Rustic Oak Gastro Pub & Wine Bar

First off the food was DEE-​LISH!!! Customer service. Great!!! #MsDebraRocKs We came here today to celebrate the birthday of our girlfriend and decided to give this place a try despite some of the negative reviews. I’m of the opinion that every person, & every establishment has an «off» day. Maybe that was the case for the previous reviewers. I for one had a great experience from the valet to the servers. Please give this brunch a try, you will NOT be disappointed. The Airline chicken, the shrimp & grits, the steamed carrots & bacon. Yes, steamed carrots & bacon. Chile please, just get here okay? Oh. And what’s brunch w/​out Mimosa’s? Please invest in the carafe. Just sayin’…

First time in my life I didn’t go for seconds at a buffet… hugely disappointed. We got duped by the few positive reviews. Don’t make our mistake! I think many of them aren’t real.
Food was uninspired and limited, with only 8 dishes in the entire weekend brunch buffet. Served cafeteria style, messy presentation. Everything was edible, but not great. This is by no means worth the $ 25/​person groupon price, much less the full price.
Forced $ 5 valet parking added to the list of frustrations.
If you have a little one, they don’t have high chairs, milk (no milk in the entire restaurant? I don’t even want to know how they made the pancakes without milk…), cups, etc.
It’s really too bad, because the setting is pretty cool, an old house something like a smaller version of the vastly superior Backstreet Café, and with some effort they could do so much better. Based on the not-​my-​problem attitude of some staff, though, I doubt that will be happening…

Warning to all! Absolutely unprofessional ownership patrons beware. Several people below had the same experience as we did.
My girlfriend purchased two cooking class tickets through groupon and set up an appointment for June 7^th over the phone as instructed. I called Monday June 6^th to confirm our reservation. Firstly, the website lists a reservation number that appears to no longer be in service, strike one. I called the number listed on Unilocal,and was able to speak to someone, only to be told that they couldn’t talk right now. I asked if they could take down my contact information and call me back. «I don’t have a pen in front of me so can you call me back in 40 minutes.» Strike two. I was busy at work so I called back about 90 minutes after the original call to have it go to voicemail. I left a polite voicemail simply trying to confirm our reservation as well as my contact information. I did not receive a reply in any form.
We arrived Tuesday night at 6:55 (5 minutes before our class) to see nicely set up outdoor seating (with tablecloths), but no lights on inside the restaurant. We knocked on the door, but no one answered. I called and called and called. No answer. Strike three. Awesome thanks for completely wasting our time.
I have since called the number 3 additional times to find out the mailbox is full.
I would absolutely give Rustic Kitchen a 0 stars if I could. I will be requesting a refund from Groupon and recommend they remove his Groupon offer all together.

Brunch here is delicious. The Red Velvet pancakes are to die for. Charming intimate setting inside – feels like you are at home. Friendly staff… The owner is lovely. This is a must try in Houston if you are looking for great comfort food.

Sunday brunch was delicious! Quality food, great service and friendly owner. Will definitely be back.

The first time I went to the Rustic Oak Gastropub was for my daughter’s birthday. I called several times but it kept going to voicemail. When I finally got Wendell, Chef & Owner, on the phone to make the reservations he was a little rude, but I ignored it. I booked the Tuesday Cooking Class. On the day of the class I called Wendell to confirm, he first acted like he did not have my reservations and then I explained when I called, etc and he found our reservation. The Cooking Class was so much fun and the food was awesome. The restaurant is rustic, which we all love and my daughter had a wonderful birthday with the class and her girlfriends.
The next time we went was for the Saturday brunch with my daughter and a couple of her girlfriends. As usual the décor was awesome. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. As far as the food: It is a buffet, but I feel presentation is so important. The food is on the counter, no nice presentation. I cannot say that the food was very good. The bacon was good and the bread pudding and the Mimosas were all orange juice. Even though the food was not we expected, we had a nice time. Also, Wendell was not there when we arrived, so it appeared that he was not cooking and when he did arrive he sat outside talking with friends.
Because of the experience we had at the cooking class I bought a Groupon to take my boss for her birthday. My boss is a surgeon, mother of 3, and wife. She had to find someone to watch the kids, because her husband is getting his master and was at school. I made reservations for us for Tuesday, May 24^th.
On Tuesday, May 24^th, around 5:30 pm, I called the restaurant to confirm our reservations for 6:45 pm, and Wendell, Chef & Owner, answered the phone and yelled shut the door and then said hello. I introduced myself and told him I was confirming my reservations for the cooking class. He quickly informed me that they were closing for the day because of a family emergency. I sympathized with him and said «sorry no one called me» (which if you read these Unilocal listings this seems to be the norm). Next thing that came out of his mouth was «Did you hear what I said» (practically yelling at me). I told him I am sorry for your emergency and then he stated he did not have my information, which I responded «Sorry you don’t have my phone number». His response was «F – k off, F – k you, I will return your f – ken money» and hung up on me.
When my father was in the hospital dying I still had to be accountable for my job. On the day that my father passed I was at work, but before I left I told my back-​up what was pending on my desk.
I do sympathize for him and his family emergency, but he is an owner/​businessman and his responses were very unprofessional. He or he should have had someone call us that had reservations to let them know that they would need to reschedule. Not once did he apologize or even say something like I am sorry with all that is going on I forgot, but he stated that he did not have my phone number, which was a lie and that is what bothered me. Also, every time you talk to Wendell he is driving so while driving to his emergency he could have had enough respect for his business and his customers.
As soon as he hung up on me I called Groupon and informed them of what happened and they refunded my money.

This place is a hidden gem! Make a reservation and go… NOW!
I used a groupon to celebrate my wife’s 2^nd 21^st birthday after reading about Chef Price and Rustic Oak from a local publication that listed it in its top 10 neighborhood saturday brunches… I say top 5.
The converted bugalow is artistically unique and gives instant oohs and aahs upon entry yet is still warm and cozy. Its country chic at its finest. The service is warm and friendly… like a dinner party with very important people… that you grew up with. The open air kitchen is a great idea… it works at reminding you that you ARE in a restaurant… and not at your favorite Aunt’s home getting ready to eat your favorite dishes.
With your family favorite dishes in mind… but presented to you as Country French… let’s talk about brunch at Rustic Oak: red velvet pancakes — applewood bacon — scrambled eggs — shrimp & grits — brisket — collard greens — airline chicken breast — crawfish rice– and of course mimosas! I would have put mmmmm and yummy and delicious and great and more! please after each item… but…I think it’s best you go and experience what Chef Price and staff are offering over in Montrose. If just look at the pictures… you are REALLY missing out.

My review is not based on the food because I have not gone – and probably won’t after my experience today. I called the number listed on the website [(832) 792‑0425] to inquire about their Easter brunch options only to get a recording/​error message that said «The number you are trying to call is not reachable – TTS 6180». I rechecked that I was dialing the number correctly, called again and again, but got the same recording. This in itself is not a good sign for any reputable business – to list a non-​working telephone number; but I disregarded it (no body’s perfect, right?) and called the number listed for Chef Wendell on the webpage, [(832)-540−3648]. I hesitated to call the chef at first, but after all, the number is listed boldly on the webpage PLUS their main phone number was NOT working. The person who answered was very unaccommodating and somewhat rude to me when I asked about the brunch menu.
When I asked about the brunch he was very short with me – would not answer my question, cut me off and just kept repeating that «everything was explained on the website” – he made me feel that I was wasting his time by refusing to actually answer my questions about the menu. Well in fact, the menu is not self-​explanatory!
The website does indeed show a brunch menu listing the cost at $ 30.00/person, but then it goes on to list an «A La Carte» menu under the same brunch for $ 30.00/person heading with no prices for the A La Carte items. That alone is confusing because A La Carte means certain items are separately priced menu options – yet no A La Carte prices were listed. This could have easily been explained by the chef if he had just taken time to politely answer a simple question instead of directing me to the flawed menu posted on the webpage. It was not «explained on the website» as he reiterated… and even if it were, why be short and somewhat rude & arrogant to potential customers who are clearly trying to bring business to your establishment?
Additionally the brunch menu also lists «sides» and «deserts» separately in its own subsection as well. Am I too assume that it costs extra for these items since they are listed separate and apart from the noted brunch menu items at the top? If so, where are the prices for the sides and desserts?
When there is potential for confusion on menus it gives the impression of a poorly ran establishment. It also gives a poor impression when the phone number listed does not work. Yet, I still decided to give them a try by calling the other listed number. After the number not working (even if it was closed they should’ve had a voicemail or some other method to take reservations during closed hours), and the chef cutting me off – I don’t think this is a place where I want to spend my hard earned money – Groupon or not. This is a shame because I love to try new eateries and this spot definitely was on my list. Lastly, this is not from experience; but I just read a review that the restaurant imposes a forced gratuity (no matter the size of the party). I hope this isn’t true because most customers are turned off by that.
I ended up calling the Tasting Room who was extremely pleasant, accommodating and willing to answer any question I had about their Easter Brunch, never once referring me to their website. I made my reservation there:-)

I came here with a Groupon on a Saturday for brunch, and it was pretty busy when the restaurant opened at 11. Even though I made a reservation already, we were seated at a table with other people and it was really crowded. I felt like I didn’t have enough space to move my elbows at all or else I would hit the person next to me in the face. Service was okay– mimosas were brought out later and every couple got a pitcher.
As for the food, it was just okay, in my opinion. My biggest gripe about the food was that it was NOT what was listed on the menu online. I guess this is what happens when a restaurant is not doing so well and is relying on Groupon sales. The eggs did not taste truffled at all and were overcooked. There was only one kind of pastry, there were no deviled eggs, no banana pancakes, no quiche, no pan seared salmon… Basically everything was different/​worse than what the menu online states. The red velvet pancakes were there, and they were pretty good. They did have shrimp and grits and a salmon risotto as well. Also, the bread pudding was just plain bread pudding, no pear or chocolate in sight. It was pretty disappointing.
Honestly, everything tasted okay, but not worth $ 30 per person by any means. I also don’t appreciate it when restaurants lower the quality of their food after putting out groupons… if you want more business, wouldn’t you try to impress people with your food?
Another note– there is only valet parking for $ 5 at the restaurant. If you want to park yourself, you have to park in the neighborhood. Don’t get stuck in the dead end driveway like I did!

I came here once for a groupon Brunch and once for the cooking class. Both experiences were perfect.
Groupon brunch:
First impression was the very friendly greeting we received from this family establishment. The atmosphere is really nice with a lot of fancy decorations and it makes you feel like you’ve been brought in for some good home-​cooking. It is very clean inside. It is cajun influenced and the food was delicious if you’re into that type of cooking. If you don’t know what I’m talking about then you need to try.
Cooking class:
Perfect experience for a date. You can get involved as much or as little as you want. I learned quite a few tips that I was able to apply later, although I didn’t cook the exact same recipes. which is usually the most you can ask out of a cooking class. We also had fun meeting some of the other folks that attended. There were about 20 people and as food came out and we ate at the tables it was nice to chat and get to know the others attending. I think the steak I ate at this cooking class was the most delicious steak I’ve ever had… and it came on a platter.

I was there for a Saturday brunch. Had a reservation but didn’t really need it (imagine for Sat Feb 13). First of all the décor is very nice. I like rustic country and that is how the décor is in the restaurant. The witnesses were very nice in contrast to what others said. I could tell they were overwhelmed (probably because they were shorthanded) but still try to do the best they can. The place is very snugged. It seemed to be renovated from a house into a restaurant. We were seated at a table that is long and we could hardly talk to each other. Very awkward. Either that or we could pick another table that would be shared with others. Since we didn’t feel like listening or being listened to we chose the awkward long table.
The food was absolutely over price for what one will pay for. I used a brunch buffet for two through Groupon so I paid about $ 36 (after a 20% additional off) for a bunch for two. Normal price is $ 60 for two. The buffet line is about 7 or 8 trays of poorly presented blob of food on a counter top right in front of the kitchen. You could see the cook and the messy kitchen while you are getting your blob of food. The food was edible, and I didn’t get food poisoning (which I worried for a little looking at the kitchen). But definitely not worth more than $ 10 to eat. I will go to a hole in the wall with GREAT food any day of the week. If this is how their food is on other days they serve dinner I don’t see how this can last at that area of town with other much much better food choices around.
My opinion — I would spend $ 36 somewhere else. Oh and we didn’t do valet. We just parked around the area and walked to the restaurant. Totally doable on a nice Saturday.

Regardless of our 1:00 reservation, we had to wait for 45 minutes. Then the service after seating was still very much lacking and they had the gall to try and charge (two separate times) automatic gratuity for a party of two. We scratched the gratuity off of our bill and paid the tax with cash, stating (three times) that we needed $ 6 in change. Then they brought back incorrect change of $ 4. I know it’s not much, but really?
And $ 5 valet was required unless you parked blocks away in a random neighborhood.
The food was good though.

Came for the Sunday brunch. Started off badly with the mandatory valet but in that area it’s understandable. Impeccable interiors — simply a gorgeous restaurant. Very cozy, not too loud, beautiful clientele, but not pretentious in the least. Felt very welcome throughout the meal. Perfect service! I was impressed by the waitstaff and managers who took care of us. As a former waiter, I appreciated it.
Only problem was the buffet. Most of the items sounded good but were cold, overcooked, or both. Lots of carbs and vegetables, but not enough protein unless you count the overcooked eggs or dry salmon in the risotto. The seafood grits had the taste of seafood but no identifiable pieces, although they were very good. High points were the fantastic carrots, delicious mashed potatoes, tiny wings, and the (dry-​ish) bread pudding. The much hyped red velvet pancakes were flavorless. For $ 30 I expected better. Perhaps it was an off day. With the bottomless mimosas made from too-​sweet (cheap?) champagne, and the well-​deserved but automatic 20% gratuity the brunch came to $ 53. I SOOO wish the owner would ditch the buffet for an a la carte menu — then the cost would be very much justified if the food were as good as he’s known for.
I’ll gladly return for dinner since ordering is a la carte to take advantage of Mr. Price’s talents in the kitchen — the menu looks fantastic. Plus the casual-​chic yet welcoming atmosphere, gorgeous space, and impeccable service warrant a second chance. Kudos to the owner for turning the little cottage home into what is probably a very good place for dinner.

For Groupon brunch:
Instant coffee and vanilla coffee mate
Watery pancake
Under seasoned scramble egg
Few options
The most disturbing thing is the service, you have to ask 3 times for a cup of water same as the milk, finally he brings us vanilla coffee mate instead of milk. Also, the waiter never come to you and take care of the table.
The most ironic thing is: 20% mandatory gratitude
Never come again.

After reading reviews, I expected the food to be tasty, but I have to say, Brunch was definitely BEYOND delicious! The other reviews aren’t lying when they say the RED VELVET PANCAKES and the SHRIMP & GRITS are to die for! I too have to add how much character the interior of the restaurant had. I loved it! The music was a great addition as well.
We arrived at exactly 11:00AM, but was told by one of the male waitstaff that they wouldn’t open until 11:30AM…I was hungry, so of course this agitated me (only a little), BUT once I was able to enjoy all they had to offer, the thought of agitation was long gone.
I used the Groupon special for two with bottomless mimosas. Had no issue at all!
The chef himself came over to check on the table and see how everything was. I also got the chance to briefly thank him outside for how delicious everything was and he was more than appreciative.
I’ll definitely be back and can’t wait to take family when they come in town.

We went for Sunday brunch and I had mixed feelings until I took a bite of the red velvet pancake. I can eat those everyday! The food was delicious! Everyone in my party thoroughly enjoyed their dishes; however, the etiquette of the waitstaff and parking situation can be improved upon. The restaurant is small and cozy, I recommend a party of 8 or fewer.
Parking is EXTREMELY limited! The parking lot is small and uncomfortable (if you can use that word to describe parking). If you are going with a group, I suggest riding together. The side street is a narrow dead end, so If you have large vehicle, as I do, I wouldn’t even attempt to park there.
Your party must be seated together. We had a party of four, but only two of us were there on time. We were told that everyone needed to be seated together and we had to wait outside… in the cold and rain. She eventually made an exception, because after dealing with the parking, I wasn’t feeling that at all!
I wasn’t pleased with our waiter, but I truly think he was either new to waiting tables or filling in for someone else. He tried it though. We received our ticket well before we were finished eating and had to constantly ask for refills on our bottomless mimosas. Perhaps I’m spoiled, but I felt rushed. Gratuity is automatically added to your bill and they have no problems splitting the ticket.
Overall, the experience was good, the food was good, and the atmosphere was good. I’ll go back.

I have seen Rustic Oak buzzing for awhile now. I live across the street so I see how packed it has been getting on the weekends… Of course, makes a Unilocaler curious! The reviews are good– so hey, lets try it out!
I visited Rustic Oak on a Sunday around 11:45am. I did call ahead to see if there was a table available, and the kind lady on the phone told us to come on over. We were able to snag a portion of the one outside table, since it was such a gorgeous day. The waiter promptly brought us a carafe of mimosas and led us inside to where the brunch buffet was located.
The buffet is setup like right inside the kitchen, you can see the guys cooking away as you get your plate. It was defintiely something different than I expected, they are more like catering serving dishes versus a more permanent buffet style. They had a wide variety of dishes out– everything from fried chicken and mashed potatoes, airline chicken with sweet potato, carrots and collard greens, salmon risotto, shrimp and grits, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, salad, and pancakes.
Let me take a minute to highlight some of these dishes:
–Red Velvet Pancakes: I dont know what you are doing with these Mr. Price, but they are literally the best pancakes I have ever had. They are divine! I would go, just for these, every Sunday morning. MMMMMMM!
–Fried Chicken: it was just delish! Great crunch and great seasoning in the batter.
–Airline chicken and sweet potato: very yummy, the mashed sweet potato was amazing.
–Shrimp and Grits: I could have eaten plate after plate. So rich and delish!
–Bacon: sure its just bacon, but it was nice and crispy.
All in all I enjoyed the brunch very much. Such a wide array of diners too, very eclectic bunch. I wouldnt go in a hurry, I wouldnt go if you mind a wait.
Now, I would go if you want a yummy, full flavor (aka, fat kid) brunch!

I’m usually not the one to write a review especially a long one but I wanted to share! I had a great time with friends, food and fellowship.
So if you’re going here… 3 important facts…
1) Carpool — The parking is quite a challenge! Me and my two friends got there quite early, but I’m glad we did! It was a tight parking lot and you need to be a decent driver to get in an out of the parking lot. Also this is a very COZY place inside and outside… Be prepared to feast at something like a family dinner, But do whatever you’re going to do in two hours, because they Will bring you the bill and say «it’s about that time! Lol» The décor is stupendous!
2) Wear loose pants! — the brunch is delicious and there are SEVERAL options on the menu! I literally tried a little bit of everything, there wasn’t one thing that I had that wasn’t delicious. The Pancakes had the most delicious crispy coating and they were awesome! I’m not a bread pudding fan, but my friends enjoyed it! You can’t go wrong with the buffet! (I will admit the crab cakes looked delish on another review on Unilocal (I’m sure if you tried it, you would not be disappointed)
3) Take your wallet! — The bill came, and my eyes literally jumped out of my head, lol. The food was delish but I was not expecting the bill to be $ 153.00 for the 3 of us. The brunch was $ 30.00 per person, the Bottomless Mimosa was $ 10.00 per person. There was a $ 25.00 Automatic gratuity fee. I asked the waitress about it, she said he Chef made the decision due to the fact that people weren’t tipping. (Kanye Shrug) so basically no matter if there are 2 in your party/​5 in your party you will be paying the $ 25.00 automatic gratuity. (I have super mixed feelings about it) We spilt the bill three ways and each spent about $ 51.00 each (including the 9.00 taxes) for brunch. Lol

This place is 22days amazing. It will have a bright future. Im glad i was able to experience it before it becomes rsvp wait time 2 days. The Sunday brunch amazing and the chef personality compliments the food.
#MrCellyInYaBelly
#Mrmybellyismywitness
9.20.15

WAY TOO EXPENSIVE for what you get. Granted, the food is delicious, but the prices are too high and the service/​ambience is too low for what you get. They really need to up their game if they’re going to charge so much.
Food: absolutely wonderful. My favorites were the mashed potatoes, the paella, and the red velvet pancakes – and probably some of the best bread pudding I’ve had. And even the carrots were wonderful. Seriously, all of the food was fantastic.
Service: strange. We arrived around the time they opened on Saturday, and we had to sit and wait for about 15 minutes until the buffet was open. Also, the valet came into the restaurant during the meal and asked for our keys, even though we’d self-​parked, because he wanted to re-​arrange the cars – it really weirded me out that he interrupted our meal to take our keys. Our server was also a little clueless.
Ambience: the restaurant has an eclectic vibe and is in an old house off of the highway.
The menu is also a little misleading (you can look at it, as other Unilocalers have posted a few pictures): it’s $ 30/​person for the buffet brunch (which doesn’t even include coffee or juice). And it’s extra ($ 25!!) for the a la carte items, but the menu doesn’t make this clear and just lists the a la carte items along with the buffet items. And if we hadn’t arrived just a couple of minutes before the valet set up, we would have had to pay $ 7/​car.
If they’re going to charge so much $$, they really need to up their game with the physical restaurant and the service. OR, they could lower the price – I won’t be returning unless they do.