Hillstone

"Hillstone in Upper Kirby falls somewhere on the restaurant spectrum between an upper crust steakhouse and a fast-casual American mega chain. The menu almost never changes, the food always arrives fast, and everything tastes exactly the same every single time. One of Hillstone’s best old reliables—whether you’re dining solo at the bar or out with your parents— is the cheeseburger. The thick, cheese-encased patty arrives loaded so high with toppings you might need to make a few calculations before attempting the first bite. Crush one, along with the seasoned fries, alongside a house martini, or two. " - chelsea thomas, gianni greene

"The bar at Hillstone, a business casual steakhouse and grill in Upper Kirby, is jam packed every day of the week. Regardless of the time, you’ll likely have to wait for a seat, which is half the fun. Nearly every other bar diner is solo, probably with a martini in hand, and waiting for their French Dip sandwich or towering hamburger. Half of the bar guests are local celebrities, meaning the bartenders have their usual order memorized. Maybe one day you, too, can join such an illustrious list." - Gianni Greene, Chelsea Thomas

"Houston’s is a restaurant that often comes up in conversation among Black diners when discussing the inconsistent service and unfair treatment they have previously received. For years, it has been a favorite of many Atlanta diners, Black or otherwise. Dickens praised the Texas-based chain for having reliably good service and food quality." - Mike Jordan

"Hillstone in Upper Kirby falls somewhere on the restaurant spectrum between an upper crust steakhouse and a fast-casual American mega chain. The menu almost never changes, the food always arrives fast, and everything tastes exactly the same every time. Consistency is the key to Hillstone’s success—along with the Hawaiian ribeye slathered in a pineapple soy sauce, which a lot of people go bananas for. The plush booths and dim lighting, along with the conversation-style sunken dining room makes everything feel a little fancier than it is—making Hillstone a great place to go with your parents, your grandparents, or someone else’s parents. You may need to wear business casual to get seated, even if you’re just ordering a spinach artichoke dip and a cheeseburger. " - Chelsea Thomas