Cool River Cafe, Steakhouse & Southwestern Grille
Austin, TX 78727
Phone: (512) 835-0010
- Price:
- $$
- Best of Citysearch:
- Over-30 Singles Scene 2006
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 11am-11pm
Editorial Review for Cool River Cafe, Steakhouse & Southwestern Grille – by Tara Fatemi
In Short
Patrons can eat among the clacking billiard balls in the noisy bar or in the quieter main dining room with high ceilings, dark wood and white tablecloths. Afterward they can retire for a cognac and cigar in the smoking room. The smoked chop entree, which has a mesquite taste and mushroom-and-pepper stuffing, is tasty, though the honey glaze needs more pepper to cut the sweetness.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasThe restaurant has several private dining rooms, which tend to be quieter and more intimate than the main dining room.
User Reviews for Cool River Cafe, Steakhouse & Southwestern Grille
04/27/2008 Posted by hughgainey
'We looked forward to returning to this place because I recalled they had very good steaks. When I arrived, I was surprised to smell cigarette and cigar smoke. The folks kindly explained they had separate A/C systems and it wouldn't be a problem. I guess some folks don't have a very sensitive nose. This is Austin. Where are the smoke nannies? The very professional and gracious waitress explained we needed to order our steaks one degree more done than usual, as they cook them rarer than most places. So I ordered medium. What I got was well done, but I took a bite and it was nevertheless very good - tender and tasty. The watchful waitress noticed and insisted on taking it back. I felt it was perfectly edible, even if it wasn't what I ordered, but she took it away, and while my friend ate, I waited. In a few minutes, out came another steak, this time accompanied with a manger and a flashlight to examine the cut steak. It was rare by any standards. Not my preference, but I accepted it. The glass of wine was not so good at $11, but ok. I paid my bill, which came to almost $70with tip. What I discovered later was that it included a 28% tip before I added more! They had included a tip for both steaks, which I guess is logical since she served me two steaks, right? As I walked to my car, the fragrance in the parking lot was not that wonderful smell of steaks cooking. It was cigar smoke. Thumbs down.
Pros: good steaks, beautiful place, gracious service
Cons: strong smell of smoke, pricey, On average they got it right - one too done and one too rare
04/05/2008 Posted by rpayneaustin
There service is always top notch. Once you have been, they always greet you by name. There food is always fresh and they provide a very diverse menu and specials! Try their prime rib!!!
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