Houston’s Restaurant in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you search for “Houston’s Restaurant Atlanta,” you’re usually looking for one of the city’s best‑known upscale casual spots for steaks, burgers, and American classics. Houston’s has been part of Atlanta’s dining scene for decades, and it tends to attract both business diners and locals who want something a step up from a basic chain.

This guide focuses specifically on Houston’s locations in the Atlanta area—what they’re like, what to order, and how to plan your visit.

Where Is Houston’s in Atlanta?

There are several Houston’s Restaurant locations in and around Atlanta. Exact details can change over time, but these are the major in-town and close‑in spots most Atlanta diners mean when they say, “Let’s go to Houston’s”:

When planning a visit, it helps to:

• Confirm the specific location you’re heading to, especially if you’re using a rideshare or meeting a group.
• Check current hours before you go, since hours can vary by location and day of the week.
• Look up parking details—most metro Atlanta locations have surface lots or shared parking with nearby businesses.

If you’re visiting from out of town and staying in Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, the Buckhead area Houston’s is usually the most convenient.

What Kind of Restaurant Is Houston’s?

Houston’s is best described as:

• Upscale casual (you don’t need a suit, but it’s nicer than basic casual)
• American grill / steakhouse‑style
• Known for consistent dishes and a polished, clubby atmosphere

In Atlanta, it often serves as a go‑to for:

• Business lunches and dinners
• Birthday dinners, family celebrations
• Pre‑ or post‑shopping meals around Buckhead or Perimeter
• A “nice but not too formal” date night

You’ll find:

• A full bar with cocktails, wine, and beer
• Table service with hosts, servers, and usually a wait list during peak times
• Interior spaces that tend to be dimly lit, wood‑heavy, and comfortable, with booths and low background noise compared with many louder intown spots

Dress Code: What to Wear at Houston’s in Atlanta

Houston’s does not usually require formal wear, but Atlanta diners generally treat it as a dressy‑casual place.

A simple rule of thumb:

• ✅ Fits in well

  • Nice jeans or chinos with a collared shirt or blouse
  • Casual dresses, skirts, or tailored jumpsuits
  • Clean sneakers, loafers, flats, or heels

• 🚫 Often discouraged or out of place

  • Gym shorts, overly baggy athletic wear
  • Swimwear, very worn‑out clothing
  • Extremely casual flip‑flops

If you’re coming from a nearby office in Buckhead or Perimeter, business casual or standard office attire is perfect.

Reservations, Wait Times, and Best Times to Go

Houston’s locations in Atlanta can get very busy, especially:

• Weeknights from about 6:00–8:00 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday evenings
• Holidays and big event nights (e.g., around major concerts, shopping seasons)

Common patterns Atlanta diners notice:

• Reservations: Some locations take reservations, especially for dinner; others rely more on call‑ahead or walk‑in lists. It’s wise to:
  • Call the specific location before heading over, or
  • Use online tools if that location supports reservations.
• Walk‑ins: Expect a wait at peak times. A 30–60 minute wait is not unusual on busy weekends.
• Bar seating: Solo diners or couples sometimes get seated faster at the bar or in bar‑area high‑tops, if available.

If you want a quieter experience:

• Try early dinners (before 6:00 p.m.) or late lunches on weekdays.
• For weekend meals, mid‑afternoon can be easier than peak brunch or dinner rushes.

The Menu: What Houston’s in Atlanta Is Known For

The menu can vary slightly by location and season, but Atlanta diners tend to come back for a few core favorites.

Classic Starters

Popular starters often include:

• Spinach and artichoke dip
• Smoked or grilled artichoke (when in season)
• House or Caesar salads

These are common choices for sharing at the table, especially for groups.

Main Courses

Houston’s is best known for American classics with an upscale twist, such as:

• Steaks and prime rib
  • Typically cut thick, served with potatoes or vegetables
• Burgers
  • Hearty, usually cooked to requested temperature, often with classic toppings
• Ribs and chicken dishes
  • Slow‑cooked ribs with barbecue sauce
  • Rotisserie or roasted-style chicken dishes
• Seafood
  • Salmon and other fish preparations, often grilled or pan‑seared
  • Occasionally specials highlighting seasonal fish

If you’re dining with a group, it’s easy to stick to familiar options that most people enjoy.

Sides and Salads

Sides are a big part of the Houston’s experience in Atlanta. Common choices are:

• Baked or mashed potatoes
• French fries
• Seasonal vegetables
• Coleslaw, rice, or beans, depending on the location’s menu

Salads can be ordered as starters or mains, and they tend to be:

• Generous portions
• Often with house‑made dressings
• Customizable if you want to add grilled chicken or other proteins

Desserts

Desserts vary by location, but you’ll often see:

• A warm dessert such as a brownie or apple‑style dish
• Ice cream or à la mode options
• Classic items like key lime pie or similar, depending on the menu

Desserts are often shared at the table, especially after heavier steak or burger meals.

Prices and Budgeting for Your Visit

Houston’s is typically mid‑ to upper‑priced for Atlanta casual dining.

When planning your budget:

• Lunch is usually more affordable, with:
  • Burgers, sandwiches, and entrée salads at lower price points than dinner steaks.
• Dinner can add up, especially if you:
  • Order steaks or prime rib
  • Add appetizers, drinks, and dessert

For many Atlanta diners, Houston’s lands in the “nice night out” category—more expensive than everyday spots, less than high‑end steakhouses.

Parking and Getting There in Atlanta

Because most Houston’s locations sit along major corridors, car access is common:

• Parking:
  • Many metro Atlanta locations provide surface lots or shared parking with surrounding businesses.
  • In dense areas like Buckhead, parking may feel tighter at peak times.
• Rideshare and taxis:
  • Popular in Buckhead and Perimeter, especially if you plan to drink.
• MARTA:
  • If you’re near a MARTA station (like in Buckhead or Perimeter), you may be able to combine rail with a short rideshare or walk, depending on your exact location and comfort level.

If you have accessibility needs, it’s worth calling ahead to ask about:

• Accessible parking spaces
• Entry ramps and doorway layouts
• Seating options with more space around the table

Family‑Friendliness and Group Dining

Houston’s in Atlanta is generally family‑friendly, though the atmosphere leans a bit more adult than noisy, kid‑focused chains.

Points to consider:

• Children are welcome, and families do dine here regularly.
• The vibe is calm and polished, so it can be more comfortable for older kids and teens who can sit through a longer meal.
• For large groups, calling ahead is wise:
  • Ask about table sizes and whether they can push tables together.
  • Confirm whether they can handle your party size at your desired time.

If you’re planning a business lunch or group dinner:

• Let the host know in advance if you’ll need separate checks or a certain seating arrangement.
• Ask if weekday lunchtimes are especially busy due to nearby offices, particularly around Perimeter Center or Buckhead business districts.

Dietary Preferences and Menu Flexibility

Houston’s isn’t specifically focused on specialized diets, but many Atlanta diners with preferences or restrictions are able to find workable options by asking questions.

Common approaches:

• Gluten-conscious diners may:
  • Focus on grilled meats, salads, and vegetables without sauces or dressings that contain gluten.
• Vegetarian options can be more limited but often include:
  • Large salads
  • Some vegetable sides and possibly a veggie‑leaning entrée, depending on the menu
• Allergies:
  • Inform your server clearly at the beginning of the meal.
  • Ask about ingredients in sauces, dressings, and marinades.

Because menus and recipes can change, it’s helpful to:

1. Review any posted menu for the specific Atlanta‑area Houston’s you plan to visit.
2. Confirm with your server how your dish can be prepared to suit your needs.

Tips for a Smooth Visit to Houston’s in Atlanta

A few practical pointers tailored to Atlanta:

• Plan for traffic
  • In areas like Buckhead and Perimeter, evening rush‑hour traffic can be heavy. Build extra time into your drive if you have a set reservation.
• Aim for off‑peak meals
  • Late lunches or early dinners can mean shorter waits and a quieter dining room.
• Call ahead for larger parties
  • Atlanta Houston’s locations are popular with office groups. Advance notice helps them plan seating and service.
• Use the bar area strategically
  • If you’re a party of one or two and don’t mind bar seating, you may be able to cut your wait time on busy nights.
• Check for seasonal items
  • Some locations rotate in seasonal specials that can be a pleasant change from the core menu.

For Atlantans, Houston’s Restaurant is a reliable choice when you want consistent food, polished service, and a comfortable setting without stepping into fine‑dining territory. Whether you’re in Buckhead, near the Perimeter, or visiting from out of town, knowing what to expect—and how to time your visit—can help you get the most out of your meal.