John Devon's

Chris P

Difficult to get a reservation but Hillstone is a great restaurant. The vibe is classy, the food and drinks are delicious, and the staff is kind and very professional. The French dip and shoestring fries are a must. If you have trouble getting a reservation, arrive at opening and you will likely get a table or seats at the bar.

CL G

I came on an early Monday afternoon. I got to the place at 12:55 but my reservation was for 01:30. The front desk told me that I would have to wait until exactly 01:30 for a booth, unless I wanted to sit at the bar. The place was packed, except for the bar. Quickly, the bar filled up as I continued to wait until 01:16, when they finally had a table ready for me. I ordered everything as soon as I sat down, but some of the questions that I had about the food had to be done by the actual waitress for that area because they do some type of server rotation. Let's get into the food: I ordered the coconut shrimp sushi, the artichoke and spinach dip and the french dip sandwich with fries. The artichoke/spinach dip was served first, quickly followed by the sushi. The sushi was amazing and they gave me a bottle of unmarked soy sauce, but since I didn't know what it was I didn't touch it. There was chipolte mayo sauce, dijon mustard and wasabi that I ate with it. The artichoke/spinach dip that I received tasted good and if you finish the chips they come by with more. I could tell they really wanted to fill me up before the main course. The main course was outstanding. I didn't know a sandwich could be that good. The rib eye really shines through with the butter toasted french roll. I also added cooked onions which added more flavor. The french fries that it comes with, they can keep that. It tasted like a warmed version of those potato stick chips that you buy at the deli. I did not get desert, although I was interested in their fall cheesecake. I was full and didn't feel like carrying food home. The waitress did say that I can come in and order to go. I believe they cannot do fries or ice-cream when ordering out. Maybe next time, I'll get the lamb sandwich. Inside the restaurant is very dark, there is a light that hangs directly above the table.

Daniel Adeyemi

Very nice place with quite interior and dimmed lights. Pretty quiet, so you don’t need to do extra to talk. Service was there. Wouldn’t say the most friendliest but very professional and attentive. Food is just too. French dip to die for! Drinks are also well made.

Dena Feldman

Was not expecting this to live up to the hype but I was happily wrong. The service here was amazing. Chelsea was a phenomenal waitress who answered all of our questions about allergies and sharing portions etc. There’s nothing better than having your chilled glass refreshed with a new chilled glass halfway through the meal. Food also was delicious. The veggie burger wasn’t my favorite but I wasn’t upset by it. Everything else I got I would order again. The best bite was by far the mango sushi roll. So refreshing and light 10/10 recommend. My one note atmosphere wise is that it felt like I was sitting in a desk chair and the lighting seemed to change throughout the meal which was a bit distracting.

Tori

So my advice is to be sure to make a reservation. It is nearly impossible to get a table without. Yes you can walk-in, but when they reach their capacity, they will turn you away. Food- delicious. The pictures I posted is just a sneak peak. Be sure to order the ribs. They are tasty and cooked to perfection. The spicy tuna roll has the right texture balance (a little crunchy and a little kick). You also have to get the spinach and artichoke dip. Needless to say, everything is good. Come hungry and leave satisfied.

christina manaridis

Hillstone is one of my absolute favorite spots in NYC. The food is always incredible — the ribs, spinach artichoke dip, and French dip sandwich are all must-haves. The restaurant is beautiful, the vibes are always great, and the staff is so friendly and welcoming. I’ve been coming here for years, and it truly never disappoints. Always a perfect dining experience!

Marcelo Barrera

I had the pleasure of dining at Hillstone NYC this past Thursday, and from the moment we walked in, everything about the evening was exceptional. The ambiance was warm and inviting — a perfect blend of upscale and cozy. Whether you're there for a casual dinner or a special night out, the atmosphere sets the tone beautifully. The service was outstanding. Attentive without being overbearing, the staff made us feel genuinely welcome and ensured every detail was taken care of with a smile. You could tell they take pride in what they do, and it made the entire experience that much better. Now, the food; absolutely phenomenal. We started with the spinach dip, which is a must try. Creamy, flavorful, and served with warm chips, it was the perfect starter to share. We also ordered sushi, which was surprisingly excellent for a non sushi focused restaurant. Fresh, well prepared, and artfully presented. But the highlight of the meal was the French Dip. one of the best I’ve had in NYC. The beef was tender and juicy, the bread perfectly toasted, and the au jus rich and savory. Each bite was packed with flavor, and it’s clear why this dish is a fan favorite. In short, Hillstone delivers on every front: incredible food, top-notch service, and a setting that makes you want to linger just a bit longer. It’s rare to find a restaurant that hits all the marks so consistently, but Hillstone absolutely does. Highly recommend!

My dad and I had a daddy-daughter dinner here last night, and once again Hillstone proved why it’s my absolute favorite restaurant in New York City — honestly, my favorite chain period. The experience is flawless every single time. We both ordered their iconic burgers (the best in the city, hands down), and split a Caesar salad that was perfectly dressed and crisp. For dessert, we shared an ice cream sundae that somehow tasted like childhood and luxury at the same time. Every dish was outstanding — Hillstone never misses. The ambiance is unmatched: warm, elevated, and the kind of place you can actually relax and enjoy a real conversation. And the service? Always exceptional. Polite, attentive, and genuinely kind staff who make you feel like a regular even if it’s your first visit. I love this place more than any other. If you’re looking for consistently delicious food, amazing service, and the coziest vibes in NYC, Hillstone is it. Forever a 10/10.

Yesterday evening, I met some friends here for drinks and what we thought would be dinner. We have dined here before, but it has been a few years. When I arrived, they were already seated at the far end of the bar. I asked the floor manager if I could join them and was asked to make a reservation. I understand now that reservations are required for the bar and parties are limited to two(2) people. As well, the menu is limited in that area. I was told multiple times and emphatically that I was Not guaranteed a seat next to my friends. My friends had already started a tab and we were looking forward to spending the evening with Hillstone. I was told that I could join my friends while I waited for my reservation. As I arrived, next to them, was a party who was leaving. It was unfortunate that the floor manager was not even aware that they had a party leaving. With just a bit more attention to the room, they would have seen that there was space for me right next to my friends. Since we were not able to get access to the vacant seats, we moved to a two-top along the edge. However, because we were three(3) people and another chair was not provided or made available, we had to sit in shifts. Ridiculous - after one round of drinks we left. It was unfortunate that we were not at all encouraged to stay, in conversations or actions. The team members working the floor were polite, but not helpful. As a fellow restaurant industry alumni, I understand that it can be difficult to seat and keep track of a room. Especially a bar area. But this was a Sunday evening and traffic was slightly moderate. The floor teams inability to manage the room and the unfortunate bar reservation system seem to be hindering the flow and their ability to turn the area. It is sad to see that the atmosphere here has become so unaccommodating.

One of my favorites. The food is consistently excellent and all of the servers are so kind and attentive. Love that they swap out your martini glass for a new cold one frequently. Highly recommend the martinis, spinach and artichoke dip and the chicken sandwich. Also, do not skip dessert! The key lime pie is divine!

Tim Cahill

No Michelin stars here, but for my money the most reliably delicious food anywhere. Not to mention the incredibly consistent and outstanding service. Actually hard to find a better steak anywhere in the city than either the Hawaiian ribeye or the filet.

brenda jenkins

Yesterday evening, I met some friends here for drinks and what we thought would be dinner. We have dined here before, but it has been a few years. When I arrived, they were already seated at the far end of the bar. I asked the floor manager if I could join them and was asked to make a reservation. I understand now that reservations are required for the bar and parties are limited to two(2) people. As well, the menu is limited in that area. I was told multiple times and emphatically that I was Not guaranteed a seat next to my friends. My friends had already started a tab and we were looking forward to spending the evening with Hillstone. I was told that I could join my friends while I waited for my reservation. As I arrived, next to them, was a party who was leaving. It was unfortunate that the floor manager was not even aware that they had a party leaving. With just a bit more attention to the room, they would have seen that there was space for me right next to my friends. Since we were not able to get access to the vacant seats, we moved to a two-top along the edge. However, because we were three(3) people and another chair was not provided or made available, we had to sit in shifts. Ridiculous - after one round of drinks we left. It was unfortunate that we were not at all encouraged to stay, in conversations or actions. The team members working the floor were polite, but not helpful. As a fellow restaurant industry alumni, I understand that it can be difficult to seat and keep track of a room. Especially a bar area. But this was a Sunday evening and traffic was slightly moderate. The floor teams inability to manage the room and the unfortunate bar reservation system seem to be hindering the flow and their ability to turn the area. It is sad to see that the atmosphere here has become so unaccommodating.

Jessica J.

One of my favorites. The food is consistently excellent and all of the servers are so kind and attentive. Love that they swap out your martini glass for a new cold one frequently. Highly recommend the martinis, spinach and artichoke dip and the chicken sandwich. Also, do not skip dessert! The key lime pie is divine!

Claudia Baggiano

My dad and I had a daddy-daughter dinner here last night, and once again Hillstone proved why it’s my absolute favorite restaurant in New York City — honestly, my favorite chain period. The experience is flawless every single time. We both ordered their iconic burgers (the best in the city, hands down), and split a Caesar salad that was perfectly dressed and crisp. For dessert, we shared an ice cream sundae that somehow tasted like childhood and luxury at the same time. Every dish was outstanding — Hillstone never misses. The ambiance is unmatched: warm, elevated, and the kind of place you can actually relax and enjoy a real conversation. And the service? Always exceptional. Polite, attentive, and genuinely kind staff who make you feel like a regular even if it’s your first visit. I love this place more than any other. If you’re looking for consistently delicious food, amazing service, and the coziest vibes in NYC, Hillstone is it. Forever a 10/10.

Hillstone is a gem. The food is incredible, and the service stands out in the smallest but most meaningful ways. The fact that they serve your martini and then refresh it halfway through to keep it perfectly cold is exactly the kind of thoughtful detail that makes the experience feel elevated. It’s the ideal spot if you want a great drink, great food, and a reliably good ambience. The only downside is the chaos around reservations and wait times. The hype has made it almost impossible to book, which takes away from the ease and authenticity the restaurant used to have. I just wish it were more accessible to the people who love it most, because when you finally get in, the experience truly delivers. Overall, Hillstone is exceptional. They just need to find a better system for reservations so more guests can actually enjoy it.

Deviled eggs was quite good actually. French dip wasn't particularly special. A bit bland and wasn't hot. You get the oily brioche and some flavor from the horseradish sauce and the 3 pieces of cilantro. My main course was served before my appetizer odlly enough, so I set my main aside until my appetizer arrived and I had finished it.

AMAZING vibes, pretty good food, and questionable service. the noise level was like perfect and i would come back for the atmosphere tbh. the food was decent but the portions are not generous but what can you expect : ). the thai tuna roll and the noodle salad were really good, and the pressed sushi was ok at best. we also got the sashimi was was decent, the bell pepper which i would not get again, and the artichoke dip. it took us a while just go get water from the waiter and i felt like he was clearing the food before we were done eating. at the end we split the check (we were a group of 4) and they swiped one of our cards twice and didn’t swipe another one at all which seemed rarely careless and idt i’ve ever seen that happen also apparently this is THE murray hill date spot.

After the Harry Potter exhibit we decided to have lunch here. There was a very short wait for bar seating, unfortunately the dining room was reservation only. We were able to get drinks and appetizers at the high top tables, the server was quick to get us our drinks and put our appetizers in. Within 10 minutes we had a spot at the bar and the bartender, Tommy I believe was the name, was very kind, attentive and professional. The food came out and was spaced decently. We ordered way more than we could eat, but everything we ordered was delicious. The deviled eggs were some of the best I’ve ever had, and the chicken sandwich was juicy and rich and the kale salad was cool and crisp. Would love to try this spot for dinner next.

Okay so I went here yesterday and “fancy TGI Fridays” really fits. The atmosphere is fairly dim and somewhat intimate but also corporate feeling. Service was very professional and when they missed my partner’s drink they ended up giving it to him on the house. The marg is really good. No fancy flavors but super smooth and well mixed. The food we ate was nothing super out the box but done really well. We had Osaka sushi, spinach and artichoke, Dutch chicken and ribs. My only complaint is the place is pricy (damn you nyc prices) and they did not give nearly enough chips for spinach and artichoke dip but I would certainly go back

Laura Zarate

Hillstone is a gem. The food is incredible, and the service stands out in the smallest but most meaningful ways. The fact that they serve your martini and then refresh it halfway through to keep it perfectly cold is exactly the kind of thoughtful detail that makes the experience feel elevated. It’s the ideal spot if you want a great drink, great food, and a reliably good ambience. The only downside is the chaos around reservations and wait times. The hype has made it almost impossible to book, which takes away from the ease and authenticity the restaurant used to have. I just wish it were more accessible to the people who love it most, because when you finally get in, the experience truly delivers. Overall, Hillstone is exceptional. They just need to find a better system for reservations so more guests can actually enjoy it.

Michael Rahmani

Deviled eggs was quite good actually. French dip wasn't particularly special. A bit bland and wasn't hot. You get the oily brioche and some flavor from the horseradish sauce and the 3 pieces of cilantro. My main course was served before my appetizer odlly enough, so I set my main aside until my appetizer arrived and I had finished it.

Cindy Hao

AMAZING vibes, pretty good food, and questionable service. the noise level was like perfect and i would come back for the atmosphere tbh. the food was decent but the portions are not generous but what can you expect : ). the thai tuna roll and the noodle salad were really good, and the pressed sushi was ok at best. we also got the sashimi was was decent, the bell pepper which i would not get again, and the artichoke dip. it took us a while just go get water from the waiter and i felt like he was clearing the food before we were done eating. at the end we split the check (we were a group of 4) and they swiped one of our cards twice and didn’t swipe another one at all which seemed rarely careless and idt i’ve ever seen that happen also apparently this is THE murray hill date spot.

David Navarrete

After the Harry Potter exhibit we decided to have lunch here. There was a very short wait for bar seating, unfortunately the dining room was reservation only. We were able to get drinks and appetizers at the high top tables, the server was quick to get us our drinks and put our appetizers in. Within 10 minutes we had a spot at the bar and the bartender, Tommy I believe was the name, was very kind, attentive and professional. The food came out and was spaced decently. We ordered way more than we could eat, but everything we ordered was delicious. The deviled eggs were some of the best I’ve ever had, and the chicken sandwich was juicy and rich and the kale salad was cool and crisp. Would love to try this spot for dinner next.

Roman Duarte

I had a good time and enjoyed my coconut shrimp roll (SO delicious!) but I gotta say, I was quite disappointed with these famous ribs everyone was raving about. Yes, the meat falls off the bone, but what good is that when the meat is dry? My bartender was welcoming and nice, and I met some cool people at the bar. I’d go back for a happy hour thing or something but will have to keep it at drinks.

Julia Schwartz

I love Hillstone, but I think the nyc location is one of the worst locations. It’s well located for business meetings, but I found the quality of the food did not match those of its southern sisters. I have been to many of the Dallas locations as well as south Florida, and they are all better to me. I will go if people invite me, but would not choose to go on my own.

*This review is written by someone who is not a big meat eater. * I came here for lunch with my husband on Labor Day with gorgeous weather outside at around 1:30pm with no reservation. This restaurant is localized branding of the national Houston’s chain. It is believed that one of the reasons they changed the name locally to avoid calorie posted regulations in NY that impact restaurants with multiple locations. It is almost impossible to get a reservation here during peak hours which I think is wild for a place that is a chain restaurant. They open reservations 30 days in advance of the date you wish to dine. When we walked in, we were told only seats at the bar were available on a first come basis. We opted for the bar and ended up waiting about 20 minutes. Especially in New York City, I don’t eat meat (exception fish and seafood) very often for a variety of reasons. I NEVER eat poultry (knowingly). This menu is very meat forward. I was excited to try to the spinach and artichoke dip but even that contains chicken stock. The food that I did find to enjoy was good. All people eating other meat dishes seemed very happy. The decor and vibe of the restaurant feels like suburbs upscale. All of the servers were very nice and professional. I likely would seek out another meal at this restaurant especially given the meat forward menu and high prices. If someone had a reservation and invited me to attend, I wouldn’t protest but wouldn’t look forward to it. I wouldn’t wait to be seated ever again.

David Joseph

*This review is written by someone who is not a big meat eater. * I came here for lunch with my husband on Labor Day with gorgeous weather outside at around 1:30pm with no reservation. This restaurant is localized branding of the national Houston’s chain. It is believed that one of the reasons they changed the name locally to avoid calorie posted regulations in NY that impact restaurants with multiple locations. It is almost impossible to get a reservation here during peak hours which I think is wild for a place that is a chain restaurant. They open reservations 30 days in advance of the date you wish to dine. When we walked in, we were told only seats at the bar were available on a first come basis. We opted for the bar and ended up waiting about 20 minutes. Especially in New York City, I don’t eat meat (exception fish and seafood) very often for a variety of reasons. I NEVER eat poultry (knowingly). This menu is very meat forward. I was excited to try to the spinach and artichoke dip but even that contains chicken stock. The food that I did find to enjoy was good. All people eating other meat dishes seemed very happy. The decor and vibe of the restaurant feels like suburbs upscale. All of the servers were very nice and professional. I likely would seek out another meal at this restaurant especially given the meat forward menu and high prices. If someone had a reservation and invited me to attend, I wouldn’t protest but wouldn’t look forward to it. I wouldn’t wait to be seated ever again.

Christian

The food is nice, not amazing by any means, 7/10 for NYC. The waitress we had was pleasant, chatty and engaging. The restaurant however is soulless, no atmosphere. No music, it feels rushed, people waiting around the front door for a table like it's third world food handout. Just a run of the mill place. I don't understand what the hype is about this place.. Won't be going back anytime soon, it's simply "Meh"

After living in the neighborhood for 13 years, I finally gave in and tried Hillstone, against my better judgment. Its reputation as a glorified suburban chain in the heart of NYC has always kept me away—why choose Hillstone when the city is bursting with fantastic, unique restaurants? Seriously, who craves artichoke spinach dip, something you could just as easily find at Chili’s, when you’re in New York? The experience was even worse than expected. My family eats out regularly, and our kids are well-behaved; we’ve never been asked to leave or even had a single complaint about them in any restaurant, anywhere in the world. But at Hillstone, the staff seemed almost eager to exclude us. Upon arrival, my youngest daughter made some sounds, and after she had waited quietly for about twenty minutes, we were met with rudeness and were actually asked to leave. Apparently, Hillstone’s idea of hospitality is to treat families like a nuisance and make them feel unwelcome. If you’re looking for a genuine, family-friendly dining experience in NYC, skip Hillstone. With so many excellent restaurants around, there’s absolutely no reason to settle for a chain that can’t even get the basics of decent service right. The only thing memorable about our visit was how quickly we wanted to leave.

I am writing this review to detail the less than hospitable experience I received at Hillstone on Nov. 26, 2025. I reached out to several times via email to the company directly and even left a message through their website to avoid leaving a bad review however, all of my attempts when unacknowledged and unanswered. Not the hospitality I'm used to from Hillstone. At 4:50pm, I walked into Hillstone on Park Ave South and was greeted by the Hostess. I asked for a seat at the bar for 1. She informed me there was a wait but that I was “next to be seated”. She took my name and number and told me that I would receive a text when a seat was available. At 4:55pm I received a text letting me know that I was added to the waitlist. I went to the restroom, returned to the lobby, took a seat and I waited. The lobby was empty when I arrived, however, as I waited more people began to come. As time passed I noticed 2 ladies who had come in after me got seated at the bar after just a brief wait. At first I thought nothing of it but then when another party of 2 that had also come in after me, AND after the other 2 ladies got sat, I went to the hostess to inquire about my wait. She replied… “Those were parties of 2, you’re the next party of 1 to be sat.” I was confused. Excuse me??? Two separate parties came after me and both were sat before me because they were “parties of 2”??? I didn’t understand this process/policy so I asked for clarification. Again she reiterated the “Party of 2” vs. “Party of 1” as if there are 2 separate waitlists. When I reminded the hostess that she told me I was next to be seated she tried to clarify that she said I was the “next party of 1” to be seated! Additionally, I asked the hostess for her name just for the purposes of this review and she told me that she does “not give her name out for security purposes”. A quality hospitality establishment like Hillstone and they don’t give names… For “security reasons”. Unheard of. Did I feel like a threat to her because I didn't look like the other guests that were there to dine? For over 20 years I’ve been patronizing Hillstone restaurants. It is mine and my family's favorite restaurant. We even went every year for Mother’s Day to the one in LI and had the same amazing server until they closed. In recent years, 53rd and Lex became the go to for me and my mother while she was receiving chemotherapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering around the corner. My mother has passed on since the 53rd street location closed and now there’s only Park Ave South. To say it is impossible to get a reservation there now is an understatement and forget about a walk in… Great for business, not so great for regulars who might just want to stop in. Even the bar has turned into a “waitlist” if you don't get there by 4pm. I don’t live in the city so after work I traveled from Jamaica, Queens about 1 hour and 20mins away, to go to Hillstone. Being at Hillstone, a place I used to share with my mother on the eve of a holiday that is no longer the same without her was all I wanted. It was early so getting a seat at the bar shouldn’t have been too hard. Sadly, Hillstone’s Bar Waitlist Policy made a “Party of 1” feel even more lonely and ostracized for not having anyone to share the evening with because now, I had to wait even longer to eat because I was alone. My hope with this review is that no other “Party of 1” ever has to experience what I did and that guests are seated at the bar in the order that they arrive. And if that is the policy, two separate waitlists, then that needs to be communicated to the guest upon arrival. On a positive note, 8/15/25, I was dining at the bar for lunch and TOMEE was my bartender and I just want to say that she is amazing… The epitome of service and hospitality. As a solo diner most times, I’m never really looking to engage with the bartender, I just need them to anticipate, acknowledge, and be attentive without being intrusive and she was all of that and then some while being extremely busy. Full email and details not able to fit due to character limits.