Eleven Plates and Wine

Our first time. There were 4 couples for a total of 8 people. Our sons were all having their RR Jr Cotillion final Ball at the Austin Country Club so we decided to have dinner while waiting instead of driving all the way home to RR & back. I looked here on Unilocal,on Google, & on Open Table for restaurants near the country club. 3 popped up that we thought we’d be interested in. Because of the Variety, the menu, the reviews, & we didn’t feel like TexMex or only Italian (the other 2 choices), we decided on Eleven Plates.
Since we had to drop off our sons by 6:00pm for dinner, but their ball lasted until 10pm, we were able to take our time & enjoy catching up with each other. I was able to get reservations for the 8 of us at 7:30pm which ended up being the perfect time, right in the middle. ;)
The restaurant is on the 2^nd floor, but with some great views through large windows facing the sunset & the hill country & even maybe a hint of near the river. If it was a tad bit warmer, we might’ve sat outside on the deck. Nice greeting by the host & hostess, & we were seated right away. It wasn’t too crowded at all, but there was a nice ambiance & ‘just enough’ conversation & white noise to make it comfortable but not noisy or loud. Our waitress was Very friendly, professional, sweet, patient, & attentive.
We started off with some drinks & appetizers since we weren’t in a hurry & were talking more than looking at the menu. Some of us enjoyed the Duck Confit which was wonderful (none left!), D & I had the Hummus w/​Kalamata sauce & asparagus & naan bread. Nice, healthy, light, great flavor. Lots of variety, & we all had to make choices between 2 or 3 we wanted to try. D & I tried 2 of the specials — grilled Mahi Mahi over basmati rice w/​black beans, asparagus, & Avocado lime sauce. Wonderful with just enough spice! D had the 12 oz prime rib w/​substitute Brussel Sprouts instead of potato fries. At $ 35 for Prime Rib, it wasn’t better than Texas Roadhouse, but was still good & the Brussell Sprouts we Fantastic!
One of the other couples ordered the truffle fries & as someone on here mentioned, they weren’t as good as Hopdoddy’s, though they served them like Hopdoddy’s (in the cone).
After dinner coffee for a couple of the ladies was Wonderful, as was the wine & the beer. Our waitress was Wonderful about keeping us filled up with water, tea, drinks, without being overbearing & sometimes I didn’t even notice she had filled me up! I believe her name was Lindsey. Excellent waitress! Friendly, professional bartender as well! Nice, welcoming, comfortable layout & atmosphere in which people could be dressed up or casual & still feel comfortable. Loved the wall of wine on the way around the corner to the hidden, but clean bathrooms. ;) Prices went up past $ 30, but most were between $ 15-​$ 30.

This place far exceeded my expectations for a small neighborhood spot. I expected the same wine list every other nice spot in Austin offers, but it turned out they have an AMAZING wine selection, one that offers more unique varietals as well as the classics. They have a level 2 sommelier who gave us a bunch of great recommendations. I had the shrimp and grits for dinner and my friend had the lamb shank. Both were fantastic and the service was by far the best I’ve experienced in Austin. Ambiance was welcoming and I can’t wait to go back!

The best salmon I have ever had. And the Brussel sprouts are to die for. I love the ambiance, you can actually have a conversation, while enjoying fantastic food. The service is perfect. Our favorite resraurant.,

LUNCH REVIEW:
They accept reservations for lunch, have plenty of parking, have a business lunch special that’s three courses and have plenty of indoor seating, second story patio seating and even have heaters on the patio.
Lunch was in full swing but, it was nice outside so we accepted the patio table that we were offered.
I took off one star because the service was so ungodly slow it wasn’t even funny. We received our Unilocal check in offer before we got our drinks and we sat for 10 minutes before we even got our drink order taken. Our food came quickly but, then we waited for our check to arrive and then for a long time for it to come back after being swiped.
For checking in on Unilocal you receive a small cheese plate that has two cheese wedges and two different kinds of apple slices. The nice touch was that it was served to us by the manager who thanked us for checking in on Unilocal and coming out to eat at the restaurant. This was well worth checking in and I would order and pay for it next time because the cheese quality was worth it.
I ordered the burger and asked to add bleu cheese to it and got the truffle style fries. The problem is that when the burger arrived it had bacon and cheddar on it instead. Womp Womp. We were in a hurry so, I decided to eat it. The toppings were fresh and even though the burger was well done, the patty was still juicy and well flavored. I was actually impressed. The fries were just so so.
Even with the service issues I really enjoyed my meal and entire experience overall. I’d be interested to come for dinner and enjoy some of there wine list offerings.

On the Unilocal menu, at the bottom it says «Items and prices may not be up to date.» YES, you need to update the prices because people won’t return to a place that knowingly list false prices.
The brussels sprouts were good.
I would pass on the truffle fries. Truffle oil is bad for you, it has a derivative of formaldehyde in it. It is difficult to digest and it’s bad for you. Google it and find out what else is in it. *I ordered them thinking Eleven Plates infused their own oil with truffles but i knew after a short time of eating them that I was being overly optimistic.
The el jardinero drink was delightfully different and I would go back for that and bring along a designated driver because I would want to have several of them.
I am giving 4 stars because the website has the correct prices, but the Unilocal menu doesn’t. I also think they should know how bad truffle oil is and not use it. I am torn because the bartenders service, drinks and brussels spouts were worthy of a 5 star rating.

Great food and enjoyable wine. Only 3 stars due to really laughable service. Wrong entrée delivered to one of our group, items in bills mixed up and as a last straw didn’t bring change from a $ 50 bill. Just won’t go again.

What has happened to this place? Used to be a great neighborhood gem. Now overpriced, average food, with lackluster service. Not worth it at all.

This is a time I wish Unilocal would allow half stars. I went with others and we enjoyed ordering off the starter and wine menus. Things that warranted four stars or more were the service, ahi nachos, habanero shrimp, the vast wine selection, the happy hour prices, but most definitely the duck empanadas with fig and bacon. They were excellent. Things that were tasty but could have been more exciting were the Kobe sliders and the Brussell sprouts. Lastly, I think the prices were a little high. I would still go back and enjoy it again.

A totally invisible resto from the 360 but certainly worth seeking out.
Brussels sprouts, fries and Wagu sliders were all good to very good.
Texas Red Fish main course was very good with just the right amount of spice.
Certainly the highlight of the night was our server. She offered just the right amount information and personality. Truly the best we have encountered in the fifteen years we’ve been coming to Austin.

OK, so the food (brussels sprouts, pork entrée and scallops entrée) was good and we were fine with the wine. However, service was weird — we were ignored for quite some time after we got our wine, and our server never looked our way. Flagged down the manager and then our waitress came by, no apology. She gave us some small wine samples (nice), but then addressed me by my first name, which I find weird at a high class joint. IMO, prices were on the high side for 2 entrees, 2 glasses of wine and 1 appetizer.

many restaurants can serve ten. but when you’re at ten, where can you go from there? where?
we threw our traditions out the window this Christmas Eve and did not plan alternatives in advance. our mid afternoon nap extended until 6:30pm and suddenly we found ourselves awake, reservation-​less on one of the busiest nights of the year, and hungry.
open table to the rescue, and we found a single reservation for 4 for 7:30. we grabbed it, cleaned up, and headed to eleven plates.
I wasn’t sure open table could happen that fast so I half expected the eleven hostess to look at us quizzically upon our arrival. but we were warmly greeted as if we’d been expected all day, and shown to our table.
their craft cocktails go to eleven. I chose the porch swing which was tito’s, hibiscus, mint, and lemon mixed up and served martini style. a nice meeting of sweet and tart, it was delightful.
their appetizers go to eleven. we shared the brussels sprouts as an appetizer. fried to a perfect texture where they have a slight crispness on the outside but are still moist and flavorful inside, the brussels sprouts were served with a lemon aioli. i’m not a fan of aioli in general so this was not the compliment i would have opted for — but they were very good.
their entrees go to eleven. stepping completely out of character, i went straight up burger, no cheese (and sans aioli). i only do burgers maybe twice a year and this one was worth the wait for the akaushi beef. cooked as requested (but often disparaged) medium-​well, it was still juicy and delicious.
service was attentive and professional, atmosphere was cozy and welcoming.
these guys definitely go to eleven. and so should you.

I really enjoyed dinner here recently, and am so happy to have found these guys.
We came for Christmas Eve dinner, and everyone loved their meals.
We tried the Brussels sprouts and the quail for some appetizers. Both were tender, flavorful and appealing.
I had the short ribs, but also got to sample the scallops — both were expertly prepared, and delicious. The corn which came with the scallops was outstanding, very rich and satisfying.
We split two desserts, with the bread pudding clearly winning. Add a cup of coffee and couple craft cocktails, and I think we got to experience quite a bit of what Eleven Plates is offering.
All in all an excellent meal, served professionally, all within 20 minutes of home.
Yeah, I’m a fan.

My husband and I ate here around 7:15 on a Friday. We had made reservation via OpenTable and showed up a tad early. They offered us a table on the patio or a high table. We took the high table as it was a bit cool. Then we waited and waited. Finally, the hostess came over with waters and told us our waitress would be with us shortly. Finally she came, 18 minutes post our sitting down. I want to be clear I never think this was Lindsay’s issue. I believe she was trying really hard but the kitchen and bar wasn’t doing her any favors. We stared with two cocktails; Fleur Du Pont for me and an Old Fuss for my husband. Mine was ok. I wouldn’t order again. It didn’t really fit my taste. My husband had no issue. From the time we ordered our meal to when our first course arrived was 32 minutes. In my book that is way too long for starters to appear when the restaurant isn’t full. We got the Brussels sprouts and mussels to start. The Brussels we good would be better without the sauce. The mussels were fine. For main course my husband had the hanger steak and I had the branzini. Both were good. I really did enjoy the Asia taste to my fish dish. My major issues is how slow everything was. We left at 9:30 and arrived at 7:15. The table that sat down next to use after 8 was serve very quickly. I think they had a «rush» around 7:30 and the kitchen couldn’t keep up. If that is the deal then you should haven’t as many tables or get more kitchen staff. I think based on the main courses will be back and because we can actually walk to here from our home. The noise is a bit loud. They have added foam to the bottom of the tables to help. However, concert floors with high ceilings never helps. Probably one more try and if same slowness we will move on. Too many good restaurants doing it right to keep going back.

Bad bad bad. Food was good. But the GM was obnoxious and belligerent.
Spoilt our evening. She wanted to be right and the customer is wrong. And shouting in front of the entire restaurant is how she did this.
Good luck. Hope the owners know what a disaster this person is

Service: It was fantastic, beautiful smiling faces await you! The food came out quickly and the staff was very attentive.
Food:
Burrata Salad — Was fresh and tasty, it could of used a touch of sea salt on the cheese itself.
Crispy Tiger Shrimp — Lightly coated and fried. 5 big shrimps were all succulent and excellently cooked. Simple yet delicious dish.
Fried Brussels: Crisp and well seasoned with a drizzle of lemon aioli for a pop of brightness.
Caprese Sandwich — was my least favorite, there was something slightly off in taste. I want to say it may have been the oil it was grilled in? it had an overwhelming mildly rancid flavor. Truffle fries were crisp with shaved parm and just the right amount of truffle to linger on the palate.
Dessert: Crème Brulee a generous share-​able size had a perfect hard sugar coating.
Tip: Great for a quick lunch — grab a reso on Opentable for an easy 100pts.

Okay… seriously?
This place rocked. Now… it might have something to do with the company I was with… the manager and the chef’s significant others, and a date… or… it could have been the expert skills of the bartender, Lucas, who helped me choose the wine bottle for the evening… or…it could have been the atmosphere of Restaurant Week in Austin… it could have been a conglomeration of all things good. I was a very happy camper leaving this joint last night – that much I know.
Okay…so…It’s Restaurant Week and they have two menus to choose from. This is what we chose:
First Course: jumbo lump crab ceviche lemon aioli, piquillos, caviar, plantain chips — this was like heaven in a teeny cup. When you mixed the caviar in with the ceviche, man!!! Everything pops in your mouth… the crab was flaky, not fishy… the chips were crisp and fresh… LOVE!
Second Course: crispy red snapper spring vegetable succotash (roasted corn, yellow squash, zucchini and edamame), heirloom tomato relish — This was highly recommended by the manager, so this was our choice hands down. I am a sucker for succotash – grew up loving it unlike many folks, but this one… SO GOOD with the zucchini and squash and edamame… all slightly browned just a tad. Mixed with the fresh tomato relish… holy cow… I loved it.
Third Course: caramelized goat cheese «gjetost», almond biscotti, tart cherry compote, chantilly cream — Okay…so…you may think that little triangle of goat cheese is laughable. Eat with caution. Take just a corner of it at first… let it melt on your tongue. Damn… it’s good!!! LOVE the goat cheese. The almond biscotti was reminiscent of what my Italian father would bring home from the bakers in NJ.
Holy Freakin’ Hell!!! Every single bit was better than the last. I’m not joking when I tell you that every thing that was put into my mouth was divine.
I wish that EVERY meal was as good as this one was.
I also got to try a bite of the chickpea fries, the seared redfish w/​quinoa, artichoke and olive salsa, basil, and the compressed melon salad w/​white sangria, lemon and mint. OMG!!!
Come eat here this week… this is no joke…

The dearth of good eateries in the immediate area increases the value of 11 Plates.
Have eaten …
Softshell Crabs, when they are in season, are excellent. If you are one of those Chesapeake Bay Crab Lovers, bookmark Eleven Plates now. Would get it again.
Salad, Hamburger with too salty fries. Really good, though. Akaushi beef — «red cow» is a Japanese Wagyu is supposedly a finer Kobe beef. Has high concentrations of oleic acid, a heart-​healthy fatty acid. Would get it again.
Lamb chops with warm green pesto and asparagus was juicy. Would get it again.
Fried Brussel Sprouts yes.
Service is very attentive and friendly.
Sit on the balcony on cool days for best sunset views.
I am a fan and will go here again. Hopefully for the Softshell Crabs which you just do not see enough on menus here.

I struggled between 3 and 4 stars, so here’s the breakdown:
Atmosphere: Definitely 4 stars. Cute inside, and outside looked wonderful… great views, comfortable seating.
Food: Definitely 4 – 5 stars for taste and presentation.
Portions: 2 stars. At approx $ 20 per entrée, I would expect to get a nice portion of food. Instead, it is a little bit of pretty food on a big plate that I forced myself to eat slowly so it wouldn’t disappear quickly.
Drinks: I got the Honey Pot whiskey cocktail and LOVED it. At $ 5 for happy hour, it was the prize of the evening.
Summary: I liked this place, but was disappointed in the portions for the price. Therefore, I’d definitely try this place for happy hour (they have quite a nice happy hour menu for light plates and drinks), but would not return for dinner.

So, what’s better than paying 2 bucks to taste a four stem flight at an old paint store in a strip mall? Why, it’s a tasting of a three stem flight of Australian and domestic wines for FREE in a relaxing environment with a scenic overlook of the Pennybacker Bridge and Lake Austin at Eleven Plates!
A few weeks back, a family friend and I «met in the middle» at Eleven Plates. My previous experience here had been more than a year ago as part of a CMYE event, so I was anxious to come back and experience Eleven Plates other than as a special guest.
We arrived at opening on a Saturday afternoon, and were the first customers. We were very fortunate to be served by a wonderful waitress (whose name escapes me at the moment), who was incredibly patient with the fact that our need to converse greatly exceeded our need to order. Her advice on choosing an appetizer was spot on, and the fried Brussels sprouts greatly exceeded our expectations. This is one appetizer that could qualify as a light meal for two, and handily serves four (or more).
The appetizer was so filling, it was debatable whether to proceed with ordering dinner. I settled for the Bibb salad, with the addition of a chicken breast, and my companion ordered the garden salad. It had been quite a while since I’d had a Bibb salad, and, once again, Eleven Plates delivered a pleasing rendition.
The unexpected part of our visit was the free wine tasting. It occurs each Saturday night from 5 – 6, and it’s an opportunity to become familiar with Eleven Plates wine offerings, as well as learn more about wines you might not try otherwise. The stars of the show that night were two Australian Shiraz from d’Arenberg (The Stump Jump, 2010 and The Laughing Magpie, 2009) and a Californian Petite Sirah (Bogle, 2010). I thought the pours were reasonably generous for a free tasting. We appreciated at the depth to which our waitress described each wine, certainly much more information sharing than at your typical tasting. I picked The Laughing Magpie as my favorite, and it would seem others tend to agree.
Enjoyable experience, with just the right amount of service, terrific food, and an unexpected bonus. I couldn’t ask for more.

So, I’m been back a few times and Eleven Plates deserves an update. They have gone through some menu changes and chefs since my last review. These changes have really made this place worthy of a drive.
They have HH everyday. The dishes I really enjoyed were the the curry-​coconut mussels. The curry broth was not over powering and the mussels are consistently high quality. The excellently fried root veggie chips with yogurt dip is a good starter for those who Iike snacking on something crunchy. This is a great alternative to chips and salsa.
They do seafood well here. The red fish and scallop dishes are great. The food is well thought out and perfectly executed. For a good piece of meat in between buns, I’d go somewhere else.
Prices are good for the area and they have an outdoor patio with comfortable seating. Take advantage of nice weather and enjoy a delicious cocktail or two. You won’t be dissappointed. If you are, just keep drinking.