Martin at the bar was the best bartender I've had the pleasure to meet. He's incredibly kind, knowledgable, and VERY easy to talk to. He made the experience at Blind Salamander better than we could have expected! Also the drinks and food is the best in West Lake area. The view is incredible. 10/10 read more

While my wife rested and recovered, I took a quiet stroll over to the Blind Salamander at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, looking for a place to unwind for a bit. The bar offered exactly that -- a comfortable corner, a relaxed atmosphere, and just enough distance from the day to slow everything down. The service at this hotel is exceptional. Full stop. From the moment you arrive, there's a genuine sense that every detail matters. Still, I have to give special recognition to Martin, the bartender who made the experience stand out even more. Friendly, attentive, and effortlessly welcoming, he has a way of making guests feel like regulars within minutes. If you're lucky enough to catch him behind the bar, take the time to introduce yourself. Martin delivers service that goes beyond the already high standard set by the resort. Whether you're ordering a classic cocktail or simply looking for good conversation after a long day, he brings a level of care and professionalism that turns a simple drink into a memorable pause in the day. read more

I went here for an anniversary dinner with my wife. I eat out a lot, and I don't often Yelp, but this time I had to. First off the resort and the restaurant are very pretty. We started at a nice table outside with a good view of the Austin hill country, and later when it got colder they kindly helped us move to a table inside. Now for the problems. The waitress on her first visit explained sushi specials to us of a spicy tuna roll and a california roll. We ordered the spicy tuna roll. She also recommended the most expensive entree on the menu the Steak Frites, which I ordered medium-well. After a little while she came back and informed us that there was no sushi available tonight, since they were preparing for a big night tomorrow night. Ok... we ordered a different appetizer, a Caesar salad with fried oysters, which was good, but not the tuna we were hoping for. After a long wait, our entrees finally came out. I started cutting into my thick cut of steak and found that I couldn't cut through it even with the sharp steak knife they brought me. I tried and tried but it was too tough and I ended up just cutting into the enamel of my plate and pushing the plate around the table. I put the steak under the light and saw that it was ruby red raw in the center. So informed our waitress and she promptly took it back to the kitchen. The floor manager came out and apologized and offered me something from the menu while I waited for my steak to be cooked. We are 45 minutes from the time I ordered the steak at this point. I said I don't remember anything I wanted on the menu but she could surprise me, and she brought me a shrimp cocktail. The shrimp was good but I don't really like cold shrimp all that much. Then finally the head chef came out with a more cooked version of my steak and apologized. I ate it and it was good, though parts of it were still difficult to cut. At this point my wife and I were rushing because we'd been at the restaurant for 2 hours and our babysitter was past time that we had agreed she would take the kids for. We got the bill and a to go box, and the price was really high. I didn't check over the receipt item by item but upon thinking about the total later, I can only conclude I must've been charged for the shrimp cocktail. We had no time for desert, even though we had wanted to have desert when we arrived. Overall, not the kind of experience I was looking for on a special occasion. Update Edit: Changing this review from 2 stars to 1 since I found out that the reason the bill was so high is because they automatically tipped 25% for me and didn't mention it all (nor was it shown on the text of the bill even though I did my best to scan for it any mention of an automatic tip). So I accidentally tipped another 12% on top of the amount they secretly added 25% to for me. Also, when we contacted their corporate customer support about all this they were unwilling to refund anything. read more

Our visit to Blind Salamander Kitchen & Bar was mostly delightful. We were seated outside with a wonderful view of the greens, setting a pleasant tone for the evening. For our meal, I ordered the lamb, which was absolutely delicious and truly impressive. My husband ordered the redfish, which was okay--nothing to write home about. We also enjoyed the crab Mac N' Cheese, which was very tasty, and the mushrooms, which stole the show with their fabulous flavor and perfect preparation. For dessert, we tried what was called a blueberry pie. However, it turned out to be more of a futuristic frozen ice cream rather than a traditional pie. While it was good, it didn't meet my expectations for an actual pie, and that little twist cost the overall experience a star. Overall, despite the redfish and the unconventional dessert, the quality of the other dishes and the excellent service--our attentive and friendly waiter--make it a spot we plan to revisit. Living just 20 minutes away, we're looking forward to our next visit! read more

Blind Salamander Kitchen & Bar - Futuristic blueberry pie dessert - New American Near Me - Austin, Texas

We came here twice during our stay. Definitely loved the views sitting on the patio. The staff were friendly and professional but inattentive at times (had to flag them down for water refills, utensils, etc). Most of what we had was delicious! What we ordered: -shrimp cocktail: very good -hamachi crudo: not good, tasted warmed or slightly cooked. it should be raw. -mixed greens: loved the dressing, fresh -pastrami spiced duck: delicious! -scallops: came out over cooked and they were kind enough to take it off the bill -redfish: very good, flavorful -crab mac and cheese: so good -cacio e pepe with blackened shrimp: good. -kids menu chicken and veggies: so good! -kids menu chicken tenders: decent. We will def be back as it was a solid dinner choice on the hotel grounds. read more

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I would give this restaurant four stars for the food, service, and ambiance. But I'm leaving three stars because as a party of two we were charged 25% gratuity as part of our bill. We're good tippers and usually leave at least 20% anyway, but we had no warning about the included gratuity. If we'd been a party of 6 or more, we would have expected this, but there were just two of us. And since it was a prix fixe menu that night, it meant the wait staff received almost an $80 tip before any service had taken place. This soured an otherwise enjoyable experience. Now for the positive. The food was mostly delicious, especially the wagyu steak. It was perfectly seasoned and cooked rare, which we both loved. The cocktails were incredibly balanced and some of the best we've had in the area. We had a spiced old fashioned and a twist on an aviation cocktail. The service was attentive without being intrusive, and the waiter was professional and friendly. The ambiance is high end and romantic, though there were families present. You can definitely take your children here for a fancy dinner. It's a shame about the mandatory gratuity, because we had been talking about doing an overnight stay at the hotel and eating here again. read more

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Food, drinks and service were all very good. I enjoyed the harissa crusted redfish and the twice cooked potatoes were excellent. Friendly helpful service. Overall a very good experience. read more

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It's a lovely restaurant and the hostess was a gem; greeting us with a genuine smile. While I think a poor staff encounter can tarnish an otherwise amazing experience, even the most amazing people cannot make up for bland food - which unfortunately was part of my experience on this evening. I was surprised how flavorless my salmon dish tasted. For a simple dish, I was left dissatisfied with both the overcooked texture and bland flavor. Others at the table felt their food was better - they tried mine and agreed - not good. High general ratings & my friend's experience will lead me to try this spot again. If I do, I'll avoid the salmon. read more

Came here with my in-laws who were staying at the Omni BC for a weekend of golf and this was definitely one of the better dining options on site. It's a clean, open space with trendy decor and lots of light. The bar area looked cool too. You are also able to eat out on the balcony area. Our server was super nice and attentive. He ensured my allergies were noted and accommodated properly, letting me know what could be made safely and well. He was on it! And there was a decent amount of gluten and dairy free options. I had some oysters and ceviche which were both good! My main was a gf df version of the saffron risotto which made for a somewhat bland and not as great meal without the dairy. But at least they tried. Everyone else in my party seemed to enjoy their food. The drinks were especially good and made well! read more

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This restaurant has some puts and takes. It wants to be high end but falls short. The hostess brought my fried and I to a two-top in an awkward place. We inquired about three neighboring for-tops that were open. Hostess said "this is all I have right now, but if we don't get another party of four I'll move you." Right. Two four-tops remained open the entire time we were here. Hostess ghotess. For the food. The oysters were good. Tuna was darn near tasteless. My friends filet was cooked properly. I had pastrami seasoned duck. Two problems. Can't taste pastrami and two SMALL slices of du k breast. For $49. Other issues: ordered manhattan. Waiter walked away before I could specify spirit. No bueno. Did not ask if I wanted another glass of wine. Yeah. Go here if you're trapped at this hotel. Otherwise, pass. read more

I came here for the 2022 Thanksgiving Dinner with my mom and little sister. Whenever I'm at buffet type meals I get intimidated because I worry I'll overeat. I liked that this meal wasn't too extensive so there were only a few dishes you could choose from. I got all of the familiar elements of the Thanksgiving plate and went back for my favorites for seconds. I definitely liked the mac and cheese, salmon, and sweet potatoes the most. The three of us also collectively loved the a la carte scallops. Also, I did end up eating too much but it was all worth it. read more

Blind Salamander Kitchen & Bar - Thanksgiving plate - New American Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I almost don't want to review this. I'd rather have this place all to myself.... but then again, driving business to them will keep it open. The struggles real here. One of the best meals hands down I've ever had in Austin. There, I said it. That damn Beef Short Rib deserves a medal. The Caesar Salad, can we say Cheese?! (Malted potato chips in it) Salmon... cooked to perfection. The Cauliflower Fried Rice, I could eat buckets full of it. Get your staycation on at the Omni Barton Creek resort and book this spot ASAP! Pro Tip - Call and confirm hours since they sometimes change rapidly. V-Day weekend open, then closing again till March. Enjoy! Oh, and ORDER THE SHORT RIB!! read more

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What a beautiful, extraordinary dining experience! The atmosphere at the restaurant is lovely and very stylish. We were so pleased with the amazing service - the whole team is wonderful, so welcoming and helpful. We especially love Caroline! She is so smart, thoughtful, and kind. Caroline always greets us with her beautiful smile and serves us with kindness and thoughtfulness. The food is excellent - the Chef is absolutely phenomenal! Always introducing fabulous, superb, innovative dishes!! Last night we had the tomato/onion dip as a starter and is a must-try. The butternut squash salad is one of the best and tastiest salads I have ever tried. The main dishes are super tasty and delicious and each one of them deserves a recognition!!! The desserts are pieces of art, especially the Tiramisu. We loved the berry vegan cheesecake as well! The dessert Chef deserves a medal, honestly! The view overlooking the gorgeous hillside is breathtaking. We highly recommend this place!! read more

Blind Salamander Kitchen & Bar - The Butternut Squash Salad! - New American Near Me - Austin, Texas

The Quiche Loraine was delicious as was the Crème Brulee. We followed up our lunch with their wonderful coffee. I loved the limited menu. The owner Olga Estrella was so sweet and often came by to check on us. Akia, our server was fun and frequently came by to check on us as well. The Cafe includes a drive-through which is a great option. The restaurant was open with perfect lighting and was extremely inviting. Great new restaurant for Austin. read more

This review won't be able to do the restaurant and service justice, but here we go. We were treated with amazing service as soon as we arrived at the check-in table, our server Will was incredible. Will let us know the specials of the day and you could tell he knew the menus. He recommended a few different drinks which were all extremely tasty. We ended up ordering the oysters of the day, shrimp, ahi tartare, tomato bisque, burrata, carrots and salmon dip which we shared family style. Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs, but it was worth every single bite! The chef came out and personally checked in with us to see how we were liking everything and he sent out a couple desserts which were so delicious! Do not sleep on the creme brulee! We ended the night with some tasty champagne, I can't wait for my next visit! read more

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I was looking around for something special to do for my wife's birthday and I stumbled upon Blind Salamander. It was a little out of the way but looked quite nice. I had never been to the resort but new that it had just re opened so we wanted to give it a try. We came in on a Friday night around 7. The place was half full but laid out quite nicely, over looking a fantastic view. We ordered the lobster Mac, salmon and chocolate moose cake (I believe that's what it was). The mac was filled with lobster. A restaurant instantly earns a positive note from me when they don't skimp on the lobster. The Salomon was perfectly cooked and you could tell it was marinated well before prep. To end off the night, they wrote a nice card for my wife, wishing her happy birthday. All around a great evening. read more

Blind Salamander Kitchen & Bar - New American Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Blind salamander is one of our absolutely favorite places to dine at. It is located inside of the Omni at Barton Creek. From the ambience, to the food, to the service everything is five star. The staff is quick to your needs, the food is prepared, beautifully and seasoned very well, and the views are fantastic! read more

We experienced an excellent evening at the Blind Salamander. Chef Steven's new menu items were all excellent. Our server, Steven, took excellent care to make sure all was perfect. The hostess, Jimin Lee, was most pleasant in helping us arrange this special event and personally made sure all was perfect. Jimin made sure the evening was a special evening and represented the Blind Salamander so well from the moment we arrived. I strongly encourage previous and first time diners to try the new menu items and my thanks to Chef Steven for the creation of the best vegan dish in Austin that he made with no advance notice for us. All was first class food, service, and ambiance. read more

The Blind Salamander is located inside the Omni Barton Creek Resort. They have free parking inside the parking garage. We came here for Thanksgiving lunch and the service was excellent. The turkey entree was $42. They didn't offer gluten free stuffing and the turkey wasn't as good as my mother in law's deep fried turkey. They didn't offer any gluten or dairy free desserts such as sorbet. The only thing that was inconsistent was that our waiter told a member of our party that gratuity was not included in the bill. She almost tipped him 40% until I pointed out the 20% service charge itemized on her receipt. We had separate checks. Some members of our party were not charged an automatic 20% service charge while others were. Nonetheless, this was a delicious option for Thanksgiving and everyone was thankful not having to wash dishes. read more

The Blind Salamander is a luxurious restaurant nestled and this spacious high-end spa Austin. The service was five stars. The food was a unique take on the Texas American cuisine. This secluded restaurant is located on top of the mountain. We drove through the winding roads in the dark. Then we were given an option to either valet Park our car or park in the parking garage. Golf cart speed by tooth fairy those who have parked further away. The Blind Salamander is located on the lower level of this massive luxury spa. The lounge area for the spa what is equivalent to 5 living rooms of a home in New York. On the first floor there was a 50 ft long fireplace, just for ambience. When we arrived, the hostess have remembered our name and could pronounce it correctly. We were escorted to our marble top table. We opted to share the whitefish dip, oysters, seared yellowfin tuna, blackened Texas redfish and creme brulee. We opted for the sides of the lobster mac and cheese and grilled asparagus. The service team ran like clockwork. Out of the corner of my eye, they stood ready. At a drop of a pin they woupd dash into refill our Waters, take away our plates and make sure if we needed anything else. The chef came and started us with a salmon amuse bouche. The salmon bits for medium-rare with citrus flavored caviar and an buttery fluffy foam. It was a delightful start to the meal. The oysters were Briny buttery cold. They were flown in from Maine Canada and Prince Edward island. Accompaniments were mignonette, horseradish, and Texas homemadehot sauce. The whitefish dip came with cedar smoke in a glass jar with pork rinds as chips. This was amazing appetizer. The smoke smell really enhanced the whitefish and was so appetizing. The yellowfin tuna was perfectly seared and rare topped with blackened sesame seeds. Asparagus was grills to tender perfection. It was served with a infused butter. The lobster mac and cheese was creamy and had multiple bits of tender lobster. They ran out of peach cobbler so we opted for the creme brulee topped with fruit. I love the crackle of the creme brulee as it hit my spoon. The custard with velvety and the fruit was soaked and mint syrup. We felt so well taken care of. This is truly a five star experience. The service felt akin to some one Michelin star restaurants. I would reorder the whitefish dip the oysters and the tuna. I would love to return to try the peach cobbler. read more

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I thought this place was going to be amazing, but the food was just eh. I got the salmon which was good. The chowder made it a little weird. Then I got the twice baked potato's. That was not good. I never dislike potato's either, but I think the flavor profile was a little off. The Ceasar salad was good and loved the dressing. The staff was really nice! Overall, the food was just meh read more

Good restaurant located within the Omni Barton Creek hotel; outdoor seating has a nice view of the grounds. The food here is reliably good. I particularly liked the ahi tartare, which tasted super fresh, and my own saffron risotto with wild mushrooms. Dessert is also a must-order here. The warm manjari chocolate malted cake with bourbon caramel, candied pecans, and vanilla ice cream was a delicious medley of textures; the yuzu cheesecake was also very refreshing and citrusy. Service was attentive and friendly. Dined: August 18, 2022 read more

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We came to Austin for a spa day and stayed at the Omni. The Blind Salamander was a great choice in dining. We sat outside on the patio and was able to enjoy the beautiful weather. The service was impeccable. The drinks were delicious, as were the oysters, halibut, red fish, and crab mac and cheese. The Caesar salad and scallops were too salty. Also - get desserts. The death by chocolate was divine! read more

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The restaurant was incredibly responsive to the issues and showed why they are a world class destination. We certainly were glad there are still customer friendly business's in today's world. read more

Great seafood right in the Barton Creek hotel. Nice wine selection. Delicious food. Had the octopus. Salmon dip was a little different. It had salmon roe. Added some saltinesses to it. Service was excellent- warm and friendly. Happy we did not have to drive into Austin for nice meal. read more

We had a great time at the Blind Salamander. The ambiance is fresh and beautiful with views of the rolling hills. The food is fantastic and fresh also. We opted for the special of the night, a pan seared halibut in miso broth with shiitake and shishito peppers. AMAZING. If you go, the STAR OF THE SHOW is the crab Mac and cheese. They get the crust of it just right and there is plenty of crab. Highly recommend, just a little pricey. read more

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Amazing dinner on property last night at Barton Creek Spa & Resort - Warm Gluten Free Bread ( best ever) -Grilled Octopus Appetizer - Scallops with sweet corn grits and bacon jam -Oro King Salmon from New Zealand( best salmon I have eaten.. This place was a big surprise!! Head Chef Eric Bass came over to the table!! Definitely for the locals in Austin I would recommend coming out and trying this place!! ***Request Barry as your server*** read more

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We had the most wonderful brunch, with service from Barry- who made our morning! He was engaging and accommodating, and the food was great. After Barrys service we were excited to eat here again-however, once we went to our dinner reservation it was a different story. We sat for nearly 20 minutes without anyone coming to our table- once our server finally came to our table the food was subpar and we only saw him twice after that. Half empty plates sat at our lap for 20 minutes. All of this is not the worst service I've ever had- but when paying this price I would expect MUCH more. I'm not sure if this restaurant was understaffed or we looked like we were not a priority due to our age- either way I would not ever eat here again. The second star was solely for Barry and the bar staff. read more

Blind Salamander Kitchen & Bar - Crab cake :/ - New American Near Me - Austin, Texas

I had a FANTASTIC meal here. From the service, to the food, to the space- it was perfect! I was blown away by the salmon dip and lobster Mac and cheese which is the BEST Mac and cheese I have ever had at a restaurant. The salmon was also stellar- the flavors were creative yet delicious. My only complaint is that my stomach wasn't big enough for seconds! :) read more

I had never thought of having salmon with a curry sauce until I had it here and I'm impressed! The food is amazing, perfectly cooked and so elegantly presented. Not pictured here is the strawberry peppercorn gin and tonic which I 10/10 recommend for a fruity twist on a gin and tonic. I loved their drink chart to help you choose, it was super helpful in narrowing down my options. This is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner! read more

Blind Salamander Kitchen & Bar - Ora king salmon + Scallops - New American Near Me - Austin, Texas

Service was excellent For appetizer we ordered raw oysters and they were fresh and delicious with just the right amount of brine. We also ordered the crab cake upon our waitress' recommendation; 10/10- large "cake" that could be shared between two ppl and the crab to breading ratio was basically all crab! Would def. recommend. My husband ordered the wagyu short rib entree and said it was tender. I ordered the Redfish with corn and corn purée. Yum! The portion size of fish is generous and I had to give the remaining fish to my husband to help me finish the meal. Our favorite was the dessert at the end of our meal. We loved the molten chocolate cake with caramel macchiato ice cream. So so so decadent and the perfect way to finish our meal. read more

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I have eaten here a few times now. Honestly, extremely happy with this place and the fact that it is close to my home. Staff is friendly and well educated on their products. Food is flavorful and of good quality. Drinks are good as well. The sound can be loud if packed but on Christmas Eve our waitress stated they were working on that. I see this place being our go to for awhile. My favorite is the short ribs. They fall off the bone and are very very very flavorful. I enjoy the food is not overly salty which a lot of restaurant food can be. This place is not understaffed. Your water glass will barely get below half full. If you go early you could be out numbered by staff to customers. Thank you Omni for the remodel and this addition to the area. read more

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No pictures because we are so fast and it was excellent! 1. Roasted Carrots: 10/10 I would have eaten this entire plate as my entree, but was so excited to try the rest of our dinner! Carrots were flavored well, with a crunch from pistachios and a yogurt based with fresh herbs. 2. Red Fish: 10/10 This was a special (not on menu). It was order again good! 3. Crab Mac and Cheese: 6/10 Although, my husband was a 10/10. For me, I felt like it was very heavy in cream and wanted my "calories" to come from the fish and carrots. Overall, would come here again, swap the mac and cheese for something else. Staff was fabulous! Oh and the rolls with salted butter 10/10. read more

I would give it 4 1/2 stars if that rating was available. Overall great food and service. My only negative is my halibut was only OK, and what they charge for it should have knocked my socks off. I would not recommend that dish. My wife got the salmon, which was outstanding and some of the best ever tasted. The salads, soups and deserts were also outstanding. read more

Amazing filet mignon and creamy crab Mac and cheese. The creme brûlée is top notch full of sweetness and fruits. We were sat outside on the patio and enjoyed the amazing view. Caroline was a great server and was so patient with us. Would definitely come back again! read more

AMAZING!!! Loved the cocktails! Creative and fun. Dinner was so surprising! Baratta and crudo appetizer was delicious. My hubby had the Redfish and I had the burger- both were so good! Wine selection was great. Thank you for a good evening! read more

My wife and I were celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary and we requested a special meal. Oh boy did they not disappoint. The chef prepared a special 7 course meal just for us!! With a special menu! And man the food was absolutely fantastic!! In addition, the drinks were superb and paired really well with the food. Service was top notch and very well attended, Stephen is phenomenal! We're both fans and will surely be back :-) read more

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We were in town staying at the Omni for a weekend trip with friends. While we love the resort this restaurant fell very short of expectations. First, our waitress took quite a while to greet us and when she did she was less than personable or helpful. A table one over had a different server who was full of personality, telling them about specials, helping pick out entrees, suggesting wines, etc. Ours was basically, "what do you want". No personality whatsoever. Fair enough, not everyone is outgoing. We ordered the redfish, tuna tartare, 2 filets and crab Mac and cheese. When the filets were delivered, it was 2 pieces of tenderloin, not a filet, presented like a prime rib or medallions of tenderloin. Most shocking, this $54 entree was to come with a twice baked potato and tomato/ herb garnish. When they served it, there was a small bowl of cold, flavorless French fries in the place of the twice baked potato with a "we ran out of twice baked potatoes, so you get fries". A very small order of cold, sad French fries. No, "hey, sorry guys we ran out of potatoes, what other side can I offer you?" Nothing, just here is your cold fries, deal with it. I assume the Crab Mac and Cheese was supposed to have crab in it, but there was maybe 2 pieces of crab. Our waitress did not return to our table after entrees were delivered to check to see if they were prepared correctly. So, we had to track down another server to get help because one of the steaks ordered medium was served very rare and had to be sent back. No manager stopped by to apologize for the errors even though he walked past many times. Needless to say, we will not be returning. This was an expensive disappointment. read more

This restaurant has completely wow'ed me with hospitality both times my husband and I have eaten here. It has some of the highest quality seafood I've had in Austin, and one of the most beautiful atmospheres. Do yourself a favor and sit outside! Gorgeous and peaceful views (and comfy chairs!!). I'm pregnant and the team both times I've visited went above and beyond to create a special mocktail suited to my taste preferences- so incredibly sweet of them, and truly the best mocktails I've had. My husband loved the cocktail menu as well. On our most recent visit, we sat outside and the temperature dropped 20 degrees in a matter of minutes- hey, that's Texas for ya. Without having to say a word, the team at the restaurant jumped into action- the GM came out and turned up the space heaters for all the guests and moved them closer to the table, and the hostesses came out and provided blankets to any guests who wanted them. Highly, highly recommend coming here for a special occasion or just a little oasis. We are foodies who have lived in Austin since 2008, and this is quickly becoming one of our favorite restaurants. read more

Everything our server Will recommended was great. The oysters were very fresh. The special for the day Halibut was tasty. We tried the lamb shank as well and it was fall of the bone tenter and very flavorful. Hats of to the Chef! Great job! read more