A rarity among the tourist traps in Quincy Market: Uniformly excellent American cuisine.

This popular national chain's only New England location resides in the shadow of Faneuil Hall and keeps a steady clientele of area businessmen and tourists happy with heaping plates of freshly-prepared steaks, salads and sandwiches. The large, attractive bar, besides serving up fantastic mixed drinks, provides diners with a comfy place to wait for their tables (no reservations are accepted). Ubiquitous servers are always on the lookout for empty water glasses. At times, even the most discerning of palates craves a well-prepared burger or some fall-off-the-bone ribs, and that's where Houston's excels. Fresh, substantial salads are meals in themselves; try the outrageously flavorful Thai steak salad (rare steak tossed with noodles, nuts, avocado, mango, basil and mint). Carnivores swoon for the aforementioned ''knife and fork'' ribs, as well as a picture-perfect filet mignon.

High Marks
* ''...whenever we want to celebrate an event with friends, this is the place to go...Burgers that are so juicy and succulent. The BEST fries ever...'' (KnevetS11, Citysearch user)

* ''Great food...definitely try the ribs (better than traditional bbq places in town). The drinks were good and had people lined out the door just to have a spot at the bar...'' (special_method, Citysearch user)

Low Marks
* ''...The food is great, I have to admit but the policies and staff are just ridiculous...'' (tm_quincy, Citysearch user)

* ''...the customer service at this restaurant is absolutely awful...they make no secret of the fact that they want you in and out of there as fast as possible...'' (googlie, Citysearch user)