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External photo - The Federal Grill - Downtown, Houston, TX

The Federal Grill - Downtown

4.7
4.7
135 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 21 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for business meals
  • Good for groups
  • Good for special occasions
Dress Up or Dress Down. A Bourbon or a Beer. A Ribeye or a Burger. Where precision cooking meets quality ingredients in a tribute to classic American cuisine. Dining experiences are complemented by an exceptional whiskey and cocktail list—the essence of the Federal Experience. This location also will serve lunch, happy hour, and dinner, as well as weekend brunches – and will offer catering to our downtown neighbors. New to this location will be a grab-and-go coffee bar, which will offer pastries, sandwiches, and salads throughout the day – and a variety of locally owned 4WD Coffee drinks.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Comfort Food, Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (832) 930-5577
  • Website
    https://thefederalgrill.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Matt Brice
  • Location
    1221 McKinney St ste g100, Houston, TX 77010-2011
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Cross street
    VALET<br />Mon- Thur 5pm-10pm<br />Fri & Sat 5pm-11pm<br />3 Hrs $10<br
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • 2025 NYE Countdown Party with Federal Grill

    Dec 31, 2024 only
    Ring in the New Year at Federal Grill! Celebrate in style with our exclusive NYE Countdown Party, featuring an unforgettable evening of great food, drinks, and dancing with our DJ. From 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM Start your evening with a luxurious 3-course dinner for just $75. Indulge in specially curated dishes designed to delight your taste buds and set the perfect tone for the night ahead. From 10:00 PM - 1:00 AM As the clock strikes 10, the real party begins! Dance the night away and count down to 2025 with dancing, great vibes, and endless celebration. The night is sponsored by Veuve Clicquot and Woodford Reserve, ensuring the finest champagne and whiskey are always flowing. Don't miss out on the most exciting NYE party in town!

  • Join us for Valentine's Day at Federal Grill

    Feb 14, 2025 only
    Join us on Valentine's Day for a 3-course meal for lunch and dinner - $75 per person.

Menu

Consuming raw or undercooked meats and seafood may increase the risk of foodborne illness. 20% gratuity will be added to parties of six or more for your convenience

Starters

  • Fried Cheeseburger Eggrolls$18.00

    With sweet & spicy sauce

    • Sticky Ribs$18.00

      with kung pao sauce and toasted sesame seeds

      • Bang Bang Shrimp$16.00

        tossed in sweet & spicy sauce

        • Smoked Pork Belly$15.00

          smoked tableside with honey mustard and sriracha

          • Fontina Spinach Dip$15.00

            With Fresno peppers and warm tortilla chips

            • Fried Shrimp$18.00

              with remoulade sauce

              • Fresh Oysters

                Please ask about our daily fresh oyster selection

                • Poke$19.00

                  choose salmon or tuna; with avocado, toasted almonds, soy honey citrus sauce, wontons, red onions

                  • Kung Pao Calamari$17.00

                    Tossed with pepperoncini and sweet & spicy sauce

                    • Meatballs$17.00

                      with mashed potatoes and swedish sauce, onion strings

                      • Gardner Parker's Chicken Wings$14.00

                        with house-made spicy ranch

                        • Signature Jumbo Lump Crab Cake$25.00

                          with beurre blanc & asparagus

                          • Half Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie$12.00

                            Hey, why not?

                            Salads, Bowls, & Soup

                            Add chicken or shrimp ($8), salmon or tuna ($10), or flat iron steak ($12)

                            • Chopped Salad$15.00

                              With cucumber, heirloom tomato, red onion, feta, bleu cheese, pecans, croutons, champagne vinaigrette, bacon

                              • Iceberg Wedge Salad$14.00

                                With pork belly croutons, Roquefort, tomato, crispy onion strings, ranch dressing

                                • Caesar Salad$12.00

                                  With anchovy and crispy parmesan, croutons

                                  • Cobb Salad$16.00

                                    With avocado, almonds, egg, bacon, bleu cheese, champagne vinaigrette

                                    • Cheeseburger Bowl$25.00

                                      With avocado, almonds, sunny & hard-boiled egg, bacon, bleu cheese, red onions, tomatoes, ranch, topped with burger and Wisconsin cheddar

                                      • Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad$22.00

                                        With bleu cheese, tortilla strips, blueberry compote, cilantro cream dressing, tomatoes

                                        • Baja Blackened Chicken Bowl$24.00

                                          With black bean corn relish, pico, avocado, feta, tortilla strips, wild rice, cilantro cream dressing

                                          • Lemon Basil Salmon Bowl$26.00

                                            With wild rice, crispy brussels sprouts, seasonal veggies, bleu cheese, lemon-basil vinaigrette

                                            • Soup of the Season

                                              Please ask your server for our seasonal selection

                                              • Cup$8.00
                                              • Bowl$11.00

                                            Federal Features

                                            • Roasted Chicken$28.00

                                              Full. With mashed potatoes, broccolini, bordelaise sauce

                                              • Braised Short Rib

                                                With bacon & mushroom risotto, sautéed spinach, bordelaise sauce

                                                • Half$23.00
                                                • Full$38.00

                                              • Chicken Fried Steak

                                                Loaded mashed potatoes, pepper country gravy

                                                • Half$16.00
                                                • Full$25.00

                                              • Chicken Fried Chicken

                                                Loaded mashed potatoes, pepper country gravy, broccolini

                                                • Half$15.00
                                                • Full$24.00

                                              • Truffle Stuffed Chicken

                                                With herb cream cheese filling, mashed potatoes, broccolini, white truffle oil

                                                • Half$25.00
                                                • Full$37.00

                                              • Blackened Chicken Alfredo$25.00

                                                • Janice's Meatloaf

                                                  With mashed potatoes, crispy onion strings, bordelaise sauce

                                                  • Half$17.00
                                                  • Full$29.00

                                                • Center-Cut Filet$56.00

                                                  8oz Full. With truffle mac & cheese, sauteed spinach

                                                  • Black Angus Ribeye$54.00

                                                    16oz Full. With a loaded baked potato and seasonal veggies

                                                    • Chicken Federale

                                                      With couscous, feta pico, avocado cilantro cream sauce

                                                      • Half$18.00
                                                      • Full$33.00

                                                    Seafood

                                                    • Grilled Salmon$32.00

                                                      With bacon & mushroom risotto, broccolini, beurre Blanc

                                                      • Diver Scallops$41.00

                                                        With smoked pork belly, bacon & mushroom risotto, Cajun lobster sauce

                                                        • Thai Shrimp & Cheese Grits$29.00

                                                          Manchego cheese grits, thai citrus glaze, wontons

                                                          • Blackend Ahi Tuna$32.00

                                                            Couscous, feta & pineapple pico, soy glaze

                                                            • Pecan Crusted Snapper

                                                              With mashed potatoes, crab meat, beurre blanc, broccolini

                                                              • Market Catch of the Day

                                                                Burgers & Sandwiches

                                                                • Freedom Burger$19.00

                                                                  With American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, bacon, federal sauce, choose your bun option: challah or jalapeno-cheddar bun *For every Burger sold, $1 will be donated to our veterans at Camp Hope battling for their freedom against PTSD

                                                                  • French Dip$18.00

                                                                    With side of creamy horseradish and Guinness stout au jus

                                                                    • Federal Chicken Sandwich$18.00

                                                                      with American cheese, pickles, Matty B's sauce, hand-breaded chicken breast

                                                                      • Classic Philly Cheesesteak$18.00

                                                                        With sautéed onions & peppers, Cajun cheese sauce

                                                                        • Cajun Chicken Sandwich$18.00

                                                                          With swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, crispy onion strings, sriracha aioli

                                                                          • Sliders$15.00

                                                                            choose one: cheeseburger, cajun chicken, buffalo chicken, Federal chicken or braised short rib

                                                                            Sides

                                                                            • Hand Cut Fries$8.00

                                                                              • Cheese Grits$8.00

                                                                                • Truffle Mac & Cheese$8.00

                                                                                  • Sautéed Spinach$8.00

                                                                                    • Mushroom & Bacon Risotto$8.00

                                                                                      • Crispy Brussels Sprouts$8.00

                                                                                        • Mashed Potatoes$8.00

                                                                                          • Loaded Baked Potato$8.00

                                                                                            • Broccolini$8.00

                                                                                              • Seasonal Veggies$8.00

                                                                                                • Cajun Chips$6.00

                                                                                                  • Buttermilk Biscuits$5.00

                                                                                                    4 buttermilk biscuits with a side of fresno jelly and butter

                                                                                                    Last updated: October 23, 2024

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                                                                                                    What 135 people are saying

                                                                                                    Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                                    Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                                                    4.7
                                                                                                    4.7 based on recent ratings
                                                                                                    • 4.7Food
                                                                                                    • 4.7Service
                                                                                                    • 4.7Ambience
                                                                                                    • 4.5Value

                                                                                                    Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                    Review summary

                                                                                                    AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                                    The Federal Grill - Downtown offers a "phenomenal" dining experience with "excellent service" and "delicious" food. Highlights include attentive staff like Sergio and Juan, who enhance the experience. While the ambiance is upscale and inviting, some reviews mention slow service during busy times. Overall, a "wonderful" spot for business meals or celebrations.

                                                                                                    135 Reviews

                                                                                                    1. Randall

                                                                                                      VIP

                                                                                                      Houston

                                                                                                      46 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      46 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Juan took great care of us. Our table ordered the diver scallops, chicken fried chicken, and chicken fried steak. All were well prepared and flavorful. We had not been to this Federal Grill location before, but will return. Very close to walk to Discovery Green for an after dinner stroll.

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                                                                                                    2. Becky

                                                                                                      Houston

                                                                                                      1 review

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      1 review

                                                                                                      Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 4
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Food was delicious, service was a little slow but not bad. Music was a little loud. Would definitely go back with friends!!

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                                                                                                    3. Gary

                                                                                                      Central Coast

                                                                                                      6 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      6 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Had a very large reservation of 16 people in town for a cheer competition. The reservation process was easy. Food was served on time and the service was great.

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                                                                                                    4. Christine

                                                                                                      San Diego

                                                                                                      15 reviews

                                                                                                      4.0

                                                                                                      15 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined on December 10, 2024

                                                                                                      1. Overall 4
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 4
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                      Food was outstanding. Service was acceptable. Not bad but not great. Never came by to ask if we needed anything. I would go back because of the food.

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                                                                                                    5. Glenda

                                                                                                      VIP

                                                                                                      Orange County

                                                                                                      30 reviews

                                                                                                      2.0

                                                                                                      30 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined on December 8, 2024

                                                                                                      1. Overall 2
                                                                                                      2. Food 2
                                                                                                      3. Service 2
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 3
                                                                                                      Based on other reviews, my husband got the meatloaf and I got the truffled chicken. The meatloaf was possibly the worst I’ve ever eaten. My husband said that it wasn’t like his mother’s. (Haha) Whoever made it overworked the meat and caused the texture to be mushy. Really bad! My chicken had plenty of good truffle flavor, but it was overcooked and dry. Overall, I wouldn’t hurry to go back.

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                                                                                                    6. Steven

                                                                                                      Houston

                                                                                                      3 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      3 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined on December 8, 2024

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Outstanding service, delectable food and great date night experience.

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                                                                                                    7. Amy

                                                                                                      Houston

                                                                                                      18 reviews

                                                                                                      4.0

                                                                                                      18 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined on December 5, 2024

                                                                                                      1. Overall 4
                                                                                                      2. Food 4
                                                                                                      3. Service 4
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                      The restaurant was very busy and they did not have our reserved table ready when we arrived. They got to us rather quickly though. There were many large noisy groups near us and we found it difficult to carry a conversation. Multiple wait staff took care of our table which would seem helpful however at times they did not communicate amongst themselves as to our needs or requests. The waiter asked if we wanted dessert and we had not been served our main dish yet. We ordered coffee with dessert and they forgot it until we were completely finished. It was a bit chaotic. There seemed to be some disconnect between the waiters and the kitchen. Our main dish came out after quite a wait and it was not hot. The staff is very friendly and the food is of high quality but the hectic nature left us feeling a little disappointed. This is a pricey dining experience and we would expect the service to reflect that. We have had many nice meals at a different location so will go back to that one in the future. Not giving up on Federal Grill in general.
                                                                                                      The Federal Grill - DowntownResponded on December 5, 2024
                                                                                                      Thank you for your honest feedback, Amy. We’re truly sorry to hear that your experience didn’t meet the high standards we aim for, especially with the service and timing issues. We appreciate you pointing out the areas where we can improve, and we’ll be sure to address the communication and coordination among our staff. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the food and the friendliness of the team, and we hope you’ll give us another chance in the future. Your feedback is invaluable, please let us know the best way to contact you directly — and we will have a GM reach out to make it up to you.

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                                                                                                    8. Cory

                                                                                                      Houston

                                                                                                      1 review

                                                                                                      4.0

                                                                                                      1 review

                                                                                                      Dined on December 4, 2024

                                                                                                      1. Overall 4
                                                                                                      2. Food 4
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                      Service was outstanding. Food was very good. Sticky ribs were amazing but pork belly was not good at all. Diver scallops were great.
                                                                                                      The Federal Grill - DowntownResponded on December 4, 2024
                                                                                                      Thank you for your feedback, Cory! We're thrilled you enjoyed the service and some of the dishes, especially the sticky ribs and diver scallops. We’re sorry to hear the pork belly didn’t meet your expectations – we’ll definitely take that into consideration. We hope to see you again soon for more great meals!

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                                                                                                    9. Patti Sue

                                                                                                      Houston

                                                                                                      5 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      5 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined on December 3, 2024

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Our server JT was great and the food was amazing and fresh as always!
                                                                                                      The Federal Grill - DowntownResponded on December 4, 2024
                                                                                                      Thank you for the wonderful review, Patti Sue! We're so happy to hear you had a great experience, and we'll be sure to pass along your compliments to JT. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for more delicious meals!

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                                                                                                    10. John

                                                                                                      VIP

                                                                                                      Orlando

                                                                                                      33 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      33 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined on December 1, 2024

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 4
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Great food and cocktails. Lots of TV’s to catch the games. Large selection of bourbons.
                                                                                                      The Federal Grill - DowntownResponded on December 3, 2024
                                                                                                      Thank you for the great review, John! We're glad you enjoyed the food, cocktails, and bourbon selection. It’s awesome to hear you had a chance to catch the games while enjoying the ambiance. We hope to see you again soon!

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                                                                                                    FAQs

                                                                                                    The Federal Grill - Downtown offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (832) 930-5577.

                                                                                                    The Federal Grill - Downtown is rated 4.7 stars by 135 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                                    Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                                                    Make a reservation

                                                                                                    2 people
                                                                                                    7:00 PM
                                                                                                    Booked 21 times today
                                                                                                    Experiences are available.

                                                                                                    Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                                    Google Map for The Federal Grill - Downtown

                                                                                                    1221 McKinney St ste g100, Houston, TX 77010-2011

                                                                                                    Additional information

                                                                                                    • Cross street
                                                                                                      VALET<br />Mon- Thur 5pm-10pm<br />Fri & Sat 5pm-11pm<br />3 Hrs $10<br
                                                                                                    • Neighborhood
                                                                                                      Downtown
                                                                                                    • Hours of operation
                                                                                                      Mon–Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
                                                                                                    • Price
                                                                                                      $30 and under
                                                                                                    • Cuisines
                                                                                                      American, Comfort Food, Contemporary American
                                                                                                    • Dining style
                                                                                                      Casual Dining
                                                                                                    • Dress code
                                                                                                      Business Casual
                                                                                                    • Parking details
                                                                                                      Valet
                                                                                                    • Payment options
                                                                                                      AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                                    • Executive chef
                                                                                                      Matt Brice
                                                                                                    • Additional
                                                                                                      Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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