I have a gluten allergy and Bartletts is my favorite upscale restaurant to eat at! It is so cozy inside. The sliders are so yummy, although I only gave 4 stars because I think they could definitely improve on their gluten free bread. But their skinny fries are amazing. I will definitely be back for another visit soon.
Kristine F.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Independence, MO
My boyfriend and I are always on an adventure for interesting places to eat. This is one of the nicer places. Nice ambiance for a romantic setting. Great customer service and awesome food! We will definitely venture back here again for sure! Don’t forget to get the grilled artichoke… very tasty!
Jennifer N.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Austin, TX
Went here for a anniversary dinner the first time, it was a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time. There is plenty of parking here as well, no need for valet and I’m not even sure that they offer valet. Great atmosphere, lots of seating. There is plenty of seating in the front if you have to wait. The service was okay. There are a lot of options on the menu, so there is something for everyone there. The baked potato soup was the soup of the day and it was amazing, very cheesy though just a heads up. The french dip sandwich is extremely delicious. They have some great options for dessert but I did not try any. Overall great experience and I would return here. I’ve come back plenty of times and I never have a bad experience here.
Kevin S.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Austin, TX
A consistent favorite. Going to back when it was Houston’s this has always been a reliable place with excellent food and professional service. The menu has something for everyone and they have good specials that are based on fresh, seasonal selections. The service is great, the staff is efficient, knowledgeable, and friendly without being overly familiar, they are obviously well trained and take their jobs seriously.
Dean S.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Austin, TX
We’ve been going to Bartlett’s since it was Houston’s. The food is really good and it’s consistent. You order a medium-rare filet, it’s as perfect as it was the last time. When – rarely – something isn’t up to par, the managers are all over it. The hot spot is the bar. Unfortunately, Bartlett’s made some«best-kept-secret» list last year, and now the bar is hard to get to. Great French dip, great prime rib, generous fish filets, gorgeous vegetables(looooove the beets), best Caesar salad in Austin. Wonderful Asian steak salad. Not crazy about their French fries, but the burgers are the very best. We watch the starving crowds waiting… waiting… waiting… across the parking lot at Hop Doddy’s in wonder. More for us!
Laura B.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Round Rock, TX
Our party didn’t want to deal with the line at Hopdoddy’s last night and got into Bartlett’s without a wait. Excellent choice, much better burgers. Great atmosphere, service, and food. The hamburger with horse radish sauce and fries are amazing. Yes, $ 16 is steep for a burger and fries, but it is incomparable in quality to most other burgers. Everyone else was very happy with their food choices. The ambiance is spot on. I have been back with a group twice since the burger review. This is just one of the most enjoyable restaurants in Austin. Everyone enjoyed their meals. We went in January for my son’s birthday. This was a hard to impress group. They liked it so well they suggested it for Mother’s Day. I had the apricot glazed roasted chicken and quinoa. The. Chicken was juicy, plump and flavorful. I wish I had the recipe for the quinoa salad, everyone loved it. My boys are stuck on the burgers French dip sandwich, they order one of each and share because they can’t choose!
Jennyfer N.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Austin, TX
I don’t know how I’ve lived in Austin for as long as I have and have only just now discovered this wonderful restaurant! For those not in the know, Bartlett’s formerly was a Houston’s restaurant. They are now locally owned but still maintain an under the radar Houston’s menu. Thai salad becomes Asian beef salad, etc. They are a part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group based out of California. This group… it’s remarkable. Unparalleled service and food quality yet they have absolutely no desire to capitalize on publicity OUTSIDE of the fact that their restaurants are just spectacular. If you’re more curious about this, feel free to read Bön Appetit’s feature on this really landmark group. What makes Bartlett’s and what I suspect all of these other restaurants within this chain work is that every… single…time, the service and quality of food is remarkable. You walk in, instantly you are greeted, you’re lead to a table, and within minutes… you have your drink and you’re placing your order. The service is flawless the times that I have been. The food? Incredible! A french dip that David Chang raves about. Spinach and Artichoke dip that wins people over. The sundae? I hate sundaes with a passion but I absolutely love this restaurant’s take on it. The ridiculous fudge sauce that comes with the ice cream? To die for. Veggie burger? Wonderful, flavorful, soft and full bun with heft and chew to stand up to the out of this world umami flavor that the veg patty delivers. Grilled artichokes are a must if they’re available. Cover me in that sauce and send me on my merry way. Drinks? I always get one and I am NOT a cocktail person. Hello, let me eat my calories! Not drink them. There’s just something so chic about this place. Adult. Reserved… fancy…but classy. I dig what you’re about Bartlett’s! Yes…it’s expensive. 22 for a sandwich? 16 for a veggie burger? But it really is so worth it. The enjoyability factor… the service and ambiance… I’m just so stinkin’ happy when I’m here. The vegetarian platter? I nearly get it every freaking time. This place makes me excited about brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. How does that happen? Look, it’s a good time. For me, it’s a good time every time.
Chantelle F.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Austin, TX
Called yesterday and made a reservation for 4 at 6:15pm on a Saturday night. We were promptly seated at a clean booth with most of the other tables already taken up as well. The atmosphere was nice, classy, typical boys’ club look for a steakhouse. My Rosette cocktail was not overly sweet and our grilled artichoke appetizer was delicious. Our server gave us hot towels for our hands after which was a nice touch. My ribs platter was huge, about a dozen ribs cooked perfectly with meat falling off the bone and the right amount of sauce. I was given another hot towel for my hands after, and I was able to substitute the cole slaw for their kale pepita slaw which had a yummy dressing. My friend’s veggie burger had good flavor and texture although she felt it could be seasoned a little more. The shoestring fries were crunchy and salty. We could see other tables that had ordered burgers as well, and theirs all looked yummy. My fiancé and our other friend were trying to eat healthy so they ordered the roast chicken with black beans and it was as much as you could hope for with a simple entrée like that — chicken was moist, well seasoned black beans. Overall a good experience and we’ll be back. Next time my fiancé said he would order a burger and we will sit on the little outdoor patio area they had in front which looked cute.
Dana D.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Austin, TX
I’m knocking 1 star because their prices are pretty outrageous, but beyond that this is probably one of my favorite restaurants in Austin. I have to admit that I’ve been to Bartlett’s probably a handful of times now and I’ve only ever gotten one thing: the veggie burger! Yeah I know it’s a steakhouse that happens to make the best veggie burger I’ve ever eaten. Its also huge. It has to be for $ 15. This veggie burger is a beanless burger which is amazing as my husband is allergic to all beans and can almost never eat a veggie burger because they either have black beans, lentils or soy in them. This one doesn’t. It has a brown rice and mushroom base with some beets and other veggies. The bun is like a brioche and it comes with jack cheese and avocado spread. You also get one side which I always go for the quinoa salad. After getting this the first time, I couldn’t finish the burger and side in one sitting, so when we go we split the burger and each get a side. It is more than enough food, trust me! Besides this burger, my husband swear by the french dip sandwich as well. Its another high dollar item for what it is, $ 22. See what I mean about inflated prices? Its really good, but a $ 22 sandwich is a little hard to swing for most people. The ambiance is nice in a dark and intimate way. We often sit at the booths in the bar which is just as nice the main dining room and usually less of a wait. There is also outdoor seating which is nice but it also looks out on the parking lot of the plaza it is in. They do a nice job of surrounding it with green plants so that you forget it is in a shopping plaza. Definitely a nice place to go for an anniversary, birthday or romantic date.
Leigh D.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Austin, TX
Eating here for the last 25 years, I still say, «Bartlett’s has the best French Dip sandwich I’ve ever had.» Over the years, the price has gone from $ 12 to $ 22 and it is the same great sandwich. The other thing that is the same is the service… it’s generally excellent each time.(Today I got Amy, and she is no exception and probably my favorite.) The other thing that hasn’t changed… the ketchup… still the same unhealthy, HFCS laden tomato-like stuff. Please consider changing this chemical neurotoxin, to a non-HFCS organic brand. I know you can work it in to the budget. Plus, I WANT to trust the ingredients I’m eating at your establishment. Thank you in advance. Two thumbs up for one of Austin’s classiest and tastiest restaurants.
Jessica S.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Philadelphia, PA
I’ve only had the French dip sandwich, but it’s delicious. So are the skinny fries that come with it. The baguette has a nice crunch, it has a yummy garlic mayo. Dip is good. Beef tender and a bit pink. Just a bit steep at $ 22. But can maybe serve 2. Maybe(my BF would say no)
Lesley W.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Round Rock, TX
I have been thoroughly impressed by Bartlett’s, so much so, that I couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate an anniversary recently. The food is spot-on, the service is impeccable, and the atmosphere is wonderful. Bartlett’s has such an upscale feel, but you can actually afford it. It is elegant and intimate. It’s a fancy night out for me, but it won’t completely break the bank. I absolutely hate the feeling that I dropped $$$ on dinner and it just wasn’t worth it. Here, I can sign that check and feel like I got what I paid for and more. It really comes very close to that elusive perfect restaurant experience. Let’s get to the food. First off, every single itty bitty thing is thought out. From the sauce on your steak to the olives in your martini, it is obvious that care is taken to make your food as perfect as possible. Anyway, I’ve been blown away by everything I’ve eaten here: the prime rib, filet mignon, bass, salad, all the sides, whatever. I feel pretty confident that you’ll like what you get here. Even the brownie for dessert was perfect. The service and atmosphere is really different, and a notch above, a lot of places. It actually feels fancy, elegant, and intimate, but not overpriced, stuffy, or pretentious. That makes me happy. I do have a birthday coming up…
Megan C.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 San Antonio, TX
First time here for lunch. I had the french dip sandwich. It was pretty good. The menu had a lot of options. I’d go back to try something else.
Jeff R.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Brookfield, WI
Great place for a business lunch or dinner ! A few of the items are a little overprice, but overall, a pleasant experience.
Michelle P.
Évaluation du lieu : 2 Austin, TX
I’ve been to this restaurant several times. I like the food, ambience and location. However, I have had a couple of issues which have all been staff training/empowerment related. They tend to be stiff and formal and not able to read clients very well. Last week, I went with 2 other adults and ordered a drink that gets cherries. i asked if they had the good luxardo cherries, not the marachino. The server responded that they did, but it costs $ 1 to get one. Keep in mind, the small cocktail costs $ 11. I said I’d really like a luxardo. So the drink arrived without any cherries at all. I asked the server again for them and he eventually brought 3, put them on the table, and then informed us again that it will cost $ 1. My host commented that he thought that was a bit cheap and tacky for a nice restaurant where it costs $ 50 a person minimum. The waiter then reached across the table to pick up the plate with cherries and said he would take them back! We said no, and please don’t reach over the table to remove delivered items. Later, we tried to talk to the waiter and explain that in cases like this, he should just comp the cherries. He said he didn’t have any authority to do that. My friend explained that he indeed did. He could say they were comped, and then pay $ 1 out of his tip. The amount he would lose by taking the cherries away would far exceed the $ 1 he paid for them. The server called the manager over who again explained that they don’t have the authority to comp the cherries. We again explained that the server SHOULD have that autonomy and this silly cherry experience was leaving a bad ‘taste’ in our mouths. She seemed to not understand the idea of simply buying the cherries for the client. Anyway, this did wind up not charging us that $ 1. They informed us that they had taken care of the cherries… OMG, $ 150 for dinner and three conversations about a luxardo cherry? I like this place, but would hesitate to recommend it. They need to have a staff meeting on this one.
Stephanie T.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Austin, TX
Scenery of this restaurant is beautiful. It feels so elegant and upscale while having affordable dinner menu prices. I would say this restaurant seems like one that could be downtown, with the dim lighting, the comfortable cushioned booths & professional staff. Roasted Artichokes, Spinach/Artichoke Dip, Steaks and salads are all delicious! Recommend this place to anyone! **When in season — Hot Fudge Sundae is to die for!!! They make their hot fudge/whip cream from scratch! One of a kind**
Chris M.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Round Rock, TX
The have the best Asian Salad I’ve ever had, great environment and great service they definitely deserve 2 up
Benetta P.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Pflugerville, TX
I went to Bsrlett’s two nights in a row. Now that is either restaurant popularity, customer loyalty, 5 star service, or amazing food or maybe all of these. As you see, when I walk thru the door, cheese toast is automatic as are their baked beans. The prime rib was moist, juicy, tender and ordering with extra seasoning, hit me just right. The do steak, ribs, salmon, sashimi, right.
Meg M.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Austin, TX
Wonderful first experience here! The Prime Rib au jus sandwich just changed my life. I’m so glad I finally made the trip in to try it! Made a reservation for lunch, was seated right at reservation time. Staff was friendly and it was an exceptional lunch! Tortilla soup and spinach artichoke dip are incredible too! See you again in the very near future, Bartlett’s!
Catherine B.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Austin, TX
Went on a Sunday for a family dinner of 4. We were able to get seated right away and it seemed like there was a lot of seating availability. The inside of the restaurant is beautiful and spacious. Our waiter was awesome! So attentive. He always made sure I had a refill of my delicious hand-squeezed lemonade. The lemonade was quite tart but i like it that way :) I would definitely give our waiter 5 stars for his service. I split a club sandwich with a side of quinoa with my mother and it was quite good! The quinoa was cold and had nuts in it. It was not my favorite though. The club sandwich came with this delicious honey mustard sauce that I loved. My brother got the Texas hamburger and it was good!(I had a bite). It was basically a huge burger with chili and american cheese on it. If you have a big appetite, this burger is perfect for you! I loved the chili and the fries were awesome! They were thinly cut and crunchy. I didn’t pay for the meal but I believed it leaned towards the pricier side.
Mike B.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Jackson, WY
This is a first class operation. Food is always great, consistent and the service is so good I doubt there are many restaurants anywhere that could be better. Every time I go, I’m seated sooner then the hostess estimates, a wait person is at my table within 1 minute, literally in less than 60 – 90 seconds someone is there to introduce him/herself and take our drink order. Their management is a model for others to take note of. This is how restaurant should be run. I’ve never had anything here that wasn’t really good. My favorites are the roasted artichokes and the chicken salad. If you don’t drink you can probably get a great meal for $ 30 – 40. The atmosphere is not formal, but it’s very nice, luxurious and comfortable. Lighting is perfect.
Robert W.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Austin, TX
I love first dates here. The bar is quiet and you can order from the grown up menu(i really recommend the salmon). The staff is great and usually remembers my drink preferences and they know not to mention that i was there the night before.
Rebillbula A.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Cedar Park, TX
We love the grilled artichokes and a salad with their unique blue cheese dressing. Everything is delicious! They deserve five stars for consistently delivering the same quality but everything is expensive. Not sure the French Dip is worth it.
Jens B.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Austin, TX
Some spaces in Austin are timeless. Barlett’s is one of them. Originally called Houstons, this steak house in all posh glory worked. While the majority of restaurants in the area shunned dress codes, Houstons maintained one. Strange it may seem, but it worked. An old girlfriend used to manage and wait tables here. Her pressed white shirt and apron was always a hassle, but she always looked great on the floor.(stop it, you know what I mean) When my office was at Far West, I used to be quite the regular at the bar for upscale cocktails and checking out the MILF’s getting hit on.(there wasn’t a term for these ladies back then, think horny broads who would buy you a drink) The restaurant itself, I gather, has been at the corner of Anderson Lane and Burnet for 30 yrs now and since I live SW, I kind have forgotten about them. Until recently. We were north not to long ago and peckish with a friend in town and it came to mind. Off we went. Here is why it became a time capsule. As we entered, it felt unchanged. Same bar, same dark wood interior, open bright kitchen and a welcoming smiling hostess taking us to our table. At Bartlett’s, team service works here and is seamless. We must of had three or four different servers come by to take plates, check on us and bring us our drinks. There was no doubt who was our main server, but all her helpers made this a well oiled machine. On this visit, Spinach Artichoke Dip; very good, Apple Wood Smoked Pork Chop: very good, Wilted Spinach: good, and Thyme Mashed Sweet Potatoes; good. To be fair, the sweet potatoes are something I love to prepare at home and since they weren’t my version, I was a tad disappointed. Need to be more open to new tastes to classics. They take reservations for lunch, which is nice. The booths still look cozy and intimate. The bar was buzzing with folks enjoying their evening. I’m glad I dropped in to remember why I liked this place so much in the past.
Laura B.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Round Rock, TX
Our party didn’t want to deal with the line at Hopdoddy’s last night and got into Bartlett’s without a wait. Excellent choice, much better burgers. Great atmosphere, service, and food. The hamburger with horse radish sauce and fries are amazing. Yes, $ 16 is steep for a burger and fries, but it is incomparable in quality to most other burgers. Everyone else was very happy with their food choices. The ambiance is spot on.
Chase V.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Austin, TX
The wait staff is here is one of a kind. Some of the best service and quality food can be found here from all over Austin. My favorite salad is the traditional salad with a piece of cheese toast, and topped with bacon, egg, and homemade garlic buttermilk dressing. The steaks and fresh fish make amazing entrees. The new quinoa side salad is also impressive.
Lauren I.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Austin, TX
It was birthday weekend so the hubby and I went out for a delicious dinner. As we drove I dug through the Unilocal reviews and noticed that«proper dress attire is required» and was like oh hell… We were dressed nicely, but were we properly dressed? Was a baseball hat acceptable? Jeans? Yes and yes. Don’t come in here in like flip flops and a ratty tshirt and you should be fine. We were seated in the bar and order the mushroom pâté. It was great, but I think I would have preferred the spinach and artichoke dip. next time! For drinks I had the Pimm’s cup because I’m a huge sucker for cucumber and mint in cocktails and this had both. Hella refreshing and comes in a pint glass. For dinner I ordered one of the specials, the striped bass and hubby ordered the bone in prime rib. Really tasty. The fish was delicious and lemony and buttery and the wilted spinach was perfect with it! The prime rib was great. Not the best I’ve had? But by no means bad. For dessert we had the Pot au Chocolat de l’orange. Super rich. Great way to end the meal. Complaints? This nice restaurant has a television in the bar area. One patron came in to watch the game it seemed and you would swear we were at the football stadium he was so loud. Not necessarily the restaurants fault but I think it would have been appropriate for a manager to ask him to quiet down(especially after we mentioned the intrusion to management). Additionally, servers seemed to congregate just behind our table as they got off… kind of ruined the otherwise great evening.
Jennifer Y.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Austin, TX
Their prime rib was good but honestly for the price I don’t know if it was worth it. I personally liked the vegetarian burger better than anything I have tried here. I would go back just for that! Their service was just ok and the restrooms were fairly clean. They are just way too overpriced for my taste. The ambience is not too bad so if you want to take a date here and look fancy then it isn’t a bad idea to give this place a whirl for the first date. Just FYI: They sell $ 20 bottles of wine for like $ 80 so keep it in mind for your romantic date! hehe
Joanna T.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Wauwatosa, WI
Have you been to a Houstons? Then you’ve pretty much been to Bartlett’s. I was meeting some people here for a business lunch and commented to someone that it felt like a Houstons and was told that it was, then was sold to Tim Bartlett. The feel, menu and(high) prices are almost identical to the chain version. That’s not a knock — if there’s a decent chain out there, it’s probably Houston’s. Anyway, the interior is full of dark wood with an open kitchen and a clubby feel. They specialize in steaks and seafood at upscale prices. Two of our party ordered the trout special($ 21) which was a whole butterflied fish served with a side of veg. I went with the Thai Noodle Steak Salad($ 21! for a salad) — it’s pretty much identical to the Houston’s version of the dish and that’s fine by me. My salad came with chunks of mango, fresh mint, a generous portion of steak and a thai-inspired dressing. It was absolutely delicious but a bit overdressed and again, $ 21 for a salad? Ouch. Service was incredibly efficient but not super friendly(I get it, they were busy). Anytime my iced tea got to 1⁄3 full, BAM — there was a fresh one. They’re like beverage ninjas or something. Anyway, it’s a great place for a business meeting, to take clients or to treat yourself to an upscale meal.
Amy D.
Évaluation du lieu : 3 Austin, TX
I think if I returned to Bartlett’s it could easily be a 4 star experience if I ordered the right things and asked lots of questions before ordering. But the fact is on my first visit last night there were some things that just weren’t right. The exceptional: Service was easily 5 stars! Jessica took great care of our table. Their adult peanut butter and jelly sandwich aka toasted crisps served with a side of wonderful raspberry sauce and the most perfect pâté was to die for! The dry Italian rose I ordered($ 7 on happy hour) was delightful. The good: The wine selection made me happy Mon-Fri 4pm-7pm it is happy hour throughout the restaurant($ 2 off glasses of wine). I like the cavernous dark atmosphere. They have an open kitchen which is cool if you like a good show and leaves the perception of transparency. Most of the food was delicious. The grilled artichoke appetizer was delicious and an excellent alternative to artichoke dip. It came with a side of dip that was super addicting. One of my dining guests asked for the mushroom burger subbed with their house-made veggie patty and they obliged. The not so good: I asked for the market price on the ahi tuna salad and never got an answer. While the salad was excellent I had asked that they serve the dressing on the side and instead received a salad drenched in dressings. They did bring me sides of all three dressings. maybe they already have the salads tossed in dressing and it is not an option? If this is the case I would appreciate it if they had just let me know so I could have opted for a healthier entrée option. I didn’t want to send it back because 1) I didn’t want my friends’ entrees to get cold and 2) I don’t like waisting food. One of my dining guests shared that her burger was under seasoned and bland. When you’re paying $ 18 for a burger you expect it to be great right?! We shared a piece of key lime pie which was huge portion of underwhelmingness. The ambiance, service and wine selection is phenomenal at Bartlett’s. The prices are steep and the quality didn’t follow through on all the dishes. I am curious about the veggie burger everyone raves about!
Darren B.
Évaluation du lieu : 3 Austin, TX
I’ve had Bartlett’s on my Burgers to Try list for quite some time now. I kinda feel like I have no right to give a review at this point because after a recent and first visit, all I had was a salad. It’s kinda like going to a Chinese BBQ restaurant and only ordering white rice. In my defense however, I came here unprepared and unexpectedly for a friend’s last minute event, I had already eaten not too long prior and was not hungry and burger left overs are never a good thing. Plus, one of my friend’s friends used to work here and vouched for their salads. We shared the grilled artichoke appetizer and it was pretty good. For myself I ordered the Club Salad that comes with crispy chicken, smokehouse bacon, avocado, and egg. I asked to swap the crispy chicken for grilled chicken which was my mistake. The chicken that came in my salad appeared to be grilled, but was cold. Cold like it had just been taken out of the fridge. At the former employee’s recommendation I got their honey mustard dressing which I should have definitely asked for on the side because there was way too much mixed in, my mistake again. The atmosphere is pretty nice too. It definitely had a Texas upscale steakhouse vibe to it. I found the service to be a bit mixed. One of the hosts had a bit of an attitude issue going on. Outside of her, the rest of the staff were delightful. A lot of missteps on my part it seems so I would consider trying them again at some point.
Marianna K.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 San Mateo, CA
½ bottle of wine, two side salads and two burgers make for a happy Sunday night dinner! Both burgers were really well prepared — I usually take mine medium, and this was medium at it’s most best. Had a side kale slaw instead of fries, but my husband’s fries were very worth stealing off his plate. Also, really glad they are serving ½ bottles, but was disappointed they didn’t have any TX wines on the ½ bottle menu… However, the best was the atmosphere… it’s pretty quite and relaxing, with background music and attentive service; they have a fireplace on the patio, but it was way too cold to enjoy that.
Shannon B.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Austin, TX
Not sure why I’ve neglected to share my adoration of Bartlett’s before now, but let it be known that this humble establishment in a North Austin strip center is serving up some of the very best grilled offerings available in Central Texas, and they’ve been doing it consistently for years. If someone in my family has a special occasion meal, 9 times out of 10, we’re meeting at Bartlett’s. I have so many fond memories of romantic dinners of giant steaks & fresh fish in a candlelit booth at Bartlett’s(formerly Houston’s but locally owned & operated since 1990, right around the time I arrived in Austin myself). Well, I should step back though, because my first awe-inspiring meals here were actually during my 15 year vegetarian streak, and Bartlett’s was one of few places in town in the early 90’s where a veggie lover could be assured of a wonderful meal of fresh-fresh-fresh seasonal produce, homemade breads, and tasty soups. My still vegetarian friends assure me that this is still true today, and the current vegan burger is said to be a revelation. The bar at Bartlett’s was the place where I had my first delicious Dirty Martini after graduating from the late ‘90s Cosmo of Sex in the City fame. The bartenders here know well how to make a classic cocktail, and they were doing those hipster throwback drinks long before«mixologists» started being featured in GQ profiles. The Bartlett’s wine list is also fantastic, with many reasonably priced bottles and glasses not widely available elsewhere. But we’ve gotta get back to that grill. When you first walk in the place and approach the host stand, the open kitchen is just to your left. I find it challenging to focus on the words coming from the hostesses’ mouths when I’m hearing that sizzle and smelling those wood-fired flavors developing. If possible, I suggest hanging back and letting someone else do the table planning so that you can just enjoy the kitchen scene and begin to build the anticipation for whatever perfect steak or fish you’re going to order later. We always start with the house smoked salmon appetizer. Why? Because it’s a classic and it’s freaking perfect. Every time. If you don’t like salmon, the bourbon pâté with homemade ciabatta is also excellent, and the artichoke spinach dip makes all other incarnations of that dish pale in comparison. Next comes the main event. Someone in our group always gets the fish special, someone always gets a medium rare beef filet mignon, and someone always gets the brined, applewood-smoked pork chop. Then we face off with forks & knives to see who will be the victor to consume all three platters. Okay, that last bit may have just happened in my imagination, but this food inspires fantasy! I confess to rarely partaking in dessert after the turf & surf fest we usually order. However, my 8 year old gives his thumbs up to all post-dinner options he’s tried, and hubby sighs when recollecting the Key Lime Pie. Son-boy also loves how every kid gets an Etch-a-Sketch to play while dining at Bartlett’s. As a parent, I love knowing we can bring our whole family here, sometimes meeting with friends & their kids, and be assured that our whole group will be welcomed to enjoy their meal. Earlier this week, I went in for my first weekday lunch at Bartlett’s, and once again, I left in bliss. Green goddess crab cake salad(jumbo lump crab cake, green goddess dressing, frisee, arugula, grapefruit). Flawless. That is all.