Byblos Houston

Went on a Thursday. It was empty. Food was mediocre and over priced. So was the hookah. Plus the wanted me to pay the valet yet park the car myself. Total BS. I hear it is hip on Friday and Saturday but there are so many other places in Houston with good food, hookah, and ambiance… but for much less money.
The management seems shady as well. My friend was spied on through their cameras but reported to her significant other. Smh!

Came here for a friend’s birthday dinner. We made a reservation and we were advised it was mandatory for each person who came to spend at least $ 35 by the end of the night. We wanted to get there in enough time to eat and see the belly dancer so we came at 8:45 and the place was surprisingly empty. I ordered the mixed chicken and shrimp plate and various appetizers. I really enjoyed the chicken kabob it was really seasoned well and very tender. We had SEVERAL drinks each and they really don’t play. They were STRONG and worth the $ 10 each. We ordered hookah also and chose the orange option they had to make it last longer. I was really surprised with how long it lasted. We literally kept smoking for more than 2 hours and we had to leave before it even finished, which was a first!
People really started to pack the place around 10pm and there were about 5 other tables also celebrating their birthdays and anniversaries. The belly dancer ended up being late but her performance was very fun to watch even though it seemed to last only about 10 minutes. Later they had a singer come on and he really made everyone go nuts. I honestly had a great time.
My only advice would be to really watch your bill. Our waiter was very sweet but he added the next tables meals and if I wasn’t paying attention I would have ended up paying almost 100 more than I should have. When we told them he quickly apologized and fixed it. They also add 18% gratuity on themselves so keep that in mind.

NO STARS!!! ******IF YOU WANT TO BE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST THEN BY ALL MEANS COME TO BYBLOS***** First of all, my friends and I were previously at another Middle Eastern café and we left because we wanted to dance and drink, so, we decided to go to BYBLOS. We LOVE JABOUR! So, I parked (parking was HORRIBLE) and entered and sat down at the table where my friends were seated (they got there before me) ANYWAY, the waiter comes takes our order and was very nice. The band was playing, and we were loving it. So, 20mins later they announced JABOUR and he came out and started to sing. After about a half hour the stage was clear and JABOUR decided to sing one very famous and popular FAIROUZ song and my friend Roy and I (both males) got up to dance. We were dancing until the song ended. Being Middle Eastern, two men dancing together IS ABSOLUTELY NORMAL as long as you are not being inappropriate. So, we sit down and couple songs later he starts to sing some other song and the whole dance floor was somewhat packed. I grabbed Roy’s hand and we head to the stage. We start to dance and some man wearing a valet looking shirt approaches us and says «NO, NO, I CAN’T HAVE TWO MEN DANCING TOGETHER.» Roy acknowledges what he said and grabs my hand and says «WE CANNOT DANCE TOGETHER WE HAVE TO GO SIT.» my response was obviously in complete shock and I asked the man what did you say and he said «I CANNOT HAVE TWO MEN DANCING TOGETHER, GIRL AND GIRL FINE BUT BOY AND BOY NO.» So, my response was immediately NO, I am going to continue dancing. We had a group of ladies approach us from when we started dancing and complimented both of us on our dancing. They were all dancing around us. So, when they saw that we were uncomfortable they approached us and said «ignore them and dance with us» we did that and ignored the uneducated, naïve man that is obviously discriminating against us. The song ended we walked back to our booth and he was standing near us. I walked up to the host and asked for management and she took me to him. I told him all that happened and he said «Nope, sorry, I can’t have two men dancing together it’s our policy.» So, I walked away without wasting my breath heading back to the table and told my friends let’s go. We payed our bill and walked out. Last I checked IN AMERICA dancing with your friends is NORMAL. But apparently according to BYBLOS policy, GIRL AND GIRL is fine but BOY AND BOY is not. I can understand if it was «dirty» dancing or by any means derogatory by any shape or form and if it would offend anyone then you have the right to tell us to stop BUT!!! we were two friends dancing. Not even touching. I am so beyond offended by what happened. Everyone on our table was offended. We are Middle Eastern men that respect our culture and customs. We all know at weddings/​parties there are plenty of men that dance together. Boy and boy dancing together in our culture is NORMAL!!! Anyway, I hope they wake up and realize this is Texas and not some 3^rd world country! WE WILL NEVER STEP FOOT IN THIS POOR MINDED ESTABLISHMENT AGAIN!!! WAKE UP BYBLOS OWNER/​MANAGER THIS IS THE USA. Thank you.

Byblos has improved tremendously, we were a large party and had Fadi as our waiter. He did a phenomenal job and would go back to ask for him specifically. in addition, their food is well representing the middle eastern cuisine and was quite delicious. On to of all — the entertainment you get from the belly dancers, the band and Jabour are worth every minute.

Lively, good food, and they always take care of our group.

mr. Assam the most gorgeous man in this place he respected all the customers he really good person

Horrible experience. On getting there, I literally sat in the valet for at least 3 minutes and watched the valet guys have a conversation. One of them then suggested self parking behind. We went behind and had to pay $ 5 for self parking. We had just eaten prior to arriving and Byblos and we’re just looking for drinks and hookah. Inside, we were asked if we had a reservation and we said no. The lady then proceeded to tell us that each person had to spend a minimum of $ 35. I personally have been to Byblos once before (about a year ago) and they didn’t have this policy. It’s just irritating that an establishment has a minimum spending policy.

I decided to try another middle eastern place in Houston, did some internet searching and found this place with 2.5 stars… I was apprehensive about the reviews, but since I’ve drove past the joint 100x I figured it was time to stop in. In short, the reviews are correct – so far this site has really never failed to let me down.
I was rubbed the wrong way with this joint… it’s not that it’s terribly bad in any way, but they do things that I believe may just be fairly offensive to the average Houstonian. I fully appreciate that a business needs to make a profit and so forth, but let me explain–
The first thing that I’m told when entering is that there is a 35 $ minimum fee. I expected to eat dinner, have a few drinks and maybe hookah after – I expect this to exceed 35, in any case, by stating this directly to my face it elicits negative emotions of feeling cheap or being imposed to follow a specific set of rules that place me in a submissive position. I’m not the boss here, I’m the bitch, and I’m going to pay up, or else!
The food was alright, nothing to brag about. Service was fairly slow, but, I am fully aware of the concept of Egyptian time (etc) and was there to enjoy the evening, I was not in a rush.
Foul #2: I’m told there is no menu for hookah and convinced into getting ‘something different’ – which would up being a $ 35 hookah (with an orange stabbed on the end). Now, I’ve lived in the middle east which gives me a bias toward this type of service being cheap, but I’ve been to plenty of other places in Houston for hookah and this is grossly expensive. $ 20 maybe, but $ 35? Let’s do math, that’s 75% more expensive than other places. A little more and you’re almost double. I think you can apply this multiplier on the entire night’s price tag, it works out fairly well.
Foul #3: 18% gratuity is included on the bill for a party of 2. So, again, I have no say in quality of service. You’ve got all these guys running around with hot coals refreshing your pipe, delivering drinks, etc – I get that they need to be tipped. I just prefer that you let me do that on my own accord instead of imposing it. If there were 12 people at the table – go ahead and add the gratuity to the bill – for 2? You’re not getting an extra tip because I feel out of control and submissive again. In fact, you really just insulted me.
Foul #4: After being hosed with a fairly expensive bill (most expensive bill I’ve ever paid for this type of entertainment), I get my car from the valet. Not only was there no sign indicating that there was a fee, the valet dude doesn’t tell me there is one when he hands over the keys and walks away. After already having a negative experience and feeling ripped off, I’m leaving the parking lot without tipping the valet. A bunch of guys run after me and stop my car – apparently I owe $ 8 for the valet parking. Not like this guy had to run a country mile to get my car, it was 10 feet away.
I guess if you’re one of those Marquis de Sade, red rubber ball, yes Mrs. may I have another types – then go for it, you’ll enjoy the domineering experience of Café Byblos.

This place is terrible!!! I heard it was under new management but it was one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had at a restaurant… Food was decent at best but the service was dismal. In fact it is probably the worst service I’ve ever had! On top of lousy service they add an 18% gratuity to your bill no matter what size your party is. Even for just 3 people. Its not a «suggested» either, already figured into the bill so you can’t pay less. Then when your credit card receipt comes it has a line for gratuity in case you aren’t paying attention you will tip them twice. Even the well drinks that they serve they will charge you for a top shelf drink. They are rude and out to rip you off for mediocre food, terrible service and over priced drinks. I would never go there again and will tell anybody that even mentions the place how bad it is.

Was not a good experience.
Food quality was OK. Service was not.
They make it mandatory to order minimum $ 35 before tax and tip per person. We were 3 driving went at 10 pm so it was neither a dinner time nor we were able to drink that much.
We ended up ordering food to go. We ordered a fruit plate which was $ 7 in the menu, it came $ 23 in the check. They said we got you a bigger one which was not even in the menu! The fruits were very bad and they gave us hard time to change this price to the one in the menu. The check came with 18% tip added already however we were a party of 3 only which is very unusual.
We paid the check and the waiter gave us a very bad and rude look! May be he needed us to pay more tip than what was added already!
Overall experience was not good and I don’t think I will go again.

Never ever will I come near the entrance of this dump. It is The most low class place I have been to in my life.
We went as a group on New Year’s Eve. We were told that it will cost 100 $ per person (this is inclusive of everything: food, hookas, drinks… etc.)
The food sucked, a piece of cold chicken breast with rice on the side, that’s it! you had to beg for the coal for the hooka, the chairs were very uncomfortable, tables were crowded, the music was loud, the waiters have no manners what-​so-​ever, that is of course if you are lucky and meet one of them.
On top of all of that they lied about the 100 $ being inclusive of everything, they charged for every single thing we ordered! Even the water !! They added a 18% tip and mandatory valet parking for 10 $ a car. We were 7 people, we paid 1100 $!! It was unbelievable!
Oh, btw, we did not drink alcohol, but the champagne bottle they offered, we looked it up and it is a 6 $ bottle! How low is this place!

Never ever go to this place. The servers have no idea about my order. I order something and they give me something. I went there Friday 11−21−14. Before I finish my food they keep asking about the money. And they make me close me tab even before I finish my drinks. I talked to the manager. He don’t know what’s going on. Don’t go there. You will throw your money in the air.

My husband and i went for dinner on a Saturday night. Valentina was our server. Service was great but we were the only ones there. Most people don’t get there until 9 or so, we went at 7:30. We got to see the behind the scenes of the staff setting up, arguing. The table was kind of dirty. Hummus was good. Food was decent. I preferred a different restaurant that i frequent called Pasha. I’ll know next time to go later and to watch the show.

Prices here are on fire, don’t go here. For what they give it’s crazy. Nothing special.

I’ve been here twice for lunch. It’s a nice looking place with decent food and service. Nothing really stands out about the food. There are so many other places in Houston with great Arabic food.

The food is alright. The servers are very slow. Ambience is decent. But again the servers need to pace up because they just don’t attend you. I had to wait 15 mins for my cheque. And at the start the server showed up after 10 mins!!!
Never coming back.

Simply Amazing. Regular guest here. Large parties and small dates treated equally with amazing care.
WONDERFUL food and service!

–You have to pay for parking, $ 5 if you do self parking. I don’t know what the charge is for valet parking. Im assuming a lot more than $ 5.
–There is a $ 20 minimum per person. This is not a cover charge. If your bill is not at least $ 20, they simply charge you $ 20, no matter what.
–There is a mandatory 18% gratuity added, and I don’t think it matters the number of people in the party because we only had 5 people and that is usually done with parties of 8 or more.
–The waiter didn’t know the prices of anything. When asked how much the beer was that I ordered, he said confidently «$ 3 or $ 4»…it was six dollars. So what I assumed was going to be a $ 12 -$ 16 bill was $ 30.
–English was a second, possibly third language for most of the wait staff.
–The hookah was harsh and they only had about 5 or 6 different, basic flavors. Overall, it was not good.
–There was no drink menu. When I asked for one, the waiter went to the bar and wrote down on a scrap of paper all 7 beers that they serve. He wouldn’t let me see the list, rather he insisted on repeating the options to me.
–He didn’t know what kind of liquor they served, he provided a wine list when asked if they have vodka.
–There are a number of big, aggressive looking guys in suits standing around «monitoring» the restaurant. From time to time they walked over and just looked at us. They acted like pit bosses/​security at a casino. Its was unsettling and intimidating.
–The belly dancing was awesome, as was the food!
–Waiter was very attentive, but it was difficult because the language barrier.

This is one if the cleanest, upscale, legit places I have been to in a while. I wish we had this place or something close to it in Austin.
Take a girl out here. Trust me it works always ;)

I was at a CD release party on a Sunday evening and walked up to the bar to get a glass of wine. I was given wine on a plain glass and not a wine glass. I suppose they were out of wine glasses. After being charged about $ 9 for a very bad quality glass of wine, the bar tender has the tenacity to charge me an 18 percent tip? For what? For walking up to the bar? I ended up paying about $ 11 for a bad glass of wine. Though Byblos has good food, this incident left a bitter taste in my mouth. Too bad because the event I went to, the Gypsy Dance Theatre’s CD release party, was awesome.

The entertainment (belly dancer) was fantastic. Really impressive.
Just know, if you go on a Saturday night, there is ONLY valet parking ($ 5) and whether you eat or not, you will automatically be given a $ 30 charge.
However, if you can somehow distract /​charm the valets into trusting you to run inside to the ATM to get the money (and park yourself in the meantime), you may be able to get out of it. And if you leave right as the food comes out, they’ll forget you were ever there and have no one to charge the $ 30. Little tricks of the trade, I tell ya!
It did have a pretty nice atmosphere and there were very many Middle Eastern generation Y’ers here. I don’t think I saw any women wearing pants. Everyone had dresses on with varying amounts of glitter and sparkle. So it may behoove you to leave your jeans at home and put on a dress. I was unaware of this, and I’m sure I stuck out as a sore thumb when I went out on the dance floor.

I was there last saturday night. the music is great and it is alot of fun. The hookah is ok nothing special and costs $ 25 on the weekend which is pretty expensive. The food is not good at all but it is really expensive as well. The only way to get water is in a family size water bottle which costs $ 7 there. The service is pretty good.
To be honest, the place is pretty expensive. Usually we dont eat there, just drinks and Hookah. And the only thing that is worth going there for is the band which is pretty awesome.

I absolutely adored this place! Amazing food, hookah, and entertainment. The belly dancer’s performance was great. Very sophisticated and perfect for a group hangout. The dance floor is a bit small and can get easily crowded, however. It is also a bit over-​priced. There is valet parking. And waiters add in their own tip. There’s also a minimum requirement to spend at least $ 20. Overall the place gives off a very middle eastern vibe and is a splendid experience; Definitely will be coming here again.