The worst! You order and then sit down, so all they have to do is bring your food. One sandwich came with paper inside it.. my niece nearly choked. The other dish didn't come out at all. They just forgot. Then they forgot to make the replacement sandwich. We were there for an hour, spent $100, and left agitated. Run! read more

I don't care that they have a really weird serving system, or that I am generally the only non-wealthy housewife in the place, nor do I care that the place isn't hip, cool, or local. Why not? Because it is sooooooo good. I can't even. I love everything I try there. I'm not usually a sandwich person but the citrus turkey is amazing. The bread, the marmalade, the cheese, everything. And need I mention the fries? They are the best fries I have EVER had. They are completely tasty on their own, but the olive/mayo mystery sauce is amazing and i don't even like olives. Also, I don't feel like gross greasy mess after eating them. Even their tea tastes better than anywhere I've ever been. I am salivating thinking about it now. The servers are always nice, I really like Hazel, and she even brought us a creme brulee when they made one by accident. It was...so...good. The kind of good where you have to close your eyes and process the level of awesome. In summary, I can't say enough good things about this place. I have even gone to the mall just so I could eat there. Lame? Yes. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Oh my god, yes. read more

Been eating here for many years and the food is always memorable. I had the Citrus Turkey sandwich today and it was mind blowingly good. Turkey with cranberry citrus chutney, gruyere, baby greens, and garlic aioli on a toothy multi-grain ciabatta. It ranks very high on my all-time sandwich list. Of course it came with bistro fries which are without a doubt some of the best in town. Wifey had crab cakes on risotto with spinach, cherry tomatoes and cheese. Lovely flavors and a just right risotto - not gummy or runny. Dessert was a Callebaut Chocolate Pot de Créme with toffee bits, peanut butter caramel and whipped cream. The créme was silky smooth without any chalkiness sometimes seen at other spots in town. If you haven't tried the Cafe Bistro you really should. It's been here since 2003, so where have you been for cryin' out corn? read more

Just like everything else with Nordstrom's, this place is biggity bad ass. Great freaking idea, by the way, order first, so they have your food working, then sit down. That way their kitchen doesn't get slammed and it maintains a nice, steady flow. It does make me feel a bit conflicted on tipping the waiters, since all they're doing is running your food and drinks, but whatever. Tomato basil soup is great. Pizzas are very good too. For my money though: Asian salad and bread pudding. Seriously, that dessert is the best thing ever. I'd slap my mom for one of those things. read more

This is a hidden gem inside of Nordstrom. Some of the best french fries I have ever eaten. Thin cut, crispy, seasoned perfectly with garlic and other herbs. I had the chicken sandwich sans the chicken, replaced with mushrooms. The chefs were accommodating with my request and the sandwich was made promptly. What I love is the fact that everything was made from scratch and with fresh ingredients. The serving staff was extremely friendly too. So next time you are on a shopping run in barton creek mall and need do not want to eat in the food court, this is the place to check out. read more

Just so you know - I wanted to give the Cafe Bistro 2.5 stars, but I rounded up because I'm a darling little angel ; ) So the food here is good - I work at the mall, and when I'm hungry, or when I just don't have time to grab a bite to eat in my day, I go to the Cafe. But while the food is good, it's not that innovative, it lacks a 'holy cow'/'wow' factor. Typical Bistro/New American stuff. Soup and Salad is where the Cafe Bistro really shines. I always get a cup of the soup of the day, and it never disappoints. Today the soup du jour was thai yellow curry soup. Ahh, that curry burned. But the pain was good, and I ate every last drop. If you're at the mall, don't bother with that chain-y CPK crap. Go to the Cafe Bistro and enjoy the classiest eatery at the mall. read more

This is the place to go to fuel your shopping appetite. The food is well-executed and very tasty, although it is a little on the pricey side, just like everything else at Nordie's. The system here is a little strange - you order and pay at the counter, then a host/hostess takes you and your receipt to the table. You then have a waitperson who takes your drink order, brings you your food, and takes your dessert order. Don't forget to tip him/her - it would be easy to do so. I've eaten mostly salads here, and they were all inventive, filling, very fresh, and tasty - the kind of thing that would appeal to the people shopping at Nordstrom's. They have a pretty large selection of entree salads - I guess lots of "ladies who lunch" go for those. If you're a male and you somehow find yourself here, don't despair; they have heartier fare, too! read more

Two words- crab bisque. Seriously the best crab bisque without being too heavy or rich and yet it still actually has some pieces of crab in it, real crab to boot. Really though, what could be better, you shop up a storm and then go in have a glass of wine, a delicious cup of soup, and pick from some really great salads if you're being good or enjoy a sandwich with some of the best fries and aioli around if you've worked up a real appetite. Then, if you haven't stuffed yourself to the point of no return, have the white chocolate bread pudding, another glass of wine and go back out to shop a little more freely, even if you do have to contemplate buying an elastic pair of pants to keep going without taking an eye out. read more

This place is certainly convenient, if you are at the mall, but it's slow as molasses!! You would think their set-up (order before you're seated) would speed things up but today it took over 20 mins to get a SALAD and thus I had to take it to go with me because I was out of lunch break time. Super annoying and I will not be going here for lunch anymore. read more

I agree that the system is weird. You can't add a tip to your credit card, and that is weird, because who has cash all of the time? The food was really good. I had the salad with cherry vinaigrette with pears, candied pecans and blue cheese crumbles. It was great. My husband had a Cesar and the crab bisque. Loved it. My daughter had chicken strips and fries and. . . .I'm sure they were good. Anyway, go there. It isn't cheap, but it sure beats the food court. read more

Nordstrom changed its menu a couple years back, and at first I was sad. I love being able to go to Nordstrom in any city and get the best Asian chicken salad I have ever had. The only change was less salad and a glazed chicken breast whereas before it was just cooked strips of chicken. While it tastes better, I still think the other was healthier. The dressing is delicious because it is so light and complements all the components. I know that it is good to have variety, but I just love the high quality of the Norstrom cafes. I have never been disappointed by anything I have ordered off their menu. The desserts are spectacular. My favorite is the shortcake because it is made with traditional ingredients for the shortcake and the whipped cream is fresh. For the price, it is worth every penny. read more

Come to Nordstrom for the shoes, but stay for the cafe. Oh, how I love Cafe Bisro -- I was here on opening night, and will never forget the amazing bowl of Potato Leek soup and the equally amazing Wild Greens salad with balsamic vinegar, crumbled blue cheese, and candied walnuts. I've been back many times sinse, but I've never gotten past the soups and salads. I don't care what the Soup of the Day is -- as long as it is vegetarian, I always get it. Because it's just THAT good. read more

Two bad experiences, the second being devastating. 1) The first time we went either there was not enough servers or they were simply clueless. We were stated in the face for 5 minutes and then the chef stops by and tells the cashier that he has run out of nearly half the menu. We walked away. 2) I treated my family to lunch at the bistro yesterday and although service was decent my mother got food poisoning from the Romaine salad. I'm not talking about not feeling great I'm talking going from smiling to hurling, everywhere, all day and all night. Thanks Nordstrom Bistro for killing our holiday! Lastly, the wine pours are weak. Much rather run to the CPK and get a proper buzz. I hate to give one star but since we have had such great experiences at so many other Nordstrom Bistros this was a major let down, twice. Hit up CPK instead, excellent service and much more reasonable prices. read more

Update: If you are pre-diabetic or diabetic, the salad dressings are very sweet here. Opt for the delicious balsamic and olive oil. Also, they no longer substitute soup for the fries. The only sub is a salad! --- Husband is feeling fancy! Husband knows that I can only eat soups and soft things because of wisdom teeth! Husband loves me and suggests crab bisque! I jump up and down, I'm not kidding here - I'm a big child. When we get there, it's nicely empty which means that this restaurant is ours for a little while. Very romantic! We order our soup and take out seats. How posh! The sweet waitress brings our soup, apologizes that our crostini are still in the salamander, and brings us a nice, sliced baguette with my favorite butter, plugra butter! Unfortunately, but fortunately, the bread was perfectly/sadly crusty, but on this day, I discovered how delicious the butter and bread were after they soaked in the bisque for a few minutes! Oh man! Long story short! Go. Order cheese platter and crab bisque. Come back here and mark my rating as cool or helpful, because you're gonna love it! Enjoy! read more

LOOOOOOOOOOOVE this place! Seriously! I take my teenage daughter here for a treat and she loves it as well. The service is great (of course) and the food is even better! FUN! read more

My husband and I frequently make trips to the cafe even when we aren't in the neighborhood or doing any shopping. The atmosphere and food is wonderful. The staff, like the rest of Nordtrom, is above average. Love the Risotto. It is amazing and creamy and so delightful. They have a great assortment of sandwiches and salads. The French Onion Soup has a wonderful, rich flavor and the cheese is thick and bubbly on top. I could drink the refreshing peach ice tea by the gallon. You can even take a break from shopping and stop in for a glass of wine and a snack. read more

I love this place! Yes, it's inside the mall, but trust me- you won't even think you're in a mall. Its on the second floor of Nordstroms tucked away from all the other places(ie. food court) The ordering system is a bit different-you order in line and then they seat you. Some of my favorite things are: 1) The French Fries (trust me, they are amazing!) 2) Ham & Swiss Sandwich- I substitute the bread(I think its the rye)for their french bread, which makes it delicious! 3) Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad- I didn't know how I would feel about this, but it never disappoints. It's definitively one I get often. Next time your checking out the top floor of Nordstroms, swing on by Cafe Bistro for a bite! read more

This is one of the better restaurants in Austin and it is often overlooked. Try the steak frites. The steak will be cooked exactly as you'd like and the french fries are maybe the best in town. A little highlight is the kalamata olive aioli to dip those frys in: too good!! The crab bisque is good and worth having if you like bisque. The service is always top notch and I have never had a bad meal here! Precision preparation and high quality ingredients....win win. Other good things to try; the chicken club is to die for. I really like the green beans! Any salad with the housemande cilantro lime dressing......and their deserts are pretty damn good! Now I'm hungry. Go there if you need a great lunch!! read more

Not the cheapest option for lunch, but definitely a great place to get lunch and you get your money's worth. Overall food is very good (nothing at all like the usual mall fare) and a nice touch is the service, Nordstrom maintains the service standards found in the department store throughout their bistro. I had the Flat Iron Steak Sand and Lobster Biqsue and both were very good. Total came to $20 which is a bit steep for lunch, for a treat this is a great option. read more

I always forget this is back there in the store on the second level! I finally got to come back here recently to find that all of the same great things were still awesome! The crab bisque......YES! Any of their sandwiches.......YES! The herb seasoned fries.......YES! The prices are great for the quality of food you get.... Our server was a very nice young gal who had the best suggestions! Right on, Nordstrom Cafe Bistro!! There is nothing like coming here on a rainy day to think about life while enjoying the comforts of a shopping mall.... Joy....Pain.....Sunshine....Rain...... read more

I hadn't eaten at one of these in years but when I ran into a friend at Nordstrom today we decided to grab some lunch. There was a wait so the manager walked the line with samples of tortilla soup, which was surprisingly spicy. Someone asked if we could try the crab bisque so he came around again with more samples. Cool. As has already been mentioned, you must get the pomme frites with kalamata olive aioli. The fries and dip come with all the sandwiches and I can recommend the ham and swiss or the bistro club (chicken breast, avocado, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce and, uhhhh, green beans for that extra crunch, I guess). I remember from visits a few years ago (the menu appears to be the same) the chipotle lime shrimp salad is also good. Nordstrom's men's 1/2 yearly sale is going on now and there is a clearance sale in the other departments. If you need to eat at Barton Creek Mall, this is the place to do it. If you need to eat while shopping at a Nordstrom anywhere in the country, the menu and standards seem to be the same all over. read more

Mall food is usually a letdown of greasy, stale, preservative-loaded, and/or sugary concoctions you gulp down quickly so you don't wonder at what happened to the art of enjoying food. And malls themselves... ugh! A giant ugly building lit by soul-withering fluorescent lamps, swarming with bored teens and sick children, with gaudy storefronts tempting you to treat your worries with retail therapy. OK rant over. If in case you do find yourself in the Barton Creek mall, do not overlook the Cafe Bistro at Nordstrom during lunch time. It is precisely my ill feelings towards malls and their "food" that allowed me to be so pleasantly surprised at the food and service at Cafe Bistro. Everything on the menu looked good, but I ordered a pizza and some fries. The pizza was delicious, and the fries were easily some of the best I've ever had in Austin. Seriously, they should steal the title from Hyde Park Bar and Grill. Our server was very attentive and friendly. For most of the time I was chomping and gabbing away with my lunch mates, I completely forgot that I was even in a mall. Cafe Bistro shouldn't be classified as mall food. It is food food that can compete with the other stand alone restaurants in town. read more

I love shopping at Nordstrom and have been a customer there for more than 7 years now, I have found that the food at the Cafe Bistro has always pleased my pallet. I have not had a problem with their food since the time the store opened. I have enjoyed various salad entrees the best one is the Cilantro Lime Shrimp which the lime brings out the zesty flavor to the salad to compliment with the soup of the day or the crab or lobster bisque. The portions are generous and are freshly made. The desert is the best... Banana bread pudding, it is the best and my brothers love it... It is way better than other places my younger brother has eaten. The atmosphere and environment makes the cafe friendly and the service hospitable. During Half- Yearly, Anniversary, and other special events the cafe tends to be busy it is best to get there early to avoid the crowded lines. read more

Café Bistro at Nordstrom - Chef's special pepperoni pizza - New American Near Me - Austin, Texas

I came here during lunch which was a mistake (or so I thought at first). We waited for like 30 minutes before we were seated. I was very discouraged about it, but I was already in line so I wasn't going to get out. Note to self: Don't go during lunch, very packed. Once we were seated thought, we were quickly served and the food came out between 5-10 minutes of ordering/ seating. (It is a bit weird there since you pay and order first, then you sit down and eat). I ordered a roasted chicken and goat cheese panini which was very delicious. The goat cheese was really good, the bread was nice a buttered, and the chicken tasted like they just roasted it. The plate came with fries which were very well presented. The fries tasted really good, although I got tired of them half way through the meal. This place has good service and really good food. I wouldn't mind coming back here another time whenever it is not so busy. read more

The best restaurant in Barton Creek Mall. I have yet to have a bad meal at the Cafe Bistro and I have dined there multiple times. Try the Cilantro Lime Salad, the Roasted Chicken, or the Onion Soup. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful with gluten free items. The menu has numerous items that are cooked gluten free or can be modified to be gluten free. Note that even some of the items that are not marked this way in some cases can be adjusted to be gluten free, like the Cilantro Lime Salad. The set up is a little odd cause you stand in line to order, you pay at a check out, then you are waited on at a table after you are seated. The line can get pretty long on the weekend. Despite this odd configuration, the seating and atmosphere are comfortable and definitely a respite from the mall. read more

I used to live in the Seattle area and to be honest, the only thing I really miss is the food. Well, guess what lovely Seattle-based department store is right over there?! If I'm having an awful day, this is the food that will make it better. Fantastic crab bisque. Salmon done just right (and add-able to just about any salad on the menu). Big, tasty salads. And oh, it's *in* Nordstrom, home of OMG, shoes and cute clothes that actually fit my weirdo top-heavy shape. Sure, it's estrogen overload in here, and a little noisy. I feel like the only one at the Cafe Bistro not discussing wedding plans, babies or whatever it is that women tend to talk about, but my goodness--the food is quite good. Only negatives? The line out the door is completely bananas at lunchtime, but at least you can call in an order if you're just getting take-out. read more

I was really surprised to arrive there be a line out the door. However, the hostess was on it and had it moving quickly. It's that Austin protocol were you order at the counter and the waiter brings it to your table with the corresponding number. My friend and I both ordered sandwiches and fries. I thought it was okay. Nothing memorable. I like that they served alcohol because I like a little wine when I'm lunching. All in all, I think it's waaaay better than the food court, so I'll most likely be back again. read more

This bistro is awesome! The staff is very professional, almost fancy even. The food is moderately priced - but the portions are HUGE and can easily be split. Even the kids food is a pretty large portion. My wife and I split the club sandwich with fries. My son had the crackers, fruit and cheese plate. $16 total for lunch for three people. And nice servers! No one hocking teriyaki chicken and little kids running around your feet like at the food court. Skip CPK, skip the food court, go to the Café Bistro. You won't regret it. read more

I seriously love Nordstrom Bistro. From the chicken caesar salad to the paninis to the steak with frites you will be COMPLETELY satisfied with what you order. Service is usually fantastic although it does get very busy at peak times and Saturdays. read more

I really appreciate the variety and the quality of consistency of foods here. The staff are friendly and quick as well. The dishes I really enjoy here: Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad. The shrimp don't taste 'shrimpy' if you know what I mean. The dressing is great, and I love the crunchy tortilla strips. Salmon and mushroom herbed Risotto is also wonderful. The salmon, again, perfect. Not fishy at all. (Main reason I won't eat seafood!) Not overpowering herb flavor, not too saucy either. Just right. The house wine is great. Usually a great middle of the road variety that goes with most food and I think most people would enjoy. My real favorite thing to eat here: The bread and butter. Yes, I know. But I LOVE good butter. Theirs is great. I usually get at least one refill of that while here. read more

Great for a quick lunch with clients or to break up a day of shopping. Great service and energy in the restaurant. Love the booths and well light area. Go to meal-salads and the brussels read more

My son and his wife love this place and take me every time I visit Austin and we go shopping, which is almost every month. This reminds me of the elegant department stores my grandmother took me to as a child. She taught me to drink coffee with lots of cream. It truly is fun to take a break and eat while shopping. Cafe Bistro has great, fast service, interesting choices, and is almost always packed, which has never interfered with the service. read more

Easy to get in, find something you want to eat, and get out. Love that it's not a Food Court experience but has food court accessibility. Pear and blue cheese salad is my fave, but the pizzas are delicious, too. Meat-eating lunch partners vouch for the variety of entrees with dead animals on them. All-around consistently good place to eat. read more

The food and service are always top notch here. Great place for lunch and the options are endless and interesting It could be the most expensive lunch you've had in some time since this place is attached to Nordstroms and the shoe dept always hurts my wallet The kitchen is an open concept kitchen and you can dine at the counter and watch how the food is prepared They use very fresh ingredients and the food is always delicious Overall a great place and top on my list of lunch places in this city read more

I always order a cup of the Bistro Crab Bisque & Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad. Both are cooked to perfection and delicious. The special today was Brussels sprouts and a crab mac-n-cheese. Both were fantastic. read more

I love this restaurant. If you just feel like eating some good food but quick this is the place. You can have whatever in the menu and it doesn't disappoint you. My favorites are the shrimp salad and the onion soup. Also you can go shopping after so thats a plus. read more

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I've been meaning to try Cafe Bistro at Nordstrom for some time now, but I'm not patient enough to wait in line for a sandwich or salad. I was in Nordstrom tonight at about 6:00PM, I saw no line, and I decided to try Cafe Bistro. The ordering experience was good. The order taker gave me a quick overview of the ordering process and was cordial. While my order was being prepared, I walked around the mall for ten minutes and within a minute of arriving back in Cafe Bistro I had my to-go meal delivered by a friendly employee. I got home and dug in within ten minutes of picking up my order. The fries, touted by the employee I ordered from as the best he'd had, were over-greasy and not spectacularly flavored. The sandwich was one of the worst sandwiches I've ever had. The meat had an odd texture. Overall, the sandwich just didn't taste good. I ended up throwing half of it away. I'm giving Cafe Bistro two stars because the service was quite good. Additionally, due to the numerous positive reviews, I have to believe that my experience was somewhat of a fluke. I hope so. read more

One of my favorite restaurants in town! I've never had a bad meal here. The staff are lovely. I love the bistro club, shrimp salad, crab bisque, macaroni and cheese, cheese pizza, creme brûlée, and bread pudding! read more

This place is a hidden jem- the atmosphere is romantic and the food is honestly some of the best in Austin. The food is fresh are fresh and portions are generous, plus the staff is always great! read more

Café Bistro at Nordstrom - AMAZING bruschetta!!! - New American Near Me - Austin, Texas

Amazing food, service was real great! I loved everything about the food. Ohhh and the Arnold Palmer was amazing!