::sigh:: A few years ago I thought the food here was amazing, but I was really disappointed the last week when I dropped by after my BON run. The place was super packed, and there's no doubt that the desserts were just calling my name! However, I was trying to be healthy and ordered their "Anderson's 'Bout Time" sandwich. Instead of french fries, I ordered their steamed broccoli. A friend of my (for a dollar extra) ordered substitute out his fries for sweet potato fries and it seemed worth it because he had a HUGE portion, while I stared at my 2 piece broccoli. Anyway, my chicken was dry... so dry I had a hard time cutting it. Even the cheese that was melted on top did not help :( I then remembered that this was not the first time I had dried chicken here. The time before (about 2 months ago) I was here for dinner with some friends and ordered BWC's Southwest Chicken Salad. The salad was awesome because for the money I paid I felt like it was a decent portion. However, the chicken was dry! I had to keep dipping my chicken in the dressing to make it easier for me to swallow. ::sigh:: Overall, I am okay with this place. The desserts look amazing, but I haven't tried it (not sure why tho). Parking is your typical rice village parking scenario. If you park in the garage, you can get your parking validated.
(3)
Bryce K.
I got the Frenchie plate on a Sunday morning. Even though it was fairly early, the restaurant was moderately busy. The Frenchie was a good choice - I had the breakfast sausage, which was alright, two eggs scrambled, and the house potatoes. I've had better potatoes, but these were okay. The French toast was awesome. Ordering at the counter was easy and fast. There's no waiter service, so you have to get your silverware, water, and then pick up your meal when it's ready - they have the buzzer things. All in all, a solid choice for breakfast/brunch.
(4)
Dani D.
I've been to BWC before, but I have started coming regularly because they have free wi-fi and morning happy hour. Mon - Friday from 7am to 10:30 am you can get some pretty tasty options, including drinks. I normally get a bloody Mary and the Philly Cheese steak omelet - that's $12.12 and I'm set for the day. Then I can pull out my laptop and take care of whatever I need to do. Also, since I am in pretty early, the parking lot has ample parking so, although they do validate, I don't have to worry about the hassle of it. There is normally a manager walking around during this time to assist customers or just make sure they're enjoying their meal. When lunch time comes - it starts to get PRETTY crowded, which I think is also a testament to how good the food and service is.
(4)
Farrah A.
Aside from our breakfast and coffee being cold, this place isn't too bad. On my second visit, my small breakfast burrito was piping hot, but smothered in a tad too much cheese (yes, there is such a thing), they charged a few extra bucks for spinach. Even thought I 86ed more than half of the items that came standard in my order. Service was friendly - the manager even came to say hello as I awaited my to-go order - and they offer free Wi-Fi. That's always a plus. I'm willing to give BWC another try because those cocktails featured on the Daily Specials Menu look to refreshing to pass up.
(3)
Ted W.
I like their simple croissant breakfast sandwich, but they have let the coffee in the urns run out on several occasions, and the diner is left to navigate a lot of the experience (food pick-up, coffee, silverware) on one's own. I quite enjoy the ambience, which makes up for some of the shortcomings.
(3)
Robert N.
This location has great service, other than the fact that the food is often cold. The pastas are absolutely delicious as well as their brunch. Don't forget they comp for garage parking; and the lunch wait usually isn't too bad.
(4)
Shannon C.
Black Walnut's Doc's Krazy Turkey Burger is my absolute favorite. I get it almost every time I go, but I also know that their other food is really good. The people who work there are also very nice. One time my buzzer for my food went off a little early, so obviously when I went up to go get my food it wasn't ready yet. Instead of making me wait, they told me I could go back to my table and they would bring it to me. I wouldn't have minded waiting for a little while, but it was nice of them to do that. I also like the atmosphere, which is family friendly, but also a decent place to do some work if needed.
(4)
Mariah D.
The thing about Black Walnut is that it is consistently good, easy food. It's not really that special or unique, but it's consistent as the heat in Texas. With that said, you're bound to find something you like on the menu whether it be for lunch with coworkers or dinner with friends or family, it's a non-offensive, safe-for-all-palates kind of place -- including kids. It's also an easy place to hangout and drink some tea and eat gelato and people watch. The gelato isn't as good as Paciugo, and there aren't as many flavor options, but it's nice to have it as a dessert option. My one gripe is that a fountain drink is $3. I went in (during happy hour, mind you) because I had arrived early for a meeting. I browsed the HH drink menu, which had some tasty sounding drinks for $3, but I didn't want to drink before this meeting, so I just asked for a fountain drink. My total was over $3. Really? You are offering me drinks with alcohol for that same price. I even said "That seems steep, I'm not eating or staying long. I won't be more than 15 minutes here." They didn't care and were going to charge me $1 for water, so I forked over the extra $2 to get some tea. Next time, I won't get a drink at all, and just sit there using free wi-fi and not buy anything!
(3)
Janine B.
I like this place, the atmosphere, the people watching and the food is good. I have never had anything that I didn't enjoy. They have a lot of variety. It's one of those places where they have something that should appeal to everyone. I had a the Grilled Pork Chop with Crab Cake, Fiance loved his French Dip. My only complaint is the portions are a little small for the price. You should either get more food or they should lower the prices just a bit. But I know this is a high rent district LOL.
(4)
Wesley C.
Good food but way over priced! I ordered the Burrito Combo Plate which comes with two burritos, house potato's, and a side of sausage or bacon. The burritos were good and you can tell that the ingredients were very fresh. However, the "burritos" were more like tacos. Also, I really dislike there house potato's! They were cold and completely flavorless. It took quite a bit of salt and a lot of hot-sauce to give them any taste whatsoever. Ok and the kicker is that this meal cost $8.50! This meal could have easily been 6 or 7 bucks at the most. The food was decent but this was the second time I had eaten here and both times I have expected a little bit more. The portion sizes are quite small for the prices and the taste of the food does not make up for the cost.
(3)
Alex L.
Can't stop returning here for texmex omlet and fresh brewed coffee. Perfect place for weekend brunch.
(4)
Caliope H.
Met up with a friend here on Saturday at my favorite Houston eating out time - post lunch/pre-dinner time. (I could write more yelp reviews if I had a stomach that could handle both meals :-) ) Decor 4/5: Nice patio, inside is big and inviting, warm dark paneling, some tables with big overstuffed chairs that give it a feeling of a library. Crowd 4/5: Despite the time of day --- pretty much hopping with a n.ice eclectic, neighborhood mix. Some folks on a date, a party at the back dressed to the 9's - getting ready for a big night out, laid backcouples recuperating from their night before, mom's and daughters, friends catching up. Food: 3-4/5: I need to try something else. I love grilled cheese sandwiches - so I went w/ a high end version that had focacia bread, tomatoes and several types of cheese. The bread and tomatoes overshadowed the cheese. (wish I'd gone for the standard grilled cheese and tomato soup - or any of their breakfast items which looked fabulous and they serve until 4pm on Fridays and Saturdays!) The fries that came with it were hot, thick and good - and they have a mango habanero hot sauce that is to die for to go on anything. Also, You can't go wrong just stopping in this place for their great selection of teas - I had a mango tango tea that was out of this world. Service 4/5: The servers are friendly and helpful. But, this is one of those place your order/buzz you/ pick up your meal places. Pretty much along the lines of a Cafe Express- but with friendlier, more helpful order takers that introduce themselves and ask you to ask them if you need anything. Value 4/5: It's a deal. My meal ran around $12. Available to-go dishes/cups and big servings meant, I had an entire half of my meal left for dinner. Bottom Line: Good place, good value, good food, friendly place to meet up with people in a slightly upscaled cafe express environment. And, if you live close - don't miss it as an afternoon breakfast "friday night recovery" spot.
(4)
David K.
The best way to sum this place up is that it's a fancy Jason's Deli. I'd even go so far as to say "upscale." I was visiting my boyfriend (a/k/a My Heman) for a long Valentine's Day weekend last week and he loves Sunday brunch. Like, it's a weekly tradition for him and his friends. He wanted to go across the street to Ryan O'Neill's, but it was kind of cold (there was sleet later that evening) and I wanted a waffle. He and I met his friend Eric and walked over to Black Walnut Cafe. Extra star for the delicious waffles. Minus a star for the confusing order process. In hindsight maybe it's not that confusing, but at these prices I'd expect table service. Here's a tip: Instead of a mimosa carafe, opt for a bottle of champagne and a cup of orange juice. They're much stronger and you actually save a few bucks.
(4)
Diana B.
My absolutely favorite place to eat in Houston. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are awesome!!! They have the best breakfast sausage I have ever had and breakfast potatoes are awesome too. I work the night shift and coming here after work for breakfast is a great way to end my night. My favs are the breakfast quesidilla, and for lunch or dinner max's grilled chicken sandwich, and it is an absolute must for me to have the Italian cream cake for dessert. BWC has made this one of my favorite desserts. Love, love, love this place!!!
(5)
Christy H.
The wait was soooo LONG but so worth it! No wonder people are willing to wait in order to grab food! I ordered the Lobster Benedict and was in loved!!! I REALLY WANTED TO TRY SO MUCH MORE; everything looked so good! The coffee was really really good too. I'm a Starbucks kind of girl but this cup of carmel macchiato was AMAZING!!!
(4)
Rick K.
I had lunch with coworkers at the BWC in the Village a couple of months ago and it was great! Since it was my (and a couple of other folks') first time there, the cashier took his time to offer suggestions and explained some of the options. The only cons I can note is that it is the Village, meaning that parking is an issue a lot of times, especially during lunch time... Some coworkers were able to get the last parking stop and I had to pay to park in the garage. As long as you are okay with that you should be good. The other issue (not really an issue if you know about it) is that the restaurant is small, so tables are placed tighly together and the line of customers waiting to order is right behind several tables. Food was great, the gelato was excellent, the service was very good!
(4)
Ralph L.
Enjoyed a meal here - but it got a little busy and loud at dinner time on a Sunday
(4)
Howard W.
Excellent Eggs Benedict. Simple dish but hard to get right. Perfectly poached eggs, wonderful sauce. Breakfast potatoes with tri color peppers. If I'm back in Houston. I will return. The only thing that kept me from using 5 stars was it could have been hotter. Served quickly. The grapefruit juice squeezed to order was a delight
(4)
jennifer t.
Offers happy hour in the morning and afternoon! Couldn't ask for anything better because I get off at 730am. Food is spectacular! From the migas, American breakfast, French toast, pancakes... they're all good. $4 mimosa? C'mon it doesn't get any better. Fast and friendly service.
(5)
Sunny S.
Seriously! Slowwww and bathrooms were the filthiest i have ever seen! For a restaurant... Bad sign!
(1)
Debs C.
Wouldn't be my first, second, or third choice when it comes to dining. Not a big fan of the mediocre food served here. Used to study here years ago since they provide free wifi and is not usually busy during off hours. But after I started working, I really had no reason to frequent this place unless someone else wanted to meet here for lunch/dinner. Such a shame, this location is fantastic.
(2)
Amanda W.
I would have scored higher, but the price of this place was expensive! If i had wanted to spend that kind of money, i would have went else where. This was my first time here. My boyfriend and i wanted to try something different. I ordered a burger, and he ordered lobster tacos. I was not expecting such a larger burger so he helped me eat it. lol. I was highly disappointed in their beer. When the gentlman asked me what size i wanted i had no idea the large would look like a small! Yes it was happy hour and it was only 3 bucks, but seriously?! I'll be back because the food itself was great.
(3)
Nupur L.
Back in my early twenties when I had the time to be more pretentious, I would have given Black Walnut a scathing review. Now I think I'm ready to rate it fairly. Innovative dining it is not. Nor should everything be innovative. Unadventurous does not necessarily have to equal bad, as Black Walnut demonstrates. It's a uncomplicated yet solid experience all around. I especially like how they emphasize healthy options here. For someone who eats on the go as much as I do, I can really get behind that. It sounds like I'm damning with faint praise a bit but I enjoyed everything from the fish tacos to toasted ravioli to vegetable soup. They have an expansive new American menu on which most things are good. There's really something for everyone, which is why my vegetarian friends always suggest this place. This is a place that's unusually considerate of diners. It's the little things like always serving dressing on the side. "We take care of that for you," added the sweet guy at the counter taking orders. Or offering me the option of grilled, fried or one each of the grilled and fried fish tacos when I asked for my fish tacos to be grilled instead of fried. Not to mention the staff are on top of it. The kids working at the counter are the sweetest, friendliest and most cheerful of any restaurant staff I've interacted with in a while. I don't mind at all having to get up for my food because I actually enjoy talking to them. For what it is, Black Walnut is exceptionally pleasant. It's not setting the world on fire but it's not meant to either. It means that people can happily have fish tacos, toasted ravioli, vegetable soup and a salad at a single meal in a comfortable but not inelegant atmosphere. Respek.
(3)
Saba B.
Generous plates of cafeteria style bistro fare served up in comfy chairs and copper-topped tables including soft and crunchy raviolis atop what must have been an entire loaf of garlic bread nestling beside a pool of tangy marinara set Black Walnut apart from its anchor mall quite nicely. The crowd is wholesome as white Rice gets, and none of the fare will have you confusing BWC with a Champs Elysees cafe, but if you want to get away from the beer-soaked college scene across the street, stop in for a little continental flavor
(4)
Gary F.
Occasionally all businesses fail their customers. What sets them apart is the way those businesses compensate for those failures. In our case, two of the three sandwiches were extremely late. To compensate, they offered us free dessert after comping the entire meal. That's fixing the problem the right way. Kudos to Orlando the manager.
(5)
Vi N.
Meh... The outside patio is really nice. However, the lobster Benedict had dry lobster pieces. Gross. The kolaches were pretty good but kind of small. We also ordered a carafe of mimosa and it came out with a ton of pulp....
(2)
Stephen D.
What can you say about this place other than its DECENT I will make this one brief 1- Food Is it decent, yes, is it offensive, no not at all, is it great, nope. I can put cheese on my pillowcase and eat it and it wont be too bad. I am not saying they have cheese on everything just that with some types of food its hard to mess up. ie breakfast. 2- Decor Nice, pleasant. You wont ooooh and awww when in there but its not that type of place either. Its nondescript which is what it should be i guess 3- Staff See above nondescript 4- Beverage Awful, maybe the worst coffee in RV and tea wasnt great either 5- Selection Way way way too many things on the menu for me to feel comfortable. Overall its your classic american joint. They arent trying to be the best at anything, which is ok. An average restaurant that disguises quality with selection.
(2)
Melody M.
I found the food here to be very average. I was told that it was a great place to get salads, but there was nothing special on the menu. Flavor profiles are the same that you can find in any cafe. You know...grilled chicken, apples, walnuts or maybe bacon and cranberries or some Santa Fe thingy with corn and tortilla chips. I got exactly what I ordered - no surprises, but also no spark.
(3)
Doug M.
Black Walnut is one of my favorite lunch spots. This location is close the the Texas Medical Center and Rice University and is easy to get to. Parking in the garage is free with validation. The food is good. I really like the pot roast and Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad. Delicious.
(4)
Huy N.
Black Walnut is a very trendy, upscale cafe. Yet despite all the rave about this place, the food was only average. My food was bland and stale, and despite my hunger, I had to tap out and leave the sandwich unfinnished. For the price they charge for cafe food, it was not worth it. Service was friendly, however lines go out the door during the lunch hours, and the wait is a bit long (since it's a very popular place in Rice Village). The interior of BW can get very crowded, and it gets difficult finding a place to sit. Their decor is archaic, overly strange and dark. I felt like I got lost in an old western movie. (Plus I had to sit in a lounge chair, pulled up to a table). The one upside is that Black Walnut gives you a parking voucher, so you don't have to pay the garage fee in Rice Village, so 10 bucks saved.
(3)
Ashley G.
I have eaten at the Black Walnut Cafe in the woodlands and have never been disappointed. The one in Rice Village is a different story. It's loud and crowded. I ordered the $17 BBQ Salmon (my usual favorite) It is VERY pricy in my opinion but the salmon has always been good. The brocolli was not cooked and was hard. The salmon was lacking the normal flavor and the person told me i could not get no onions because it's premade (yup thats right a $17 salmon meal is premade) also note I have NEVER had this issue at the woodlands location. Needless to say my salmon had basically a full purple onion on it!!!! Bleh!
(1)
Kevin D.
I had breakfast for the first time here on Saturday morning around 10 and left wondering why I haven't done that before. The staff here is awesome; They are very outgoing and friendly; It appears they enjoy working here.The food is always good.
(4)
Alice T.
This was a staple "nice restaurant" back in the school days. The food is decent, huge variety, and casual, yet pretty cute, atmosphere. Looking back on it, I'm glad my taste buds have ventured out, because there are a lot of good restaurants in Houston outside of the Village/Rice bubble. I really don't think they've changed their menu, but I swear that I remember having a really delicious dish of ravioli with sun dried tomatoes. Maybe it's the artichoke and spinach stuffed rigatoni, but I don't remember my carbs being rigatoni, and I definitely don't remember the artichoke. If this was the dish, then this is definitely a good one. The last time I came I had the tomato basil soup. I ordered a cup, but didn't notice when they ran it up that they charged me a bowl. Sneaky Black Walnut. "Cup" doesn't even sound like "bowl". And I definitely wasn't that hungry where I wanted a giant bowl of soup. It was pretty giant. The soup was standard tomato basil, but the cheese tortellini was a nice touch. Black Walnut's a good place in the Village, but there are far too many good restaurants in Houston to be paying these prices for standard fare.
(3)
Jeena L.
Im disheartened by the lack of stars this place have been getting the past few months! Black walnut is still one of my top restaurants to go to when I'm hungry! With that said, black walnut cafe, I'm still a fan! Entrees to try that I've absolutely loved: -grilled fish tacos. Last time I had it battered but didn't known you can order a grilled option. I wish there was 3 though! -black walnut salad - I absolutely love this salad! The chicken is juicy and tender and there's a right amount of sweetness. -lemon Basil chicken - don't really know the name of it but its a pasta dish and its good. If you're big on that lemon taste and other flavors infused into this dish then I recommend. -Asian Tuna Salad - yum!! The ahi tuna was perfect! -dessert: black out cake!!!!! This cake ranks among the top with my favorite chocolate cake, right next to uncle daryls at chocolate bar. It was such a huge slice I had to take it home. But its worth it! So decadent, moist and delicious! :)
(4)
Noa F.
Service was horrible !!! I don't know about the food but first of all be nice to your customers!!! Last time for me
(1)
Michelle W.
I don't come here often because the area and lot are always so crowded; however, I've never had a bad experience at the cafe. The spinach artichoke dip is tasty, the pot roast is flavorful, the omelets are scrumptious, the cakes are Heavenly, and the gelato makes my taste buds very happy! There are other cafes that I go to when I'm having a bona-fide craving; however, Black Walnut is always a nice change of pace. I've never been unhappy with the service or timeliness of receiving my food, and I've always managed to find inside seating ... albeit sometimes in a crowded corner. No doubt I'll venture here again in the future. :)
(3)
Khoi L.
This is a great place for brunch w/ many of the traditional favorites done very well. Sausage & Mozzarella Kolache: 4/5 Eggs Benedict: 4/5 - It had two poached eggs on toasted English muffins & included Canadian bacon, house potatoes, & cayenne citrus hollandaise. Western-Eastern Omelet: 4/5 - Sweet bell peppers, red onions, scallions, mushrooms, tomatoes,mozzarella, & cheddar were in this omelet. Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 4/5
(4)
Larry P.
Went the first time for lunch. Good food. We had salad. $10-$15 per salad, a little pricey, but I guess par for the course in the Rice Village. We sat inside and the place had a little smell about it. Maybe it was the carpets holding in some smell, not sure. There is outside seating and I'd like to try it on a cooler, less humid day. I'll try again, although I'm not in a huge rush to get back there.
(3)
Mike F.
From the dishes I've tried so far they seem to be really good. But on the flipside this place is a little overpriced for what they serve. But this place is one of my top choices whenever i'm at Rice Village. I don't order from this place too much because of the price but I think the Chipotle Chicken Pepper Pasta is pretty delicious. I would like to come back and try other things on their menu. Free wi-fi is a plus!
(4)
Gretchen J.
Friendly cozy
(5)
Daniel L.
This is definitely a Jekyll & Hyde review so don't think two stars is a complete slam on BWC. They have an interesting menu. There are a lot of choices from burgers to pasta. The prices clearly indicate that this is not IHOP quality. At BWC you walk in, grab a menu, find what you want, then step up to the counter and order. You get your drink and a little buzzer. The cashier ringing me up was very polite and friendly - and it was at a peak hour, so he really could have just rung it up and moved on to the next one. So I liked that touch: great employees. Which I think really does matter and is one of the big reasons why I come back here without objection rather than complaining non-stop about going to Birraporettis. So here is how my last experience went: I went with one cashier, my friend went with another cashier. Simultaneously our orders were placed. It was not the exact dish but it was very close. I took my cup, filled it up with water, walked outside, and sat down. And my buzzer went off. My food was ready. Because I was raised with manners I returned to the table and did not touch my food for nearly fifteen minutes until my friend's buzzer went off and his food was ready. I had great conversation to keep me occupied - I'm not pissed about that. If I was here with someone I hated I would have just wolfed down my food and bolted - that is the one advantage of paying for your food before you sit down. So that is the big benefit at BWC: you don't need to suffer through a moron's poor waiter-ing skills. If you frequently have bad waiters at places, come here because there are no waiters. My review of the food is that it's nothing special, like maybe you could buy one of those Easy Mac meals at the grocery store and even a six year old child could whip up something similar. Maybe my food review would be more glowing if there was some similarity in how long dishes take to prepare ... or more likely what actually happened tonight: I was presented with a dish that had been prepared for someone else who sent it back, changed their mind, or found a cockroach in it or something similar. You have no idea how far in the dark recesses of my imagination we can go to figure out how the chicken, pasta, and hodge-podge of vegetables were prepared in the amount of time it takes for me to fill a water cup, walk ten feet, and sit down in a chair. My advice to you is that if you are eating with someone - ring it up together on the same ticket. However a guy picking up his one dish behind me was picking up only ONE dish out of his TWO dish order.... so maybe there is just an EPIC FAIL all around at this restaurant. I did like sitting outside though. That earns two stars because I spend most days inside a dark cave, so it was nice to be outside for a few minutes. The gelato looked amazing. I really wanted some. But based on the meal experience, I figured I would get my gelato served an hour later as a liquidy amaretto soup. So at least I had a calorie conscious evening out. My waistline thanks you BWC.
(2)
The Healthy Gourmet K.
Chamomile tea is of chammomile and lemon grass, not a good taste as tea.
(3)
Jackie K.
The Black Walnut Cafe is the perfect upscale soup-and-sandwich cafe that also features gourmet pastas, etc. You order at the counter and pick up your food when the buzzer rings. My favorites are the Black Walnut salad and the Santa Fe salad--accompanied by yummy garlic bread. And if you want a little treat after lunch/dinner, try a chocolate truffle. Fantastic, low-key yet delicious meals!
(4)
Cynthia C.
I like the atmosphere - the plants hanging from the ceiling are great. My initial impression upon walking in was good, but the dining experience didn't echo the first impression. The person in line in front of us took forever - the staff was having some kind of an issue with the pos system. The table we sat at looked clean, but then there was sticky honey on the side of it that got all over my arm. Ewwwwww. Then my chicken sandwich buzzed, which could have made up for this but the chicken was itsy bitsy. Like, they tried to marinate a chicken tender and put it on the grill and called it a sandwich. Pretty lame. Also, it was hard to find the napkins. I wish I'd gone to ruggles down the street.
(2)
Allen T.
I have been to many locations and they are always clean and well maintained. Their "Darn Good Burger" is great but the best thing I enjoy is their "Pot Roast'....MMM MMM MMM....Make you want to slap your momma!! Very friendly staff and fair pricing.
(5)
MA N.
It was ok. I think I got some parmesan chicken pasta and it was a little bland to my taste. The bread that came with it was a little hard for me to eat (as well as my bf). My bf ordered a French dip and said it was decent.
(3)
Sierra S.
This is a cafeteria that serves French-styled food which is quite tasty, at reasonable prices. Went there for lunch, and had various sandwiches, and tasty raspberry lemonade. The place is popular and reasonably quick. I would definitely go back for lunch. It is about a 15 minute walk from the Rice University campus.
(5)
Matthew C.
The best way to describe Black Walnut is as follows: good (but not great) and always a good standby. I've never had a "Wow, this is the best thing ever!" dining experience here, but I've never had particularly bad experience either. For lunch/dinner, I'm a fan of the "Anderson's 'Bout Time"--a grilled chicken breast sandwich with swiss and avocado (always a plus in my book). The portion is a tad on the small side considering it's $9.50, but it's still a solid choice. For brunch, the omelets are good, especially the roasted vegetable omelet with cream cheese. Like the sandwich, they don't top any of my lists but still made for satisfying meals. Since you order at the counter and pick up your food, there's not too much I can rate in terms of service, though this past visit a couple of things disappointed me. First, on a Sunday at the peak of the brunch hour (i.e., 11:00), I'd like it if you had all of your varieties of coffee available (rather than being out of the light roast). Second, for whatever reason, the first person who ordered in our group was the last person to receive her food--by a long shot. When everyone's food comes out at such different times, it's hard to eat together. All in all, though, Black Walnut will always be an old standby when I'm in the village. Yes, it's a little expensive, but the atmosphere and location make up for it.
(4)
Jennifer S.
Good breakfast or lunch/dinner food. Parking is not a problem since you can use the garage for free.
(4)
Eman S.
YES to Black Walnut Cafe! Delicious and fast food; great for lunch or getting a quick bite to eat! The gelato is amazing as well. I would pass on the cheesecake...it's a tad mediocre and quite pricey for an average/kind of small sized slice. Lunch hour is crazy busy, so bring a book and grab some gelato around 4 o' clock; you'll be a happy you did!
(4)
Mike B.
Excellent location Excellent food Excellent service Fair cleanliness Overall, a very good experience and creative menu!
(4)
Christine L.
Great value casual American food! Plus - great value - $9.50 for 10oz Angus beef burger with blue cheese & bacon with a side of sweet potato fries -comfy place -healthy options available - my friend had veggie salad -garage parking free with validation - good for 3 h! -big gelato selection, that's for next time! Areas of improvement -unfortunately line can be very long - maybe have misters outside on the patio or larger covered patio as opposed to umbrellas?
(5)
Kim-Anh P.
For a quick-serve dining place, I thought it was pretty good. We went there on a Friday night with a couple of friends, and the place was just moderately filled with patrons. I remember having the Max's Grilled Chicken Sandwich with fries, and thinking the sandwich was huge! But it's one of those you think you can tackle but when you're 1/2 way through the second 1/2 of the sandwich, you realize you might've been better off saving the latter portion and taking it to go...but then you reluctantly go ahead and finish it but are incredibly stuffed after it, lol. Would think about going back. Perks: -- Chill atmosphere -- Outdoor seating -- Decent price
(3)
Leena C.
My co-workers always talk about this place so finally they took me. It was a disappointing trip. First, the cashier charged my co-worker's meal incorrectly, only to proceed to charge it wrong when trying to correct it :( This held up the line for 10-15 minutes and they only had one line open. I ordered the "famous" New Orleans noodles and althought the sauce was flavorful, the crawfish tails had a unappealing taste and aftertaste. The pasta and andouin sausage were better. Another problem was the paging cube that they gave my other co-worker was broken so his light never came on to notify him that his food was ready. After sitting there for a while, I noticed a worker walking around looking lost, checking everyone's table. I suggested to my friend to check on his food and sure enough, it was sitting in the pick up area. (for about 10-15 minutes) The paging cube apparently wasn't working. No one ever thought to get on the loudspeaker ? The paging cubes are numbered??? The manager stopped by and never apologized, just looked at our table and kept going. I would probably go there again for lunch with co-workers but not on my off time. It just wasn't worth the wait or hassle. But the conversation was great so yeah to my co-workers!
(2)
Denis C.
We came here on an early Tuesday evening to meet up with my wife's friend. She was visiting from Boston and had previously lived in the area surrounding the restaurant, so she recommeneded that we meet up at the Black Walnut. We had no problem finding free parking next to the restaurant. We ordered our meals at the counter; the food war delivered to our table. The interior was nice but we decided to find a table outside since the weather was nice for this time of year in Houston. I had the BBQ pot roast with sweet potato fries. The sandwich itself was good but the fries were even better. My wife had one of the their salads which she seemed to like as well. We followed up with some dessert. I had a craving for red velvet cake so I decided to give their's a try. I was little disappointed (not sweet/buttery enough for my liking) and will probably try the gelato next time. Overall, it's a neat place, the food is good, and the staff was friendly. We'll be back again.
(4)
A M.
A nice breakfast location and near good walking and shopping areas. Haven't tried it at any other time of day yet. Good coffee, but ordering the freshly squeezed OJ seemed to be a little tedious, especially when the place is packed. You order it with the rest of your meal, but you have to wait in another line for them to call you in order to pick it up. It would be easier if they brought it with your meal or if they handed it to you while you are paying. Otherwise, food was tasty and the portions for most items were good. My husband ordered the breakfast burrito and it was as large as the palm of his hand and looked more like an appetizer. Would come back to see what else they offer.
(4)
Leslie B.
This place is awesome for breakfast. I was in town for business and had been working an event since 6 AM. When my co-worker and I were done (and seriously starving), we stopped randomly and couldn't have made a better accidental decision. I had the Western-Eastern Omelet and it was really delicious. Tons of great ingredients. The breakfast potatoes were great too. They have a really efficient system working, where you order at the counter and then pick up your food. We both ordered iced lattes which were very refreshing, having been outside in the humidity for hours. If I lived in the area, I would definitely return!
(4)
Jon H.
My wife and I decided to come here for a Sunday morning coffee date. We didn't order anything off the menu - strictly coffee and muffins. The coffee was good, the muffin was good (but a little small). The reason I am giving it a 4, rather than a 3, it because the atmosphere was perfect. Wood accents, quite surroundings, nice professional customer base...that is really what sold us on Black Walnut Cafe. We will be back for more lazy weekend morning breakfast dates.
(4)
David V.
I just left from eating lunch with family. For a lunch hour they were able to take my order and bring it out in impressive timing. It's counter staff so things run a lot smoother. I had the Anderson's bout time sandwich, which is something like a California sandwich. Swiss, chicken, cucumber, tomato, sprouts, and wheat bread. Very tasty and light. My uncle had the Black Walnut Salad. He cleared the plate so I imagine it was good. ha! Mom doesn't quite know how to order yet. She is the type of person who doesn't like what she hasn't tried. Shame really. She got the Pot Roast Stew for crying out loud! Oh well. The price is right here and seating is very interesting. I have been here before but today was worth a review.
(4)
Sara B.
Among our favorite spots for brunch, Walnut has a wide selection of eggs and salads. And I LOVE their corporate image!
(4)
Jessie D.
I really wanted to like this place. It was so busy when we came in that they had actually shut the kitchen down. We had to wait for 20 minutes. This created a huge line and lots of annoyed customers. When we ordered they didn't have what I wanted or what my husband wanted to order. Then when we got the food it wasn't right. Once everything was in order I enjoyed the chocolate chip pancakes, but not enough to deal with all that again. I think next time we'll just go to LePeep or Empire Cafe
(2)
C T.
Went here for brunch this Saturday. A friend and I had heard great things and have been wanting to come for a long time. Unfortunately we were very unimpressed. We each got an omelet and a mimosa. The bill was $17 and not worth it. My friends mimosa was so gross. Not worth it!
(2)
Nhu Lan P.
I ordered one of the the pastas of the day which was chicken in a lemon butter sauce. Delicious! It came with melt-in-your-mouth garlic bread. yum! I also tried my friend's pot roast and fajita sandwich. Everything was really good! Fast service. This location gets really packed during lunch, too. We had a large group so we ate outside and put tables together. If you have a large group, it's hard to find seating inside. The seating arrangements are best for up to 6 people. We parked in the garage, which is free if you get parking validated inside the restaurant. (just ask someone at the cashier and they'll give you a new ticket) The gelato looked amazing, but I didn't get it. Definitely will try next time!
(4)
Shannon W. W.
Highly recommend the Huevos Mexicanos including fresh guacamole. They accommodated a party of 10 with no problems and the atmosphere is just awesome.
(5)
Amber S.
Great casual ambience and fantastic location. Steak salad is excellent, and several of the other salads are really good. The Mexican omelette, however, is super fabulous. Lots of love in that omelette. The tomato soup is far too thin, but my two-year-old son eats it, so it's good enough for me. Don't miss this place for brunch.
(4)
Kelli S.
BREAKFAST - Very nice place to take your family. The food is good but not the best breakfast in Houston. It's basically La Madeline on steroids. LUNCH - They offer vegan options and the veggie pasta is delicious. Overall great place to eat and relatively affordable.
(4)
Colleen B.
Decided to meet my boss here for a quick recap meeting of our week. Big mistake. Very crowded, loud and a ton of staff standing around not doing a lot. Rude manager, too...we asked for a copy of the receipt, which we weren't given at check out and it took them 15+ minutes to produce. No apologies for the other employee that cleared our table too early or refused to bring a to-go box to us...instead he pointed to where they were located. Not going to be my first choice in The Village again. Too many other places nearby that appreciate their customers!
(2)
Dustin D.
Here it is... my first bad review in quite some time! Since this place opened a couple of years ago, I've frequented it with my wife and kids enough to see both the service and the quality of food decline. It takes quite a bit to irritate me enough not to ever want to go back to any food establishment, and I think I finally had it with the Black Walnut Cafe. Long story short, I ordered the Steak Eggs Benedict and my kids ordered the usually breakfast tacos. As if it wasn't enough that we waited an excruciating 25 minutes to get "beeped" to retrieve our food from the kitchen, the steak benedict was dead cold! I had no choice but to give it back... NOT, asking for a refund, because I didn't even want to give them the satisfaction of even trying to console me after such a gigantic disappointment (it was, in fact, 7:15am, and I was starving - so, probably not at my best diplomatic state of mind). Ultimately, the manager insisted on refunding me, which I thought was very kind and courteous (the only reason I gave this review 2 stars, by the way, and not one), but it did not change the enormous loathing that I developed for this restaurant. Unfortunately, I don't expect that I will ever feel the need to return to this restaurant willfully, and if ever I find myself there for any reason at all... I sincerely hope my next experience will be good enough to pass this last one as a fluke.
(2)
Alvin J.
I can only attest to the quality of the Darn Good burger, which was...pretty darn good, as were the sweet potato fries, which were nice and crispy. I also tried somebody else's vegetarian noodles and it was pretty decent, although I personally wouldn't order it if/when I go back. I unfortunately didn't have room for dessert, but they looked pretty awesome. I might come back just for dessert and coffee. I liked this place. They're not really re-inventing the wheel but it's a pretty chill place to have a casual sit-down dinner.
(4)
Dan C.
Been here a few times for lunch, and it is pretty good. The fare was always tasty, but there was never anything that made it stand out to me. The breakfast on the other hand is exceptional. They do some of the best Eggs Benedict I have ever had. The egg is perfect with the whites set, and the yolk completely runny. The hash browns/home fries are good, and complement the Eggs Benedict nicely. I also recommend their fresh squeezed orange juice to accompany your breakfast. Breakfast is served 7 days a week, so it's a nice place to have a breakfast meeting, or nurse yourself back from weeknight debauchery.
(4)
Kelly G.
Too crowded for a weekend lunch. Tuna steak salad was blah. Blue cheese burger was better, Gelatto was amazing. Try the peanut butter.
(3)
Meghan K.
I've only been here for breakfast, so I can't comment on the lunch/dinner options offered....but OMG the breakfast is awesome. I usually either get an omelette or the pancakes and both are delicious. The salsa they serve with the omelettes is so good that I could eat it by the spoonful. You can tell they use quality ingredients in everything. I hate orange juice, but my husband loves it....they do fresh squeezed OJ there and he always gets a glass. I tried some recently and actually loved it. It was sooo good. The only thing I don't like about this place is the seating. I get really anxious when I see a full restaurant and a line going out the door. You stand in line and watch the floor like a hawk waiting for someone to get up. I think normal people are ok with this scenario, but I start freaking out internally about where we're going to sit and what if we have to stand and eat. It has never happened. We always get a table...but I don't like having to be so concerned about finding a table lol! I have anxiety issues. But I like pancakes, so I must soldier through.
(4)
Tina L.
Absolutely love it here! Couple of pastas I like: - Lemon Chicken - New Orleans Noodle - Chipotle Chicken The grilled cheese items were so good too!! As were the omelets... as were the meatballs... Oh, and I LOVE THE GELATOS! Holy crap I sound like a giddy girl with ADHD who can't stop mentioning all the great things about her new boyfriend. I regret not having gone here every night while I was on assignment in Houston :( [Uh, unrelated learnings from personal experience: eating pastas endlessly may add unwanted pounds.]
(4)
Van L.
I have been coming to Black Walnut for some time now. The food is reasonably priced and the atmosphere is welcoming. Depending on who is working, it can be a hit or miss as far as how well the service at the counter is going to be. But to be fair, they don't really "serve" you anyway. They simply take your order, give you a buzzer, then you just go pick up your food when you're buzzed. The menu had a wide selection from Creloe-gumbo type dishes to simple sandwiches or burgers. I haven't had the breakfast/brunch here yet, but they do sound appetizing. The dessert is decent too, but I personally think it's overpriced for what it is. The gealto selection consists of...8 flavors (?) - if memory serves me correctly. The presentation of the gealto is in a geha (ice cream box - I believe that's what it's called - at least that's what they call it at Cold Stone Creamery). Needless to say, you cannot miss looking at it when you're walking up to take your order. But for you first time Black Walnut people, I would say try it just to say you tried it...but I wouldn't urge the gealto as "must have". I haven't had any other desserts there, but they do have cakes and some cookies. I have had a few bottles of wine here before (not all at once; thankfully). The bottles can range from $15-$50-ish depending on which bottle you choose. They have a decent selection of reds and whites. Although, I am not a wine snob, so it may not seem like enough for the ones that actually know what they are talking about. As for me, it's whatever tastes good. I usually get the dessert wines or maybe a Shiraz (red). If you're on a date, the bottle of wine will tie in nicely with setting they have set up. The one down fall to this place though, I always found it kind of messy. The tables always have this stinch of copper metal. And no, I don't stick my nose directly onto the table or sniff around it. I usually can immediately smell it the moment I sit down at the table. It may as well just be the table, since it does look like it's made from bits of copper or at least some bronze-ish material. Depending on the day again, the tables can also be sticky or have bits of food under neath it. But at this rate, it's nothing to be detered from the place (yet).
(4)
Iana I.
I went here for a really late lunch/kinda early dinner yesterday and the food wasn't bad... but it wasn't something to write home about either. Between the three entrees my friends and I ordered, 1.5 of them were good. My boyfriend's was probably the best (he got the second to last burger on the burger list -- something with avocado that was really good). Mine was okay (I got the BWC Gyro), and my sister got a salad. Not the best, but not bad either. Their spinach and artichoke dip was good too. I would come back just to try other things on their list. Maybe they were having an off day or my sister and I just picked two of their not-best entrees.
(4)
Michael C.
Menu has typical cafe-type selections - soup, sandwiches, salads, beef, etc., but with nice southwest touches. Service is good and food is served prompt - 5 of us took about 15 min. I'd come back.
(4)
Michelle H.
I like the environment. Great location. It is just like Empire Cafe.
(4)
Christopher A.
Today I visited Black Walnut for a business lunch. It is not my first time here. Each time I visit the floor is nice and clean. The food is served hot and it is very tasty. I ordered the Black Walnut Lemon Chicken Pasta with Garlic Bread. I do recommend it. I've told a lot of friends to try this local spot. They also have multiple locations.
(5)
Kelly N.
Mmmmm... New Orleans noodles. Good stuff. I don't usually like creamy sauces, but for some reason this one really hits the spot. Probably a gazillion calories but so good. Has a kick to it with cayenne seasoning. Pass on the Mango Pasta Salad. Sounds really good in the description, and granted all the ingredients were there, the mango dressing just didn't mesh well with the pasta. It was like you taste the sauce first, but then all you taste is the blandness of the pasta. Nice for a diet plate but trust me...pass on it. Not worth 10 bucks for some fruits and bland pasta. Also tried the caramel bread pudding. Looked good on the display but when they flipped it over onto the plate, it looked more like mashed potatoes. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. Not for almost 5 bucks! But seriously, if you'r not watching your figure, try the New Orleans Noodles..it's the shizzle. :)
(4)
John D.
They use rancid butter in their food. Lemon butter sauce pasta was horrible because of the butter they used.
(2)
Diana L.
Came here for a weekend breakfast. It's really cozy in there. You could really hang out and read the paper. Food was great, service was fast & friendly. Coffee was really good too. Can't wait to try their new location close to Memorial Park!
(4)
Kate A.
This is a somewhat hidden gem in Rice Village. I've come here a few times to eat dinner and each time I've been impressed with their menu and service. This last visit, the person who took our order was very patient and ensured that the order was correct. We ordered two St. Arnold's Summer Pilsner beers but after pouring one of the beers, the keg was out; they promptly informed us that they were going to install the new keg and that they would bring us our second beer asap. They ended up being completely out of that choice but gave us another one of our choice. The manager was walking around ensuring everyone's meals were to their satisfaction and it definitely was! They have outdoor seating as well as plenty of indoor seating by windows. Their food is phenomenal and you absolutely must try their Snickers pie or their gelato or both!
(4)
Reena M.
I use to work in the Village arcade during undergrad and was so excited when this place opened up. I loved it because when it opened about 5 years ago (I am taking an estimate) it was one of the few places in the area that had free Wi-Fi. The one cool feature that I like are the fans... Yes it is weird but I like them. About the food: For breakfast, I have has the breakfast burritos and the quesadillas. The bacon was just too fatty and seemed like they needed to be cooked a little but longer. I like the black pepper that they put on it. Salads: I have had the santa fe salad with chicken on it. They place shreds of tortilla chips which gives a nice crunch. They serve a slice of garlic bread, honestly, only eat it if you are really wanting to have cardiac issues. The bread is soaked in nothing but butter. I can say the one beverage that I enjoy here is the coffee. I liked the food the first two times I ate here. After wards, I feel as if the quality went down. The food became more oily/buttery and when ordering food to go while at work, they would forget items that come with the meal, such as the chicken which goes on the salad!!! I may come here for a glass of wine with some friends just to hang out for a bit but for me, breakfast/lunch/dinner will not be the place.
(2)
Jasmine R.
I liked this spot. It's located in Rice Village Arcade on the corner of University and Morningside. The yelp app has it a little further down on the map. But it's right next the the parking garage entrance. There is street parking, parking lot in the front of the restaurant, and a parking garage that they validate. They have a plethora of different types of dishes and they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I visited for breakfast and ordered the breakfast enchiladas. Fattening dish, but very delicious. There are many healthy dishes on the menu as well. There are also several deserts that they have as well as gelato. It's a pretty cool cozy spot to meet friends or go alone. Check them out!
(4)
Lindsey N.
Black walnut is a pretty solid go-to spot in the village for my friends and me. I'm never too disappointed but I'm also not ever impressed with my meal, just coasting on the line in between. Perhaps, I'm just not a savvy orderer because I'm not too fond of their dinner menu. Usually I try to go with a salad or a fish entree to keep it on the somewhat healthier side, but these always seem to lack a little zest or impact. Recently, I tried the blackened salmon caesar salad. This was a bit of a let down because although the salmon was delicious, it was in small supply on my plate, amounting to maybe two or three small chunks? Not even a full fillet. Basically, so little fish was served with my salad that it essentially was just a simple caesar salad pretending to be something grand. Palatable, but not worth the $14. If I were you, I'd stick with the breakfast menu as it is cheaper and more worth your while. The omelettes are always a delight. I like to customize my own and have an english muffin on the side with a spread of jam.
(3)
L M.
I have gone to this location many times and today was by far the most disappointing experience yet. I ordered a Cobb salad with a side of ranch. The chicken that was on the salad tastes rubbery, like frozen chicken that is microwaved tastes. The salad itself was not generous for being $14 and there was more plate than there was salad (see picture). The ONLY thing that I liked about the salad was the bacon and the ranch. They do ranch right here. While I was refilling my drink, there was a guy repairing the dessert refrigerator case. I had to take a picture because he was using power tools inside the case against metal and there were still desserts inside. If a metal shaving or something came off of his drill, it could have gone into the desserts which I thought was really unsafe. There were also dirty table rags laying on the ground which I didn't get a picture of. Overall, the prices here are absolutely NOT worth the quality or quantity of food you get. I hear the brunch is good, but the rest of the items are overpriced.
(2)
Cindy L.
My boyfriend brought me here for the first time because he loves to eat at this restaurant. The staff is sooooo nice and welcoming!!! You have to order and pick up at the front and I personally like these types or restaurants because it's fast and simple. We ordered the Eggs Benedict, Chipotle Chicken Pasta, and Potato Soup. My eggs benedict was luke warm, probably because my dish was made first... it was delicious though. The ham had the right amount of saltiness and the yolk was perfect!!!! The potato soup was really good, I didnt except it to be THAT good!! I overally really like this place and I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Jennifer R.
I personally love the black walnut cafes especially during the early hours (after night shift clocks out). Open early, great options and various breakfast platters, PLUS the buenos dias drink is DELICIOUS. I tried out the lobster eggs benedict and it was amazing. I usually get the french toast (ends up being too sweet) or a make your own omelette (which I can make at home) so I decided to spice it up and do something different ordering the lobster eggs benedict. Also, I like the fact that there's always plenty of seating and that it's conveniently located in the rice village area. The only problem is during Sunday brunch because it gets extremely packed. Report card Parking: A - plenty of parking plus available parking garage Food: B - not the greatest but try the lobster eggs benedict and get the buenos dias drink! Service: A Ambiance: A Overall: A
(4)
Sophia D.
Always try to do things in the area so I can go. Love the food, the atmosphere. I believe it is a Must Try. Especially on weekends when they serve breakfast late (until 4p)
(5)
Jill K.
This place confused me. I ate here for the first time today with my boyfriend. We were both off and wanted some good breakfast that we hadn't had before. After doing a little bit of research, Black Walnut was close and seemed affordable. Walking in, the ordering process isn't confusing and everything is clearly marked (order here, pickup here, etc), which I very much appreciated. I decided to get a ham breakfast burrito and my boyfriend got the steak and eggs. We also decided to split an order of pancakes. I expected this to be way too much food for just the two of us. I was wrong. Boyfriend's portion of steak turned out to be about 4 ounces. Now, I'm not a huge meat eater, but even I thought that was tiny. It came with two eggs and breakfast potatoes (which were all good and cooked well), but my boyfriend said the steak was waaaay overcooked. He ordered it medium rare, it came out beyond done. I was even disappointed for him considering his love of rare meat. I noticed while we were waiting for our food (which took a little more than 20 minutes to come out!) that my burrito was only $3. I found out why it was so cheap when it came out--I ate it in about six bites. Tiny! I wish someone would've mentioned to me how small it was. This is where the pancakes come in. I hate to have more than half of my breakfast syrup soaked pancakes, even though they were probably the best pancakes I've ever had in my life. All in all, the portions were small (which isn't a bad thing when you're expecting it, but sucks when you're not), the people were extraordinarily friendly, the place was clean, but the service was ridiculously slow. This is why I'm confused--I can't tell if I love it or would never go back!
(3)
Tammy N.
Their menu is intense! It ranges from omelettes to burgers to pasta. I always have trouble whenever a place has an extensive menu bc then I just want everything. After a while of debating I decided on the fish tacos. The fish was really fresh and slightly breaded and fried. Pretty decent size with the side salad but I thought the taco was really bland. Couldn't really taste any spices. I wish they would put more of the cayenne ranch dressing on it. Luckily they had mango habanero sauce on the tables and that saved the day. I would come back here but to try something else on their menu.
(3)
Linda A.
This place is PACKED during lunch hour. But, the food was really good. Like, really, really good. The bussers tried to keep up but noticed some tables that were unavailable because they still needed to be cleaned, which made it hard to find seating.
(4)
Yasmin C.
Torn between 3 and 4 stars!!! While I don't think Black Walnut has the most innovative, amazing breakfast in town, it's such a staple with reliable, good food and lots of options. I've been a couple of times now and I can say that it's a solid choice and great for groups since everyone is pretty much guaranteed to find something. I've gotten an egg white omelet both times and I love that you can build it yourself. The default here is to be a bit on the heavier side (i.e. shoestring potatoes = greasy french fries; all bread will come to you generously buttered), but it seems that there are healthy enough options if you want them, or you can ask for no butter, etc. Black Walnut really is a feel-good classic kind of breakfast place, and I know I'll be back. 3 stars for now, but I'll def have to try some more items. I also want to try the Memorial location, which is actually closer to my home!
(3)
Farah B.
Black Walnut cafe is great place to go for american decent food. They have walk up counter service and can get very busy on the weekends. Parking at rice village is always tricky but they do give you validation for the garage when you dine at Black Walnut. My favorite dish is the John Mac n Lob. Its lobster mac n cheese - its very cheesy and has chunks of lobsters. Its topped with breadcrumbs and served with a bread stick. I go without the breadcrumbs. They also offer a variety of pastas. I've had the Bank No 19 pasta but with bow tie pasta, instead of the tortellini. I thought it would have been too heavy with the cheese tortellini. The pesto had good flavor and the shrimp were also good. They offer a lot of desserts, my favorite is the gelato. They have a bunch of different varieties. Their chocolate chip cookie is not too shabby, and the moondog cookie is also delicious! The rice village outdoor seating makes for a pleasant night in htown.
(3)
Kristina N.
This is one of my go-to brunch place. It is set up cafe styled so you go up to the counter and give them your order. They give you a buzzer and buzz you when your food is ready for pickup. Very casual setting, which is nice because sometimes I go after working out or when I just wake up. I always order the same thing, which is a customized omelette, so I'm not sure how the rest of the menu is. However, this place is pretty pricy, they charge you $5 base price for just the eggs (this better be some free range, non GMO, gluten free chickens receiving daily massages), then they charge you $0.50-$2.25 per topping so it really adds up. There is a lot of variety on the menu so I could start trying something else and it is also good for picky eaters or vegetarians. The location is good, in Rice Village so you can run errands or shop afterwards. Parking is a nightmare on weekends though but if you park in the garage they will validate your parking. Nothing to really complain about here, food, atmosphere is all good. Pros: - Fresh squeeze orange juice Cons: - Parking - Pricy - Can be hard to find a table if it's busy
(5)
Kathy W.
Really busy for a weekday lunch but the line went relatively quickly. I got the Asian Tuna Salad - seared ahi tuna. I'm usually not into raw meats/poultry but this was super delicious and flavorful!
(5)
Payal P.
Black Walnut is a solid "mediocre" and one of the most overhyped places in Houston in my opinion. Place is clean, and the line is out the door for weekend brunch. I ordered the huevos Mexicanos with egg whites, which was accommodated. They were not as spicy as the menu suggested and were greasier than I prefer. And that's typical of every entree I've ever ordered here. "Greasy." We had ordered some fried pickles to share with group. I liked that they were fresh made vs. frozen. However, I found them to have too much breading. And this is coming from someone who likes extra breading / crusts on most things. I will go back to Black Walnut some day, but it'll likely be because a larger group picked it. Would never go there as a first choice.
(2)
Fallon L.
I have been here more times than I can count and I always order the same thing: Asian Tuna Salad. It's fantastic. Light yet filling. I don't feel too full after finishing it all, as it is a nice sized salad. The tuna is perfectly cooked and the Wasabi dressing is a great compliment. The service is fast and the pastries are delish. Great patios at most locations. Love this place.
I LOVE that this place is open until midnight on Friday and Saturday. It's great to know that you can get a good meal so late at night when time happens to slip past you. I've been coming to this particular location for years and it hasn't ever disappointed me. There are so many great dishes between the salads, sandwiches and apps. I love the fried pickles and the santa fe salad. Their mimosas can pack quite a punch as well! The best thing to do is to call in an order for pick up and then walk across the street for beers at Little Woodrow's! Then you get the best of both worlds - great food and then bar atmosphere.
(5)
Jennifer D.
As a Rice student, black walnut has been my go-to in the village for a lunch meeting or Saturday night dinner. Every entree I've ordered has been delicious and satisfying from the breakfast omelettes to the pasta (amazing garlic bread) and my go to: grilled cheese and tomato soup, the perfect buttery crispy comfort food. Love their iced tea options, especially strawberry green! The decor is classy and the servers are professional and down to earth. My one criticism though, is about their coffee drinks. The peppermint mocha I ordered today neither looked nor tasted appetizing. The green syrup did not blend well with the coffee and the artificial taste was overpowering. The same level of care and quality put towards their food was not present in this drink. I'll definitely be back for the food but next time I'll skip the mocha.
(4)
Andrea H.
Stopped by because of yelp. Sunday morning breakfast was tasty and quick. Kind of noisy and it is self service. Would definitely eat here again
(4)
Jaqueline R.
Took 20 minutes for anyone to speak to me, mind you I had 3 people walk past me and make eye contact. Ordered a grilled cheese & tomato soup. Both were mediocre and lacking flavor. I really feel like this place is hype. I heard such good things and it was awful. Over priced, rude and average food (if that). I won't be back. Luckily there are a lot more options in the area.
(1)
Kimberlee W.
Rude, short Asian guy at register. Walked away from me as though I weren't standing there. He came back, still no acknowledgment. I then asked him where do I get the orange juice to which he sighed and said, "we're squeezing it now." Walked away again. Came back and slammed orange juice down on counter. May try another one, but I wasn't pleased with this location.
(2)
Jessica G.
This is a perfect weekend brunch place at the village! I love that you can order breakfast at any time of the day, because you know what they say: "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!"" I've come here on several occasions and the food has never disappointed. The omelets are delicate and scrumptious, although I would prefer my salsa a little spicier. The soups are great; I've ordered the tomato basil soup with the grilled cheese sandwich. Highly recommended! The bread and cheese combo simply melted in your mouth, and the tomato basil soup added the perfect finishing touch. Another perk: there's free wifi! So bring along your computer or book, although I will say that the restaurant is a little more on the loud side. However, there are really comfortable seat couches and benches in the back of the restaurant (near the bathroom).
(4)
Timothy Y.
I came here after working out so I was pretty hungry, and almost anything tastes good at that point. However, I was quite impressed, and I don't think that's exclusively a product of my hunger. I had the breakfast migas with Italian sausage and a side of potatoes. The migas were tasty and the portions were relatively generous. The texture was on the softer side, but I liked them regardless. The potatoes were a tad lukewarm and not quite as crispy as I normally prefer, but they were solid and paired well with the mango habanero hot sauce. The decor of the Black Walnut Cafe is pretty good. It seems a little derivative (it does the typical hardwood and plaster thing places do when they want to look like a nice pub) but obviously restaurants aren't intended to be marvels of architecture. The Black Walnut Cafe does tend to be on the pricy side. Rice Village is what it is. If you order carefully you can still be quite full on $10. Worth.
(4)
Michelle M.
I have come a few times to Black Walnut Cafe. Despite the varied menu, I always have a hard time eating here. It is a lovely place to meet someone casually because there is ample seating that is pretty relaxed. The miss comes in the food. 1. Potato bacon soup -- So rich with heavy cream that it will have you regretting the second you put that spoon in your mouth. It's not chowdery either... 2. "Side" of broccoli -- Unimpressively five small florets. The second miss: service. Management came to ask how my friend and I enjoyed our meal. He said, "How else do we get better [if we don't get feedback]?" I told him that my meal was too rich and the broccoli was hardly a side. Additionally, my friend had asked for her salad with avocado. They certainly charged her for it, and there was 1 sliver of avocado in there. SLIVER. He said, "Well that's just how we make [the side/salad]," and shrugged off our comments. So, they are not really interested in making it a pleasant experience for you. There are so many equally nice places in the area. I would say Black Walnut is a "not so much" experience.
Nice atmosphere but extremely (!!!) over-priced and under-flavored...you know that mass-produced chain restaurant flavor...yeah, that's the one. We tried brunch last weekend and my French toast was over $10 and very disappointing. It had very little flavor except a strong pepper (!?!?I know, right?!?!) flavor because I think someone in the kitchen made a mistake. My son ordered a pasta dish that was $14-15 and NOT worth it. I don't think we will be back.
(2)
Lindsey P.
The line was extremely long on a Sunday but it moved quickly and we got our food even faster! The portion size is just about perfect. The eggs Benedict are wonderful :)
(4)
Charles F.
My wife and I, and sometimes our family visit this restaurant as a treat. It is moderately priced($$), and the food is good. Nothing too fancy; I would classify this as a family restaurant. I've had the Asian Tuna salad, which boasts a very good ginger based dressing, and really good tuna. My wife has had the Spinach & Mushroom Omelet, which she and her friend thoroughly enjoyed. My daughter and I have had the New Orleans Noodle pasta, which definitely wakes up your taste buds. The beer and wine selection is good, and they will recommend your drink if you ask them. Now the desserts are to die for. All the cakes, and pies and tarts are delicious, and come in big servings. I, as lactose intolerant, really like their featured sorbets. Wife really likes the coffee as well. I am beginning to like those soda machines where you can 'program' your drink. Choose a standard or be creative. Good casual place for a first date: the experience is enjoyable. Or for a family meal.
(4)
Alice W.
First impression, it is super lively, robust and casual. Several television screens, plants and pictures revolve around the atmosphere. People come and go, grab menu, order at the front, grab a pager and rings when food ready for pickup There must be at least 50 items to choose from the menu, despite the fact everything is cooked to order. Everyone appears to receive their food in 10 min. The staff is courteous and friendly with bus boys picking up trays, plates after guests that left at a busy lunch hour. One thing that drawn my attention that needs improvement, the coffee and silverware bar is right behind where people order, and at least 10 people crossed over, excusing themselves to get to the napkins and drinks is just a little unorganized in terms of the flow of the order. May work better if that bar moves to where people pick up food.
(4)
Bobby J.
If you had to define a "hit-or-miss" it might very well have a picture of Black Walnut beside the definition. Every time I've gone the experience has been pleasant and the hours are superb! The compliments stop there. I hope you like eating alone because no one will want to return with you. Every time I've brought a friend they've had something cooked wrong and had to request the kitchen remake it. So literally. I am stuck going to this restaurant alone now. If you have high expectations for how your eggs or pancakes or cooked, you might want to try some place else. But... if you are looking for a place that has good hours and decent food (love the Turkey Sausage) then check it out. Because of its inconsistency... May the odds be ever in your favour.
(2)
John C.
I've been here many times, and I seem to order something different every time, but I'm never disappointed.
(5)
Justin A.
This is a great go-to brunch place in Houston, Texas. It can get pretty busy, but you can usually get seats pretty fast. Parking is an issue around the cafe, but there's a free parking garage beside if you get your ticket validated. The omelettes are top notch.
(5)
Tanya D.
Love this place! Good atmosphere w/ some of the Best Pork Tacos around! Will be back here for sure :-)
(5)
Jetrice G.
Arrived around 3:30 p.m. The best time during the weekday because parking is a breeze, you can beat the line, and in time for happy hour 3pm-7pm. I ordered the grilled chicken with broccoli and mashed potatoes. Chicken was dry and flavorless, broccoli was boiled and put on the place..no season, which was fine. Luckily, I eat my broccoli plain, but the mashed potatoes had a weird taste and consistency like it was watery. I was told I should come during breakfast instead of dinner/lunch. I will give this place another try, and order something else. The garlic bread was the best thing on the entree. My friend didn't like her entree or the drinks she ordered. She mentioned the drinks taste like punch...lol.
(2)
TravelPro P.
We were very disappointed in our desserts. I got the double chocolate cheescake and it tasted like it had been sitting in the case a while. The outer part was dry and rubbery, and the flavor overall was blah. I picked at the inside which had more of a cheesecake texture and a little more distinct flavor between the chocolate and regular cheesecake portion, but left most of it uneaten. It certainly wasn't worth $7.50. Also, I am not of fan of the sickly sweet syrup they drizzle over the dishes for effect (Hershey's syrup? Yuck, horrible ingredients.) The service was very good (you order at the counter). The coffee, which is self serve was lukewarm. I asked the counter server to warm it up in the microwave, and he was nice enough to make a fresh pot, though my cup had lots of grounds floating in it:-( It was freezing in there, and the fans were blowing. I asked if they could turn the one over us off and was told they couldn't as they were all connected. I suggested they turn all of them off then, as literally every table had people sitting there with their coats on like us. Nope, wouldn't do it. We couldn't wait to get out of there.
(2)
Angela M.
First time at BWC . Overall cool experience. Staff was friendly and very helpful. A lot of options to choose from. I ordered the big breakfast plate. Had that around 2pm on Saturday. Portion was decent and full filling. Could've had a little more eggs. Also ordered the mimosa pitcher, although it was more pricier than other places ($25). Very tasty. But wish it was chilled. Had to add ice cubes. I would definitely return.
(4)
Sarah L.
Honestly this place has terrible food. The first time I came here I ordered a pasta that had shrimp in it. After a few bites, my tongue and throat began to itch. I am not allergic to shrimp and my friend had a similar reaction. We complained ad were not offered a new dish so instead we went home with half full stomachs. I came again today because friends of mine wanted to meet. I ordered a pot roast which actually pretty tasty if it had been hot. The mashed potatoes were a great flavor yet gluey. The roast vegetables were burnt and soggy. My friends had the chicken tenders with fries. The fries were like limp jiggly fingers covered in oil. Not recommended. The food also comes out EXTREMELY fast I mean like as soon as you order and sit down the buzzer beeps. Which probably means it wasn't made fresh at all. The restaurant is clean and looks nice so points for that. The staff is also very courteous as well.
(2)
Sanoj T.
I had brunch here with friends the other day. The place is pretty crowded but it was easy to get around and talk with out big group. I ordered the bacon cheeseburger Benedict. The eggs were perfect but I don't know what the rest tasted like really because it was drowned in the hollandaise sauce. Literally I could scoop the sauce from the food with a spoon. The potatoes that came with were a good size but some were over cooked while other pieces were under. My other friends said their food was descent and I tried theirs. They weren't bad so I'd go again. The prices are fair but I would definitely get something else
(3)
Ken W. J.
Just started visiting this place and the service and breakfast was great!!!! I'm sure I will be going back and telling others as well.
(4)
Anne Y.
I came before but I didn't leave a review. I had good impression of it that's why I came back again. Last time I think I ordered a pasta plate. It was pretty good. I liked it a lot. Thats why I decided to come back and ordered something else. Today I ordered a Black Walnut Fish Tacos for $11.50. It comes with a side of salad and you can choose one dressing from a variety of dressings they offered. I chose Caesar dressing. Then they ask how I want my fish to be, fried or grilled. Since it comes in two taco, I can choose one of each, which I did. It took a little long for it to be served, which I am totallly fine with it. However though, the taco itself is kinda bland in comparison to the things they put jn the taco. I still like it, don't get me wrong. I enjoyed GRILLED than fried, even though I love fried food. The grilled fish has more taste than the fried. Side Salad was good. My boyfriend got a burgee for $9.75 and a side of sweet potato fries for $1.00 extra. I tried a little of it, it was pretty good. We then ordered boston cream cake $6.75 /slice (because it looks AWESOME) from the pastry window... and indeed, it was good. Not too sweet, which is totally my taste. :) Overall I'd recommend this place! :):
(4)
Amir S.
I have been here a few times before, but the reason I really like it is because I always come here with my family. It has a nice seating area, a few TV's, and pretty good music, but what matters most is the food , so good. Although I always get the same thing when I come here, my favorite, the Cordon Bleu Benedict, two poached eggs with parmesan chicken, swiss cheese, and ham on an english muffin. I never get tired of this food, will be one of my favorites.
(5)
Tony A.
Tried this place out today and the food was amazing! I love the atmosphere here it has tons of character! The staff is also great. I'd highly recommend this place!
(4)
Carol N.
Never disappointing. Well except for the cake. Still can't seem to get one I like here. But grilled cheese and tomato soup- the best.
(4)
Cory W.
Black Walnut is always an easy, default choice for eating out in Rice Village. It is conveniently located in the Rice Village Arcade and, as such, has easy access to a parking lot write outside and a multiple story parking garage right next door. If you do park in the parking garage, make sure to get your ticket validated when you are ordering. When you walk in, you will see a board with menus displayed on it. When you have decided what you want to eat, make your way to the counter where you will order, pay and receive a pager that will let you know when you are supposed to pick up your food. One issue that I have here is that you are paying a lot for food you have to go pick up at a counter yourself. I've been here for brunch, lunch, as well as dinner a number of times. I think that the food is alright (to good), but for the price it really isn't anything special. During brunch, I will typically order the steak and eggs, which is good, but relatively standard. It comes with a side of their home-style potatoes, which I enjoy (but, again, nothing to call home about). During brunch time, the place can get pretty crowded, so expect to wait a little bit. Food here can sometimes take some time. For lunch and dinner, I usually go with a salad. Of their selection, I like their Southwest Chicken Salad the best. It comes with romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, beans, corn, tortilla strips and cheese (although I leave off the cheese -- often times they put on a little too much for my taste, but we are in Texas...). The salad, like most of their dishes, also comes with a spear of their garlic bread on the side. To drink, I usually like to order one of their iced-teas. When you do, you just get a cup and are free to fill it from their filling station with whichever you please, although I recommend the fruit infused ones since I find them particularly delicious. Black Walnut also has a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine that lets you concoct your own flavored soda, water, or sparkling water, so if that floats your boat, that is always an option. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, which is probably it has become a default, "can't decide where to go" location for me and my friends. The indoor seating is comfortable, although the inside is a little bit dark for my personal taste. They have a couple TVs inside that typically play sports or news as well. I typically prefer to sit out on the patio, which is absolutely wonderful on a sunny day. Service is typically very friendly and attentive, although your interaction is limited to ordering from the counter, and picking your food up. Otherwise, you are pretty much servicing yourself. In my experience, people behind the counter always very friendly, willing to offer suggestions, and fix any problems you might have with your meal. All in all for the price, I think that the food is decent and the experience is suitable for an average lunch or dinner out. If you are looking for something uniquely delicious or special though, I would seek elsewhere. But, for the average night, Black Walnut can be an easy, mindless, and a yummy choice.
(3)
Sabrina S.
Love this cafe! Breakfast/brunch is always good, coffee is good, French toast is delish and the scrambled eggs with cheese are to die for! Finally somebody who knows how to cook scrambled eggs with cheese! Service is always with a smile and prices are reasonable. My go to breakfast place.
(4)
Lisa S.
Overall, m'eh. I went here twice. The first time, I had the grilled cheese and tomato soup and fried pickle appetizer. Fine but nothing spectacular. I came back today and had the creatively named vegetarian pasta. Although it has flavorful ingredients and smelled delicious, the dish itself was flavorless. The artichokes were dry, and no flavor was extracted from the sun dried tomatoes. Adding salt and pepper helped but not much. (You would've thought the olives and other ingredients would at least make the saltiness right...) The pasta was cooked well. Vegetarian options are limited, boring, and overpriced. Not worth a try. I would prefer to give this place 2.5 stars because the staff was friendly and service was fast. However, the lack of vegetarian lunch items and the sub par quality of food prevents me from going up to 3. Both times, I went with coworkers at their suggestion for lunch. Next time, I'll pass or suggest elsewhere in Rice Village.
(2)
Annie C.
It's nothing special...I got the pulled pork sandwich and it was kind of dry. They do give decent portions for their gelato though.
(3)
Daniel Z.
Food looks good, but a bit on the pricey side because it's in rice village. The water cooler is very encoraging, as it assures us that the water is both filtered and cold. They have a great variety of drinks in the soda machine as well! Also, this place doesn't allow smoking or pets, both of which can detract from the ambiance of the place. The buzzer system is poor mainly because of the poor grammar on it. It forgets to add an apostrophe in the word 'let's'. Overall they have a ton of condiments to satisfy almost anyone. The place is a bit cramped; however, it's the only way they can fit all their customers. I got the damn good burger, and it had 2 patties and a lot of other things inside. It was filling, but a bit difficult to eat, as it was a bit tough and large. But the taste was good especially the mushrooms inside. I'm not great at determining between good and great food, but I know that it at least was not bad, but probably not great either, thus earning 3 stars.
(3)
Randy S.
I don't know if this place used to be good or what, but the food was below with what I've heard. I have been there twice alone for my own opinion, and once with a group. They over cooked my eggs benny; the yolks were solid. The hash potatoes were chewy and full of grease. I skipped eating the last time, and just hung out with the group.
(1)
Omar Z.
I used to like this place but I wish they could bring my food out hot. I almost always pick max's chicken sandwich and this time it was just ok. The chicken was not hot although it should have been. I do like the atmosphere and everyone else enjoys the food. They have filtered water and that's exactly what I got but their plastic cup kinda smelled weird. I don't know if I like this place as much as I used to. Last time I was here they brought out my order about 30 minutes later. Everyone else had finished their food already. My food was sitting on the counter for about 10 minutes and no one buzzed me. Oh well. I have had some good days here In the past so hoping they will do better next time. Lately I have not suggested this place to my friends.
(3)
Cynthia C.
Enjoyed all the times I've come here. Food is pretty good & the place is spacious! It has the dark wood, upscale library feel to it. It's good for groups (sat 6 ppl here no problem-- on a Saturday at 9:30am). Parking is a pain sometimes, but that's pretty much everywhere in Rice Village. Honestly, I haven't had a bad meal here yet, but I've only gotten salads or breakfast items. Really love the Texas Challah French Toast-- light, airy bread with a slight crispy exterior & lemon honey whipped butter. $7 Husband got the 2 eggs benedict with potatoes for $11. I didn't try the eggs benedict but the potatoes were good :) I've also had the Black Walnut salad in the past & the salmon one & both were fresh & tasty.
(4)
Sara S.
Is it the weekend? Put on your yoga pants and head on over here! (trust me, you wont regret it, everyone is dressed in their best athletic leisure attire!) I had the spicy chicken chipotle pasta. I completely forgot the name, but it was so good, that I had to tell myself to stop eating-because I was full, and at that point, just being a glutton! It was so good! The bread they serve with it was perfection, and they don't skimp on the chicken. I ordered the white wine sangria, it was tasty and strong. I love it when they put a quality amount of fruit in the sangria too! Service was great, I took forever deciding what I wanted and the cashier was so patient with me. I would seriously consider having this place be my cheat meal go to place on weekends!
(5)
Angela T.
A nice cozy, little place in rice village across from brian oneils and woodrows, with ample seating inside and a small patio. It's a walk up to the register and order kind of place, where you get a little buzzer pager when your foods ready to be picked up. Regular fountain drinks are self service and seating is first come first serve. I come to this place pretty regularly and have tried a slew of things here, the pot roast grilled cheese, the new orleans noodle, and a few other things, but those stick out the most in my head. The pot roast grilled cheese hits the spot, a very generous amount of their pot roast sits on top of bread with a slice of melted cheese. YUM! No salads for me as Im not a rabbit, but I substituted it for sweet potato fries. Crispy, marginally healthier than regular fries, and a bit of a peppery kick to it. I like this. The new orleans noodle is a creamy spicy alfredo sauce and served with shrimp, crawfish a sliver of bread. The garlic bread is wonderful. The sorbets are really refreshing as well. I think my only complain is that for the price of a drink, there doesn't seem to be a hint of alcohol in it.
(4)
Olivia H.
Large portions, delicious food, and free wifi. A tad pricey. It can get rather crowded, unfortunately, but if you manage to find a comfortable seat and table, it's a good place to work for an afternoon if you need a change of scene. They also have delicious breakfast options. I think the biggest advantage (for me) is its proximity to Rice. It's in Rice Village, on the side closest towards campus. Wahoo!
(3)
Andrew B.
Nice atmosphere but the food leaves a lot to be desired. The chicken sandwich had no flavor or dressing to hide the fact that the chicken was a grilled rubber texture and quite hard. The French fries were a little over seasoned for my taste but I'm sure many like them this way. Fish tacos are ok. Salad wasn't tasty either. All for 27$
(2)
Ray D.
Gluten-Free Bread A+ Other than that, there was 5 tables and a 45 minute wait, the longest I've experienced in a LONG TIME. Everything seems like it's straight off the Cisco Truck, frozen fries, frozen meat for the hamburgers, just tasted like a Cafe, yup. Was very confusing to order, did not know where to order, several people who looked like managers just stared at us and didn't say FIRST TIME? or something... order here... pick your food up here, just kind of gave us the what do you want stare. Had to ask how do we do this contraption of a restaurant, and once your order is ready you have to maneuver hot plates through customers ordering, very small corridor to order/pick up food, makes no sense. There is so much room to expand the pick up your food area, not sure why, I'm sure its slammed during lunch and it would probably tick me off ALOT. Saying Excuse me Excuse me, don't hit my plates!! However, I would go back, the sauce on the burger was decent, the coffee selection is LEGIT, and you can make as many Iced coffees as you wish. The Tomato soup seemed like it was watered down, and not real creamy, most likely made with lots of water, instead of cream, which to some is a good thing. The burger came with 2 meats, not complaining but was very awkward, they were already big enough, had to take one off and just throw it away at end. Meat tasted bland, unsalted, but with their sauce made it bearable to eat. 2 Stars, but for GLUTEN FREE FRIENDLY BREAD 3 STARS! Gooooo Gluten Friendly! Oh well, the Gluten-Free menu was 3 parts, 1 printed and laminated, and the other 2 were crumbled used over and over again menus. Please Walnut, redo your Gluten Free Menu so I don't feel like an ostracized customer. --------------------------------------------------Â--------------------------------------------------Â- Manager contacted me, raised 1 star for providing apologies for my experience. --------------------------------------------------Â--------------------------------------------------Â--
(4)
Nikita P.
Cosy cafe with nice ambiance. Food is okay. Coffee is good. Desserts are good. I love to hang out here.
(4)
Patrick Y.
Black Walnut is one of those places you go to when you and your lunch buddies are indecisive and don't have any particular craving. From pancakes to pastas, they do a little bit of everything and they do it adequately. The deceptively narrow storefront hides plenty of indoor seating to escape the Houston humidity and the lacquered furniture adds a touch of luxury. Somebody must have read the floor plan upside down when this place was built, though. From the front door, you place your order at the back of the restaurant, fill your drink and grab utensils at the front, turn around and reach for napkins atop a shelf and then return to the back to collect your food. There's your cardio for the day. My go-to dishes when I'm indecisive about what to order when I'm here because I was indecisive about a restaurant are the Bank No. 19 pasta and the fish tacos. The latter includes two tacos that can be ordered fried or grilled. I like that they give you the option of having one of each for those of us inflicted with crippling FOMO. Another thing that perplexes me is their "early bird happy hour" that runs M-F 7-10:30 a.m. I feel blessed to have a job that I don't hate enough to require beer(s) with my breakfast burrito.
(3)
Violet H.
Excellent service, atmosphere and great food. Enjoyed brunch with the family. The omelets are to die for. Yummy!
(5)
Jacobo D.
I've been here a couple times now, and the first experience was fine. The fish tacos are pretty good, with very decent size portions of fish. This last experience, however, will keep me from ever going back. My wife ordered the Asian Tuna salad. This is a fairly routine bed of lettuce with a little bit of dressing. The tuna though, was cold upon arrival, and was SEVERELY under-cooked. To the point of just being a flabby pink mess between two barely seared sides. I've had Ahi tuna steaks properly prepared before, heck, I cook them semi-often at home. I know it is supposed to be slightly pink on the inside. However, it was so under-cooked and unappetizing that my wife couldn't eat it. When I went back to the line to request that they cook the piece she was given a little more, I was told that, "It's supposed to be like that". Explaining that we didn't even want a new piece, just to cook the one we received a little more, I was told (rudely) that they couldn't put something back on the grill that had been eaten off of. Fair enough. They put another piece on, telling the cooks that we wanted it "well done".Not true, but fine, I don't like being a hassle in restaurants. When the manager on duty brought the plate over, the fish was finally hot. When apologizing for the trouble and trying to show him the absolute lack of cooking on the first piece, he cuts me off, insulting my intelligence like I've never had a properly cooked Ahi steak, and says in one of the most blase tones I've ever heard that, again, "It's supposed to be like that..." . Actually, you condescending hole, it isn't. We thanked him for the new piece of fish, ate and left. We won't be coming back.
(2)
sammy d.
Dropped by for breakfast recently and had the migas. I ordered vegetarian, and they delivered mine with meat all over it! Had to send it back. When it came out, they brought it over without utensils, so I had to go back and get another set. Migas were awesome in flavor. Overall location and decor is nice. Other menu items that I tried for lunch later that week left a lot to be desired in terms of taste. During peak lunch rush, service is slow at the counter. Tables are often dirty. Bathroom was just fair. I'd go back again for breakfast but not any other time of day.
(3)
Molly M.
I went here once on my own and the took our friends when they came in town since they have such a wide selection. The first time I went for lunch and got their new pulled pork sandwich. It was just okay nothing to write home about. The mango habanero sauce was not spicy and they didn't give me near enough for all the pork I had on my sandwich. Overall it seems to be a great lunch spot as it was super busy! The second time we went for brunch on Sunday to the Sugar Land location. It was excellent. I got the chicken and waffles. The chicken was a little dry but it happens. My husband got the chicken strip basket and the chicken was moist and flavorful. Our friends also enjoyed their meals as well. They were very pleased. It does get busy for brunch. There is usually a bit of a wait to order and get your food but nothing too extreme. We will definitely be going back before we leave Houston!
(4)
Emily A.
The Black Walnut Cafe is one of my FAVORITE brunch places in the Rice Village. It is usually crowded but it is worth the wait. The staff is so nice and they are so welcoming. They have so many options to choose from and the have both lunch and breakfast items. Their omelette selection is huge and for omelette loves, like me, it's heaven. They have so many meat choices and cheeses and veggies, I couldn't decide what to to put in my omelette! They have many different varieties of French toast and their salad list is huge. I highly recommend their egg white omelette with turkey sausage, any veggies, and avocados. The avocado made the omelet so if you are an avocado fan, don't miss out. The omelettes come with fresh salsa which is a great addition because the flavors combine so well. The omelette comes with a choice of an English muffin or Texas toast. I chose English muffin and it was great. The whole meal left me feeling great. It was not a meal that I felt like I was so full I could burst which is good. My father ordered the same thing with Texas toast and loved it! They coffee is amazing here. They have a wife selection and all of them are so good! I am a huge coffee fan and I hate going to restaurants that have bad coffee, but this is not one of them.
(5)
Rebecca L.
2.5 most of the time, 3 at best. For some unforeseen reason, from time to time, I find myself back at black walnut cafe. Mind you, never by choice. I do like the cafe atmosphere and the staff are usually friendly but I'm never impressed and rarely satisfied with the food. It is mediocre at best and pricey, which earns it a solid 2.5 stars in my book. The quality of food does not justify its price. But it is a very popular place and if you haven't tried it, you should. The brunch is good, I'll give them that. But the dinner and lunch--very par, maybe even subpar. If you're in an unfamiliar area with no recognizable restaurants around and you're not in the mood to explore--then come to the non-intimidating black walnut cafe--but I can't see that happening as they seem to choose locations that are in popular strip malls which means---surrounded by much better dining options.
(3)
Sarah S.
Large restaurant with plenty of space if you are coming here with a big group and it is easy to split the tab because everyone orders at the register before you seat down. The service was friendly and it seemed very clean inside. The food, however, is lacking. I ordered the Black Walnut Salad with chicken and it is probably one of the most disappointing salads I have ever eaten. The salad itself was about $12 with taxes but probably was only worth $4. Perhaps the biggest offensive was the measly portion of chicken served with a salad. I am pretty sure they took a chicken breast and split it in half. Seriously I would be shocked if there was more than 2 oz of chicken on that thing. Additionally the components of the salad did not blend well. I think it took me an hour to force this down and I love salads. Taken home message: overpriced, lackluster food
(2)
Brandon N.
Great food! I had the Frenchie! French toast, potatoes 2 eggs and excellent homemade pan sausage. I'll definitely be back. The freshly squeezed OJ was great too!
(4)
Dean M.
Found it on Yelp during a recent trip to Houston. No disappointments, here. Just excellent breakfast offerings, fast and friendly service. The Mexican coffee was sooooooooooo good.
(5)
Emily M.
Delicious food, friendly & personable service, yummy drinks, early happy hour for us night shift folks! This is a regular after-work hangout got my coworkers and me. Their breakfast enchiladas are soooo good.
(4)
Elizabeth G.
This is a really cute cafe. I came a Saturday morning for breakfast and it was packed. The line to order was all the way to the door the whole time I was there. I just had eggs and bacon, which is impossible to mess up, so I can't really review the food. The coffee was good too. I would def come back here and try some of their other foods on the menu.
I've been to Black Walnut twice for different occasions. Both times I've been relatively happy with my stay but it's nothing to rave about. My first visit was for a study mission. I was disappointed by the dearth of outlets, so clearly the establishment isn't trying to attract student lingerers. The coffee frappe was decent but a bit too bitter. The House Salad with Pesto Balsamic dressing + Vegetable Soup combo was satisfying but overpriced. I loved the toast that came with the salad the most! My second visit was a lunch date. I appreciate the casual atmosphere for friend dates, and this worked really well. The Southwest Salad was okay. The gelato MADE the meal: they really heap it into those small cups. I'll go back for a dessert or snack in the afternoon. Possibly for a bellini on a hot day!
(3)
Victoria W.
Went for an early dinner tonight with a friend and was caught a little off guard by the way ordering is set up (you wait in line at the counter to order once you know what you want to eat). My friend and I both had the Artichoke and Spinach Stuffed Rigatoni with garlic bread which was very good but a little too expensive at a little over $12. My friend ordered a bottle of Prosecco for $8, which we thought was a great deal until we realized the bottle was only enough for two champagne flutes full. Nonetheless, still not too expensive for us to enjoy some Italian wine with our Italian dinner. A great place and adorable atmosphere in Rice Village, I would go back again, but would be intrigued to try something different. I didn't try any of the desserts but the Snickers Pie and the brownies in the display case looked to die for.
(3)
K H.
Ate here with my sister last Saturday for brunch and it was overall a good experience. I ordered the eggs benedict and she ordered chicken and waffles. THE SERVICE: Ordering was quick since we went around 2pm and there was no wait. I do want to commend the staff because when I went to pick up the plates from the counter she was kind enough to offer to help me bring them to my table. Great service experience even though it's supposed to be self-serve. The clean-up crew was also quick and as soon as I finished my plate they asked to take them away. THE FOOD: The eggs benedict was average -- nothing special and it's really hard to mess this dish up. It came with a side of potatoes as well but again, nothing outstanding (maybe a little too soggy actually). The chicken and waffles were delicious minus the chicken. The waffles were SO GOOD. There's a distinct aftertaste but I couldn't figure out if it was the syrup or the waffles. Either way, I loved it. The chicken on the other hand was disappointing. Basically chicken tenders on top of waffles. I would definitely skip the chicken next time and order the waffles alone. CONCLUSION: Definitely would come back and try the other dishes. Average food but great environment and superb service. Thumbs up.
(4)
Steffi H.
I had dinner here on Saturday night. For a restaurant in Rice village, the fact that there was no wait for seating made this place a lot better. However, the food is definitely not worth the price. I ordered the "Never-ending summer salad" which has grilled shrimp, mandarin oranges, strawberries, blueberries, and garlic bread on a bed of mixed greens. Altogether, the taste was great. But for 14$ I expected my shrimp to be bigger than a quarter and for there to be more fruit than 6 blueberries and half a slice of strawberry. I did accidentally leave a shopping bag here and managed to get it back easily. So I guess that's a plus? But I don't think I'll be coming here often.
(3)
Suzanne W.
I came here on a Saturday night since it's in Rice Village and didn't require us to drive - surprisingly, it wasn't too crowded. The restaurant is lit dimly but has an upscale feeling to it. You seat yourself and then order at the counter when you're ready. Then they give you a beeper which lights up when your food is done, and you go pick it up at the counter. I really liked this since waiters make me nervous. The menu prices were a little expensive to be honest and since I wasn't that hungry, I just ordered some veggie soup with toast on the side. My friends ordered pasta and burger and salmon dishes which all looked good but were definitely above $10, a little pricy for college students. The soup was okay but nothing special that I couldn't make myself at home. I've heard good things about the gelato here but wasn't in the mood to try any. Overall, the food was very very average, not worth the prices at all. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant to anyone or ever return again.
(2)
Susan P.
Since I started coming to Houston's Medical Center area on a regular basis, I have tried to come to Black Walnut Cafe at least once during my visit. It has never been as good on subsequent visits as it was the first time, but I like the atmosphere and fresh squeezed juice. Unfortunately, our most recent visit (Feb 1,2015) will probably be the last. The staff really does not seem to care much about the customers. Not unfriendly, but just going through the motions. I hate when two employees (one being the cashier) stand talking to each other, without even acknowledging me as the waiting customer. A simple "I'll be right with you" would suffice, if in fact the conversation is even a necessary (business) one. Our eggs Benedict (mine Pico, hubby's classic) were ok, not great. While they may have been hot when they first came out, the cold temperature in the restaurant cooled the food off very quickly. The potatoes, as usual, were tepid. I had told my husband how good the Bloody Mary was. This time, there was so much spice on the side of the glass and in the drink, that the spice was the only flavor we got. We could not discern any alcohol in the drink. The grapefruit juice was tasty, as always, but why can they sell a carafe of OJ but not a carafe of grapefruit juice? Both juices cost the same by the glass. Irritating. All in all, there are too many other restaurants in Houston to stay faithful to this one.
(2)
Marci J.
first of all, let me say that I do not like french toast in general because it tends to be dry and rather flavorless and i do not dig syrup so i detest the attempt to drown french toast in it. with that in mind, i was pleasantly surprised by the French Toast here. I was TOTALLY in love with it: it was totally the BEST French Toast of all time. The French Toast here is almost custard like when you cut into it and has wonderful notes of lemony goodness throughout from the zest. you definitely do NOT need syrup or jelly or anything at all. now, my problem is that the past three times i have gotten it, the french toast has sucked pretty bad. it is dry and and hard: the edges are so hard that cutting through it with a plastic knife is a tough challenge. the first time this happened, i was told the prep hadn't been done on time (which I waited an eternity and almost got seriously late for work; like seriously I waited 40 freaking min) so the bread probably didn't soak enough. the 2nd time, i spoke to a manager and let him know that I didn't think the bread had soaked enough because the middle of the thick bread was just plain old bread (mind you, in the past the entire toast was custard like, moist and very good); he apologized and credited my card back. I know I probably should've given up, but I had faith because that's how good the French Toast had been in the past (I had it 6 times before this fiasco), but I went yesterday because I had a craving; and I'll be damned, the toast SUCKED bad....REALLY BAD. I could NOT get my knife through the edges of this hockey puck at all; I had to go to the kitchen here at work and look for a real knife. I couldn't find one and had to fold the toast in half and pull out the middle with my fingers and really couldn't even get it down; it was not appetizing to have dry bread....although not tasteless, but it was dry and i REFUSE to put nasty syrup on it. PLUS I asked for over medium eggs and the edges were brown and crisp: one egg was perfect, the other egg yolk was so cooked through, it was like the yolk of a boiled egg!! sorry, guys but I am pretty sure i will never return to this location ever again; and this is sad because it is so close to my job and such a convenience. maybe I will try the memorial location and have some luck but don't know if i should even bother.
(2)
Karla F.
Love this place! Food is yummy, staff is friendly, nice atmosphere and reasonably priced - it has everything! Highly recommend!
(5)
Jayme V.
As far as the food here, I would give this place four stars and a year ago I had an experience I would have also rated at least four stars, however, this place is ruined by its customer service. I have been in here 4 times recently and 2 of which I have turned around and walked out(at various times of the day, twice around lunchtime and almost became a third time a few weeks ago at night time). In the day time so went for lunch break from work and employees were too busy on their phones and just ignoring a customer standing there to order. I wouldn't complain, if they were actually doing their job or even if it was one person sending a text but literally standing in plain view for several minutes with your phone out and then walking In the other direction.... What.... Is ..... Wrong with you? I work in customer service and I am very nice about things but c'mon- it's my lunch break. I don't have time for your facebook break or whatever. The time I went with my husband at night the front register was occupied by a girl counting her drawer. We waited patiently for 3-4 minutes before she told us she wasn't taking orders. Ok.... Then move away from the main register or direct us elsewhere....? When you saw we were waiting? Then we basically had to just ask someone else to ring us up... It was ridiculous but we were starving. And as I said the good is good here, we like the pot roast, I had some kind of veggie pasta last time that was also good, the chocolatini gets a good 5 stars ;) But the service is so bad we won't be going back.... At least not for a long time. I recommend getting some new staff... Or enforcing more strict policies- stressing the importance of good customer service. I can guarantee if you hired me Id be doing the work of at least 3 of the employees you have now at 1 time ;) I would have given it one star but the food saves it.
(2)
Chris C.
It's like Ruggles where you order at the counter and self pick-up. Unfortunately, they don't have the awesome deserts, but they make up for it with the wider variety of food. It's nicer inside with more seating, but they are open for breakfast. You won't be wowed over the top with amazing chef creations, but this should satisfy even the most picky eater in your party.
(4)
Reem D.
I came here with my dad for a casual lunch when we were wandering the area and it was an excellent choice. The atmosphere put us in a good mood, and the food put us in an even better one. It was fresh and well seasoned. The staff was friendly and patient, and even though it was crowded for lunch, the waitress came and delivered our food to us quickly. Turns out that this experience was one of those bonding moments with my father that I won't forget anytime soon. P.S. I would highly recommend this place :)
(5)
Susan N.
I love at the black walnut cafe. It's a very laid back atmosphere and the eggs Benedict is the best I've had in Houston. I usually try to come here every month
(4)
Aya M.
Came to this location to have lunch today. I was not impressed at all. First off, when I walked in, my sister, my bf, and I took a look at the menu before stepping up to register. I went with the chicken tender sandwich and told them what to order for me while I looked for a restroom. I walked up to the counter where a waitress (I'm guessing?) and waiter were standing behind. They were having a conversation and I politely interrupted with "Excuse me, can you please tell me where I cam find your restroom?" The waitress had some major attitude and just looked at me with her mouth slightly open and didn't respond. She just stared at me with this disgusted look on her face without answering me. I repeated my question and she just stared. Uh, okay? The waiter then finally acknowledged me as I stood there, struggling not to pee my pants and I again, for the third time, asked for the restroom. He responded right away with a smile and I found it within 5 seconds. So that was a lovely first impression! As for the food... Basically the system here is that you order at the counter, pay take a buzzer, and wait at your table till your buzzer thing starts vibrating, then you go back up the counter and exchange your buzzer for your food. Not a problem! But I do, however, have a problem when I had made NO adjustments to my meal and my sandwich is missing the cheese and sauce. The guy behind the counter was apologetic, but at that point I was so hungry I just wanted to have my food in peace. My bf and I waited awkwardly by the counter as they fixed my sandwich. It really wasn't worth the wait by the way, guys. I've definitely had MUCH better chicken sandwiches than this one-- Chickfila is a good example! It was pretty bland. The fries were excellent but the food was not great at all. The only thing that kept it from being inedible was the cayenne ranch sauce and a shitload of ketchup. Now if I have to drown my meal in ketchup, we have a problem. I'm also not a huge fan of the pre-shredded iceberg lettuce and cheese on their sandwiches. I'm not feeling mean spirited enough to give this place a single star, so here's a generous two stars Black Walnut! I'll be at Torchy's or Buffalo Wild Wings next time you see me in Rice Village.
(2)
Keila D.
Love love love LOVE this place!!! Always has delicious sandwiches/salads/appetizers/CAKE. The strawberry green tea is so good. The only reason it gets 4 instead of 5 stars is because there's occasionally a bit of a weird smell in there. It's probably what they clean with but either way it's slight.
(4)
John L.
This place is always lively and the food is so good. Great location in Rice Village and they validate your parking for the parking garage. I love the atmosphere and the staff is very helpful. It's definitely a top choice in our rotation for breakfast joints. The Philly cheesesteak omelet and the breakfast enchiladas are worth the trip!
(4)
Jaire Q.
My friend chose this restaurant for dinner on a Tuesday night. We drove there and to my surprise I'd passed it while shopping in the area, but had never tried it. We ate outside and the weather was excellent. The menu seemed to advertise "healthy" food, but I actually thought my vegetables were cooked with too much butter. My meal wasn't horrible. I had grilled chicken, which included two side orders. I decided for broccoli and mushrooms/carrots and green beans, the order also came with bread (but I am trying to cut my carbs so I did not eat it! #proudmoment). The ambience kind of reminds me of La Madeline, and so does the food. Service was nice and friendly. I recommend the Black Walnut, but make sure you ask them to take it easy on the butter.
(3)
Rachel E.
I've been here twice now, once for breakfast and once for lunch. Breakfast was... very bad. The woman at the counter seemed like she wanted to be anywhere but there. I tried to modify something from the menu and it was like instead of doing what I asked, they did the exact opposite. And to top it off they were out of 2 of the 3 coffee choices. 1 star. However, we decided to chance it and come back for lunch on a separate occasion. This time ordering at the counter was a breeze and the cashier was very friendly. I had the cobb salad which was very tasty and a good size. 4 stars. It was like eating in a completely different restaurant. Will return for lunch but probably pass on their breakfast.
(3)
Shiva G.
My first time there today. What's not to love? And the manager Curt (Kurt?) was charming. I have my arm in a sling 'cause I broke it. So I actually got part of my order served to my table!! Will be back.
(5)
Becky K.
The hubbs and I met a friend here for lunch one day. We said we wanted something healthy, so he suggested this place. Snuggly located in the middle of Rice Village, I had high expectations of something fresh, delicious and healthy. And this place did not disappoint. My husband and I ordered a salad each, and my friend ordered... a sandwich, I think. Each entree was fresh, unique and well-seasoned. I got the steak salad which was cooked a little more than I like (medium), but the dressing had lots of great flavor, with fresh lettuce (not drooping, soggy lettuce) and neat additions like walnuts and other bits I don't remember. Come early (we got there at 11:30, which was pretty good), because it DOES get crowded and a little loud!
(4)
Derek K.
Inconsistently pretty good. Manager seems a little snooty but hey I'm probably old enough to remember when friendly service was held at a premium. .. Ok since I posted this, someone messaged me asking about my critique so I shall attempt a clarification . First ; when there's a long line in the morning and as the manager walks by me and I ask him can we please get another register open and without even looking at me he simply retorts, "I'm sorry, no" that IMHO is snooty. Either that or he's not getting any at home and chooses to carry his frustration to his workplace or he just doesn't give a rats arse. Secondly as to the consistency of the fare, simply I mean just that. Sometimes it is spectacular and sometimes .. Eh . The place has a good ambience and a good menu. I think a more enthusiastic attitude towards customer relations is in order however.
(3)
Lilly L.
Black Walnut is one of the first restaurants I tried when we moved to Houston, and I went for a girl's night out with a bunch of friends. I loved it the first time, and while I only tried the gelato that night, it was such a fun atmosphere, and I was with such fun company, that I associate Black Walnut with having a good time. I have been back many times since then, and while it's a great place for dessert, (especially the gelato), and the grilled cheese sandwiches are always delicious, the cleanliness of the whole place is hit or miss, as well as the service. Sometimes the place smells like an old dish rag, and other times it smells fine. Sometimes the utensils and straws are stocked, other times you might be lucky to find a fork. Sometimes the staff is knowledgeable about the food, other times they read the dessert description to you off the menu. So, when it's good, it's good, and when it's bad, it's still A-Ok.
(3)
Hannah K.
I think this place gets a bit more hype than it deserves. The food is good but nothing special, if not a bit bland. I haven't tried the gelato but apparently that is pretty good. Good for kids and/or picky eaters. The location is the biggest pull for me as it is so central to Rice Village but otherwise spend your money on a meal that will leave an impression.
(3)
Summer S.
Had a good brunch here today! The fried chicken and waffles was very good! It was a good space for a large group of friends. Their mango tea is really good! My husband said the coffee was good and eggs Benedict was pretty good but not as good as Le Peep which is nearby.
(4)
Wendy L.
This place reminds me of Ruggles as in the casualness and the variety of food. I've only tried the Shrimp Mango Pasta Salad, which comes with sauteed shrimp, strawberries, mandarin oranges, kiwi, and bowtie pasta in a mango cilantro dressing. This sounded really good and the plate was really colorful when it arrived, however it was just okay. The dressing was a little lacking and I wasn't really impressed. I'll be willing to give this place another try but someone will probably have to insist on it first. I probably won't ever think to come here if I was giving the option to pick a place to eat.
(3)
Alexa N.
Love it! Went here with some friends the other week and they love it too!
(5)
Sreeja P.
I went to Black Walnut Cafe back in June. Although I am not a huge fan of restaurants where you order at the counter and then they bring it to you types, I really liked the food and the cafe overall. If I can remember correctly, I had scrambled eggs, bacon and toast which all tasted really good. I had ordered a cappuccino and it took awhile for them to make it for me. Service is average. Overall it is a good spot to grab a casual quick bite and go.
(3)
Ellen C.
This surely isn't my favorite brunch or lunch spot, not even in the Village. But sometimes other people insist on dining here, so you gotta suck it up, because those other people have humored your restaurant selections more than a couple of times. There a fair amount of vegetarian options - omelets, salads, and other dairy-dense sort of things. Vegans, well the Vegetarian Black Walnut Zuppa is vegan, the garlic bread is not. The guacamole, however, does not seem to be vegan friendly, as the lighter creamier green hue seemed to convey to me. I've ordered the Big Vegetable Salad at another Black Walnut Cafe location, sans the cheese and it wasn't really all that grand. The Zuppa is rather delicious - I'll give it that. Richly tomato-ey and the vegetables are seemingly freshly grilled. I'll probably default to the Zuppa from this point forward. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their selections, it was all decent. One of the omnivores remarked the French Dip served here is better than the one at Houston's/Hillstone. Oh and the sorbets - there's usually two or three that vegans can choose from. Also, there's seemingly a full bar (need to confirm this) as I seem to recall you could only order beer and wine in the past. Maybe I'm confusing this location with the Sugar Land one? We did order a carafe of mimosa last time and it was rather good. Perfect for our lunch out on the (rather crowded on Saturdays) patio. Again, not a tremendous fan of this generic, very crowded place, but somehow I'm sure I'll be back.
(2)
Meowston T.
Pull pork carnitas tacos are the best in town!!!! They now offer gluten free bread for burger and sandwich!!!! Yeah!!!
(5)
Rachna K.
This place is perfect for lunch or dinner. The salmon with pesto and orzo is one of my favorite dishes ever. I must admit, I always just stick to that so I can't really speak to much of the other stuff. At breakfast the kolaches are great and any time of day is the perfect time for one of their chocolate chip cannolis!
(4)
Heidi M.
Really enjoyed the food and ambiance. Tasty combinations. Only drawback was it might be a bit noisy or crowded for some. Parking is validated for the adjacent parking structure.
(4)
Ai S.
Hey peeps i don't agree this place is only 3.5 stars when it comes to food! Well i was kinda skeptical when the hubby suggested this place to me. Yes just because you rate it 3.5 but my starving tummy was grawling for something new to my eyes as well to my palate. So we chose this place amongst others! The salmon was delicious and the mixed veges that comes with it! I just wish they had cane sugar sodas but not! Otherwise the crowd is ok though i got pissed when one of the arrogant customer almost jumped at the hubby because he thought he was the one who turned the fan on outside when infact he didnt even see it and the hubby was picking up our orders! I'm glad the hubby did not notice him or else! A yuppy area in general with a lil crappy attitude of people just because they are at the village and maybe driving a luxury whatever car? Who cares! Anyway, i should say this is a must try visit restaurant My tummy was happy the serving was just about right and the palate was satiated! Now its your turn
(4)
I_Think D.
What a great place for brunch!! Crowd is classy, location is outstanding and feel is trendy. Prices are very reasonable. I thought the food was alright too. Seating situation is a bit tight. During busy period you are still waiting for a seat and the food arrives. Liked this place a lot.
(4)
Grace L.
This place has a nice and cozy feel to it. Nothing too crazy, decor-wise. So the first time I came here, I was meeting a friend at 8am for breakfast. However, I had a bit too much fun the night before and had the worst hangover when meeting my friend. There was no way I could stomach anything so we just opted for coffee instead of getting real food. Coffee was pretty good, from what I remember. And I kept it down, so that's a good sign. Second time I came here was for dinner. I got the Black Walnut Salad and my friend got the Santa Fe Salad. I enjoyed my salad. It had chicken, gorgonzola, apples, walnuts and greens with some sort of tomato dressing, which I got on the side. Honestly, I wasn't a huge fan of the dressing so I ate the salad without it. Everything was fresh and the components blended well together. My friend's salad looked pretty legit too. Nice and colorful. Both salads were a good size; neither of us finished ours and had leftovers to take home. All in all, it's a decent restaurant. I'd like to come here for brunch sometime because I hear that's where they shine. The salads were pretty good, but not spectacular.
(3)
Tram T.
This place is great! Came here for a casual brunch date and had good service and great food. We ordered the steak and eggs and cordon bleu benedict. However, it was kinda pricey for just two small plates. I guess it's probably because of the location and atmosphere. Seating was kind of weird and crowded but we got lucky with a very comfortable seating spot. We also got the coconut and tiramisu gelato for dessert. The coconut was the bomb, mmm. Will come back whenever we're in the area :)
(4)
Grace P.
I frequent many restaurants in this area, but I haven't been to Black Walnut Cafe in years. Now I remember why. I paid almost $15 for a summer salad, and I got about five pieces of shrimp on a handful of spinach, with a small sprinkle of goat cheese. I took awhile deciding what to order for lunch because nothing on the menu sounded very appealing or innovative. When I go to restaurants, I try to order food I can't make at home - what's the point in ordering a salad or a sandwich when I can prepare it with ingredients in my fridge for 1/4 of the price? I will give them props for excellent service, the guy at the counter was so friendly, and a manager even stopped by our table while we were eating dessert to see how were doing. The desserts are decent, but pretty pricey like the food. I'd rather skip this place and visit Ruggles down the street.
(3)
Narvina F.
If you're ever in Houston try this place! It's really cute and the chicken and waffles were really good.
(4)
Melissa M.
The food is ok, but the place smells so bad! I met some colleagues here for a work session, and I am so glad we sat outside. The inside had wet slippery floors near the bathroom, inside the bathroom there were puddles of water, and outside the bathroom is smelled musty and was generally gross. We sat outside which is essentially in a parking lot. Our food was fine and it came out pretty fast, but I dreaded having to go back inside to get a drink refill or pick up my food. The interior layout is badly done. The drinks are in a dead end area that gets backed up. Several times, the line of people waiting to order blocked access to the soda cul-de-sac. We were here for the free WiFi, but I don't think it was worth it. Until the refurbish the inside and get the smell under control, I'll be suggesting other locations for my WiFi work sessions.
(2)
Laura S.
Looks like they installed in seats.
(3)
Joanna W.
The menu items are pretty pricey with each plate at least $10+ but I think for the quality of the food and the 'eat lunch in a cozy cafe' environment, it's worth it. Lunch time gets pretty packed but there seems to be enough tables to fit a large crowd. It's one of those places where you serve yourself practically. They give you a pager when your foods ready and you help yourself to drinks and utensils. I think this is great because it get's the crowd moving faster, you don't have to wait on your server for the bill, refills, etc. I usually get the same thing here, but it's these specific items that keeps me coming back! Toasted Raviolis - SO GOOD! The plate is about $7-8 and comes with garlic bread. It's basicallly small droplets of toasted italian pieces of heaven. Tomato Basil - I'm actually not a huge fan of this soup in general except when I'm having it at Black Walnut! Typical tomato basil, but topped with melted cheese and filled with cheese tortellini.. soooo delish!
(4)
Craig D.
Excellent breakfast! The French Toast rocks, crunchy and maple flavor explodes in your mouth. Try the grill cheese, tomatoe and bacon.... just like Mom made. Management and staff are friendly people.
(5)
j m.
Food and drinks are always delicious. And their service is excellent. Try their tex-mex omelet. Yum!
(5)
Paul D.
A huge menu here. There are brunch and breakfast items like omelets, and burritos, to lunch items like soups, salads, various sandwiches/burgers, and pasta. Nothing is bad, but nothing really great either. You order at the front counter, they give you one of those light up caller things (not sure what they are called). Then you have to find a seat. Which can be an adventure. The place can get packed, and it will take a while to get your order. Burgers are alright. Chicken is always dry, and sometimes comes out cold. Omelets..eh. Really not a bad place if walking around Rice Village, though sometimes just not worth the hassle when this place is packed.
(3)
Jessica G.
Came here for a GNO (girls night out) and it was just ok. I have the chipotle chicken pasta and it was lacking some flavor. I wouldn't come again if it was my choice. I also had their black walnut margarita and that was overpriced and not good at all.
(3)
Onur C.
I am a regular of this place, when I do not know what to have for Sunday breakfast and too lazy to google for new places, I stop by and have my coffee and food. Happy with service and kind of an omelette, and does not even bother reviewing on yelp. Today, I ordered my tex-mex omelette w/ goat cheese and creamy basil tomato soup. The soap was good, I mean I love tomato soup, tried -literally- at many places around the world, and this one is really not that common with its strings of onion and tortellini inside. Good combination and I liked it a lot. They had forgotten to add my goat cheese at first, I was told that they had not heard when I was ordering. The good thing is, this gentlemen came to the table, after I picked my plate, confirmed that I had asked for goat cheese, apologized and brought me a small plate of goat cheese. He could just say they did not hear (not did not charge) and move on but did choose to follow up. It was a good example of good customer relations management. I also like their patio. In summary, this place is a friendly comfortable location to grab some food and enjoy. Food and service, together, deserves 4 stars.
(4)
Marc S.
I've been coming here for 5 years and it's become a staple a can't go wrong family meal. Great options for all ages and diets. Ask for a side of Julienned chopped apples for the kids. Probably the best breakfast spot in the village because they have so many great options. Their breakfast burritos are delicious and quick to order and take out. I'm a fan of their lobster tacos and pot roast. Some of their dishes and soups can be a bit too salty so ask them to not add any. Again, great options.
(5)
Megan G.
Great mimosas (the carafe serves seven glasses) and great food! The line for brunch gets long around 1030 or 11, but my sister and I didn't wait at all when we walked in at 945.
(4)
Michelle N.
I got out of an appt early today and was craving breakfast. Made it right at 11am. Score. Lady in front of me decided she wanted like 5 different things with her order. By the time I got up to order (which always takes five years by the way, like why is it so hard to put orders in the computer??) it was 11:05. The girl at the register said she could not serve me breakfast. Really? Did something acutely change in 5 minutes that the kitchen can't make me some damn waffles? Come on guys I can still get breakfast at freaking mcdonalds. That's alright, I spent my $20 at Ruggles Bakery down the street. I gave you 2 stars cuz you fixed your wifi problem but you should probably be a bit more lenient to customers who want their damn breakfast.
(2)
Alexandra A.
Yummy food, fast service, and a nice atmosphere to have brunch with friends or family! I really enjoyed my time here and will definitely be back. It got really crowded at 11:30 on Sunday, so if you aren't looking for a long wait, come early!
(4)
David C.
I think of Black Walnut Cafe as a poor man's Cheesecake Factory. Like Cheesecake Factory, they offer all sorts of food but most of it is not even above-average. Their prices are a little expensive for the quality of food you get, but there are a few things that are worth it. I really like the breakfast tacos here-- they aren't authentic or anything like that, but are packed with hash browns (they have really good hash browns), mushrooms, bacon or sausage, cheese, green peppers, eggs and other good stuff. Also, the moon doggy cookies or probably the best cookies I have had in a long, long time. It is walnut (I believe) with chocolate chips, very soft, maybe even a little oatmeal-y. Not too sure but they are fantastic. I really only come to Black Walnut when I want breakfast tacos, breakfast sandwiches, or cookies. Don't come here for dinner.
(3)
Arnel S.
This is a great all-in-one restaurant if you are in Rice Village. It's good for: - date nights. Small tables, and it's never too noisy. - family meals. They have a kids menu. - meals by yourself. It's not that bright in there, so no one will stare at you! - drinks. They have St. Arnold's seasonals on tap! - dessert. Their display case is always filled with tasty treats and gelato. It's mainly self-serve, but the people there are friendly and always willing to answer your questions. I've never gone wrong with the food that I've ordered there. The food is always fresh and tasty, and, as another reviewer observed, is just like Cafe Express but better.
(4)
Brennan S.
I have been to this location and the other one in Sugarland several times. I have to agree with some of the other Yelp'ers on here, their brunch/breakfast is where I feel this place stands out. Having had their lunch menu on more than one occasion, I find the breakfast food more memorable. I feel their omelets are pretty tasty and for some reason I really enjoyed the wheat toast. Only downside to this location is that the seating is limited on the weekends, in the afternoon, it's a popular spot. I do find the staff to be above average at both locations. Today for instance the guy taking our order gave us his name and assured us that if we had any problems he would take care of it. Typically at places where you give your order at the counter, it's order, pay, go. Not here and they are also quick to help you at the pickup counter if your hands are full.
(3)
Patrick P.
Nice little chill place. They offer counter service which made everything run more smoothly and quickly. They have a full bar and good selection of gelato. I went for brunch, food was good and decently priced. Only downside, seating inside is kinda cramped, but the patio is nice.
(4)
Marvin B.
Great for early breakfast. Wonderful ambience, very relaxing. Ate East-West omelet. Good portion size and tasty. Coffee was fresh.
(4)
Melissa P.
Post night shift breakfast with my fellow nurse friend. I ordered the Belgian waffles with fruit on the side. The waffles were cooked perfectly and their fresh squeezed OJ was really good too. I've been here for lunch and wasn't impressed, but their breakfast rocks.
(4)
Christina B.
Do you like breakfast? What about pancakes? Omelets? Okay, good. We're going to Black Walnut Cafe. No, no, don't look at me like that. I know it gets a little crowded on the weekends and it's self service. Hell, I know the prices are a little on the high side, but, damnit, it's delicious. No, no really. Try the roasted vegetable omelet. You won't regret it. What? lactose intolerant? Okay, then what about the pancakes I mentioned? They come with honey butter and organic maple syrup. I think you'll like it, if you give it a chance. Okay, okay, I know. It's 11:00 a.m. Now you say you want lunch? Fine. Get the open-faced pot roast sandwich. It's one of the cheapest items on the menu, and I swear to God, it's delicious. You'll be pretty well stuffed in the event that you manage to finish it. *** There. Now aren't you glad I suggested this place? Oh, quit freaking out about paying for parking. We got our parking validated when we ordered at the counter. Cripes, you're high strung today. You know what you need? You need some gelato. This place has some truly amazing gelato. Here's $4.00. Go get yourself some and calm down. Crimeny.
(4)
Carmen C.
This place just sucks....no other way to put it. Every time I come here I swear I'll never come back. Unfortunately, they have the luxury of having a prime location so it's mostly out of convenience that I even bother. However, this recent visit has convinced me that even La Madeleine is a better bet. I usually go in to great detail with my "yelps" but I cannot even muster up the energy to do so. Food is just so mediocre it's like the definition of mediocrity...and for what they are asking for in price...it's just ridiculous! Furthermore, the entire approach is extremely backward. They serve small portions on huge plates to be eaten at the tiniest tables....who's the brainchild behind that concept??? I cannot justify spending money here.
(2)
Shecky S.
Black Walnut Cafe is like a very downgraded version of Cafe Express. The pasta dishes can't hold a candle to Cafe Express. The pasta that I ordered was a thick coagulated mess and didn't seem that fresh for some reason. Not very good...
(2)
Terah K.
I have always been a fan of Black Walnut since it opened. It is always clean and the staff is friendly. Their brunch is great with a large selection of different types of foods. Everything from the Breakfast Quesadilla to a Pancake Sandwich. The walk up and order is great for larger parties to have separate checks. The down side is to find tables you can push together for your large party. This place is definitely one of my brunch groups favorites!
(4)
Betsy G.
I have been several times and have never been that impressed but they have the Worst attitude of employees I've ever encountered. The manager was surly and rude to me when they got my order wrong. Food is average so I will never return
(1)
beatrice a.
Great food, service was good, environment is fabulous. will definitely return. loved their fresh orange juice. only complaint is size of the fruit plate, they give you a tiny bowl and charge you $5.00.,
(4)
Michelle S.
I love the food here, the pancakes are great, coffee great too. The big issue I have is with the logistics of maneuvering around this place. Yes I am giving a place with good food 3 stars based solely on the layout. Because it's horrible. From the moment you walk in and get in line the battle begins, the line to the order counter is set up in direct conflict with the line of traffic moving towards the beverage station. So you are constantly being asked to move around back and forth to accommodate the cross flow of traffic all while trying to browse the menu. Ok so you order your food and are given a cup to get a soda, water or coffee. Now you are the one having to cut through the line of patrons waiting to order! But not only are you battling a line of customers they have the specialty drink bar set up for employees to pick up drinks so now you are dodging hurried waiters and all you want is to get a drink. Finally you make your way into the beverage "cave" when you realize there's only one way in and out and it's filled with people not to mention completely blocked from exit by the lines of people. You're stuck. You're coffee spilling, waiters bumping into you, the line of customers distracted by their menu not budging to let you by. Send for help, send a postcard, carrier pigeon. You're gonna be there a while and forget cream and sugar, that bar is set up in direct conflict with the lucky souls who made it out of the beverage cave and if you are so lucky as to make it out yourself believe me all you will want to do is make it to your table. I really hope they change their layout and flow, in right now it's so frustrating it's not worth the good food.
(3)
Cara S.
OK, I've already raved about this place a couple times, but I hadn't been there at night yet. I've been going on a weeknight about once a week for a few weeks to catch up with my besties. The ambience is nice. The wines are tasty. The staff are patient and friendly. What more could we want? Ooh, I should warn you, though, that one thing I did not know was that the parking validation is only good for up to three hours. We stayed a little longer than that one night, and were surpised when we had to pay a few bucks. But that's nothing to do with Black Walnut; that's the Village Arcade being boo boo. The Verdict: a great place for breakfast, afternoon cawfee talk, or unwinding with friends over a glass of wine.
(4)
Ashle D.
Pot roast grilled cheese is good! Great gelato && cannolis. And you wont find better service! Everyone is so nice, professional, and fast. One of my fav places...
(5)
Rachel W.
This is a great, low-key option in Rice Village. Keep in mind that this is not a typical sit and be served on restaurant. You order at the register, get a buzzer, and then pick up your own food when it is ready. The atmosphere is really nice inside, even though it is casual and of course outdoor seating is great. The guys that were working there were all very friendly. The menu is pasta, salads, sandwiches, and more. Basically, American style food. They also have an awesome Gelato selection and a full liquor bar. The portions aren't HUGE but it is totally enough food. Just know they aren't huge. I got grilled cheese, husband got a Caesar salad, and father-in-law got roast beef. All were good. I got Gelato for dessert and it was perfect. I give 4 stars primarily because you have to get up to get your own food and it is a little pricey for that.
(4)
Heather M.
I freely confess that I am a regular here and I really enjoy this place, so was shocked by some of the 2 and 3 stars. But hey, to each his own. No place is perfect. I used to live right next to Rice Village so would walk here often to eat. You can order takeout, of course, or call ahead to order, and they are pretty fast. But BWC offers free wi-fi and comfy, cozy seats in the back, so I spent many an hour hanging out in the back and studying. I think you can also surf the net on the patio, btu I have never tried it myself. As for the food, I have never had anything bad on the menu, and the breakfast items are served at all hours. So good! BWC is a walk up and order place and you receive a buzzer to be paged when your food is ready, but this is due to the wide range of patrons that come here. Come in for lunch on any day during the week, and you'll have business lunches next to med students, next to Rice students, next to ladies' lunches, next to a date, next to a pharma sales lunch. Saturdays and Sundays: anything goes! A little bit of everything happens here at all times. The atmosphere is pretty upbeat inside and the outside patio area is heavenly on nice days. The outside patio seating area is right on Morningside, so you have a view of Little Woodrow's and Brian O'Neils and can hear the live bands playing (if there are any). Go, and enjoy!
(5)
Sarah P.
I really like the Saturday Brunch. The multigrain pancakes = true love It can get pretty busy here, so watch out!
(4)
Mallory G.
Went here with one of my friends. I had driven by so many times not thinking I should try this place. Then on a holiday Monday all the places I wanted to take her to were closed! So then I remembered I had never been here so we tried it out. It was a very rainy day and was sad that there was not an entrance from the garage that the restaurant is attached to. But that was the worst part. We got in only a little wet. One look around the place and I was really impressed. It was adorable! I felt like I was in a forest. While that does not sound appetizing its very well done. I can't do it justice so you should just go take a peak in next time you are in Rice Village. You walk up to the counter to order. Its a very extensive menu. I decided on the Anderson's Bout time with a side of french onion soup. Both were very good. I did feel like I should get more food for how much it was. I forgot the sandwich my friend got but she also go the sweet potato fries which were great. They also have gelato which I will be back to try.
(4)
Emily N.
I'd rather eat at Chilis. Cute place, but the price isn't ideal for what seems like a box meal or something over charred or highly salty. Not good for those on diets!! Lots of ritzy details like the touch screen coke machine (they also have those at fuddruckers now) and the ice cream display with cakes at the bar... which is nice but I didn't like the food, I want to eat something delicious for $12 a plate at a place without waiters! Buzzers and taste bud duds are what make me think hmm Katy has better places for me to spend my time and money at, Houston is so close I might as well drive there for a ritzy cafeteria experience
(1)
Anna W.
The BWC is like Ruggles, in that I like the variety and the food's decent for the casual "order and you'll get a buzz when your food's ready" atmosphere, but it makes me feel a little claustrophobic, with the giant menu by the door where you have to bunch in with the people waiting in line to order. The place where you get your water, silverware, and condiments is tucked off to the left of the gelato area, in a nook, so again, some jostling if there's someone trying to get something, too. It also confuses me. I got that they served gelato (which is okay--not bad, not good, but you can tell it's gelato, so if you want gelato, go for it), but then I heard that they serve wine? And now they're open till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays? Ahhhhh, my brain! The food is good. I don't know how you can go wrong with sandwiches, and they have some nice, spicy pastas. The variety with the salads can't be beat; I always appreciate a place that goes beyond the cobb and caesar salads. It's the Village, so there's always a lunch crowd, but there's plenty of side tables, stools, and high-backed chairs, as well as outdoor seating. The wait for food during lunch is usually 10-15 minutes. All in all, if you want variety and something casual, BWC and Ruggles are good options.
(3)
Anne I.
Spending Rodeo Houston 2010 with my girl friends over post spring break weekend, we dropped by Black Walnut Cafe for a quick lunch. My friend recommended the Santa Fe salad and it went viral. I think 4 out of 6 of us ended up ordering it. The salad was very fresh and delicious with generous portions of chicken. I usually don't like ordering big salads at restaurants, but this one I didn't mind. The strips of mango were a nice touch. I would almost classify this restaurant as a Texan Panera. It's self-serve, i.e. go up when the buzzer rings, for both food and soft drinks/house coffee. We had lunch outside on the front patio and got a good view of the shops and restaurants across the street.
(3)
Allison M.
Brunch here is great. The atmosphere is cozy and clean. I like that it is child friendly. Food is fresh. Portions are ok. Prices could be better considering it is a walk up and order place.
(4)
Crystal E.
This place is so great for brunch. If you have a weekday morning off this is a great place to eat alone or with friends and enjoy your morning. The breakfasts are all very tasty and resonably priced. Fresh squeezed OJ is perfect when your body is feeling drained. I haven't had a bad experience here, but others have so try it out and see what you think. I tend to go on slower mornings and the service is always phenomenal! The food will speak for itself.
(4)
Katherine W.
I like this place. I am not really sure what I would call their food selection, but their seating setup is what I really like. A friend and I went to study here for several hours while having a late lunch and it was great. I've also been here with my boss to work over lunch. If it's busy, however, and you get one of the tables that's awkwardly situated right near the food pick-up station, it's not quite as good. Too much traffic and nothing to see except bits and pieces of the kitchen.
(4)
Caroline K.
ok so I used to have mixed feelings on this place. The reason being that BW has a multiple personality disorder: It's a coffee shop, wine bar, breakfast cafe, ice cream shop, bakery, and restaurant.... it serves everything from fajita tacos to chicken salad sandwiches. The versatility was intimidating. BUT, I went today with the bf and WOW, so happy I did... what a tasty brunch! The tex-mex omelet was wonderful as well as the Belgian waffle. Next time I will choose the hot cakes over the waffle.... they looked pretty phenomenal (maybe buffalo grill caliber) I also like that there wasnt a line out the door at 11:30 on a Sunday.... I cant say the same for empire, brazil, b barnabys, buffalo and some of the other popular breakfast spots. Overall BW is reminiscent to a cafe express on speed... I love cafe express. Oh and they make a mean cappuccino!!
(4)
Jack W.
I feel as if this place is what chains restaurants should aspire too. Enjoy the great variety that is executed well. Great place to catch up with friends over good food and in a comfortable environment. I've also observed that they are pretty decent with the gluten free crowd. You definitely get what you pay for, in a good way.
(4)
David N.
This review is strictly of their gelato. I had the banana and french vanilla, I love gelato but I wasn't impressed. I am glad they are open late, 10 pm during the week and 11 pm on friday and saturday nights. You can have a nice date here then hit up the bars in the village.
(3)
Ryan L.
Everything I've gotten here was solid, not spectacular. On multiple occasions I've had the omelet, the french dip, and a sandwich I do not remember. What's great is the vibe of the interior, which is dark with lots of dark wooden tables. To get a table in the back with the leather chairs is a treasure. Gelato is OK, wine may be open for too long, and they'll mess up your order once or twice, but the final product is pretty good. Kinda up their ass on how much they charge for omelet components though.
(3)
N J.
used to love this place but....not dog friendly!!!! :(
(5)
Adam E.
First off, the food is amazing, but all I want to talk about gelato because Im a fat guy. When I went to France in high school I was amazed how different thier ice cream is to the classic American ice cream. Gelato at the black walnut is as good as the gelato found in the little cafes in both Italy and France. It's truely amazing and a must try if you havent experienced the creamyness of Gelato. I will say that its about a buck over priced. The food is a better than Cafe Express but pretty comparable. Great place for brunch!
(4)
D H.
Good place to go when I can't remember anywhere else to go. Good gelato. I always leave happy.
(3)
Ima O.
Brunch at Black Walnut is the perfect way to spend a Saturday mid-morning.
(4)
Christy D.
I used to come here back in the day and get gelato or some sort of sandwich. It was good, and I always had fond memories. Well, I was excited to get to come back here the other day...especially since I'd heard really good things about the grilled cheese and their cookies, etc. However, I was definitely disappointed, and for the time being, it only warrants 2 stars from me. I ordered the french onion soup and grilled cheese (~$11, total)...mozzarella and cheddar (I think), with tomatoes and pesto on a soft bread. One of my friends ordered it too, it sounded so delectable. This is the way the sandwich is made: triangle of really soft bread on the bottom, ~1/2" of the cheeses and some tomato slices, another triangle of bread that isn't lined up with the bottom slice, another ~1/2" of cheese and tomatoes, and finally a third slice of bread, also not lined up with the other slices. By not lined up, I mean, the triangles are pointing in every which way...so it is really hard to pick up that sandwich. You better opt for a knife and fork...which MIGHT be a good thing. Because, if you do pick it up, you will probably want to throw off that bottom slice of bread that is soaked through with grease. Not in a "ooh, greasy food is yummy" way, either. I love cheese...but I was pulling off gobs of it b/c it was just...too...much. The pesto seemed to be nonexistent, which also could've been a good thing b/c I doubt I needed any more fat in that sandwich (even if it's good). The french onion soup had a good taste, but had a pool of...guess what...grease! There was a lone cheesy crouton that was pretty good. My friend seemed to be turned off by her sandwich as well, and we both agreed that the pasta dishes looked more promising to try next time. Another friend seemed to enjoy her philly chicken type sandwich and baked potato soup. She said the soup was really good. Also, their lemon cooler cookie was really good. Believe it or not, I'll give them another shot, but no way will I get the grilled cheese or recommend it to someone.
(2)
Hanie L.
This place is a solid choice, consistently good. I tend to get the salads here, two of my favorites are the Asian Tuna Salad and the Shrimp Mango Pasta Salad. I've pretty much loved everything here except for the Southwestern Chicken Lasagna (the ingredients did not work together and it tasted like a bad 7 layer bean dip or something). There is something for everyone here - so it's a safe and solid bet for large groups, although during lunch you have to watch the crowds. This place is very popular, since the food and desserts are very good. The servers are always extremely helpful and nice.
(4)
Kirk C.
Friendly staff, clean atmosphere, but the the food is typical "bar" fare. Low quality meat in the hamburger. Sweet potato fried were a plus, but were soggy. Friends had grilled cheese, which appeared more palatable than the burger. Located in Rice Village, once an eclectic shopping destination with a few neat bars and restaurants, now over populated and a parking nightmare.
(3)
Jenelyn R.
I definitely recommend their gelato ice cream! They advertise it as "award winning" and by the taste of it, it's definitely yummy. I also love their breakfast tacos because they are one of the cheapest items in the menu and pretty delish! Back when I first came to Houston, Black Walnut Cafe use to be one of the very first restaurants that I would hit up repeatedly. All their dishes taste wonderful. So I would've probably given them four stars because I am a fan however because of their prices, I had to take one star away. The dishes are about ~10 bucks or so. I rather not spend that much just for lunch but everywhere else in Rice Village is just as expensive so it makes sense for the prices to be so. This is a great place to eat casually for lunch or for dinner. I like hitting this place up after running club at Brian O' Neils.
(3)
Heidi L.
I'd give this place 5 stars if I could but the problem is that I've only tried 1 item on the menu here...50 times. BW Rustic Grilled Cheese...hands down best grilled cheese sandwich I've ever had. It's like Houston's hidden gem. Everytime a new consultant came to Houston, our first meal would be at BW and I'd make them get the grilled cheese. I once gave half my grilled cheese to my coworker to try and he was utterly amazed. This isn't just any grilled cheese. It's a blend of gooey cheddar and mozzarella all melted on an herb foccacia-type bread with slices of warm tomato inbetween. You have the option of adding bacon or ham, but after ordering it once with bacon, I realized...why try to improve on perfection? Trust me, it's amazing without the meat...but your call. The side of seasoned potatoes is not too shabby as well. So like I said, I'm sure everything else on the menu is good, I just never got past the grilled cheese. And I don't want to ruin my image of Black Walnut by ordering something else and being disappointed.
(4)
Larry W.
Why can't this place execute the simplest formula there is? Salads, pastas, burgers, and grill entrees can be done by any third-rate line in town. Food ends up with a universal blandness that overcomes the below par ingredients. Move along, honey!
(2)
Jess H.
The Mr. and I came here for lunch the other day when we were exploring the area. As we walked down the street we could smell a lingering scent of deliciously grilled grilled chicken that got our taste buds dancing. We stopped in hoping the smell was coming from this little place and figured we both could find something we'd like. I was surprised they had such a large menu for a quaint little place. I ordered the chicken ceasar salad and he got a sandwhich called "Anderson's 'Bout Time", when our meals were ready we picked them up from the counter and everything looked so delicious! Both of our dishes were really good. One of the things I loved most about this place other than the food was the atmosphere, and their Iced Tea! I got an amazing blueberry iced tea that was out of this world! We enjoyed our experience here and would definetly come back.
(4)
Whanger C.
Love it! Black Walnut is quickly becoming my go-to place whenever I have time in the mid-AM hours to grab late breakfast/early lunch (does that make it...brunch?). I have yet to have had a bad experience (although I have heard otherwise before) - friendly, attentive staff and reasonably priced menu makes it for great experience. Oh, and the bottles of habanero mango hot sauce on every table.... it's a wonder how people don't accidentally walk out with them. Coffee pots are empty at times, but selection makes up for it. The free wifi means I don't have to rely on my measly 3G. I have yet to try the gelato - I never have the room! One of these days..... For the same price range as eating at a greasy IHOP, I definitely recommend Black Walnut. Oh, and the 7:30AM-11:00AM (I think) happy hour doesn't hurt, either.
(5)
Sarah M.
I ate here on a date the other night and was impressed. I had a rather tasty burger--goat cheese, red onions, and an elongated burger on an onion baguette with sun dried tomatoes. It was really, really, delicious. My date had a Thai salad which had some marinated meat, some watercress, some cabbage and some noodles, and I'm told it was good. It's order at the counter. They give you a buzzer to bring back up when the food's ready. The prices were a touch pricey, but the food really was pretty good with nice presentation. There's indoor and outdoor seating. Tasty place. Worth a shot.
(4)
Raul B.
I actually never heard of this cafe til a friend suggested it one weekend. I'll have to say, I love this place! The decor makes you feel like you're out of town in an old cabin like setting with a casual family oriented atmosphere. The menu is terrific with a great amount of choices from salads, tacos, steaks, breakfast and desserts. It's a great place to be when someone is just feeling up for anything or can't decide on what to eat for the day. For my first visit, I ordered the Shrimp Mango Pasta Salad. I've never heard of anything like it and I'll have to say the salad is amazing! I loved it so much that I ordered the same thing for my second visit along with family and friends. As far as parking goes, there's alot of free parking around the area however, since it's Rice Village, it can get pretty busy, but it's worth the trip. The staff are very friendly and attentive. I just wished they had sweet tea! But that's just me. Anyways, I will definitely come back real soon. Don't pass up on this great dining experience!
(5)
Kristina D.
Rice Village in Houston is one of the few walkable areas I've seen during my brief time here, so I was happy to go there with a fellow high school classmate to catch up on ten years' worth of life over dinner. The cozy atmosphere and availability of cute little tables enabled us to do so quite comfortably. We appreciated the quickness of ordering and the free wifi, though we did not take advantage of the wifi. I had a Number Eighty-Four (Penne, roasted vegetables, EVOO*, garlic, peppered bacon, Marie cheese, pesto Pavia sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, cracked black pepper) and a Mothership wheat beer. The pasta came with a biscotti-like garlic bread. My dining pal had the salmon filet (8 ounces roasted filet, seasoned orzo pasta, walnuts, pesto Pavia sauce, garlic bread) and an Izze soda. It looked pretty sweet, and much healthier than the Number 84. I liked the concatenation of bacon, cheese, and sauces, but there was too much EVOO left over at the end.
(3)
Jenny L.
Only had a chance to experience the happy hour appetizer and drinks but definitely enjoyed the salsa and mushroom dish on the happy hour menu. Had a couple of drinks and enjoyed the free wifi. Atmosphere is somewhat like being inside a bistro/pub. Friendly and energetic staff member working the register.
(4)
Latisha R.
I really like black walnut cafe for the ambience, the food and the wifi. Ambience - they have large wing backed chairs that you can just disappear in for hours. the food- they serve brunch until 3pm on sundays and its really good! during the week i usually have a salad. the black walnut salad is decent. the wifi - self explanatory, never had a problem with the connection and they have a ton of outlets.... only complaint...the coffee sucks!
(4)
Sabrina D.
As you can tell with my four stars - I am a HUGE fan of this place! Atmosphere: amazing patio to sit out front and enjoy the lovely weather (whenever Houston has to offer it, please take advantage here!) and you can bring your dogs too! Inside is nice too, nice tables and corner spots to eat at. They always have a current news paper if you want to eat and stay on top of today's events. How to order: you do order from the counter and get a buzzer when your food is ready. When there are quite a few people there, expect it to be a little bit of a wait on the food, but only because the food is that delicious. Food: every time I have gone there, I have tried something different and I have never been disappointed! Their grilled chicken sandwich with avocado, swizz and sprouts is amazing! The three cheese sandwich is to die for! My friend loves their salmon Cesar salad. One other thing you HAVE to try is their Dulce Latte gelato. It is creamy but light at the same time. A perfect treat to satisfy your palates! When you're done getting your shopping on in the Village, stop by this place and get your eat on! It is definitely worth it!
(4)
Vanessa M.
My hubby would give this place 10 stars if he could. He loves restaurant's where you wait in line to order your food and then go find a place to sit and wait for your number to be called or buzzer to be buzzed. I've tried two things here...eggs benedict and their boston burger (I think its called). Both were great. No complaints at all. The Black Walnut is in our rotation because the food is decent, economical and located in Rice Village where we frequent.
(4)
Will W.
I have been here a few times and previously thought that it was a fun place with interesting food options. Tonight, we got two cannolis to go and couldn't take but one bite each before spitting it out...Somehow sour dairy product must have made its way into both. Glad that we didn't swallow anything, or else would have likely been sick for days. This is sad because the other desserts have been good. Beware of sour cannolis!!!
(1)
tiffany d.
I come here often for breakfast and a good bloody mary. The portions could be a bit larger, but the food is defintely good and so is the service.
(4)
Gilberto V.
The mediocrity of the Village bordered on the better side at this quaint little stop. The customer experience factor scores some points, and that says a lot because I absolutely abhor places where I have to go get the food via the electronic buzzer (what am I, the waiter?). From the decor, to the friendly face who hands you the menu, to the Chicago-style fan system (for those who need a lesson, that is what you call the ceiling fans run on the old belt system), this little Village gem was a treat on the senses. However, I was impressed a lot by the quality of the pasta dish I had (someone give these kids two thumbs up for understanding what it means to not overcook the noodles) and likewise the fun and friendly staff was very happy to give me extra parmesean cheese! I had the Pasta 84, and though I was not swept in by their array of iced teas, I was impressed that they had a little bit for every taste. Are you a fan of the black currant? There's a flavor for you! Are you more of the green tea type of folk? Well, don't worry your Asian tea inspired little head, you can have that on ice, too. For the normal old fashioned southern among us, the standard tea is available. Even better than the food, and I must say, I was impressed, was the southern-Italian style Gelato these kids had. The array of flavors dazzled the mind and made your sweet tooth scream to skip the salads, skip the entree, and just eat dessert! And it was here that I went positively, absolutely, nuts. I had nearly one of every kind, and as my bill mounted, my waist line expanded, and my wallet screamed for mercy, I have but one thing to say: these kids have gelato down to an art. The gelato here transcends heaven, it opens the mind and elevates the soul. If you have no other reason to stop in here but for dessert, then you must stop in. While I knocked two stars for zero waiters, give it five for dessert and four for food.
(3)
Janis G.
I love this place, the coffee is excellent and so is the steak tip breakfast.
(4)
Emily F.
The Black Walnut is busy and loud on Sunday at lunch time, but the food somewhat makes up for it. The nice thing about this place on the weekends, is breakfast is served until 4 p.m., so everybody gets what they want. I had the Greek salad, with sundried tomatoes, feta cheeze, kalamata olives and little too much dressing. I needed bread at the end to sop it all up. On the other side of the table, my bf's mom had an omelette with bacon and other goodies. I forget what it was called, but it was pretty tasty. Dessert was calling to us, so I chose the bread pudding. It was too hot to taste, and had too much caramel sauce. My stomach hurt for the rest of the day. I don't know if it was the salad, bread pudding or a combo of the two. I'd visit again to give it another shot if someone else suggests it, but I wouldn't pick it myself.
(3)
Kirkwood J.
Busy for lunch, not the fastest. Fish tacos were excellent, ahi tuna salad mediocre. Getting back up to 4-star rating were the frozen treats-- we tried chocolate gelato and pink grapefruit sorbet, both outstanding!!!
(4)
James M.
Amazing menu. Due to the popularity, its always a bit hectic and loud. Great selection of different coffee, gelato, etc., so its always hopping -even between traditional meal times.
(4)
Natalie P.
Black Walnut serves food that's well, OK. For the student population it seems to draw, it's probably a better choice than your fast food or anything else, so on that note, I can understand it's popularity especially given it's location smack in Rice Village. I had the salmon dish here for dinner and it was good. I have no complains, but no raves really either. The menu has a pretty wide variety of foods - pastas, sandwiches, burgers, grill items, pizza, etc. - so everyone can probably find something they like. The dessert selection is also huge. Even though I'm not really a fan of order of at the counter restaurants, I liked the spaci-ness of the interior that the whole setup allowed. I would be giving Black Walnut Cafe 3 stars like the majority of people on here, except for one thing. This was incredibly annoying/frustrating/irritating on my part, just because I have issues with carbs (as in, for the most part, I don't like to eat them). I requested to substitue just a side of mixed vegetables for the rice pilaf that came with my dish and was immediately told this wasn't possible. Ok, I know I'm a little high maintenance in general, but isn't this the era of personalization and special orders? It's also honestly not that much of a change on their part, because the dish is hot so they had to grill it after I placed the order. I have never had such a blunt non-accomodation. No, to a simple request for veggies instead of rice pilaf? Let me also say that the dish barely came with any vegetables to start with! I told the girl working there that I wasn't going to eat the pilaf, and she responded that, for the same price, they would just serve me the salmon filet with no sides. Uh, thanks, but no thanks...I'll just give the side to my carb-loving bf. Anyways, that's Black Walnut. It's a kind of take it or leave it, but you can probably get an alright meal for a decent price.
(2)
Diana C.
Not particularly original food but the menu they have is pretty tasty. Also the children's menu is great even for young adults who don't eat a lot like myself. Tasty and affordable.
(4)
Sarah H.
woohoo! my taste buds are dancing with joy!!! this place was pretty happening around noon on a Saturday. the wait in line wasn't too bad, & staring at the gelato/cakes was such an awesome tease! their menu has anything & everything on it: breakfast, lunch, dinner, all with something unique about it, whether it's the name, taste, or the way it's served! I order the french dip with sweet potato fries. i have fallen in LOVE with the sweet potato fries and would return JUST to get a full entree of those! the sandwich itself was huge, perfectly cheesy, & full of flavor without the dip. hubs got the texas omelette with egg whites, which he liked, but mentioned he will try something else next time :) I also love when places like this have sea salt & a black pepper grinder & so many hot sauce choices to choose from: cholula, tobasco, & some other type I didn't try. an extensive tea/coffee selection is also available! the restaurant itself is pretty cute & I loved how the seating included some nice arm chairs with cute little tables to eat on as well as an entire patio area with a ton o seating. however, since it was so busy, it was really really loud. I am taking off 1 star because it's kind of expensive. our total with 2 fountain drinks was $27! since it wasn't completely sit down, I thought that was a bit much. but needless to say, I'll definitely be back & will be suggesting this as a place to get together with others for a quick & easy meal! :)
(4)
Thomas A.
This rating is based on the breakfast alone. Lunch and dinner are pretty solid, but the breakfast needs a tune-up. If you're going to be open in the morning, you might as well do it right. Breakfast potatoes were dried out and puny...pretty sure they were from the day before. The eggs and bacon weren't incredibly warm, which I'm not sure how they managed to do since I'm pretty sure they cooked it. The migas were tasty, but the breakfast burritos were small and really greasy. They were only $2.50 each, but I still expect a little more in the flavor department. Kind of expensive overall for breakfast. Coffee is really good though. Pancake sandwich is probably the best bet here, pretty delicious, but get the syrup on the side otherwise its going to be drenched.
(2)
Leslie P.
After dining at this place a number of times, I can honestly say that I have never eaten anywhere else that so clearly embodies what a three star review is. The place reeks of mediocrity, and when writing a review of a mediocre restaurant, you either convey it in a positive or negative light. This review is negative. The menu is mediocre in that it is too big, with no dishes that stand out. I usually stand at the counter and ponder, for what seems like hours, what to order. And even when I have eliminated the five I was originally considering down to one, it doesn't matter, because I know that I will like whatever my dining companion has ordered better. The food is mediocre. The spinach artichoke dip? A tad below mediocre. Tomato soup? Mediocre. The gelato? Looks good, but tastes mediocre. The pastas differ, but mostly they just differ in varying degrees of mediocrity. Most of the entrees and burgers are worse than mediocre, with the chicken fried chicken just being flat out bad. There are some slightly redeeming dishes - the angry shrimp pizza and salads being a touch above mediocre. I come here because I'm in the village with friends who can't agree on where they want to eat lunch, or because we don't have the hour necessary to do a full sit down lunch (this place is order at the counter style). So yes, go, but don't set your expectations very high.
(3)
Andrea W.
The atmosphere is great...easy vibe. I love their fish tacos. I crave their flavored iced teas. I really like that you order from the counter and are not bothered by waitstaff. If I want a refill on my tea, I can go and fix it the way I like it.
(4)
Belle K.
Awesome place for sunday brunch, lunch any day of the week and a place to go to in the evening after work for a quick bite to eat. I love their chicken salad the most, with extra pecans and their wine list is fair for the place and price. On sunday, they have the best frehly made mimosa!
(5)
Jessica A.
I come to Black Walnut very frequently. The menu is long and quite varied, so it seems like anyone I bring can always find something they like, from pastas, pizzas, burgers, salads etc. The desserts and gelato are also quite good. Parking is difficult in the area, but they do validate parking in the garage for 3 hours so we've never had a problem finding a space there.
(4)
Jeff R.
Rice Village - pub atmosphere - classy name = razmataz experience, right? Well, sorta. The Houston Harry Potter Meetup Group ( houstonharrypotter.com ) held its monthly get-together at the Black Walnut this afternoon starting at 2:00 pm - a different location for us this time, the Black Lab and Hobbit Cafe being our usual haunts. Though the cafe is an easy walk from the parking garage, finding a place to leave one's automobile, as it always is in Rice Village, is dicey at best on a busy and very pleasant Saturday afternoon. I walk in and find a British/Irish-esque pub-looking place that was well lit in the front, though not so well-lit in the back where we were. The place was pleasantly decorated with the normal pub accoutrements: old bottles in cabinets above the bar area, fruits in baskets, etc. Ordering was a bit of a production in that they did not have someone at the ordering/pay-for-your-order spot continually, thereby ensuring a long line even with the sparse crowd (we were there in that magic time between lunch crowd and dinner crowd). It was pretty annoying, really, though the poor guy who had to flit constantly between the kitchen and cash register with orders was very efficient. Once I had ordered (yes, they have cokes of the Mexican variety - made with real sugar instead of the corn syrup one finds in the States), my dish came pretty quickly: rigatoni stuffed with spinach and covered in mushrooms and a tomato cream sauce. It sounded pretty good, and while it tasted good, it did not look all that appetizing. The food aesthetic I saw there I can only describe in a single word: glop. Walking in the place, you are greeted by the dessert counter, featuring gelato that looked like, well, glop. One gelato was of a dark olive/tan color; I had no idea what flavor it was, and it looked like, well, glop. I did not try a sample. Anyway, my meal came, garnished with dried tomatoes and tomato glop. And it was, again, tasty, but not spectacular. The garlic bread that came with the rigatoni (very small rigatoni, I might add) was a nice touch and went well with the meal. Unfortunately, my rigatoni meal was more glop and mushrooms (mmm) and less of the rigatoni and spinach for which I was hoping. Yes, my food was tasty, but I can get just as good in many other places with much-better parking. My food was, well, tasty. But it was also boring. Perhaps I should have ordered the chicken salad someone else had in that she knew that would be a safe course of action. Better yet, I should have done what Cory O. did and order the pizza as I am a sucker for pizza. Dessert was a very pleasant affair: orders of three turtle chocolate cakes (to celebrate someone's birthday) were had and enjoyed by all. However, the fact that other folks found their food boring and the parking ensured our group will probably not come back.
(3)
Melanie A.
While visiting Houston, a "local" took us here for lunch, since the large variety of food offered is good for a group of people when you are not sure what everyone's tastes are. I ordered the spinach and artichoke pasta, which was ok, but a little salty. I am not sure it was worth the $12 (plus $1 tip) that I paid. However, ordering and getting your food is pretty fast since you just order at the counter and you are paged when it is ready. The guy at the counter was extremely friendly. He either had good customer service skills or was just being flirtatious, but either way, it made me happy. This would be a good place to come with a small group of people or to study, but not my idea of an excellent meal.
(3)
Juan G.
I've only had breakfast here, and I love it. The food is a little on the higher end but the quality is fantastic. You can't go wrong with the pancakes or their french toast which has a hint of lemon zest that is a perfect touch. Best fresh squezzed orange juice on the planet. I'm not sure what makes it so special (type of orange?), but it's amazing. I also like the ambiance and seating, particularly the few tables they have with wingbacked chairs.
(4)
Nikki N.
I like the teas, gelato and the New orleans Noodle. the salads are pretty good too. Recently, they have a manager that walks around and checks on guest. One person at the table had a piece of lasagna that he didn't like, the manager took it and gave him a new freshly made piece that was hot and tasted better. I guess he got the last piece and it wasn't so good.
(4)
John W.
Black Walnut is one of my favorite lunch spots in Houston, my only complaint is that I wish they were just a tad bit more consistent. 9 out of 10 times I go its great, but that one time out of 10 its a let down. Best Fish Tacos in Houston. Burgers are good (go with the blue cheese burger), sweet potato fries are great. French dip is good and BBQ Pot Roast Sandwhich is amazing. My wife gets some of the pastas and they are very good, a little small though.
(5)
Neci W.
I ate here for the first time on yesterday and it was awesome!!! I love the food, decor, and atmosphere. My 2 year old God sister was with me and she enjoyed dinning as well. I ordered the Black Walnut Salad for me, and for her the children's Chicken Tender Basket. The food was worth the price and taste.
(5)
Elizabeth H.
Good, I guess. Nothing that really made me go "WOW!". I've gone there 3 times. The first time I went, it was for breakfast, and I got the Belgian waffles. pretty good. The second time I went, I went for lunch, and got the lasagna. Not very good. It was absolutely smothered in tomato sauce. I occurred the same problem the third time when I got the chicken parmesan. I couldn't even see the chicken. The poor little guy was practically suffocating under the gargantuan portion of tomato sauce. So, thus, I conclude that if you're gonna go, go for breakfast. :)
(3)
Brent H.
They have a great breakfast, along with everything else. I really enjoy the american, there house potatoes are unique and delicious.
(5)
Courtney B.
I'll definitely be back; brunch is fantastic and the pasta options for dinner are great. My favorite brunch item is the french toast (SO good but definitely an indulgence!) I think that my favorite dinner is this sort of creamy lemon pasta with chicken, but it's hard to pick a favorite pasta. The sauces are all pretty tasty and the bread that comes with is delicious.
(4)
Beverly P.
I've been to BWC twice this week for breakfast-- yes, its that good. Last Saturday, the boyfriend and I went to the BWC at First Colony for a late brunch. He got a breakfast burrito (which was just okay), and then proceeded to eat my delicious pico eggs benedict. Since he gobbled it up faster than I would have liked, I decided to repay BWC another visit with a less voracious friend. The pico eggs benedict is aaaamazing! Definitely one of the best eggs benedicts I've had from a chain restaurant. On both occasions, the english muffin were crisp on the bottom, hot and soft on the inside, and delightfully buttery. On top of each muffin half sat a bed of sauteed spinach, fresh colorful pico, a nicely sized poached egg, and a smothering of savory hollandaise. The hollandaise had a great consistency and was so flavorful! My friend ordered the original eggs benedict, which she liked as well. Both of our dishes came with diced potatoes with grilled peppers. They were just ok- a little on the greasy side. The atmosphere is nice and cozy, with big couches tucked away in different corners. Definitely a great place to catch up with friends (while eating scrumptious egg benedicts...)! *Quick disclaimer: at the Rice Village location, one of my eggs was not poached at all (no oozy yellow yolk, nothing), which was a huge disappointment, but I decided not to be an egg-snob that day.
(4)
Venita B.
People rave about black walnut cafe. I can't say I share the sentiment, but then again I usually order a salad, so who am I to judge. The atmosphere is great for conversation, catching up with an old friend, or even reading the newspaper.
(3)
Adam O.
Honestly, the place seems like it should be good, and maybe I am being harsh... but who puts tortellini in tomato-basil soup?!? And on a related note... who puts tortellini in tomato-basil soup and doesn't make that well known on the menu. See here's the thing, I don't eat wheat anymore. So when I find pasta unannounced in a seemingly harmless tomato soup I am annoyed. Not to mention the fact that when i dug all of it out, I was only left with about a 2/3 cup of soup. I think there should be some sort of tomato-basil soup standards board that stops things like this from happening. Oh, but the reason it is two stars is because of how awkward it got when we were ordering (and if you don't know yet... I love awkward). We walked up to the counter and the two of us ordered. The guy asked my friend "so ma'am, what would you like to drink?"... then he turns to me and says "what about you, man"... although it sort of did sound a bit like he said "ma'am". Now I gave him the benefit of the doubt, but my friend had this really offended look on her face and snapped "excuse me... um... excuse me... but I do believe he is a 'sir'"! The poor guy was reeling, trying to explain that he said "man" and that he was sorry if she misunderstood. WOW. awkward.
(2)
Mollie K.
I have surprisingly never been here for brunch on a Sunday and I was shocked by how crowded it gets. It was a perfect Sunday morning to sit outside and enjoy the weather. I did like this restaurant but the mistake was what I ordered. I tried to cheat the system by ordering multigrain pancakes which were as good as they sound....really bad. :) They were dense and heavy not like the light and fluffy pancakes. Lesson learned to never mess with the original. On another note the egg white vegetable omelet was delicious!
(4)
Linh P.
Very eclectic selection of food. My absolute favorite thing to get there is the French Dip Sandwich. Everything about this sandwich is perfect and I've ordered it at a lot of places (ew forget La Madeleines don't even try it). The beef is tender and perfect amount of saltiness. The amount of beef is generous and fills up the sandwich. You can tell the cheese is of quality: when you pull the the sandwich away from your mouth, the cheese follows and won't let go. The flavors all come together each time the sandwich goes for a swim au jour onion sauce. If you go, get the French Dip. Everything else I've tried there has been pretty good too, the creole bowl is good, the ahi tuna salad was decent but I would've liked it better if it was a leafy salad rather than just cabbage and sprouts. The gelato is meh, I've had better but there's not a very good gelato place in Houston to begin with. They also have fun flavors of iced tea (unsweeten) if you're a tea fan. You can also get a parking validation if you park in the garage. Its kinda pricey though, so beware (10 bucks for a sandwich!)
(4)
Cory O.
I'm in love with the pizza here. It has some cutsie little name like Angry Shrimp Pizza or something. It is heaven in your mouth. At first I thought it was a little strange to have shrimp on a pizza (btw, it is actually put on a thick bread, maybe foccacia?), but with the creamy sauce, it was perfect. The other dishes I've tried there are also fantastic (the grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup is out of this world!) and they have a decent selection of beer. They also have a few of those fun bottled sodas (cream soda, root beer, etc.) that makes my husband turn into a little kid. I'm not a dessert person, but evidently they are to die for. One of my favorite things about Black Walnut is that not only do you get a nice meal in a nice setting, but they'll validate your parking in the garage. Wish I had known that months ago since that garage charges $10 in the evenings!
(5)
Tom B.
I love coming here for brunch. I've tried several things from the menu and nothing was ever bad. My favorite are the fish tacos (fried) with mango cilantro sauce. Very flavorful and you can tell they use fresh quality ingredients. I also really like the ambiance of the restaurant.
(4)
May N.
Nice little place to eat meals at all times of the day. They have a broad menu for such a small place and offer beer, wine, and dessert. Mmmm! Gelato! The food is southwestern style and they serve omelets, salads, sandwiches, pastas, soups, pizza, and seafood-ish stuff. They also have free Wifi and I've studied here for hours before and no one bothers you. I think all of the establishments immediately surrounding the garage will validate your parking.
(3)
Jenny S.
I'm a little shocked at the 1 and 2 star reviews because I think this place is amazing! I've tried breakfast, lunch and dinner here and everything I've gotten has been delicious. The staff is super friendly and helpful if you have questions about different flavors or ingredients. The ambiance of BW is what makes it 5 stars instead of 4. Along with traditional tables and chairs, they have several tables w/wing-backed comfy chairs that are perfect for long study sessions.
(5)
Claire M.
Had lunch here. Lovely enough atmosphere, nice decor, pleasant location. Nice wait staff. A bit too pricey for what it is. Submit your food order at the counter, find a seat, wait for the little light thing to twinkle and then go get your order. I ordered the Larson's Burger, which is a hoagie type bread, burger patty, goat cheese, sun dried tomatoes, lettuce and onions. The bread was probably stale, it was dry and crumbly. We ordered the eggrolls and when we went to retrieve them, another customer had swiped them. She later brought them back to the service counter but at that point i did not want them. My friend ordered the pot roast. It was nicely seasoned and tender but still mediocre. It might be a good place for drinks and appetizer but i won't be dining here again.
(2)
Thaddeus S.
This place never disappoints. They have a great menu, full of variety and great taste.
(5)
Necie G.
The food at Black Walnut is decent, but I am hardly ever in the mood to pay $12 for a salad. I mostly go here for group lunches with my coworkers so I've been to the one on Research Forest (The Woodlands) and the one on Morningside (Rice Village) -- no difference to me between the two, just standard food at a higher price than I'd typically prefer to pay for lunch. It gets really busy at lunch time and if you're with a large group, seating may be an issue. Once when I went to the one in The Woodlands, my chicken in my salad was still pink on the inside. When I returned the salad, the manager brought me a new salad and comped the meal without my asking, which I thought was really nice.
(3)
S. W.
I'd give it 2 stars for the food- "Meh-I've had better" -which is true. But the extra star is for the fantastic gelato and customer service. Really nice people and really awesome deserts. The seating both in and out will accommodate larger groups, private 1-on-1s, and the outside is great for those rare moments of Texas breezes. Beware of the pigeons though -they'll stalk your food. O.0
(3)
Victoria M.
Nice, casual American fare, but not always worth the price. I've been to Black Walnut a handful of times, but the most recent visit left me unsatisfied. I ordered their Santa Fe chicken salad for almost $13, only to find very little in quantity of toppings and a lot of lettuce. I left the restaurant hungry. However, burgers are ok, and their New Orleans pasta is my husband's favorite. I will probably be coming back because they have such a variety, but will steer clear of the salad options.
(3)
Andrew C.
--General In a plaza area so parking isn't too difficult, and there is plenty of seating inside the spacious restaurant. Prices are fair and service is decent, except a couple members in my party didn't get their food until 30+ minutes after the rest of u
(3)
Adam C.
I really like Black Walnut. Just about everything I have tried on their menu has been great. The service is a little slow though and they frequently mess up my order. The place is really loud inside and the seating isn't very comfortable. If I were only rating the food, I would give it a 5-star.
(4)
Erin F.
I'm sorry to have to do this, but it must be done. I had a TERRIBLE experience at the Black Walnut. Let me preface this by saying that I usually like this place - I had been here a handful of times before and each time was enjoyable. But recently they have changed their menu, and I assume they have changed their management along with it. First off, my favorite Thai Noodle Steak Salad was taken off the menu. And contrary to the "Your wish is our command sign" that states if you don't see your old favorite on the new menu just come up to the counter and ask for it, they would not make it for me. So I decided to go with the Ahi Tuna Salad. My friend ordered the guacamole and chips to start and the quesadillas for dinner. Well, after shelling out over $15 for my salad, my friend and I had to wait about 20+ minutes and they did not send the guac and chips out first. At this time, I'm not too bothered, but when I got to get MY entree, I literally had to ask why my buzzer went off because I knew that chunk of rare Ahi tuna on a few pieces of cabbage couldn't have been my salad. As validation for my confusion, as I went to pick mine up, there was another random customer asking "Is this really the Ahi Tuna Salad? Where is the salad?" They said they would add some romaine to it and bring it out. OK then...? They bring it to the table, I start to eat, and,,, it's awful. I would say it had no taste at all because there was no way they used seasoning, but that would mean it did not have a slightly fishy taste - which it did. At this point, I'm pretty bummed that I've wasted $15 on a crappy dinner so I eat some of my friend's chips and guac. I honestly didn't know you screw up guacamole, but apparently you can. My friend and I were catching up about wedding details so we stayed for around an hour after we ate and they never bussed our table. Now, I'm the first one to tell you how rude it is to start taking plates away when the entire table hasn't finished, but I'm also not a fan of simply not busing the table at all. I swear I saw a few fruit fly looking insects hovering around the large chunk of tuna on my plate. Bleh. To top it off, I went to the restroom before we left and they were out of paper towels. One of my pet peeves. So unfortunately, I cannot recommend this restaurant. You'd be much better off going to D'Amico's next door.
(1)
Lauren J.
I have only had their gelato. It was OK, not great. I would probably not go back just for their gelato.
(2)
Diana S.
What happened to the Black Walnut? We had eaten here previously, and we remembered it as good. Ate here this evening, and it was terrible. We should have known by the number of people here on a Sat night. Restaurants next door were crowded, but not this one. The food was not good at all. All 3 of us got something different, and all 3 were not good. Even the dessert was poor. Will not eat here again. Very disappointing.
(1)
Lauren C.
As I sit at the Black Walnut Cafe studying and enjoying a delicious piece of Red Velvet Cake it hits me: after many many times of coming here for food and/or for studying I have never reviewed the place. So here I am taking a break from studying as I write a review of a place I frequent. I'd like to start off saying that Black Walnut is my favorite place to study. They have meal food, snack food, desserts, coffee, and drinks that are wonderful to nibble or sip upon while cracking open one of my enormous law text books. For days like today when I'm doing a lot of online legal research they have free WiFi. And if you can get to a spot, they have plugs at various places around the restaurant. It is very easy to grab one if there aren't that many people around, but good luck finding a table let alone a plug during lunchtime. Sure it gets a little noisy at peak meal times, but it is never too bad and a little noise helps me study (I know, weird). Last semester two of my friends and I met every Saturday from 11-4 here for lunch and studying for a class we all had together. We all quite enjoyed it, though I think I was the only one who didn't get the chicken tender salad every weekend. Their food isn't the best food in Houston, but it is nothing to sneeze at either. Everything I have tried on the menu, and with as many times as I've been here I've made it my mission to try as many different things as possible, has been very good. I'd probably give them 4 stars on food and price, but for me the added ambiance as a great place to hang out and study gives it another star. They have great desserts as well including some very good gelato. If you manage to come during breakfast everything is very good, though some items are much more pricey than their regular menu items. Because it is in the Rice Village, parking is always an issue, but Black Walnut will validate your parking if you park in the garage. On a random note, I am sad they stopped listing their menu prices out to the 4th decimal point, but I understand that only a nerd like me would appreciate it and most others would be confused by it.
(5)
Diane Y.
I prefer this location over the location out in Sugarland. The manager at this location will walk around and ask the customers if everything's okay. The food is nothing spectacular. Some dishes are probably a hit or miss depending on your taste. I find that the chicken tenders basket is consistently good though. 4 stars in my book. The gelato is definitely yummy, I just wish they had more flavors. Try the crema baci and raspberry. Like that brownie a la mode but want to sample some gelato flavors? You don't have to get the vanilla that comes with it, request a different flavor, and they'll gladly replace it. Mint chocolate (but beware it's pretty darn minty) and raspberry go best. A good spot for dinner in groups right before heading over next door to Baker St.
(3)
Patty Z.
Great fast-casual fare that is a few steps up from a more generic chain like Panera Bread. It's a great spot to relax and meet up with friends or take advantage of the free wi-fi to get some work done. They have a pretty diverse menu and a surprisingly good selection of alcohol. I've been here a number of times for breakfast, lunch and dessert (for some reason, I never make it for dinner) and have always been satisfied. I especially love their crispy, peppery bacon at breakfast. Mmmm. The hubby is a fan of their chicken tenders basket. Make sure to try the gelato; I highly recommend the biscottino. It tastes just like banana pudding! Yum.
(4)
Christine M.
Black Walnut Cafe...what to expect...my bf's brother said it best, "a better version of cafe express." At first I didn't know what he meant by that, but as I walked in I kind of saw it. The menu had a very similar layout, but I liked the choices at BWC more than that at Cafe Express. I ordered the Taco Salad and an iced tea because I saw that they had 3 different types of iced tea. My bf's younger brother ordered the cheese bread or something of that sort because he said I just had to try it. The one thing about this place is that the food comes out in the order that you ordered it. So if there was a big party before you then well you have to wait that much longer even if you just ordered a soup or salad...that kind of sucks! My buzzer finally lit up and my bf got the fish tacos and I got my taco salad. I decided to get the ginger peach iced tea and figured I would get to try the other teas after I finished the first glass. My salad was just OK. It didn't impress me nor did it disgust me. It was just kind of there. I can't even really describe the flavors or what was going through my mind as I ate it because that was just it...nothing much. The cheese bread on the other was quite good although the down side was that it was super greasy! All in all this place was just OK.
(3)
Jay D.
Great food. Clean place. I think it may be a bit pricey because of location.
(3)
Cindy W.
I like the ambiance and the outdoor seating. I had the Asian Tuna Salad which is good. The New Orleans pasta is excellent. We always get the gelato after our meal as dessert. Parking is a bit of problem but there's a parking garage (you can get the ticket validated once you ordered).
(4)
Dee Dee E.
I looooove Black Walnut!! I visited there two weekends ago and have been dying to go back. I got the stuffed french toast and had the BEST potatoes EVER! I really enjoyed the fresh squeezed juice as well. The decor and atomsphere were pretty good. The customer service was AWESOME- overall Im excited about taking my family & friends there!!
(5)
Bob J.
The three locations were just purchased - - so approach with caution over the next few months.
(3)
Emily M.
cute little place in the village. i ordered the roast beef au jus sandwich, which was very tasty. the menu offers a wide variety of food--from breakfast all-day to soups, salads, sandwiches, and mexican food. overall, this is a good place to bring a crowd with different tastes or who want many options. the atmosphere's pretty nice--upscale cafe with dark wood and pretty gold-leaf varnished tables. also, patio seating outside is available. the desserts, including gelato, looked pretty good, although i personally didn't save room for the sweets. i'll go again to give it another try one day. prices pretty middle-of-the-road, as well.
(4)
Phillip T.
This place offers Americana food like burgers and other greasy goodness. I got the Max's Grilled Chicken Sandwich which resembles a hoagie topped blue cheese and I got a side of salad. This is not a diner per se but more like an upscale eatery with dark paneled wood all around. There are large pieces of art hung near the food pickup area. You can find plush seating along the long wall of the restaurant. I'm not sure if the wifi is free but I saw a few people with laptops. The numbers here are warped. The prices for meals carries to the hundred-thousandth place, i.e. 9.23456. Expect to pay about $8-12 per person without drinks. Also, finish your meal with a gelato!
(4)
David L.
Noisy but good food and service. Fair price and free wifi. Grilled shrimp pasta and mandarin salad is delicious.
(4)
Morgan G.
Great breakfast! Friendly staff, cozy atmosphere.
(4)
Jams M.
Tried one of the southwest type salads. Was very happy with my selection as well as the house white wine. The prices seemed a little high for what you got, but overall it was a good experience.
(4)
Donna A.
I used o come here for gluten free options, but not anymore. They served me a flour tortilla instead of corn. I just can't even say how upset I am right now.
(1)
Daniel G.
I'm surprised this place doesn't have more stars. My wife and I have been here quite a bit (a couple of times because we thought we'd go to Torchy's, saw the line, and said "nah, let's just go to Black Walnut"), and we've never been disappointed. Surprised the first time, since we came here right after moving to Houston and didn't realize that table service hasn't made it to Texas yet (it's pretty great Texas, I promise; the waiter or waitress actually comes *to your table* to take your order), but the food is always good and someone always comes by our table to ask how we're enjoying our meal. My only complaint would be the noise. When it gets busy, it gets pretty loud. But for food and service, this place is solid.
(4)
Kimmi D.
My Favorite Sandwich Here is the French dip sandwhich. It has so much flavor and it's delicious every time I get it. The is place is great for large parties if you don't want to worry about the bill, since they have counter service.
(4)
Anthony G.
I decided to give this place another chance for breakfast. The atmopshere is pleasing and comfortable; however, my breakfast was not! I tried the Pico Benedict and a house coffee. The eggs were almost raw and the sauteed potatoes were undercooked and still solid as rock. In a word, inedible! Had the eggs and potatoes been cooked properly the dish would have been palatable. In closing, the cashier, Alexis, was absolutely charming and the Tanzanian Peaberry Coffee was rich and delicious.
(1)
Jamison E.
I guess you could say I'm a regular at this place. I used to live near the Sugar Land location so now I've been to 2 locations. Some days the food is better than other days but in general the food is good to above average. It is good place to meet friends and socialize over a meal. Prices are a little higher than the typical Chili's/BJ's. I like their lobster tacos and salads. Being a vegetarian/peshatarian I cant talk about some of the other dishes. And their desserts are yummy but I am not sure they make them on site which is kinda a let down.
(4)
Mai N.
first off, they validate parking for the garage right next to it, so you don't have to deal with the hassle of finding rice village parking which totally sucks. black walnut cafe is a nice place for a casual affordable lunch. it emits a laid back atmosphere, and the interior decor reminds me of a coffee shop - intimate and cozy. of course, during peak hours, it's filled with lots of people which ruins that sense of intimacy, but nonetheless, the food is yums! they also have a small outdoor seating area to dine outside on a nice day. anyways, you order at the counter. and they give you a beeper. and you pick up your food at the counter when the beeper rings. the thing i probably love most about this place is their garlic bread. omg it must be like the best garlic bread i've ever had. you get a slice of garlic bread with all the pasta dishes and i think the salads too. so far, i've only tried the spinach and artichoke dip, black walnut lemon chicken pasta, and the bank no.19 at this particular location but they were all yummy! - the spinach & artichoke dip was served warm with a basket of tortilla chips. it also came with sour cream and salsa but i didn't touch those. there's not much to say about it. it was good, and i liked it, but it's your standard appetizer. nothing that blew me away ($9) - the black walnut lemon chicken was served over linguine in a lemon pavia alfredo sauce. i'm a sucker for lemon flavoring and the chicken was juicy with just the right hint of that lemon-y taste. ($10.50) - the bank no. 19 (not sure why it's called this) has cheese-filled tortellini served with sauteed shrimp in pesto pavia alfredo sauce with sun dried tomatoes and toasted almonds. they give you a decent amount of shrimp! and the sun-dried tomatoes and toasted almonds taste amazing with the tortellini. not sure if it's worth it's sorta steep price tag ($15.75), but it is a good dish! they have a really tempting display of gelato that i haven't gotten to try yet but i've heard good things!
(4)
Renia L.
I enjoy this place, the food is good and the cashiers are always nice and helpful. They too are also very generous with the gelatto samples. The only qualm I have is the price. I mean, we stand in line, order our own food, then have to go get it. Not to mention get our own beverage and utensils. Can a salad not be 13 dollars?
(3)
Alicia B.
Everything I have gotten here is delicious. Yesterday I had the lobster tacos. The lobster was juicy and flavorful . . . Not over cooked and rubbery or bland like some other places. The atmosphere is relaxing. I have business meetings here, brunch w/ my Mom & sister, it's just an overall great place. The only thing better than the food is the fact that they have decent Sangria and great Gelato. Check it out if you haven't yet.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Garage, Street, Validated Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Sandy H.
::sigh:: A few years ago I thought the food here was amazing, but I was really disappointed the last week when I dropped by after my BON run. The place was super packed, and there's no doubt that the desserts were just calling my name! However, I was trying to be healthy and ordered their "Anderson's 'Bout Time" sandwich. Instead of french fries, I ordered their steamed broccoli. A friend of my (for a dollar extra) ordered substitute out his fries for sweet potato fries and it seemed worth it because he had a HUGE portion, while I stared at my 2 piece broccoli. Anyway, my chicken was dry... so dry I had a hard time cutting it. Even the cheese that was melted on top did not help :( I then remembered that this was not the first time I had dried chicken here. The time before (about 2 months ago) I was here for dinner with some friends and ordered BWC's Southwest Chicken Salad. The salad was awesome because for the money I paid I felt like it was a decent portion. However, the chicken was dry! I had to keep dipping my chicken in the dressing to make it easier for me to swallow. ::sigh:: Overall, I am okay with this place. The desserts look amazing, but I haven't tried it (not sure why tho). Parking is your typical rice village parking scenario. If you park in the garage, you can get your parking validated.
(3)Bryce K.
I got the Frenchie plate on a Sunday morning. Even though it was fairly early, the restaurant was moderately busy. The Frenchie was a good choice - I had the breakfast sausage, which was alright, two eggs scrambled, and the house potatoes. I've had better potatoes, but these were okay. The French toast was awesome. Ordering at the counter was easy and fast. There's no waiter service, so you have to get your silverware, water, and then pick up your meal when it's ready - they have the buzzer things. All in all, a solid choice for breakfast/brunch.
(4)Dani D.
I've been to BWC before, but I have started coming regularly because they have free wi-fi and morning happy hour. Mon - Friday from 7am to 10:30 am you can get some pretty tasty options, including drinks. I normally get a bloody Mary and the Philly Cheese steak omelet - that's $12.12 and I'm set for the day. Then I can pull out my laptop and take care of whatever I need to do. Also, since I am in pretty early, the parking lot has ample parking so, although they do validate, I don't have to worry about the hassle of it. There is normally a manager walking around during this time to assist customers or just make sure they're enjoying their meal. When lunch time comes - it starts to get PRETTY crowded, which I think is also a testament to how good the food and service is.
(4)Farrah A.
Aside from our breakfast and coffee being cold, this place isn't too bad. On my second visit, my small breakfast burrito was piping hot, but smothered in a tad too much cheese (yes, there is such a thing), they charged a few extra bucks for spinach. Even thought I 86ed more than half of the items that came standard in my order. Service was friendly - the manager even came to say hello as I awaited my to-go order - and they offer free Wi-Fi. That's always a plus. I'm willing to give BWC another try because those cocktails featured on the Daily Specials Menu look to refreshing to pass up.
(3)Ted W.
I like their simple croissant breakfast sandwich, but they have let the coffee in the urns run out on several occasions, and the diner is left to navigate a lot of the experience (food pick-up, coffee, silverware) on one's own. I quite enjoy the ambience, which makes up for some of the shortcomings.
(3)Robert N.
This location has great service, other than the fact that the food is often cold. The pastas are absolutely delicious as well as their brunch. Don't forget they comp for garage parking; and the lunch wait usually isn't too bad.
(4)Shannon C.
Black Walnut's Doc's Krazy Turkey Burger is my absolute favorite. I get it almost every time I go, but I also know that their other food is really good. The people who work there are also very nice. One time my buzzer for my food went off a little early, so obviously when I went up to go get my food it wasn't ready yet. Instead of making me wait, they told me I could go back to my table and they would bring it to me. I wouldn't have minded waiting for a little while, but it was nice of them to do that. I also like the atmosphere, which is family friendly, but also a decent place to do some work if needed.
(4)Mariah D.
The thing about Black Walnut is that it is consistently good, easy food. It's not really that special or unique, but it's consistent as the heat in Texas. With that said, you're bound to find something you like on the menu whether it be for lunch with coworkers or dinner with friends or family, it's a non-offensive, safe-for-all-palates kind of place -- including kids. It's also an easy place to hangout and drink some tea and eat gelato and people watch. The gelato isn't as good as Paciugo, and there aren't as many flavor options, but it's nice to have it as a dessert option. My one gripe is that a fountain drink is $3. I went in (during happy hour, mind you) because I had arrived early for a meeting. I browsed the HH drink menu, which had some tasty sounding drinks for $3, but I didn't want to drink before this meeting, so I just asked for a fountain drink. My total was over $3. Really? You are offering me drinks with alcohol for that same price. I even said "That seems steep, I'm not eating or staying long. I won't be more than 15 minutes here." They didn't care and were going to charge me $1 for water, so I forked over the extra $2 to get some tea. Next time, I won't get a drink at all, and just sit there using free wi-fi and not buy anything!
(3)Janine B.
I like this place, the atmosphere, the people watching and the food is good. I have never had anything that I didn't enjoy. They have a lot of variety. It's one of those places where they have something that should appeal to everyone. I had a the Grilled Pork Chop with Crab Cake, Fiance loved his French Dip. My only complaint is the portions are a little small for the price. You should either get more food or they should lower the prices just a bit. But I know this is a high rent district LOL.
(4)Wesley C.
Good food but way over priced! I ordered the Burrito Combo Plate which comes with two burritos, house potato's, and a side of sausage or bacon. The burritos were good and you can tell that the ingredients were very fresh. However, the "burritos" were more like tacos. Also, I really dislike there house potato's! They were cold and completely flavorless. It took quite a bit of salt and a lot of hot-sauce to give them any taste whatsoever. Ok and the kicker is that this meal cost $8.50! This meal could have easily been 6 or 7 bucks at the most. The food was decent but this was the second time I had eaten here and both times I have expected a little bit more. The portion sizes are quite small for the prices and the taste of the food does not make up for the cost.
(3)Alex L.
Can't stop returning here for texmex omlet and fresh brewed coffee. Perfect place for weekend brunch.
(4)Caliope H.
Met up with a friend here on Saturday at my favorite Houston eating out time - post lunch/pre-dinner time. (I could write more yelp reviews if I had a stomach that could handle both meals :-) ) Decor 4/5: Nice patio, inside is big and inviting, warm dark paneling, some tables with big overstuffed chairs that give it a feeling of a library. Crowd 4/5: Despite the time of day --- pretty much hopping with a n.ice eclectic, neighborhood mix. Some folks on a date, a party at the back dressed to the 9's - getting ready for a big night out, laid backcouples recuperating from their night before, mom's and daughters, friends catching up. Food: 3-4/5: I need to try something else. I love grilled cheese sandwiches - so I went w/ a high end version that had focacia bread, tomatoes and several types of cheese. The bread and tomatoes overshadowed the cheese. (wish I'd gone for the standard grilled cheese and tomato soup - or any of their breakfast items which looked fabulous and they serve until 4pm on Fridays and Saturdays!) The fries that came with it were hot, thick and good - and they have a mango habanero hot sauce that is to die for to go on anything. Also, You can't go wrong just stopping in this place for their great selection of teas - I had a mango tango tea that was out of this world. Service 4/5: The servers are friendly and helpful. But, this is one of those place your order/buzz you/ pick up your meal places. Pretty much along the lines of a Cafe Express- but with friendlier, more helpful order takers that introduce themselves and ask you to ask them if you need anything. Value 4/5: It's a deal. My meal ran around $12. Available to-go dishes/cups and big servings meant, I had an entire half of my meal left for dinner. Bottom Line: Good place, good value, good food, friendly place to meet up with people in a slightly upscaled cafe express environment. And, if you live close - don't miss it as an afternoon breakfast "friday night recovery" spot.
(4)David K.
The best way to sum this place up is that it's a fancy Jason's Deli. I'd even go so far as to say "upscale." I was visiting my boyfriend (a/k/a My Heman) for a long Valentine's Day weekend last week and he loves Sunday brunch. Like, it's a weekly tradition for him and his friends. He wanted to go across the street to Ryan O'Neill's, but it was kind of cold (there was sleet later that evening) and I wanted a waffle. He and I met his friend Eric and walked over to Black Walnut Cafe. Extra star for the delicious waffles. Minus a star for the confusing order process. In hindsight maybe it's not that confusing, but at these prices I'd expect table service. Here's a tip: Instead of a mimosa carafe, opt for a bottle of champagne and a cup of orange juice. They're much stronger and you actually save a few bucks.
(4)Diana B.
My absolutely favorite place to eat in Houston. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are awesome!!! They have the best breakfast sausage I have ever had and breakfast potatoes are awesome too. I work the night shift and coming here after work for breakfast is a great way to end my night. My favs are the breakfast quesidilla, and for lunch or dinner max's grilled chicken sandwich, and it is an absolute must for me to have the Italian cream cake for dessert. BWC has made this one of my favorite desserts. Love, love, love this place!!!
(5)Christy H.
The wait was soooo LONG but so worth it! No wonder people are willing to wait in order to grab food! I ordered the Lobster Benedict and was in loved!!! I REALLY WANTED TO TRY SO MUCH MORE; everything looked so good! The coffee was really really good too. I'm a Starbucks kind of girl but this cup of carmel macchiato was AMAZING!!!
(4)Rick K.
I had lunch with coworkers at the BWC in the Village a couple of months ago and it was great! Since it was my (and a couple of other folks') first time there, the cashier took his time to offer suggestions and explained some of the options. The only cons I can note is that it is the Village, meaning that parking is an issue a lot of times, especially during lunch time... Some coworkers were able to get the last parking stop and I had to pay to park in the garage. As long as you are okay with that you should be good. The other issue (not really an issue if you know about it) is that the restaurant is small, so tables are placed tighly together and the line of customers waiting to order is right behind several tables. Food was great, the gelato was excellent, the service was very good!
(4)Ralph L.
Enjoyed a meal here - but it got a little busy and loud at dinner time on a Sunday
(4)Howard W.
Excellent Eggs Benedict. Simple dish but hard to get right. Perfectly poached eggs, wonderful sauce. Breakfast potatoes with tri color peppers. If I'm back in Houston. I will return. The only thing that kept me from using 5 stars was it could have been hotter. Served quickly. The grapefruit juice squeezed to order was a delight
(4)jennifer t.
Offers happy hour in the morning and afternoon! Couldn't ask for anything better because I get off at 730am. Food is spectacular! From the migas, American breakfast, French toast, pancakes... they're all good. $4 mimosa? C'mon it doesn't get any better. Fast and friendly service.
(5)Sunny S.
Seriously! Slowwww and bathrooms were the filthiest i have ever seen! For a restaurant... Bad sign!
(1)Debs C.
Wouldn't be my first, second, or third choice when it comes to dining. Not a big fan of the mediocre food served here. Used to study here years ago since they provide free wifi and is not usually busy during off hours. But after I started working, I really had no reason to frequent this place unless someone else wanted to meet here for lunch/dinner. Such a shame, this location is fantastic.
(2)Amanda W.
I would have scored higher, but the price of this place was expensive! If i had wanted to spend that kind of money, i would have went else where. This was my first time here. My boyfriend and i wanted to try something different. I ordered a burger, and he ordered lobster tacos. I was not expecting such a larger burger so he helped me eat it. lol. I was highly disappointed in their beer. When the gentlman asked me what size i wanted i had no idea the large would look like a small! Yes it was happy hour and it was only 3 bucks, but seriously?! I'll be back because the food itself was great.
(3)Nupur L.
Back in my early twenties when I had the time to be more pretentious, I would have given Black Walnut a scathing review. Now I think I'm ready to rate it fairly. Innovative dining it is not. Nor should everything be innovative. Unadventurous does not necessarily have to equal bad, as Black Walnut demonstrates. It's a uncomplicated yet solid experience all around. I especially like how they emphasize healthy options here. For someone who eats on the go as much as I do, I can really get behind that. It sounds like I'm damning with faint praise a bit but I enjoyed everything from the fish tacos to toasted ravioli to vegetable soup. They have an expansive new American menu on which most things are good. There's really something for everyone, which is why my vegetarian friends always suggest this place. This is a place that's unusually considerate of diners. It's the little things like always serving dressing on the side. "We take care of that for you," added the sweet guy at the counter taking orders. Or offering me the option of grilled, fried or one each of the grilled and fried fish tacos when I asked for my fish tacos to be grilled instead of fried. Not to mention the staff are on top of it. The kids working at the counter are the sweetest, friendliest and most cheerful of any restaurant staff I've interacted with in a while. I don't mind at all having to get up for my food because I actually enjoy talking to them. For what it is, Black Walnut is exceptionally pleasant. It's not setting the world on fire but it's not meant to either. It means that people can happily have fish tacos, toasted ravioli, vegetable soup and a salad at a single meal in a comfortable but not inelegant atmosphere. Respek.
(3)Saba B.
Generous plates of cafeteria style bistro fare served up in comfy chairs and copper-topped tables including soft and crunchy raviolis atop what must have been an entire loaf of garlic bread nestling beside a pool of tangy marinara set Black Walnut apart from its anchor mall quite nicely. The crowd is wholesome as white Rice gets, and none of the fare will have you confusing BWC with a Champs Elysees cafe, but if you want to get away from the beer-soaked college scene across the street, stop in for a little continental flavor
(4)Gary F.
Occasionally all businesses fail their customers. What sets them apart is the way those businesses compensate for those failures. In our case, two of the three sandwiches were extremely late. To compensate, they offered us free dessert after comping the entire meal. That's fixing the problem the right way. Kudos to Orlando the manager.
(5)Vi N.
Meh... The outside patio is really nice. However, the lobster Benedict had dry lobster pieces. Gross. The kolaches were pretty good but kind of small. We also ordered a carafe of mimosa and it came out with a ton of pulp....
(2)Stephen D.
What can you say about this place other than its DECENT I will make this one brief 1- Food Is it decent, yes, is it offensive, no not at all, is it great, nope. I can put cheese on my pillowcase and eat it and it wont be too bad. I am not saying they have cheese on everything just that with some types of food its hard to mess up. ie breakfast. 2- Decor Nice, pleasant. You wont ooooh and awww when in there but its not that type of place either. Its nondescript which is what it should be i guess 3- Staff See above nondescript 4- Beverage Awful, maybe the worst coffee in RV and tea wasnt great either 5- Selection Way way way too many things on the menu for me to feel comfortable. Overall its your classic american joint. They arent trying to be the best at anything, which is ok. An average restaurant that disguises quality with selection.
(2)Melody M.
I found the food here to be very average. I was told that it was a great place to get salads, but there was nothing special on the menu. Flavor profiles are the same that you can find in any cafe. You know...grilled chicken, apples, walnuts or maybe bacon and cranberries or some Santa Fe thingy with corn and tortilla chips. I got exactly what I ordered - no surprises, but also no spark.
(3)Doug M.
Black Walnut is one of my favorite lunch spots. This location is close the the Texas Medical Center and Rice University and is easy to get to. Parking in the garage is free with validation. The food is good. I really like the pot roast and Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad. Delicious.
(4)Huy N.
Black Walnut is a very trendy, upscale cafe. Yet despite all the rave about this place, the food was only average. My food was bland and stale, and despite my hunger, I had to tap out and leave the sandwich unfinnished. For the price they charge for cafe food, it was not worth it. Service was friendly, however lines go out the door during the lunch hours, and the wait is a bit long (since it's a very popular place in Rice Village). The interior of BW can get very crowded, and it gets difficult finding a place to sit. Their decor is archaic, overly strange and dark. I felt like I got lost in an old western movie. (Plus I had to sit in a lounge chair, pulled up to a table). The one upside is that Black Walnut gives you a parking voucher, so you don't have to pay the garage fee in Rice Village, so 10 bucks saved.
(3)Ashley G.
I have eaten at the Black Walnut Cafe in the woodlands and have never been disappointed. The one in Rice Village is a different story. It's loud and crowded. I ordered the $17 BBQ Salmon (my usual favorite) It is VERY pricy in my opinion but the salmon has always been good. The brocolli was not cooked and was hard. The salmon was lacking the normal flavor and the person told me i could not get no onions because it's premade (yup thats right a $17 salmon meal is premade) also note I have NEVER had this issue at the woodlands location. Needless to say my salmon had basically a full purple onion on it!!!! Bleh!
(1)Kevin D.
I had breakfast for the first time here on Saturday morning around 10 and left wondering why I haven't done that before. The staff here is awesome; They are very outgoing and friendly; It appears they enjoy working here.The food is always good.
(4)Alice T.
This was a staple "nice restaurant" back in the school days. The food is decent, huge variety, and casual, yet pretty cute, atmosphere. Looking back on it, I'm glad my taste buds have ventured out, because there are a lot of good restaurants in Houston outside of the Village/Rice bubble. I really don't think they've changed their menu, but I swear that I remember having a really delicious dish of ravioli with sun dried tomatoes. Maybe it's the artichoke and spinach stuffed rigatoni, but I don't remember my carbs being rigatoni, and I definitely don't remember the artichoke. If this was the dish, then this is definitely a good one. The last time I came I had the tomato basil soup. I ordered a cup, but didn't notice when they ran it up that they charged me a bowl. Sneaky Black Walnut. "Cup" doesn't even sound like "bowl". And I definitely wasn't that hungry where I wanted a giant bowl of soup. It was pretty giant. The soup was standard tomato basil, but the cheese tortellini was a nice touch. Black Walnut's a good place in the Village, but there are far too many good restaurants in Houston to be paying these prices for standard fare.
(3)Jeena L.
Im disheartened by the lack of stars this place have been getting the past few months! Black walnut is still one of my top restaurants to go to when I'm hungry! With that said, black walnut cafe, I'm still a fan! Entrees to try that I've absolutely loved: -grilled fish tacos. Last time I had it battered but didn't known you can order a grilled option. I wish there was 3 though! -black walnut salad - I absolutely love this salad! The chicken is juicy and tender and there's a right amount of sweetness. -lemon Basil chicken - don't really know the name of it but its a pasta dish and its good. If you're big on that lemon taste and other flavors infused into this dish then I recommend. -Asian Tuna Salad - yum!! The ahi tuna was perfect! -dessert: black out cake!!!!! This cake ranks among the top with my favorite chocolate cake, right next to uncle daryls at chocolate bar. It was such a huge slice I had to take it home. But its worth it! So decadent, moist and delicious! :)
(4)Noa F.
Service was horrible !!! I don't know about the food but first of all be nice to your customers!!! Last time for me
(1)Michelle W.
I don't come here often because the area and lot are always so crowded; however, I've never had a bad experience at the cafe. The spinach artichoke dip is tasty, the pot roast is flavorful, the omelets are scrumptious, the cakes are Heavenly, and the gelato makes my taste buds very happy! There are other cafes that I go to when I'm having a bona-fide craving; however, Black Walnut is always a nice change of pace. I've never been unhappy with the service or timeliness of receiving my food, and I've always managed to find inside seating ... albeit sometimes in a crowded corner. No doubt I'll venture here again in the future. :)
(3)Khoi L.
This is a great place for brunch w/ many of the traditional favorites done very well. Sausage & Mozzarella Kolache: 4/5 Eggs Benedict: 4/5 - It had two poached eggs on toasted English muffins & included Canadian bacon, house potatoes, & cayenne citrus hollandaise. Western-Eastern Omelet: 4/5 - Sweet bell peppers, red onions, scallions, mushrooms, tomatoes,mozzarella, & cheddar were in this omelet. Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 4/5
(4)Larry P.
Went the first time for lunch. Good food. We had salad. $10-$15 per salad, a little pricey, but I guess par for the course in the Rice Village. We sat inside and the place had a little smell about it. Maybe it was the carpets holding in some smell, not sure. There is outside seating and I'd like to try it on a cooler, less humid day. I'll try again, although I'm not in a huge rush to get back there.
(3)Mike F.
From the dishes I've tried so far they seem to be really good. But on the flipside this place is a little overpriced for what they serve. But this place is one of my top choices whenever i'm at Rice Village. I don't order from this place too much because of the price but I think the Chipotle Chicken Pepper Pasta is pretty delicious. I would like to come back and try other things on their menu. Free wi-fi is a plus!
(4)Gretchen J.
Friendly cozy
(5)Daniel L.
This is definitely a Jekyll & Hyde review so don't think two stars is a complete slam on BWC. They have an interesting menu. There are a lot of choices from burgers to pasta. The prices clearly indicate that this is not IHOP quality. At BWC you walk in, grab a menu, find what you want, then step up to the counter and order. You get your drink and a little buzzer. The cashier ringing me up was very polite and friendly - and it was at a peak hour, so he really could have just rung it up and moved on to the next one. So I liked that touch: great employees. Which I think really does matter and is one of the big reasons why I come back here without objection rather than complaining non-stop about going to Birraporettis. So here is how my last experience went: I went with one cashier, my friend went with another cashier. Simultaneously our orders were placed. It was not the exact dish but it was very close. I took my cup, filled it up with water, walked outside, and sat down. And my buzzer went off. My food was ready. Because I was raised with manners I returned to the table and did not touch my food for nearly fifteen minutes until my friend's buzzer went off and his food was ready. I had great conversation to keep me occupied - I'm not pissed about that. If I was here with someone I hated I would have just wolfed down my food and bolted - that is the one advantage of paying for your food before you sit down. So that is the big benefit at BWC: you don't need to suffer through a moron's poor waiter-ing skills. If you frequently have bad waiters at places, come here because there are no waiters. My review of the food is that it's nothing special, like maybe you could buy one of those Easy Mac meals at the grocery store and even a six year old child could whip up something similar. Maybe my food review would be more glowing if there was some similarity in how long dishes take to prepare ... or more likely what actually happened tonight: I was presented with a dish that had been prepared for someone else who sent it back, changed their mind, or found a cockroach in it or something similar. You have no idea how far in the dark recesses of my imagination we can go to figure out how the chicken, pasta, and hodge-podge of vegetables were prepared in the amount of time it takes for me to fill a water cup, walk ten feet, and sit down in a chair. My advice to you is that if you are eating with someone - ring it up together on the same ticket. However a guy picking up his one dish behind me was picking up only ONE dish out of his TWO dish order.... so maybe there is just an EPIC FAIL all around at this restaurant. I did like sitting outside though. That earns two stars because I spend most days inside a dark cave, so it was nice to be outside for a few minutes. The gelato looked amazing. I really wanted some. But based on the meal experience, I figured I would get my gelato served an hour later as a liquidy amaretto soup. So at least I had a calorie conscious evening out. My waistline thanks you BWC.
(2)The Healthy Gourmet K.
Chamomile tea is of chammomile and lemon grass, not a good taste as tea.
(3)Jackie K.
The Black Walnut Cafe is the perfect upscale soup-and-sandwich cafe that also features gourmet pastas, etc. You order at the counter and pick up your food when the buzzer rings. My favorites are the Black Walnut salad and the Santa Fe salad--accompanied by yummy garlic bread. And if you want a little treat after lunch/dinner, try a chocolate truffle. Fantastic, low-key yet delicious meals!
(4)Cynthia C.
I like the atmosphere - the plants hanging from the ceiling are great. My initial impression upon walking in was good, but the dining experience didn't echo the first impression. The person in line in front of us took forever - the staff was having some kind of an issue with the pos system. The table we sat at looked clean, but then there was sticky honey on the side of it that got all over my arm. Ewwwwww. Then my chicken sandwich buzzed, which could have made up for this but the chicken was itsy bitsy. Like, they tried to marinate a chicken tender and put it on the grill and called it a sandwich. Pretty lame. Also, it was hard to find the napkins. I wish I'd gone to ruggles down the street.
(2)Allen T.
I have been to many locations and they are always clean and well maintained. Their "Darn Good Burger" is great but the best thing I enjoy is their "Pot Roast'....MMM MMM MMM....Make you want to slap your momma!! Very friendly staff and fair pricing.
(5)MA N.
It was ok. I think I got some parmesan chicken pasta and it was a little bland to my taste. The bread that came with it was a little hard for me to eat (as well as my bf). My bf ordered a French dip and said it was decent.
(3)Sierra S.
This is a cafeteria that serves French-styled food which is quite tasty, at reasonable prices. Went there for lunch, and had various sandwiches, and tasty raspberry lemonade. The place is popular and reasonably quick. I would definitely go back for lunch. It is about a 15 minute walk from the Rice University campus.
(5)Matthew C.
The best way to describe Black Walnut is as follows: good (but not great) and always a good standby. I've never had a "Wow, this is the best thing ever!" dining experience here, but I've never had particularly bad experience either. For lunch/dinner, I'm a fan of the "Anderson's 'Bout Time"--a grilled chicken breast sandwich with swiss and avocado (always a plus in my book). The portion is a tad on the small side considering it's $9.50, but it's still a solid choice. For brunch, the omelets are good, especially the roasted vegetable omelet with cream cheese. Like the sandwich, they don't top any of my lists but still made for satisfying meals. Since you order at the counter and pick up your food, there's not too much I can rate in terms of service, though this past visit a couple of things disappointed me. First, on a Sunday at the peak of the brunch hour (i.e., 11:00), I'd like it if you had all of your varieties of coffee available (rather than being out of the light roast). Second, for whatever reason, the first person who ordered in our group was the last person to receive her food--by a long shot. When everyone's food comes out at such different times, it's hard to eat together. All in all, though, Black Walnut will always be an old standby when I'm in the village. Yes, it's a little expensive, but the atmosphere and location make up for it.
(4)Jennifer S.
Good breakfast or lunch/dinner food. Parking is not a problem since you can use the garage for free.
(4)Eman S.
YES to Black Walnut Cafe! Delicious and fast food; great for lunch or getting a quick bite to eat! The gelato is amazing as well. I would pass on the cheesecake...it's a tad mediocre and quite pricey for an average/kind of small sized slice. Lunch hour is crazy busy, so bring a book and grab some gelato around 4 o' clock; you'll be a happy you did!
(4)Mike B.
Excellent location Excellent food Excellent service Fair cleanliness Overall, a very good experience and creative menu!
(4)Christine L.
Great value casual American food! Plus - great value - $9.50 for 10oz Angus beef burger with blue cheese & bacon with a side of sweet potato fries -comfy place -healthy options available - my friend had veggie salad -garage parking free with validation - good for 3 h! -big gelato selection, that's for next time! Areas of improvement -unfortunately line can be very long - maybe have misters outside on the patio or larger covered patio as opposed to umbrellas?
(5)Kim-Anh P.
For a quick-serve dining place, I thought it was pretty good. We went there on a Friday night with a couple of friends, and the place was just moderately filled with patrons. I remember having the Max's Grilled Chicken Sandwich with fries, and thinking the sandwich was huge! But it's one of those you think you can tackle but when you're 1/2 way through the second 1/2 of the sandwich, you realize you might've been better off saving the latter portion and taking it to go...but then you reluctantly go ahead and finish it but are incredibly stuffed after it, lol. Would think about going back. Perks: -- Chill atmosphere -- Outdoor seating -- Decent price
(3)Leena C.
My co-workers always talk about this place so finally they took me. It was a disappointing trip. First, the cashier charged my co-worker's meal incorrectly, only to proceed to charge it wrong when trying to correct it :( This held up the line for 10-15 minutes and they only had one line open. I ordered the "famous" New Orleans noodles and althought the sauce was flavorful, the crawfish tails had a unappealing taste and aftertaste. The pasta and andouin sausage were better. Another problem was the paging cube that they gave my other co-worker was broken so his light never came on to notify him that his food was ready. After sitting there for a while, I noticed a worker walking around looking lost, checking everyone's table. I suggested to my friend to check on his food and sure enough, it was sitting in the pick up area. (for about 10-15 minutes) The paging cube apparently wasn't working. No one ever thought to get on the loudspeaker ? The paging cubes are numbered??? The manager stopped by and never apologized, just looked at our table and kept going. I would probably go there again for lunch with co-workers but not on my off time. It just wasn't worth the wait or hassle. But the conversation was great so yeah to my co-workers!
(2)Denis C.
We came here on an early Tuesday evening to meet up with my wife's friend. She was visiting from Boston and had previously lived in the area surrounding the restaurant, so she recommeneded that we meet up at the Black Walnut. We had no problem finding free parking next to the restaurant. We ordered our meals at the counter; the food war delivered to our table. The interior was nice but we decided to find a table outside since the weather was nice for this time of year in Houston. I had the BBQ pot roast with sweet potato fries. The sandwich itself was good but the fries were even better. My wife had one of the their salads which she seemed to like as well. We followed up with some dessert. I had a craving for red velvet cake so I decided to give their's a try. I was little disappointed (not sweet/buttery enough for my liking) and will probably try the gelato next time. Overall, it's a neat place, the food is good, and the staff was friendly. We'll be back again.
(4)A M.
A nice breakfast location and near good walking and shopping areas. Haven't tried it at any other time of day yet. Good coffee, but ordering the freshly squeezed OJ seemed to be a little tedious, especially when the place is packed. You order it with the rest of your meal, but you have to wait in another line for them to call you in order to pick it up. It would be easier if they brought it with your meal or if they handed it to you while you are paying. Otherwise, food was tasty and the portions for most items were good. My husband ordered the breakfast burrito and it was as large as the palm of his hand and looked more like an appetizer. Would come back to see what else they offer.
(4)Leslie B.
This place is awesome for breakfast. I was in town for business and had been working an event since 6 AM. When my co-worker and I were done (and seriously starving), we stopped randomly and couldn't have made a better accidental decision. I had the Western-Eastern Omelet and it was really delicious. Tons of great ingredients. The breakfast potatoes were great too. They have a really efficient system working, where you order at the counter and then pick up your food. We both ordered iced lattes which were very refreshing, having been outside in the humidity for hours. If I lived in the area, I would definitely return!
(4)Jon H.
My wife and I decided to come here for a Sunday morning coffee date. We didn't order anything off the menu - strictly coffee and muffins. The coffee was good, the muffin was good (but a little small). The reason I am giving it a 4, rather than a 3, it because the atmosphere was perfect. Wood accents, quite surroundings, nice professional customer base...that is really what sold us on Black Walnut Cafe. We will be back for more lazy weekend morning breakfast dates.
(4)David V.
I just left from eating lunch with family. For a lunch hour they were able to take my order and bring it out in impressive timing. It's counter staff so things run a lot smoother. I had the Anderson's bout time sandwich, which is something like a California sandwich. Swiss, chicken, cucumber, tomato, sprouts, and wheat bread. Very tasty and light. My uncle had the Black Walnut Salad. He cleared the plate so I imagine it was good. ha! Mom doesn't quite know how to order yet. She is the type of person who doesn't like what she hasn't tried. Shame really. She got the Pot Roast Stew for crying out loud! Oh well. The price is right here and seating is very interesting. I have been here before but today was worth a review.
(4)Sara B.
Among our favorite spots for brunch, Walnut has a wide selection of eggs and salads. And I LOVE their corporate image!
(4)Jessie D.
I really wanted to like this place. It was so busy when we came in that they had actually shut the kitchen down. We had to wait for 20 minutes. This created a huge line and lots of annoyed customers. When we ordered they didn't have what I wanted or what my husband wanted to order. Then when we got the food it wasn't right. Once everything was in order I enjoyed the chocolate chip pancakes, but not enough to deal with all that again. I think next time we'll just go to LePeep or Empire Cafe
(2)C T.
Went here for brunch this Saturday. A friend and I had heard great things and have been wanting to come for a long time. Unfortunately we were very unimpressed. We each got an omelet and a mimosa. The bill was $17 and not worth it. My friends mimosa was so gross. Not worth it!
(2)Nhu Lan P.
I ordered one of the the pastas of the day which was chicken in a lemon butter sauce. Delicious! It came with melt-in-your-mouth garlic bread. yum! I also tried my friend's pot roast and fajita sandwich. Everything was really good! Fast service. This location gets really packed during lunch, too. We had a large group so we ate outside and put tables together. If you have a large group, it's hard to find seating inside. The seating arrangements are best for up to 6 people. We parked in the garage, which is free if you get parking validated inside the restaurant. (just ask someone at the cashier and they'll give you a new ticket) The gelato looked amazing, but I didn't get it. Definitely will try next time!
(4)Shannon W. W.
Highly recommend the Huevos Mexicanos including fresh guacamole. They accommodated a party of 10 with no problems and the atmosphere is just awesome.
(5)Amber S.
Great casual ambience and fantastic location. Steak salad is excellent, and several of the other salads are really good. The Mexican omelette, however, is super fabulous. Lots of love in that omelette. The tomato soup is far too thin, but my two-year-old son eats it, so it's good enough for me. Don't miss this place for brunch.
(4)Kelli S.
BREAKFAST - Very nice place to take your family. The food is good but not the best breakfast in Houston. It's basically La Madeline on steroids. LUNCH - They offer vegan options and the veggie pasta is delicious. Overall great place to eat and relatively affordable.
(4)Colleen B.
Decided to meet my boss here for a quick recap meeting of our week. Big mistake. Very crowded, loud and a ton of staff standing around not doing a lot. Rude manager, too...we asked for a copy of the receipt, which we weren't given at check out and it took them 15+ minutes to produce. No apologies for the other employee that cleared our table too early or refused to bring a to-go box to us...instead he pointed to where they were located. Not going to be my first choice in The Village again. Too many other places nearby that appreciate their customers!
(2)Dustin D.
Here it is... my first bad review in quite some time! Since this place opened a couple of years ago, I've frequented it with my wife and kids enough to see both the service and the quality of food decline. It takes quite a bit to irritate me enough not to ever want to go back to any food establishment, and I think I finally had it with the Black Walnut Cafe. Long story short, I ordered the Steak Eggs Benedict and my kids ordered the usually breakfast tacos. As if it wasn't enough that we waited an excruciating 25 minutes to get "beeped" to retrieve our food from the kitchen, the steak benedict was dead cold! I had no choice but to give it back... NOT, asking for a refund, because I didn't even want to give them the satisfaction of even trying to console me after such a gigantic disappointment (it was, in fact, 7:15am, and I was starving - so, probably not at my best diplomatic state of mind). Ultimately, the manager insisted on refunding me, which I thought was very kind and courteous (the only reason I gave this review 2 stars, by the way, and not one), but it did not change the enormous loathing that I developed for this restaurant. Unfortunately, I don't expect that I will ever feel the need to return to this restaurant willfully, and if ever I find myself there for any reason at all... I sincerely hope my next experience will be good enough to pass this last one as a fluke.
(2)Alvin J.
I can only attest to the quality of the Darn Good burger, which was...pretty darn good, as were the sweet potato fries, which were nice and crispy. I also tried somebody else's vegetarian noodles and it was pretty decent, although I personally wouldn't order it if/when I go back. I unfortunately didn't have room for dessert, but they looked pretty awesome. I might come back just for dessert and coffee. I liked this place. They're not really re-inventing the wheel but it's a pretty chill place to have a casual sit-down dinner.
(4)Dan C.
Been here a few times for lunch, and it is pretty good. The fare was always tasty, but there was never anything that made it stand out to me. The breakfast on the other hand is exceptional. They do some of the best Eggs Benedict I have ever had. The egg is perfect with the whites set, and the yolk completely runny. The hash browns/home fries are good, and complement the Eggs Benedict nicely. I also recommend their fresh squeezed orange juice to accompany your breakfast. Breakfast is served 7 days a week, so it's a nice place to have a breakfast meeting, or nurse yourself back from weeknight debauchery.
(4)Kelly G.
Too crowded for a weekend lunch. Tuna steak salad was blah. Blue cheese burger was better, Gelatto was amazing. Try the peanut butter.
(3)Meghan K.
I've only been here for breakfast, so I can't comment on the lunch/dinner options offered....but OMG the breakfast is awesome. I usually either get an omelette or the pancakes and both are delicious. The salsa they serve with the omelettes is so good that I could eat it by the spoonful. You can tell they use quality ingredients in everything. I hate orange juice, but my husband loves it....they do fresh squeezed OJ there and he always gets a glass. I tried some recently and actually loved it. It was sooo good. The only thing I don't like about this place is the seating. I get really anxious when I see a full restaurant and a line going out the door. You stand in line and watch the floor like a hawk waiting for someone to get up. I think normal people are ok with this scenario, but I start freaking out internally about where we're going to sit and what if we have to stand and eat. It has never happened. We always get a table...but I don't like having to be so concerned about finding a table lol! I have anxiety issues. But I like pancakes, so I must soldier through.
(4)Tina L.
Absolutely love it here! Couple of pastas I like: - Lemon Chicken - New Orleans Noodle - Chipotle Chicken The grilled cheese items were so good too!! As were the omelets... as were the meatballs... Oh, and I LOVE THE GELATOS! Holy crap I sound like a giddy girl with ADHD who can't stop mentioning all the great things about her new boyfriend. I regret not having gone here every night while I was on assignment in Houston :( [Uh, unrelated learnings from personal experience: eating pastas endlessly may add unwanted pounds.]
(4)Van L.
I have been coming to Black Walnut for some time now. The food is reasonably priced and the atmosphere is welcoming. Depending on who is working, it can be a hit or miss as far as how well the service at the counter is going to be. But to be fair, they don't really "serve" you anyway. They simply take your order, give you a buzzer, then you just go pick up your food when you're buzzed. The menu had a wide selection from Creloe-gumbo type dishes to simple sandwiches or burgers. I haven't had the breakfast/brunch here yet, but they do sound appetizing. The dessert is decent too, but I personally think it's overpriced for what it is. The gealto selection consists of...8 flavors (?) - if memory serves me correctly. The presentation of the gealto is in a geha (ice cream box - I believe that's what it's called - at least that's what they call it at Cold Stone Creamery). Needless to say, you cannot miss looking at it when you're walking up to take your order. But for you first time Black Walnut people, I would say try it just to say you tried it...but I wouldn't urge the gealto as "must have". I haven't had any other desserts there, but they do have cakes and some cookies. I have had a few bottles of wine here before (not all at once; thankfully). The bottles can range from $15-$50-ish depending on which bottle you choose. They have a decent selection of reds and whites. Although, I am not a wine snob, so it may not seem like enough for the ones that actually know what they are talking about. As for me, it's whatever tastes good. I usually get the dessert wines or maybe a Shiraz (red). If you're on a date, the bottle of wine will tie in nicely with setting they have set up. The one down fall to this place though, I always found it kind of messy. The tables always have this stinch of copper metal. And no, I don't stick my nose directly onto the table or sniff around it. I usually can immediately smell it the moment I sit down at the table. It may as well just be the table, since it does look like it's made from bits of copper or at least some bronze-ish material. Depending on the day again, the tables can also be sticky or have bits of food under neath it. But at this rate, it's nothing to be detered from the place (yet).
(4)Iana I.
I went here for a really late lunch/kinda early dinner yesterday and the food wasn't bad... but it wasn't something to write home about either. Between the three entrees my friends and I ordered, 1.5 of them were good. My boyfriend's was probably the best (he got the second to last burger on the burger list -- something with avocado that was really good). Mine was okay (I got the BWC Gyro), and my sister got a salad. Not the best, but not bad either. Their spinach and artichoke dip was good too. I would come back just to try other things on their list. Maybe they were having an off day or my sister and I just picked two of their not-best entrees.
(4)Michael C.
Menu has typical cafe-type selections - soup, sandwiches, salads, beef, etc., but with nice southwest touches. Service is good and food is served prompt - 5 of us took about 15 min. I'd come back.
(4)Michelle H.
I like the environment. Great location. It is just like Empire Cafe.
(4)Christopher A.
Today I visited Black Walnut for a business lunch. It is not my first time here. Each time I visit the floor is nice and clean. The food is served hot and it is very tasty. I ordered the Black Walnut Lemon Chicken Pasta with Garlic Bread. I do recommend it. I've told a lot of friends to try this local spot. They also have multiple locations.
(5)Kelly N.
Mmmmm... New Orleans noodles. Good stuff. I don't usually like creamy sauces, but for some reason this one really hits the spot. Probably a gazillion calories but so good. Has a kick to it with cayenne seasoning. Pass on the Mango Pasta Salad. Sounds really good in the description, and granted all the ingredients were there, the mango dressing just didn't mesh well with the pasta. It was like you taste the sauce first, but then all you taste is the blandness of the pasta. Nice for a diet plate but trust me...pass on it. Not worth 10 bucks for some fruits and bland pasta. Also tried the caramel bread pudding. Looked good on the display but when they flipped it over onto the plate, it looked more like mashed potatoes. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. Not for almost 5 bucks! But seriously, if you'r not watching your figure, try the New Orleans Noodles..it's the shizzle. :)
(4)John D.
They use rancid butter in their food. Lemon butter sauce pasta was horrible because of the butter they used.
(2)Diana L.
Came here for a weekend breakfast. It's really cozy in there. You could really hang out and read the paper. Food was great, service was fast & friendly. Coffee was really good too. Can't wait to try their new location close to Memorial Park!
(4)Kate A.
This is a somewhat hidden gem in Rice Village. I've come here a few times to eat dinner and each time I've been impressed with their menu and service. This last visit, the person who took our order was very patient and ensured that the order was correct. We ordered two St. Arnold's Summer Pilsner beers but after pouring one of the beers, the keg was out; they promptly informed us that they were going to install the new keg and that they would bring us our second beer asap. They ended up being completely out of that choice but gave us another one of our choice. The manager was walking around ensuring everyone's meals were to their satisfaction and it definitely was! They have outdoor seating as well as plenty of indoor seating by windows. Their food is phenomenal and you absolutely must try their Snickers pie or their gelato or both!
(4)Reena M.
I use to work in the Village arcade during undergrad and was so excited when this place opened up. I loved it because when it opened about 5 years ago (I am taking an estimate) it was one of the few places in the area that had free Wi-Fi. The one cool feature that I like are the fans... Yes it is weird but I like them. About the food: For breakfast, I have has the breakfast burritos and the quesadillas. The bacon was just too fatty and seemed like they needed to be cooked a little but longer. I like the black pepper that they put on it. Salads: I have had the santa fe salad with chicken on it. They place shreds of tortilla chips which gives a nice crunch. They serve a slice of garlic bread, honestly, only eat it if you are really wanting to have cardiac issues. The bread is soaked in nothing but butter. I can say the one beverage that I enjoy here is the coffee. I liked the food the first two times I ate here. After wards, I feel as if the quality went down. The food became more oily/buttery and when ordering food to go while at work, they would forget items that come with the meal, such as the chicken which goes on the salad!!! I may come here for a glass of wine with some friends just to hang out for a bit but for me, breakfast/lunch/dinner will not be the place.
(2)Jasmine R.
I liked this spot. It's located in Rice Village Arcade on the corner of University and Morningside. The yelp app has it a little further down on the map. But it's right next the the parking garage entrance. There is street parking, parking lot in the front of the restaurant, and a parking garage that they validate. They have a plethora of different types of dishes and they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I visited for breakfast and ordered the breakfast enchiladas. Fattening dish, but very delicious. There are many healthy dishes on the menu as well. There are also several deserts that they have as well as gelato. It's a pretty cool cozy spot to meet friends or go alone. Check them out!
(4)Lindsey N.
Black walnut is a pretty solid go-to spot in the village for my friends and me. I'm never too disappointed but I'm also not ever impressed with my meal, just coasting on the line in between. Perhaps, I'm just not a savvy orderer because I'm not too fond of their dinner menu. Usually I try to go with a salad or a fish entree to keep it on the somewhat healthier side, but these always seem to lack a little zest or impact. Recently, I tried the blackened salmon caesar salad. This was a bit of a let down because although the salmon was delicious, it was in small supply on my plate, amounting to maybe two or three small chunks? Not even a full fillet. Basically, so little fish was served with my salad that it essentially was just a simple caesar salad pretending to be something grand. Palatable, but not worth the $14. If I were you, I'd stick with the breakfast menu as it is cheaper and more worth your while. The omelettes are always a delight. I like to customize my own and have an english muffin on the side with a spread of jam.
(3)L M.
I have gone to this location many times and today was by far the most disappointing experience yet. I ordered a Cobb salad with a side of ranch. The chicken that was on the salad tastes rubbery, like frozen chicken that is microwaved tastes. The salad itself was not generous for being $14 and there was more plate than there was salad (see picture). The ONLY thing that I liked about the salad was the bacon and the ranch. They do ranch right here. While I was refilling my drink, there was a guy repairing the dessert refrigerator case. I had to take a picture because he was using power tools inside the case against metal and there were still desserts inside. If a metal shaving or something came off of his drill, it could have gone into the desserts which I thought was really unsafe. There were also dirty table rags laying on the ground which I didn't get a picture of. Overall, the prices here are absolutely NOT worth the quality or quantity of food you get. I hear the brunch is good, but the rest of the items are overpriced.
(2)Cindy L.
My boyfriend brought me here for the first time because he loves to eat at this restaurant. The staff is sooooo nice and welcoming!!! You have to order and pick up at the front and I personally like these types or restaurants because it's fast and simple. We ordered the Eggs Benedict, Chipotle Chicken Pasta, and Potato Soup. My eggs benedict was luke warm, probably because my dish was made first... it was delicious though. The ham had the right amount of saltiness and the yolk was perfect!!!! The potato soup was really good, I didnt except it to be THAT good!! I overally really like this place and I'll definitely be back.
(5)Jennifer R.
I personally love the black walnut cafes especially during the early hours (after night shift clocks out). Open early, great options and various breakfast platters, PLUS the buenos dias drink is DELICIOUS. I tried out the lobster eggs benedict and it was amazing. I usually get the french toast (ends up being too sweet) or a make your own omelette (which I can make at home) so I decided to spice it up and do something different ordering the lobster eggs benedict. Also, I like the fact that there's always plenty of seating and that it's conveniently located in the rice village area. The only problem is during Sunday brunch because it gets extremely packed. Report card Parking: A - plenty of parking plus available parking garage Food: B - not the greatest but try the lobster eggs benedict and get the buenos dias drink! Service: A Ambiance: A Overall: A
(4)Sophia D.
Always try to do things in the area so I can go. Love the food, the atmosphere. I believe it is a Must Try. Especially on weekends when they serve breakfast late (until 4p)
(5)Jill K.
This place confused me. I ate here for the first time today with my boyfriend. We were both off and wanted some good breakfast that we hadn't had before. After doing a little bit of research, Black Walnut was close and seemed affordable. Walking in, the ordering process isn't confusing and everything is clearly marked (order here, pickup here, etc), which I very much appreciated. I decided to get a ham breakfast burrito and my boyfriend got the steak and eggs. We also decided to split an order of pancakes. I expected this to be way too much food for just the two of us. I was wrong. Boyfriend's portion of steak turned out to be about 4 ounces. Now, I'm not a huge meat eater, but even I thought that was tiny. It came with two eggs and breakfast potatoes (which were all good and cooked well), but my boyfriend said the steak was waaaay overcooked. He ordered it medium rare, it came out beyond done. I was even disappointed for him considering his love of rare meat. I noticed while we were waiting for our food (which took a little more than 20 minutes to come out!) that my burrito was only $3. I found out why it was so cheap when it came out--I ate it in about six bites. Tiny! I wish someone would've mentioned to me how small it was. This is where the pancakes come in. I hate to have more than half of my breakfast syrup soaked pancakes, even though they were probably the best pancakes I've ever had in my life. All in all, the portions were small (which isn't a bad thing when you're expecting it, but sucks when you're not), the people were extraordinarily friendly, the place was clean, but the service was ridiculously slow. This is why I'm confused--I can't tell if I love it or would never go back!
(3)Tammy N.
Their menu is intense! It ranges from omelettes to burgers to pasta. I always have trouble whenever a place has an extensive menu bc then I just want everything. After a while of debating I decided on the fish tacos. The fish was really fresh and slightly breaded and fried. Pretty decent size with the side salad but I thought the taco was really bland. Couldn't really taste any spices. I wish they would put more of the cayenne ranch dressing on it. Luckily they had mango habanero sauce on the tables and that saved the day. I would come back here but to try something else on their menu.
(3)Linda A.
This place is PACKED during lunch hour. But, the food was really good. Like, really, really good. The bussers tried to keep up but noticed some tables that were unavailable because they still needed to be cleaned, which made it hard to find seating.
(4)Yasmin C.
Torn between 3 and 4 stars!!! While I don't think Black Walnut has the most innovative, amazing breakfast in town, it's such a staple with reliable, good food and lots of options. I've been a couple of times now and I can say that it's a solid choice and great for groups since everyone is pretty much guaranteed to find something. I've gotten an egg white omelet both times and I love that you can build it yourself. The default here is to be a bit on the heavier side (i.e. shoestring potatoes = greasy french fries; all bread will come to you generously buttered), but it seems that there are healthy enough options if you want them, or you can ask for no butter, etc. Black Walnut really is a feel-good classic kind of breakfast place, and I know I'll be back. 3 stars for now, but I'll def have to try some more items. I also want to try the Memorial location, which is actually closer to my home!
(3)Farah B.
Black Walnut cafe is great place to go for american decent food. They have walk up counter service and can get very busy on the weekends. Parking at rice village is always tricky but they do give you validation for the garage when you dine at Black Walnut. My favorite dish is the John Mac n Lob. Its lobster mac n cheese - its very cheesy and has chunks of lobsters. Its topped with breadcrumbs and served with a bread stick. I go without the breadcrumbs. They also offer a variety of pastas. I've had the Bank No 19 pasta but with bow tie pasta, instead of the tortellini. I thought it would have been too heavy with the cheese tortellini. The pesto had good flavor and the shrimp were also good. They offer a lot of desserts, my favorite is the gelato. They have a bunch of different varieties. Their chocolate chip cookie is not too shabby, and the moondog cookie is also delicious! The rice village outdoor seating makes for a pleasant night in htown.
(3)Kristina N.
This is one of my go-to brunch place. It is set up cafe styled so you go up to the counter and give them your order. They give you a buzzer and buzz you when your food is ready for pickup. Very casual setting, which is nice because sometimes I go after working out or when I just wake up. I always order the same thing, which is a customized omelette, so I'm not sure how the rest of the menu is. However, this place is pretty pricy, they charge you $5 base price for just the eggs (this better be some free range, non GMO, gluten free chickens receiving daily massages), then they charge you $0.50-$2.25 per topping so it really adds up. There is a lot of variety on the menu so I could start trying something else and it is also good for picky eaters or vegetarians. The location is good, in Rice Village so you can run errands or shop afterwards. Parking is a nightmare on weekends though but if you park in the garage they will validate your parking. Nothing to really complain about here, food, atmosphere is all good. Pros: - Fresh squeeze orange juice Cons: - Parking - Pricy - Can be hard to find a table if it's busy
(5)Kathy W.
Really busy for a weekday lunch but the line went relatively quickly. I got the Asian Tuna Salad - seared ahi tuna. I'm usually not into raw meats/poultry but this was super delicious and flavorful!
(5)Payal P.
Black Walnut is a solid "mediocre" and one of the most overhyped places in Houston in my opinion. Place is clean, and the line is out the door for weekend brunch. I ordered the huevos Mexicanos with egg whites, which was accommodated. They were not as spicy as the menu suggested and were greasier than I prefer. And that's typical of every entree I've ever ordered here. "Greasy." We had ordered some fried pickles to share with group. I liked that they were fresh made vs. frozen. However, I found them to have too much breading. And this is coming from someone who likes extra breading / crusts on most things. I will go back to Black Walnut some day, but it'll likely be because a larger group picked it. Would never go there as a first choice.
(2)Fallon L.
I have been here more times than I can count and I always order the same thing: Asian Tuna Salad. It's fantastic. Light yet filling. I don't feel too full after finishing it all, as it is a nice sized salad. The tuna is perfectly cooked and the Wasabi dressing is a great compliment. The service is fast and the pastries are delish. Great patios at most locations. Love this place.
(5)Jackie S.
Love this place! My fiancé and I were close to the area and I just loved this place so much, I had to come again. He also loves the tomato basil soup. Service was great- manager was extremely nice and helpful! We actually found parking, so we did not have to pay to use the parking garage (although I am sure they validate the ticket) which made our night :P I had the never ending salad tonight and I loved it!
(5)Liz N.
I LOVE that this place is open until midnight on Friday and Saturday. It's great to know that you can get a good meal so late at night when time happens to slip past you. I've been coming to this particular location for years and it hasn't ever disappointed me. There are so many great dishes between the salads, sandwiches and apps. I love the fried pickles and the santa fe salad. Their mimosas can pack quite a punch as well! The best thing to do is to call in an order for pick up and then walk across the street for beers at Little Woodrow's! Then you get the best of both worlds - great food and then bar atmosphere.
(5)Jennifer D.
As a Rice student, black walnut has been my go-to in the village for a lunch meeting or Saturday night dinner. Every entree I've ordered has been delicious and satisfying from the breakfast omelettes to the pasta (amazing garlic bread) and my go to: grilled cheese and tomato soup, the perfect buttery crispy comfort food. Love their iced tea options, especially strawberry green! The decor is classy and the servers are professional and down to earth. My one criticism though, is about their coffee drinks. The peppermint mocha I ordered today neither looked nor tasted appetizing. The green syrup did not blend well with the coffee and the artificial taste was overpowering. The same level of care and quality put towards their food was not present in this drink. I'll definitely be back for the food but next time I'll skip the mocha.
(4)Andrea H.
Stopped by because of yelp. Sunday morning breakfast was tasty and quick. Kind of noisy and it is self service. Would definitely eat here again
(4)Jaqueline R.
Took 20 minutes for anyone to speak to me, mind you I had 3 people walk past me and make eye contact. Ordered a grilled cheese & tomato soup. Both were mediocre and lacking flavor. I really feel like this place is hype. I heard such good things and it was awful. Over priced, rude and average food (if that). I won't be back. Luckily there are a lot more options in the area.
(1)Kimberlee W.
Rude, short Asian guy at register. Walked away from me as though I weren't standing there. He came back, still no acknowledgment. I then asked him where do I get the orange juice to which he sighed and said, "we're squeezing it now." Walked away again. Came back and slammed orange juice down on counter. May try another one, but I wasn't pleased with this location.
(2)Jessica G.
This is a perfect weekend brunch place at the village! I love that you can order breakfast at any time of the day, because you know what they say: "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!"" I've come here on several occasions and the food has never disappointed. The omelets are delicate and scrumptious, although I would prefer my salsa a little spicier. The soups are great; I've ordered the tomato basil soup with the grilled cheese sandwich. Highly recommended! The bread and cheese combo simply melted in your mouth, and the tomato basil soup added the perfect finishing touch. Another perk: there's free wifi! So bring along your computer or book, although I will say that the restaurant is a little more on the loud side. However, there are really comfortable seat couches and benches in the back of the restaurant (near the bathroom).
(4)Timothy Y.
I came here after working out so I was pretty hungry, and almost anything tastes good at that point. However, I was quite impressed, and I don't think that's exclusively a product of my hunger. I had the breakfast migas with Italian sausage and a side of potatoes. The migas were tasty and the portions were relatively generous. The texture was on the softer side, but I liked them regardless. The potatoes were a tad lukewarm and not quite as crispy as I normally prefer, but they were solid and paired well with the mango habanero hot sauce. The decor of the Black Walnut Cafe is pretty good. It seems a little derivative (it does the typical hardwood and plaster thing places do when they want to look like a nice pub) but obviously restaurants aren't intended to be marvels of architecture. The Black Walnut Cafe does tend to be on the pricy side. Rice Village is what it is. If you order carefully you can still be quite full on $10. Worth.
(4)Michelle M.
I have come a few times to Black Walnut Cafe. Despite the varied menu, I always have a hard time eating here. It is a lovely place to meet someone casually because there is ample seating that is pretty relaxed. The miss comes in the food. 1. Potato bacon soup -- So rich with heavy cream that it will have you regretting the second you put that spoon in your mouth. It's not chowdery either... 2. "Side" of broccoli -- Unimpressively five small florets. The second miss: service. Management came to ask how my friend and I enjoyed our meal. He said, "How else do we get better [if we don't get feedback]?" I told him that my meal was too rich and the broccoli was hardly a side. Additionally, my friend had asked for her salad with avocado. They certainly charged her for it, and there was 1 sliver of avocado in there. SLIVER. He said, "Well that's just how we make [the side/salad]," and shrugged off our comments. So, they are not really interested in making it a pleasant experience for you. There are so many equally nice places in the area. I would say Black Walnut is a "not so much" experience.
(1)Marcus M.
My parents are addicted to Black Walnut Café. I don't even have to ask where we should meet to lunch any more - I know what the answer will be. I find the place OK - mediocre - nothing special. The food is always decent, but not spectacular. The way the dishes are haphazardly tossed from the kitchen window gives a feeling that there isn't much investment on delivering the best meal, just something passable. Burgers are cooked a solid medium, fries are crispy, au jus in the French dip is thin in texture and flavor. Prices are a bit high considering quality. When there are numerous tastier options right around the corner, I'm always mystified by the throngs at this locale.
(2)Betsy N.
Nice atmosphere but extremely (!!!) over-priced and under-flavored...you know that mass-produced chain restaurant flavor...yeah, that's the one. We tried brunch last weekend and my French toast was over $10 and very disappointing. It had very little flavor except a strong pepper (!?!?I know, right?!?!) flavor because I think someone in the kitchen made a mistake. My son ordered a pasta dish that was $14-15 and NOT worth it. I don't think we will be back.
(2)Lindsey P.
The line was extremely long on a Sunday but it moved quickly and we got our food even faster! The portion size is just about perfect. The eggs Benedict are wonderful :)
(4)Charles F.
My wife and I, and sometimes our family visit this restaurant as a treat. It is moderately priced($$), and the food is good. Nothing too fancy; I would classify this as a family restaurant. I've had the Asian Tuna salad, which boasts a very good ginger based dressing, and really good tuna. My wife has had the Spinach & Mushroom Omelet, which she and her friend thoroughly enjoyed. My daughter and I have had the New Orleans Noodle pasta, which definitely wakes up your taste buds. The beer and wine selection is good, and they will recommend your drink if you ask them. Now the desserts are to die for. All the cakes, and pies and tarts are delicious, and come in big servings. I, as lactose intolerant, really like their featured sorbets. Wife really likes the coffee as well. I am beginning to like those soda machines where you can 'program' your drink. Choose a standard or be creative. Good casual place for a first date: the experience is enjoyable. Or for a family meal.
(4)Alice W.
First impression, it is super lively, robust and casual. Several television screens, plants and pictures revolve around the atmosphere. People come and go, grab menu, order at the front, grab a pager and rings when food ready for pickup There must be at least 50 items to choose from the menu, despite the fact everything is cooked to order. Everyone appears to receive their food in 10 min. The staff is courteous and friendly with bus boys picking up trays, plates after guests that left at a busy lunch hour. One thing that drawn my attention that needs improvement, the coffee and silverware bar is right behind where people order, and at least 10 people crossed over, excusing themselves to get to the napkins and drinks is just a little unorganized in terms of the flow of the order. May work better if that bar moves to where people pick up food.
(4)Bobby J.
If you had to define a "hit-or-miss" it might very well have a picture of Black Walnut beside the definition. Every time I've gone the experience has been pleasant and the hours are superb! The compliments stop there. I hope you like eating alone because no one will want to return with you. Every time I've brought a friend they've had something cooked wrong and had to request the kitchen remake it. So literally. I am stuck going to this restaurant alone now. If you have high expectations for how your eggs or pancakes or cooked, you might want to try some place else. But... if you are looking for a place that has good hours and decent food (love the Turkey Sausage) then check it out. Because of its inconsistency... May the odds be ever in your favour.
(2)John C.
I've been here many times, and I seem to order something different every time, but I'm never disappointed.
(5)Justin A.
This is a great go-to brunch place in Houston, Texas. It can get pretty busy, but you can usually get seats pretty fast. Parking is an issue around the cafe, but there's a free parking garage beside if you get your ticket validated. The omelettes are top notch.
(5)Tanya D.
Love this place! Good atmosphere w/ some of the Best Pork Tacos around! Will be back here for sure :-)
(5)Jetrice G.
Arrived around 3:30 p.m. The best time during the weekday because parking is a breeze, you can beat the line, and in time for happy hour 3pm-7pm. I ordered the grilled chicken with broccoli and mashed potatoes. Chicken was dry and flavorless, broccoli was boiled and put on the place..no season, which was fine. Luckily, I eat my broccoli plain, but the mashed potatoes had a weird taste and consistency like it was watery. I was told I should come during breakfast instead of dinner/lunch. I will give this place another try, and order something else. The garlic bread was the best thing on the entree. My friend didn't like her entree or the drinks she ordered. She mentioned the drinks taste like punch...lol.
(2)TravelPro P.
We were very disappointed in our desserts. I got the double chocolate cheescake and it tasted like it had been sitting in the case a while. The outer part was dry and rubbery, and the flavor overall was blah. I picked at the inside which had more of a cheesecake texture and a little more distinct flavor between the chocolate and regular cheesecake portion, but left most of it uneaten. It certainly wasn't worth $7.50. Also, I am not of fan of the sickly sweet syrup they drizzle over the dishes for effect (Hershey's syrup? Yuck, horrible ingredients.) The service was very good (you order at the counter). The coffee, which is self serve was lukewarm. I asked the counter server to warm it up in the microwave, and he was nice enough to make a fresh pot, though my cup had lots of grounds floating in it:-( It was freezing in there, and the fans were blowing. I asked if they could turn the one over us off and was told they couldn't as they were all connected. I suggested they turn all of them off then, as literally every table had people sitting there with their coats on like us. Nope, wouldn't do it. We couldn't wait to get out of there.
(2)Angela M.
First time at BWC . Overall cool experience. Staff was friendly and very helpful. A lot of options to choose from. I ordered the big breakfast plate. Had that around 2pm on Saturday. Portion was decent and full filling. Could've had a little more eggs. Also ordered the mimosa pitcher, although it was more pricier than other places ($25). Very tasty. But wish it was chilled. Had to add ice cubes. I would definitely return.
(4)Sarah L.
Honestly this place has terrible food. The first time I came here I ordered a pasta that had shrimp in it. After a few bites, my tongue and throat began to itch. I am not allergic to shrimp and my friend had a similar reaction. We complained ad were not offered a new dish so instead we went home with half full stomachs. I came again today because friends of mine wanted to meet. I ordered a pot roast which actually pretty tasty if it had been hot. The mashed potatoes were a great flavor yet gluey. The roast vegetables were burnt and soggy. My friends had the chicken tenders with fries. The fries were like limp jiggly fingers covered in oil. Not recommended. The food also comes out EXTREMELY fast I mean like as soon as you order and sit down the buzzer beeps. Which probably means it wasn't made fresh at all. The restaurant is clean and looks nice so points for that. The staff is also very courteous as well.
(2)Sanoj T.
I had brunch here with friends the other day. The place is pretty crowded but it was easy to get around and talk with out big group. I ordered the bacon cheeseburger Benedict. The eggs were perfect but I don't know what the rest tasted like really because it was drowned in the hollandaise sauce. Literally I could scoop the sauce from the food with a spoon. The potatoes that came with were a good size but some were over cooked while other pieces were under. My other friends said their food was descent and I tried theirs. They weren't bad so I'd go again. The prices are fair but I would definitely get something else
(3)Ken W. J.
Just started visiting this place and the service and breakfast was great!!!! I'm sure I will be going back and telling others as well.
(4)Anne Y.
I came before but I didn't leave a review. I had good impression of it that's why I came back again. Last time I think I ordered a pasta plate. It was pretty good. I liked it a lot. Thats why I decided to come back and ordered something else. Today I ordered a Black Walnut Fish Tacos for $11.50. It comes with a side of salad and you can choose one dressing from a variety of dressings they offered. I chose Caesar dressing. Then they ask how I want my fish to be, fried or grilled. Since it comes in two taco, I can choose one of each, which I did. It took a little long for it to be served, which I am totallly fine with it. However though, the taco itself is kinda bland in comparison to the things they put jn the taco. I still like it, don't get me wrong. I enjoyed GRILLED than fried, even though I love fried food. The grilled fish has more taste than the fried. Side Salad was good. My boyfriend got a burgee for $9.75 and a side of sweet potato fries for $1.00 extra. I tried a little of it, it was pretty good. We then ordered boston cream cake $6.75 /slice (because it looks AWESOME) from the pastry window... and indeed, it was good. Not too sweet, which is totally my taste. :) Overall I'd recommend this place! :):
(4)Amir S.
I have been here a few times before, but the reason I really like it is because I always come here with my family. It has a nice seating area, a few TV's, and pretty good music, but what matters most is the food , so good. Although I always get the same thing when I come here, my favorite, the Cordon Bleu Benedict, two poached eggs with parmesan chicken, swiss cheese, and ham on an english muffin. I never get tired of this food, will be one of my favorites.
(5)Tony A.
Tried this place out today and the food was amazing! I love the atmosphere here it has tons of character! The staff is also great. I'd highly recommend this place!
(4)Carol N.
Never disappointing. Well except for the cake. Still can't seem to get one I like here. But grilled cheese and tomato soup- the best.
(4)Cory W.
Black Walnut is always an easy, default choice for eating out in Rice Village. It is conveniently located in the Rice Village Arcade and, as such, has easy access to a parking lot write outside and a multiple story parking garage right next door. If you do park in the parking garage, make sure to get your ticket validated when you are ordering. When you walk in, you will see a board with menus displayed on it. When you have decided what you want to eat, make your way to the counter where you will order, pay and receive a pager that will let you know when you are supposed to pick up your food. One issue that I have here is that you are paying a lot for food you have to go pick up at a counter yourself. I've been here for brunch, lunch, as well as dinner a number of times. I think that the food is alright (to good), but for the price it really isn't anything special. During brunch, I will typically order the steak and eggs, which is good, but relatively standard. It comes with a side of their home-style potatoes, which I enjoy (but, again, nothing to call home about). During brunch time, the place can get pretty crowded, so expect to wait a little bit. Food here can sometimes take some time. For lunch and dinner, I usually go with a salad. Of their selection, I like their Southwest Chicken Salad the best. It comes with romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, beans, corn, tortilla strips and cheese (although I leave off the cheese -- often times they put on a little too much for my taste, but we are in Texas...). The salad, like most of their dishes, also comes with a spear of their garlic bread on the side. To drink, I usually like to order one of their iced-teas. When you do, you just get a cup and are free to fill it from their filling station with whichever you please, although I recommend the fruit infused ones since I find them particularly delicious. Black Walnut also has a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine that lets you concoct your own flavored soda, water, or sparkling water, so if that floats your boat, that is always an option. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, which is probably it has become a default, "can't decide where to go" location for me and my friends. The indoor seating is comfortable, although the inside is a little bit dark for my personal taste. They have a couple TVs inside that typically play sports or news as well. I typically prefer to sit out on the patio, which is absolutely wonderful on a sunny day. Service is typically very friendly and attentive, although your interaction is limited to ordering from the counter, and picking your food up. Otherwise, you are pretty much servicing yourself. In my experience, people behind the counter always very friendly, willing to offer suggestions, and fix any problems you might have with your meal. All in all for the price, I think that the food is decent and the experience is suitable for an average lunch or dinner out. If you are looking for something uniquely delicious or special though, I would seek elsewhere. But, for the average night, Black Walnut can be an easy, mindless, and a yummy choice.
(3)Sabrina S.
Love this cafe! Breakfast/brunch is always good, coffee is good, French toast is delish and the scrambled eggs with cheese are to die for! Finally somebody who knows how to cook scrambled eggs with cheese! Service is always with a smile and prices are reasonable. My go to breakfast place.
(4)Lisa S.
Overall, m'eh. I went here twice. The first time, I had the grilled cheese and tomato soup and fried pickle appetizer. Fine but nothing spectacular. I came back today and had the creatively named vegetarian pasta. Although it has flavorful ingredients and smelled delicious, the dish itself was flavorless. The artichokes were dry, and no flavor was extracted from the sun dried tomatoes. Adding salt and pepper helped but not much. (You would've thought the olives and other ingredients would at least make the saltiness right...) The pasta was cooked well. Vegetarian options are limited, boring, and overpriced. Not worth a try. I would prefer to give this place 2.5 stars because the staff was friendly and service was fast. However, the lack of vegetarian lunch items and the sub par quality of food prevents me from going up to 3. Both times, I went with coworkers at their suggestion for lunch. Next time, I'll pass or suggest elsewhere in Rice Village.
(2)Annie C.
It's nothing special...I got the pulled pork sandwich and it was kind of dry. They do give decent portions for their gelato though.
(3)Daniel Z.
Food looks good, but a bit on the pricey side because it's in rice village. The water cooler is very encoraging, as it assures us that the water is both filtered and cold. They have a great variety of drinks in the soda machine as well! Also, this place doesn't allow smoking or pets, both of which can detract from the ambiance of the place. The buzzer system is poor mainly because of the poor grammar on it. It forgets to add an apostrophe in the word 'let's'. Overall they have a ton of condiments to satisfy almost anyone. The place is a bit cramped; however, it's the only way they can fit all their customers. I got the damn good burger, and it had 2 patties and a lot of other things inside. It was filling, but a bit difficult to eat, as it was a bit tough and large. But the taste was good especially the mushrooms inside. I'm not great at determining between good and great food, but I know that it at least was not bad, but probably not great either, thus earning 3 stars.
(3)Randy S.
I don't know if this place used to be good or what, but the food was below with what I've heard. I have been there twice alone for my own opinion, and once with a group. They over cooked my eggs benny; the yolks were solid. The hash potatoes were chewy and full of grease. I skipped eating the last time, and just hung out with the group.
(1)Omar Z.
I used to like this place but I wish they could bring my food out hot. I almost always pick max's chicken sandwich and this time it was just ok. The chicken was not hot although it should have been. I do like the atmosphere and everyone else enjoys the food. They have filtered water and that's exactly what I got but their plastic cup kinda smelled weird. I don't know if I like this place as much as I used to. Last time I was here they brought out my order about 30 minutes later. Everyone else had finished their food already. My food was sitting on the counter for about 10 minutes and no one buzzed me. Oh well. I have had some good days here In the past so hoping they will do better next time. Lately I have not suggested this place to my friends.
(3)Cynthia C.
Enjoyed all the times I've come here. Food is pretty good & the place is spacious! It has the dark wood, upscale library feel to it. It's good for groups (sat 6 ppl here no problem-- on a Saturday at 9:30am). Parking is a pain sometimes, but that's pretty much everywhere in Rice Village. Honestly, I haven't had a bad meal here yet, but I've only gotten salads or breakfast items. Really love the Texas Challah French Toast-- light, airy bread with a slight crispy exterior & lemon honey whipped butter. $7 Husband got the 2 eggs benedict with potatoes for $11. I didn't try the eggs benedict but the potatoes were good :) I've also had the Black Walnut salad in the past & the salmon one & both were fresh & tasty.
(4)Sara S.
Is it the weekend? Put on your yoga pants and head on over here! (trust me, you wont regret it, everyone is dressed in their best athletic leisure attire!) I had the spicy chicken chipotle pasta. I completely forgot the name, but it was so good, that I had to tell myself to stop eating-because I was full, and at that point, just being a glutton! It was so good! The bread they serve with it was perfection, and they don't skimp on the chicken. I ordered the white wine sangria, it was tasty and strong. I love it when they put a quality amount of fruit in the sangria too! Service was great, I took forever deciding what I wanted and the cashier was so patient with me. I would seriously consider having this place be my cheat meal go to place on weekends!
(5)Angela T.
A nice cozy, little place in rice village across from brian oneils and woodrows, with ample seating inside and a small patio. It's a walk up to the register and order kind of place, where you get a little buzzer pager when your foods ready to be picked up. Regular fountain drinks are self service and seating is first come first serve. I come to this place pretty regularly and have tried a slew of things here, the pot roast grilled cheese, the new orleans noodle, and a few other things, but those stick out the most in my head. The pot roast grilled cheese hits the spot, a very generous amount of their pot roast sits on top of bread with a slice of melted cheese. YUM! No salads for me as Im not a rabbit, but I substituted it for sweet potato fries. Crispy, marginally healthier than regular fries, and a bit of a peppery kick to it. I like this. The new orleans noodle is a creamy spicy alfredo sauce and served with shrimp, crawfish a sliver of bread. The garlic bread is wonderful. The sorbets are really refreshing as well. I think my only complain is that for the price of a drink, there doesn't seem to be a hint of alcohol in it.
(4)Olivia H.
Large portions, delicious food, and free wifi. A tad pricey. It can get rather crowded, unfortunately, but if you manage to find a comfortable seat and table, it's a good place to work for an afternoon if you need a change of scene. They also have delicious breakfast options. I think the biggest advantage (for me) is its proximity to Rice. It's in Rice Village, on the side closest towards campus. Wahoo!
(3)Andrew B.
Nice atmosphere but the food leaves a lot to be desired. The chicken sandwich had no flavor or dressing to hide the fact that the chicken was a grilled rubber texture and quite hard. The French fries were a little over seasoned for my taste but I'm sure many like them this way. Fish tacos are ok. Salad wasn't tasty either. All for 27$
(2)Ray D.
Gluten-Free Bread A+ Other than that, there was 5 tables and a 45 minute wait, the longest I've experienced in a LONG TIME. Everything seems like it's straight off the Cisco Truck, frozen fries, frozen meat for the hamburgers, just tasted like a Cafe, yup. Was very confusing to order, did not know where to order, several people who looked like managers just stared at us and didn't say FIRST TIME? or something... order here... pick your food up here, just kind of gave us the what do you want stare. Had to ask how do we do this contraption of a restaurant, and once your order is ready you have to maneuver hot plates through customers ordering, very small corridor to order/pick up food, makes no sense. There is so much room to expand the pick up your food area, not sure why, I'm sure its slammed during lunch and it would probably tick me off ALOT. Saying Excuse me Excuse me, don't hit my plates!! However, I would go back, the sauce on the burger was decent, the coffee selection is LEGIT, and you can make as many Iced coffees as you wish. The Tomato soup seemed like it was watered down, and not real creamy, most likely made with lots of water, instead of cream, which to some is a good thing. The burger came with 2 meats, not complaining but was very awkward, they were already big enough, had to take one off and just throw it away at end. Meat tasted bland, unsalted, but with their sauce made it bearable to eat. 2 Stars, but for GLUTEN FREE FRIENDLY BREAD 3 STARS! Gooooo Gluten Friendly! Oh well, the Gluten-Free menu was 3 parts, 1 printed and laminated, and the other 2 were crumbled used over and over again menus. Please Walnut, redo your Gluten Free Menu so I don't feel like an ostracized customer. --------------------------------------------------Â--------------------------------------------------Â- Manager contacted me, raised 1 star for providing apologies for my experience. --------------------------------------------------Â--------------------------------------------------Â--
(4)Nikita P.
Cosy cafe with nice ambiance. Food is okay. Coffee is good. Desserts are good. I love to hang out here.
(4)Patrick Y.
Black Walnut is one of those places you go to when you and your lunch buddies are indecisive and don't have any particular craving. From pancakes to pastas, they do a little bit of everything and they do it adequately. The deceptively narrow storefront hides plenty of indoor seating to escape the Houston humidity and the lacquered furniture adds a touch of luxury. Somebody must have read the floor plan upside down when this place was built, though. From the front door, you place your order at the back of the restaurant, fill your drink and grab utensils at the front, turn around and reach for napkins atop a shelf and then return to the back to collect your food. There's your cardio for the day. My go-to dishes when I'm indecisive about what to order when I'm here because I was indecisive about a restaurant are the Bank No. 19 pasta and the fish tacos. The latter includes two tacos that can be ordered fried or grilled. I like that they give you the option of having one of each for those of us inflicted with crippling FOMO. Another thing that perplexes me is their "early bird happy hour" that runs M-F 7-10:30 a.m. I feel blessed to have a job that I don't hate enough to require beer(s) with my breakfast burrito.
(3)Violet H.
Excellent service, atmosphere and great food. Enjoyed brunch with the family. The omelets are to die for. Yummy!
(5)Jacobo D.
I've been here a couple times now, and the first experience was fine. The fish tacos are pretty good, with very decent size portions of fish. This last experience, however, will keep me from ever going back. My wife ordered the Asian Tuna salad. This is a fairly routine bed of lettuce with a little bit of dressing. The tuna though, was cold upon arrival, and was SEVERELY under-cooked. To the point of just being a flabby pink mess between two barely seared sides. I've had Ahi tuna steaks properly prepared before, heck, I cook them semi-often at home. I know it is supposed to be slightly pink on the inside. However, it was so under-cooked and unappetizing that my wife couldn't eat it. When I went back to the line to request that they cook the piece she was given a little more, I was told that, "It's supposed to be like that". Explaining that we didn't even want a new piece, just to cook the one we received a little more, I was told (rudely) that they couldn't put something back on the grill that had been eaten off of. Fair enough. They put another piece on, telling the cooks that we wanted it "well done".Not true, but fine, I don't like being a hassle in restaurants. When the manager on duty brought the plate over, the fish was finally hot. When apologizing for the trouble and trying to show him the absolute lack of cooking on the first piece, he cuts me off, insulting my intelligence like I've never had a properly cooked Ahi steak, and says in one of the most blase tones I've ever heard that, again, "It's supposed to be like that..." . Actually, you condescending hole, it isn't. We thanked him for the new piece of fish, ate and left. We won't be coming back.
(2)sammy d.
Dropped by for breakfast recently and had the migas. I ordered vegetarian, and they delivered mine with meat all over it! Had to send it back. When it came out, they brought it over without utensils, so I had to go back and get another set. Migas were awesome in flavor. Overall location and decor is nice. Other menu items that I tried for lunch later that week left a lot to be desired in terms of taste. During peak lunch rush, service is slow at the counter. Tables are often dirty. Bathroom was just fair. I'd go back again for breakfast but not any other time of day.
(3)Molly M.
I went here once on my own and the took our friends when they came in town since they have such a wide selection. The first time I went for lunch and got their new pulled pork sandwich. It was just okay nothing to write home about. The mango habanero sauce was not spicy and they didn't give me near enough for all the pork I had on my sandwich. Overall it seems to be a great lunch spot as it was super busy! The second time we went for brunch on Sunday to the Sugar Land location. It was excellent. I got the chicken and waffles. The chicken was a little dry but it happens. My husband got the chicken strip basket and the chicken was moist and flavorful. Our friends also enjoyed their meals as well. They were very pleased. It does get busy for brunch. There is usually a bit of a wait to order and get your food but nothing too extreme. We will definitely be going back before we leave Houston!
(4)Emily A.
The Black Walnut Cafe is one of my FAVORITE brunch places in the Rice Village. It is usually crowded but it is worth the wait. The staff is so nice and they are so welcoming. They have so many options to choose from and the have both lunch and breakfast items. Their omelette selection is huge and for omelette loves, like me, it's heaven. They have so many meat choices and cheeses and veggies, I couldn't decide what to to put in my omelette! They have many different varieties of French toast and their salad list is huge. I highly recommend their egg white omelette with turkey sausage, any veggies, and avocados. The avocado made the omelet so if you are an avocado fan, don't miss out. The omelettes come with fresh salsa which is a great addition because the flavors combine so well. The omelette comes with a choice of an English muffin or Texas toast. I chose English muffin and it was great. The whole meal left me feeling great. It was not a meal that I felt like I was so full I could burst which is good. My father ordered the same thing with Texas toast and loved it! They coffee is amazing here. They have a wife selection and all of them are so good! I am a huge coffee fan and I hate going to restaurants that have bad coffee, but this is not one of them.
(5)Rebecca L.
2.5 most of the time, 3 at best. For some unforeseen reason, from time to time, I find myself back at black walnut cafe. Mind you, never by choice. I do like the cafe atmosphere and the staff are usually friendly but I'm never impressed and rarely satisfied with the food. It is mediocre at best and pricey, which earns it a solid 2.5 stars in my book. The quality of food does not justify its price. But it is a very popular place and if you haven't tried it, you should. The brunch is good, I'll give them that. But the dinner and lunch--very par, maybe even subpar. If you're in an unfamiliar area with no recognizable restaurants around and you're not in the mood to explore--then come to the non-intimidating black walnut cafe--but I can't see that happening as they seem to choose locations that are in popular strip malls which means---surrounded by much better dining options.
(3)Sarah S.
Large restaurant with plenty of space if you are coming here with a big group and it is easy to split the tab because everyone orders at the register before you seat down. The service was friendly and it seemed very clean inside. The food, however, is lacking. I ordered the Black Walnut Salad with chicken and it is probably one of the most disappointing salads I have ever eaten. The salad itself was about $12 with taxes but probably was only worth $4. Perhaps the biggest offensive was the measly portion of chicken served with a salad. I am pretty sure they took a chicken breast and split it in half. Seriously I would be shocked if there was more than 2 oz of chicken on that thing. Additionally the components of the salad did not blend well. I think it took me an hour to force this down and I love salads. Taken home message: overpriced, lackluster food
(2)Brandon N.
Great food! I had the Frenchie! French toast, potatoes 2 eggs and excellent homemade pan sausage. I'll definitely be back. The freshly squeezed OJ was great too!
(4)Dean M.
Found it on Yelp during a recent trip to Houston. No disappointments, here. Just excellent breakfast offerings, fast and friendly service. The Mexican coffee was sooooooooooo good.
(5)Emily M.
Delicious food, friendly & personable service, yummy drinks, early happy hour for us night shift folks! This is a regular after-work hangout got my coworkers and me. Their breakfast enchiladas are soooo good.
(4)Elizabeth G.
This is a really cute cafe. I came a Saturday morning for breakfast and it was packed. The line to order was all the way to the door the whole time I was there. I just had eggs and bacon, which is impossible to mess up, so I can't really review the food. The coffee was good too. I would def come back here and try some of their other foods on the menu.
(4)Kathryn B.
I had the crispy chicken tenders sandwich and it was awesome! My fiancé loved his sandwich too (the turkey croissant club). We went on a Sunday afternoon and it was packed, but we got our food fairly fast and the cashiers were really friendly. We will be going back for sure!
(5)Ellie M.
I've been to Black Walnut twice for different occasions. Both times I've been relatively happy with my stay but it's nothing to rave about. My first visit was for a study mission. I was disappointed by the dearth of outlets, so clearly the establishment isn't trying to attract student lingerers. The coffee frappe was decent but a bit too bitter. The House Salad with Pesto Balsamic dressing + Vegetable Soup combo was satisfying but overpriced. I loved the toast that came with the salad the most! My second visit was a lunch date. I appreciate the casual atmosphere for friend dates, and this worked really well. The Southwest Salad was okay. The gelato MADE the meal: they really heap it into those small cups. I'll go back for a dessert or snack in the afternoon. Possibly for a bellini on a hot day!
(3)Victoria W.
Went for an early dinner tonight with a friend and was caught a little off guard by the way ordering is set up (you wait in line at the counter to order once you know what you want to eat). My friend and I both had the Artichoke and Spinach Stuffed Rigatoni with garlic bread which was very good but a little too expensive at a little over $12. My friend ordered a bottle of Prosecco for $8, which we thought was a great deal until we realized the bottle was only enough for two champagne flutes full. Nonetheless, still not too expensive for us to enjoy some Italian wine with our Italian dinner. A great place and adorable atmosphere in Rice Village, I would go back again, but would be intrigued to try something different. I didn't try any of the desserts but the Snickers Pie and the brownies in the display case looked to die for.
(3)K H.
Ate here with my sister last Saturday for brunch and it was overall a good experience. I ordered the eggs benedict and she ordered chicken and waffles. THE SERVICE: Ordering was quick since we went around 2pm and there was no wait. I do want to commend the staff because when I went to pick up the plates from the counter she was kind enough to offer to help me bring them to my table. Great service experience even though it's supposed to be self-serve. The clean-up crew was also quick and as soon as I finished my plate they asked to take them away. THE FOOD: The eggs benedict was average -- nothing special and it's really hard to mess this dish up. It came with a side of potatoes as well but again, nothing outstanding (maybe a little too soggy actually). The chicken and waffles were delicious minus the chicken. The waffles were SO GOOD. There's a distinct aftertaste but I couldn't figure out if it was the syrup or the waffles. Either way, I loved it. The chicken on the other hand was disappointing. Basically chicken tenders on top of waffles. I would definitely skip the chicken next time and order the waffles alone. CONCLUSION: Definitely would come back and try the other dishes. Average food but great environment and superb service. Thumbs up.
(4)Steffi H.
I had dinner here on Saturday night. For a restaurant in Rice village, the fact that there was no wait for seating made this place a lot better. However, the food is definitely not worth the price. I ordered the "Never-ending summer salad" which has grilled shrimp, mandarin oranges, strawberries, blueberries, and garlic bread on a bed of mixed greens. Altogether, the taste was great. But for 14$ I expected my shrimp to be bigger than a quarter and for there to be more fruit than 6 blueberries and half a slice of strawberry. I did accidentally leave a shopping bag here and managed to get it back easily. So I guess that's a plus? But I don't think I'll be coming here often.
(3)Suzanne W.
I came here on a Saturday night since it's in Rice Village and didn't require us to drive - surprisingly, it wasn't too crowded. The restaurant is lit dimly but has an upscale feeling to it. You seat yourself and then order at the counter when you're ready. Then they give you a beeper which lights up when your food is done, and you go pick it up at the counter. I really liked this since waiters make me nervous. The menu prices were a little expensive to be honest and since I wasn't that hungry, I just ordered some veggie soup with toast on the side. My friends ordered pasta and burger and salmon dishes which all looked good but were definitely above $10, a little pricy for college students. The soup was okay but nothing special that I couldn't make myself at home. I've heard good things about the gelato here but wasn't in the mood to try any. Overall, the food was very very average, not worth the prices at all. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant to anyone or ever return again.
(2)Susan P.
Since I started coming to Houston's Medical Center area on a regular basis, I have tried to come to Black Walnut Cafe at least once during my visit. It has never been as good on subsequent visits as it was the first time, but I like the atmosphere and fresh squeezed juice. Unfortunately, our most recent visit (Feb 1,2015) will probably be the last. The staff really does not seem to care much about the customers. Not unfriendly, but just going through the motions. I hate when two employees (one being the cashier) stand talking to each other, without even acknowledging me as the waiting customer. A simple "I'll be right with you" would suffice, if in fact the conversation is even a necessary (business) one. Our eggs Benedict (mine Pico, hubby's classic) were ok, not great. While they may have been hot when they first came out, the cold temperature in the restaurant cooled the food off very quickly. The potatoes, as usual, were tepid. I had told my husband how good the Bloody Mary was. This time, there was so much spice on the side of the glass and in the drink, that the spice was the only flavor we got. We could not discern any alcohol in the drink. The grapefruit juice was tasty, as always, but why can they sell a carafe of OJ but not a carafe of grapefruit juice? Both juices cost the same by the glass. Irritating. All in all, there are too many other restaurants in Houston to stay faithful to this one.
(2)Marci J.
first of all, let me say that I do not like french toast in general because it tends to be dry and rather flavorless and i do not dig syrup so i detest the attempt to drown french toast in it. with that in mind, i was pleasantly surprised by the French Toast here. I was TOTALLY in love with it: it was totally the BEST French Toast of all time. The French Toast here is almost custard like when you cut into it and has wonderful notes of lemony goodness throughout from the zest. you definitely do NOT need syrup or jelly or anything at all. now, my problem is that the past three times i have gotten it, the french toast has sucked pretty bad. it is dry and and hard: the edges are so hard that cutting through it with a plastic knife is a tough challenge. the first time this happened, i was told the prep hadn't been done on time (which I waited an eternity and almost got seriously late for work; like seriously I waited 40 freaking min) so the bread probably didn't soak enough. the 2nd time, i spoke to a manager and let him know that I didn't think the bread had soaked enough because the middle of the thick bread was just plain old bread (mind you, in the past the entire toast was custard like, moist and very good); he apologized and credited my card back. I know I probably should've given up, but I had faith because that's how good the French Toast had been in the past (I had it 6 times before this fiasco), but I went yesterday because I had a craving; and I'll be damned, the toast SUCKED bad....REALLY BAD. I could NOT get my knife through the edges of this hockey puck at all; I had to go to the kitchen here at work and look for a real knife. I couldn't find one and had to fold the toast in half and pull out the middle with my fingers and really couldn't even get it down; it was not appetizing to have dry bread....although not tasteless, but it was dry and i REFUSE to put nasty syrup on it. PLUS I asked for over medium eggs and the edges were brown and crisp: one egg was perfect, the other egg yolk was so cooked through, it was like the yolk of a boiled egg!! sorry, guys but I am pretty sure i will never return to this location ever again; and this is sad because it is so close to my job and such a convenience. maybe I will try the memorial location and have some luck but don't know if i should even bother.
(2)Karla F.
Love this place! Food is yummy, staff is friendly, nice atmosphere and reasonably priced - it has everything! Highly recommend!
(5)Jayme V.
As far as the food here, I would give this place four stars and a year ago I had an experience I would have also rated at least four stars, however, this place is ruined by its customer service. I have been in here 4 times recently and 2 of which I have turned around and walked out(at various times of the day, twice around lunchtime and almost became a third time a few weeks ago at night time). In the day time so went for lunch break from work and employees were too busy on their phones and just ignoring a customer standing there to order. I wouldn't complain, if they were actually doing their job or even if it was one person sending a text but literally standing in plain view for several minutes with your phone out and then walking In the other direction.... What.... Is ..... Wrong with you? I work in customer service and I am very nice about things but c'mon- it's my lunch break. I don't have time for your facebook break or whatever. The time I went with my husband at night the front register was occupied by a girl counting her drawer. We waited patiently for 3-4 minutes before she told us she wasn't taking orders. Ok.... Then move away from the main register or direct us elsewhere....? When you saw we were waiting? Then we basically had to just ask someone else to ring us up... It was ridiculous but we were starving. And as I said the good is good here, we like the pot roast, I had some kind of veggie pasta last time that was also good, the chocolatini gets a good 5 stars ;) But the service is so bad we won't be going back.... At least not for a long time. I recommend getting some new staff... Or enforcing more strict policies- stressing the importance of good customer service. I can guarantee if you hired me Id be doing the work of at least 3 of the employees you have now at 1 time ;) I would have given it one star but the food saves it.
(2)Chris C.
It's like Ruggles where you order at the counter and self pick-up. Unfortunately, they don't have the awesome deserts, but they make up for it with the wider variety of food. It's nicer inside with more seating, but they are open for breakfast. You won't be wowed over the top with amazing chef creations, but this should satisfy even the most picky eater in your party.
(4)Reem D.
I came here with my dad for a casual lunch when we were wandering the area and it was an excellent choice. The atmosphere put us in a good mood, and the food put us in an even better one. It was fresh and well seasoned. The staff was friendly and patient, and even though it was crowded for lunch, the waitress came and delivered our food to us quickly. Turns out that this experience was one of those bonding moments with my father that I won't forget anytime soon. P.S. I would highly recommend this place :)
(5)Susan N.
I love at the black walnut cafe. It's a very laid back atmosphere and the eggs Benedict is the best I've had in Houston. I usually try to come here every month
(4)Aya M.
Came to this location to have lunch today. I was not impressed at all. First off, when I walked in, my sister, my bf, and I took a look at the menu before stepping up to register. I went with the chicken tender sandwich and told them what to order for me while I looked for a restroom. I walked up to the counter where a waitress (I'm guessing?) and waiter were standing behind. They were having a conversation and I politely interrupted with "Excuse me, can you please tell me where I cam find your restroom?" The waitress had some major attitude and just looked at me with her mouth slightly open and didn't respond. She just stared at me with this disgusted look on her face without answering me. I repeated my question and she just stared. Uh, okay? The waiter then finally acknowledged me as I stood there, struggling not to pee my pants and I again, for the third time, asked for the restroom. He responded right away with a smile and I found it within 5 seconds. So that was a lovely first impression! As for the food... Basically the system here is that you order at the counter, pay take a buzzer, and wait at your table till your buzzer thing starts vibrating, then you go back up the counter and exchange your buzzer for your food. Not a problem! But I do, however, have a problem when I had made NO adjustments to my meal and my sandwich is missing the cheese and sauce. The guy behind the counter was apologetic, but at that point I was so hungry I just wanted to have my food in peace. My bf and I waited awkwardly by the counter as they fixed my sandwich. It really wasn't worth the wait by the way, guys. I've definitely had MUCH better chicken sandwiches than this one-- Chickfila is a good example! It was pretty bland. The fries were excellent but the food was not great at all. The only thing that kept it from being inedible was the cayenne ranch sauce and a shitload of ketchup. Now if I have to drown my meal in ketchup, we have a problem. I'm also not a huge fan of the pre-shredded iceberg lettuce and cheese on their sandwiches. I'm not feeling mean spirited enough to give this place a single star, so here's a generous two stars Black Walnut! I'll be at Torchy's or Buffalo Wild Wings next time you see me in Rice Village.
(2)Keila D.
Love love love LOVE this place!!! Always has delicious sandwiches/salads/appetizers/CAKE. The strawberry green tea is so good. The only reason it gets 4 instead of 5 stars is because there's occasionally a bit of a weird smell in there. It's probably what they clean with but either way it's slight.
(4)John L.
This place is always lively and the food is so good. Great location in Rice Village and they validate your parking for the parking garage. I love the atmosphere and the staff is very helpful. It's definitely a top choice in our rotation for breakfast joints. The Philly cheesesteak omelet and the breakfast enchiladas are worth the trip!
(4)Jaire Q.
My friend chose this restaurant for dinner on a Tuesday night. We drove there and to my surprise I'd passed it while shopping in the area, but had never tried it. We ate outside and the weather was excellent. The menu seemed to advertise "healthy" food, but I actually thought my vegetables were cooked with too much butter. My meal wasn't horrible. I had grilled chicken, which included two side orders. I decided for broccoli and mushrooms/carrots and green beans, the order also came with bread (but I am trying to cut my carbs so I did not eat it! #proudmoment). The ambience kind of reminds me of La Madeline, and so does the food. Service was nice and friendly. I recommend the Black Walnut, but make sure you ask them to take it easy on the butter.
(3)Rachel E.
I've been here twice now, once for breakfast and once for lunch. Breakfast was... very bad. The woman at the counter seemed like she wanted to be anywhere but there. I tried to modify something from the menu and it was like instead of doing what I asked, they did the exact opposite. And to top it off they were out of 2 of the 3 coffee choices. 1 star. However, we decided to chance it and come back for lunch on a separate occasion. This time ordering at the counter was a breeze and the cashier was very friendly. I had the cobb salad which was very tasty and a good size. 4 stars. It was like eating in a completely different restaurant. Will return for lunch but probably pass on their breakfast.
(3)Shiva G.
My first time there today. What's not to love? And the manager Curt (Kurt?) was charming. I have my arm in a sling 'cause I broke it. So I actually got part of my order served to my table!! Will be back.
(5)Becky K.
The hubbs and I met a friend here for lunch one day. We said we wanted something healthy, so he suggested this place. Snuggly located in the middle of Rice Village, I had high expectations of something fresh, delicious and healthy. And this place did not disappoint. My husband and I ordered a salad each, and my friend ordered... a sandwich, I think. Each entree was fresh, unique and well-seasoned. I got the steak salad which was cooked a little more than I like (medium), but the dressing had lots of great flavor, with fresh lettuce (not drooping, soggy lettuce) and neat additions like walnuts and other bits I don't remember. Come early (we got there at 11:30, which was pretty good), because it DOES get crowded and a little loud!
(4)Derek K.
Inconsistently pretty good. Manager seems a little snooty but hey I'm probably old enough to remember when friendly service was held at a premium. .. Ok since I posted this, someone messaged me asking about my critique so I shall attempt a clarification . First ; when there's a long line in the morning and as the manager walks by me and I ask him can we please get another register open and without even looking at me he simply retorts, "I'm sorry, no" that IMHO is snooty. Either that or he's not getting any at home and chooses to carry his frustration to his workplace or he just doesn't give a rats arse. Secondly as to the consistency of the fare, simply I mean just that. Sometimes it is spectacular and sometimes .. Eh . The place has a good ambience and a good menu. I think a more enthusiastic attitude towards customer relations is in order however.
(3)Lilly L.
Black Walnut is one of the first restaurants I tried when we moved to Houston, and I went for a girl's night out with a bunch of friends. I loved it the first time, and while I only tried the gelato that night, it was such a fun atmosphere, and I was with such fun company, that I associate Black Walnut with having a good time. I have been back many times since then, and while it's a great place for dessert, (especially the gelato), and the grilled cheese sandwiches are always delicious, the cleanliness of the whole place is hit or miss, as well as the service. Sometimes the place smells like an old dish rag, and other times it smells fine. Sometimes the utensils and straws are stocked, other times you might be lucky to find a fork. Sometimes the staff is knowledgeable about the food, other times they read the dessert description to you off the menu. So, when it's good, it's good, and when it's bad, it's still A-Ok.
(3)Hannah K.
I think this place gets a bit more hype than it deserves. The food is good but nothing special, if not a bit bland. I haven't tried the gelato but apparently that is pretty good. Good for kids and/or picky eaters. The location is the biggest pull for me as it is so central to Rice Village but otherwise spend your money on a meal that will leave an impression.
(3)Summer S.
Had a good brunch here today! The fried chicken and waffles was very good! It was a good space for a large group of friends. Their mango tea is really good! My husband said the coffee was good and eggs Benedict was pretty good but not as good as Le Peep which is nearby.
(4)Wendy L.
This place reminds me of Ruggles as in the casualness and the variety of food. I've only tried the Shrimp Mango Pasta Salad, which comes with sauteed shrimp, strawberries, mandarin oranges, kiwi, and bowtie pasta in a mango cilantro dressing. This sounded really good and the plate was really colorful when it arrived, however it was just okay. The dressing was a little lacking and I wasn't really impressed. I'll be willing to give this place another try but someone will probably have to insist on it first. I probably won't ever think to come here if I was giving the option to pick a place to eat.
(3)Alexa N.
Love it! Went here with some friends the other week and they love it too!
(5)Sreeja P.
I went to Black Walnut Cafe back in June. Although I am not a huge fan of restaurants where you order at the counter and then they bring it to you types, I really liked the food and the cafe overall. If I can remember correctly, I had scrambled eggs, bacon and toast which all tasted really good. I had ordered a cappuccino and it took awhile for them to make it for me. Service is average. Overall it is a good spot to grab a casual quick bite and go.
(3)Ellen C.
This surely isn't my favorite brunch or lunch spot, not even in the Village. But sometimes other people insist on dining here, so you gotta suck it up, because those other people have humored your restaurant selections more than a couple of times. There a fair amount of vegetarian options - omelets, salads, and other dairy-dense sort of things. Vegans, well the Vegetarian Black Walnut Zuppa is vegan, the garlic bread is not. The guacamole, however, does not seem to be vegan friendly, as the lighter creamier green hue seemed to convey to me. I've ordered the Big Vegetable Salad at another Black Walnut Cafe location, sans the cheese and it wasn't really all that grand. The Zuppa is rather delicious - I'll give it that. Richly tomato-ey and the vegetables are seemingly freshly grilled. I'll probably default to the Zuppa from this point forward. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their selections, it was all decent. One of the omnivores remarked the French Dip served here is better than the one at Houston's/Hillstone. Oh and the sorbets - there's usually two or three that vegans can choose from. Also, there's seemingly a full bar (need to confirm this) as I seem to recall you could only order beer and wine in the past. Maybe I'm confusing this location with the Sugar Land one? We did order a carafe of mimosa last time and it was rather good. Perfect for our lunch out on the (rather crowded on Saturdays) patio. Again, not a tremendous fan of this generic, very crowded place, but somehow I'm sure I'll be back.
(2)Meowston T.
Pull pork carnitas tacos are the best in town!!!! They now offer gluten free bread for burger and sandwich!!!! Yeah!!!
(5)Rachna K.
This place is perfect for lunch or dinner. The salmon with pesto and orzo is one of my favorite dishes ever. I must admit, I always just stick to that so I can't really speak to much of the other stuff. At breakfast the kolaches are great and any time of day is the perfect time for one of their chocolate chip cannolis!
(4)Heidi M.
Really enjoyed the food and ambiance. Tasty combinations. Only drawback was it might be a bit noisy or crowded for some. Parking is validated for the adjacent parking structure.
(4)Ai S.
Hey peeps i don't agree this place is only 3.5 stars when it comes to food! Well i was kinda skeptical when the hubby suggested this place to me. Yes just because you rate it 3.5 but my starving tummy was grawling for something new to my eyes as well to my palate. So we chose this place amongst others! The salmon was delicious and the mixed veges that comes with it! I just wish they had cane sugar sodas but not! Otherwise the crowd is ok though i got pissed when one of the arrogant customer almost jumped at the hubby because he thought he was the one who turned the fan on outside when infact he didnt even see it and the hubby was picking up our orders! I'm glad the hubby did not notice him or else! A yuppy area in general with a lil crappy attitude of people just because they are at the village and maybe driving a luxury whatever car? Who cares! Anyway, i should say this is a must try visit restaurant My tummy was happy the serving was just about right and the palate was satiated! Now its your turn
(4)I_Think D.
What a great place for brunch!! Crowd is classy, location is outstanding and feel is trendy. Prices are very reasonable. I thought the food was alright too. Seating situation is a bit tight. During busy period you are still waiting for a seat and the food arrives. Liked this place a lot.
(4)Grace L.
This place has a nice and cozy feel to it. Nothing too crazy, decor-wise. So the first time I came here, I was meeting a friend at 8am for breakfast. However, I had a bit too much fun the night before and had the worst hangover when meeting my friend. There was no way I could stomach anything so we just opted for coffee instead of getting real food. Coffee was pretty good, from what I remember. And I kept it down, so that's a good sign. Second time I came here was for dinner. I got the Black Walnut Salad and my friend got the Santa Fe Salad. I enjoyed my salad. It had chicken, gorgonzola, apples, walnuts and greens with some sort of tomato dressing, which I got on the side. Honestly, I wasn't a huge fan of the dressing so I ate the salad without it. Everything was fresh and the components blended well together. My friend's salad looked pretty legit too. Nice and colorful. Both salads were a good size; neither of us finished ours and had leftovers to take home. All in all, it's a decent restaurant. I'd like to come here for brunch sometime because I hear that's where they shine. The salads were pretty good, but not spectacular.
(3)Tram T.
This place is great! Came here for a casual brunch date and had good service and great food. We ordered the steak and eggs and cordon bleu benedict. However, it was kinda pricey for just two small plates. I guess it's probably because of the location and atmosphere. Seating was kind of weird and crowded but we got lucky with a very comfortable seating spot. We also got the coconut and tiramisu gelato for dessert. The coconut was the bomb, mmm. Will come back whenever we're in the area :)
(4)Grace P.
I frequent many restaurants in this area, but I haven't been to Black Walnut Cafe in years. Now I remember why. I paid almost $15 for a summer salad, and I got about five pieces of shrimp on a handful of spinach, with a small sprinkle of goat cheese. I took awhile deciding what to order for lunch because nothing on the menu sounded very appealing or innovative. When I go to restaurants, I try to order food I can't make at home - what's the point in ordering a salad or a sandwich when I can prepare it with ingredients in my fridge for 1/4 of the price? I will give them props for excellent service, the guy at the counter was so friendly, and a manager even stopped by our table while we were eating dessert to see how were doing. The desserts are decent, but pretty pricey like the food. I'd rather skip this place and visit Ruggles down the street.
(3)Narvina F.
If you're ever in Houston try this place! It's really cute and the chicken and waffles were really good.
(4)Melissa M.
The food is ok, but the place smells so bad! I met some colleagues here for a work session, and I am so glad we sat outside. The inside had wet slippery floors near the bathroom, inside the bathroom there were puddles of water, and outside the bathroom is smelled musty and was generally gross. We sat outside which is essentially in a parking lot. Our food was fine and it came out pretty fast, but I dreaded having to go back inside to get a drink refill or pick up my food. The interior layout is badly done. The drinks are in a dead end area that gets backed up. Several times, the line of people waiting to order blocked access to the soda cul-de-sac. We were here for the free WiFi, but I don't think it was worth it. Until the refurbish the inside and get the smell under control, I'll be suggesting other locations for my WiFi work sessions.
(2)Laura S.
Looks like they installed in seats.
(3)Joanna W.
The menu items are pretty pricey with each plate at least $10+ but I think for the quality of the food and the 'eat lunch in a cozy cafe' environment, it's worth it. Lunch time gets pretty packed but there seems to be enough tables to fit a large crowd. It's one of those places where you serve yourself practically. They give you a pager when your foods ready and you help yourself to drinks and utensils. I think this is great because it get's the crowd moving faster, you don't have to wait on your server for the bill, refills, etc. I usually get the same thing here, but it's these specific items that keeps me coming back! Toasted Raviolis - SO GOOD! The plate is about $7-8 and comes with garlic bread. It's basicallly small droplets of toasted italian pieces of heaven. Tomato Basil - I'm actually not a huge fan of this soup in general except when I'm having it at Black Walnut! Typical tomato basil, but topped with melted cheese and filled with cheese tortellini.. soooo delish!
(4)Craig D.
Excellent breakfast! The French Toast rocks, crunchy and maple flavor explodes in your mouth. Try the grill cheese, tomatoe and bacon.... just like Mom made. Management and staff are friendly people.
(5)j m.
Food and drinks are always delicious. And their service is excellent. Try their tex-mex omelet. Yum!
(5)Paul D.
A huge menu here. There are brunch and breakfast items like omelets, and burritos, to lunch items like soups, salads, various sandwiches/burgers, and pasta. Nothing is bad, but nothing really great either. You order at the front counter, they give you one of those light up caller things (not sure what they are called). Then you have to find a seat. Which can be an adventure. The place can get packed, and it will take a while to get your order. Burgers are alright. Chicken is always dry, and sometimes comes out cold. Omelets..eh. Really not a bad place if walking around Rice Village, though sometimes just not worth the hassle when this place is packed.
(3)Jessica G.
Came here for a GNO (girls night out) and it was just ok. I have the chipotle chicken pasta and it was lacking some flavor. I wouldn't come again if it was my choice. I also had their black walnut margarita and that was overpriced and not good at all.
(3)Onur C.
I am a regular of this place, when I do not know what to have for Sunday breakfast and too lazy to google for new places, I stop by and have my coffee and food. Happy with service and kind of an omelette, and does not even bother reviewing on yelp. Today, I ordered my tex-mex omelette w/ goat cheese and creamy basil tomato soup. The soap was good, I mean I love tomato soup, tried -literally- at many places around the world, and this one is really not that common with its strings of onion and tortellini inside. Good combination and I liked it a lot. They had forgotten to add my goat cheese at first, I was told that they had not heard when I was ordering. The good thing is, this gentlemen came to the table, after I picked my plate, confirmed that I had asked for goat cheese, apologized and brought me a small plate of goat cheese. He could just say they did not hear (not did not charge) and move on but did choose to follow up. It was a good example of good customer relations management. I also like their patio. In summary, this place is a friendly comfortable location to grab some food and enjoy. Food and service, together, deserves 4 stars.
(4)Marc S.
I've been coming here for 5 years and it's become a staple a can't go wrong family meal. Great options for all ages and diets. Ask for a side of Julienned chopped apples for the kids. Probably the best breakfast spot in the village because they have so many great options. Their breakfast burritos are delicious and quick to order and take out. I'm a fan of their lobster tacos and pot roast. Some of their dishes and soups can be a bit too salty so ask them to not add any. Again, great options.
(5)Megan G.
Great mimosas (the carafe serves seven glasses) and great food! The line for brunch gets long around 1030 or 11, but my sister and I didn't wait at all when we walked in at 945.
(4)Michelle N.
I got out of an appt early today and was craving breakfast. Made it right at 11am. Score. Lady in front of me decided she wanted like 5 different things with her order. By the time I got up to order (which always takes five years by the way, like why is it so hard to put orders in the computer??) it was 11:05. The girl at the register said she could not serve me breakfast. Really? Did something acutely change in 5 minutes that the kitchen can't make me some damn waffles? Come on guys I can still get breakfast at freaking mcdonalds. That's alright, I spent my $20 at Ruggles Bakery down the street. I gave you 2 stars cuz you fixed your wifi problem but you should probably be a bit more lenient to customers who want their damn breakfast.
(2)Alexandra A.
Yummy food, fast service, and a nice atmosphere to have brunch with friends or family! I really enjoyed my time here and will definitely be back. It got really crowded at 11:30 on Sunday, so if you aren't looking for a long wait, come early!
(4)David C.
I think of Black Walnut Cafe as a poor man's Cheesecake Factory. Like Cheesecake Factory, they offer all sorts of food but most of it is not even above-average. Their prices are a little expensive for the quality of food you get, but there are a few things that are worth it. I really like the breakfast tacos here-- they aren't authentic or anything like that, but are packed with hash browns (they have really good hash browns), mushrooms, bacon or sausage, cheese, green peppers, eggs and other good stuff. Also, the moon doggy cookies or probably the best cookies I have had in a long, long time. It is walnut (I believe) with chocolate chips, very soft, maybe even a little oatmeal-y. Not too sure but they are fantastic. I really only come to Black Walnut when I want breakfast tacos, breakfast sandwiches, or cookies. Don't come here for dinner.
(3)Arnel S.
This is a great all-in-one restaurant if you are in Rice Village. It's good for: - date nights. Small tables, and it's never too noisy. - family meals. They have a kids menu. - meals by yourself. It's not that bright in there, so no one will stare at you! - drinks. They have St. Arnold's seasonals on tap! - dessert. Their display case is always filled with tasty treats and gelato. It's mainly self-serve, but the people there are friendly and always willing to answer your questions. I've never gone wrong with the food that I've ordered there. The food is always fresh and tasty, and, as another reviewer observed, is just like Cafe Express but better.
(4)Brennan S.
I have been to this location and the other one in Sugarland several times. I have to agree with some of the other Yelp'ers on here, their brunch/breakfast is where I feel this place stands out. Having had their lunch menu on more than one occasion, I find the breakfast food more memorable. I feel their omelets are pretty tasty and for some reason I really enjoyed the wheat toast. Only downside to this location is that the seating is limited on the weekends, in the afternoon, it's a popular spot. I do find the staff to be above average at both locations. Today for instance the guy taking our order gave us his name and assured us that if we had any problems he would take care of it. Typically at places where you give your order at the counter, it's order, pay, go. Not here and they are also quick to help you at the pickup counter if your hands are full.
(3)Patrick P.
Nice little chill place. They offer counter service which made everything run more smoothly and quickly. They have a full bar and good selection of gelato. I went for brunch, food was good and decently priced. Only downside, seating inside is kinda cramped, but the patio is nice.
(4)Marvin B.
Great for early breakfast. Wonderful ambience, very relaxing. Ate East-West omelet. Good portion size and tasty. Coffee was fresh.
(4)Melissa P.
Post night shift breakfast with my fellow nurse friend. I ordered the Belgian waffles with fruit on the side. The waffles were cooked perfectly and their fresh squeezed OJ was really good too. I've been here for lunch and wasn't impressed, but their breakfast rocks.
(4)Christina B.
Do you like breakfast? What about pancakes? Omelets? Okay, good. We're going to Black Walnut Cafe. No, no, don't look at me like that. I know it gets a little crowded on the weekends and it's self service. Hell, I know the prices are a little on the high side, but, damnit, it's delicious. No, no really. Try the roasted vegetable omelet. You won't regret it. What? lactose intolerant? Okay, then what about the pancakes I mentioned? They come with honey butter and organic maple syrup. I think you'll like it, if you give it a chance. Okay, okay, I know. It's 11:00 a.m. Now you say you want lunch? Fine. Get the open-faced pot roast sandwich. It's one of the cheapest items on the menu, and I swear to God, it's delicious. You'll be pretty well stuffed in the event that you manage to finish it. *** There. Now aren't you glad I suggested this place? Oh, quit freaking out about paying for parking. We got our parking validated when we ordered at the counter. Cripes, you're high strung today. You know what you need? You need some gelato. This place has some truly amazing gelato. Here's $4.00. Go get yourself some and calm down. Crimeny.
(4)Carmen C.
This place just sucks....no other way to put it. Every time I come here I swear I'll never come back. Unfortunately, they have the luxury of having a prime location so it's mostly out of convenience that I even bother. However, this recent visit has convinced me that even La Madeleine is a better bet. I usually go in to great detail with my "yelps" but I cannot even muster up the energy to do so. Food is just so mediocre it's like the definition of mediocrity...and for what they are asking for in price...it's just ridiculous! Furthermore, the entire approach is extremely backward. They serve small portions on huge plates to be eaten at the tiniest tables....who's the brainchild behind that concept??? I cannot justify spending money here.
(2)Shecky S.
Black Walnut Cafe is like a very downgraded version of Cafe Express. The pasta dishes can't hold a candle to Cafe Express. The pasta that I ordered was a thick coagulated mess and didn't seem that fresh for some reason. Not very good...
(2)Terah K.
I have always been a fan of Black Walnut since it opened. It is always clean and the staff is friendly. Their brunch is great with a large selection of different types of foods. Everything from the Breakfast Quesadilla to a Pancake Sandwich. The walk up and order is great for larger parties to have separate checks. The down side is to find tables you can push together for your large party. This place is definitely one of my brunch groups favorites!
(4)Betsy G.
I have been several times and have never been that impressed but they have the Worst attitude of employees I've ever encountered. The manager was surly and rude to me when they got my order wrong. Food is average so I will never return
(1)beatrice a.
Great food, service was good, environment is fabulous. will definitely return. loved their fresh orange juice. only complaint is size of the fruit plate, they give you a tiny bowl and charge you $5.00.,
(4)Michelle S.
I love the food here, the pancakes are great, coffee great too. The big issue I have is with the logistics of maneuvering around this place. Yes I am giving a place with good food 3 stars based solely on the layout. Because it's horrible. From the moment you walk in and get in line the battle begins, the line to the order counter is set up in direct conflict with the line of traffic moving towards the beverage station. So you are constantly being asked to move around back and forth to accommodate the cross flow of traffic all while trying to browse the menu. Ok so you order your food and are given a cup to get a soda, water or coffee. Now you are the one having to cut through the line of patrons waiting to order! But not only are you battling a line of customers they have the specialty drink bar set up for employees to pick up drinks so now you are dodging hurried waiters and all you want is to get a drink. Finally you make your way into the beverage "cave" when you realize there's only one way in and out and it's filled with people not to mention completely blocked from exit by the lines of people. You're stuck. You're coffee spilling, waiters bumping into you, the line of customers distracted by their menu not budging to let you by. Send for help, send a postcard, carrier pigeon. You're gonna be there a while and forget cream and sugar, that bar is set up in direct conflict with the lucky souls who made it out of the beverage cave and if you are so lucky as to make it out yourself believe me all you will want to do is make it to your table. I really hope they change their layout and flow, in right now it's so frustrating it's not worth the good food.
(3)Cara S.
OK, I've already raved about this place a couple times, but I hadn't been there at night yet. I've been going on a weeknight about once a week for a few weeks to catch up with my besties. The ambience is nice. The wines are tasty. The staff are patient and friendly. What more could we want? Ooh, I should warn you, though, that one thing I did not know was that the parking validation is only good for up to three hours. We stayed a little longer than that one night, and were surpised when we had to pay a few bucks. But that's nothing to do with Black Walnut; that's the Village Arcade being boo boo. The Verdict: a great place for breakfast, afternoon cawfee talk, or unwinding with friends over a glass of wine.
(4)Ashle D.
Pot roast grilled cheese is good! Great gelato && cannolis. And you wont find better service! Everyone is so nice, professional, and fast. One of my fav places...
(5)Rachel W.
This is a great, low-key option in Rice Village. Keep in mind that this is not a typical sit and be served on restaurant. You order at the register, get a buzzer, and then pick up your own food when it is ready. The atmosphere is really nice inside, even though it is casual and of course outdoor seating is great. The guys that were working there were all very friendly. The menu is pasta, salads, sandwiches, and more. Basically, American style food. They also have an awesome Gelato selection and a full liquor bar. The portions aren't HUGE but it is totally enough food. Just know they aren't huge. I got grilled cheese, husband got a Caesar salad, and father-in-law got roast beef. All were good. I got Gelato for dessert and it was perfect. I give 4 stars primarily because you have to get up to get your own food and it is a little pricey for that.
(4)Heather M.
I freely confess that I am a regular here and I really enjoy this place, so was shocked by some of the 2 and 3 stars. But hey, to each his own. No place is perfect. I used to live right next to Rice Village so would walk here often to eat. You can order takeout, of course, or call ahead to order, and they are pretty fast. But BWC offers free wi-fi and comfy, cozy seats in the back, so I spent many an hour hanging out in the back and studying. I think you can also surf the net on the patio, btu I have never tried it myself. As for the food, I have never had anything bad on the menu, and the breakfast items are served at all hours. So good! BWC is a walk up and order place and you receive a buzzer to be paged when your food is ready, but this is due to the wide range of patrons that come here. Come in for lunch on any day during the week, and you'll have business lunches next to med students, next to Rice students, next to ladies' lunches, next to a date, next to a pharma sales lunch. Saturdays and Sundays: anything goes! A little bit of everything happens here at all times. The atmosphere is pretty upbeat inside and the outside patio area is heavenly on nice days. The outside patio seating area is right on Morningside, so you have a view of Little Woodrow's and Brian O'Neils and can hear the live bands playing (if there are any). Go, and enjoy!
(5)Sarah P.
I really like the Saturday Brunch. The multigrain pancakes = true love It can get pretty busy here, so watch out!
(4)Mallory G.
Went here with one of my friends. I had driven by so many times not thinking I should try this place. Then on a holiday Monday all the places I wanted to take her to were closed! So then I remembered I had never been here so we tried it out. It was a very rainy day and was sad that there was not an entrance from the garage that the restaurant is attached to. But that was the worst part. We got in only a little wet. One look around the place and I was really impressed. It was adorable! I felt like I was in a forest. While that does not sound appetizing its very well done. I can't do it justice so you should just go take a peak in next time you are in Rice Village. You walk up to the counter to order. Its a very extensive menu. I decided on the Anderson's Bout time with a side of french onion soup. Both were very good. I did feel like I should get more food for how much it was. I forgot the sandwich my friend got but she also go the sweet potato fries which were great. They also have gelato which I will be back to try.
(4)Emily N.
I'd rather eat at Chilis. Cute place, but the price isn't ideal for what seems like a box meal or something over charred or highly salty. Not good for those on diets!! Lots of ritzy details like the touch screen coke machine (they also have those at fuddruckers now) and the ice cream display with cakes at the bar... which is nice but I didn't like the food, I want to eat something delicious for $12 a plate at a place without waiters! Buzzers and taste bud duds are what make me think hmm Katy has better places for me to spend my time and money at, Houston is so close I might as well drive there for a ritzy cafeteria experience
(1)Anna W.
The BWC is like Ruggles, in that I like the variety and the food's decent for the casual "order and you'll get a buzz when your food's ready" atmosphere, but it makes me feel a little claustrophobic, with the giant menu by the door where you have to bunch in with the people waiting in line to order. The place where you get your water, silverware, and condiments is tucked off to the left of the gelato area, in a nook, so again, some jostling if there's someone trying to get something, too. It also confuses me. I got that they served gelato (which is okay--not bad, not good, but you can tell it's gelato, so if you want gelato, go for it), but then I heard that they serve wine? And now they're open till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays? Ahhhhh, my brain! The food is good. I don't know how you can go wrong with sandwiches, and they have some nice, spicy pastas. The variety with the salads can't be beat; I always appreciate a place that goes beyond the cobb and caesar salads. It's the Village, so there's always a lunch crowd, but there's plenty of side tables, stools, and high-backed chairs, as well as outdoor seating. The wait for food during lunch is usually 10-15 minutes. All in all, if you want variety and something casual, BWC and Ruggles are good options.
(3)Anne I.
Spending Rodeo Houston 2010 with my girl friends over post spring break weekend, we dropped by Black Walnut Cafe for a quick lunch. My friend recommended the Santa Fe salad and it went viral. I think 4 out of 6 of us ended up ordering it. The salad was very fresh and delicious with generous portions of chicken. I usually don't like ordering big salads at restaurants, but this one I didn't mind. The strips of mango were a nice touch. I would almost classify this restaurant as a Texan Panera. It's self-serve, i.e. go up when the buzzer rings, for both food and soft drinks/house coffee. We had lunch outside on the front patio and got a good view of the shops and restaurants across the street.
(3)Allison M.
Brunch here is great. The atmosphere is cozy and clean. I like that it is child friendly. Food is fresh. Portions are ok. Prices could be better considering it is a walk up and order place.
(4)Crystal E.
This place is so great for brunch. If you have a weekday morning off this is a great place to eat alone or with friends and enjoy your morning. The breakfasts are all very tasty and resonably priced. Fresh squeezed OJ is perfect when your body is feeling drained. I haven't had a bad experience here, but others have so try it out and see what you think. I tend to go on slower mornings and the service is always phenomenal! The food will speak for itself.
(4)Katherine W.
I like this place. I am not really sure what I would call their food selection, but their seating setup is what I really like. A friend and I went to study here for several hours while having a late lunch and it was great. I've also been here with my boss to work over lunch. If it's busy, however, and you get one of the tables that's awkwardly situated right near the food pick-up station, it's not quite as good. Too much traffic and nothing to see except bits and pieces of the kitchen.
(4)Caroline K.
ok so I used to have mixed feelings on this place. The reason being that BW has a multiple personality disorder: It's a coffee shop, wine bar, breakfast cafe, ice cream shop, bakery, and restaurant.... it serves everything from fajita tacos to chicken salad sandwiches. The versatility was intimidating. BUT, I went today with the bf and WOW, so happy I did... what a tasty brunch! The tex-mex omelet was wonderful as well as the Belgian waffle. Next time I will choose the hot cakes over the waffle.... they looked pretty phenomenal (maybe buffalo grill caliber) I also like that there wasnt a line out the door at 11:30 on a Sunday.... I cant say the same for empire, brazil, b barnabys, buffalo and some of the other popular breakfast spots. Overall BW is reminiscent to a cafe express on speed... I love cafe express. Oh and they make a mean cappuccino!!
(4)Jack W.
I feel as if this place is what chains restaurants should aspire too. Enjoy the great variety that is executed well. Great place to catch up with friends over good food and in a comfortable environment. I've also observed that they are pretty decent with the gluten free crowd. You definitely get what you pay for, in a good way.
(4)David N.
This review is strictly of their gelato. I had the banana and french vanilla, I love gelato but I wasn't impressed. I am glad they are open late, 10 pm during the week and 11 pm on friday and saturday nights. You can have a nice date here then hit up the bars in the village.
(3)Ryan L.
Everything I've gotten here was solid, not spectacular. On multiple occasions I've had the omelet, the french dip, and a sandwich I do not remember. What's great is the vibe of the interior, which is dark with lots of dark wooden tables. To get a table in the back with the leather chairs is a treasure. Gelato is OK, wine may be open for too long, and they'll mess up your order once or twice, but the final product is pretty good. Kinda up their ass on how much they charge for omelet components though.
(3)N J.
used to love this place but....not dog friendly!!!! :(
(5)Adam E.
First off, the food is amazing, but all I want to talk about gelato because Im a fat guy. When I went to France in high school I was amazed how different thier ice cream is to the classic American ice cream. Gelato at the black walnut is as good as the gelato found in the little cafes in both Italy and France. It's truely amazing and a must try if you havent experienced the creamyness of Gelato. I will say that its about a buck over priced. The food is a better than Cafe Express but pretty comparable. Great place for brunch!
(4)D H.
Good place to go when I can't remember anywhere else to go. Good gelato. I always leave happy.
(3)Ima O.
Brunch at Black Walnut is the perfect way to spend a Saturday mid-morning.
(4)Christy D.
I used to come here back in the day and get gelato or some sort of sandwich. It was good, and I always had fond memories. Well, I was excited to get to come back here the other day...especially since I'd heard really good things about the grilled cheese and their cookies, etc. However, I was definitely disappointed, and for the time being, it only warrants 2 stars from me. I ordered the french onion soup and grilled cheese (~$11, total)...mozzarella and cheddar (I think), with tomatoes and pesto on a soft bread. One of my friends ordered it too, it sounded so delectable. This is the way the sandwich is made: triangle of really soft bread on the bottom, ~1/2" of the cheeses and some tomato slices, another triangle of bread that isn't lined up with the bottom slice, another ~1/2" of cheese and tomatoes, and finally a third slice of bread, also not lined up with the other slices. By not lined up, I mean, the triangles are pointing in every which way...so it is really hard to pick up that sandwich. You better opt for a knife and fork...which MIGHT be a good thing. Because, if you do pick it up, you will probably want to throw off that bottom slice of bread that is soaked through with grease. Not in a "ooh, greasy food is yummy" way, either. I love cheese...but I was pulling off gobs of it b/c it was just...too...much. The pesto seemed to be nonexistent, which also could've been a good thing b/c I doubt I needed any more fat in that sandwich (even if it's good). The french onion soup had a good taste, but had a pool of...guess what...grease! There was a lone cheesy crouton that was pretty good. My friend seemed to be turned off by her sandwich as well, and we both agreed that the pasta dishes looked more promising to try next time. Another friend seemed to enjoy her philly chicken type sandwich and baked potato soup. She said the soup was really good. Also, their lemon cooler cookie was really good. Believe it or not, I'll give them another shot, but no way will I get the grilled cheese or recommend it to someone.
(2)Hanie L.
This place is a solid choice, consistently good. I tend to get the salads here, two of my favorites are the Asian Tuna Salad and the Shrimp Mango Pasta Salad. I've pretty much loved everything here except for the Southwestern Chicken Lasagna (the ingredients did not work together and it tasted like a bad 7 layer bean dip or something). There is something for everyone here - so it's a safe and solid bet for large groups, although during lunch you have to watch the crowds. This place is very popular, since the food and desserts are very good. The servers are always extremely helpful and nice.
(4)Kirk C.
Friendly staff, clean atmosphere, but the the food is typical "bar" fare. Low quality meat in the hamburger. Sweet potato fried were a plus, but were soggy. Friends had grilled cheese, which appeared more palatable than the burger. Located in Rice Village, once an eclectic shopping destination with a few neat bars and restaurants, now over populated and a parking nightmare.
(3)Jenelyn R.
I definitely recommend their gelato ice cream! They advertise it as "award winning" and by the taste of it, it's definitely yummy. I also love their breakfast tacos because they are one of the cheapest items in the menu and pretty delish! Back when I first came to Houston, Black Walnut Cafe use to be one of the very first restaurants that I would hit up repeatedly. All their dishes taste wonderful. So I would've probably given them four stars because I am a fan however because of their prices, I had to take one star away. The dishes are about ~10 bucks or so. I rather not spend that much just for lunch but everywhere else in Rice Village is just as expensive so it makes sense for the prices to be so. This is a great place to eat casually for lunch or for dinner. I like hitting this place up after running club at Brian O' Neils.
(3)Heidi L.
I'd give this place 5 stars if I could but the problem is that I've only tried 1 item on the menu here...50 times. BW Rustic Grilled Cheese...hands down best grilled cheese sandwich I've ever had. It's like Houston's hidden gem. Everytime a new consultant came to Houston, our first meal would be at BW and I'd make them get the grilled cheese. I once gave half my grilled cheese to my coworker to try and he was utterly amazed. This isn't just any grilled cheese. It's a blend of gooey cheddar and mozzarella all melted on an herb foccacia-type bread with slices of warm tomato inbetween. You have the option of adding bacon or ham, but after ordering it once with bacon, I realized...why try to improve on perfection? Trust me, it's amazing without the meat...but your call. The side of seasoned potatoes is not too shabby as well. So like I said, I'm sure everything else on the menu is good, I just never got past the grilled cheese. And I don't want to ruin my image of Black Walnut by ordering something else and being disappointed.
(4)Larry W.
Why can't this place execute the simplest formula there is? Salads, pastas, burgers, and grill entrees can be done by any third-rate line in town. Food ends up with a universal blandness that overcomes the below par ingredients. Move along, honey!
(2)Jess H.
The Mr. and I came here for lunch the other day when we were exploring the area. As we walked down the street we could smell a lingering scent of deliciously grilled grilled chicken that got our taste buds dancing. We stopped in hoping the smell was coming from this little place and figured we both could find something we'd like. I was surprised they had such a large menu for a quaint little place. I ordered the chicken ceasar salad and he got a sandwhich called "Anderson's 'Bout Time", when our meals were ready we picked them up from the counter and everything looked so delicious! Both of our dishes were really good. One of the things I loved most about this place other than the food was the atmosphere, and their Iced Tea! I got an amazing blueberry iced tea that was out of this world! We enjoyed our experience here and would definetly come back.
(4)Whanger C.
Love it! Black Walnut is quickly becoming my go-to place whenever I have time in the mid-AM hours to grab late breakfast/early lunch (does that make it...brunch?). I have yet to have had a bad experience (although I have heard otherwise before) - friendly, attentive staff and reasonably priced menu makes it for great experience. Oh, and the bottles of habanero mango hot sauce on every table.... it's a wonder how people don't accidentally walk out with them. Coffee pots are empty at times, but selection makes up for it. The free wifi means I don't have to rely on my measly 3G. I have yet to try the gelato - I never have the room! One of these days..... For the same price range as eating at a greasy IHOP, I definitely recommend Black Walnut. Oh, and the 7:30AM-11:00AM (I think) happy hour doesn't hurt, either.
(5)Sarah M.
I ate here on a date the other night and was impressed. I had a rather tasty burger--goat cheese, red onions, and an elongated burger on an onion baguette with sun dried tomatoes. It was really, really, delicious. My date had a Thai salad which had some marinated meat, some watercress, some cabbage and some noodles, and I'm told it was good. It's order at the counter. They give you a buzzer to bring back up when the food's ready. The prices were a touch pricey, but the food really was pretty good with nice presentation. There's indoor and outdoor seating. Tasty place. Worth a shot.
(4)Raul B.
I actually never heard of this cafe til a friend suggested it one weekend. I'll have to say, I love this place! The decor makes you feel like you're out of town in an old cabin like setting with a casual family oriented atmosphere. The menu is terrific with a great amount of choices from salads, tacos, steaks, breakfast and desserts. It's a great place to be when someone is just feeling up for anything or can't decide on what to eat for the day. For my first visit, I ordered the Shrimp Mango Pasta Salad. I've never heard of anything like it and I'll have to say the salad is amazing! I loved it so much that I ordered the same thing for my second visit along with family and friends. As far as parking goes, there's alot of free parking around the area however, since it's Rice Village, it can get pretty busy, but it's worth the trip. The staff are very friendly and attentive. I just wished they had sweet tea! But that's just me. Anyways, I will definitely come back real soon. Don't pass up on this great dining experience!
(5)Kristina D.
Rice Village in Houston is one of the few walkable areas I've seen during my brief time here, so I was happy to go there with a fellow high school classmate to catch up on ten years' worth of life over dinner. The cozy atmosphere and availability of cute little tables enabled us to do so quite comfortably. We appreciated the quickness of ordering and the free wifi, though we did not take advantage of the wifi. I had a Number Eighty-Four (Penne, roasted vegetables, EVOO*, garlic, peppered bacon, Marie cheese, pesto Pavia sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, cracked black pepper) and a Mothership wheat beer. The pasta came with a biscotti-like garlic bread. My dining pal had the salmon filet (8 ounces roasted filet, seasoned orzo pasta, walnuts, pesto Pavia sauce, garlic bread) and an Izze soda. It looked pretty sweet, and much healthier than the Number 84. I liked the concatenation of bacon, cheese, and sauces, but there was too much EVOO left over at the end.
(3)Jenny L.
Only had a chance to experience the happy hour appetizer and drinks but definitely enjoyed the salsa and mushroom dish on the happy hour menu. Had a couple of drinks and enjoyed the free wifi. Atmosphere is somewhat like being inside a bistro/pub. Friendly and energetic staff member working the register.
(4)Latisha R.
I really like black walnut cafe for the ambience, the food and the wifi. Ambience - they have large wing backed chairs that you can just disappear in for hours. the food- they serve brunch until 3pm on sundays and its really good! during the week i usually have a salad. the black walnut salad is decent. the wifi - self explanatory, never had a problem with the connection and they have a ton of outlets.... only complaint...the coffee sucks!
(4)Sabrina D.
As you can tell with my four stars - I am a HUGE fan of this place! Atmosphere: amazing patio to sit out front and enjoy the lovely weather (whenever Houston has to offer it, please take advantage here!) and you can bring your dogs too! Inside is nice too, nice tables and corner spots to eat at. They always have a current news paper if you want to eat and stay on top of today's events. How to order: you do order from the counter and get a buzzer when your food is ready. When there are quite a few people there, expect it to be a little bit of a wait on the food, but only because the food is that delicious. Food: every time I have gone there, I have tried something different and I have never been disappointed! Their grilled chicken sandwich with avocado, swizz and sprouts is amazing! The three cheese sandwich is to die for! My friend loves their salmon Cesar salad. One other thing you HAVE to try is their Dulce Latte gelato. It is creamy but light at the same time. A perfect treat to satisfy your palates! When you're done getting your shopping on in the Village, stop by this place and get your eat on! It is definitely worth it!
(4)Vanessa M.
My hubby would give this place 10 stars if he could. He loves restaurant's where you wait in line to order your food and then go find a place to sit and wait for your number to be called or buzzer to be buzzed. I've tried two things here...eggs benedict and their boston burger (I think its called). Both were great. No complaints at all. The Black Walnut is in our rotation because the food is decent, economical and located in Rice Village where we frequent.
(4)Will W.
I have been here a few times and previously thought that it was a fun place with interesting food options. Tonight, we got two cannolis to go and couldn't take but one bite each before spitting it out...Somehow sour dairy product must have made its way into both. Glad that we didn't swallow anything, or else would have likely been sick for days. This is sad because the other desserts have been good. Beware of sour cannolis!!!
(1)tiffany d.
I come here often for breakfast and a good bloody mary. The portions could be a bit larger, but the food is defintely good and so is the service.
(4)Gilberto V.
The mediocrity of the Village bordered on the better side at this quaint little stop. The customer experience factor scores some points, and that says a lot because I absolutely abhor places where I have to go get the food via the electronic buzzer (what am I, the waiter?). From the decor, to the friendly face who hands you the menu, to the Chicago-style fan system (for those who need a lesson, that is what you call the ceiling fans run on the old belt system), this little Village gem was a treat on the senses. However, I was impressed a lot by the quality of the pasta dish I had (someone give these kids two thumbs up for understanding what it means to not overcook the noodles) and likewise the fun and friendly staff was very happy to give me extra parmesean cheese! I had the Pasta 84, and though I was not swept in by their array of iced teas, I was impressed that they had a little bit for every taste. Are you a fan of the black currant? There's a flavor for you! Are you more of the green tea type of folk? Well, don't worry your Asian tea inspired little head, you can have that on ice, too. For the normal old fashioned southern among us, the standard tea is available. Even better than the food, and I must say, I was impressed, was the southern-Italian style Gelato these kids had. The array of flavors dazzled the mind and made your sweet tooth scream to skip the salads, skip the entree, and just eat dessert! And it was here that I went positively, absolutely, nuts. I had nearly one of every kind, and as my bill mounted, my waist line expanded, and my wallet screamed for mercy, I have but one thing to say: these kids have gelato down to an art. The gelato here transcends heaven, it opens the mind and elevates the soul. If you have no other reason to stop in here but for dessert, then you must stop in. While I knocked two stars for zero waiters, give it five for dessert and four for food.
(3)Janis G.
I love this place, the coffee is excellent and so is the steak tip breakfast.
(4)Emily F.
The Black Walnut is busy and loud on Sunday at lunch time, but the food somewhat makes up for it. The nice thing about this place on the weekends, is breakfast is served until 4 p.m., so everybody gets what they want. I had the Greek salad, with sundried tomatoes, feta cheeze, kalamata olives and little too much dressing. I needed bread at the end to sop it all up. On the other side of the table, my bf's mom had an omelette with bacon and other goodies. I forget what it was called, but it was pretty tasty. Dessert was calling to us, so I chose the bread pudding. It was too hot to taste, and had too much caramel sauce. My stomach hurt for the rest of the day. I don't know if it was the salad, bread pudding or a combo of the two. I'd visit again to give it another shot if someone else suggests it, but I wouldn't pick it myself.
(3)Kirkwood J.
Busy for lunch, not the fastest. Fish tacos were excellent, ahi tuna salad mediocre. Getting back up to 4-star rating were the frozen treats-- we tried chocolate gelato and pink grapefruit sorbet, both outstanding!!!
(4)James M.
Amazing menu. Due to the popularity, its always a bit hectic and loud. Great selection of different coffee, gelato, etc., so its always hopping -even between traditional meal times.
(4)Natalie P.
Black Walnut serves food that's well, OK. For the student population it seems to draw, it's probably a better choice than your fast food or anything else, so on that note, I can understand it's popularity especially given it's location smack in Rice Village. I had the salmon dish here for dinner and it was good. I have no complains, but no raves really either. The menu has a pretty wide variety of foods - pastas, sandwiches, burgers, grill items, pizza, etc. - so everyone can probably find something they like. The dessert selection is also huge. Even though I'm not really a fan of order of at the counter restaurants, I liked the spaci-ness of the interior that the whole setup allowed. I would be giving Black Walnut Cafe 3 stars like the majority of people on here, except for one thing. This was incredibly annoying/frustrating/irritating on my part, just because I have issues with carbs (as in, for the most part, I don't like to eat them). I requested to substitue just a side of mixed vegetables for the rice pilaf that came with my dish and was immediately told this wasn't possible. Ok, I know I'm a little high maintenance in general, but isn't this the era of personalization and special orders? It's also honestly not that much of a change on their part, because the dish is hot so they had to grill it after I placed the order. I have never had such a blunt non-accomodation. No, to a simple request for veggies instead of rice pilaf? Let me also say that the dish barely came with any vegetables to start with! I told the girl working there that I wasn't going to eat the pilaf, and she responded that, for the same price, they would just serve me the salmon filet with no sides. Uh, thanks, but no thanks...I'll just give the side to my carb-loving bf. Anyways, that's Black Walnut. It's a kind of take it or leave it, but you can probably get an alright meal for a decent price.
(2)Diana C.
Not particularly original food but the menu they have is pretty tasty. Also the children's menu is great even for young adults who don't eat a lot like myself. Tasty and affordable.
(4)Sarah H.
woohoo! my taste buds are dancing with joy!!! this place was pretty happening around noon on a Saturday. the wait in line wasn't too bad, & staring at the gelato/cakes was such an awesome tease! their menu has anything & everything on it: breakfast, lunch, dinner, all with something unique about it, whether it's the name, taste, or the way it's served! I order the french dip with sweet potato fries. i have fallen in LOVE with the sweet potato fries and would return JUST to get a full entree of those! the sandwich itself was huge, perfectly cheesy, & full of flavor without the dip. hubs got the texas omelette with egg whites, which he liked, but mentioned he will try something else next time :) I also love when places like this have sea salt & a black pepper grinder & so many hot sauce choices to choose from: cholula, tobasco, & some other type I didn't try. an extensive tea/coffee selection is also available! the restaurant itself is pretty cute & I loved how the seating included some nice arm chairs with cute little tables to eat on as well as an entire patio area with a ton o seating. however, since it was so busy, it was really really loud. I am taking off 1 star because it's kind of expensive. our total with 2 fountain drinks was $27! since it wasn't completely sit down, I thought that was a bit much. but needless to say, I'll definitely be back & will be suggesting this as a place to get together with others for a quick & easy meal! :)
(4)Thomas A.
This rating is based on the breakfast alone. Lunch and dinner are pretty solid, but the breakfast needs a tune-up. If you're going to be open in the morning, you might as well do it right. Breakfast potatoes were dried out and puny...pretty sure they were from the day before. The eggs and bacon weren't incredibly warm, which I'm not sure how they managed to do since I'm pretty sure they cooked it. The migas were tasty, but the breakfast burritos were small and really greasy. They were only $2.50 each, but I still expect a little more in the flavor department. Kind of expensive overall for breakfast. Coffee is really good though. Pancake sandwich is probably the best bet here, pretty delicious, but get the syrup on the side otherwise its going to be drenched.
(2)Leslie P.
After dining at this place a number of times, I can honestly say that I have never eaten anywhere else that so clearly embodies what a three star review is. The place reeks of mediocrity, and when writing a review of a mediocre restaurant, you either convey it in a positive or negative light. This review is negative. The menu is mediocre in that it is too big, with no dishes that stand out. I usually stand at the counter and ponder, for what seems like hours, what to order. And even when I have eliminated the five I was originally considering down to one, it doesn't matter, because I know that I will like whatever my dining companion has ordered better. The food is mediocre. The spinach artichoke dip? A tad below mediocre. Tomato soup? Mediocre. The gelato? Looks good, but tastes mediocre. The pastas differ, but mostly they just differ in varying degrees of mediocrity. Most of the entrees and burgers are worse than mediocre, with the chicken fried chicken just being flat out bad. There are some slightly redeeming dishes - the angry shrimp pizza and salads being a touch above mediocre. I come here because I'm in the village with friends who can't agree on where they want to eat lunch, or because we don't have the hour necessary to do a full sit down lunch (this place is order at the counter style). So yes, go, but don't set your expectations very high.
(3)Andrea W.
The atmosphere is great...easy vibe. I love their fish tacos. I crave their flavored iced teas. I really like that you order from the counter and are not bothered by waitstaff. If I want a refill on my tea, I can go and fix it the way I like it.
(4)Belle K.
Awesome place for sunday brunch, lunch any day of the week and a place to go to in the evening after work for a quick bite to eat. I love their chicken salad the most, with extra pecans and their wine list is fair for the place and price. On sunday, they have the best frehly made mimosa!
(5)Jessica A.
I come to Black Walnut very frequently. The menu is long and quite varied, so it seems like anyone I bring can always find something they like, from pastas, pizzas, burgers, salads etc. The desserts and gelato are also quite good. Parking is difficult in the area, but they do validate parking in the garage for 3 hours so we've never had a problem finding a space there.
(4)Jeff R.
Rice Village - pub atmosphere - classy name = razmataz experience, right? Well, sorta. The Houston Harry Potter Meetup Group ( houstonharrypotter.com ) held its monthly get-together at the Black Walnut this afternoon starting at 2:00 pm - a different location for us this time, the Black Lab and Hobbit Cafe being our usual haunts. Though the cafe is an easy walk from the parking garage, finding a place to leave one's automobile, as it always is in Rice Village, is dicey at best on a busy and very pleasant Saturday afternoon. I walk in and find a British/Irish-esque pub-looking place that was well lit in the front, though not so well-lit in the back where we were. The place was pleasantly decorated with the normal pub accoutrements: old bottles in cabinets above the bar area, fruits in baskets, etc. Ordering was a bit of a production in that they did not have someone at the ordering/pay-for-your-order spot continually, thereby ensuring a long line even with the sparse crowd (we were there in that magic time between lunch crowd and dinner crowd). It was pretty annoying, really, though the poor guy who had to flit constantly between the kitchen and cash register with orders was very efficient. Once I had ordered (yes, they have cokes of the Mexican variety - made with real sugar instead of the corn syrup one finds in the States), my dish came pretty quickly: rigatoni stuffed with spinach and covered in mushrooms and a tomato cream sauce. It sounded pretty good, and while it tasted good, it did not look all that appetizing. The food aesthetic I saw there I can only describe in a single word: glop. Walking in the place, you are greeted by the dessert counter, featuring gelato that looked like, well, glop. One gelato was of a dark olive/tan color; I had no idea what flavor it was, and it looked like, well, glop. I did not try a sample. Anyway, my meal came, garnished with dried tomatoes and tomato glop. And it was, again, tasty, but not spectacular. The garlic bread that came with the rigatoni (very small rigatoni, I might add) was a nice touch and went well with the meal. Unfortunately, my rigatoni meal was more glop and mushrooms (mmm) and less of the rigatoni and spinach for which I was hoping. Yes, my food was tasty, but I can get just as good in many other places with much-better parking. My food was, well, tasty. But it was also boring. Perhaps I should have ordered the chicken salad someone else had in that she knew that would be a safe course of action. Better yet, I should have done what Cory O. did and order the pizza as I am a sucker for pizza. Dessert was a very pleasant affair: orders of three turtle chocolate cakes (to celebrate someone's birthday) were had and enjoyed by all. However, the fact that other folks found their food boring and the parking ensured our group will probably not come back.
(3)Melanie A.
While visiting Houston, a "local" took us here for lunch, since the large variety of food offered is good for a group of people when you are not sure what everyone's tastes are. I ordered the spinach and artichoke pasta, which was ok, but a little salty. I am not sure it was worth the $12 (plus $1 tip) that I paid. However, ordering and getting your food is pretty fast since you just order at the counter and you are paged when it is ready. The guy at the counter was extremely friendly. He either had good customer service skills or was just being flirtatious, but either way, it made me happy. This would be a good place to come with a small group of people or to study, but not my idea of an excellent meal.
(3)Juan G.
I've only had breakfast here, and I love it. The food is a little on the higher end but the quality is fantastic. You can't go wrong with the pancakes or their french toast which has a hint of lemon zest that is a perfect touch. Best fresh squezzed orange juice on the planet. I'm not sure what makes it so special (type of orange?), but it's amazing. I also like the ambiance and seating, particularly the few tables they have with wingbacked chairs.
(4)Nikki N.
I like the teas, gelato and the New orleans Noodle. the salads are pretty good too. Recently, they have a manager that walks around and checks on guest. One person at the table had a piece of lasagna that he didn't like, the manager took it and gave him a new freshly made piece that was hot and tasted better. I guess he got the last piece and it wasn't so good.
(4)John W.
Black Walnut is one of my favorite lunch spots in Houston, my only complaint is that I wish they were just a tad bit more consistent. 9 out of 10 times I go its great, but that one time out of 10 its a let down. Best Fish Tacos in Houston. Burgers are good (go with the blue cheese burger), sweet potato fries are great. French dip is good and BBQ Pot Roast Sandwhich is amazing. My wife gets some of the pastas and they are very good, a little small though.
(5)Neci W.
I ate here for the first time on yesterday and it was awesome!!! I love the food, decor, and atmosphere. My 2 year old God sister was with me and she enjoyed dinning as well. I ordered the Black Walnut Salad for me, and for her the children's Chicken Tender Basket. The food was worth the price and taste.
(5)Elizabeth H.
Good, I guess. Nothing that really made me go "WOW!". I've gone there 3 times. The first time I went, it was for breakfast, and I got the Belgian waffles. pretty good. The second time I went, I went for lunch, and got the lasagna. Not very good. It was absolutely smothered in tomato sauce. I occurred the same problem the third time when I got the chicken parmesan. I couldn't even see the chicken. The poor little guy was practically suffocating under the gargantuan portion of tomato sauce. So, thus, I conclude that if you're gonna go, go for breakfast. :)
(3)Brent H.
They have a great breakfast, along with everything else. I really enjoy the american, there house potatoes are unique and delicious.
(5)Courtney B.
I'll definitely be back; brunch is fantastic and the pasta options for dinner are great. My favorite brunch item is the french toast (SO good but definitely an indulgence!) I think that my favorite dinner is this sort of creamy lemon pasta with chicken, but it's hard to pick a favorite pasta. The sauces are all pretty tasty and the bread that comes with is delicious.
(4)Beverly P.
I've been to BWC twice this week for breakfast-- yes, its that good. Last Saturday, the boyfriend and I went to the BWC at First Colony for a late brunch. He got a breakfast burrito (which was just okay), and then proceeded to eat my delicious pico eggs benedict. Since he gobbled it up faster than I would have liked, I decided to repay BWC another visit with a less voracious friend. The pico eggs benedict is aaaamazing! Definitely one of the best eggs benedicts I've had from a chain restaurant. On both occasions, the english muffin were crisp on the bottom, hot and soft on the inside, and delightfully buttery. On top of each muffin half sat a bed of sauteed spinach, fresh colorful pico, a nicely sized poached egg, and a smothering of savory hollandaise. The hollandaise had a great consistency and was so flavorful! My friend ordered the original eggs benedict, which she liked as well. Both of our dishes came with diced potatoes with grilled peppers. They were just ok- a little on the greasy side. The atmosphere is nice and cozy, with big couches tucked away in different corners. Definitely a great place to catch up with friends (while eating scrumptious egg benedicts...)! *Quick disclaimer: at the Rice Village location, one of my eggs was not poached at all (no oozy yellow yolk, nothing), which was a huge disappointment, but I decided not to be an egg-snob that day.
(4)Venita B.
People rave about black walnut cafe. I can't say I share the sentiment, but then again I usually order a salad, so who am I to judge. The atmosphere is great for conversation, catching up with an old friend, or even reading the newspaper.
(3)Adam O.
Honestly, the place seems like it should be good, and maybe I am being harsh... but who puts tortellini in tomato-basil soup?!? And on a related note... who puts tortellini in tomato-basil soup and doesn't make that well known on the menu. See here's the thing, I don't eat wheat anymore. So when I find pasta unannounced in a seemingly harmless tomato soup I am annoyed. Not to mention the fact that when i dug all of it out, I was only left with about a 2/3 cup of soup. I think there should be some sort of tomato-basil soup standards board that stops things like this from happening. Oh, but the reason it is two stars is because of how awkward it got when we were ordering (and if you don't know yet... I love awkward). We walked up to the counter and the two of us ordered. The guy asked my friend "so ma'am, what would you like to drink?"... then he turns to me and says "what about you, man"... although it sort of did sound a bit like he said "ma'am". Now I gave him the benefit of the doubt, but my friend had this really offended look on her face and snapped "excuse me... um... excuse me... but I do believe he is a 'sir'"! The poor guy was reeling, trying to explain that he said "man" and that he was sorry if she misunderstood. WOW. awkward.
(2)Mollie K.
I have surprisingly never been here for brunch on a Sunday and I was shocked by how crowded it gets. It was a perfect Sunday morning to sit outside and enjoy the weather. I did like this restaurant but the mistake was what I ordered. I tried to cheat the system by ordering multigrain pancakes which were as good as they sound....really bad. :) They were dense and heavy not like the light and fluffy pancakes. Lesson learned to never mess with the original. On another note the egg white vegetable omelet was delicious!
(4)Linh P.
Very eclectic selection of food. My absolute favorite thing to get there is the French Dip Sandwich. Everything about this sandwich is perfect and I've ordered it at a lot of places (ew forget La Madeleines don't even try it). The beef is tender and perfect amount of saltiness. The amount of beef is generous and fills up the sandwich. You can tell the cheese is of quality: when you pull the the sandwich away from your mouth, the cheese follows and won't let go. The flavors all come together each time the sandwich goes for a swim au jour onion sauce. If you go, get the French Dip. Everything else I've tried there has been pretty good too, the creole bowl is good, the ahi tuna salad was decent but I would've liked it better if it was a leafy salad rather than just cabbage and sprouts. The gelato is meh, I've had better but there's not a very good gelato place in Houston to begin with. They also have fun flavors of iced tea (unsweeten) if you're a tea fan. You can also get a parking validation if you park in the garage. Its kinda pricey though, so beware (10 bucks for a sandwich!)
(4)Cory O.
I'm in love with the pizza here. It has some cutsie little name like Angry Shrimp Pizza or something. It is heaven in your mouth. At first I thought it was a little strange to have shrimp on a pizza (btw, it is actually put on a thick bread, maybe foccacia?), but with the creamy sauce, it was perfect. The other dishes I've tried there are also fantastic (the grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup is out of this world!) and they have a decent selection of beer. They also have a few of those fun bottled sodas (cream soda, root beer, etc.) that makes my husband turn into a little kid. I'm not a dessert person, but evidently they are to die for. One of my favorite things about Black Walnut is that not only do you get a nice meal in a nice setting, but they'll validate your parking in the garage. Wish I had known that months ago since that garage charges $10 in the evenings!
(5)Tom B.
I love coming here for brunch. I've tried several things from the menu and nothing was ever bad. My favorite are the fish tacos (fried) with mango cilantro sauce. Very flavorful and you can tell they use fresh quality ingredients. I also really like the ambiance of the restaurant.
(4)May N.
Nice little place to eat meals at all times of the day. They have a broad menu for such a small place and offer beer, wine, and dessert. Mmmm! Gelato! The food is southwestern style and they serve omelets, salads, sandwiches, pastas, soups, pizza, and seafood-ish stuff. They also have free Wifi and I've studied here for hours before and no one bothers you. I think all of the establishments immediately surrounding the garage will validate your parking.
(3)Jenny S.
I'm a little shocked at the 1 and 2 star reviews because I think this place is amazing! I've tried breakfast, lunch and dinner here and everything I've gotten has been delicious. The staff is super friendly and helpful if you have questions about different flavors or ingredients. The ambiance of BW is what makes it 5 stars instead of 4. Along with traditional tables and chairs, they have several tables w/wing-backed comfy chairs that are perfect for long study sessions.
(5)Claire M.
Had lunch here. Lovely enough atmosphere, nice decor, pleasant location. Nice wait staff. A bit too pricey for what it is. Submit your food order at the counter, find a seat, wait for the little light thing to twinkle and then go get your order. I ordered the Larson's Burger, which is a hoagie type bread, burger patty, goat cheese, sun dried tomatoes, lettuce and onions. The bread was probably stale, it was dry and crumbly. We ordered the eggrolls and when we went to retrieve them, another customer had swiped them. She later brought them back to the service counter but at that point i did not want them. My friend ordered the pot roast. It was nicely seasoned and tender but still mediocre. It might be a good place for drinks and appetizer but i won't be dining here again.
(2)Thaddeus S.
This place never disappoints. They have a great menu, full of variety and great taste.
(5)Necie G.
The food at Black Walnut is decent, but I am hardly ever in the mood to pay $12 for a salad. I mostly go here for group lunches with my coworkers so I've been to the one on Research Forest (The Woodlands) and the one on Morningside (Rice Village) -- no difference to me between the two, just standard food at a higher price than I'd typically prefer to pay for lunch. It gets really busy at lunch time and if you're with a large group, seating may be an issue. Once when I went to the one in The Woodlands, my chicken in my salad was still pink on the inside. When I returned the salad, the manager brought me a new salad and comped the meal without my asking, which I thought was really nice.
(3)S. W.
I'd give it 2 stars for the food- "Meh-I've had better" -which is true. But the extra star is for the fantastic gelato and customer service. Really nice people and really awesome deserts. The seating both in and out will accommodate larger groups, private 1-on-1s, and the outside is great for those rare moments of Texas breezes. Beware of the pigeons though -they'll stalk your food. O.0
(3)Victoria M.
Nice, casual American fare, but not always worth the price. I've been to Black Walnut a handful of times, but the most recent visit left me unsatisfied. I ordered their Santa Fe chicken salad for almost $13, only to find very little in quantity of toppings and a lot of lettuce. I left the restaurant hungry. However, burgers are ok, and their New Orleans pasta is my husband's favorite. I will probably be coming back because they have such a variety, but will steer clear of the salad options.
(3)Andrew C.
--General In a plaza area so parking isn't too difficult, and there is plenty of seating inside the spacious restaurant. Prices are fair and service is decent, except a couple members in my party didn't get their food until 30+ minutes after the rest of u
(3)Adam C.
I really like Black Walnut. Just about everything I have tried on their menu has been great. The service is a little slow though and they frequently mess up my order. The place is really loud inside and the seating isn't very comfortable. If I were only rating the food, I would give it a 5-star.
(4)Erin F.
I'm sorry to have to do this, but it must be done. I had a TERRIBLE experience at the Black Walnut. Let me preface this by saying that I usually like this place - I had been here a handful of times before and each time was enjoyable. But recently they have changed their menu, and I assume they have changed their management along with it. First off, my favorite Thai Noodle Steak Salad was taken off the menu. And contrary to the "Your wish is our command sign" that states if you don't see your old favorite on the new menu just come up to the counter and ask for it, they would not make it for me. So I decided to go with the Ahi Tuna Salad. My friend ordered the guacamole and chips to start and the quesadillas for dinner. Well, after shelling out over $15 for my salad, my friend and I had to wait about 20+ minutes and they did not send the guac and chips out first. At this time, I'm not too bothered, but when I got to get MY entree, I literally had to ask why my buzzer went off because I knew that chunk of rare Ahi tuna on a few pieces of cabbage couldn't have been my salad. As validation for my confusion, as I went to pick mine up, there was another random customer asking "Is this really the Ahi Tuna Salad? Where is the salad?" They said they would add some romaine to it and bring it out. OK then...? They bring it to the table, I start to eat, and,,, it's awful. I would say it had no taste at all because there was no way they used seasoning, but that would mean it did not have a slightly fishy taste - which it did. At this point, I'm pretty bummed that I've wasted $15 on a crappy dinner so I eat some of my friend's chips and guac. I honestly didn't know you screw up guacamole, but apparently you can. My friend and I were catching up about wedding details so we stayed for around an hour after we ate and they never bussed our table. Now, I'm the first one to tell you how rude it is to start taking plates away when the entire table hasn't finished, but I'm also not a fan of simply not busing the table at all. I swear I saw a few fruit fly looking insects hovering around the large chunk of tuna on my plate. Bleh. To top it off, I went to the restroom before we left and they were out of paper towels. One of my pet peeves. So unfortunately, I cannot recommend this restaurant. You'd be much better off going to D'Amico's next door.
(1)Lauren J.
I have only had their gelato. It was OK, not great. I would probably not go back just for their gelato.
(2)Diana S.
What happened to the Black Walnut? We had eaten here previously, and we remembered it as good. Ate here this evening, and it was terrible. We should have known by the number of people here on a Sat night. Restaurants next door were crowded, but not this one. The food was not good at all. All 3 of us got something different, and all 3 were not good. Even the dessert was poor. Will not eat here again. Very disappointing.
(1)Lauren C.
As I sit at the Black Walnut Cafe studying and enjoying a delicious piece of Red Velvet Cake it hits me: after many many times of coming here for food and/or for studying I have never reviewed the place. So here I am taking a break from studying as I write a review of a place I frequent. I'd like to start off saying that Black Walnut is my favorite place to study. They have meal food, snack food, desserts, coffee, and drinks that are wonderful to nibble or sip upon while cracking open one of my enormous law text books. For days like today when I'm doing a lot of online legal research they have free WiFi. And if you can get to a spot, they have plugs at various places around the restaurant. It is very easy to grab one if there aren't that many people around, but good luck finding a table let alone a plug during lunchtime. Sure it gets a little noisy at peak meal times, but it is never too bad and a little noise helps me study (I know, weird). Last semester two of my friends and I met every Saturday from 11-4 here for lunch and studying for a class we all had together. We all quite enjoyed it, though I think I was the only one who didn't get the chicken tender salad every weekend. Their food isn't the best food in Houston, but it is nothing to sneeze at either. Everything I have tried on the menu, and with as many times as I've been here I've made it my mission to try as many different things as possible, has been very good. I'd probably give them 4 stars on food and price, but for me the added ambiance as a great place to hang out and study gives it another star. They have great desserts as well including some very good gelato. If you manage to come during breakfast everything is very good, though some items are much more pricey than their regular menu items. Because it is in the Rice Village, parking is always an issue, but Black Walnut will validate your parking if you park in the garage. On a random note, I am sad they stopped listing their menu prices out to the 4th decimal point, but I understand that only a nerd like me would appreciate it and most others would be confused by it.
(5)Diane Y.
I prefer this location over the location out in Sugarland. The manager at this location will walk around and ask the customers if everything's okay. The food is nothing spectacular. Some dishes are probably a hit or miss depending on your taste. I find that the chicken tenders basket is consistently good though. 4 stars in my book. The gelato is definitely yummy, I just wish they had more flavors. Try the crema baci and raspberry. Like that brownie a la mode but want to sample some gelato flavors? You don't have to get the vanilla that comes with it, request a different flavor, and they'll gladly replace it. Mint chocolate (but beware it's pretty darn minty) and raspberry go best. A good spot for dinner in groups right before heading over next door to Baker St.
(3)Patty Z.
Great fast-casual fare that is a few steps up from a more generic chain like Panera Bread. It's a great spot to relax and meet up with friends or take advantage of the free wi-fi to get some work done. They have a pretty diverse menu and a surprisingly good selection of alcohol. I've been here a number of times for breakfast, lunch and dessert (for some reason, I never make it for dinner) and have always been satisfied. I especially love their crispy, peppery bacon at breakfast. Mmmm. The hubby is a fan of their chicken tenders basket. Make sure to try the gelato; I highly recommend the biscottino. It tastes just like banana pudding! Yum.
(4)Christine M.
Black Walnut Cafe...what to expect...my bf's brother said it best, "a better version of cafe express." At first I didn't know what he meant by that, but as I walked in I kind of saw it. The menu had a very similar layout, but I liked the choices at BWC more than that at Cafe Express. I ordered the Taco Salad and an iced tea because I saw that they had 3 different types of iced tea. My bf's younger brother ordered the cheese bread or something of that sort because he said I just had to try it. The one thing about this place is that the food comes out in the order that you ordered it. So if there was a big party before you then well you have to wait that much longer even if you just ordered a soup or salad...that kind of sucks! My buzzer finally lit up and my bf got the fish tacos and I got my taco salad. I decided to get the ginger peach iced tea and figured I would get to try the other teas after I finished the first glass. My salad was just OK. It didn't impress me nor did it disgust me. It was just kind of there. I can't even really describe the flavors or what was going through my mind as I ate it because that was just it...nothing much. The cheese bread on the other was quite good although the down side was that it was super greasy! All in all this place was just OK.
(3)Jay D.
Great food. Clean place. I think it may be a bit pricey because of location.
(3)Cindy W.
I like the ambiance and the outdoor seating. I had the Asian Tuna Salad which is good. The New Orleans pasta is excellent. We always get the gelato after our meal as dessert. Parking is a bit of problem but there's a parking garage (you can get the ticket validated once you ordered).
(4)Dee Dee E.
I looooove Black Walnut!! I visited there two weekends ago and have been dying to go back. I got the stuffed french toast and had the BEST potatoes EVER! I really enjoyed the fresh squeezed juice as well. The decor and atomsphere were pretty good. The customer service was AWESOME- overall Im excited about taking my family & friends there!!
(5)Bob J.
The three locations were just purchased - - so approach with caution over the next few months.
(3)Emily M.
cute little place in the village. i ordered the roast beef au jus sandwich, which was very tasty. the menu offers a wide variety of food--from breakfast all-day to soups, salads, sandwiches, and mexican food. overall, this is a good place to bring a crowd with different tastes or who want many options. the atmosphere's pretty nice--upscale cafe with dark wood and pretty gold-leaf varnished tables. also, patio seating outside is available. the desserts, including gelato, looked pretty good, although i personally didn't save room for the sweets. i'll go again to give it another try one day. prices pretty middle-of-the-road, as well.
(4)Phillip T.
This place offers Americana food like burgers and other greasy goodness. I got the Max's Grilled Chicken Sandwich which resembles a hoagie topped blue cheese and I got a side of salad. This is not a diner per se but more like an upscale eatery with dark paneled wood all around. There are large pieces of art hung near the food pickup area. You can find plush seating along the long wall of the restaurant. I'm not sure if the wifi is free but I saw a few people with laptops. The numbers here are warped. The prices for meals carries to the hundred-thousandth place, i.e. 9.23456. Expect to pay about $8-12 per person without drinks. Also, finish your meal with a gelato!
(4)David L.
Noisy but good food and service. Fair price and free wifi. Grilled shrimp pasta and mandarin salad is delicious.
(4)Morgan G.
Great breakfast! Friendly staff, cozy atmosphere.
(4)Jams M.
Tried one of the southwest type salads. Was very happy with my selection as well as the house white wine. The prices seemed a little high for what you got, but overall it was a good experience.
(4)Donna A.
I used o come here for gluten free options, but not anymore. They served me a flour tortilla instead of corn. I just can't even say how upset I am right now.
(1)Daniel G.
I'm surprised this place doesn't have more stars. My wife and I have been here quite a bit (a couple of times because we thought we'd go to Torchy's, saw the line, and said "nah, let's just go to Black Walnut"), and we've never been disappointed. Surprised the first time, since we came here right after moving to Houston and didn't realize that table service hasn't made it to Texas yet (it's pretty great Texas, I promise; the waiter or waitress actually comes *to your table* to take your order), but the food is always good and someone always comes by our table to ask how we're enjoying our meal. My only complaint would be the noise. When it gets busy, it gets pretty loud. But for food and service, this place is solid.
(4)Kimmi D.
My Favorite Sandwich Here is the French dip sandwhich. It has so much flavor and it's delicious every time I get it. The is place is great for large parties if you don't want to worry about the bill, since they have counter service.
(4)Anthony G.
I decided to give this place another chance for breakfast. The atmopshere is pleasing and comfortable; however, my breakfast was not! I tried the Pico Benedict and a house coffee. The eggs were almost raw and the sauteed potatoes were undercooked and still solid as rock. In a word, inedible! Had the eggs and potatoes been cooked properly the dish would have been palatable. In closing, the cashier, Alexis, was absolutely charming and the Tanzanian Peaberry Coffee was rich and delicious.
(1)Jamison E.
I guess you could say I'm a regular at this place. I used to live near the Sugar Land location so now I've been to 2 locations. Some days the food is better than other days but in general the food is good to above average. It is good place to meet friends and socialize over a meal. Prices are a little higher than the typical Chili's/BJ's. I like their lobster tacos and salads. Being a vegetarian/peshatarian I cant talk about some of the other dishes. And their desserts are yummy but I am not sure they make them on site which is kinda a let down.
(4)Mai N.
first off, they validate parking for the garage right next to it, so you don't have to deal with the hassle of finding rice village parking which totally sucks. black walnut cafe is a nice place for a casual affordable lunch. it emits a laid back atmosphere, and the interior decor reminds me of a coffee shop - intimate and cozy. of course, during peak hours, it's filled with lots of people which ruins that sense of intimacy, but nonetheless, the food is yums! they also have a small outdoor seating area to dine outside on a nice day. anyways, you order at the counter. and they give you a beeper. and you pick up your food at the counter when the beeper rings. the thing i probably love most about this place is their garlic bread. omg it must be like the best garlic bread i've ever had. you get a slice of garlic bread with all the pasta dishes and i think the salads too. so far, i've only tried the spinach and artichoke dip, black walnut lemon chicken pasta, and the bank no.19 at this particular location but they were all yummy! - the spinach & artichoke dip was served warm with a basket of tortilla chips. it also came with sour cream and salsa but i didn't touch those. there's not much to say about it. it was good, and i liked it, but it's your standard appetizer. nothing that blew me away ($9) - the black walnut lemon chicken was served over linguine in a lemon pavia alfredo sauce. i'm a sucker for lemon flavoring and the chicken was juicy with just the right hint of that lemon-y taste. ($10.50) - the bank no. 19 (not sure why it's called this) has cheese-filled tortellini served with sauteed shrimp in pesto pavia alfredo sauce with sun dried tomatoes and toasted almonds. they give you a decent amount of shrimp! and the sun-dried tomatoes and toasted almonds taste amazing with the tortellini. not sure if it's worth it's sorta steep price tag ($15.75), but it is a good dish! they have a really tempting display of gelato that i haven't gotten to try yet but i've heard good things!
(4)Renia L.
I enjoy this place, the food is good and the cashiers are always nice and helpful. They too are also very generous with the gelatto samples. The only qualm I have is the price. I mean, we stand in line, order our own food, then have to go get it. Not to mention get our own beverage and utensils. Can a salad not be 13 dollars?
(3)Alicia B.
Everything I have gotten here is delicious. Yesterday I had the lobster tacos. The lobster was juicy and flavorful . . . Not over cooked and rubbery or bland like some other places. The atmosphere is relaxing. I have business meetings here, brunch w/ my Mom & sister, it's just an overall great place. The only thing better than the food is the fact that they have decent Sangria and great Gelato. Check it out if you haven't yet.
(5)