The Refuge Steakhouse & Bourbon Bar

Review summary

1. V

   Virlene

   Houston

   30 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   30 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

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

   We have been to Refuge many times and this was not our favorite experience. We had reservations, but were seated in the seemingly "extra" area tucked away to the far left of the entrance. As a couple, the spot was not particualarly intinmate as we were seated around other couples, but there was also a large family group in front of us that just took over the whole space. It was odd, not really bad, but not great either. Our server Nick looked like he was the only one assigned to this area of 4 smaller and 1 fairly large group, so service was not up to our prior experiences, though I do not think that this was totally his fault. Our food was ok. As this was a staturday night, I would expect their "A" game, but from our cocktails through to starter then entree, all were just mediocre which was disappointing. I ordered my favorite cocktail, the "Majestic Blue" and my hubs had a classic "Mojito", nothing crazy, but both were just not good. Unsure if there's a new bartender or what. The MB was unbalanced and the Mojito was just not good at all and served in the wrong glass. Little things maybe, but at almost $15 a cocktail, it's not accecptable. We had the "warm lobster stack" as an appetizer and it was not so much a stack as a peck. The potato cod cake that was the base, while yummy, had no cod as far as we found; the lobster was maybe 6 small pieces tossed in the dressing with some micro-greens. It was tasty, but again, more potato cake with smidge of lobster than a "stack". Finally the entree's we chose: hubs had the "steak flight" and I had the "chicago chopped salad". The salad was over-dressed for my taste, so my fault for not asking for dressing on the side, otherwise good, but I would not order again. My husband's flight was very disappointing. One would think that they would serve the tastiest morsel of each selection, instead what came on the plate, while plated nicely, was more like trimmed pieces from better steaks. Sadly, wil think twice before going again.
   

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2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Houston

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

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

   Best steak I ever had I do believe. The NY Strip. Great service. Perfect anniversary dinner.
   

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3. H

   Héctor

   Houston

   17 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   17 reviews

   Dined on 15 November 2024

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

   Me pareció muy buena pero me llama la atención de pocas mesas ocupadas.
   

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4. B

   Bob

   Houston

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on 11 November 2024

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

   Jordan was a great server. He knew the menu, made great suggestions and kept up on us in a timely manner. It was an amazing night out. Thank You.
   

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5. C

   Carl

   Houston

   99 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   99 reviews

   Dined on 10 November 2024

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

   We requested a table outside to hear the music of Yelba and much to our surprise, she was not there. As usual, the drinks and food were very tasty.
   

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6. M

   Margo

   Houston

   4 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on 9 November 2024

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

   Fantastic service Food was great Just a perfect night out!! Thank you Tamara H for a wonderful evening:)
   

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7. S

   Steve

   Houston

   3 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 7 November 2024

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

   Excellent service as always. Our server, Nick, is the best! The management staff is always friendly and accommodating. One of our most favorite places!
   

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8. G

   Greg

   Houston

   9 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on 3 November 2024

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

   We sat @ the bar. Good service, good drinks and good food. THNX
   

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9. c

   chris

   Seattle

   49 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   49 reviews

   Dined on 2 November 2024

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

   Excellent steaks. The scallops were amazing as well. Great bourbon selection.
   

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10. M

    Matthew

    Houston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 November 2024

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

    First time here and it was a great experience. We were celebrating a birthday and the dessert was comped!
    

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