Hillstone Restaurant

04/17/11

Great food awaits

by bananas76 at Citysearch

The grill here is bar none, everything that comes out of that kitchen is fantastic, and alot of it is an ode the hickory and the fantastic kitchen staff.

The last time I went it was Houstons so I was happy to taste that the name was only thing to change, although I had never been for lunch before, which just goes to show it's good no matter what time of the day you go.

Granted it is on the pricier side, so it's a great place for a special occasion or a date-nite, especially if you want to impress someone, being right there along the embarcaderro but once you start eating you'll forget all about that.

02/25/10

I Just Know That's A Hickoy Grill!!

by ChelleintheBay , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

I would call Houston's one of my regular spots.Whether I want a drink, have company from out of town or dont' feel like cooking, it pops up in my mind. I remember the first time I tried Houston's in SF. I was wandering around the Embarcadero area trying to deliberate were to eat. All of a sudden(yeah..all of a sudden), I smell smoke. Not like SF is on fire, but like someone is stroking a well maintained outdoor grill of the hickory kind. I turned in the direction of the tainted air & see smoke, beckoning me, like a hand to follow.(okay, I may have been hullicinating from hunger)but I did follow the scent. I come across people standing around an outdoor fireplace happily sipping their beverages & sampling some appetizers. I reach the door in a dreamy state, but manage to read the "NO CORKAGE FEE" words on th door. Unheard of for SF!! The smells coming out the door make me want to hop behind the cooking counter and bury my face in something!! My first meal was prime rib, mashed potatoes and their grilled artichokes. Followed by their evil brownie dessert. Not to mention a pretty neat classic sidecar!! I have had many meals over the years. It changes periodically or based on seasons. I would have to say that the meals are always comforting, the indoor fireplace w/ nearby booths are a fave sitting area, on the weekends there is a jazz trio, & you can always sit at the bar to watch sporting events if thats your thing. Also, the service has always been friendly & cordial. One server, who was doubling as sommelier actually sat with us one evening to taste our bottle of wine. Side point, if you are vegetarian, you will find a great meatless selection!!

• Pros: You can smell the smoke frm the grill as you park the car!
• Cons: Having to wait for your food as your mouth waters

06/19/09

Love it!

Contributor at Citysearch

Great food...had the halibut and it was perfect. Had a waiter that could have been more attentive, but that was the only thing that kept my rating from a 5.

11/17/08

Best lunch and service

by Toni10 at Citysearch

There were 4 of us for lunch for our first time, and it was the best, both food and service, there was always someone there to see if we needed anything, and our drinks were refreshed with another glass as soon as it was empty. We meet once a month, and this place will be a repeat.

11/05/08

Ridiculous Hat Policy

by renewsf at Citysearch

This is not a super upscale place and they ask you to take off your hat in the dining room which is stupid. I agree with the other reviewer in that the hostess was not polite but more important our wait staff was less than interested in serving and aloof. My $17 salad was with greasy chicken and not tasty. I won't be back and the portions are not what they use to be.