server

host/hostess

bartender

line cook/prep cook

greeter

Houstons Restaurant

Working here has brought a lot of stress into my life, but the money I make is unbeatable and has kept me here for 2+ years now. Management comes and goes a lot, and most of them are well-trained. The workplace culture is like most other food-service jobs I've worked, with an upscale dining flair. It is very fast-paced and a lot more is required of you in comparison to other serving jobs I've worked. (There are no food-runners, buss boys, etc.) The stress of doing everything for your tables while also helping out the restaurant as a whole was too much for me to handle at times, even after being there for years. Unfortunately, the long late hours and after-work culture of the service industry is a breeding ground for alcoholism, but this is certainly not the fault of Houston's. Encouragement to overwork yourself by picking up shifts is rampant, as managers are desperate for more workers. I certainly felt exploited and pushed many times to be there 7 days a week, or back to back double shifts. The hardest part of the job is the after-close duties, which are insanely time-consuming in comparison to all other service-industry and fine dining jobs I've worked. I would usually have to stay up to 3-4 hours after close cleaning, doing financial duties, and other responsibilities for restaurant upkeep that I was not separately compensated for. I always thought this was unfair, but it is the nature of the restaurant. You only cost them $2.13 an hour to be there, and they sure will squeeze that labor out of you after the guests are gone. While this review sounds mostly negative, a lot of good things can be said about working here. The pay is always good, as the check averages are high and most people tip well. The coworkers are kind and friendly, and management (for the most part) cares about your well-being. The permanent scheduling system is nice for planning ahead in the week, but inconvenient for planning a trip in advance as you cannot request time off. For each negative thing I have to say, there is a way to swing it to a positive, and that is what kept me working there for so long.

Work-life balance- Not great. They would work you to the bone if you let them. Draw lines early and stick to them. Decide for yourself if you or the money come first, because everyone chants "the money, the money" to keep themselves from going crazy. I worked 30 hours part time. To be fair, it is good money.
Coworkers- Most were amazing. There were a few 'cliquey' people who had been there a while and had some attitude towards the newer servers.
Management- Very well organized, everyone on the same page. Could be frustrating sometimes keeping up with the attention to detail that is required of you.
Money - I never made less than $100 a shift, even on slow day lunches when I only had a handful of tables all day. On doubles (11 AM-10 PMish), you can expect to make a 4-500+. 200+ most evening shifts. There is a tip-out but you bring home most of your money.
Your section is small (3 tables), but you are expected to attend to them hand and foot. I liked this, it allows you to be more attentive to your tables and trust me, there was still plenty to keep up with and stay busy. Work hard and you are rewarded. Keep up appearances - very important to look and act your best.

Worked there for 5 years. There is no time off...EVER. I was once written up because I called in sick from the hospital with pneumonia and was unable to get my shift covered. My coworkers were the only reason I stayed at that job as long as I did, and I wanted desperately the opportunity to lead them. Was denied promotion to salary position multiple times, and once was literally told it was because I "had a family." Consistently short-staffed because of the intense nature of the job. Went through managers like tissue paper, so priorities were constantly changing. I could name at least 30 managers I worked under. Eventually a GM came in that simply seemed to not mesh well with my personality. He found every possible excuse to write me up, including twice for a faded shirt collar. Eventually let me go without giving a reason, but instead offering me compensation, effectively PAYing almost a thousand dollars to get rid of one of their most experienced employees. Was upset for like 24 hours, but never looked back. 

Houston’s has a high standard for you as a server, which is fine, but they don’t compensate for that. You make the minimum wage of $2.13 an hour, but closing duties sometimes take 2-3 hours past closing. The managers are rude. They will talk to you any way if you allow it. They will comment on your appearance, your hair, your weight... You do receive 50% off meals, but you are very limited as to when you can utilize your 50%. The tips are good, but COVID has put a damper on that. The turn over rate is appallingly high, especially for servers and greeters. When people quit, it’s usually because of management. Training as a server is difficult and few people make it through training so be prepared. Your coworkers are pretty nice, and that’s one of the bigger pluses. Another benefit is you can switch shifts easily for the most part. COVID has been weird so they have been short staffed for a while and that makes it harder, but for the most time you have flexibility. If you desire to work there, you must have tough skin and an end goal in mind. If not, this job will mentally and physically break you. 

Houston's is an amazing restaurant with delicious food that is popular nation wide. The outstanding quality of both service and food gives it its' popular reputation. All employees have genuine smiles and positive mental attitudes which in return creates a delightful ambiance during our guests' dining experience. The North Miami location has a high volume of guests every night creating a fast paced work environment. Teamwork is a major key at Houstons to ensure an unforgettable and pleasurable dining experience. Management is efficient in maintaining not only happiness for guests, but employees as well. The hardest part of the job as a bartender is prioritzing 30-40 guest requests in an efficient time. However, delegating requests to employees, as well as, management keeps a smooth shift. The most pleasurable part of the job is seeing the smiles on my guests' faces as they indulge in our savory meals and enjoy themselves.

Houston's is unlike any other restaurant I've worked for. They demand a lot from you but it makes you push yourself harder. A typical work day would consist of checking the floor and tables in your stations upon clocking in, making sure everything is up to standard. Management can be a little on the micro side but they have a presence on the floor. 

everyone works pretty hard and we all work as a team to help the restaurant stay efficient and to make sure that the guests dining want and need for nothing. The ultimate guest experience is what we call it.

The hardest part was trying to stay ahead during the busy days and times. while you only have 3 tables at a time, there are no busers so everything must be done by the wait staff. So being proactive was a must.

The most enjoyable part was definitely meeting like minded individuals that shared your same enthusiasm and work ethic that you had. Without it the restaurant would not be able to function.

I worked at Houstons's for 6 years till I graduated Nursing school and started working as a nurse.  Love this restaurant, food and people.  Everything is so consistent and if I didn't change my career, I would have been working as a manager there.  I fit in to that environment as they are so structured in every little things.  It is so amazing how they started the business.  Very impressive.  I still go back to see my boss and of course, enjoy the food.  If you do not like to work in a structured place, this place is not for you.  If you like to layback and relaxed environment, you might want to find some place else.  Because Hill stone restaurants have high expectations on their employees and managements.  If you have worked there, you know what I am talking about.  That is why I love it there.

A typical day would start with line up meeting before our shift. We would go over any issues management may have concerns for. As well as going over nightly specials. I learned that team work is key, and the more we all stuck together, the more money we made. Management was a bit strict, but it kept the place running like a well oiled machine. Most people who worked there became professional servers or bartenders. My fellow employees seemed to always be upbeat, and most everyone became friends outside of the workplace too. The hardest part of my job was probably the late night side work, but it was worth it because I almost always left with more money than I expected to make. The best part of my job was the upbeat atmosphere and of course the financial payoff!

Houstons is by far a place I believe that anyone who is interested in customer service/focus should work. The training and intense work made me a strong, dedicated, team leader as well as learning the importance of teamwork!

This Restaurant by far surpasses the importance of working as a team, which is extremely important to me. I believe no one should work for themselves if you are in fact in a place that everyone should work together.

I can't emphasize the foundation that was taught to me while I worked there. I have carried that and will continue to for as long as I live. They have not only taught me skills and teamwork but the importance of people in general, which I take with me in everyday life.

What can I say, I have , in my eyes, had some wonderful teachers and I believe my journey has only begun.

I started working for Houston's as a server while I was in college. Everything about the culture of the company was appealing to me; from how your uniform looked, to how you interacted with your guest. Very quickly I knew that Hillstone was the company I wanted to work for once I graduated college. 

Working for Houston's thought me how to become a great leader, how to handle everyday problems with staff as well as guest. Most importantly my people skills were elevated to a totally different level. The hardest part of the job was, wanted to be better than average. 

Houston's also help me be a better person in my own personal life. Always striving to be the very best.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Server 1 salary reported	$47.50 per hour
Host/hostess 1 salary reported	$29.00 per hour
Bartender 9 salaries reported	$22.67 per hour
Line cook/prep cook 2 salaries reported	$22.25 per hour
Greeter 1 salary reported	$50,000 per year

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