the amenities are very nice.

By far one of our favorite hotels in Houston! Came to Houston for a wedding last year, and we chose to stay at The Lancaster, and it was the best decision we made. The staff was very accommodating, friendly, and attentive. The breakfast was delicious. Service was outstanding and the hotel is absolutely beautiful. The rooms, the lobby, EVERYTHING was amazing. Don't get me started on the Valet service! They were WONDERFUL. The best Valet service we have ever had. They helped us before and after the wedding party and really took care of us. When we come back, The Lancaster will be our standard!!! Keep it up Lancaster! You made our stay the BEST time! read more

We had a wonderful time staying here two nights on our very first anniversary. I wasn't terribly familiar with it, but we went with it because it is just across the street from the Alley Theater where we had Saturday afternoon tickets and also because it seemed well reviewed on here. Our experience was as well as we could have expected. The property is charming. Operating since, I believe 1926, the hotel bills itself as a family run establishment, and it feels that way. The service is warm and friendly. And generous: upon check-in, we were offered complementary glasses of champagne, the room comes stocked with thoughtful snacks and beverages that are also complementary, and moreover there is a breakfast spread on the second floor that is quite good and also included. Our room had inside a handwritten welcome note from the hotel manager! A Nespresso machine is there in-room. Wi-Fi is no additional charge. There is original art, and information about the art, not just throughout the property but also in the rooms themselves. It's a lot of little touches that add up to a memorable experience. About the breakfast: We availed ourselves to this both mornings. Eggs, scrambled and deviled. Bacon and sausage. Breads or various types. Coffee, juices. Pastries. Yogurt. Potatoes. Fruit. Pancakes or French toast. It's a really nice spread, and it's included with your stay. Travelers have many options in terms of where they might stay. This place feels quite unique, and like out of time. And certainly Houston does not have many old world hotels of this character. As mentioned, this property is a stone's throw from the Alley and everything else in the Theater District. It's a wonderful pairing for lodging if one has tickets to something in that area. Special acknowledgment to the bellhop gentleman who welcomed us at the curb, saw us to the room, greeted us throughout our stay, and was there the morning of our checkout to get us tucked away in our car. He was very warm and friendly, and we were so appreciative of his efforts to make us feel comfortable. read more

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One of the valets , baba, who could not drive, slammed my jeep into a Bentley, which slammed another vehicle...the assistant manager refused to call the police, would not give us the name of the insurance company or manager of the hotel, and suggested we go to a police sub station. The 3 injured parties had to call our contacts at the police station to come to the hotel to file a report. It has been 8 days and neither the manager of the hotel or the valet/hotel insurance company has called to assess damages or have our vehicles repaired. Unbelievable !!!!!!! the valet hid when the police tried to get a statement. There were 8 people involved in this incident and none will ever eat or stay in the hotel again!!!!! read more

First time visiting Houston and the downtown area was a bit of a shock. The Lancaster was a pleasant surprise though! Wonderful, Wonderful staff from bellman to the housekeepers. The bar was probably the best hotel bar I have ever experienced. The cocktails were made with craft and passion and were excellent. The restaurant was good overall and a very pleasant place to eat, the manager was on it and kept a good eye over everything. We had a very nice charcuterie plate and delicious lamb meatballs and a very nice bottle of Tomasi Amarone and couple of other apps all for under $200 so not too expensive for such a sophisticated place. read more

Wonderful weekend. Hotel, room, food and staff amazing. David and Mark made a memorable impact. Will make this our new staycation hotel.

My faith in the joys of a good hotel have been restored at the Lancaster in Houston, TX. I have had to stay in hotels a lot of my working life and have grown used to small indignities and annoyances that seem normalized. I was shocked to stay at the Lancaster Hotel in Houston and be in a hotel that did everything perfectly and made me feel like a truly honored guest. From the moment I walked in the door things felt special, elegant and civilized. First off, the hotel has real art, significant pieces by well known artists. It always seemed strange when a hotel that charges expensive prices for a room has art work that looks like at was bought for 30 dollars at a factory outlet sale. Not so at the Lancaster. The Mark Flood at the entrance prepared me for a wonderful experience, and every room I saw including my chambers were filled with real art. Since the hotel is next to the Opera, Ballet and Symphony, as well as the Alley Theater their guests clearly know the difference between real art and cheesy decor. And those I spoke to had noticed. In the elevator strangers commented about how the art budget is a sign of real respect to their guests taste, sophistication and worldliness. Next the minibar and snacks were free. It always seems weird when a hotel charges 5 dollars for a thirty cent bag of chips and leaves me feeling taken advantage of, knowing that in strange cities and over tired I am likely to let myself be taken advantage of. Not here This small generosity made me feel cherished and I did devour the small bag of chocolate covered cherries each day of my stay. The bed was extra comfy, the sound proofing was good and street sounds never woke me. Finally the breakfast buffet was the highest quality and different every day. Day two the platter of avocado toast was divine. And the standard scrambled egg platter was kept refreshed and never was allowed to get sticky and gelatinous. Juice and coffee were well done too. In all my years of hotels this was one of my top three pleasures and this was the only one in the States. Make plans to see something at Houston Grand Opera and the Menil and make an arts culture outing with a joyous stay at the Lancaster. read more

I have to say this hotel definitely knows how to market. First off the customer service was top notched. You feel like some A class celebrities when you walk in. They greet you with champagne touché touché The mini fridge in the room is packed with drinks and snacks which are all inclusive I might say. Touché touché Next to your bed you will see two chocolate bites and an orange on the coffee table because vitamin C is very important in keeping your immune system strong against covid 19 wink. Good looking out. The room is clean and elegant. Smells fresh and clean. The bed is so comfortable and the pillows are like soft clouds. I fell asleep the moment my head landed on the pillows. What brand is this mattress? I need one. I also need that pillow. Can management send me the brand and where to purchase? Thanks If you're looking for hotel come here. Don't think just book. Oh did I mention free breakfast every morning. I know where to book my hotel stay when I return. Thank you all the staff for making our stay very pleasant. If you need water bottles just ask. They will be happy to give them to you. Make sure you stay hydrated. read more

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We stayed here from NY for the beginning of our Houston stay and for my birthday. We had an exceptional time. Here is the big plus with this luxury boutique hotel: the management and staff Pete, Laura, Danny, Jose and Renee to name a few, were kind, welcoming and clearly extraordinary in the hospitality business. I have stayed in many luxury hotels for business and pleasure over the years. This one is definitely one of the best. The building inside and put is well maintained and modern. There is an excellent attention to detail. Thank for the wonderful stay. The cake was also delicious! Hope to come back and visit. Thank you read more

The Lancaster Hotel - Yummy Chantilly cake. - Hotels Near Me - Houston, Texas

Classy downtown retreat with exceptional service! From the moment you pull up in your car they are waiting on you with a smile and class. The rooms are beautifully decorated with brass touches throughout. Complimentary snacks and drinks in your room. read more

The staff was extremely warm and gracious from the moment we drove up to the hotel. They assume you are coming there for a special occasion. And they make sure you feel that way immediately. The valets run out to take care of your car and luggage. The concierge greets you with champagne and bottled water before you can even ask for it. The Porter even made a point to show us all the emergency exits and how to use everything in the room, something I never thought about before when checking into a room. But yes, I do appreciate someone pointing out the emergency exit. I needed something as small as scissors and some safety pins. And the staff got them up to us immediately. I wanted a slight upgrade on the sparkling wine package they would place in the room. They did it with no problem. The owner is an artist who has his personal collection of other Texas artists all over the hotel. There is a guide sheet on all the works. There are detailed works at the elevator on each floor, as well as two pieces with write ups in our room. The food and wine choices in the restaurant were perfect. And again, the service in the restaurant was five star. They made the weekend very enjoyable. read more

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If ever we are in Houston again, I would choose The Lancaster again without hesitation. Complimentary snacks and drinks in the room! Sparkling wine upon arrival! Beautiful breakfast buffet with healthy options! Fabulous art and design throughout! The hospitality was lovely, and the accommodations were perfect. 5/5! read more

The Lancaster received a fabulous face lift following the devastation left behind by Hurricane Harvey. The Theatre District was hit hard with high water, and The Lancaster had at least 4 feet of bayou inside. The new restaurant space is beyond beautiful and the lobby is so chic with huge impactful art and lovey soft spaces to sit and have a chat or rest your feet after walking to dinner in heels. The menu has the best burger in town. A soft bun with all fresh fresh toppings (and only 22 bucks). The potato chips to start are a must, dip them in the creamy horseradish. The bartenders are cool and happy to chat or give suggestions and the people watching can't be beat. I was eyeing the scallops and plan to order those on my next visit. read more