re: Houston's on Vets closing

Truly one of the best appetizers in the city, IMO.

So good

Agreed

Link?

Interesting

why are they moving it to the west bank?

I worked in many restaurants in Baton Rouge, New Orleans & Metairie over a ten year stretch coming up. Houston's Metairie was the one I worked at the longest - 5 years back in early too late 90's. It was by far the most consistent, tightest run restaurant I ever worked at. The management was on every detail and they had a great eye for staff members.

Comments about the Hillstone group are mostly correct. They are loaded, have several successful concepts, and do own the building on Vets. The Metairie location always made money. The food was always consistent. From what I gathered, Hillstone has changed as a company. They were based in Atlanta, now home office is in Beverly Hills. The decor of their newer concepts have changed (palm trees, bright colors and fancy lighting) from the darker wooden and brick look of the Metairie location. To them the Metairie location is beyond dated and they want to change it. This also goes for their view of their current menu in Metairie. So, this basically comes down to progress despite the fact that the location still packs them in.

I'm bummed out that what I view as the one of the best restaurants in Metairie is closing. A lot has changed since I worked there. Many quality restaurants have opened since then, but for my money (despite what some people think as expensive) Houston's has been an institution in Metairie that people at a corporate level will never understand their impact on the community.

Everyone has a different taste in food, and what they consider good service. This is strictly based on personal opinion. If you are of the belief that Houston's food is average, having worked there, eaten there a ton, I would respectfully disagree. I think the service aspect in Metairie has dropped off over the years based on my last few visits, but the food is always on the money.

Lots of great memories. Lots of great people.

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You think the Houston's on St. Charles will last long?

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I would think for awhile. At least until they complete their plans for whatever they do with Metairie Houston's. At some point in the future, though, I wouldn't be shocked if they converted St. Charles to another one of its concepts. I think it would be a mistake unless they want to change all of the Houstons. The one on St. Charles is as much of an institution to people in the city as the one in Metairie was to the people in Jefferson.

Agreed

Had spinach dip and ribs there Thursday for the prob last time as I won't go to their restaurant in st Charles as there are better options. Good food for an outrageous price, amazing spinach dip and fries though.