Went to Red River Cafe because we had limited time, wanted a great, cheaply priced meal. We received our drinks and were quickly asked for our order. Needing a little bit more time we asked if she would give us a minute. However, our minute was too long because I had to get up to get her attention. We placed our order and waited for 30 minutes. After which time I asked about our order and the waitress forgot to place it. We walked out ignoring the apology that was given from not her but the other waiter. Had good experiences in the past, but it just takes one on the wrong day to spur me to action in writing a review. read more

Red River Cafe is an amazing place to get great homestyle food. The breakfast beats out everything else in austin. The service is friendly and I've never had any trouble with the kitchen. Cheap food, close to campus, relaxed. Five stars, definitely. read more

I've been a frequent customer (and on/off employee) of Red River Cafe for the past 3 years. Usually the food is good for the VERY cheap price, the service friendly, and despite what other reviewers say about the unsanitary dishwashing methods, my plates/silverware clean (Yes we do have a dishwasher and sanitizer in the front, and the waitstaff has to wash and sanitize all the dishes before they're sent to the back). Today, however, was the worst experience I've EVER had eating out ANYWHERE, and I can say with confidence that this is the day I cut my ties with Red River forever. First of all, we got there and weren't even greeted. As someone who worked there for a very long time, I could have been forgiving had the place been busy because I know the waitstaff does a lot at this joint and sometimes you just don't notice when someone new comes in, but the place was empty and there were 3 waitresses just hanging out in the back. We decided to sit outside because the weather was nice but we sat out there for at least 10 minutes and no one came out to check the patio. There were a few tables that left since we sat, and I would have expected one of the waitresses to at least come out to bus, but no. My bf and I decided to move inside since clearly no one had noticed us nor was anyone planning on bussing the patio tables. Once inside, we sat in a booth and continued to wait. By now we were eyed by all 3 of the waitresses, none of whom smiled or even acknowledged us. Again, I would have understood had they been busy, but the place was still dead, so there was really no excuse. And smiling at your customers to let them know they're on your radar doesn't really take very long. I know because I've been a waitress for a while. We sat there for a several more minutes, a couple of friends joined us, and we continued to sit and talk. Finally a waitress came over to our table, handed us menus and took our drink orders. 5 minutes later she came back and took our food order--all of this with nary a smile. I looked at the time. By now over half an hour had passed since we'd arrived and to be be honest, I started to get upset. Our food took about 15 minutes to come out--which for this place is a pretty long time. When it did come out, it was so gross looking I was scared to eat it. But I'm a trooper so I unwrapped my silverware only to discover remnants of someone else's breakfast on my fork and knife. My bf had ordered a club sandwich so he gave me his silverware since our waitress never came back to check on us. I ordered the french toast with a side of sausage and hash browns with cheese, grilled onions and jalapeños. There were blobs of egg so big on my FT that every triangle looked like the cook had scrambled an entire egg then thrown half a piece of bread over it. And it tasted horrible. I took two bites and gave up. My friend took a shot at it then spat it out. No one else was brave enough to try it after that. The sausage was pretty good, but the hash browns were non-existent. I literally just got a plate of melted cheese with jalapeños and a couple of hash browns thrown in. And I've ordered this side MANY, MANY times. I usually get a pretty big portion but today they gave me a small little saucer that we usually used to set the soup cups on. It was definitely not worth the price listed on the menu. None of the waitresses came to check on us until everyone else at our table had finished their meal. I told the waitress what was wrong, and she apologized and asked if i wanted to take a look at the menu so I could order something else, but by now I was so disgusted with everything and upset at the mediocre service that I just bring myself to try anything else. If you decide to eat here, take it from someone who used to work there: Go during the week and in the morning. Mon-Wed Charlie cooks and he's great. He's been there for 30 years and he can be trusted to handle your food properly. But I still remember being embarrassed at the food I had to serve on weekends when we went through a string of bad cooks. I guess I should have known better. read more

First of all, I like going here because it is so convenient to campus and is a great value - this weekend, for instance, my boyfriend and I ate a full breakfast (french toast; yummy potatoes with cheese, jalapenos, and avocado; poached eggs; plenty of coffee, and more) for under $20. The servers were friendly and helpful. *HOWEVER* we will not be returning because of how poorly we have noticed the owner/manager treat his servers. He stands over their shoulders and accuses them of under-charging us (even though last time he tried to over-charge me), accuses them of stealing pens (really?!), which makes us wonder what else goes on when customers aren't around. It's a shame because it is really nice to have a nearby diner, and I spent many hours studying on their patio ordering plate after plate of food because it was so inexpensive and the patio was so pleasant, but I do not feel comfortable recommending Red River Cafe when I see how he treats his staff. read more

Very cheap prices for good food. Their mimosas are great. Friendly staff. They have a lot of specials. Over all a very good cafe. 10/10 would come again. read more

The food here is nasty and unseasoned. I order steak ,eggs with a side of harsh browns and toast. The steak was chopped steak, it tasted like a hamburger, it was very dry and it had no flavor. On the menu it did not mention it was chopped steak which is false advertisement. Also I asked for scramble eggs, but my eggs were over easy. The hash browns were unseasoned. Don't waste your time or money on coming to this place. read more

normally i would not go out of my way to write a negative review, but i freaking hate red river cafe. i was all prepared to love it, because it seems cute and cozy and austin-y, but i have been here three times and it just gets worse and worse. the service is abysmal and all the free tables have consistently been covered with previous diners' detritus. they tried to make us pay for some things that we ordered and which never actually arrived, even though we mentioned it several times to the server. also, the food that we did get was mediocre at best. normally i am very forgiving of restaurants and am aware that waiting tables is hard and everything, but this place goes above and beyond in terms of badness. i wanted to like you, red river cafe, but all you ever gave me was grief. read more

I have just about given up on this place. The quality and consistency is just not there and it's generally too crowded to get decent service. One of my friend's exes once likened their coffee to hot dog water. so true! read more

Great place for a quickie meal! BTW that's an item on their menu. I had the low cal offering: hamburger party, tomatoes, lettuce, cantaloupe, cottage cheese. It was good. Service good. read more

I can't say squat about the lunch or dinner service at The Red River Café, but I am familiar with the breakfast experience there. I have a rather stressful and demanding job, so I welcome any opportunity to distance myself from it. A Saturday or Sunday morning breakfast at Red River transports me from the harsher realities of life, if only for an hour or so. Little of the weekend breakfast experience at Red River resembles my 8 to 5 world. There's peace amongst the loosely aligned brethren that assemble, all respectful of their anonymity, yet bonded by some tacit sense of community. A subtle blending of every imaginable subculture, spanning several decades, creates an unusual kitsch there that's at once charming and absurd. Mango French Toast has been the breakfast special for about 137 weeks running, dispelling the myth that mango is only in season for a few months during the year. The cook has an unnatural Buck Owens fetish, and patrons are expected to endure the Greatest Hits of the former Hee Haw legend from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. every weekend morning ... I've got a tiger by the tail it's plain to see ... a haunting refrain that latches on the cerebral cortex and doesn't let go, and yet, you're soothed by it. There's nothing complicated or exotic about the breakfast menu, but there are plenty of options and they do it up right (I recommend the multi-grain pancakes ... very tasty). I haven't found a better price for a comparable breakfast anywhere. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the quality of the wait staff. I've never, ever been there and had bad service. A mainstay there for the weekend breakfast shift is Ellie. You can't miss her: tall, slender, wonderfully engaging and whimsical, always attentive without being obtrusive, and, at the risk of thoroughly embarrassing her, easy on the eyes. She'll take good care of you. After a delicious, soul-cleansing breakfast experience, take a tranquil early morning walk along the abutting back streets of Hyde Park and further detoxify. read more

The food here is mediocre at best. The service is deplorable. I've gone off and on over the years. The location is so convenient and the patio is so nice that I keep going back hoping the food and service will improve Last Sunday, I finally gave up on Red River Cafe. I went with my boyfriends family for a Sunday morning breakfast. Upon asking for a table that would accommodate my boyfriend's father, who in a wheelchair, the hostess rudely told us that we could sit if we found our own table. When I tried to explain the wheelchair situation, she just shrugged and said if we couldn't find a table she couldn't help us. Because apparently at Red River Cafe, the Americans with Disabilities Act, doesn't apply. Another waitress came and helped us move two tables together so we could sit. She was nice and polite, but then she disappeared and we waited more than 15 minutes for a waitress to take our drink order, another ten for her to return and take our food order. The entire time the three waitresses on staff were standing talking to each other behind the bar. When we finally got our food, we didn't have silverware. We politely asked for some and the waitress seemed like she was going to get some. Ten minutes later, when our food is getting cold and we still didn't have any silverware, I got up to go ask for some from the waitresses who were once again chatty at the counter. She She seemed annoyed that I had interrupted her chat so without apology, she informed us that the silverware was dirty, and we needed to wait until it was clean. So we waited, with our food on the table for another five minutes for to return, and again with no apology drop off our silverware. We then didn't see anyone again until we left. At the end of the meal, we had to go up and request our check. Of course, there was still no apology. At the time, I have to say I was in shock. My boyfriends parents were in from out of town and I suggested this place because it was close by and never as busy as Kerby Lane. I walked out embarrassed of the selection. Besides being cold the food was mediocre. My french toast was soggy and made with thin whole grain bread. The entire time we ate, the counter was piled with dirty dishes while the waitresses chatted instead of cleaning up. As a veteran waitress, I get that things get hectic and people get frazzled. But these women were apologetically rude and bad at their jobs. I won't ever be going back, and I encourage you to stay away. read more

This is the dirtiest restaurant I have been in for years. Slow service. Cook has no help. Waitress piles dirty dishes on counter and finally started to wash or rinse then as we watched. Does Austin have a health department? read more

bleech! breakfast at this dirty lil' joint tastes of cheap grease mixed with bacon. i want to love this place- small, locally owned, giant fried egg on front of the building-and have given it ample opportunity to do me right. the wait staff is always friendly but they can't mask the stains and the dirty condiment bottles, coffee cups, etc. no more red river cafe, i can't return to you! read more

Over coffee at the lake, my buddy and I decided that migas sounded great. Well, if it were still the weekend, Trudys on 30th would have been a great bet. However, on Labor Day, they didnt open til 4pm and Kerby Lane was packed. In college here during the 80's, I use to love going to the Red River Cafe. Come to find out, they are alive and well (Rahim still owns the place). Parking can be a hassle but I found a place on the street, walked in and sat at the counter. Lo and behold, Migas were on special and they didnt dissapoint. Plenty of peppers, tortilla, egg and cheese, served with two piping hot corn tortillas,black beans and green onions. However, I was still hungry, so I decided for a short stack of buttermilk pancakes to finish things off and they were fine with syrup, no butter. The wait staff is friendly and uniquely Austin (figure that out for yourself). If short order dining is one of your favs, look this place up when you are near campus. I have been coming here off and on for almost 30 years. read more

used to eat here almost every day while a student at the UT School of Music and i would order the black bean veggie tacos. i went the other day for the first time in 7 years and had the tacos again. they come on tortillas with slices of fresh avocado and are served with a side salad and chips and salsa for about $5-6. it doesn't win any major awards but it's good cheap food and very filling. i'll try not to stay away too long next time. read more

I have lived across the street from this place for 6 months and never tried it until today. The breakfast food was really good and our waiter was very friendly. The food isnt gourmet or anything, but it's good diner fare, and it's cheap! read more

I have such mixed feelings about this place. I worked at the UT law school for several years and ate here occasionally; once Longhorn Po-Boys/Lava Java closed down, I started coming in a lot more often. The vibe is nice and casual, and I was consistently happy with the service and prices. The food, especially the sandwiches, is simple to the point of being kind of shocking. It made me feel like a friend was whipping something together with what they had in their fridge: simultaneously underwhelming and comforting. I would usually get migas (in either taco or non-taco form) or the avocado BLT, and these always tasted good. I once tried the British burger, which was weird and mediocre, and then later I had a cheeseburger that was outright terrible. The other issue that I had was with the food being so damn wet all the time. The salsa is too watery, so any tacos that you get end up completely soggy unless you hold them above the plate the whole time. The spinach quesadillas were even worse on this front; would it have killed them to drain the spinach a little? This may seem like an odd complaint, since it didn't ruin the flavor, but it always put me off my food. After the cheeseburger and the quesadillas, I elected to stop coming here. I knew that there were consistently good options on the menu, but I wanted to feel like I could try anything and expect it to be good. read more

The banana walnut pancakes were good good good! Nice laid back atmosphere and way cheap.

My wife and I arrived about 5pm. There were 4 other people already at the establishment. We sat ourselves and waited... And waited... And waited. The waiter passed us 3 times and completely ignored us not even making eye contact. We were never greeted and when the next couple came in, they were quickly seated and given menus. 12 minutes had passed before my wife and I walked out. Even as we left we there were no goodbyes. Legit, just completely ignored the whole time. read more

Had the Greek Chicken plate for dinnet.Tender chicken breast topped fresh spinach ,greek olives and fetta cheese. Delicious!

Convenient location right by campus. A good place to stop in, have some coffee, get some work done, and munch on some breakfast (which is served all day). Is the food life altering? No, it's fairly standard fair. But the service is friendly and the food is both affordable and satisfactory. There are better breakfast places out there but this place gets the job done. read more

Really great food at a really affordable price. The pancakes are great!

Went for lunch today, we had an hour and half, need it all. There were 2 waitresses, 2 cooks, nor more than about 6-8 patrons in the restaurant at any given time. Took 20 minutes just to get my coke float, about an hour to get our cold grilled cheese sandwiches, and then another 10 minutes for her to heat the soup up in the microwave. Horrible food, horrible service, wouldn't recommend it anyone. read more

This was my go-to for weekend brunch while I was a student at UT and I still continue to frequent this place. Their hashbrowns are my favorite- shredded and cooked until crunchy. I only order their breakfast tacos (add cheese) or their migas, as I found those to be my favorites. I will always pick at the pancakes on my friend's plate as well... read more

As a student that is always in the northeast corner of campus, this is my go-to place for a late breakfast or lunch. It's usually quiet, and I can get in and out in 30 minutes. The food isn't mind-blowing, but they use real ingredients and it's much better than any other food options nearby. read more

My boyfriend and I went today, just to avoid cooking our own breakfast. Well we should have just made our own. I ordered french toast and bacon, he had toast, eggs and bacon, When we finally got our food, it was cold as if sitting for a while. The butter on my meal didn't even melt! We were there twenty minutes and not one person checked on us to see if we needed a refill, and after we got our food not one person seemed to care to ask us how our meal was, ( hello I never touched mine at all) Worse $$$ spent ever! read more

This place ROCKS! Traditional style diner where the wait staff makes you feel like home and the eggs are nothing but comforting. Breakfast all day and great coffee in those cafe mugs you know and love well. Food is amazing and the service makes you feel like your in a tiny little town where everyone knows everyone. They have wifi and I just spent an entire afternoon from 1pm - 7pm finishing up some work because it was just so stinking comfortable. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Keep Austin Local ya'll. read more

Great food for the price. Great food overall! It is quaint and cute. Perfect for brunch or breakfast. Their lunch options are great too. Nice patio. It is private and neighborhood-y. It is a great place to go if you live around here. The staff is nice. Last time they forgot to bring us coffee, it was a bit annoying but no big deal. Overall, great experiences every time. Did I mention the food is great and their prices are totally fair?? They serve alcohol and have wi-fi. It is always clean. Pretty consistent quality of food. If you feel like going somewhere calm and divey with a nostalgic air where food is good and prices are fair, this is your place. read more

I love this last of its kind greasy spoon near UT Austin. But, the last few times there has been a noxious stench in the place, especially when going to the restrooms (no, not that kind of stench). It is the distinct smell of either poorly kept and/or designed drains from ice machines and/or other similar equipment, and/or, a grease trap in bad need of cleaning. My apologies for all the "and/or"s. But you get my point. It smells like the Houston ship channel! It smells like a piece of puréed crab gill sushi that my Japanese in-laws got me to eat about 10 years ago while visiting them and, boy, it was disgusting. It tasted, well, like the bottom of the Houston ship channel probably tastes! I have once called Austin 311 on this place and it broke my heart. Their food is really good. But, I would never order a salad from this place just to be on the safe side. I usually sit at the counter and I can see what I believe to be part of the problem. 3/4 inch PVC piping draining into a grate floor drain? It doesn't look right to me. I suspect they won't be open too much longer and some dippy expensive jerky place will be installed there. Why is the owner being such a dumbass? read more

i absolutely LOVE this place, they're fast, great and well priced. it's at a wonderful location! busy parts of austin but on a street that isn't hard to get in or out of! the college i went to was close and i would walk to eat there every tues and thurs! it's probably number one on what i miss in austin. i still stop in every time i get the chance! read more