If you're the type who likes to plan ahead - or maybe just dream about your next culinary conquest, Spencer's menus are a guidebook to epicurean excellence.
Chef Joel St. John's
Before joining Spencer's for Steaks and Chops, Chef Joel St. John mastered many types of regional cuisine through his work at major restaurants and hotels in New Orleans and Houston. Under his leadership as executive chef, The Houston Brewery was deemed 'The Best' by local and state media, as well as by Houstonians themselves.
The Cajun Egg Roll, Chef St. John's copyrighted creation, won Best in Show at The Great Tastes of Houston. Mayor Bob Lanier presented Chef St. John with The Mayor's Choice Award, 'The Best of the Tastes 1995.' The Cajun Egg Roll was voted 'Best Appetizer 1998' by the Houston Press.
Chef's credits include famous restaurants in New Orleans such as Commander's Palace, Mr. B's, and Seb's, as well as Houston favorites The Brownstone and Harry's Kenya.
In New Orleans, while St. John was executive chef at Seb's, the Mississippi riverfront restaurant was honored as one of The 1990 Top 25 Grand Restaurants by Champagne Mumm and New Orleans magazine. St. John was chosen as one of six dinner chefs to prepare the awards banquet for 'The Top 25' along with special honoree, the legendary Chef Paul Bocuse of France.
The SceneHoused within the massive Hilton Americas-Houston hotel, this bustling chop house is popular with hotel guests, convention attendees, sports fans and other downtown diners looking for a trendy scene and quality food. The expansive and elegant lobby echoes a similar atmosphere once inside Spencer's, which manages to be inviting despite its size. The adjacent bar and lounge area gets crowded for drinks and pregame meals. There is an extensive wine list and the service is affable and attentive.
The Food
The kitchen serves up a continental menu with steaks, lamb and seafood. The large porterhouse, filets and prime rib are served sizzling fresh while the lamb and fish are tender and perfectly spiced. The king crab and lobster are succulent and go great with an assortment of west coast beers. The dessert tray is worth a look.
Hits: The king crab legs are massive and delicous when dipped in butter.
Misses: TVs in the bar area distract from the fine dining atmosphere of the main dining room.
Where to Sit
A pair of diners seeking a quiet corner should request the "wine room" table.
Look Good
With its proximity to so many downtown attractions - including the George R. Brown Convention Center, the Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park--Spencer's makes an excellent choice for business lunch.
The Extras
Staying at the Hilton-Americas? Meals can be ordered to the room.
