Eastside Cafe

I would not recommend this place especially for ""special"" occassions. Took a friend there for a birthday dinner - the appetizer was good but the main course left us disappointed. The salmon was dry, the stuffed shrimp had little flavor, and the green beans were overcooked. I have heard the salads are wonderful but since they forgot to bring us ours we can't comment. The desserts were brought to us in a bag, when I asked that they please bring my guest his with a candle. When I spoke to the hostess about this the only comment I got was - well I told your waitress. The service was horrible - we waited 20 minutes to get our bag dessert and then couldn't get our waitress to process our payment - we finally had to ask the hostess to process it for us so we could leave. I will not be going back and wouldn't recommend this to anyone who likes good food and service. Pros: Great wines Cons: Horrible service & food more

Last night I took my girlfriend to the East Side Cafe and I couldn't have picked a better restaurant for this romantic holiday. We loved the atmosphere, the food was awesome and the staff was very friendly. Our waitress helped us pick a wine and was very helpful and attentive throughout our entire meal. I have to admit I played it on the safe side and ordered their sirloin meatloaf and my girlfriend ordered their pecan encrusted grilled chicken plate. My dish was excellent and the garlic mashed potatoes were some of the best I've ever had. Even though I hate pecans, I tried the pecan encrusted chicken and I was very pleasantly surprised at how good it tasted. We capped off the night by watching Romeo and Juliet just down the road at The City Theatre on Airport. It was a perfect night! :-) Pros: The ambiance, food and service are the best. I HIGHLY recommend this place more

I took my girlfriend here because I had heard a lot about it. The restaurant has a very nice eclectic feel to it which carried on throughout. I strongly recommend making reservations (even for lunch/dinner on a weekday), because otherwise you might be waiting a good 30 minutes like I did. The wait may have been slightly long, but the waiting areas outside have a romantic feel to it. The ambiance of the restaurant was great and the staff was courteous and prompt. The wine list was better than many restaurants that I have been to, but by far from the best. The Salmon I had was good but I felt it needed something. The Cranberry Pork dish that my girlfriend had was great (of course for taste - to each his own). I thought the price was a little high, but considering the organic ingredients of everything I believe it is fair. Overall, I recommend this restaurant to those in Austin looking for a romantic place to go to (depending on how much you want to spend). Pros: Great food and ambiance for a date Cons: A little pricy and the wait can be long. more

I went to this restaurant expecting to check out solid gardens and some great local, organic food. I have to admit I was a little disappointed. I'm well aware of the time (Early September) and the drought, but they have only an herb garden on-site! An herb garden with loads of basil and bay leaves at that. Their menu was a little on the bland side and they actually did not use much of the herbs in the food, mostly as garnish... I had specifically gone into this expecting something a little more than what I got. The service was alright, our waitress was practically mute and the wine selection left a little to be desired. The ambiance was lovely though, they had a cute little setup. And the gift shop is great and quaint. Pros: Something to do while you wait Cons: The wait wasn't worth it. more

Last review was 11/05 so I'd figure it's again time to say what a treat East Side is. Honestly, we have only been there once but will be back very soon. My wife and I really enjoyed breakfast, both plates were filling and tasty. Coffee was good and the serice was just fine as well. Looking forward to dinner there next time. Pros: service, food, price Cons: n/a more

I love Chad at Eastside cafe he has waited on me several times and I always leave with a smile on my face. I wish he would be my server all the time. Besides Chad the food is fresh and simple. At night the small charming house turns into a romantic and unique spot. more

I LOVE Eastside Cafe. It's a great date spot with my husband. The food is never fussy and always delicious. Prices are very reasonable for this feel-good homestyle cooking. Specials are usually big winners, and the fantastic selection of fresh vegetables is far tastier than anything you've ever made yourself at home. Whatever you do, save room for the buttermilk pie for dessert. It is THE BEST! The dining area is in an old house complete with big windows and beautiful wood floors. (I prefer it to the garden room in the back.) Service has always been excellent and friendly. This place is an original and one of Austin's best. more

Eastside is one of the few restaurants that lets you taste all the ingredients in their dishes without overpowering them with others. I had the best lunch (anywhere from $7.95 to $19.95) that i have ever had. The server was helpful, but not bothersome. I highly recommend walking through the garden(where some veggies come from) before eating to set your mood at this austin must eat!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pros: privacy, food, flavor more

I loved this place. Very friendly setting.. great for dates or friends! Awesome brunch. Brie appetizer best I ever had. Very cosy atmosphere, as well as prompt seating even without a reservation (but recommend you make one to be on safe side! :) ). Any negatives? Well only minor ones.. Service was adequate, but definitely not terrible.. good for date if you want to be left alone. I also wasn't crazy about mushroom crepe (too many mushrooms) but other than that, food was fabulous. Try this place out! For sure you will be going back. Pros: Atmosphere, Food, Location more

The Eastside Cafe has become a tradition for my sister and me...When her birthday and my birthday rolls around, we reserve a table in the lovely secret of the Garden Room for lunch. The beautiful room, pleasant atmosphere, great service, delicious food, and warm memories made as we enjoy one another's company and the little walk through the garden with our camera - all of these things are consisently available at the Eastside Cafe. We are always appreciative of the fresh vegetables from the garden, the incredible tastes, and even the comfortable climate and are so grateful the Eastside Cafe makes its little home in Austin. Pros: Pleasant Atmosphere, Excellent Food, Great Service more

We love East Side Cafe. Their food is never bland, in my opinion. Our favorite time to eat there is on the weekends for brunch. It can get a little crowded, and parking is a bit difficult, but I love their original dishes. Pros: brunch Cons: parking more

Why does a restaurant which prides itself on its home grown produce and herbs serve such lousy, thin coffee? I really expect better. On top of that, it's also almost impossible to get a cup of good regular black tea (which I order because their coffee is so awful)! Cons: lousy coffee more

One of the best places to eat ANYWHERE. I'm just glad it's here ! Currently my favorite is the smoked salmon ravioli w/ lemon cream sauce, it's all totally homemade and perfectly cooked. Yum,Yum. Try the baked stuffed tomatoes (with goat cheese) for a side dish, they are fabulous. Wonderful fresh salads and homemade dressings, rasberry vinaigrette is my choice. In all of my experiences here the service was good, the cool-o little house beautiful and cozy, and I love the herb garden for wandering about in. It can get busy here so call and make a reservation if you don't want to hang out. But, if you have some wait time, this is the time to wander the herb and veggie garden. Relax, enjoy yourself ! This is what Austin is all about. Pros: fresh handmade taste, relaxed and cozy, wander the gardens more

The atmosphere, food, and service add up to a quaint little romantic restaurant tucked in the most unlikely of places. If you want flaming salsa, thick BBQ sauce, and bold flavors, this is not your restaurant. However, for people with more refined palates and people that appreciate good food that isn't necessarily in-your-face-overwhelming, Eastside does a great job! The meals are healthy and extremely enjoyable. The fish I had was superb. The manicotti was the only mannicotti from a restaurant that I have ever enjoyed. Service is slow! But if you're on a date or have a bottle of wine, you'll appreciate the quiet paced style of this restaurant. I've neither seen the place crowded nor had to wait long (despite dining at prime times). So, if you want a romantic spot with good food, I'd give Eastside a thumbs up. Pros: Reasonably priced, Romantic, Nice ambience Cons: rundown part of town more

Whether or not you sit outside (which is very nice), you will not be disappointed with this restaurant. Our waiter was very nice and helpful and brought us a sample of a dish he thought we might find too spicy. We ended up ordering the dish and loving it. The interior is a converted home, and feels like it--comfortable. more