CYPRESS, Texas – Nestled in a plaza located at 18039 FM 529 in Cypress, Dolce Ultra Lounge and Bistro is a refreshing change of pace. In an area where chain restaurants and sports bars are the norm, Dolce offers elegance, unique cuisine and a grown and sexy atmosphere. It’s brought the midtown, Galleria experience to the suburbs. And that was the exact vision of owner Al Rucker.
Rucker got his start in auto finance, moved to real estate, and is most known for his bail bonds empire and "The Al Rucker Show" on 92.9 KKBQ. The sky is the limit for Rucker, but for now, Dolce is his latest focus.
Recommended Videos
"Our goal was to bring a delicious restaurant/ bistro, with an upscale ultra-lounge to a prominent area in Houston. Cypress and Katy are two of the fastest growing areas in northwest suburbs, and now there is somewhere with a luxury Midtown, Galleria feel right in the comfort of your neighborhood," Rucker said.
From the outside it’s hard to imagine what you’re going to get when you walk into Dolce, but as soon as you enter, the atmosphere overtakes you. You automatically feel as if you’ve been upgraded to VIP. The polished entrance offers a grand welcome. Beyond the entry, the restaurant and lounge opens up to a vast bar, Hollywood-style color changing wall, strategically placed tables mixed with executive style leather couches and a Dolce branded wall for the ultimate picture taking experience -- not to mention the 1,500-square-foot outdoor patio and soon-to-be completed members only cigar room. While Dolce is absolute elegance, it has that right at home feel with flat screen televisions above the bar and a projection screen on the stage to display your favorite game.
Dolce is a chic place for dining that turns up around 10 p.m. for those who want to party. If VIP bottle service is what you’re looking for, look no further than Dolce. Each of the three elevated areas will make you feel like a million bucks. The purposely arranged décor is stylish, luxurious and one slightly different from the other. All three areas have ample grand seating, classic crystal chandeliers and high-end art pieces. No matter the occasion for your special day, Dolce has got you covered.
Dolce’s one-of-a-kind menu is sure to leave your pallet wanting more. We had the pleasure of indulging in a seven-course feast that we could tell the love was poured right into. Each dish was more delicious than the last. It was a challenge to stop eating. To start we were served the second-to-none catfish tacos followed by the chili crab deviled eggs. Next up was crunchy shrimp trio, which consisted of plump, delicately fried shrimp drizzled with three different signature sauces -- coconut crunch, honey crispy and sweet chili.
We had a hard time not licking our fingers after enjoying the sweet chili lollipop wings. After the delectable wings, out came black and blue ribeye satay on a bed of potato hash, sautéed mushrooms and a side of blue cheese crumbles. Before we all but exploded, we were served the owner recommended collard green spring rolls, which will literally make you want to slap someone’s mama.
We washed it all down with sweet potato cheesecake that is not your typical cheesecake. The sweet goodness is severed on a handmade tart-like butter-flavored, flaky crust. It’s the perfect balance of sweet potato and cheesecake.
Each entree is the perfect portion, enough to satisfy your appetite without making you so full that you want to take a nap. It’s satisfying to the taste buds and your wallet. Don’t let the atmosphere fool you, while Dolce is lavish, the prices are just right.
Leading the kitchen crew is award-winning executive chef and creative director Javani King. Inspired by meals created by his Creole grandmother, he started his career 12 years ago as small person chef and catering company. King grew his brand and became culinary artist to star athletes, Grammy winning artists and CEOs, just to name a few.
Saturday we were greeted by Dolce’s sous chef, Venita, who has a crazy passion for the food she prepares. The way she describes her creations, you would think she was serving up a small piece of her soul with each dish. She told the story of how the chili crab deviled eggs came to be by accident. She spoke highly of King and boasted how he could sell a dish that he never created, then go into the kitchen and whip it up on the spot and no one would be the wiser.
Dolce’s bartenders are master artists. The gorgeous talent behind the gorgeous bar are true mixologists.
Our server Jessica, was first-class. She was personable, attentive and anticipated our every need. She kept close watch and timed each course perfectly. Jessica’s service was beyond pampering.
When dinner turned to dancing, the DJ, DJ GT of 97.9 The Box, kept the party going and catered to the crowd's taste.
With a variety of entertainment, whatever your taste, Dolce has it. Whether you’re single, looking for a place for a first date, or out for your wedding anniversary, Dolce is the place to be. They are open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and offer Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.