4. Restaurants

Hillstone Restaurant

215 S Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL, 32789
  • (407) 740-4005
  • Store is closed

Hillstone Restaurant Menu

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Visit below restaurant in Winter Park for healthy meals suggestion.

Chili’s Grill & Bar ( 303 S Semoran Blvd )

Visit below restaurant in Winter Park for healthy meals suggestion.

Chili’s Grill & Bar ( 303 S Semoran Blvd )

  • Robert L.

    The only way to describe the entire dining experience is fabulous. We arrived early for our reservation and was told that they would text me when our table was ready so we took a stroll to the bar which lead us to this amazing area behind the restaurant that was filled with Adirondack chairs facing the lake. It was quite romantic and the filled with great views. The food was just as fabulous. We had grilled artichokes and the spinach and artichoke dip as starters. Both were very tasty. That was the first time experience having grilled artichokes and I would have to say that they were done very well and would definitely recommend asking one of the servers advice on how to eat them bcs it is not quite as easy as it looks. My lady had the fish of the day which was a grilled rainbow trout with pickled cabbage. It perfectly grilled and the cabbage was a perfect compliment. I had the Hawaiian Rib-eye cooked medium rare. You could use every positive adjective in the book and that still would not do it justice. Just simply...WOW! Every bite was bursting with flavor and it was cooked exactly how "medium rare" should be. I can not comment on the dessert bcs after 2 appetizers and the tastiest piece of steak that I have ever eaten, I could not handle any more. The entire staff was very friendly and helpful. I enjoyed every minute of my dining experience. And I want it to be known that If I were to die, I would want that to be my last meal.

    (5)

  • Amy H.

    Winter Park is beautiful and this restaurant was amazing. The view itself was worth going to. I highly recommend the spinach dip - I was expecting pita chips, but we got tortilla chips. Still good though. It's on a lake and there are pockets of beauty all over the area. We walked next door to the "Shake Shack" - that was just as fun and beautoful!

    (4)

  • Greg S.

    It only took 3+ years of living in FL, but I finally found THE fish sandwich. The grouper sandwich served here is by far the best I've had. It came with coleslaw as a condiment, and a "thousand island" type dressing on it. And crispy and tasty as can be. For some reason, I feel like I'm doing myself a disservice if I had it grilled/blackened. The drinks here are decently priced and include local beer like Orlando Brewing on the menu as well. The staff all tag-team tables and do a great job of keeping water filled, drinks coming, and provide great recommendations if unsure about menu items. This is also a great place to watch the sun set if your reservation is timed out right. You can walk around outside and find a nook to sit in and keep it intimate. Great touch.

    (5)

  • Anne Howard D.

    Always wonderful service and wonderful food when I go. The spinach dip is why I keep coming back. The views are amazing -- and the water is always ice cold. 5 stars.

    (5)

  • Marty W.

    Really nice place on lake with outside seating. Great for sunsets. Food good and service excellent.

    (4)

  • Kelly H.

    I went on a Friday night around 7:00 with no reservation (which I highly recommend making if you don't want to wait). We had a 70-75 minute wait time once we put our name in at the hostess stand. They take your cell number and will text you when your table is ready, which I liked. The bar was absolutely packed, so we weren't able to sit there while we waited, which was fine by me because we were able to get a bottle of wine and take it outside by the beautiful lake. They have chairs scattered around in the lawn by beautiful trees, or on the patio or even by a fire pit. You can sit there and enjoy the sunset and watch the ducks in the lake. It was perfect and a great way to pass time while waiting for a table. I highly recommend this restaurant for a date night. We were seated approximately 70 minutes later as promised and the service was great. We didn't have to wait a long time for our meals either. I got a caesar salad to start which was so delicious I wanted more. The only thing I didn't like was that it wasn't large enough. As my main course I got the prime rib with french fries. It was sooooooooo good. I'm still dreaming about that prime rib. The flavor was delicious and it was so tender and cooked perfectly. The fries were a great accompaniment too. Everything is a bit pricey, but honestly everything I ate was so good I think it's worth it. I will definitely be going back here in the near future.

    (5)

  • Rashmi P.

    It has been at least 4 times I have visited Hillstone with friends and family since the blogger event I attended last year. Thankfully the food is consistent but the service makes me question why do I even bother coming back? Indifferent to the point of being rude, but with a smile? When did that become the standard of customer service? It is one thing to respond "I am afraid we ran out of basil" but to reply I rather not inconvenience my bartender to create a cocktail. How is it OK for me as a customer to consume something I didn't order or to pay for it? The food is fresh and delicious, but at the end of the day, I have left with a bad taste in my mouth? Am I a glutton for punishment? Why don't I just take my business elsewhere where it would be appreciated?

    (2)

  • Kayli W.

    Hillstone is the perfect spot for a romantic date night with your honey! They have a back patio/porch with a dock were you can watch the sun go down over the lake--very romantic. Upon arrival, we were disappointed to find out that they weren't seating people outside because it was too buggy and hot. After we were seated inside and had ordered drinks and an appetizer they started seating people on the patio--needless to say I was disappointed. (that why they are getting a 4 instead of a 5) We ordered the spinach dip appetizer, which was delicious. For dinner I had the fish if the day which was a Chilean Sea Bass in some kind of creamy (but not overly creamy) butter sauce. YUM! My boyfriend has the Ribeye, which was cooked to perfection. I am not typically a meat eater, but even I had to agree that it was delicious! If you are ever on the hunt for a good date night, this is the place that you want! (A friend of mine and I also spilt a burger here for lunch one day, it was the perfect size for both of us, and the price was very reasonable!)

    (4)

  • Linda Z.

    This restaurant was highly recommended to my husband by a friend. We are always looking for good places to eat. Price is usually not a factor. The staff was friendly and efficient. The lake view was gorgeous. We did however have a few complaints. First, the salad does not come with the meal and is severely overpriced. My husband got the Ceaser and I the house salad. His was 15 dollars and mine was 8.. I got twice as much as he did. However my salad was very tasty. We also asked for bread with our meal. They dont have any, you can purchase the foccacia from the appetizer menu. Then came the steak. We both like a good ribeye. The only one they have is the Hawaiian marinated. We asked if we could have one not marinated and was told no. We ordered it anyway. The steak was cooked to perfection but really sweet. Overall the food was good but not having any flexibility on the menu is a big no no with us. I dont mind paying extra but not being able to get what I want within reason is unacceptable. We will not be going there again.For that kind of money, Christeners is a much better place to go.

    (4)

  • Ben M.

    The best I can say about this place is "eh". It's not that the food is bad, it is okay, but just nothing special. And the prices are high, a poor value. The atmosphere is nice and the seating is comfortable. We had trouble finding the place, so we called for directions. The giggly mumbling girl on the phone had no idea where the restaurant she works at is located. So, we called back. She gave us a different giggly girl, even harder to understand, who also had no idea where her restaurant is in relation to the main roads. We found it on our own. The waiter was annoying and impatient. We were running up a big bill, so there was no need to badger us through the meal, as if we were expected to shove the food in, gulp the booze and get out. The jerk also took food away before we were done eating. The bread is dry and stale and presented with a small pat of butter, a black olive, a green olive, and some other small chopped salty stuff. My salmon was undercooked, yet mysteriously burnt on the outside. The sauce on it was no good. The vegetables were nothing special, and mushy with a burnt sauce. The mashed potatoes were nothing special either, pasty and flavorless and mealy. The ahi tuna salad was mushy and kind of gross. It wasn't a horrible experience, but close to it. The quality is that of a much less expensive restaurant, and the service stinks. There are a lot better places to eat in the Orlando area.

    (2)

  • Zach H.

    I came here with a group of friends on my most recent visit to Orlando and it was an awesome experience. Everything is prepared in-house which is ensures that you taste nothing but greatness. This warm and inviting vibe of the restaurant just makes you want to spend money. We ordered the Spinach Dip and Deviled Eggs to kick off dinner. In many cases, the spinach gets lost in the cheese, cream, etc. But that's not the case here, it's nicely balanced and served with warm tortilla chips. My mom makes the best Deviled Eggs ever (testimonials by many)... so while the Deviled Eggs here were good, I wasn't a fan of the several large celery chunks. For my entree, I got the Double-Cut Pork Chop over mashed potatoes served with braised red cabbage... HOLY PORK CHOP! This giant cut of the hardwood grilled pork was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The potatoes were creamy and well seasoned. The braised red cabbage was topped with crumbled goat cheese which helped cut the sweetness of the cabbage. It was an all around amazing dish. A couple of the other entrees that were ordered were the Hardwood Grilled Trout served with Creamed Corn and the Hawaiian Rib-Eye served with a loaded Baked Potato. Both dishes were beautifully plated and great tasting. Overall -- the excellent food combined with the excellent service sent the experience into 5-star status. The timing between the starters and entrees was perfect and our server was very attentive, helpful, informative and always had a smile.

    (5)

  • Jenn M.

    A must go Winter Park restaurant. Great and consistent service, good food, amazing atmosphere. We've been eating here for years and we're never disappointed. We had a leisurely lunch there today, and I was moved to review my FAVORITE local restaurant. A few menu highlights: Veggie burger, Fried Grouper Sandwich, Hawaiian Steak and the Spinach Dip. We also love their Deviled Eggs but they haven't been on the menu our last two visits. It's more expensive than an average restaurant, but on par with The Ravenous Pig, Cask & Larder or Rusty Spoon. It's a chain, but you don't feel that way when dining there. It's a great place for a date, especially at sunset. If there's one negative, it's that it's not a great place for a large group. It's also not a great place for kids. Highly recommend!

    (5)

  • Bryony B.

    I had my rehearsal dinner here on the covered dock. I already loved the food and atmosphere here, as well as its location on the lake - so it was a natural choice for my rehearsal dinner. There was a little bit of a confusion over how many could be seated on the dock - but in the end we did comfortably fit about 25 I believe. There was lovely lighting and the tables are nice sturdy wood. You really can't ask for a more magical location - and in the end I think it was like $2000 for that many people to eat and drink and everything - no other charge for the location - amazing!

    (5)

  • Trung N.

    Impressed with their french dip and service during lunch time. Definitely one of the best french dip sandwiches I have ever had. I can't wait to come back here and try some more food and drinks!

    (4)

  • Lisa W.

    Hillstone, which I continue to call Houston's, continues to deliver a great experience for dining in Winter Park. I'm posting an untouched picture of the view I had on my most recent visit. Really, spectacular. If you want that view, get there by 5:30 or so, as the lakeview tables by the windows go quickly. I ended up at Hillstone (Houston's) twice within a few weeks last month, once for lunch and once for dinner. Both times the food, service and experience were just great so I'm bumping them to 5 stars. I ordered the Ahi Tuna salad on one visit and the veggie burger on the other visit. These are two of my favorite things to enjoy eating, ever. The Ahi salad always has the perfect balance of lettuce, dressing and a nice portion of perfectly seared, sushi quality Ahi. The veggie burger is still my favorite veggie burger in the Orlando area. Once again, I left enjoying the house-made, vegetarian treat. My lunch friend ordered the fish and we split a side of their veg of the day, which is always worth checking out. My dinner friend ordered the chicken, which is her regular and was thoroughly enjoyed while lingering over the spectacular view. Service was again prompt and attentive, whether you are dining in the restaurant or dining/drinking at the bar. As usual, the beverages did not disappoint. The wine list is always worth a look, but the bar usually wins out at Hillstone (Houston's). Made with freshly squeezed juices, the margarita was appropriately tart and well made on our dinner visit. As always. And there you go, 5 stars.

    (5)

  • Davone M.

    Can't go wrong with my favorite resturant. I'm from New York and we eat here all the time but the one in Orlando have something different than the ones in New York and the one in Atlanta we been too it's on a lake and you can eat outside and watch the sunset. It's absolutely beautiful. I took my wife here for her birthday dinner last night and she loved looking at the water while eating her delicious dinner. The service is always great and the food is amazing. Try the Hillstone/Houston in winter park Orlando when you visit!

    (5)

  • Jeff S.

    It's always fun when a local shares his favorite eatery with me. I enjoyed a nice business dinner here last night. Walking in to a packed restaurant from bar through dining room at 6:45 on a Sunday evening is a good sign. As it turns out, these patrons know what's good. Pulling up to the place, the valets were quick and courteous. The outdoor lighting gave a great first impression on approaching the entrance. Inside the decor is dark wood, dim light (but not so dim that my old eyes couldn't read the menu) with an open kitchen. Nothing to hide here! Hillstone is situated on a lake. The patio was full, but most inside tables offer a great view of the water. The menu is simple, but offers something for every palate. I appreciate seeing all my choices on one page; this place knows what it does and it does it well. I would like a few more side veggie options. The seasonal veggies last night were brussels sprouts - yuck! I know some people love them, but many don't. If they're on the menu there should be another choice for us green bean types. I chose a glass of Malbec to start and ordered the prime rib, medium rare, with loaded baked potato and a side of kale salad. We chose to munch on chips and spinach dip while our dinner was prepared. Succinctly stated, all was very good. The spinach dip offered the perfect blend of spinach and cheese and the chips were crispy enough to stand up to the thick dip. My prime rib was prepared just right, served with au jus and minced horseradish. The baked potato was large and I got my extra sour cream. While I'm not a big veggie guy, I do like kale and the kale salad was one of the highlights of the meal. Service was very attentive without hovering, the atmosphere was somewhat lively but not noisy, and the food was outstanding. Well done, Hillstone!

    (5)

  • Javier O.

    Great ambiance but the service was poor. Explain to me how you pay high prices for a dinner but you need to get your waiter to fill your water and wine.. Lack of sequel of service on the waiter part even thought we had our reservation at 5:15PM.

    (3)

  • Brandon G.

    It blows my mind that this is not 5 stars. There is no better service and quality for the price point. There is not a more consistent restaurant in Orlando.

    (5)

  • Dana S.

    Have always loved this place. The service, the food, the drinks, etc. Tonight I came in with 2 friends who all wanted steaks, and quality service. There was no room at the bar to sit, so we decided to sit at a high top near the piano... To our surprise, they wouldn't serve us steaks at a high top! We were shocked! How can we not order $30+ steaks anywhere we want in this Winter Park establishment that prides itself on service and catering to the customers? A bill that could have been $200 is greatly reduced to $40 because of "company" policy..... Heading to Ruth Chris where they are happy to serve us steak..... Anywhere.

    (1)

  • Teresa S.

    Mother's Day probably isn't a good day to try a place like Hillstone for the first time. Though we had reservations at 7:45 we weren't seated until an hour later... which felt much longer as we arrived early for drinks. The hostesses could probably have used a bigger measurement for estimating times. On a holiday like this, surely they would know to do that. Diners were lingering a little longer to get some extra time with mom, I'm sure. However, we nearly walked out three times while we waited because we weren't given good estimations... Still, we understood, and we didn't leave. Once seated, the service and food experience was great! The filet was perfect, the Mediterranean Sea Bass was amazing and our friend couldn't say enough about the ribs. We did have the Spinach dip as well, and it was really the best I've had ever! Our server was great, friendly and courteous. Though the water glasses are a little small, in my opinion. But still I would most definitely go back. Just not on a holiday! :)

    (4)

  • James B.

    Great location right on water with beautiful gardens. Went there for lunch and had artichoke appetizer which was amazing! My wife and I both had the Hillstone Cheeseburger and really enjoyed them. The burgers where pretty big and cooked perfectly. Definetly an upscale restaurant with a friendly staff that's constantly checking on you and removing things as your done with them. The cost is alittle pricy but for that you get great food, service, and atmosphere. Perfect place for a special dinner or occasion.

    (4)

  • Ryan R.

    Let me preface this review by saying that I would typically rate this restaurant with five stars. However, my visit to Hillstone last night was not exactly an enjoyable experience. When my girlfriend and I are choosing a restaurant to celebrate an anniversary or birthday party, Hillstone is frequently at the top of our list - the food and atmosphere are excellent (the view of the lake is an added bonus as well). Unfortunately the service was, in my opinion, subpar last night. We were surprised at how loud the restaurant was (especially for a Monday night) so enjoying a romantic atmosphere was out of the question. By the time a waiter made it to our table, we were ready to order some drinks only to find out that Hillstone does not have a cocktail menu (so come prepared with what you want to order). The drinks we ended up ordering were extremely strong, but we did not want to send them back and risk waiting another 10 minutes. Additionally, the normally delectable Rosemary Focaccia bread we ordered was quite stale. The Cedar Plank Salmon made up for this, but after a while we decided to take our food to go because of the ridiculous amount of noise. This is where the inadequate service showed the most. It must have taken 15 minutes for our waiter to bring us to go boxes, and another 10 minutes to bring us our check. I understand that the restaurant was very busy at the time, but overall I'd say that Hillstone did not meet my expectations.

    (3)

  • Chris X M.

    We went here because of great Yelp reviews, and we are glad. We had a late lunch here during perfect weather. The view of the lake is great, patio seating is even better. Each item we had... soups, appetizers and entres were all wonderful. Service was efficient and fast. The food took a few minutes longer than we expected, but they were quite busy. Bar and drinks were great. Worth a stroll on their patio or private dock if you have time. Mildly snobbish crowd, but a great overall dining experience. Valet uses electric remotes for you to call up your car, which was a nice time-saver. Well designed restaurant and grounds. Will return. Not really a place for children.

    (5)

  • Vinny N.

    AMAZING.....artichokes & the NY strip is off the chain!!! Great atmosphere,service etc....all around great!!!!!

    (5)

  • L.J. M.

    Best view of any restaurant in town. Gorgeous lakeside location and a lovely garden area with scattered groupings of Adirondack chairs to relax with a glass of wine before dining. There is also a picturesque dock cabana. Request a booth in the lower level for best lake view. Food, service and location are all excellent. Very popular on weekends so reservations are highly recommended. However, if you have to wait you can really enjoy yourself in the garden lake view area.

    (5)

  • Ava K.

    This place was super-packed when I came. It was a Friday night around 9pm. The wait was about 90 minutes, ugh. Luckily, we found a spot at the bar. Our bartender was really nice. I told her to be creative and have fun making my drink. She made several good ones....I have no idea what was in them or what they were called, but she enjoyed being creative. We ordered the Barbecue Pork Ribs and the Hawaiian Rib-Eye Steak. The ribs were good but not spectacular. The Rib-Eye was DELICIOUS!!! Great marinade, full of flavor, and well cooked! Would definitely come back because this place is lively and just fun.

    (4)

  • Bryan B.

    Incredible dining experience. The ahi tuna and Cole slaw was insane good. I live other side of town and I will be dreaming of this dinner. One of the best meals I have ever had.

    (5)

  • Meg W.

    Impeccable views, wonderful service and delicious food!! My husband and I love this place for happy hour and special dinner dates. You won't be disappointed! Our favorites: Smoked artichoke app, veggie burger, cedar-plank salmon, and the Hawaiian ribeye. Least favorites: cous-cous salad... The server noticed my distaste and asked me to replace the side... I got the shoestring fries instead - so good!!!

    (5)

  • A L.

    Consistent food and great location. Free valet parking!! I've been here serval times and can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Nancy M.

    I love this restaurant and have been coming here almost weekly (if not more) since it opened but what's going on with the menu and portions? The menu is updated on a regular basis so sometimes your favorites get replaced and it's good to try new things but the menu seems to be getting smaller and smaller with fewer selections. (I have to admit, I do miss the chicken fingers - they were the best in town - as well as the pan fried grouper. Last night the wedge salad was about half it's usual portion and the French fries on the side the same. Actually, all the salads and entrees we ordered were smaller than normal. My parents, who are not big eaters and usually cannot finish their meal at Hillstone, finished everything they ordered and also commented on the portion sizes. The food is consistently good and service as well but I have to say I'm disappointed with this trend and with all the new places opening up in the area we may have to start trying something new.

    (3)

  • Chrissy S.

    This restaurant holds the high standard for me when I go out to eat. I love this place and everything in it! It has amazing outdoor and indoor atmosphere, great bar scene, and great seating for 2 - 10 people! Don't even get me started on the food. They have great steak, great salads, fantastic appetizers, and of course KEY LIME PIE DESSERT. Go ahead, get fancy and enjoy a nice dinner out in Florida!

    (5)

  • Cole F.

    The only reason I didn't give this place 1 star was because my phone wouldn't allow me to give them 0. I came in the other day for lunch. The person I was with was wearing a tank top (a cute tank top keep in mind, not like a white trash tank top that doesn't look put together. Also keep in mind that this is Florida and it was 100° out that day) and the hostess was ready to seat us when some other girl that works there comes up and says "hey guys we can't have you eat here". Like excuse me? She said we weren't allowed to eat at the restaurant because the person I was with was wearing a tank top. There was no dress code policy posted anywhere, I checked. There wasn't one near the door, online or anywhere. So I asked to speak to a manager especially because I'd spent the last hour in traffic and all week looking forward to eating here; she says "well actually a manager sent me over here" to which I responded "you can tell your manager to go fuck himself." AND IM A SERVER. I would never talk to someone like that but I was honestly so pissed and it was so poorly handled. I know for sure that all the restaurants I worked at would be at least a little accommodating. It's winter park sweety. I'm not trying to eat at the restaurant next to the Eiffel Tower. Get off your high horse please.

    (1)

  • Denny T.

    We love this place. We go here regularly for one reason. Consistency. We know what we are getting when we go here. They are yet to fail us. Artichokes are done perfectly. We love the pan fried fish and Hawain ribeye. I have never been a fan if cabbage until my wife forced me to try the braised red cabbage. If you haven't had it give it a shot. It's the only way I will eat it. Delish. Service is great. A little to busy sometimes but the view and the food are outstanding.

    (4)

  • Cheryl M.

    You will want to ask if they have their grilled artichokes. They may not always appear on the menu, but if they have them you can order them. By far the best artichokes I have ever eaten! They are smokey, buttery and well seasoned. With the natural wood atmosphere, pleasant smell, beautiful lake view, and tasteful menu items, you cannot go wrong. Among the grilled artichokes, I love their grilled chicken salad with dueling salad dressings. It is light and fresh with an Asian flair.

    (5)

  • Pat B.

    Just finished lunch. Today, 2/1 at about 2:15. Wonderful food! I was intrigued about the veggie burger after hearing about it for years. I had the burger and my partner had the Ahi Tuna salad. Both were fantastic. We realized that the appeal of the veggie burger has to do with the fact that this restaurant has been able to replicate a "Big Mac" experience with healthy ingredients with a wonderful taste. People all around us were enjoying this burger!!!! Only disappointment was our server. We needed to ask other servers for more wine and water. He never appeared after we were served to ask how things were he also said nothing when I mentioned to him that we had to ask someone else for the water and wine. (We did mention all of this to the hostess on our way out ) But don't let our service experience dissuade you from enjoying the amazing food and atmosphere from this restaurant.

    (3)

  • Jeff M.

    It's been a while since we last ate here, and as expected the food was fantastic. The service was fast as always but I will say there was a lot of attitude. 5 different people came to our table and 1 actually spoke. On 3 occasions to 3 different people we said the words "thank you", but got nothing but a rapid departure. An unfriendly waitstaff can put a damper on a good meal.

    (3)

  • Anna C.

    Great place to relax, have some wine and eat a marinated ribeye. Try the salmon tartar it's amazing!

    (5)

  • Tiffany J.

    Love this restaurant. We go to the one in New York all the time and we are down in Orlando for the week visiting sp decided to go here for my birthday. This one is better than the ones in New York. This one overlooks a lake and its quite sexy and romantic. You can even eat by the lake if you want. Food was great as usual and wine was top notch. Always loved hillstone/houstons but this will probably be my favorite one out of all of them. Had the strip steak with loaded baked potato and 2 glasses of pinot grigio.

    (5)

  • Aimee S.

    Although I enjoyed the artichoke, I ordered the vegetable plate for dinner and the vegetables were undercooked and cold (which they were apparently meant to be). It just wasn't a good dinner presentation. To add to the not-so-wonderful food experience (although the baked potato was great- but it doesn't take much skill to make a baked potato), I started getting those horrible rolling stomach cramps toward the end of the meal. Ugh. Let's just say I wasn't a happy camper for the next 24 hours.

    (2)

  • Kauê P.

    Good food, but service... Not so good. First the waitress (short dark hair and glasses) didn't bother coming to the table and checking on us. We struggled a lot to find someone to get us a simple straw and when we did ordered, the waiter forgot about it. Then, my step mother ordered a salmon and it also turned out to be a bad experience. The cooking was something between rare and medium rare, which made no sense whatsoever. After ordering to cook it again, the server brought the salmon and walked by our table leaving a regular fork on her way to do something else more interesting. She didn't even got a fish knife. We had to settle for the regular steak knife. On an empty restaurant like that, and taking in consideration that the prices are reasonably high, the service should be a little more thoughtful and caring to the customers. Shame.

    (2)

  • Taylor W.

    Absolutely wonderful. Took my Mimi (grandmother) here for a lovely lunch outing on her anniversary. We started with the grilled artichokes (not on the menu but can be ordered upon request) which were beautiful. I then had the ahi tuna salad and she had the smoked salmon. The ahi tuna was cooked perfectly and the salad was absolutely beautiful. The salmon was wonderful, although I do not prefer it smoked.

    (5)

  • Lisa S.

    Great place, lovely views and fries. One suggestion as a vegetarian, make your veggie burger using beans instead of rice. It'll be more flavorful, and balance out the starch of the bread.

    (4)

  • F. F.

    The location/lake view, food and service here is always great. But I will not give it more than 3 stars because the greet staff/hostess is always so rude. Never a smile, always so sharp toned. Maybe it is because they wear their hair in such tight buns on their heads, they are unhappy, but really - as a 1st greeting to the restaurant and the experience here, a smile would be great! One exception is Caroline - she is always a joy to see and greets with a smile, but now she is a server. The other hostesses are too busy talking with each other and come across as so unhappy.

    (3)

  • Tom C.

    Am a regular and had a fantastic experience with a newer server, Bajan (my usuals were off). The food as always was great! She displayed an exceptional level of service and intuitiveness! Will request her again!

    (5)

  • Kalynne M.

    Stunning restaurant! Worth the price. My husband and I went there for celebratory lunch. We both had the filet mignon and it was cooked to perfection. The service was impeccable. The wine by the glass list had many offerings. Wish we would have saved room for dessert! Portions even for lunch were quite large. Plenty of parking.

    (5)

  • Annie L.

    The trout with the creamed corn was so good, I was eating the leftovers when I got home from the restaurant! This is a place to go when you're celebrating an occasion. It's still casual enough for a get together but it's classy enough to dress up. The delectable menu, leather seated booths and dim lighting makes you feel like your dining like a superstar. Definitely make reservations because this place gets packed on the weekends. Valet may be necessary.

    (5)

  • Shauna A.

    Worst customer service ever! Pack people into the bar --tell patterns there is a 90 minute wait when all the 2 tops are available--never going back!

    (1)

  • Steve A.

    I'm not a big fan of chain restaurants, but this Hillstone really doesn't feel like one. It's in a beautiful location on a lake, and the food and service are better than other Houston's (its nearly identical sister chain) that I've been to. The smokes salmon and smoked trout (which are completely different) are two of my favorites. The kale salad that comes with the trout is particularly tasty. The spinach dip is also good, as are the beef entrees. The dock is a wonderful venue for private events, and can be mostly sealed from the wind if needed. Hillstone is a particularly excellent choice for Saturday lunch.

    (5)

  • Pamela M.

    Amazing food, relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff. You can cut their filet with a butter knife and use of fresh ingredients in their dishes really stands out.

    (5)

  • Ashley J.

    OK, OK. The food is good, in that high end chain restaurant kind of way. It's not like it is inventive or creative. It is proven edible by the masses, but masses with money. It's like country club food. But the view is lovely, and worth the visit. And they made the old Houston's chicken fingers that I loved as a kid growing up in Nashville. I took my parents here when they visited and they loved it, which kind of says it all. Martinis and wine, steaks, nice view, pretty people in suits and docs in scrubs.. Parents love that stuff. But the Louis Vuittons at the bar and Lexus cars in the lot are the proof in the pudding culinarily: new money style and very little substance. I mean, I thought the botox might leak out of someone else's forehead and get in my food.

    (3)

  • Patricia R.

    So far service is terrible!!!! No one comes to our table to place our order. When they did the appetizer is taking forever... Prices are so high so you should expect better service. Not here. And the appetizer never made it.Think twice about coming...

    (1)

  • Colleen B.

    I returned to Hillstone last week for a lovely private event on the deck. WOW! It is so gorgeous out here on a private lake that usually is a fabulous host to a brilliant sunset. Well on this evening it was raining... to our surprise, it made for a gorgeous, sultry evening. Just gorgeous. The entire property, that is actually set pretty far off from the road, sits on lovely green grounds that house the deck, a private garden for the kitchen (so fresh!) and tons of relaxing seats right on the lake. Hillstone is formerly Houston's and the name change should actually encourage people to either return if you were a fan of Houston's or if you have never been before. The name has changed basically just to give more creative run from the chef's that run the locations which is fabulous in the food world! They are still owned by the same company, which has always been Hillstone and the experience has really only improved. You are more than welcome to just go enjoy the outdoor surrounding and just order drinks and apps Wed-Sunday on the lawn or you may begin your dinner adventure here with a drink. Also, there are no corkage fees if you dine here so bring your own bottle at any time. If you do not order food though, there will be a $15 cork fee which is still brilliant. Speaking of wine, they also have an extensive wine list, not many are offered by the glass because of keeping the wines fresh for you! This is a great point. The specialty cocktails are wonderful as well and they use their own herbs from their garden, huge local love points. As far as the food goes, WOW! We got to speak with the Chef and you can just hear the love in his voice and then taste it in each and every dish. Everything is made to order fresh and they use local farming whenever possible. My favorite dish here is the fillet because it melts in your mouth and is always seasoned perfectly. The fish is always delightful as well. I had the chance of trying the veggie burger on this visit and it was the most flavorful and juicy veggie burger I have ever sunk my teeth into. It was just pure deliciousness. I am a meat lover and still enjoyed everything about this. The veggie of the day was corn on the cob grilled with spices and it was delicious. I always love the HUGE baked potatoes as well. PLEASE, save room for the best hot fudge sundae on earth. You can read about that in my previous review here =) The staff is really where it is at. So warm and welcoming and completely knowledgeable. They love their jobs and you can tell by the way they want to help you have the best experience possible. The only thing that is a little eh about this place is the fact that you are sometimes forced to valet because of the small area of public parking in their lot. It's complimentary but I don't always have cash to tip nor do I always want to worry about tipping just for valet. I highly recommend checking out the sunset one evening or just renting out the entire back deck, it is totally worth it - private lake with gorgeous, tranquil surroundings.

    (5)

  • Andrea K.

    7:47pm on a Sunday call for take out. Sorry, no orders taken between 6-8 says the hostess. Come in after 8 and place your order at the bar.

    (1)

  • Rhea P.

    First things first-- The Name. It seems there is some confusion surrounding the re-branding of Hillstone, the restaurant formerly known as Houston's, so let's clear that up now. This family run restaurant is able to offer consumers the same core menu of Houston's that patrons know and love. However, under the branding of Hillstone, consumers can expect an enhanced experience due to greater flexibility and creative freedom allowed under the new name. Simply put: Houstons + creative genius =Hillstone. I will say that I have never visited a Houston's, but I can tell you what I experienced at Hillstone was quite exceptional. The setting. While driving by the property one might never imagine the tranquil lake and garden area behind the restaurant. Private, intimate gatherings are available on the dock, which is an experience of its own. yelp.com/biz_photos/x5bA… yelp.com/biz_photos/x5bA… In addition, fresh herbs in the garden as well recliners on the greens create a lovely, romantic atmosphere, or just a scenic place to relax. Dim lights surround the interior of the restaurant as well, giving a private, intimate feel. I do wish there were more lighting in the ladies room as it's hard to freshen up with such dim lighting. The food. Grilled artichoke is very tender and a unique menu item. The heart has a very meaty and satisfying texture. Definitely a must try.http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/x5bAlYYL7Ir9­hIOqjejJVA?select=YQeF-pbAvK23vK2NjvtcSw Veggie burger. Now, I am a vegetarian, and have experienced some unfortunate house made burgers. It seems the issue with most is dryness. However, this is not the case at Hillstone.http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/x5bAlYYL7­Ir9hIOqjejJVA?select=RqzsaYMnUqS4PsXP0EUQRg With a soy, brown rice base, along with many other tasty surprises, this moist burger is very flavorful and satisfying. It does lack firmness, so expect to get messy when you eat it! The couscous offered many unexpected surprises. . .eating this dish was kind of like opening a toy soldier nesting doll, another surprise kept popping up one after another. Amazing! The green beans with olive tapenade and fingerling potatoes--just divine. I would seriously return for this dish alone. However the beets with goat cheese might send me back as well. yelp.com/biz_photos/x5bA… I appreciate that local purveyors are utilized here, in addition to the herb garden. The taste and quality of the food are a testament to the excellent ingredients used. I seriously have not enjoyed a meal like this one in a very long time, and it was simply delightful with a tranquil view. What really distinguishes Hillstone from other restaurants in its class, I believe, is the lake view, the lakefront greens, and dock seating The service. Super helpful, informative, and unpretentious; A great accompaniment to the meal. Other tips: ~Live jazz music on certain nights ~No corkage fee if you want to bring your own wine to enjoy with a meal ~Dock dining with reservations ~Complimentary valet parking This is truly a jewel in central Florida--DO NOT MISS THIS ONE! Exceptional food, with gorgeous views. Perfect spot for special occasions or romantic evenings. I can not wait until my next visit!

    (5)

  • SidneyGreenstreet S.

    One of the finest restaurants in all of Central Florida. Amazing ambience. Best serving staff around. Always consistent cuisine. It is a restaurant you can always count on.

    (5)

  • Wes C.

    We went into Hillstone under the pretense of other Yelp reviews. Our experience was filled with some elements of taste and a few things we did not like at all. We pulled into the lot for our 7:45 reservation and were forced to valet due to the small size of the lot. The valet service was excellent, efficient and courteous. We were greeted in a rather standard manner by the hostess, and we were a few minutes early, so we did have to wait. This is when we realized Hillstone's undertone...holy cougars! So many middle aged women trying to act like they are mid 20s! Our drink orders were taken, an unsweetened tea and a Manhattan. This was one of the problems. The waiter asked for ID for the Manhattan, then said he had to take the ID from the table to an undisclosed location, which is something I've never had happen before today. About five minutes later, he came with my ID from their outside patio area, which made me uncomfortable as to where my ID had been. The Manhattan arrived and it was strong, which should be expected given the price of $11. We had trouble hearing the waiter, and he was a very bizarre character, anyways. Our dishes (the shrimp with cole slaw and the apricot glazed chicken breast with apricot glaze) were executed well and were promptly delivered. Possibly a bit overpriced, but overall, satisfying. We had trouble with the service and environment. The service left much to be desired, namely, personality and speed for refills. Our drinks were dry for several minutes, and we just didn't expect this level of service. It was also very loud and it is definitely a place filled with snobby clientele who think they're in NYC, not Orlando (there is a difference, believe it or not). This whole scenario, however, comes off as, dare I say, kitschy. Overall, Hillstone is alright. Not somewhere that will be first on my list of places to go, but not somewhere I'll completely cross off the list of options. The food was good, even at the price of some off putting experiences.

    (3)

  • Lia P.

    My husband and I treated his parents to dinner here on Christmas Eve. I know it's a busy night out but our reservation was delayed 2 hours. I'm sorry, but that's ridiculous. The hostess was apparently also the manager so we chatted with her about our disappointment when we were sat and she offered us a free app.**Sidenote It's nice that something was offered but really we shouldn't have had to complain to get an apology (beyond the casual sorry for the wait). When you know it's a busy night you should probably take that into account when taking reservations** We chose the spinach dip which was pretty tasty. Overall the experience was lackluster. The food was OKAY. My father-in-law's dish was the clear winner- ribs. They really did fall of the bone and have a great flavor. Our waiter was fair. I know it's Christmas Eve so may not have wanted to be there but I still expect good service from this level of restaurant. I ordered the tuna sashimi salad. I asked if it was actually raw (as the name would imply...) and the waiter said it was actually seared so I told him I wanted it as rare as possible which must be medium because that's what I got. That's unfortunate. I would've sent it back but it was so late by then that I wanted to get the meal over with. There are a couple pros to the restaurant: pretty lake view, even at night; the bartender was awesome and the drinks were decent. I appreciate that they use a homemade sweet and sour mix for their margaritas. Oh and complimentary valet which on a busy night like that one was awesome. I would actually say their valet boy was the best staff member there, he was friendly when we got there and when we left. I don't go to Orlando often but this probably wouldn't be high on my list of places to go.

    (2)

  • Brian C.

    Lunch Dec 22 This is NOT a place where you will find anyone with a name patch on their chest, unless it says Doctor. There were no Joes Plumming trucks or landscaping trucks in parking lot with the workers grabbing a bite to eat! Make no mistake folks, this is a very classy place filled with classy people. Not snobs mind you, but just a place were those that can do, do and they do enjoy! Wine list - extensive and lots of folks drinking wine at lunch View - incredible overlooking lake, could be romantic Service - impeccable (may be some of the best I have ever enjoyed) Bread - Focaccia style, but needed more butter than pat they gave us Salad - yummy homemade dressing Fish - smaller portion for price, but delectable Dessert - Brownie was decadent Great place for a special occasion. You will spend some money, but it's well worth it! It's okay to indulge every now and again!

    (4)

  • Lisa G.

    The atmosphere of classic steak house but with an amazing view. The food is pretty delicious too. They actually served my friend the wrong steak and then cooked a new one but took BOTH our steaks of the bill! The service is superior ... All good reasons to come back!

    (5)

  • Shea's Lounge S.

    So here's the not so skinny... Picture Friday night burger cravings after a long day of work! Friday, not Monday Sunday or any other day that ends in Y. Hubby picks me up and we start out to our burger spot,... Closed? (Still love you ship yard) but now what to do (WAKE UP WP) Burger Fi? Rawlins had taken over (and girls , one size does not fit all , even lulu) Fiddlers? Smoky beer scent covered by bleach and a crowd of mixed doubles wonder if they had chance with .? Us (no thanks) Hubby to the rescue! Crossing 4 lanes of traffic into the Hillsstone parking lot and tada~ all my burger worries were over. Why on earth didn't I think of that? I love this place as all of you know. Luma or hills stone are my go to's for Sunday meals or any day for that matter. Not sure I've had a burger at either. Not gonna make that mistake again. Val let was still happy to see us pull up @ 11 pm Hostess seemed like she knew we were coming We were seated at a wonderful table with a view Our server was amaze balls and friendly The kitchen was hoppin The smells were Devine What.... Could this really be, 11:00 on a Friday and I don't have to settle for sports bar food ( witch by the way I have NO problem with ,just wanted a better date with hubby) And I almost caved for a tenderloin but that story is for another time. ( Hillstone needs to give our server a raise just for his ability to describe the menu so you feel like you have enough room for ALL of the items he teases you with) not going to mention his name but it rimes with Dave. OK Waite I almost forgot to mention the food. Burger... Yes mid rare charred outside juicy inside and he didn't even blink when I asked for it specifically that way ( sometimes smarty servers say" oh you mean Pittsburgh ?" No I mean mid rare and charred... Coleslaw mustered mayo pickles tomato and a grilled bun was the house style and I went for it much to my hubbies surprise ( I can be somewhat of a shape shifter when it comes to making the perfect flavor profiles to match my mood) I did however get several dipping sides for my perfectly double crisp fried potatoes creamy horseradish, creole catsup and honey ranch ! Babe's couldn't resist the smell of BBQ wafting above ...victor to a perfectly glazed rack of baby backs coleslaw and fries. To his defense he started with the wedge salad and left only a tongue print on the plate. I may or may not have cleaned the bones that he discarded ( there was still perfectly good meat and sauce on each rib bone people ) Wine ? Well of course, clearly you didn't think I would make such an armature move but it wasn't the wine that needs mentioning except to say that this House wine was better than some call I have had at other ( BB junction 2xs the cost and a small pour) burger spots. One quick HOT TOWEL (yes hot towel... the spa girl in me was dancing for joy) cleans of the hand and mouth, a sneaky order of key lime pie to go and we were out. Happy happy happy and our car was ready and waiting at the front. And one more thing, we were not the last table seated or left in the spot. Well done Hillstone well done my late night cravings have found a happy place to fall! That's how it done WP And the answer is YES to my top 3 review question Back /refer /take guest

    (5)

  • Danielle V.

    Let's just cut to the chase here. Hillstone knows how to make consistently delicious food. For those who want to enjoy fine dining without breaking the bank, I recommend heading there for lunch & starting with a kale salad. Don't ask questions, just order it and life will start to make a little more sense. Next, order the gulf coast fish sandwich and weep tears of joy as the perfect ratio of crispy grouper to thousand island dressing melts in your mouth. There's always room for dessert in my book, so order the key lime pie and expect all other key lime pies in your future to taste like putrid garbage. Hillstone Restaurant has my heart, from the tasty food to the outlandishly professional staff. If you haven't been there for some odd reason, go now please.

    (5)

  • Cidalia M.

    Amazing view, outstanding service highly recommended. Ask for Dave attentive, informative and fun waiter

    (5)

  • Wayne E.

    Had a great dinner there tonight coupled with great service. They have scream approach to working with tables and counted 12 different servers helping our large party. Everyone was pleased with their meal. Love the technology they use for valet where you push a bottom on transponder and your car is brought quickly. The attention to detail is the best.

    (5)

  • Daniel E.

    This is one of my favorite chain restaurants in the US. The food is consistently good, the employees are attentive. Beware of the no reservation policy if you are in a rush this is not the place to come to.

    (5)

  • Loren L.

    Ok, so this is one of my favorite restaurants and I'm finally taking the time to review it. Favorite items include the Tuna Salad, Cheeseburger and Ribs....but you really can't go wrong with any item. Though they are pretty consistent when it comes to delivering good food, you'll notice the price seems to creep up each time you go back. But again, it's worth every penny. Every night is pretty packed, but you usually don't have to wait more than 15-20 min for a table. Try the outdoor seating on the patio when the weather is nice as you'll have a great view of the lake. The icing on the cake here is that there's no corking fee when you bring your own bottle in.

    (5)

  • Oscar M.

    Very disappointed with the service and the I formation regarding large groups. They cannot accommodate groups bigger than 6 people and we had to split my group of 8 in two.

    (1)

  • Aaron M.

    Great location!!!!!! A bit pricey Great looking staff Maybe like 10 too many people working in the front. I want to get to know my server.. but we literally had 10 different people waiting on us. That being said -- everyone watched out for everyone which was nice. Food was good.

    (4)

  • Maegan B.

    Great food, great service. I love the grilled artichokes. The sauce they're served with is delicious.

    (5)

  • Maria B.

    My friend had her wedding rehearsal dinner here and it was absolutely amazing. Picturesque scene on the dock with excellent service and the food was MIND BLOWING. I followed her and her now husband's recommendation to get the Hawaiian ribeye and I was not even the tiniest bit disappointed. This would be a fantastic place for date night, what with the beautiful serene lake right there and all. Do go, it's wonderful!

    (5)

  • Joelle H.

    First time visitor. Made reservations by phone a week ahead of time for seven people to celebrate my mother's 70th birthday. When we arrived they squeezed us into a small booth and told me that the person I talked to thought I knew the seating limitations and assumed we were willing to be "cozy". I was not happy; we were all very uncomfortable and the manager never came by to apologize. Somehow it was my fault for not researching this restaurant. If you want comfort, five is the most this restaurant can accommodate. Hopefully management will inform hostess staff to communicate seating issues. I just wanted to give my mother a special evening out.

    (3)

  • Lanes H.

    A good selection of creative American cuisine, nice wine list, great view of Lake Killarney. I came here with a couple of old colleagues after flying into town for a last minute trip. It was Easter weekend, but they were accommodating with reservations. There is a small parking lot, which tends to fill up fast so the valet is recommended. We tried the branzino, salmon and prime rib. Had the roasted artichoke, which really didn't need the sauce that was on the side. All in all a wonderful evening with good food and good friends.

    (5)

  • Kate H.

    Hillstone is delicious and awesome!! We had a beautiful view of the lake. The atmosphere was spectacular and romantic. The service and food was also great, the flying chicken strips were cooked perfectly. The spinach dip was also great and we ate everything on our plates. It can be pretty pricey if you plan to have drinks, but the atmosphere/service make it worth it. I like to come here for special occasions. Although they take reservations sometimes it is nice to sit outside and wait for a table with a glass of wine. I've never had dessert here because I am always too full.

    (5)

  • Dena A.

    It is Ramadan right now so dinner is around 8:20ish.. I had a deja vu moment walking into this place and my dear friend Rachel had told me it use to be Houston's a long time ago, and I recalled I had been here with my family back when it was Houston's. So let me begin by saying walking into this place I felt like I was walking into the "Real Housewives of Winter Park" no I don't watch the Real Housewives all reality shows annoy the hell out of me but my friends do, so sometimes I am subjected to watching it with them... I would rather gauge my eyes out... So now that you have a visual, the restaurant itself is beautiful on a lake and amazing views very serene actually. So our server was fantastic...he looked like he came straight out of a California surfing magazine, perfect tan, perfect beach blond hair, and a pearly white smile that could make the real housewives ladies swoon! Ladies do you have a visual now, don't ask me his name I already confessed previously I am horrible with names.. However, he made us laugh through the whole meal, he was attentive but not hovering over us. He was awesome! On to the food! My salivary glands just went into overdrive thinking about the meal... We had the spinach dip for an appetizer my friend had the center cut filet and I had the special blackened rib-eye! The spinach dip was fantastic served with salsa and sour cream and the chips were fresh, no staleness involved.. As for the steak,Yes I went big and yes I love meat... and I am so glad I did, has to be one of the best steaks in my life..juicy,perfect amount of seasonings, cooked exactly medium to medium rare and just oh so satisfying. My side was a red cabbage medley and i should have taken a before and after bc I have never cleaned a plate like I did at Hillstone. My friends Filet Mignon was just as amazing she cleaned her plate as well... Usually at this point I am finished but since it is Ramadan I wanted desert... We ordered the hot fudge sundae with caramelized pecans! Just Divine the pecans with the hot fudge and ice cream.. Our bill came out to $105 which really isn't bad based on the quality of the food and service... I guess for Orlando this place is fancy..but I will be definitely coming back...

    (5)

  • L B.

    Absolutely one of the most consistent restaurants you can find! Food is always great and love the location on the lake. Ask for a window table or booth across from the windows. Dave and Alexa are great waiters and attend to every detail. The special fish dishes are my favorite (all of them), as well as, the smoked salmon, Sashimi Tuna Salad, ribs, fish sandwich and the brownie ice cream dessert. This restaurant is our favorite for special occasions!

    (5)

  • Jessica M.

    Delicious food, fantastic service, and a beautiful patio overlooking lovely landscaping, gardens, and a lake. Yeah it's a chain, but they're doing it right.

    (5)

  • Dominic B.

    RIBS RIBS RIBS! So, let me start by saying I'm not a huge fan of ribs. They're messy and a pain to eat IMHO. But NOT HERE! Seriously, just look at them and they fall off the bone! I asked, dear waiter of mine, how in the sam hell do you guys cook these to make them so tender? Well, they basically cook them overnight for 8 hours at 150 degrees. Then they baste and grill to order. And their Coleslaw? I despise coleslaw but eat every bit of theirs up. It's very different and is wonderful. The ambiance is wonderful. The place feels like you are inside a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. The service is tops so don't worry about that. All the food is good, too so don't fret. It does get packed at the bar, so that can be a problem but everyone is friendly and the bartenders are so efficient and cool. Plus live Jazz most nights. TIP 1) If you like double sized drinks (e.g. "a double") ask for a ROCK POUR. It'll save you some $$$ and is the equivalent of a double. TIP 2) After dinner, go sit on their back "lawn" in the various oversized (and comfy) chairs and enjoy a post-meal appertif. It's beautiful out there on the lake and is NOT to be missed. I've had many special evenings out there after a wonderful dinner. I love this place and suggest you give it a try for a special night out. I'd make reservations!

    (5)

  • Eileen D.

    Food is impeccable, pricing is okay, and the restaurant has an absolutely stunning view of a lake, an herb garden, and a lovely gazebo. Try the kale salad or the Prime which is incredible, they are delicious (and so is the salmon for anyone looking for a healthy entree option). Only downside is that the wait and service is hit or miss. However, Rudy is absolute best waiter! Will definitely come again, one of the best places to go on a date as well!

    (4)

  • Michael R.

    This restaurant, in one form or the other, has been a staple of Winter Park for a number of years. But if you have not been here before. Here are a couple of tips for a nice evening. First, arrive a little before sunset, grab a beverage and sit in the lounge chairs in the back and take in the sunset over the lake. Second, get your table and order the grilled artichoke appetizer. Third, select an interesting wine from the list - lots of options from the wines per glass list. Try the Pinot Noir if you are not sure what to get. Fourth, if you love veggies you will not be disappointed. Veggie plate is very good. If you want meat - the roasted chicken is very nice and if it is cow you crave, try the Thai beef salad. Want pork, try the Pork Ribs. Also have the Cole Slaw. Lastly, desert is optional but see what they have that is seasonal and get that. A few other items. Check out the art on the walls. Just a few painting but they are worth a few minutes. Also, a fun fact, Hillstone imports both their pork and blue cheese from Denmark. Also, if you are in the mood to mingle, visit on a Thursday night and sit at the bar.

    (4)

  • Mary D.

    Used to go to this restaurant when it was called Houston's. Just recently went for the first time since the name change to Hillstone. Before I get to the food, you can't talk about this restaurant without mentioning the scenery. It's set on Lake Killarney in Winter Park, positioned so that you can enjoy a glass of wine or quiet dinner while watching a beautiful Florida sunset over the lake. The tiered seating -- much of it in cushy black booths -- directed toward windows along the entire back of the restaurant allow everyone can enjoy the views. There is a nice, fairly large bar inside that also has outdoor seating to enjoy the lake views. In the back of the restaurant, there are a few pathways that lead to the lake and a dock. All in all, a nice, quiet romantic setting. The food is fine. Filet was served piping hot and just to order. Broccoli was fresh and plentiful. Maybe overall a tad on the salty side, and I like salt. Service was very good and friendly. Pricing is a little on the high side, but factoring in the ambiance, I would say it's worth it for a special occasion.

    (4)

  • Jen R.

    You might think Hillstone is too upscale for a grouper sandwich, but let me tell you, they make a delicious grouper sandwich and I consider myself a bit of a grouper sandwich snob. Reasons why I love Hillstone... 1. Atmosphere - watching the sunset over the lake is as good is hard to beat. 2. Fresh ingredients - lots of whole foods here and they even have a garden. 3. Bar drinks - no cheap simple syrup or sweet and sour mix here. 4. Service - the staff is attentive, polite and well informed about their menu. 5. Taste - the grouper sandwich and five nut brownie might just change your life.

    (5)

  • Lizzie P.

    I cannot say enough about this fantastic restaurant. The only issue I have is that it is always packed!!! The food here is consistently delicious! My favorite item on the menu is their seared tuna salad. The fruit and tangy vinigarette perfectly compliment the tender tuna. It is made to look like art on the plate. My husband loves the Thai Steak Salad. I have had it as well, and it is phenomenal. We have had burgers, fries, and other entrees over the years and we have never had a bad meal. The spinach and artichoke is one of our favorites for an appetizer, and the key lime pie is excellent for dessert. There are many amazing restaurants in Winter Park, but this one comes with a beautiful view. I love sitting outside when the weather is nice. The view of the lake is simply stunning. This is a great date spot, luncheon spot, and just about anything else spot. It is not cheap, but it is certainly worth the money you pay. The live jazz is an added bonus if you go at night!

    (5)

  • Roni E.

    Great ambience and food. Service is on top of what they are doing. Be prepared for long wait times. I do hate that they sometimes make the dining room to dark to see anything.

    (5)

  • Kurt N.

    It was a steakhouse, and the food was pretty good. I had the ribs, and they were extremely tender and came with solid french fries. I guess I just feel like it was not much better than any old BBQ restaurant, just priced rediculously.

    (4)

  • Roxanne L.

    "Hillstone Winter Park: Same family ownership, menu, and attention to detail you have known for 14 years. Houston's on Lake Killarney is now Hillstone." I have been to Houston's a handful of times prior to this small gathering on the deck. I have always been a fan but that night was especially magical - maybe it was the rain that made the venue way more serene? maybe it was the amazing staff on duty who was super attentive (her name's Jackie), or maybe it was the alcohol...Who knows?? I agree with Colleen, Hillstone has an amazing selection of wine - I am a big Riesling drinker and I am very pleased with what they have. House-made veggie burger - this innovative burger was one of the appetizers I tried and holy cow (no pun intended), this is one pleasant surprise. The veggie pattie is made with sweet soy, jalapeno etc and served with jack cheese, mayo, mustard, on a toasted bun. Mouthwatering! I tried their special of the evening which was a steak grilled over hardwood and served with grilled corn. I also asked a side of baked potato - loaded, of course! I definitely found my steak tasty and a very generous portion but I ordered it as medium well despite I'm more or a medium rare steak eater thinking most steakhouses undercook to be safe. However, Hillstone is very ballsy and was immaculate with their cooking so I had a medium well steak instead. Back to their potato...oH..MYY...GOOOOODDDDDD. So yummy. Seriously, sooooo buttery and yummy and the bacon bits...just wow. I got to sample most of their desserts - I didn't try Key lime pie because I'm not a big fan but: Warm five-nut brownie - I'm really not a big fan of nuts but good god, this is bomb. I think it may have to do with the champagne custard but wow... Apple walnut cobbler - You know how when the weather gets cold and you want to curl up with some nice hot cocoa/coffee and something delightful? Well, this is that feeling you get. The cinnamon and apple and all that deliciousness in a bundle. Hot fudge sundae - I may have a heart attack but I don't care This is seriously one of the most amazing restaurant locations in Central Florida and I think everyone should come here at least once in their life time. Preferably for dinner. Hillstone does magic.

    (5)

  • T-bone Y.

    food is decent but I wouldn't considered this place as excellent. The steak is delicious but a tad dry to my taste. The charred grilled artichoke is flavorfully, kinda fun to have if you are on a date. My date and I were seated near the bar...soso freakin noisy!!! If you are looking for a nice quiet romantic place, I recommend elsewhere.

    (4)

  • Morris M.

    All I know is this place rocks in every way. The setting is beyond compare and the food quite unique. Make sure you do the following; Make a reservation, order the artichokes, and sit outside afterward for a drink and a smoke.

    (5)

  • Jon S.

    We visited on 6/27 for dinner. Location and ambience was nice, but service lacked. When we arrived we were immediately sat. A server took our drink orders while we waited for 3 more people in our party. Once all our drinks were taken then a different server claimed he was our server. So who was the first server? He then told the specials and we order the Wood Grilled Artichokes for an app which was great. After 20 mins we couldn't find our server and had to flag a staff member so we can order our entrees. Again, a different server came. What is this, server roulette? At this moment my cousin asked about the bread plate the table across from us had and wanted to order it. The server said it was complimentary then she asked why hasn't our table received any?!? He immediately said we will get 2 for our table with no apology. I ordered the Hawaiian Rib-Eye Steak medium rare as my friend did too. When the entrees came out our steak both were Medium Well and had no pink. We flagged our server and he immediately went to the kitchen. The 3 other people in my party waited patiently with their food while we waited for our correct temp steak to come out. Eventually our steak came out by someone else that wasn't our server! This is the 4 person that touched our table, it makes no sense. He asked if we can cut into our steaks to see if it is correct temp. When we said it was, he just left. No apologizes for the inconvenience. For a nicer tier restaurant, the service was a cluster f**k. This place has potential. I'm not sure if I just came a wrong evening.

    (2)

  • Stacey H.

    If it weren't for the high prices, I'd have given it 5 stars. The food, service, and food is fantastic! The crab cakes are the best anywhere. You have to get the smoked salmon appetizer! To die for! You'll never be disappointed with choosing to eat here. Just plan to shell out for your meal.

    (4)

  • Kim B.

    I've been coming here since it was Houstons - I've been in Orlando for over 26 years- and it's my favorite place for dining around sundown! The atmosphere outside is my favorite feature of this restaurant and there are many private areas to sit. The staff is the best I've found in town - always professional and pleasant - and the lake view here is outstanding. The herb garden next to the lake is nice to walk through and makes me feel like I could be somewhere is California! The food is consistently good and the bar does get noisy at times, as someone else commented. They have live music as well and that's the only thing I might change, mixing up the music for a more ambient sound (chill or downtempo) would be better for me rather than piano but it's nice to have live options. It's remained a consistent choice for me for meeting up with people and being able to count on a pleasant experience.

    (5)

  • Bill J.

    Long time regular. New management. Really bad customer service. Will never be back. When asked to make a very minor change, I was told "We like it the way it comes!" I was unaware anyone but me was placing the order or paying the bill. There are many new choices in Winter Park!

    (1)

  • John M.

    The View. This place should seriously just undergo another name change and focus on why most people come here. This place should be an Orlando staple, but the Winter Park ambiance and allure instead turn it into a place to be seen. While the ribeye is top notch, the price along with it would never allow it to be considered a serious contender for best steak. Oddly enough, after multiple visits the most consistent dish here would be an appetizer. The Chicago style spinach dip is DEE-DISH-YAS, with consistently warm chips and perfect balance of spinach, artichoke, and cream cheese. The burger is unbelievably overrated, and overpriced. I mean I get it, you gotta pay for The View. I literally just changed the rating from 4 stars to 3 because I just realized that every time I had been here the food sucked. Their signature french dip with au jus has had stale bread on multiple visits, and the servers always seem to be upset when the check doesn't ring up over forty dollars. Overall great views, but overpriced.

    (3)

  • Tammy R.

    I've been here for lunch several times. It's definitely a seen and be seen restaurant. The food is always good the service is pleasant. I had the cheeseburger which was good one person had the tuna burger which was good . sat at the bar because it was very crowded which is usual but it's a solid place to go for lunch.the outdoor seating is very nice and quiet

    (4)

  • Joe G.

    My feelings with this place have been all over the map. Things I love : the view and layout of the space, the bar, the No Cork Fee on wine you bring, Some of the menu items (fish and the ribs were both very good as was the steak) Things that are less than amazing : pork chops (was not a fan), They have a VERY small appetizer list - I personally love appetizers so i wish they would add to it a bit, the Spinach and artichoke dip is very good good though. All in all this place is a very consistent easy pleaser and its a gorgeous place to have dinner... I never find myself jones'in for Hillstone but if we are meeting a bunch of people out for dinner it is an easy suggestion for a place to meet up.

    (4)

  • Joe L.

    Outstanding service and great food, but pricey! We had 3 drinks, 2 apps, 4 salads and one entree and it was $160.00 before tip. The fresh in house smoked salmon was very good. The rib steak was also very tasty. The word grilled artichokes was good, but not my personal favourite.

    (4)

  • Eric R.

    Called ahead, said Mac 15 min wait. Then got there and they said 45 min. Well over an hour later... Still waiting. Nice atmosphere out back if you have hours to hang out before dinner,

    (1)

  • Shyrra B.

    Looooooove. First I refused to step into the restaurant because I thought they closed Houston's and replaced it with Hillstone's. I was pleasantly surprised to find out its the exact same restaurant, just with a different name. Love the spinach dip, love the classic salad. Mmmmm...

    (5)

  • David K.

    Fellow Yelpers, I was confused at first by the name change at this restaurant. It should really be called "the restaurant formerly known as Houston's" (Prince reference for those born after my Generation). What is even more confusing to me is that if pronounced fast enough, Hillstone is almost the phonetic equivalent to Houston's. Either this was deliberate genius on the onwer's part to avoid confusion (did it really? not in my case) or it was just pure coincidence. Regardless of name changes and my retarded theories the restaurant still delivers (not literally). I arrived on a Tuesday night and was surprised at how packed it was. There was no parking available, all spots were taken. They offer valet service, but being the good cheap Jewish guy that I am, I took my time and waited until someone left so I could park on my spot as the Prince of Bel-Air. I took a picture of the outside sign to avoid confusion for those going there (see my photo), it's Hillstone. I met a FBFF (Facebook Best Friend Forever) in person there for the first time and it was great! She had invited me to join her and a few of her friends for drinks and food. I had never been to Houston's/Hillstone so I thought, what the heck? It's an opportunity to meet new people and check out a new place. I had two drinks, I cannot really comment or review on them since I order straight vodka every time and if a bartender screws that one up they need to be sent to Guantanamo Bay, no due process whatsoever. The drinks were large and the vodka filled to the brim, so that was nice. I ordered a Spinach and Chicken Salad (see my photo). The salad was delicious, it came with cashews (my favorite nut after my left one, TMI?), bacon, swiss cheese (I think) and a few other items which I cannot remember. It truly ranked up there in terms of salads. The atmosphere is great in there, definitely an older crowd. That is to be expected considering it is a higher end restaurant and most college kids and 20 somethings would not be congregating here. However, I'm a snobby 26 year old, so I fit right in. The bar is quite large and spacious, and the interior has a woody, dimly lit, casual and chill ambiance to it which makes for a great place for a nice dinner date. I heard everyone rave about their lake views, but unfortunately I have not experienced that yet. Maybe next time! I recommend it!! I only gave it three stars because I did not really have a true meal so my review is based more on the great company I had there and the atmosphere itself. Salads do not count as 'real real' food, come on now! So, stay tuned because I will return here and have a full meal and review that at some point in the future. Until then, I'll keep the suspense going and the reader at the edge of their seat...not. Laters!

    (3)

  • Inez T.

    My favorite restaurant- worth the money! Best burger, fries and coleslaw- double yum! My husband loves the Grouper Sandwich and son the ribs. Excellent ambiance- on lake, gorgeous building and lovely vegetation. You won't be disappointed... romantic, rustic, delicious, the best...

    (5)

  • Brian F.

    One of the rare waterfront restaurants in Orlando. Atmosphere is great. Food is pretty good. Sitting out by the lake before-hand is fun weather pending. Good date place. I feel like they rush you in and out a little though, but recommended.

    (4)

  • Jessica D.

    I love this restaurant. They do everything they do SO well. The service is spot on. The wine list is excellent and their cocktails are delicious. The view is stunning and we are lucky enough to live just a few minutes from the restaurant. Everything that I have ever eaten here is just perfectly executed. In fact, I think we will go there for dinner tomorrow night! :) I know that Hillstone/Houston's is a chain, but it doesn't dampen anything for me because it's just that good. My husband and I met some friends for cocktails at the one in NYC and tried the sushi there...AMAZING! I wish the Winter Park Hillstone would think about adding sushi...just a suggestion ;D.

    (5)

  • Chow D.

    Came up this afternoon to enjoy some food and wine on the lawn just to find out that you have order at the bar and take it out yourself?? Why would a nice restaurant with a lake view like this be OK with that kind of policy? Going to Park Ave...

    (1)

  • Sam A.

    They have the best French Dip sandwich in Orlando. But for $17 it better be.

    (4)

  • Elizabeth R.

    This Hillstone is awesome!! We sat outside on the patio and had a beautiful view of the lake. The atmosphere was spectacular and romantic, we loved it. The food was also fabulous, the fish was fresh and cooked perfectly. The spinach dip was also great (there are some Houston's/Hillstone's that actually don't do it well anymore, so I appreciate when its properly done). We also really liked their valet because they have a super cool remote control that alerts the valet to bring your car around before you even leave your table. Despite being a chain, there are differences between all the restaurants we have been to, this is one of the best ones in terms of food and atmosphere. If this one had sushi like the one in Santa Monica we would be driving down to this restaurant from Gainesville on a regular basis. The waitress was also really really nice. Can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Frances F.

    Yuuum I had the Thai noodle and beef salad (with mango and avocado) and loooved it!! My friend had blackened mahi mahi that tasted like candy. We also shared the apple cobbler desert. yuuuum Loved the food. Salad was $18 and dessert was $8 but 100% worth the money. I'm glad I called ahead for reservations for two on a Thursday. It was fairly crowded and we ended up waiting an extra 10 minutes after our reservation time. They have a live band and a delightfully animated crowd of rich white people and these older women with loads plastic surgery. I was entertained. :)

    (4)

  • Rey V.

    My wife, two sisters-in-law and I went here the Wednesday after Christmas and had an incredible dinner. This is probably one of the best places for steaks and chops in the Orlando area. The place was crowded, but the service was still attentive. The spinach-artichoke dip was one of the freshest and tastiest I've ever had. My prime rib was the biggest I've ever seen, and it was perfectly seasoned and so juicy. We definitely plan to return soon, especially when the weather is nicer -- so we can dine outside along the lake.

    (5)

  • Roberta S.

    It is just the best food, consistent service and perfect ambiance. love the lake views and the outdoor firepit. always a nice happy hour by the dock.

    (5)

  • Justin C.

    Orlando Weekly readers recently said that this is one of the best places in Orlando if someone else is footing the bill. Well, if someone offers to treat you to Hillstone, do them and yourself a favor and pick another restaurant. Great view. Ok food. Place to see and be seen and everyone there knows it. Go for the view. The food.....not so much.

    (2)

  • Katelyn C.

    Modern mixed with 'Americana' food favorites. The spinach&art dip was great, but again, this place is a little pricy. I had a few glasses of wine and the food still was not better than cooking at home. Sorry, three stars was being generous. My burger was over cooked, and you do not have gluten free options, which would be nice! Our wait was longer than we were told, and we ended up having to drink more than we ate while waiting...decore is meh. That is just about as nice as I can get about the place!

    (3)

  • Sharon W.

    Well, hello Hillstone's. I loved you when I first met you a few years ago back in Pasadena, CA....but correct me if I'm wrong...weren't you called Houston's back there? What was that? You were? Oh! That's great news! Well, now that we've established that, can I see your wine selection? Fantastic. Oh dear....could it be?? Is that so?? Another love of mine can be found on your menu? I can't believe you have the Mary Edwards Pinot Noir!! I had such great memories over that bottle of wine for my 30th and you've just put a smile on my face seeing that I can relive the tastes from one of my favorite bottles of all time. In fact, your entire wine selection is solid. *heart* And your wood grilled artichokes with the remoulade sauce went very well with the Pinot Noir I ordered. With live Jazz on a Thursday evening, we're going to become great friends. See you again soon!

    (4)

  • Ashley H.

    I really do love this place. Yes, it's a chain and quite expensive, but it can be really special if you are having a birthday or anniversary. It's also great if you are in the area and looking for a nice place to have lunch on the water as a treat. The view is absolutely gorgeous, and there is no arguing with that. It overlooks Lake Killarney. 90% of the time, the service is good and attentive. Some recommendations: -Artichoke appetizer: They are fire grilled and come with remoulade sauce that you want to eat by itself. Even my boyfriend, who basically won't eat anything green, loves these. -Peel and Eat Shrimp: I believe they only do this after 4 (darn them), but these are a delicious appetizer. Comes with cocktail sauce (homemade, of course), and the remoulade sauce I described above. - Spinach dip: Forget the chips. I'll just eat the dip and take a hit on my cholesterol. Delicious! -Chicken fingers: I'll tell you a secret...these are not on the menu but you can order them! They typically come with coleslaw and fries. I don't eat chicken fingers ANYWHERE but here. The breading is really light and crunchy. It's hard to describe, really. Just get it. They'll give you honey mustard or bbq sauce if you like. -Maple-glazed carrots: A side dish, but completely delicious. -Broccoli: Also a side dish, but served with a bit of lemon and shaved parmesan on it . Amazing! -Coleslaw: I hate coleslaw anywhere else, but this is mixed fresh and DELICIOUS. -5 Nut Brownie: So worth it. If you're not allergic to nuts, get this. It's just amazing. The brownie comes a la mode and is served with this sauce...I can't explain it. You just need to have it. The fried shrimp is also quite good, but you'll pay for it, $23. Then again, this is Houston's, so be prepared to pay quite a bit of money anyway. It's worth it, though! A few other notes: 1. Get a reservation if you can, especially for dinner on a weekend. You'll wait a long time otherwise. 2. I would never compare this place to Houlihan's. Seriously. That's insulting to Houston's. 3. Don't do Valentine's Day here unless you REALLY want to wait, even with a reservation. We had dinner here two days before V-Day to celebrate early, and we waited. With a reservation. 4. In my opinion, this isn't a place for kids. It's too upscale and they really don't have stuff for you to color or whatever. Come here childless.

    (5)

  • Bryan A.

    Still after all these years, this is a great spot to hit up on a date night or fancy dinner. The food is always outstanding as well as the experience. Go to items... Apps: Grilled Artichokes Side salad (very good, not plain) Entrees: Prime Rib Hawaiian Rib Eye Ribs Usually I am too full for desserts so I have no clue. I would consider Hillstone romantic because it is dark and the lighting calls for it. The restaurant also sits on a lake and every single table has a great view of the water and sunset if the time is right. They do take reservations now from what I hear. Also it is pricey to eat here. Dinner and drinks will cost you at least $50 a person.

    (4)

  • Christy P.

    No more togo food between 6&9. I'm sorry the kitchen can't handle it. Due to the fact that I now have a two year old with unpredictable meltdowns, I have been ordering food togo and watching the sunset with a glass of wine. Dang it! I will you Hilstones

    (2)

  • Chelsea W.

    I took my husband here for his birthday and we had an excellent time! We made a reservation ahead of time and i would recommend doing so especially if you are visiting on a Friday or Saturday night. We tried the deviled eggs and the spinch dip for an appetizer and they were both delicious. I had the burger for dinner and it was cooked to perfection, I wouldn't have changed a thing. My husband got a steak and it was extremely flavorful and cooked just right. I'm not usually a steak person but I was even picking at his plate to get a couple of bites. We ordered a bottle of wine since it was a better deal than each of us getting a glass and since we finished our meals before the wine was gone they let us take it outside. The outdoor area of this restaurant is what deserved the 5 star rating from me. There are pathways that weave around and there are little groupings of chairs for you to sit and relax and overlook the lake. There is a dock area that I think you can rent out for private gatherings and our favorite area was the fire pit which was had chairs surrounding it all facing the lake. Talk about extreme relaxation!! All we talk about is how much we want to do date nights with our friends to bring them to this place because it truely was an excellent dining and relaxation experience.

    (5)

  • John O.

    Everything is amazing. Great service great food, and you must get the Spinish Dip. oh yeah, and the ribs. While you are waiting on your table go out and take a look at there garden. they grew almost everything they cook with .

    (5)

  • Ian G.

    I have never been disappointed at Houston's. An amazing restaurant with exceptional and friendly service. Fantastic views, great wines, fresh squeezed juices, great sides. That's it. I am going there tonight.

    (5)

  • Scot G.

    Awesome veggie burger (made from beets, but you would never know it!), tastes delicious! Awesome 5 nut brownie dessert! 5 star service and I think none of the male staff are allowed to have facial hair! Now that's what I call attention to food safety! This place is the blue-chip of restaurants for service, quality control, cleanliness, and perfectly cooked food! Not to mention the awesome location and near-perfect dining atmosphere!

    (5)

  • Al O.

    Expensive but very good. We ate outside with our dog. Beautiful view of sunset over the lake. Would come back especially if someone owes me dinner!!!

    (4)

  • Kristin K.

    The grilled artichokes are AMAZING!!! I love this location; beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright arcitecture.

    (5)

  • Tim K.

    Do not go with kids. My family and another went to celebrate special occasions-pregnancies. After being seated, one of the kids started crying softly. It wasn't obnoxious. We were seated by the kitchen on a Sunday at 8:30pm. In under 10 minutes and before we received drinks, we were told to leave because of the kids. We are sensitive to those without kids and would've gone to the lobby if it was remotely disruptive. We weren't offered another table and it was done without calling us aside. Handled poorly and won't go back with or without kids until management improves.

    (1)

  • Jeannie G.

    This is hands down our favorite place to eat!!!! We dine here frequently and ALWAYS have a fantastic evening. Our experience began with a wait but it was Friday night and it was crowded. We still can't get use to Hillstone accepting reservations as we still refer to Hillstone as Houston's and in the past they did not accept reservations. The hostess Taylor was very professional and politely let our son know the wait time every time he asked her. We enjoyed watching the kitchen and the grill cook was so kind. He noticed us watching and gave us a bowl of fries while we waited. We were seated and Rudy was our server. He did a fantastic job serving us and trying to take care of a table who sent their food back. We have never sent food back for wrong preparation. It seemed like there was no making this table happy but he kept a smile and was professional the entire time. Everything came out perfect and as usual a wonderful experience!!!!!

    (5)

  • Michelle K.

    The ambiance is nice but feels like old money! I didn't feel comfortable dining here. The service is esteemed to be great, yet my server forgot my sauces, didn't order my veggie burger as I requested and never brought me my drink. It happens though so I can't blame her. I assume she was just busy. The view at Hillstone is very lovely. As I sat inside the trendy dining room sipping my room temperature water, I kept fantasizing about sitting outside sipping a glass of wine. That would've made my experience at Hillstone much better. I'll give it another chance in the future. Negatives: There's no ice in the water. Overpriced (seriously $15 for a veggie burger and $11 for a medium Caesar Salad) Small menu mostly consisting of overpriced sandwiches and salad

    (3)

  • M J.

    I love, love, love this restaurant, but it has one glaring problem, which I wish so badly that they would remedy. They cannot cook a filet mignon properly. And it really sucks to pay top dollar for an improperly cooked steak. Everything else about this restaurant is top notch: ambiance, service, overall experience, etc (and by etc I mean the artichokes - to die for!). Overall this restaurant is one of my favorites, almost my favorite - but for the love of Zeus I WISH THEY WOULD LEARN HOW TO COOK A STEAK. Medium rare does not mean raw. They clearly char the heck out of a thin layer of the outside and leave the vast majority of the steak raw. That is simply not medium rare. And this has happened several times. Last time when both and I and the server realized saw immediately upon cutting the steak in 2 that they, yet again, didn't get medium rare right, she took it away only to have to bring it back in the 2 pieces I had cut it into -- burnt to a crisp on the outside and medium to medium well on the inside. Seriously?!?! For what I paid I should have gotten a properly cooked steak the first time, but if not the first time, then at least the second; but no such luck at Hillstone. So sad that such a wonderful restaurant cannot cook a steak. Get it together Hillstone. Please! Anyway, be forewarned...it's a fantastic restaurant and there's really nothing not to love, unless you waste your money on the filet mignon, expecting it to be cooked correctly. That's just not going to happen.

    (3)

  • Joel G.

    This is really the only place my Mom will go out to eat anymore. She has her fair share of food allergies and they are extremely understanding and accommodating. The food is always good, and I enjoy almost anything I get here... And this is coming from a vegetarian.

    (5)

  • Traveler F.

    Dining at Hillstone evokes the ease and sophistication of a polished restaurant with a laid back attitude. Make no mistake, they have big smiles and are cordial, but every detail is in place. It certainly does not reminisce of the old stiffer Houston Restaurant, but embraces a more modern inclusive attention to details, fresh local ingredients, and friendly but precise service. This is certainly not the old establishment but a more progressive forward approach to hospitality and food. Read

    (4)

  • Michelle M.

    So I used to work at Houston's (at a different one) and I do enjoy the food there just because I know the quality of the ingredients and the service is top notch. Looking back, it's like working for the military when you work for Hillstone, but now being on the other side of that table I completely appreciate it. There's continuity of service and quality when you have that kind of standard and make everyone stick to it. Anyway, I've digressed. The ambiance is pleasant (it's a lot of wood and dark tones), the view of the lake is serene, you can enjoy your drinks and apps on the dock, and the bartenders are great. Try to get a seat near the window and I encourage and recommend the Hawaiian Rib Eye...yeah I know how much it is....totally worth it though. You'll thank me for it later....and when you do....you're welcome. ;)

    (5)

  • Renaud F.

    Really good stakes. Great to take your loved on. Try the artichoke dip. I just went on december the 8th and noticed it was not on the menu but you can still ask for it. Well worth it. Try the Hawaiian steak. When you are done eating chill by the fire pit or the dock.

    (5)

  • Uyen D.

    I went here for Valentines Day and we had made reservations for 8pm and we did get seated until 9. I don't know if it was because of Valentines day or if it's like that on a normal day! but thank goodness, food was fast! Hawaiian Rib eye is a MUST and my boyfriend enjoyed the prime rib. ONLY thing bout houston's that disappointed me was their menu selection..I was looking forward to having a delicious dessert for vday but, their dessert menu was lacking and their selection of food did not seem that great. overall, the hawaiian rib eye was delicious.

    (4)

  • S H.

    I used to frequent this place when it was known as Houston's quite often, and although the menu has changed the food has remained wonderfully good. The steaks are always top quality and cooked perfectly. The salads and soups are consistent as well. The chicken tortilla is my favorite. It still has a great ambiance with that gorgeous lake setting in the back. Service is top notch every time. Some of the servers even know us by name now :)

    (4)

  • Eme L.

    Through no formal plan, it would appear that the husband and I are doing a national tour of Hillstone restaurants. (have been to various ones in The bay area and Chicago). Their brilliance is their simplicity - small, extremely well-executed menus, fast and friendly service, and no corkage fees. Pure genius. Also, the seem to give their chefs autonomy to tweak there own menus - no two (we've found so far) are exactly the same. We started with the spinach dip (pretty sure there were artichokes in there). Delicious! They come with chips, salsa, and sour cream. Everything is fresh and well-seasoned. I had the French dip - one of my favs and pretty perfect. Husband had the burger - loved it. Afterwards, we walked around the beautiful lakeside setting. They've got an herb/fruit tree garden that you can walk through plus adirondack chairs where you can sit, have a glass of wine (or cocktail...) and enjoy the weather. Super!

    (5)

  • Katie J.

    Love this chain of restaurants. The #1 appetizer in all of restaurant land, the grilled artichokes. I ate two servings. That is three artichokes before my main course. I was a fatty this night. I finished with an off the menu item, the hickory burger. This burger does not sound good on paper, but once it hits the mouth, yummers. Fresh baked bun, fresh ground beef, Canadian bacon, raw onions, un-melted cheddar cheese and this crazy house made ketchup/smokey sauce. AMAZING! I felt worse than after Thanksgiving when I left. I ate so much freckin' food. Add the great view and top notch service, this is a must visit in Orlando.

    (5)

  • Amanda J.

    Hillstone recently changed name from Houston's but is pretty much the same menu. You can grade this place on two different things...first is the atmosphere. It's on a small lake and haas awesome outside seating. Not really tables but lawn chairs and a covered dock area. They serve drinks and appetizers out there. Very nice. Food...For as big as the kitchen is I found the menu a little limited. I had to actually really find something that I could maybe order when at most places you have 3 or so things you are choosing between and can't decide. I ended up have the trout special which was good. Like others have mentioned I find it a bit pricey for what it is but it is in the Winter Park area and has that great location on the water. The service was average. Wine list is ok but a bit pricey for the by the glass servings. Would I go back? On a nice night to sit outside and have a glass of wine and grab and appetizer but not for a full dinner. Too many better places in that area. Try Dexter's in downtown Winter Park.

    (3)

  • Sylvain P.

    This our preferred place to eat close to Orlando. The food is really good and the lake view is fantastic ! We always ask for an outdoor table.

    (5)

  • Morgan C.

    Situated on lake Killarney, the views Hillstone are breath- taking. Modern and upscale inside, i couldn't shake the slightly stuffy feeling i kept getting. The menu is great and varied, from seafood, to steaks and everything in between. The staff is well trained and prompt. The bar makes drinks perfectly. I think the problem is that Hillstone takes itself a little too seriously. Maybe it is the clientele. It is a little pricey too, even for upscale dining. Try the artichoke appetizer. It's smokey flavor and dipping sauce are on point.

    (3)

  • Lauren H.

    I made reservations for 6:30 on a Saturday evening specifically by the water because the weather has been so awesome lately and we wanted to watch the sunset. I was told it would be at least forty minutes for outside seating or they could seat me inside right away. We opted for inside because the UF/LSU game was coming on in an hour ;) We still had to wait twenty minutes for a seat inside....with reservations. Right before the sun set they did open the blinds so we could see it from where we were sitting. The view, I must say, is pretty epic. I just don't get what all the hype is about the food. I had the Roasted Artichoke appetizer and the Seared Tuna salad. I liked the artichokes better than the salad. Both were good but I've had equally good food @ The Cheesecake Factory. If I'm going to drop a bill on dinner, I'd rather do it at The Ravenous Pig.

    (3)

  • Frank R.

    Our evening at Hillstone on Oct. 28 was fantastic - very memorable, great service, great food. What else could you expect?! Our server, Chelsea, was particularly on target, very personable as well as professional... should couldn't have done a nice job to make the experience so nice. Kudos to her, Chris the manager, and Hillstone for having them both in their employ. If you dine at Hillstone, do yourself a favor and request Chelsea. I'm sure all the other servers are equally terrific, but if you'd like a fresh, smiling, attentive face, Chelsea's the way to go!

    (1)

  • Erik S.

    We love fine dining, and we love going to Winter Park because of all the dog friendly shops and restaurants. Just read that Hillstone has abruptly changed its pet policy without letting any of their regulars know or without cause (no bites, dog fights, health concerns). This was on my list of restaurants to check out, but I think I'll just spend my money on a nice dinner at Prato since they love my Golden Shepherd and even give him treats and water bowl during our meal. I will never go to any other of Hillstone Restaurant Group's restaurants and will encourage others to do the same. My dog is not a pet, he's a family member, and he doesn't bark or bite or bother anyone. I can't say the same about some people's unruly children they bring to fine establishments.

    (1)

  • Jeffrey S.

    WOW! Exceptional service, food, and atmosphere. I haven't been a big fan of Hillstone since they acquired the Houstons chain. I felt like they strayed away from what Houstons did best. However, this location made me feel like I was back at Houstons again. A truly wonderful experience.

    (5)

  • Erik F.

    Some people critique Houstons for it's small menu, but I actually like that. I can't stand going to Cheesecake Factory and reading their 30 page menu. Houston's has great food, better atmosphere, and it's just a cool place to go on a date or hang out with friends. If you like ribs, you MUST order their ribs! Definitely the best in Orlando.

    (5)

  • A C.

    I will continue to go to this restaurant every time I can. I love the atmosphere and the piano bar. It is wonderful for a romantic getaway dinner. I wouldn't take any kids, I never take mine. But great for a date night.

    (5)

  • Jeanette D.

    My absolute favorite place to get ribs in Orlando. You can beat the view and the quality service.

    (5)

  • Caroline N.

    Hate to award this to a chain, but this place has the best burger in Orlando. Hands down. Don't get fries w/ it sub that out for mashed or baked potatoes. Their fries are really skinny shoestring fries. No one likes them I think. Have tried most of the menu and liked almost everything, except the fries, crab cakes and mushroom meatloaf. They have a classy full bar and every seat has a pretty lake view. If you are a vegetarian the veggie burger here is excellent. Service has always been attentative and not too slow here.

    (5)

  • Erica S.

    I had been to the massive Houston's in Pasadena, and was expecting craziness, but was pleasantly surprised by the laid-back vibe (they have an outdoor deck right on a lake with lots of chairs and a fire pit where you can relax and drink before your meal). If you don't have a reservation expect to wait a long time, especially on a Saturday night. Other than that I don't have a whole lot to add to everyone else's glowing reviews of the food (awesome devilled eggs, the Hawaiian rib eye was perfect, and the salmon and brussel sprouts were also spot-on), but I might add that if you wait until you are seated to open your bottle of wine that you brought, there's no corkage fee. Now that's classy;)

    (4)

  • Lauren B.

    On our last night in Orlando, and a long day at Universal, we were all craving a good steak. We didn't have reservations but the place was pretty empty because it was a Sunday. We had the spinach dip and grilled artichokes for apps - both were really good. The artichokes were different, but interesting and tasty. 2 of us ordered the hawaiian rib eye, and 2 of us ordered the filet. When we started eating, we noticed that all of our steaks were not cooked according to how we ordered them. We noticed that they must have switched up our orders, so we all had to trade even though we had started eating them. It probably would have been a good idea for them to ask us to cut our steaks open to be sure they were cooked to our liking before walking away from the table. When we told the waitress, she seemed surprised. We were ok with it, but it could have been avoided. For that, I am minusing 2 stars! However - the loaded baked potato was banging. Overall, a pretty good meal despite a few mix ups.

    (3)

  • Shannon L.

    My girlfriend and I ate here last night. The food, service and ambiance were all great! Definitely a great place to take a date.

    (5)

  • Jonathan F.

    a staple of Orlando. consistently good. ordered the grilled artichokes, spinach dip and french dip. All stellar, carefully prepped and seasoned.

    (4)

  • Annette G.

    Come, and pay heartily, for the view. The food is good. The service is good. The prices are way to high. For this economy, you have to be serving Blue Foot Chicken to get away with pricing half a rotisserie chicken for 16 bucks. They aren't, but that is the price, for lunch. Good food, nice atmosphere, crazy pricing... just go to Houlighans (and I NEVER say that).

    (2)

  • David B.

    "Houston we have a problem" comes to mind when I think about my recent visit. Houston was chosen as one of our Anniversary dinners since we were able to get an unplanned babysitter for our actual anniversary date. We celebrated a week earlier at Ruth Chris, but decided to try Houston's on the actual date. The reservation was made over the phone and they were advised it was for a special day. Arrived and the valet service was kind and professional. Entered the restaurant and was greeted well by the hostess to confirm our reservation even though we were about 30 mins early. She asked about the special occasion and we explained the reason for visiting the restaurant. She congratulated us and explained that we could walk out back, or go to the bar and enjoy drinks until someone locates us to advise when our seating was ready. (Great Concept-no pagers and very smooth- I likes!) We decided to stroll out back and it was around sunset time which made the view even more breath taking than I could ever describe. Seeing the sunset while starring at the lake was amazing! They have a nice garden to walk through, a pier, and even lawn chairs to layout on to enjoy a glass of wine. Not too long after the magnificent grand opening the "show" began. We were taken to the lower level indoors and sat at a nice table next to the window in the direction of the lake. The seating was the start of a romantic night so I thought. Within 30 seconds of settling in we were asked to move to another table because someone else was supposed to sit there. Not a big deal we understand mistakes happen. They sat us in booth with a view of the magnificent wall next to a door that exits to the nice patio and underneath an area were the hostesses gather to discuss the mistake. We overheard them saying they sat another couple there that was not actually waiting for the table but decided to let them stay. Now my blood is boiling but I am trying not to ruin the evening. A server comes to take our drink order and we order water to start. She says ok and someone drops off the water right before our server arrives. The menu is very simple, nothing extravagant, but the prices make you think you are going to receive an Emeril special. We both ordered the Hawaiian Ribeye with a loaded baked potato, and considered a bottle of wine but the mood was kind of not there due to the seating change. We did however order the artichoke dip that was delicious. Our server delivered the appetizer and we requested a drink menu, and he stated that they have a lot of different drinks. He named a few martinis so we just chose the Pomegranate Martini and Pomegranate Daiquiri. The entrees arrived along with the drinks and we were met with another surprise. The steaks were prepared as ordered and had a nice flavor to them. Pretty good along with the generous baked potato. The Martini was a glass of alcohol without the Pomegranate and the Daiquiri was the exact opposite. We kept a smile on our face and finished dinner without ordering desert. Tipped the waiter 30% with class and left for the evening. They did not live up to expectations for me due to the way they handled the seating situation, and drink quality. The bar was set rather high the week before at Ruth Chris, so this may not be fair to expect a Happy Anniversary surprise. If you are looking for an amazing view, head to Houstons.

    (3)

  • Rahul G.

    Great food & atmosphere with excellent service Went for a business dinner with a party of 6 and had a great experience recently on a weekday night. Our reservation was for 8 pm but we were a few minutes late and they were busy so we were finally seated at 8:30 pm. No biggie. We ordered their french fries, spinach dip and grilled artichokes as an appetizer and enjoyed all of them. The table tried various entrees, including a 15 oz strip steak (special), the prime rib, salmon & other fish dishes. All were very satisfied. Our waiter was friendly & mostly on the ball. The wine prices were very reasonable and for the quality of food, the food prices are fair as well. Great place with a nice view of a small lake. Might be a tough place for a large group, as the 6 of us were sort of tight in one of their booths. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth F.

    I had a business meeting here last week and thoroughly enjoyed myself! I have always heard good things about Houston's but never had gone. We started out with the spinach and artichoke dip which was good! I didn't really expect the tortilla chips that it came with and they kind of seemed like they were fresh out of a grocery store. None the less, the dip was actually good. Very flavorful and the perfect texture (not runny or anything). For dinner, I went with their salmon special. The salmon was cooked PERFECTLY. It was so flavorful too! It came with huge pieces of asparagus that were a great combination with the salmon. Absolutely loved the dish! Oh, and how could I forget about dessert? We got a few desserts to share. One of them was the brownie and ice cream. It was good, but eh...I wouldn't order it again simply because I could make that at home and I wasn't a fan of the white sauce that it came with. We also got their apple pie/cobbler dish. Oh my gosh! That was one of THE best desserts I've had in a long time. It was so fresh, AND they even put pecans in it (never seen that before with apple cobbler). It was extremely delicious and I ate a lot :X The atmosphere is awesome. We had a seat that overlooked the lake behind the restaurant. Fantastic view. Our server was on top of things! We didn't have to wait long for anything and he was super attentive. Would definitely go back!

    (4)

  • Bill B.

    Went here for dinner with my wife. The view of the lake is fantastic! One can sit here for awhile before dinner, watch the ducks, the sun setting, the peacefulness of the lake itself, and simply relax. It is so comfortable. As for the interior, the menu and the food itself, all are excellent. The decor is comfortable, the menu varied and the food's presentation and flavors are great. I had the Hawaiian Rib Eye and can't say enough good things about it. Wow, I've lived here too long! I still remember when this was the Imperial House. They have post cards of the Imperial House on the walls; it looks so nostalgic! Great place to go!

    (5)

  • Candace W.

    This is a wonderful place. The service is great and so is the food. I've been coming here for as long as i can remember. I love everything about this restaurant, the atmosphere, service and food. On the weekends sometimes they have live band which is a treat. I love the spinach dip, house salad with crispy chicken and of coarse the apple cobbler. The apple cobbler is amazing! The menu is not extensive, but everything I've tried has been great

    (5)

  • David M.

    The other day a client called and asked me to have lunch with him at Houston's. I had never been to Houston's so I was quite pleased with the suggestion. Having previewed the restaurant by reading Yelp reviews, I did not know what to expect. Some reviewers, including reviewers I know and respect (like Alexis N.) had very nice things to say about Houston's. Other reviewers who I also know and respect (Annette G. for example) were less than positive about it. That made my visit to Houston's all the more intriguing. Having now visited Houston's, I can say without hesitation that I am among its fans and I look forward to future visits. The decor and ambiance is both elegant and relaxing. A large room, its panoramic window views of the lake and warm wood tones throughout make the room seem much more intimate. We were promptly seated and quickly had several visits to our table by three different servers. It was a pleasure to get so much attention even though I am not entirely convinced that the servers just could not determine who had responsibility for the table. That said, service was attentive and efficient throughout our rather lingering meal (an hour and 45 minutes). I ordered a grilled mahi sandwich, served on a fresh bun with lettuce, tomato and red onion. I was very happy with the freshness of the fish and the bun and the garnish. It was flavorful and filling. I would not hesitate to recommend it or to order it again. I was also pleasantly surprised by the horseradish infused cabbage slaw with which my sandwich was served. It was a nice change of pace from French Fries. My companions ordered a Waldorf salad and a chicken sandwich, respectively. The salad was crisp and did not appear overly dressed. The chicken sandwich, served with fries, looked very basic but satisfying. I need to go back to Houston's to experience more of its menu, perhaps for a dinner, but I really enjoyed my first experience there. And a note to the reviewer who suggested that Orlando restaurant-goers just do not know enough about fine dining: Hush your mouth! I lived for 35 years in Boston and have clients in major cities around the USA. I know what I like to eat. I also know that the serious reviewers here on Yelp know their way around a restaurant as well. If you would lighten up and learn to enjoy food wherever you are, you will enjoy life a lot more.

    (4)

  • Michael J.

    This is by far one of my favorite restaurants. The staff is great and they are great at what they do. The food is excellent and I am never disappointed. I am not too much of a salad fan, but there salad is sooooo good. The fresh croutons, bacon and dressing makes it.

    (5)

  • Alexis N.

    Can you say "YUM"? I went to Houston's this Valentine's Day for the first time in years - the last time I was there was probably 3 or 4 years ago. It was just as good as I remembered it! I love this location because the whole back of the restaurant overlooks Lake Killarney, and it's really beautiful at night. One downside: We had a reservation at 6:30, arrived about 6:20, and weren't seated until about 7:15. I understand that it was a very busy night, but it seemed a bit extreme. To add to that, we asked the hostess three times how far away we were on the list, and each time she said "you're my next table!"... Then, we watched as they continued to seat table after table in front of us. I'm not sure if they train them to say that, or if the hostesses just have no idea what the definition of "next" is, but that was a bit irritating. The food totally made up for it, though! Yummy spinach dip! Super yummy center-cut filet! I did, however, ask for my steak to be done medium-well, and I'm pretty sure the waiter heard medium-rare judging by the way my steak came out, but it was still very good! Loaded baked potato... YUM! I ate every bite, skin included! I love a baked potato that has salt crusted on the skin... mmmm! And then some kind of brownie yummy goodness for dessert!! Another great thing is that they are now offering BYOB with no corkage fee! So definitely bring your own bottle!

    (4)

  • Kate H.

    I've been to Houston's HUNDREDS of times it seems like, and I always leave happy. Because the food has always been spot on and the SERVICE is the best in Orlando. Plus, the entire building has filtered water so you don't feel like an ass when order from the tap. This trip was unusual...we were celebrating a family birthday and rented out the entire dock for the party. ( Don't ask how much the "dock fee" was....I didn't pay the bill.) So it was extra fantastic considering the sunset, our personal server, and the fact that we felt like rockstars. (Although for the record, I kinda freaked out on the inside in the middle of the meal. I have a friend who, before getting married, would take dates to um, hang out? on this same dock. Rumor is this happens often!) My filet was cooked perfectly and was served with cold "jumbo" asparagus (they were actually kinda scary big) and the homemade Key Lime is not to be missed. The wine list changes on occasion and has a nice variety as well! Hint: If you get there early, you can find a spot in the self parking section and skip the valet!

    (5)

  • Helen R.

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Houston's! My favorite place to sit is outside - the dining area is nice, but if you're fortunate enough to be able to sit outside, that is the place to be. I also like the bar because you have a better view and it brings a more casual tone to your dining experience. There is nothing better than splitting a prime rib sandwich (my all time favorite here) with a friend and chatting over a couple of glasses of wine. My only improvement suggestion- bring back Beck's Premier light! Pretty please!

    (5)

  • Yappy O.

    Loved the outside area... Hawaiian ribeye is amazing...food is a bit pricey but not many places with a view as romantic so it is worth it to take your significant other there for a nice date nite.

    (4)

  • David H.

    I absolutely love Houstons. I've been to ones in Orlando, several in Atlanta, and one in Memphis. They are all pretty much the same. Their service is top notch. The only complaint is that every time I go there they tend to raise their prices by about a dollar. It has gotten kind of annoying. Anyways, their food is incredible. I pretty much always get one of three things off the menu, and this is the order of preference too: the haiwaiian ribeye (very expensive...$28 I think, but sooo good), the grilled chicken salad (the dressing is to die for), and the veggie burger (not your average veggie burger...this thing is fresh and cooked perfectly). The best part of this Houstons is that it is located right on the shore of Lake Killarney just north of Orlando. It is absolutely beautiful around sunset since the restaurant windows face west looking over the lake. Try your best to get a table next to the window so you have the best view. It does get crowded and those tables are highly demanded.

    (4)

  • Jennifer T.

    This place is fantastic. I went to dinner here with my husband. PLEASE NOTE! The sign outside the restaurant reads "Hillstone Restaurant" as I believe they may be in the process of a name change. This threw us off from finding the place for an extra few minutes of driving around all confused. We had about an hour wait until our table was ready, which provided the perfect opportunity to enjoy the lake area, fire pit, Adirondack chairs, and cocktails! The wait staff was always attentive and helpful. I think my only criticism is that their bar is not well stocked. If you're looking for something more than a basic cocktail or wine, you're out of luck. However since it was my assumption (and not their guarantee) about the bar, I'm not going to ding any points off of what was overall a delightful experience. Dinner was fantastic. The recommended wine was perfect with our meals. We tried out two items - I had the regular filet mignon which was cooked to perfection and a loaded baked potato which was also delicious. My husband had the Hawaiian Rib Eye and, having tasted it, I think he got the better meal. The flavors were amazing - I highly recommend this dish!

    (5)

  • emely j.

    I have to say this is one of my favorite restaurants. I think its top notch when it comes to food, service, ambiance, and overall experience. The location in Winter Park is the best looking location in my opinion with the lake in the back with the dock, the lawn chairs, and herb garden. The inside is that same warm beautiful look as all the other Houstons. As a pescatarian, this is the place with THE best veggie burger anywhere. It is made in-house and slightly sweet and just perfect all around. Their smoked salmon app is also very tasty as is the spinach dip. And I also love the house-made shoe string french fries. When I go to Houstons, I can guarantee a full and happy stomach:)

    (5)

  • Marci M.

    If I have plans to go to Houston's, I know it will be a good all around experience. One of the few "sure-things" in Orlando! The service is top notch. Just the right amount of attention without being annoying. I have never had an order incorrect and the staff seems to help each other out effortlessly! There is a vast selection of wines and a full bar. If the wait is too long and you haven't made a reservation (which I HIGHLY recommend, for any day of the week) you can get the full menu at the bar as well. There is a great selection of food, something for everyone. I love their homemade veggie burger- absolutely delicious!! I am not a vegetarian, but I love it! Also, try the couscous, it is very flavorful! On a recent trip, we had a party of 5 and we all enjoyed our meals and the experience immensely. Kudos to Houston's for getting it all right!

    (5)

  • Laura S.

    We've been to Houston's on several occasions and have rarely been disappointed. It's our go-to place when we're craving a steak better than Longhorn or Outback but not as fabulous as Ruth Chris. The spinach dip is a favorite of ours for an app but we've stopped ordering the Caesar salad...The dressing is eggless and you can totally tell something is missing. I really prefer the traditional Caesar. We almost ALWAYS get the filet and the ribeye. Most of the time the steaks are cooked right on although we have had a charred incident. I guess that's what happens when you (hint: not me) order a steak medium-well...why bother, right? The loaded baked potato is heaven on a plate. Nice, dim, romantic atmosphere. We will continue to be regulars here.

    (4)

  • Barry K.

    Food is great, service is great, views out back to the lake are great. On the pricey side but everything meets and exceeds your expectations. We have been going here for years and will continue to come back. However, on this trip, after lunch was complete, the bill paid and everything was done, the waitress knocked over a glass of wine and iced tea that came splashing all over my shirt and pants. This can happen, we are all human. She was an amazing waitress and really took care of us. A team of wait staff came to the rescue to clean up the mess. After spending $50pp for lunch , the hostess just said thank you on the way out. The perfect lunch was diminished by them not offering an apology for soaking us with our beverages. Just an apology or perhaps a free drink card for our next visit......anything. Because of this the 5 rating was dropped to a 4. There were also way too many parents there with infant kids. What gives with that? This is NOT a place to bring your crying babies....take them to Wendy's. This is a great restaurant for couples, romantic dining, celebrations, business lunches, adult friends, adult family dinning.....not crying babies and 3 year olds running wild....that's what Denny's is for. I love kids but not when I am paying $50 per person for an enjoyable lunch and your children are running wild while the parents are oblivious on their cell phones texting someone not at their table.

    (4)

  • Cliffy M.

    Why am I reminded of the song "Looks - 10. Dance - 6?" The restaurant and the bar area are a beautiful design. The lakefront outside, as others have said, is stunning. I just wish the food lived up to the views. I've eaten there a number of times. And I just don't get it. Had the strip steak once ... it was a Winn Dixie sirloin. Frankly, the only entree worth getting is the prime rib. At the price, it's just not worth the pretension. I like my meat market to feature real, well, meat - not just Rollins chicks in simple black dresses.

    (2)

  • Meg C.

    Excellent place to dine. Love the restaurant set up and atmosphere. Try and get a table overlooking the lake. It's beautiful. We had two starters, the salmon and artichokes, both which were excellent. The flavor of the artichokes + dipping sauce was awesome. Upon suggestion, I ordered the ribs, which came with cole slaw and shoe string fries. Everything was delicious. They seemed to have a good wine selection and the service was also top notch.

    (5)

  • Eric A.

    Ever since it became Hillstone and not Houston's it's continued to moved further down my list of must visits. The portions have gotten smaller and the prices have gone up.

    (3)

  • John S.

    I would give 3 and 1/2 stars if I could. The building is striking, with a nice lake view and covered veranda seating. The service was perfect, although I had to ask for bread. The menu was short with no specials. No Strip or porterhouse steak, which seemed like an odd omission for a place like this. Interesting wine list. I had been to some of the wineries when visiting Napa, so I was happy to see them on the list. Overall a good choice, but there are better ones on Winter Park.

    (4)

  • Dan B.

    This is a perfect example of a restaurant whose gaudiness, prices, and pretension is designed to trick apathetic (with regards to quality of food), yet wealthy diners into coming chronically and emptying their wallets without even thinking much about it. I've been here many times in many different cities (almost always because someone invites me, I never recommend Houston's to anyone), and I still haven't had any food that can be classified as "above average." I read people raving about steaks and ribs on here, and I try them, and I'm so disappointed. For every dish Houston's has, I can point you in the direction of a restaurant that has a much better version of that dish, but for a non-criminal price. My favorite ribs I've ever had in Florida is hands down is at Flanigan's in Miami. Ribs at Houston's are $26, nearly double how much they cost at Flanigan's, but don't have half the taste. The steaks are unfortunately a joke, they're way overpriced for the quality you get . Kres Steakhouse on Church Street and Linda's La Cantina Steakhouse on Colonial have far better steaks for similar prices. There is absolutely nothing appealing to me about Houston's. I can get better food and a classier atmosphere elsewhere. If I'm going to pay top dollar, I expect top food. In summary, it's overpriced, over-hyped, and pretentious. They have high standards in turning away underdressed guests, yet not the same standards on delivering quality in exchange for the price.

    (2)

  • Aaron A.

    I've been going to this restaurant for nearly a decade. 3x per week. I have two of the most well-behaved dogs. The staff and guest after guest stops by to say so. Suddenly, they implement a no-pet policy. This was - for YEARS - one of the most pet friendly restaurants in the area. Now NOTHING? NADA? They know us by first-name. Even brought the customary dog bowl of water. Then, with the check, say I am welcome - as the person who pays the check - but my dogs are not. It's like my favorite restaurant broke up with me unexpectedly 'because I don't like your family". This is a great example of corporate policy gone bad and impotence on the part of the local managers to do the right thing. OF COURSE - food safety is important and OF COURSE ill-tempered dogs should GO. But the same of kids or waiters or customers or anyone else who is breaking hygiene or disturbing other guests. To ban well-tempered dogs callously is like banning people on basis of race, religion, etc. Non pet owners don't understand and argue that pets don't count with regard to racism claims. But for pet owners, they are like our kids. Terrible decision, Hillstone Winter Park. You go from HERO to ZERO in the books of many who loved you.

    (1)

  • Doron R.

    The food, ambiance, and service are the best in Orlando. This restaurant is great in every location I have tried (NYC, DC (now closed), Bethesda, and now Winter Park). Awesome ribs, great salads. And this one has a spectacular outdoor area on the lake.

    (5)

  • Brittany S.

    We have never been disappointed with Hillstone (formerly Houston's). Get the grilled artichoke appetizer... it's to die for. Their ribs are amazing and fall off the bone. This is the only place I would ever actually order ribs. I also love the Thai Chicken Salad w/ peanut dressing-- so delicious! I wish they could fit more than 6 at a table. This isn't the best place for groups larger than 6 because they can't push tables together and only have a few booths that fit 5-6 people comfortably. You can reserve their dock which is right on the lake for a group, which is a beautiful setting that I'd like to try for a special occasion.

    (5)

  • Jerrica J.

    Hillstone is a great chain that is popular among lots of people. I don't know why they had to change the name from Houstons, but either way, the food still tastes the same. I love their steaks and the portion sizes are just right. My favorite is the rib eye steak and loaded baked potato! If you are just going for drinks and appetizers, I suggest you sit outside on the lawn overlooking the sunset on the lake. So beautiful! Bottles of wine is inexpensive and always guaranteed to have a good time with great company!

    (4)

  • Laura V.

    This is my favorite place to eat, hands down. Try the grilled artichokes! I have never had anything there I didn't like! The view is amazing. I would make a reservation on weekends.

    (5)

  • Nathan A.

    I've been here a couple times for lunch. This is a great place for a date or lunch. The last time there, I had their chicken tortilla soup for lunch. All in all, no complaints.

    (4)

  • Dino R.

    Top of the line... all the way. The first thing that strikes you when you walk in is the view and the architecture. Lots of wood, glass and copper. Reminds me of Vermont for some reason. The entire restaurant overlooks the lake and a dock. You can have drinks and nibbles out on the dock if you like too! Then, you are treated to impeccable service. I have not seen service like this until the price range is about double that of Hillstone. The servers seem to be highly trained and do not wear blinders. What are blinders? That is what horses often wear so they cannot see side to side and get distracted. So many servers seem to wear blinders these days. I find that very annoying. Not here... In fact, you will be assigned a server, however, others often assist so you are never feeling the need to "wave down" a server. They are attentive without smothering. Just the perfect blend. Kudos to the management. This seems to be a well oiled machine that offers fine food with very reliable quality. Oh, if you like artichokes, the grilled artichokes with the remoulade sauce are amazing! I recently decided to go vegetarian. Their veggie burger is a treat. Even if you are meat eater, this will amaze you. Definitely soothes my craving for a real burger. The food quality is excellent and the wine list very nice indeed!

    (5)

  • Jan T.

    Love everything about this restaurant. .. Deck and dock overlooking lake and stunning sunsets. Salmon and veggie burger are favs. All that's missing is a supervised children's playroom.

    (5)

  • JW U.

    Amazing views with consistently good food. Watch out for the cougars - they smell the money.

    (4)

  • Carla S.

    Houstons NEVER disappoints. No matter what you order (I'm pretty sure I have tried everything there), it will be delicious. The staff is always kind and courteous. The view of the lake is nice and relaxing. I always go here with my Grandparents. They're happy. I'm happy. All God's children are happy. When I return to Orlando for a visit, I'll be going back here.

    (5)

  • Diane B.

    In the Orlando area Houston is a treat. We don't have a lot of truly great and interesting restaurants (in my opinion) so the competition isn't that tough to shine. Houston's excels because it has a great atmosphere and good food. I do want to note though even for someone who is not price conscious I find Houston's to be quite pricey. Especially their drinks which I have never found to be impressive. However...overall I enjoy Houston's because the food is really good, service is good and the atmosphere is great.

    (4)

  • Brian S.

    The Hickory Burger has to be in the running for the best burger in the city. It is so good, and still original after all these years. No one else is doing cold shredded cheese, and it makes a huge difference. I'm not crazy about the slightly cool water carafe even though I know it is a long-standing tradition. I just think you have to offer a nod to the fact that you operate in different regions and perhaps offer some ice.

    (4)

  • wine o.

    Another consistently great meal here last night. Prime rib prepared to perfection... constantly amazed at how well they execute on every facet of service.

    (5)

  • Travis B.

    All in all, the best restaurant in Winter Park. Amazing views, great food, and the BEST Dirty Martini in Orlando.

    (5)

  • David S.

    Great atmosphere and scenery. The chips and salsa were out of this world. Definitely a great date-night experience!

    (4)

  • Sunshine B.

    We went here for Christmas Eve dinner, and it was truly amazing. It is such a beautiful setting, with such personalized service and excellent food, that it doesn't feel like a chain at all. We had the grilled artichokes, and many people in our group had never tried artichokes, but they were so perfectly prepared that everyone loved them. I think for the atmosphere and food quality, the pricing is fair, it is a great dining experience for special occasions.

    (5)

  • Bruce D.

    Sitting by the lake in an Adirondack chair with a glass of wine is there a better way to wait for you table? Food was good but the location and atmosphere were over the top, Happy to review again next week. Come on honey we are going out!!!!!

    (5)

  • Jaclyn N.

    There are some things that are the same everywhere you go, and for Houston's, that's a good thing. I got the same great food that I've had in Boston many times, but at this place I was able to eat my lunch with a friend on the patio while overlooking a beautiful, peaceful lake out back. To me, this restaurant offers the best of both Florida beauty and high quality standards that Houston's has all over the country.

    (5)

  • Adam P.

    Amazing, inside and out. Expensive, yes, but well worth the 45-minute wait and the experience of one of the best places I've eaten at. There's a reason why it's jam packed all the time.

    (5)

  • Landon H.

    The crabcake was the best crabcake I've ever had. My "go to" dish is the Thai Steak salad. My wife and I have enjoyed Houston's in 4 different cities (LA, Austin, Orlando and Atlanta) and its always delicious. My wife and I both noticed that the size of the salad seems to have shrunk a little but it was still very good. The Steak is always so tender and well seasoned. I get my steak fix AND salad. Gotta love it.

    (5)

  • Giovanni D.

    Good good and great ambience. Kind of expensive but worth it!!!

    (5)

  • Adam S.

    AWESOME. I love everything there. Last time I had the Hawaiian Prime Rib, OMFG. The best ever. I also recommend getting dessert. No matter what you order, you will not be let down.

    (5)

  • Megan D.

    Get off your high horse! Houston's was fantastic.... Hillstone not so much. My friends and I are frequent diners here, but unfortunately we will no longer be eating here. Nor will my husband and his company. We called and made a reservation for lunch. 6 adults and a baby- requested the far corner booth (it's the largest) and in a corner where you can use your own high chair that attaches to the table. We checked in and our whole party wasn't there so another party was seated there at that booth with a baby in a car seat/stroller duo (5 adults and baby). When our party showed up 5 minutes later we were brought to a booth that sat 6 adults comfortably but couldn't put the high chair on the end of the table because it would block the walkway. I asked the hostess how she would like all of us to fit in the booth like that with the baby- they didn't really care, and then that hostess went and got the BEAST of all hostess' and she was beyond rude and wanted to come over and give us all a lesson in hostessing. Spoke down to us and treated us like we were 5 year olds. She had the nastiest attitude ever- apparently in her book customer service isn't an option. So I had to sit there while eating over my child the whole meal. You are a hostess- A HOSTESS! Do your job or get a new one. When someone calls and requests that table because they are your largest party coming in that day you give it to them. Charge us $100 to rent the table for all I care. I just want to eat without having to eat over my child the entire time.

    (2)

  • Mariacristina R.

    Located nearly out of sight on Orlando Ave, Houston's is a large, swanky steakhouse with a killer dockside view on Lake Killarney, an open kitchen, and a large round bar. Houston's can get busy during weekend evenings but long waits for a table are made bearable by their vast selection of alcohol. Drinks are painfully pricey but satisfying. I ordered their special for the evening which was steak and mashed potatoes. My order was cooked to my liking, the steak moist and delicious. The server was prompt, polite and informative. The meal turned out delicious and is still the best steak I've had in Florida thus far. Houston's isn't an average steakhouse. The location in upscale Winter Park and the crowd (ranging from 30-something professionals to wealthy retirees) welcomes the mellow, experienced demographic.

    (5)

  • Jennifer T.

    Great food, service and wine. Super pricey though...which is to be expected for where you are. Great atmosphere inside the restaurant also outside, by the lake. Great place for a girls night out or a date night!

    (4)

  • Bob B.

    I've always said, a restaurant that can make soup will be successful. One word describes Houston's, CONSISTENCY! They have well prepared meals with a level of service that is second to none. Whatever your choice from appetizer to entree will be fresh and to your liking. This is off the 'beaten path' so you won't be fighting 'tourist' and it's a local favorite. I've never been afraid to recommend Houston's...

    (5)

  • H W.

    Been going to this resturants regularly for the past 3 years now. This is my absolute favorite resturants in all of America. I compare every other place to Houstons. Great service, always great food, great atmosphere. The best in Orlando from burgers to fresh fish to steak!

    (5)

  • Judy D.

    We had dinner here a couple of weekends ago while visiting family. It was the first experience for the four of us. The interior is lovely and the ambiance is very romantic and soothing. We were seated with a view of the lake, which was a plus. Our server was a smiling young lady who was eager to please. We ordered the deviled eggs as a table appetizer and they were VERY good. Among the four, we ordered the swordfish, Asian chicken noodle salad, filet mignon and trout. The sides we chose were braised red cabbage with a dollop of cream cheese and baked potatoes. Everything was perfectly cooked except the filet. My husband had ordered it medium rare and it was medium so he sent it back and asked for rare, to be on the safe side. It was returned exactly as he wanted it, by the manager. That's a whole different story. Eye-candy in a suit. But I digress. Because we were quite full, we shared a slice of Key lime pie and an apple cobbler. Both very good. A definite return.

    (4)

  • Christian R.

    Their whole menu is absolutely amazing. Even if you're not hungry you should try the dessert. The view of the lake was incredible during the sunset. You can have drinks outside while the outstanding servers make sure you are comfortable and will deliver your orders right to your chairs. The ducks were friendly too!

    (5)

  • Janessa A.

    made a reservation in advance because you know how packed it gets on V-day. Reservation was for 5:30 we got seated at 6:04pm. So wasnt too bad but a little wait. The view on the lake and the sunset was beautiful wished we couldve gone outside but it was cold that night. Appetizer we ordered chicago style spinach dip which cam ewith tortilla chips , salsa, and sourc reram along with the dip (12.00) My sweetheart got the ribs which are supposed to be the best in town with coleslaw and fries, he said they were some of the best ribs he had.. Very tender, not alot a sauce, but th meat speaks for itself. Fries were nice and seasoned and coleslaw he said was good. I ordered the rotisserie chicken with apicot glazed sauce and herbs, and dirty rice- (17.00) it was fabulous. But for dessert we were recommended the hot fudge sundae-wow!! I mean this was so simple, but done so righjt...A huge scoops of vanilla bean icecream with a side order of what looks like a freakin genie lamp of hot fudge and warm toasted pecans. Sooo good!! Could not stop eating it. Also ordered cappucino's mind u they come dark so I have to put 12 packets of sugar. All in all for all this food it cam eout to 77.00 which wasnt bad at all. Nice place have to check out the one back in MIami!!

    (5)

  • Elizabeth B.

    I've patronized Houston's Restaurants all over the country and yes, the food is very good and the service is superb. Lately, though, I've found that the price has increased as the portions have decreased. Just beware, you'll receive comparable food and service for a more reasonable price at other Winter Park eateries like Brio.

    (3)

  • Carter T.

    They don't take reservations and tables can be very hard to come by on the weekends... but if you can get the table then the view of Lake Killarney and excellent food will make it all worth it while.

    (4)

  • Michael D.

    Located in Winter Park, Houston's is situated on a lake that is beautiful at sunset! Great place for special occasions. Don't sit outside during dusk in the summer time or you'll be drinking the bugs that will swarm your area as the sun sets... Food is comparable to the typical Winter Park scene.

    (4)

  • Jamie K.

    The first time I ate here was a few years back.....prime rib was devine. I have been to several other Houston's across the US and they are all top knotch...right up there with Ruth Chris's and Charlie's Steakhouse!

    (5)

  • Theresa X.

    Went here for dinner last night after reading some yelp reviews and had a great meal. We started off w/ the smoked salmon appetizer which a huge portion and really tasty. I ordered the thai steak salad (w/ avocados, mango, noodles, peanuts) which was really good but very spicy so be careful. My bf order the ny strip w/ mash potatoes and a side of cole slaw --- everything was awesome, we definitely overate but I don't care, it was all really good. Service was fast and friendly.

    (4)

  • Chard M.

    If you want to the best pork chop you will find around here, Houston's is the place for sure. Super fast service, good protions and a mouth watering, sweet and delicious hunk of pork on chop!

    (5)

  • ellen b.

    Consistent quality and great food! The ribs are the best!

    (5)

  • Leah P.

    We went to Houstons because we heard it would be a great date night away from the kids. When we arrived at the Winter Park location we were pleased to see how pretty it was but kind of taken back by the attitude of the Hostesses. They acted like were lucky to be in their presence, but I digress. We sat down at one of their beautiful tables and read over the menus. The veggie burgers caught our eyes as they were said to be handmade, so we ordered them. I got mashed potatoes with mine. The burger itself was delicious but the potatoes tasted half raw and really weren't appetizing. A couple hours later back at home we arrived home and both had the unmistakable rumble in the stomach crampiness, followed by several bathroom trips, aka food poisoning. The next day, I called the restaurant, spoke to the hostess who gave me an attitude and put me on hold endlessly. I eventually hung up and gave up. Very disappointing!

    (2)

  • Kevin S.

    I wasn't holding up high hopes for anything named after a city in Texas, especially here in Orlando, which means "Land of Chain Restaurants" in Spanish. I was expecting something all faux cowboyed up. When I laid eyes on the big, deep, seductively lighted booths arrayed in tiers to give everybody a view of the lake outside, my hopes fluttered a bit. We found a great meritage on the menu, then ordered steaks, and a blackened shrimp appetizer that still makes my mouth water thinking about it. When my big succulent ribeye appeared, beautifully cooked and perfectly seasoned, I tucked in with vigor and was rewarded with mouthfuls of beefy, buttery, juicy steak. The baker was excellent and the wine complemented everything perfectly. It may be a chain in the chain food capital, but it defies expectations.

    (5)

  • P Y.

    With the valet parking, nice lake view, delicious food, and sweet service, what else do you expect? We ordered New York strip and a Garden salad, which are very good. We also had the key lime pancake. When I write this review, I cannot stop my mouth from watering. :D

    (5)

  • Allison M.

    After reading the Yelp reviews, I decided to make this a dinner stop during my business trip to Orlando for an Oracle class. We arrived at the restaurant around 6 p.m. on a Thursday evening and the place was mobbed and the wait for a table was going to be a half an hour. We scoped the place out and lucked out as a couple left the bar right as we were walking by. We grabbed the empty seats and decided to order from there rather than wait another twenty or so for a table. The menu looked great, but definitely more spendy than anticipated based on the price range rating. Because we wanted to make a comedy show that night, we decided to order a couple of salads rather than a full meal. I order a Thai beef "salad" served with melt-in-your-mouth slices of beef, avocado, mango, and noodles with a peanut sauce. It really was fantastic. After our order came, a couple sitting next to me enjoying cocktails commented on how good my "salad" looked, but also commented that they felt the place was too expensive. The restaurant has a very pleasant ambiance, and I wish I had the time to enjoy sitting at an actual table or even outside. The only view we got of the lake was from our parking spot! We went in our business casual attire and fit it well. I would highly recommend the restaurant, but be prepared to wait for a table, even during the week and keep in mind that it's more expensive than it's rated for. Our check came to 40USD for two salads (we drank water).

    (4)

  • Brian S.

    You can always count on Hillstone for excellent service and a great meal. Try their pork chop, it's fantastic. Pair it with a lakeside sunset view along with a bottle of red wine and your sure to have a memorable evening. Taken together, few can compete with what Hillstone has to offer and at a great price too.

    (5)

  • Don P.

    Just driving up to this restaurant, you are immediately aware that you are in for a very special evening. The large circular tree lined driveway as you approach the restaurant is reminiscent of a scene from a hollywood movie. The restaurant is situated on a lake surrounded by trees amidst small gardens and pathways which meander around the restaurant's lake front property. There is a portico for dining alfresco, I strongly recommend you wait to dine outside to enjoy the remarkable sunset and evening twilight vistas. This place is known for its roast beef and steaks. I noticed as I passed by the open display kitchen a Alto-Shaam cook-n-hold oven and an Infrared gas broiler on the cook line. Ladies and gentleman this is all you need to know if you are expecting beef to be cooked to absolute photo worthy perfection. Team Vega (Orlando/NE Foodie Group) ordered the signature grill artichokes for starters which we all shared. They are grilled over a char-broiler and had a nice smokey flavor and they were delivered to our table piping hot with a residual smoke plume for effect. They were quite good along with a wonderful dipping sauce. The three of us ordered a New York Strip and a Prime Rib which was split for two, along with a stuffed baked potato. The roast beef was oh so cook-n-hold tender and flavorful served with au-jus and a horseradish sauce. The au-jus was perfect not salty but extremely flavorful and the horseradish sauce, well, one of the best I've had in a very long time. I do believe the show stopper was the New York strip with a proprietary house rub that elevated that steak to a status not shared by many. The crispy charbroiled crust created by the rub and the inherent beefy flavor of a New York strip was simply extraordinary! The fully loaded baked potato was amazing, I have not had one that good anywhere else and certainly is a must try when dining here.The wine service was exceptional even down to the detail of providing carafes with special aeration inserts for each of the wines we selected. For dessert we chose key lime pie and a apple cobbler with pecan sauce topping which we all shared and thoroughly enjoyed. Our waitress was prompt, efficient and engaging without being obtrusive making the whole evening one for the ages. If you are looking for a special events restaurant or a romantic evening out, Hillstone is well suited for any occasion and a dining experience you will long remember.

    (5)

  • Flagler G.

    Food here was OK. But not great and not NEARLY worth the prices they charge. I paid $25 for 5 Shrimp. And then another $5 for a scoop of coleslaw to go with it! The Coleslaw was half Parsley, so it tasted like a pile of Grass. The coating on the shrimp was not even crisp. Add to that a $3 glass of iced tea, and, well, yahoo.

    (1)

  • Kristin S.

    I've been here many times in the past, and was previously very pleased. I'm sorry to report that this restaurant has gone down hill (no pun intended). It's a prime example of using low quality ingredients, charging a premium price, and expecting guests to be none the wiser. The prime rib had good flavor, but was chewy and otherwise unremarkable. None of the fish is wild caught, but all are offered at wild caught prices. I would have loved a shrimp cocktail, but not at $21 for 4 shrimp! I sent both my broccoli and red cabbage back. The broccoli was bland and unexciting in any way. The cooked cabbage was barely warm, and cold in some places. The best parts of the meal were the wine and the golden beets. Everything else left me disappointed and sorry I chose this restaurant to celebrate a special occasion.

    (2)

  • Lisa G.

    The atmosphere of classic steak house but with an amazing view. The food is pretty delicious too. They actually served my friend the wrong steak and then cooked a new one but took BOTH our steaks of the bill! The service is superior ... All good reasons to come back!

    (5)

  • Anthony C.

    The restaurant itself is beautiful designed and very unique in terms of almost stadium style seating so everyone can enjoy the fantastic view. A very classy place. There are a lot of places outside to hang out, including a fire pit and a dock that can be reserved. I want to go back and try the ribs because the table next to us of 3 people all ordered ribs and couldn't stop talking about how they came there just for the ribs. A great endorsement for the ribs! I can't recall being anywhere and seeing a table all order the same thing, especially considering how many choices can be made. They looked really good when they arrived and I felt like we made a mistake. We had the french dip and burger. The prime rib on the french dip was very tender and delicious. The burger was good but not exceptional and I don't think I would order it again. Free valet easier than trying to find a spot in their small parking lot.

    (4)

  • Christi D.

    This isn't far one of me and my husband's favorite restaurants. We usually go for special events like birthdays. You can't beat the view in Central Florida! The sunsets on the lake are breathtaking and add to the romantic atmosphere. We usually prefer the artichokes for appetizers when they are in season. My husband's favorite entree is the salmon, and I like the ribs and you can't go wrong with the burger. The Kale salad is delicious too. Don't forget dessert! You get to pour the hot fudge on your sundae.

    (5)

  • Todd B.

    Houston's (Hillstone) - still one of the best restaurant chains in the business. Admittedly, I am biased, having worked at one for a few years, but there isn't a bad thing on the menu (except the cous cous, which is the devil). In the realm of chain restaurants, Hillstone is one of the few really good ones. Wanted to come in for dinner, but our Orlando schedule didn't work out, so we came for lunch on Sunday. Even on a gloom, rainy day, the views of the lake out back are beautiful. Probably one of the nicest locations for a restaurant one could want. Our server was attentive, but not intrusive, as is the Hillstone way. We obviously started with a spinach and artichoke dip, because you have to. As always, my favorite spinach dip from any restaurant. Wonderfully cheese and creamy. I went with my old reliable for lunch - french dip sandwich. Rare roast beef shaved thin on a buttered hoagie (hold the mayo) with a cup of au jus for dippingm and fries. Devoured it. Sandwich didn't last 5 minutes. My girlfriend had their veggie burger on my suggestion. Don't know if she agreed with me that it's the best veggie burger she could have, but she did really enjoy it. She didn't care for the cous cous, but the cous cous is the only thing on that menu I have ever not liked. Houstons (Hillstone) will always be one of my favorite restaurants. I hate the fact that they never expanded to the west coast of Florida - they have multiple locations on the east, but not one in Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota, etc. That said, I removed a star because as much as I love it, the prices are a bit outrageous. Almost $20 for a roast beef sandwich really isn't acceptable. A spinach dip appetizer, even as good as this one is, shouldn't cost $15. So, I love it, but even if I lived near Winter Park, the prices would keep me from going too often. It would have to be a treat, not a regular stop.

    (4)

  • Bob W.

    We took my parents to Hillstones to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary while they were vising from Minnesota. I had never experienced Hillstones but had always heard fantastic things about the restaurant. We had wonderful cocktails and unbelievable grilled artichokes as an appetizer and spent an hour or so enjoying the private lakeside gazebo. As we were seated for dinner at the outside table we had requested the sunset was beautiful. The service and food was excellent. One look at the food and you knew the chef takes pride in his presentation. Once you taste the food you know you are eating fresh, top quality items prepared by very skilled chefs. All in all, it well worth the drive from Ormond Beach and I cannot wait to return.

    (5)

  • Chelsea B.

    The view alone is worth the visit! My boyfriend and I both tried the Thai Steak and Noodle salad. I was hesitant at first...I wasn't sure how a Thai dish would measure up at an obviously non-Thai restaurant. But it was SO GOOD. The fresh avocado and mango paired perfectly with the marinated filet. We also tried the creamed corn and whipped potatoes (we incorrectly thought the salad portions would be small, which is why we went a little side crazy). Both were good, but next time I'll probably skip the sides now that I know how big the portions are. Great wine selection. And of course, the view. Tip: make reservations!

    (5)

  • Hillary B.

    Best appetizers! Chips and spinach dip, smoked salmon and grilled artichokes. Can't go wrong. The best view is by the window. Not great for big groups over 5-6 people. Grab a drink out back in the garden, or on the dock.

    (5)

  • Francisco M.

    We went to dine at Hillstone tonight and as always, we had a very good experience. The service was very good and Lisa was very attentive to our needs. We began with the Chicago Style Spinach Dip which is delicious. The cheese and spinach blend nicely and it's always a good starting point. I had the Prime Rib which was flavorful and cooked to a perfect MR. Some parts of it were salty but I believe that was just the seasoning close to the bone. The baked potato was loaded with cheese, bacon, sour cream and butter, just the way I like it. Finished off with the Hot Fudge Sundae and it was enough for the five of us. The melted chocolate comes in a separate pouring dish so you can add as much or as little as you want.

    (4)

  • Dana D.

    So I will caveat my review with one thing: Hillstone does have good food, however, their service is a whole different story. I've been coming here for a long time & while they have a very large staff it seems that being greeted quickly and the server actually checking up on you does not exist. The last time I was here we walked out due to lack of service & the fact that everything on the menu we wanted wasn't available. Returning tonight I was hoping for better service but same thing transpired. This place is falling off.

    (3)

  • Caleb L.

    This place is impressive. We walked into the restaurant breath taken away on how majestic the wood carving and stone work of the place was. After all the name is Hillstone! We ordered our drinks and got a chip and dips app. We walked to the dock with a wonderful view of the lake and they tell us they get amazing views of dusk! Upon arriving to the dock there is hidden places to sit and enjoy nature and view of lake. This place you can definitely have a dinner date, work dinner or family event! Worth reviewing!

    (5)

  • Allyson N.

    A beautiful view of the lake is nicely paired with savory food. I can't say enough nice things about this place.

    (5)

  • Christina S.

    This is a sister chain restaurant of Houston's. Same menu almost and very similar to Seasons 52. The food quality is very good but quite expensive for what you get. This is a good atmosphere for a business lunch, a special day, or rich housewives with no where better to go after a day at the mall. The best feature about this particular location is the lake front access, view, dock, adarondack chairs for relaxing while waiting for a table and the outdoor landscape in the back. Be sure to take a stroll with a glass of wine before or after your visit. We had a burger, a Caesar, chicken tortilla soup, kale salad and ahi tuna salad and all was very good. Along with a couple glasses of wine and iced tea, the check was well over $100 for lunch.

    (4)

  • Jacob M.

    Fantastic food combined with phenomenal service equals 5 stars! Hillstone (Houstons) always impresses me with consistently the best of service and food. I had the Hawaiian ribeye again tonight and it was as good or better than Dallas or Scottsdale locations. The fact they always have great food combined with the best service in the business means I will always be coming back for more!

    (5)

  • Jeremy W.

    This is one of my toughest reviews and I cannot believe I'm giving a Hillstone restaurant anything less than 5 stars. We longed for the day when we could taste food similar to the Houston's that used to be in Chicago many years ago. We went to Hillstone, figuring Houston's and Hillstone were one in the same. I came away disappointed, especially with the fish sandwich. It was nothing like the fish sandwich that I anticipated. I understand restaurants tweak menu items over the years, but this sandwich was a radical change. First, it was fried, which I had not anticipated. The fish came on a bun that had a colossal scoop of coleslaw, way too much damn coleslaw. But back to the fish, I was surprised at the look of the fish, it had been fried and never drained, I could see all the oil still on the fish, somewhat unappetizing, but I still gave the sandwich its day in court. Verdict, not what I expected. My daughter had the French Dip and she did not like it, choosing to pick over it so as to not disappoint Dad, knowing that I was looking so much to this dining re-acquaintance with Houston's aka Hillstone. I tasted the beef on my daughters sandwich, she was right, it was super moist but had zero flavor. Lastly, my wife tried the beef also and it was unanimous, not tasty at all. My wife appeared to like her salad, even though it was slightly different than what she remembered. When we eat out as a family, we usually rate restaurants just for fun. My 11 year old gave Hillstone a 4, I gave it a 6 and my wife gave it a 9, mainly because she liked her drink, salad and Spinach dip. The Apple Walnut cobbler is still a winner, but they were cheap on the crust. We spent a bunch here, but at least my desire to get some of my favorite restaurant again after a several year hiatus was somewhat appeased, though not thoroughly what I had anticipated.

    (3)

  • Gabe M.

    I've heard about Hillstone (formerly Houston's) for years...and finally got a chance to try it out. The environment, wine and the mashed potatoes were my 3 favorite things. The customer service here is also spectacular, from valet to the various waiters and waitresses that helped us throughout the night. We sat inside and still managed to get a beautiful view of the sunset as we ate. We ordered the Rosemary Focaccia for appetizer, and I had the $15 Cabernet, which was very spicy and bold as I like my cabs. While I didn't care for the thick-glass stem wine glass it came in, the wine was still great! For dinner I ordered the filet medium-well, but unfortunately was brought out well-done with a bit of char and was a bit dry. It was still tender and I was so hungry that I chose to enjoy the meal instead of sending it back. The mashed potatoes were PERFECTION. All I can say is that they tasted very real and homemade, and not the flakes from the box. Finally, we split the Apple Walnut Cobbler which was INCREDIBLE. perfection portion to share and it tasted semi-healthy! ;-) we will definitely be back some time.

    (4)

  • Idalis M.

    This Restaurant is amazing. 4 stars is because their menu is not that extensive. We stared with the Guacamole; which was beyond delicious it was the best. I had the "rainbow trout" they served me the pink trout instead. My Bf had the Hawaiian Rib eye with mashed potatoes. It was perfectly cooked. The lake view is just different. Awesome service. I just wish they will offer more vegan offers. To earn that extrà star.

    (4)

  • Andrew H.

    After I had heard so much buzz about Hillstone, I had to check it out. We were dining for a special occasion, so I wanted to make sure the ambiance was great. It was hard to believe such an oasis could exist off the hectic traffic of 1792! Not only was the ambiance great, but we had a great night overall, with food, service, and experience all being top-notch. We were determined to dine at one of their six outside tables, and ended up waiting quite some time for it, but it was worth every minute. In the meantime, I we decided to have drinks on the lawn and enjoy the view. This was the only negative aspect of the evening. I was first told there was no cocktail/appetizer service on the lawn, but after walking to the bar and sitting down outside, I saw waitstaff serving customers on the lawn. Confused, I went inside to inquire if there was service, to which they responded "Oh wait, it's Thursday. There is service." We then returned outside, but could not get the attention of a waiter, so we walked back up to the bar to get a drink, and we asked once more about the servers, to which they informed us there was no service on the lawn. As a customer, I found it somewhat irking that no one seemed to be properly informed on what was happening. Later, we were told our table was ready and sat down with excitement as we glanced over the menus. We started off with the artichokes and the smoked salmon. The salmon was unbelievable. The flavor was full and well-complimented with the sauce it was served with. For the main course, I ordered the famous Hawaiian ribeye. This was my first time having a steak flavored differently than the typical simple seasoning mix of salt, pepper, and garlic. I was a bit unsure ordering it, but I was pleasantly surprised! This could easily make be one of the Top 5 steaks I've ever had. My father, a Filet Mingon purist (due to shuddering at the sight of fat on a steak) even loved it was wished he had ordered mine! Although a hot fudge sundae may sound basic, it was incredible! It came with an entire boat of hot fudge, which of course is never a bad thing (right?). Overall, I would definitely return! Although the confusion with cocktail service on the lawn was a bit frustrating, our waitress for the evening was great. If you're looking for somewhere with beautiful ambiance, wonderful food, and a dining experience as it should be, look no further.

    (4)

  • Indrid I.

    This place is exquisite. Great food at a tasteful environment. Never been disappointed here and you won't be either. You can have pleasant conversations with a stranger or enjoy a bottle of wine outside while enjoying a beautiful sunset. Their deserts are with every calorie. I can skip desert anywhere else but here.

    (5)

  • Jenna C.

    Amazing food, service, and atmosphere! Hillstone is consistently wonderful, the service is always great and everyone is always friendly. The food is top notch and the lake view can be breath taking.

    (5)

  • Ashley H.

    The location of Hillstone couldn't be more perfect with the lakefront view! It's one of my favorite places to take out of town guests or to go when the weather is perfect for outside dining. One thing I will say is definitely be prepared to wait if you go at the prime-times and didn't make a reservation. Waiting isn't such an issue though as they have outside chairs and a beautiful dock overlooking the lake. As far as the food I've always had a decent experience. I will be honest and say I wish they had a little more on the menu. The grilled artichoke app and spinach dip are excellent. For entrees, I always get the fish special they are offering and it never disappoints! I only eat seafood (no poultry, pork or red meat). The Thai noodle salad with shrimp added is one of my favorite dishes there. Overall this is one of my favorite establishments in Orlando! Yes, the prices are on the high side but you get what you pay for.

    (4)

  • Nick P.

    Hillstone back patio is a place to enjoy a cool drink while enjoying the intimate company of your family, friends, or just a romantic evening out with your significant other. Inside is just as beautiful. Note: They don't offer bottle water. Ugh ;( No specialty drinks. :( But hey, it's working and has my vote!!!

    (4)

  • Michael C.

    Drinks, dinner and dessert were all amazing. Sitting on their back patio at sunset is super romantic too. Only downsides are that it always seems to be crowded and it's a little pricey. Gonna make sure to try to come here for lunch one day.

    (4)

  • Kayla M.

    Though the service was a bit slow, the food was incredible. Great date night setting, or casual setting for a nice dinner with friends. Candlelit and on a lake. I had the salmon and my boyfriend had the steak. Both were to die for! Highly recommend. Get a reservation! Also be aware the lot is small so you may have to park elsewhere if you don't want to valet.

    (5)

  • Prithi D.

    I still call it Houstons, but I love this place. I love their veggie burger. I love sitting on the lake front area...it reminds me of the many meals I ate here in my youth.

    (4)

  • Sonny W.

    BRING BACK THE HICKORY BURGER - WTF Hillstone - This is literally the only reason I come to Houstons. I want my artichokes, my hickory burger and a brownie. It's what I've ordered for years and it's TOTAL BS that it's off the menu. What makes it worse is you can't even order it "off" the menu - they stopped making Hickory Sauce??? IT WAS THE BEST SAUCE EVER MADE! This was one of the best burgers ever created. Now it's trash. I WONT RETURN UNTIL THE HICKORY BURGER IS BACK. Even though the pork chop was pretty good, I still won't come back.

    (1)

  • Adam B.

    Good steak! Like the NY strip, kona crusted. Unfortunately the hefty price doesn't include bread. Servers don't know much regarding a beer/wine list recommendation, but order at the bar and they can give you craftsmanship. Get there early and enjoy the views. Valet service so have cash to be classy.

    (4)

  • Kelly L.

    I feel like this deserves an updated review because I frequent it so often these days and it is literally my happy place. If I'm ever in a crappy mood, take me to Hillstone. As I've said before, the grilled artichokes are one of my favorite things on the planet. The smoked salmon is also another one of my favorite appetizers. I do enjoy the spinach dip as well, although that is probably my least favorite as far as apps go. I still love the Hawaiian Rib Eye but other staples of mine include the Ahi tuna salad, the burger (Good Lord its good), and on the lunch menu I can't get enough of the crispy chicken sandwich.... its perfectly fried (always stays crunchy, its like magic... how do they doooo that?!), comes dressed with this incredible kale slaw, tomatoes and a slice of cheese on that perfect homemade brioche bun. I want it ALL the time. Their grouper sandwich is also one of the best you'll find. The sides are always great- I can't get enough of their loaded baked potato and the kale salad. Seriously, calling all of you kale haters out there- try this, I promise your mind will be changed. The thing I love about Hillstone is that they go above and beyond on every menu item. Its consistently great. Even the braised cabbage side is the best I've ever had. OH and the ambiance can't be beat. The patio is incredible for beautiful Lake Killarney sunsets. Tons of adirondack chairs for seating just to relax with a glass of wine or cocktail and you can even sit out on the dock. If theres a wait, grab a drink and sit outside by the lake. I guarantee you won't even be mad about the wait. The service is great whether in the dining room, on the patio or sitting at the bar. I love sitting at the bar.. especially because I can't always convince friends and my SO to go with me to get my fix as much as I'd like to so I often go solo. Gotta do what you gotta do! Yes its pricey and YES ITS WORTH IT! Hillstone, you are my one true love.

    (5)

  • Shannon A.

    What can I say? Great food, great service, and great view! Started out with the grilled Artichokes which are super goood! Ordered the Hawaiian Ribeye steak and it was rockin! I'm normally not a huge steak eater but I had to try one of their steaks and it was not a disappointment. The sauce on the steak was to die for! Our servers Matthew and Mat were super helpful and friendly. Amazing dinner with awesome company and what better way to enjoy it then with a beautiful sunset...Location is very easy to find off 1792, huge parking lot as well as Valet. You will not be disappointed!

    (5)

  • Kelly B.

    My boyfriend and I were leaving our friends we were visiting and they took us to this wonderful restaurant. We were pleasantly greeted by our hostess, who seated us with the table of our choice. The atmosphere was quiet, elegant, relaxing and very upper scale, which we all enjoyed after a hectic weekend. Such a nice getaway... The food was delicious and the veggie burger was one of the best! The red cabbage salad made me a fan favorite of this salad. The service was extremely over the top and made us all feel so welcome and very, very attentive right down to every little detail. I highly recommend this establishment to anyone who passes near this area. It must be a favorite of all who live there already!! KB

    (5)

  • Ethan T.

    This is a nice restaurant with a very busy atmosphere. It caters primarily to the business crowd, however is still a nice place for lunch or dinner. The service was okay. There is no gluten-free menu however their team is helpful in attempting to accommodate gluten-free patrons. I got the California burger which was tasty and my wife got the salmon and broccoli. We asked that The salmon not be cooked in butter and to use oil instead. the salmon was a bit heavy on the olive oil. We believe the waiter may have forgotten to let the kitchen staff know to hold the butter on the broccoli. An okay experience overall. I would recommend going early for lunch 11:30 AM as this business is field during the lunchtime crowd.

    (3)

  • Ben C.

    Best location of any restaurant in Orlando. The food is good and the prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is good too. Good place for dates whether you're grabbing dinner or apps and drinks at the bar.

    (4)

  • Nish V.

    So I didn't know what to expect walking in here. I've heard this was a nice looking place but that's about it. Driving into the parking lot at 12pm... It's packed. The valet parking is backed up and there was no parking in this huge parking lot. We finally find a space after passing two Mercedes Benz who insisted they needed two whole spots for their previous vehicle, My husband and I walk in and immediately realize this is the "it" place to lunch (can't speak on dinner yet). There's tailored suits and Loui Vuitton bags every where. The host greets us, tells us it will be about 20 minutes. We're offered a seat at the bar which offers a full menu but decline. We see other people get sat before us that came in after us so I ask the host what's going on. Apparently people make lunch reservations. Good to know. After 20 minute we are finally seated. We're greeted promptly drinks are brought out and our server goes over the specials of the day. The menu offers appetizers, salads, burgers and entrees. Everything in my opinion is expensive for lunch. We order the guacamole and chips special as an app, my husband had a cheese burger and I had the Scottish salmon. The appetizer was great, the cheeseburger was good and so was the salmon. All in all it was nice but I feel too expensive for what I received. My salmon was literally just grilled salmon and a side of broccoli with some sort of shredded cheese. Extremely mediocre. My husband felt the same way. I probably won't be back. The place was nice, everyone was nice the good was nice but it all dames very square. It seemed more of a place to be seen than actually enjoy good food.

    (4)

  • Javier R.

    Great view,Martinis,steaks ,artichokes on the grill excellent, but the server gay guy with a bad attitude ,probraly on a bad moon. The restaurant is beatifull

    (4)

  • J T.

    I wanted to try some place new with a good view. Hillstone didn't disappoint. I am a fan of Houston's in Atlanta. Although it was lunchtime (but later around 3:30), my server was able to accommodate my request for a pork chop. My husband got the ribs. I felt that portions were fair for the price and both were seasoned well. We've been to Seasons 52 and left hungry while spending more money. Service was great. I'd return for another special night. The only thing I'd have to say is that it doesn't seem kid-friendly. I'd opt for a babysitter if I were you as we did. Why ruin the nice ambiance?

    (4)

  • Kaia T.

    Took a friend here for a birthday dinner. I dropped the cupcake and gift off about an hour before the reservation that day. Service (5/5): Upon arriving the hostess had a table waiting for our party. It was my friend's birthday and the server brought the cupcake out lit with a candle along with the gift that said on the gift bag, "keep calm and have a cupcake" so both items complimented the other. The waitress staff sung happy birthday too. Food (5/5): The food was delicious. I got an iceberg salad for an app and the salmon for my main course with brocollini and mashed potatoes. The salmon was honey glazed and potatoes tasted as if they were just made - so fresh. Atmosphere (5/5): The restaurant is right on the lake. Apparently you can bring your own wine and sit on the dock for $15 - pretty cool concept. I really enjoyed this restaurant. They accommodate large parties and is a great place to celebrate special events.

    (5)

  • Enit S.

    Without a doubt, the best prime rib I've ever had! I was completely blown away by not only the flavor but how tender the meat was. The loaded baked potato that came as a side was just as impressive. The skin was crispy and crusted with just a bit of sea salt, and the inside was smooth and layered with different toppings. It's not often that I get to experience a meal like this so even as I write this, I still feel as if it was just a wonderful dream I was forced to wake from. My pal Cecille R was the one who recommended this place to me, and after conferring with other yelpers who all unanimously approved; I had no choice but to bring out of town guests here. I absolutely would recommend Hillstone either for business dinners, date night, or just because! Our server was extremely attentive, there was never anything missing, even refilled our wine glasses when it got too low. If you enjoy a scenic view with your dinner, definitely ask to be seated outside even if you have to wait a few extra minutes, it'll definitely be worth it. Feel free to take a stroll before/after dinner, you'll definitely leave in high spirits!

    (5)

  • Bob K.

    French Dip always good even when it's shaved too thin like tonight . Once again reservations 5:45 sat at 7:00 seems a bit much even with a free beverage offered. Server Chad was efficient and artichokes were smokey and tasty . Whenever you take someone new there make sure take them outside in back ..overall consistent

    (3)

  • Margaret B.

    I am really dissapointed with this restaurant, for years I was able to get chicken fingers, with French fries and Cole slaw. Today we visited the restaurant and was told they no longer have that item on their menu and I cannot order it. Very disappointing since that is what I had ordered for 20 years. I will have to go to another place and enjoy my chicken fingers.

    (1)

  • Bill T.

    My wife and I sat at the bar and had burgers and a bottle of wine on Saturday and the food and service were phenomenal. The burgers were really good quality beef, cooked perfectly on a tasty brioche bun with nice fresh toppings. The bottle of Zinfandel we shared was good and a good value. The superb service and a great view of the lake were the whipped cream and cherry on the proverbial sundae.

    (5)

  • Heidi S.

    Definitely one of my top 5 favorite restaurants in Orlando. Such an amazing atmosphere on the lake. The full windows and wood create a contemporary atmosphere that's simply awesome at sunset. Very classy and definitely more suitable for adults, but I'm sure kids have fun running around in the garden out back. I've rented the dock for a birthday party in October and it was wonderful. Super friendly service and they did such a nice job accommodating us. Everything here is good and I like how they feature seasonal dishes. Today I had the seared ahi tuna salad. It was perfect, I would not change a thing. I'm craving it right now! Seriously, order it. My bf had the chili to start which he said was really good. For his entree he had the roasted chicken with a hint of apricot. It was really nicely done. For his side he had the kale salad with the peanut dressing. It was the best kale anything I've ever had. I immediately googled the recipe when I got home and luckily there are several copycat recipes for this specific dish from Hillstone/Houston's, so clearly I'm not the only fan! If you live in central Florida and are looking for a nice weekend lunch or just a special meal out with friends or family you definitely have to check Hillstone out.

    (5)

  • Lauren Y.

    You love your mini-me, but sometimes you need a night out with your other half. There's nothing more relaxing than enjoying some good food, wine and your favorite person. So, the next time you're debating a date night head straight to Hillstone in Winter Park. I've always enjoyed Hillstone for its food, but also for the notable atmosphere. Step outside and you will find a seating area unmatched by any other local restaurant. The outdoor seating is on the edge of Lake Killarney and is filled with an herb garden and Adirondack chairs perfect for wine and conversation. The sunsets here are unbelievable and you can even reserve the dining dock that overlooks the lake. After some wine and before your entrée, you must try the Chicago Style Spinach Dip served with warm tortilla chips. Sounds simple, but this is the best way to eat spinach. If salads are your thing, try the Thai Steak & Noddle Salad with marinated filet mignon, mango, avocado, fresh herbs (from their garden), pancit noodles and Thai dressing. My husband always orders the Famous French Dip with thinly sliced roasted prime rib on a house-made French roll served with au jus and Shoestring French Fries (and yes, I make him share). After dinner, order the house-made Key Lime Pie with pecan crust. You'll never want to buy one from Publix again. Hillstone's menu is filled with simple, fresh flavors and a variety of entrees to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. So grab your date, ditch the dishes and head to Hillstone for a memorable evening together! Hillstone is located on Lake Killarney at 215 South Orlando Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789. For reservations visit: hillstone.com .

    (4)

  • Cindy M.

    Tried this place out on a Saturday evening and loved every aspect of it. I can't wait to go here again! Complimentary valet parking is provided and the service was beyond top notch. The atmosphere was romantic and cozy. I ordered the shrimp cocktail and it was excellent. I highly recommend the Hawaiian Ribeye. I'm not a big steak person but this was hands down the best steak I've ever had. Next time I'll be sure to make reservations for one of their tables outside (once it gets cooler).

    (5)

  • Rebecca H.

    I have been a fan of Houstons and now Hillstones for about 8 years. The service is a huge reason we keep coming back. Everyone is dressed professionally, with polished hair pulled back and a professional demeanor for all staff. As a former waitress in a place that considered itself the highest in service quality, I appreciate the ease in which the waitstaff open a bottle of wine (properly), the formal serving qualities like serving the woman first, the politeness, and the service with a smile. Whenever we come to Hillstones our favorite servers stop by to say hi. We get personal hellos from the Manager and it MAKES a difference. Getting passed that to the food and the view. Lake Killarney is beautiful. We have sat everywhere from the big booths up top (our fave) to the front windows to the outdoor patio. All have good views and a good atmosphere. On to the food: it is admittedly always on par. I've had the artichokes, the ribs, the burger, a special swordfish, the ahi tuna salad, there was a special app that was a cold queso, the chili, and all have been pleasing. The artichokes are delicious and come in a very good portion size. Obviously they aren't the easiest, daintiest eating, but they worth the effort and the aioli with them is amazing. The ribs fall right off the bone, with a good smokey barbecue flavor and sauce. The ahi tuna and burger are both favorites of my husband and never disappoint. The cold queso was a delicious pleasant surprise with just enough spice. The chili is definitely a fall favorite. We go with no onions and extra cheese. The hearty chunks make it perfect for those crisp days that begin at the end of fall here in orlando. Today's trip brought me to a new fave, the French dip. The bread was fresh and delicious. The prime rib was perfectly cooked and had barely any fat. The au jus was salty and hot. Overall it was a perfect sandwich and after eating mediocrity for the past couple of meals out I was very happy. Also they began serving baked potatoes for lunch which was a pleasant surprise. Needless to say I couldn't finish it all, but I tried my best because it was all really good. We coupled it with a few bottles of buehler Chardonnay. At a reasonable price for a bottle with nice oak, I was happy.

    (5)

  • Ruth V.

    It was an average experience. With all the hype, I would of thought that they'd have far more interesting dishes to choose from.

    (3)

  • Yingtao Z.

    My favorite steak of all time (and I've had a lot of good steaks)- the Hawaiian rib eye, is flavored so perfectly and they use excellent quality beef from Chicago. One of the best house salads I've ever had and I don't like veggies that much but I could eat this all day (bacon has no fat and is very fresh and juicy). Also a gorgeous lake in the back. (See pictures for more details).

    (5)

  • Hannah Z.

    Big fan of Hillstones, I do find myself slipping and calling it Houstans from time to time. I LOVE their food. They have some of my favorite dishes in Winter Park and atmosphere is just incredible. You can't beat it! The Thai Peanut Salad is amazing! If you can try to go on Thursday for the Tortilla Soup, it is divine. The only thing that I have to say negatively about them is their service can be hit or miss, they have great servers and then some that are just not as nice, knowledgable, or friendly. I still am giving them the 5 star rating because even a bad server can't ruin the delicious food and fantastic atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Colleen M.

    My husband chose Hillstone's for our date night and while he was parking the car I put in our name and wandered out back by the lake. I'm so glad I did. There is an enchanting covered dock with rocking chairs for patrons to pass the time while waiting for a table. My husband brought a glass of wine for me and his usual dirty martini out there and we could have just been content to stay there the whole time and watch the sun set. The lake view is westerly...perfect! When it was time to be seated for dinner we opted for the outdoor patio. Florida summer evenings are lovely with a breeze and a ceiling fan and it was just right. We could still watch the sunset and wildlife activity on the lake. It was just spectacular. My husband said the martini was one of the best he ever had. My Cabernet was dark, rich, and fruity. For dinner I ordered an Ahi Tuna Salad, which was superior. My husband ordered a pork chop. Now to be truthful, I like pork chops but you know...it's just a pork chop. Wrong!!!! I had a bite and I literally had to close my eyes. I don't know how they did it. The most delicious, tender, amazing, scrumptious tasting chop of pork I could possibly imagine. And the braised cabbage...mmmm....I was jealous. I thoroughly enjoyed my salad...but the pork chop...OMG. Can't wait to come back again. Perfect evening with my love.

    (5)

  • Jason H.

    Nice place for lunch. Cool atmosphere and nice views of Lake Killarney. The wife had the fried chicken sandwich which despite sounding heavy really wasn't so much (I stole a few bites ). I took a chance on their veggie burger as it came highly recommended by the server and I was glad I did. Very delicious!

    (4)

  • tiffany w.

    I am updating my review, see reasons below: Reasons: -You have raised your prices so much over the years. -Your steak salad used to be 14, then it was 16, now it is 24! -Your veggie burger has increased, but nothing has changed with it. $24 FOR A VEGGIE BURGER?! -Your Filet is $50, it used to be $34 and it is served with mashed potatoes that came out cold with a less than stellar piece of broccoli. - It took 20 minutes for the first server to greet the table and when he did, his lack of professionalism was just not what i am used to in the past, at Hillstones. When asked about the specials, I had to ask, he did would not tell me because he said you were already out of all of them, at 7pm, on a slow night. The hostess told me it was a slow night. He also seemed annoyed and not helpful. -I made a reservation for a very special occasion and wanted to sit outside, you sat me outside, but it was next to a group of disgusting men who talked about sleeping with women and showed each other gross photos, I asked to be moved to another table outside, and instead you sat me at a booth inside. I would have waited for a table outside, but you insisted that i sit at that small booth, not even near a window. -The new server did not pay attention to us. We had to asked for water refills. I had to flag down our server using a runner several times. The special occasion was ruined by these events. - When i got the bill, my heart stopped, i am used to paying quite a bit, but after the night I had, paying almost double than what i was used to was just the kicker! I am an avid diner, I usually tell people that Hillstones is my favorite place in town to eat, but after this experience, I am not so sure anymore.

    (3)

  • Patricia T.

    So, I used to come here when it was Houston's. I loved the decor, the set up: open kitchen concept and the long multi level dining room. Not a bad view in the entire restaurant. This part hasn't changed! What has changed for me is the service. We enjoyed the friendliness of our server but....and I say but, a few thing have slipped. When I ordered hot tea and my cup arrived it had lip stick on it from the previous guest. Eww! Yes I understand that is a dishwashing problem but, it's the servers responsibility to check before delivering a dirty cup. Also our servers attention to detail was not up to par on this night. I had to ask twice for somethings on two occasions. I even asked our server about the wonderful Apple Walnut Cobbler that is still on the menu. I asked if they still use black walnut in the cobbler like they used to but she was not sure. I told here own they used to use black walnuts and that black walnuts have more flavor than regular English walnuts. But it's these things that make it not the norm here. Our meal was outstanding. We ordered two steaks and a prime rib dip. My son said it was the best dip he had ever eaten. As for my ribeye, it was the special of the night. Blackened Ribeye. I love anything blackened! So I was really looking forward to this steak. When it arrived it had those distinct grill marks so I was a bit surprised. When you blacken an item, it is dredged in butter and then coated in blacking seasoning and then it is cooked on a very hot cast iron skillet. It is not possible to have grill marks on a blackened item because it has this brown-black crust on it from the cast iron skillet. My steak had great flavor don't get me wrong but it wasn't blackened. My husband ordered the New York strip. Looking at his steak it looked like it was blackened so I tasted his. It didn't have the blackened seasoning but it did how ever have that brown-black crust on it. I was quite perplexed. Since the steaks were cook to the perfect temperature and tasted great I did not say anything to our server. I do wonder if the kitchen at Hillstone doesn't know how to blacken steaks or if it was a server error? I think it's the latter.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:30 am - 10

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : No
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Valet, Private Lot
    Bike Parking : No
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Dressy
    Ambience : Classy
    Noise Level : Average
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : Yes
    Best Nights : Wed, Thu, Sat
    Coat Check : No
    Smoking : No
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : Yes
    Dogs Allowed : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Hillstone Restaurant

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