Clay Pit

Excellent Indian food with lots of variety in the dishes. An upscale/trendy atmosphere, so it makes for a... more

The food isn't good enough for Clay Pit to survive in most cities, but Austin has so few Indian options that it rates average. The food is dramatically overrated, terribly inconsistent, and shrouded in pretense that I don't mind when food is truly great, but the Clay Pit doesn't deserve. The servers typically reflect their own newness to Indian food if not all things non-Texan by treating you like a yahoo. Unfortunately, the management at the Pit also seem completely uninterested in suggestions for improving their food and service, probably because the lack of better options in Central Austin means that even I will be back. Pros: Only Indian food in Central Austin Cons: Food and service are below average and could improve but management isn't interested. more

Excellent Indian food with lots of variety in the dishes. An upscale/trendy atmosphere, so it makes for a nice date place. Every time I have gone t... more

Its all about the Bombay Aloo.\r \r I am a HUGE potato fan and their Bombay Aloo potato dish hits the spot just right. Their pappadaums are amazing also, a great throw back to my childhood and the many pappadaums i ate after school. Their veggie samosa's taste like miniature curried shephards pie without the beef...mmmn! A++ for ambience, attention to detail, decor, waitstaff and food! more

\r I love food. I was recently diagnosed with Celiac Disease and had to cut gluten out of my diet. The constrictions have made my life a little more difficult but my taste in food has become more specific. The last time I dined at ""The Pit"" they supplied me with a gluten free menu. I was amazed at the wait staff's knowledge of the gluten free menu and why they should have gluten free choices. Most restaurants just say, ""what's that?"", or, ""I don't know what you are talking about."" The people at The Clay Pit get it. Kudos to them. And did I forget to mention that the food is spectacular. Everything is recommended, including the Mirch Masala. Delicious. Pros: Gluten free menu, the food is yummy Cons: Sometimes there is a wait more

Having tried a few other indian food places; some buffet, some regular dining, some ""fast food""-ish, I ALWAYS come back to Clay Pit. While a bit more expensive than other places, the taste is truly worth it. SO much that I've never gone there for buffet, I've always gone for traditional dining. It's a great date spot, IF you can find someone open enough to try the tastes of India.\r \r All of that said, try some Garlic & Basil Naan with a cup of the Curried Mussel Sauce to start with. The traditional Chicken Tikka Masala is flavorful and available in a few ""hotness"" levels; try ""Desi-hot"" if you truly like spice. The same ""desi"" applies for the Saag Paneer or any other dish for that matter. Just kinda something not most people know. \r \r Now, the place fills up very quickly and reservations ARE recommended on the typical busy nights. You can order apps and have a drink or two at the bar while you wait. If you do, it'll probably either be Dreads or Jannah; ask for the special infused vodka Dreads makes. Awesome.\r \r Definitely the best and most flavorful indian food around. Pros: Very unique taste, almost unforgetable once you have it. Cons: Parking is limited to small side lot and on the street. more

I have been to this restaurant a number of times over the past years. The food is consistently good, nicely spiced, and creative. The service has always been gracious. more

Very good Indian food for American palates. Good variety, good portions (not the Cheescake Factory-obesity portions here). Pros: Excellent Indian for American Palates Cons: Loud and Slow more

I am a huge fan of the Clay Pit. The food here is spicy if you like, or creamy and rich if you prefer. I was sat in the converted cellar downstairs and loved it! It is very romantic and the service is actually pretty attentive. Specialty drinks here are also recommended and you gotta love thr bread. In a city that truly lacks decent cuisine, Clay Pit is unusually metropolitan. Pros: food, service, price more

Wow!, What can I say. Went on a Friday night, busy which I took as a good sign. We started at the bar area with the Mango infused martinis and apps (Samosa's and the Curried Mussels) Oh my gosh they're fresh!!!. We had to wait only because they are hopping but you could tell everyone was working hard. There were several large parties that were there that night and they all looked like they were very happy. We were sat downstairs in the Cellar, Highly recommend if on a date...Romantic!!! Our server was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu even giving us suggestions on what to try and what to mix and match. Having said that we tried the Desi-Cucumber salad and Palak Naan, Yummy. Then we moved onto the Channa Masala and Malai Kofta as sides to our Lamb grill and Kabuli chicken, chicken in a Korma curry sauce with raisin & cherries, very tasty. Also to mention was the wine list that the server suggeted to a tee on what would go best with our dishes. We had dessert, Kheer and Gulab Jaman with our port wine, so delicious. The only thing we regret is not having enough room for all the food but We have been to many Indian restaurants and this one tops all. If you have a party or just a diiner out I highly suggest Clay Pit for a delightful dining experience. Thanks to the service staff for all the suggestions, it really worked for us. Pros: Knowlegeable Staff Cons: It's haunted, Did you know? more

I've been eating at The Clay Pit for years, and in recent months I have gone at least once a week. There are some select people there that are genuinely nice toward the patrons, but they are the exception. There are way to many other Indian restaurants in Austin now that at least show a modicum of accommodation toward their customers. The Clay Pit does not. more

my fiance & i went there on a friday night, with reservations, and it was wonderful! we did not have to wait, were seated promptly, had a very nice server and the food was amazing!! my fiance is from India so he knows authentic indian food...and he loved it! we're even considering having the Clay Pit cater our wedding next year! \r To those who complain about the ""long wait""......isn't that to be expected at an awesome austin restaurant on the weekend?? it is an elegant restaurant, not fast food people. great food takes time to prepare, especially indian food. i say enjoy the ambience, have some drinks and samosas and don't rush through a wonderful meal! \r i look forward to eating at the Clay Pit again real soon! more

Both my husband and myself were very disappointed in this restaurant. After waiting an hour, the food that brought to use was very disappointing. This was probably the worst lamb korma and sag paneer i have ever eaten. If you like authentic indian food, DON'T eat here. Pros: Pretty place Cons: the food more

The Clay Pit serves Americanized Indian food and is a good stepping stone for beginners. In my opinion, the best dishes are located under ""Specialties of the House."" Khuroos-E-Tursh combines chicken breast stuffed with seasoned spinach, mushrooms, onions & cheese, simmered in a rich cashew-almond sauce with a hint of sweetness, and served with basmati rice. Kabuli Chicken is comprised of boneless chicken cooked in korma sauce (a paste made from raisins & cherries). Kothmir Salmon is a healthy dish of fresh salmon rubbed with garlic & ginger, pan-seared in a marinade of mint chutney, paprika, lemon juice & olive oil. Wash any of these dishes down with Mango or Sweet Lassi (a yogurt drink mixed with fruit). If there is any room for dessert, an authentic treat is Kheer (Indian rice pudding with raisins, enriched by cinnamon and cardoman). Pros: Great for those new to Indian cuisine. Cons: Too Americanized for those used to authentic Indian food. more

This is only the 3rd time I visit The Clay Pit--but I will probably not return. The food we ordered was tasty but the way we were treated was sour. Being in the hospitality business myself I have been well trained in the importance of making your guests feel welcomed--this was not the case at the Pit. We made sure and made reservations (9:30) and were informed that they were openned until 10:00pm. Being in the restaurant business we wanted to make our visit enjoyable but prompt--upon being greeted by our server the speedy process to ""get us out of there"" was evident. Even the manager did not try to even try to recover the situation. more

We have been regular diners at clay pit for over 4 years now. I have noticed a trend of decline in quality of both food and service. For example, in the past the sea food grill consisted of the mahi-mahi which used to absorb the taste of Indian spices very well. Now the grill consists of Salmon which has a very strong flavor of its own and does not blend very well with Indian spices. Of course salmon is a cheaper fish than the mahi mahi. The service is slow. The wait times are high. The ambience is good ... but not great. We also dined once with a large group ... and our waiter really messed the order. Never again with a large group. Pros: Ambience Cons: Average taste, Average service, Long wait times more

Beautiful restaurant, great service...terrible, terrible food. Tried every item in buffet - worst Indian food I've had in my life. Previous reviewer was correct in saying that the naan is delicious. I wish there was some food to go with it. more

First, I am a vegetarian and hence I make no comments on the non-veg dishes. Bad: long wait (even when there are some empty tables) and slow service. The place is expensive but not more than 10% compared with other north Indian places in town. Good: This place has one of the best Naan (bread) anywhere -- yes, including India itself. Their vegetarian concoctions are smooth and creamy (no place for diet gurus). Various spices are obvious but not overwhelming. We also tried their lunch buffet a few times. If you are for quality and not for a large array of inedible items this is good place for lunch. more

Great FOOD and good service. Please keep it up, the work you are doing management. You guys are serving fine INDIAN cuisine with awsome service ( service can beIMPROVED). love the feeling of non corporate staff. I had RACK OF LAMB it was amazing the way it was prepared and love to know that your food is not all that greasy like every other Indian restaurant in town, which is a plus health wise. I recooment guys make reservation and if u still have to wait it's worth it......... One thing food is little different then before may there is a staff change still pritty good. great experience. Pros: beautiful staff, respectful, great food Cons: wait, loud more

My wife and I are avid Indian food lovers and were very excited to find the Clay Pit. We've gone there several times and the food has always been good . . . but not great. No problem, there are many good but not great Indian restaurants in Austin (in fact, there are no great ones). Unfortunately, the Clay Pit charges great Indian food prices. Some dishes are better than others. Many are non-traditional. The ambiance is fantastic! Service has always been pretty good. But the bottom line is you pay above average prices for average Indian food. Pros: ambiance Cons: price more