Pappa's in Houston
What do the locals think of this place? The bellman at my hotel (Marriott airport) suggested this place for seafood. Although it wasn't exactly what I was expecting (chain, casual restaurant) I ordered the blackened red snapper, which was advertised as being freshly caught in the Gulf, and it was really good! Beautifully cooked, tender and moist.
The portions served were so generous as to be ridiculous, and I was surpised that my "side" dish of jambalaya rice contained a fair amount of meat in it.
My crabcake appetizer was also huge, and absolutely covered in a mountain of fried onion crips, but under all the garnish the cake itself was also moist and well flavoured, with real capers.
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Hellllz yeah Pappas is good I go to Htown all the time...and Pappas Gumbo is on fire...the snapper is real good too..if you want mexican style seafood...TRY MAMBO
›7 Replies-
re: jmellow
Cheflambo
Jan 28, 2008 12:40 PM
I've never had a bad meal at Pappa's Seafood. Everything was always high quality, flavorful, and bountiful. I never leave without "leftovers". I'm hungry just thinking about them, and it is HOURS until dinner!
As the empire has expanded, the Pappa's have taken over the Luther's BBQ places, and in some places things have, well, suffered a bit. I know its just not "Luther's" any more, but things seem a little more "corporate" than the downhome Luthers I knew. Sort of like when your favorite little seafood place suddenly becomes Red Lobster. Maybe its just me .....
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re: Cheflambo
danhole
Jan 28, 2008 12:51 PM
I agree Chef. I basically stay away from Pappas because they take over long time favorites, raise the prices, and lower the quality, IMO. I hate what they did to Luther's, and aren't they the ones that took over the Luby's cafeterias? I try to avoid Landry's for the same reason.
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re: danhole
Cheflambo
Jan 28, 2008 01:50 PM
Yes, I think the Pappa's folks are involved with Luby's these days but the Landry group is a different operation, owned and controlled by the iron fist of Tillman Fertitta. Although I enjoy Joe's Crab and the occasional trip to Kemahland, I dislike putting more money into that guy's pocket.
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re: danhole
neverfull
Jan 31, 2008 01:46 PM
i waited tables at pappas seafood and pappadeaux in college for over 3 years. that was many years back, but the quality was always high and the kitchen did not hesitate to throw food out. this is not what usually happens in the back of the house.
although i would not choose a pappas restaurant if i were looking for an adventurous meal, haute cuisine, or if i were out on a weekend night (there seems to always be a wait), their restaurants are great standbys for good, comforting food with consistent quality, good service, and moderate prices. the chicken fajitas are the most tender i've had (and i usually order beef) at pappasito's. the ponchartrain at pappadeaux is heavenly. the fried oysters and crabcakes at pappas seafood or steakhouse are amazing. don't get me started on their desserts!
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Pappas is based here and very prolific. Some of their restaurants qualify as chains with locations elsewhere, some as just multiple location locals and some as one of a kind. It's not unusual for us to receive good comments on the Pappas restaurants from out-of-towners who don't even realize they have eaten at a chain. They are famous for very generous portions at moderate prices, the secret supposedly being that they never advertise so they don't have that overhead.
That being said, in most cases, with the most notable exception of Pappas Steak house which is regarded by many as the best prime steak house in the state, Hounds will be able tor recommend local alternatives that are better. I personally think the quality has gone down as the empire has expanded.
Glad you enjoyed the meal and welcome to Houston.
