Another hectic holiday season is upon us, which means there’s bound to be more than a few brave-the-masses moments at The Shops at Riverside in your future (or, if you’re like me, your present). There’s no reason you should have to do double-duty making dinner, too. Take a breather far from the maddening crowds (and your kitchen) at Houston’s.
Located on Level One (next to Barnes & Noble), Houston’s is everything my family and I love about eating out—a warm and inviting atmosphere, solid service, and a great menu that everyone in our entourage enjoys- plus the new reservation system, which makes getting in and out a breeze (hello no more 1 hour waits!). We stopped by last week after hitting some early-bird sales, and here’s how it went down.
Taking a seat at a four-top, Houston’s immediately had us feeling at home (the real working fireplace didn’t hurt, either). Now, as you’re probably well aware, dining out with the whole family isn’t always easy, especially when you’ve got two very picky kids’ palates to please. Surprisingly, mine zeroed in on what they wanted in no time. Jessie, 11, went with the Chicage-Style Spinach and Artichoke dip to start, followed by a Ceasar salad loaded with romaine ribbons, rustic croutons, and grated Reggiano ($13); Casey, 7, was beyond pleased to find her culinary security blanket—chicken fingers and shoestring fries—firmly planted on the menu.
With the kids’ meals all picked out, it was time for us adults to do some damage of our own. That’s another great thing about Houston’s: there’s something here for everyone. Like my ribs-loving hubby, John, who immediately called out for the Campfire Barbecue Ribs ($29), which came with a side of fries and coleslaw, and a Chicago-Style Spinach Dip starter ($15). My order, natch, was slightly more restrained: A kale salad I eyeballed on the appetizer section, which I then customized with chunks of insanely good rotisserie chicken. Still feeling frazzled from the holiday hordes, I paired my meal with a well-deserved glass from Houston’s hearty wine list (updated seasonally, so there’s always something new).
With our meal selections made, it was finally time for us to all sit back, relax, and enjoy one of those great family talks you always hope for but rarely experience: namely, finding out exactly what the kids were putting on their wish lists (the fewer trips to the mall the better!). They still haven’t decided yet, but I’m definitely adding another great meal at Houston’s to mine.
Speaking of gifts, here’s one you’re gonna love unwrapping: a $100 gift card to Houston’s! ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE.
Jennifer Law is the Editor in Chief of Bergen Mama, she loves tipping off readers on the best that Bergen County has to offer and resides in Alpine with her two kids and very patient husband.
Houstons at The Shops at Riverside
One Riverside Square Hackensack
201-488-5667
Open 7 Days a Week
Reservations can be made online here or via phone
