The Rainbow Lodge

By George L. Rosenblatt

Seen right: Warm 100-year-old logs line the popular, romantic Trophy Room.
Photography by Jim Caldwell

In 2006, Houston’s original lodge restaurant, Rainbow Lodge, moved “lock, stock and ambiance” and set it roots along White Oak Bayou in its new location, inside Loop 610 on Ella Boulevard. The restaurant’s signature cozy lodge atmosphere endures in a century-old log cabin complete with three fireplaces and an acre of landscaped grounds.

Under the direction of Donnette Hansen, owner, regional game and seafood creations shine, while seasonal menu items feature herbs and lettuces grown on-site. Savor comfortable signature items such as Rainbow Lodge’s Mixed Grill of Venison, Duck, Elk and Wild Boar, Pan Seared Snapper on Lobster and Yellow Tomato Risotto and Smoked Duck and Andouille Sausage Gumbo. Wine enthusiasts take note: the extensive wine list is recognized as one of the best in the city.

Lunch and Sunday Brunch menus feature lighter salads, pasta, and seafood entrées. Private dining rooms and cozy nooks make Rainbow Lodge the perfect place for a group gathering or a romantic dinner for two.

Rainbow Lodge Restaurant, Home of the Famous “Tied Fly Bar.” This comfortable bar area reflects Hansen’s passion for fly fishing, with a hand-carved bar depicting an active trout stream plus a unique collection antique outboard motors, bamboo fishing rods, and lures.

Hansen chose crisp linens and warm upholstery colors that pair nicely with hunting lodge accents to create an elegant yet laid-back mood. Diners overlook a soothing creek and its grassy banks while experiencing first-class service.

Celebrating 30 years as Houston’s Original Lodge Restaurant featuring Seafood and Wild Game.

Open lunch through dinner Tuesday-Friday, for dinner only Saturday, brunch through dinner Sunday, closed Monday (except December). Private parties accommodated. Children welcome.

Menu Highlights

SUNDAY BRUNCH

Smoked Duck
And Potato Hash with Eggs

Eggs Scrambled
With House Smoked Salmon

Beef Tenderloin
“Carne Asada” and Eggs

Lump Crab and Spinach Omelet

Blueberry Buttermilk Flapjacks

Almond Crusted Rainbow Trout
With rosemary fontina grits and wilted greens

99-cent Mimosas and Champagne

LUNCH

Black Pepper Fried Chicken Salad

Habañero and Lemon Smoked Ruby Trout Salad
On Wonton Crisp

Seared Tuna
On Heart of Palm Salad

Grilled Bock Brined Pork Chop
With buttery smashed potatoes

Chicken Breast
With artichokes and mushrooms

DINNER

Signature Smoked Duck Gumbo

Butter Poached Lobster Salad
With Arugula

Grilled Paillard of Lamb
With mint chimichurri and crisp potatoes

Pan-Roasted Halibut
With fava beans and yukon gold potatoes “risotto style”

Grilled Venison Tenderloin
On Smoked Gouda Orzo with Swiss Chard

Pan Roasted Elk Chop
With sweet potato shoestring potatoes

Truffled Honey Glazed Duck Breast

FOOD AND WINE SAFARI

The Nightly 5 Course Tasting
Menu paired with fabulous wines

The Rainbow Lodge
2011 Ella Blvd. at East TC Jester, Houston, Texas 77008
(713) 861-8666

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