I have been coming here for years (used to be Houston's - very little changed after the brand change several years ago). It's always very good and consistent. The space is one of my favorites anywhere, and the view and "backyard" on the lake are fantastic, especially during sunset. The bartenders are top notch and pour a nice drink. All the staff are very good to excellent, and the food is always very good. It is a limited menu that doesn't change for the most part, but that's part of the charm. My favorites are to start with a "rock pour" gin and tonic at the bar along with some of their to-die-for smoked salmon. Move to the table (waiting for one on the window or outside if it's nice) I order the ribs. They are just incredible. The coleslaw is out of this world, too. It's not the cheapest option, and it gets incredibly packed (you can now make reservations online), but if you time it correctly (5pm) you can get a pre-dinner seat at the bar. One of my favorite places in Orlando.
Definitely one of the best views in Orlando for dining. The lack of reservations bothered me till I was blown away from the views. Waiting outdoors along the lake, in their numerous sitting areas created one of the most amazing evenings I've had. If you're looking to celebrate a new contract, relationship, or day of the week I highly recommend this spot. The food is on point, service impeccable, and ambience delightful.
The manager refused to allow substitution of soup of the day for a side even though I offered to pay an up-charge. For the kind of prices charged here I expect better service and more flexibility. The selection of steaks is also not the greatest even though it comes up in searches of "steakhouse". Recommend Firebirds for slightly less and Fleming's or Ruth Chris for slightly more money - all are within 1-2 miles.
However, I have to say the view of the lake is spectacular!
My husband and I met an old friend at Hillstone tonight for dinner. The place had a beautiful modern yet warm ambience buzzing with excitement. The young women at the reception area were stylish, friendly and efficient. Our waitress was very attentive, the food and wine delicious. We enjoyed sitting outside with a view of the lake where it was a little quieter for conversation.
Ive traveled all over the world, and this is my all-time favorite eatery. This is graceful old-world Florida hidden in a city! Best location and food and service ever! I have also eaten at many of the Hillstone Group locations, and this is the very best!
Hillstone has a lot going for it. Beautiful location, cool architecture, nice crowd, pleasant staff, vallet parking, smells amazing. I really don't find the food to be amazing or varied. It's expensive, as the setting demands, and I don't mind paying for an exquisite meal, but this they do not deliver IMO. Maybe if you want a nice steak or burger, but innovative cuisine it is not. That being said, you'll probably look past the food and have a pleasant time at Hillstone.
My coworkers and I went to Hillstone for a celebration. This was my first time, but I heard great this about it from my Marketing Director. They were raving about the grilled artichokes but they were not in season. From the moment we walked in, we sat outside and the service was very pleasant. For an appetizer, I had the featured soup which was tomato bisque soup. It was very tasty. I loved the flavor. For the lunch entree I had the Rotisserie Chicken and what I can say is, “My goodness!” The chicken was cooked perfectly and it was very tender. I enjoyed the flavors and portion size. Overall I enjoyed the experience and look forward to bring my wife here. I also love that there is outdoor seating. It’s very peaceful and the view of the lake is my favorite. It makes you feel as if you’re somewhere that is not in order when you sit outside on a nice day.
This place is Amazing, first time here and I plan on coming back. The food was superb and my waitress was the best I've ever had in Orlando. I want to thank Brigid D for such great service, and the great recommendations on all the food.
Things done really well. Beautiful view. Great service. No need to go into detail about specifics. Pulls off casual yet classy like no place else.
Great food, better atmosphere. On the lake, lounge chairs, and beautiful landscaping. There's not a restaurant in Orlando with a better ambiance. Perfect for dates. Hawaiian ribeye is a must have. Great prime rib as well. Menu is still Houston's.
Top notch food and service. Every item on the plate was delicious and the servers were all attentive. The restaurant is a little loud from the patrons, but not to an intrusive level. The food was a bit higher on the pricy side ending up $80+ including tip for two people(without alcohol). The view is pretty great too. There is a valet service as the only form of parking.
Great restaurant. Very good food and excellent service. We were able to get seated quickly, but this was very busy when we arrived - clearly a popular place with local business people. A little pricey, but everything we ate and drank was done very well.
This restaurant is NOT FAMILY-FRIENDLY. They have high-chairs but no kids menu or even cups with lids so please spare me the "kids are welcome" crap. Adults only. That's fine but please let a family know When they come in not after paying a $185 tap (with tip) to then tell us to leave. Never been so humiliated in my life because of my baby being a baby at times. Left crying out of the humiliation I was put through. The server was amazing though. Raw, flavorless, overpriced chicken and a plate of public humiliation by the supervisor or whatever she was. Hence, there was a baby crying and screaming at another table mine wasn't crying or cranky just playful and screeching when excited/disapproving. Normal stuff yet incredibly aggravating for the supervisor/manager apparently, who obviously was not a parent. Again, please advise guests when they come-in if kids are not welcomed, is the least you could do to avoid a humiliation on both parts.
Had a wonderful meal. The Hawaiian rib eye was recommended to me. Even though I was hesitant at first it became one of the most unique and delicious flavorings I've had on a steak. Mild sweetness with a great char and still had a wonderful grilled meat after taste. The whipped potatoes and asparagus was a great compliment to it. Very pleased. Will be back.