Mark's American Cuisine

I made reservations two weeks in advance to surprise my boyfriend for his birthday. After reading the reviews online, I knew to make reservations in the cloister section. When I called, the very nice gentleman on the phone suggested that I make reservations for the loft section, which is what I did. He did tell me that my reservation in the loft section was not guaranteed, but I didn't think too much of it. Our reservation was for a Friday night at 8:30, we arrived promptly at 8:30 and were told there were no tables available in the loft section. Instead, they had a table right below the staircase and the entry way of the restaurant. We told them that was not acceptable. We were then taken to a table in a small room to the left of the main dining area. This table was in the center of the room in the middle of the doorway for the waiters. There were so many tables crammed into this room I even bumped a gentleman's elbow as he was eating his meal. I apologized politely and he gave me a dirty look, I was probably not the first person to interrupt his meal that evening. We politely told the hostess that we wanted to sit together in a more quite section of the restaurant and that we were more than happy to wait. So we ventured to the bar to wait. The bartenders were more than friendly, explaining the different types of martinis and vodka. We each had a martini, I strongly recommend the Continental Tini. We then had two house glasses of wine. At this point a hour had gone by and no one had even come to give us a status on a table. There were a few other parties that joined in the bar area to wait for their table and they were seated before us. We were so upset, hungry and tired of waiting we left. We told the hostess on the way out that we were leaving and then she said she had a table for us...go figure. Mark's is not a romantic restaurant and I would not recommend this for a special occasion. I will never go back! Pros: Great ambience & excellent bartenders! Cons: Not romantic, too many tables in the dining area and very loud! more

Very romantic, even with the bit of noise. Excellent food from appetizer all the way to dessert. Attentive and knowledgeable staff. Beautiful atmosphere. Perfect for special occasions. Pros: Ambience, quality of food, service Cons: A little noisy and cramped more

Although I have only been here about three times, this is my most memorable time :I made a reservation a few months in advance for a dinner with my husband's clients.It was during the Christmas holiday season, and I told them please give us a good table that is not near the door and what did they do? They stuck us at a table for six in front of the Christmas tree not far from the door! How is that for great service? Anyway, at least the food was good. I don't think that people listen and actually write down any preferences when you tell them anything. I made them moce us to a table further near the bar area. Anyway, I wish that the restaurants didn't need to feel that they have to pack them in. One less table would create a lot more space. I hope that these restaurants start to listen up! Pros: great food....beautiful restaurant Cons: Noisy, crowded and they don't look at your preferences for seating. more

I read the reviews before going here for my boyfriend's birthday, and was a little nervous about it, when I shouldn't have been. The food and service were wonderful, and you can't beat the ambiance in this town. We had the venison/duck special and the beef tenderloin, both cooked perfectly. I highly suggest the crostada for dessert - delicious "birthday pie"! Only thing that was a little confusing is that we seemed to have 2 different waiters that kept taking turns serving us. Pros: food, ambience Cons: dark lighting more

I chose Mark's to propose to my girlfriend and I was NOT disappointed! The staff was awesome in helping me prepare for this special event, getting EVERY detail right and serving up a wonderful meal! The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and nothing is overpriced! I had the best experience and plan on coming to Mark's for years to come!!! Pros: Great service staff, great food! Cons: Parking more

I usually go here for each one of my birthdays. The food has NEVER disappointed me, nor has the service. I always get some sort of beef dish, and it's just always perfection. Pros: Everything! Food is EXCELLENT, service is attentive and friendly- not snooty at all! Cons: valet more

The food at Mark's is excellent. The service is superb and the ambiance is like none other. My friends and I love to have "girls lunch" at Mark's. You just can't go wrong with Mark's. more

THIS IS AN INTIMATE ROMANTIC RESTAURANT FOE AN ENJOYABLE EVENING OF DINING WITH FRIENDS. LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE CITY IN AN OLD CHURCH SERVES BEST AMERICAN CUISINE IN HOUSTON Pros: AMBIENCE Cons: DIFFICULT TO FIND A PARKING SPOT more

My husband and I went to Mark's this weekend to celebrate our anniversary and we were very disappointed. I made the reservation over a week ago and they were already nearly full, so we had to settle for an 8:45pm time. We ended up not being seated until 9:45pm and the hostess told us that long waits are typical, even with a reservation. We noticed two other couples that got tired of waiting and ended up leaving the restaurant. Once we were finally seated, the service and food were great, despite the fact that we were almost too tired to enjoy it. The church building is very cool and the atmosphere is slightly romantic, despite the noisy crowd. The main disappointment to us was that they didn't even acknowledge our anniversary, even though I told them about it when making the reservation. Most other upscale restaurants will at least give you a complementary dessert and some (such as Bank and Brennan's) that we've been to in the past...do many nice things for couples who are celebrating. I would recommend Mark's only if you don't mind waiting at least an hour, eating really late and don't have any special occasion to celebrate. I would have to disagree with the title they give themselves as "Houston's Most Romantic Restaurant", as they made our anniversary dinner unmemorable. Pros: Great food, cool building, nice lighting Cons: Long waits, crowded and noisy, don't expect special treatment for anniversary more

Mark's is so neat b/c it's in an old church. The food is amazing. I'd like to see a little bit more of a selection on the menu. Our waiter was really fun and they made my boyfriend a great desert plate for his birthday. more

I love this restaurant because I had a most romantic dinner here. Yes, I've got engaged at Mark's on 8/20/06. :-) Everything was great....food, dessert, drinks..... more

This restaurant, in my opinion, is the #1 restaurant in the Houston area. The restaurant is in an old converted church which explains why the food and drink are so heavenly! Pros: Food, atmosphere, wine list, drinks, desert tarts (especially blueberry!) Cons: none more

I am a consultant in the Oil and Gas industry and took a large party to this place and must say that the entire event was a thing of beauty from start to finish. The food was so artfully prepared, the wine list is superb and the service was excellent. I have since been back with my wife and she adores it. The staff/management are to be commended! more

Mark's is not only romantic (especially if you have the luxury of sitting in the quiet room off to the side or upstairs) but the service is awesome too. The food is always something special and creative. My husband and I have visited often and now receive (with open arms) gift certificates from family members for special occasions. From the drinks, to dinner, to dessert, this restaurant is definitely a city favorite. more

I have eatten at a lot of nice establisments around Houston, the Country and even some in Europe when i went. But last night had to have been one of the best meals i have had. Unlike a lot of higher end restaurants they give you a good amount of food here but its still in perfect portions to have a little of everything ( appetizer, entree, dessert) and not feel stuffed. Well I didn't but my 3 friends did. Best Soft Shell Crab i have tasted ( my wife got that one). but i recommend you to get the Pork Study if he has any left when you go. No Con's about it besides the price but 1 if your going here you know and expect to drop over a $100 for 2 people but the food quality warrants the expense. I do not feel cheated or like it wasn't worth it because this was one of very few meals i have had i can say that i liked every bit of it . there was no piece of anything that i tasted that was bad or i didn't like. Everything Went With EVERYTHING. Pros: Great old Building, Service and The Food The Food The Food Cons: none really more

This is my favorite restaurant in Houston. The food is always delicious, and the service is very professional. I love the cloisters area of the restaurant for a nice romantic dinner. I get the Costa Rica Gold Pineapple salad with crab meat and shrimp every time. The desserts are delicious and the servers make sure to acknowledge the special events that are being celebrated. The best! Pros: food more

Excellent food, beautiful restaurant, lovely before dinner cocktails. The French Foie Gras appetizer was exquisite. more

I've gon to Mark's for lunch and dinner times. Never disappointed and always food and service. The ambience of the restaurant at night is nice. One of Houston's culinary jewels... Pros: Great food, awesome ambience, perfect date restaurant more

I am always completely satisfied time after time that I visit Mark's. Wonderful place for a very nice date or special occasion. There is food for all kinds of tastes. more

This is absolutely the best restaurant in Houston. Chef Mark is always changing the seasonal menu, and has created amazing combinations of flavor, texture, and presentation. I have had nothing but amazing food, wine, service, and atmosphere here. This is my go-to restaurant for visitors or special occasions. I would recommend being adventurous here. Nothing has been ever been dissapointing! more