Sambuca Restaurant - Houston

Review summary

1. J

   John

   Houston

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 8, 2024

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   Service was easily the worst I have ever experienced. Spoke to an employee who most likely was the manager but didn’t want to say so. He told me he would tell management how bad service was.
   

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2. M

   Mark

   Houston

   4 reviews

   2.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on December 8, 2024

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 1

   1/2 the menu was not available, drinks took 1/2 an hour and it is hard to eat with abnormally loud band. This place must be closing as it was shockingly poor.
   

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3. T

   Terry

   Houston

   2 reviews

   1.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on December 8, 2024

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   Upon sitting down, Jerry our server informed us that there was a limited menu. We were told that Sambuca is under new management. They’re not ready for service. They were severely understaffed and many were not trained. Only half of the menu items were available and we were told you couldn’t get a drink at your table. Several other tables around us, when discovering the limitations, got up and left. Jerry did the best he could. The manager ended up comping our check so we gave that amount to Jerry.
   

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4. H

   Holly

   San Francisco

   6 reviews

   3.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on December 7, 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   We had an early reservation before the theater because the restaurant is within walking distance of the theater district. Although the restaurant wasn't crowded, everyone was crammed in the same ten-foot radius. After we had perused the menu, the waiter informed us that we couldn't haven't the meatball appetizer we had ordered, along with a half-dozen other items on the menu, because they had used all the meat (and apparently all the scallops) for a wedding reception. Each of the three entrees I had considered were unavailable. Three of the four entrees our table ordered were good, but the service was a little awkward due to the closeness of the tables. Overall, it was a disappointing experience.
   

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5. K

   Krystle

   Houston

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 7, 2024

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 1

   My wine was not fresh. Tasted like a day's old pour, vinegar on the nose. I'm not irritated that the place was not humming bc they were barely open but it was dreadful. Everyone looked mopey and had not one ounce of enthusiasm. What happened to this place? It used to be amazing. Paper underwhelming menus and being out of a few items were the final nails in the coffin. We left without ordering.
   

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6. A

   Alex

   VIP

   Houston

   20 reviews

   1.0

   20 reviews

   Dined on December 7, 2024

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   Worst experience ever. They had no food. The menu was bogus and the website pulls you in thinking it is an upscale restaurant. They offered nothing and they should close their doors. Don’t waste your time.
   

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7. H

   Harold

   Houston

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on December 7, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Visited to support the band and ol’ classmate Roger Law & Above the Law Band. He had a great selection cover music. Most of the “two people” tables were wobbly which could cause a drink to spill. Other than that, it was good!
   

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8. D

   Dana

   Houston

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on December 1, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   The food was great; but the waitress was unaware of the ingredients in the tortilla soup. The live music was amazing! I will be back for this!
   

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9. SA

   SueA

   Houston

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on November 17, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Service and food was we were expecting. The band, as usual, gave their best to their audience. The night was perfect. We always go back to Sambuca for their services, foods and shows.
   

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10. c

    christy

    Houston

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5

    We have been to Sambuca numerous times. The last few times our service at dinner has been terrible. Last night we waited 15 min before a server even came to our table and then another 20 minutes for our drinks. Repeatedly had to stop other servers or managers and ask to have our server sent to our table. The food is good and music is always good but we will not be going back for dinner.
    

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