About Me
Ruggles Grill is the kind of place with so many contrasting images; even long-time patrons can’t describe it without sounding like they are talking about different restaurants. The only thing they can agree on is that the former house at 903 Westheimer is a restaurateur’s dream.Truly, it is the kind of place people go to when they want noise, action and a vitality that says they are in the nation’s third largest city. It is regularly filled with people who like to go out, see & be seen and play a part of Houston’s party crowd. And then there’s a comfort spot. To many, Ruggles is the kind of restaurant (to borrow a line from a popular television show) “where everybody knows your name.†It’s a familiar place to crawl into a booth and find a little soothing familiarity. It’s a dining spot that pushes the edge in flavors, innovations, and style. It’s one of the few.THE RUGGLES GRILL, owned by Bruce and Susan Molzan, was listed as the second most popular restaurant in Houston in the 1994 – 1997 Zagat Survey, America’s Top Restaurants.An American Bistro concept, The Ruggles Grill is a casual, moderately priced grill, in the true sense of the word. “My menu has down-to-earth appeal,†says Bruce. “I have sandwiches on the menu, grilled fish and steak, mashed potatoes, pastas and pizzas – something for everyone. I believe in being creative, but I know I have to cook what people want to eat…and that’s hearty, fresh, good food.â€Critics have described Chef Bruce’s foods as everything from California to New Southwestern, but the truth is in between. It does have an unmistakable touch of the Southwest, especially where the distinct flavors of chilies, peppers and other regional spices come through. There, too, is California with imaginative uses of sun-dried tomatoes, grilled vegetables and a stunning variety of fresh seafood. But the European sneaks in to some of the pastas and grilled meats. Beyond that, there’s a lot of heaven in Susan Molzan’s well-recognized desserts.Both at home in Ruggles and where he goes as guest chef, Chef Bruce is remembered for two things. First, of course, is the food – for its flavor, preparation, presentation and the notable personality. Second is the food – the amount of it. Take home food is a popular thing at the restaurant, and it’s something its patrons consider a second treat after a night there. But the Molzan “something for everyone†philosophy doesn’t stop in the folds of the menu. Ruggles is a split personality of atmospheres that can run from a romantic table for two in a pleasantly subdued room off the central dining room to the bustle of the front room where French windows seem to let in the rush and excitement of the busy inner-city street out front. Upstairs are private dining rooms where diners can create the atmosphere they prefer. In areas, the music is loud and the crowd stays with it. In others, there’s a feeling one is in another restaurant all together. Connected to Ruggles is Club Flamingo, a most lively and vibrant Jazz lounge just across the restaurant driveway. The Recently remodeled and redefined Maxie & Jake’s is now the Smooth Jazz Night Spot – Club Flamingo. Filled to the edges with Jazz music, the club energy really gets started late night after diners have finished. Houston’s newest hot spot is just a couple of steps away from the Molzan’s Ruggles Grill. Restaurant goers routinely walk the short distance, fore-going the valet, for the smooth jazz sounds penetrating the distance between Ruggles and Club Flamingo where it is not uncommon to see some of Houston’s newest movers & shakers.
