The Emerald Restaurant

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13614 W Hwy 71
Austin, TX 78738

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(512) 263-2147
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The Emerald Restaurant - Austin, TX
Reviews
( 43 )
( 4 )
( 1 )
( 1 )
( 7 )

Best

My husband and I visit this spot once a year or so for special occasions. I could go on and on and on... However, I simply state that that family that runs this hidden gem serves...

Worst

This is a review for last year valentine. My now fiance took me to Emerald restaurant for our valentine date. We expected a wait, but didn't expect that long of a wait (promised 4...

One of Austin's Best Kept Secrets 9/20/2009

This restuarant, while may be a bit far for some, is definetely worth the drive. The true Irish owners not only graciously welcome you at the door, but they truly appreciate your business - unlike other places that take you for granted. Portions were huge, and there's something to please everyone at the table. Just realize that everything on the menu is a pricey. Guys - they give you the menu with the prices btw (very traditional). This is another Austin landmark that has been fortunate to withstand the test of times and everyone should dine here at least once or on those special occassions. Well worth it. Pros: Portions were huge, authentic Irish food, service excellent Cons: It is pricey more

$88.00 -Complete Four-Course Dinner per Couple!! 9/4/2009

We had always wanted to try out the Emerald-we had passed by it many times on our way out to LLano and when my husband was given a coupon that stated that both of us could dine at the Emerald for $88.00-we were thrilled. We both started out with the Irish Potato Soup which was homemade and creamy. Then we had salad and then we had a choice of Filet Mignon, Snapper with Shrimp or Celtic Chicken. I ordered the Chicken and my husband ordered the filet. Both came with a ton of vegetables which were fresh and delicious. We finished up with big pieces of Irish whiskey cake which is made by the owner, Paul. Very good, high quality food and the service was so attentive without being overbearing. I have to mention it again-we both ate a wonderful four course meal for only $88.00-for both of us. We had a coupon, but the owner said that since this is the 25 year anniversary of the restaurant, they are honoring that price for the rest of the year-so just mention it. You cannot use any other coupons-but that makes sense. Can't wait to go back and try the fish. Pros: Delicious-huge amounts of food! more

What a Find!!Finally!! Update Phone Number and Map!! 8/1/2009

Wow-my husband and I had a great meal (lobster and steak...yum!)but I never knew how near this restaurant was to the Hill Country Galleria or Lakeway or that it is in Bee Caves!! The phone number on Citysearch is wrong-it should be 512-263-2147 and the map on Citysearch is way confusing-We went to a movie at the Galleria ( the Ugly Truth-very funny!)and afterwards went for dinner-it took us 3 minutes to get to the Emerald!! We tried the lemon cheesecake and it is perfect for summer-nice and citrusy. There was a harpist playing and how great was that -added to our romantic evening- a nice surprise.! What a great evening-thank-you! Mallory and Jeff Pros: Great Food and Atmosphere Cons: Please Update Phone Number and Map more

Delightful! 7/19/2009

My wife and I had a wonderful time this past Friday at the Emerald. As it happens we were driving by and the parking lot was packed. We didn't have reservations, but we decided to try our luck and see if we could get a table-we had heard the lobster was excellent and we were hungry. We were quickly seated and learned why the parking lot was so full- there was a huge,friendly Italian family celebrating a rehearsal dinner,! We were served a delicious dinner-the lobster is GOOD! The atmosphere was delightful and memorable and everyone enjoyed themselves. Pros: Cozy and Relaxed more

Wonderful Service and Great Food 7/18/2009

Great meal all the way around for my five guests and myself-we each tried a different appetizer (get the escargot!) and each of us tried a different entree. The veal was topped with a creamy shrimp sauce, the chicken had a marsala wine sauce, the roast duck had a delicious brandied cherry sauce, the filet had a mushroom sauce and my wife and I had the chateaubriand complete dinner for two.Plenty of food, fresh vegetables,atttentive service and a full bar. Definitely will be back!T Thanks! Pros: Best Chateaubriand! Cons: It was all Good!! more

Worst service ever 7/14/2009

WE invited some friends to go with us on a weekend. The place was empty and we had to wait a few minutes before anyone greeted us. We ordered some drinks. We then ordered our meals. 5 minutes go by and we're told that they didn't have what we orderd. In fact a complete sheet of the menu was unavailable. They tolds us they only had chicken or quail. One of our guests decided to order Irsih Stew. They didn't have Irish Stew. How can an Irish Restaurant not have Irish Stew. We got up and left in disgust. We never did get the drinks. Cons: Does not stock food so half the menu is unavailable more

Delicious Broiled Lobster 6/27/2009

One of my favorite restaurants for many years! Their roast duck is exceptional, the broiled lobster tails consistently fresh and cooked perfectly and the chateaubriand served tableside is always memorable. Fine, fine dining and the family who owns and operates the restaurant never fail to make you feel so special. It is a unique experience. Pros: Relaxing and Elegant more

Very Delicious and Great Lobster!! 6/6/2009

I am from San Antonio and was up for the Triton Golfing Tournament. After a fantastic day of watching great golf, my buddies and I headed over to the Emerald on a recommendation from one of players. Great little cottage, authentic irish music, and a sweet hostess/waitress/owner who brought out some incredible food.The broiled lobster is out of this world as was the escargot. We were hungry, thirsty and sunburned when we went into the restaurant and we walked out in much better moods. Thanks for a great meal and the wonderful hospitality-wish I lived in Austin because I want to try the roast duck! Pros: Romantic and Very Friendly Cons: None-wish there was an Emerald in San Antonio! more

Great Food,Great Atmosphere! 5/20/2009

I would like to say what a wonderful dinner and experience we recently had this past Mpther's Day at the Emerald-it was truly amazing and enjoyed by everyone in our large boisterous family of 11! The staff at the Emerald were gracious and went out of their way to make us all comfortable-from the 3yearold tyrant nephew to the 82 year old great grandmother. We are a difficult group because our needs range from getting a bottle warmed to spills of wine throughout the meal-however, we were treated and catered to like royalty. That says alot as far as I am concerned about the ability of how well and how professional a restaurant is run. Maybe the china is a little worn-but oh my goodness-the food ON the china is out of this world! Go to the Emerald to experience what a seasoned restaurant should be like-ask for things that normally would be an embarrassment in other fine dining establishments-you will appreciate the Emerald and truly enjoy yourself! Pros: Super Romantic Cons: None at all! more

Strange to the point of being creepy 5/2/2009

We arrived hoping to have an authentic Irish experience, too bad we didn't get it. The place looks neglected. Arriving in the dirt parking lot, I was immediately put off by fake Tulips stuck in the soil - they are faded and looks to have been there for a while. There are little lights strung around the footpaths leading up to the door - several were broken. We were met by a lady wearing a very tacky black shift dress with a Celtic design in sequins on the front. There was nobody else there. The first thing I noticed was that the CD of generic Irish music that was playing had a skip in it. The ""lacy"" table cloths are the super cheap, mass manufactured type, and the ""bone china"" might be from Galway, but the designs on it is rubbed off from I assume years of use, making it look old and shabby. The whole place just seemed run down and in need of a good scrubbing. We waited a few minutes before being given menus. Only one menu had pricing in it, one menu had torn pages, and one had grease spot on it. Every entree is priced between $30 and $50, and the descriptions of the food just didn't seem worth the price. If you choose the full meal for two, that's $175. Needles to say, we left. If we are going to pay through the neck for food, we really want to feel that we are getting value for our money. I was completely surprised that they are so pricey, considering how run down and sad that place looks. So, I can't say if the food is good or not. It didn't seem worth the bother to find out. Cons: over priced, run down, grubby more

Great restaurant..but quality is slowly going down 3/19/2009

My husband and I have been going there for the past three years. This time however, i was a little dissapointed. The food took a long time to come out. The bread was stale...the white bread had some smell. I usually go there because of the wonderful fresh baked bread they serve. But this time's visit, it was a dissapointment.I hope they dont serve stale food again...they may think customer cant tell, but believe me , we can TELL. The main dish was very good however. more

Best Escargot in Town 1/15/2009

Wonderful, can see why it could be called the most romantic place in town!! Pros: Take a trip to Ireland Cons: Can't find any more

Not Hidden Away Anymore!! 1/5/2009

I enjoy a good meal. Eating out has always been an occasion for me-be it a simple diner snack or an elegant five course extravagance.I love the whole experience. My requirements are straightforward-good food prepared by a chef that cares about his ingredients and the entrees he prepares and a staff that cares if the customer-specifically me-is enjoying the meal they have provided.I want to feel that I am important when I eat out. Too many restaurants make me feel like I am intruding upon them if I ask for anything that is not part of the routine. I want to be able to ask for my favorite wine or even a simple request of having my salad dressing on the side. I'm not looking to be picky;I'm just looking to be well taken care of. My associate, Donald, told me to try the Emerald out in Bee Caves.""It's family-owned and operated (rarely found in today's everchanging restaurant industry) since 1984. Tell them that I sent you and bring me back some Irish Soda bread!""Well, I did make the reservation,making sure I told them Donald referred me and headed out this past Saturday. I showed up and was greeted and seated and treated like a beloved long lost friend.My requests were encouraged-if I wanted my lobster broiled instead of in puff pastry-then I would have it-no problem! My chateaubriand came with a lovely beaujolais sauce but I wanted to try the peppercorn sauce. Could the chef oblige my special request, I asked my waiter? ""The chef is my brother, Paul, and he would be delighted to make that up for you right away,"" said my waiter,David. By the way, the restaurant really is run by the family and they are as enjoyable as the food. These are hard-working, genuine people that enjoy what they do. This restaurant is a treasure.Food is wonderful, family is delightful and it's easy to get to now that the new Galleria shopping center has been built. It is right past that on Highway 71West. I encourage you to go..only this time tell them Alex sent you!! Pros: Delicious Food, Welcoming Atmosphere more

Truly transports you 11/20/2008

My wife and I have dined in the finest places in Europe, Asia and the States, and have rarely ever visited as authentic a place as Emerald Restaurant. It truly and legitimately transports you to Ireland. From the room temperature Irish stout to the wait staff who include the founders' adult children, everything exudes Ireland. The lace curtains, china, and overall ambiance is overwhelmingly endearing. The food - superb! Definitely get the onion soup (I forget the actual name). It is expensive. But, you'll spend at least two hours being fed, entertained, and enchanted. Very, very romantic. more

Loved the food but expensive 10/15/2008

\r We went here last year and loved the food and the host. I am a vegetarian and they even made a special plate. Of all the restaurants I have been where they offered to make a special plate, this definitely was the best. Only catch is the price is too high for us. Pros: Great food Cons: Pricey more

not recommended for valentine 10/6/2008

This is a review for last year valentine. My now fiance took me to Emerald restaurant for our valentine date. We expected a wait, but didn't expect that long of a wait (promised 45 minute wait became over 2 hours wait). But well, we understood that it was Valentine so we waited. Once settled down, we ordered the Valentine dinner special (lobster and some other dishes...) All I can remember is the food was cold, bad, and definitely not worth the gigantic bill. Overall, the dinner ruined my mood and precious valentine date. I will never ever come back there again. If you want much better food, great service for less price, go to Zoot. more

Clarification of Previous Review 8/21/2008

My wife and I are compelled to refute the only review concerning the Emerald that is negative. As it happens, we were there the same evening as the party that wrote the review. We were appalled at this table and would have asked them to leave if we were the owners of the Emerald. This table of so called professionals were loud, their language was filthy and the content of their conversation was embarrassing to the entire restaurant. The Emerald was faultless and as usual, acted in a professional manner with respect to these people. Everything was done correctly-food, wine, service etc. This table was the problem and there was nothing that was going to satisfy them. They wanted to be the center of attention and they made spectacles of themselves. Applauds to the Emerald for rising up so graciously to this horrible, rude group of people-they are truly a class act!! Pros: Excellent food, wine selection and service more

How did this get rated high? 8/16/2008

I have lived in the area for 10 years and have heard mixed reviews on this restaurant. We went last night for the first time and it was horrible. \r \r The winelist was poor and they literally did not have the first 4 wines we orderd. The waiter did know he did not have them so at least we did not have to suffer through him looking for them. He continually let us know he had all the Sterling wines - a producer we are not fond of.\r \r We ordered the special all inclusive meal. The only thing special about this meal was the cost. Our total bill (tip included) was almost $900 for 5 people. The wine was about $200 of it.\r \r After tasting some incredibly salty non descript bread, we waited and waited and waited on the first course. The soup finally was served at 8:00 - a full hour after we arrrived. This was the highlight of the meal and the only thing to be recommended. The onion soup was good and delivered in grand style. The potato soup was edible.\r \r A nice garden salad followed, but the overpowering, all engulfing house dressing drowned out the salad.\r \r After another long wait, a gigantic amount of food was placed on a tray next to us. A waitress then meticulously dished out the steak, gravy, lobster, lamb chop, carrots, potatoes and assorted other items on to 5 large plates. While the presentation was nice, the time it took to do this was much too long and this led to the food being cold. For those of us, who attempted to taste the cold food, it apeared to have been prepared at an earlier time or date and reheated.\r \r The dessert was a chewy rum cake that needed a lot more rum and a lot less cake.\r \r If you are pursuaded by the other reviews to try this place, come alone and do noy order the special dinner. While the potential may have been there ingredient wise, the result leaves you hungry.\r \r \r \r \r \r \r Cons: High Price, Cold food, Slow Service more

Food is great!! Ambience is wonderful 7/16/2008

I love this place. Went their three times now...the food is great. The price is a little high...but since the food is good and they also give good portion, I would say its worth it. The only thing i notice last time..was the butter was a little cold ( hard)...which was strange. Maybe they were having a bad day. more

Wow Wow Wow 4/7/2008

I almost literally stumbled on this place several years ago and boy am I glad I did. Sure, the price surprised me - but after that first taste I KNEW it was well worth every penny.\r \r Their French Onion soup is simply unbelievable. And don't miss the bread stuffing hidden away under the onion. Worth the trip just for that!\r \r If you have the cash and the appetite, pony up for one of their combination dinners. The lamb, steak, and lobster are mouthwatering. It comes with dessert - whiskey cake. Now, isn't that a let down?\r \r No. I thought it would be - but my God, this is like ambrosia. Also, their Sabayonne is also amazing. (Did I spell that right?) \r \r The place is run by the Kinsella family and they aim to please. You are treated like a honored guest, and once they get to know you, like family.\r \r This is a special place. Go there now. Pros: Yummy. Veru yummy. Cons: Pricey, but worth it. more
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Menu for The Emerald Restaurant


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Owner Message


  • *Located 1/4 mile from the new Hill Country Galleria Mall*


    The Emerald, a little touch of Ireland itself, is a cozy Irish cottage nestled in the beautiful Texas hill country, fifteen miles from Austin. This exceptional twelve star (awarded four for food, four for service, and four for atmosphere) restaurant offers excellent food, an extensive wine list, imported beers, and of course the 'water of life', fine Irish Whiskey. This carefully recreated Irish cottage, with it's enchanting shamrock wallpaper, authentic lace curtains, and Irish bone china are an ideal backdrop for a private party, rehearsal dinner, romantic evening, business dining, or any special occasion.

Editorial
  • Out-of-the-way spot off of Highway 71 boasts a cozy stone cottage, an outdoor garden and authentic Irish cuisine.

  • 7/31/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Daily 5pm-11pm
  • Payments: Visa, Discover, Master Card, Diner's Club, American Express
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