Thistle Cafe

11/13/08

Meet the "Soup Notsi"

by shazam123 at Citysearch

Re: the Davenport location....I used to live nearby, so I came here when I wanted something other than Mexican or Chili's. The food was always so-so, way over-priced for the quality of ingredients, but the reason I'm writing this review is because I have never experienced such rudeness and hostility from a business owner, EVER. She is always there, and I often witnessed her abusing other customers also. I just could not understand what this woman's problem was....here people are giving her business good money for her food, and she must think they will keep doing it even if she snaps at them, yells at employees, rolls her eyes at the simplest question, and heavy sighs at the smallest request. I have talked to other people who used to eat here as well and they had the same thing to say....I might still eat there but the owner gives me heartburn!!! If you want to meet a real-life "soup notsi", just pay her a visit, but don't waste your money.

p.s. misspelling of a certain word was intentional

07/18/08

Favorite dtown lunch spot

by AllisonBart at Citysearch

Thistle is hands down my favorite lunch spot in dtown Austin. the food is amazing and they have great variety. It gets crowded for lunch and sometimes feels understaffed but besides that it is perfect. I would go there every day if I could. They also serve great bfast tacos and starbucks in the mornings.

• Pros: clean, fresh, elegent
• Cons: sometimes feels understaffed

05/28/08

Corporate Event

by Jennifersplanning at Citysearch

Thistle Cafe came highly recommended to me by another event planner for a corporate dinner I hosted a few weeks ago. The restaurant itself has a relaxed and comfortable feel and is in an excellent location for downtown events . We had the entire restaurant to ourselves and the menu we customized was fantastic. We started the night with cocktails and passed appetizers - all my guests were trying to keep themselves from over eating..it was hard to do with their tasty crab cakes, AWESOME lamb lollipops and the fabulous shrimp diablo! Because we had the restaurant to ourselves, my guest could easily mingle and unwind before we sat for dinner. For the main entree I offered a choice of the seared tuna, Chilean sea bass, beef tenderloin and a wonderful pasta dish. ALL the service was excellent with absolutely no complaints. We ended the evening with their signature dessert called cookies and cream that is absolutely divine! Herman and Susan are great to work with and offer suggestions that will make any corporate event planner shine :) We have booked the next dinner and are looking forward to it!

05/08/08

Quick & tasty Downtown lunch

by tabithasmith at Citysearch

I work a couple blocks away and I go to Thistle 3 to 4 times a week for lunch. It's my Favorite! It is so convienant and quick and I have found the staff to be very friendly. I do try and miss the lunch rush 12-1ish because the line can get pretty long. All of the salads are delicious I switch it up between the Chicken Spinach salad and the Chef salad most days. But if you are not into salad they have great sandwiches and wraps (tuna salad is amazing) and all sorts of pasta. I find there food to be good quality and always fresh! I can't complain! Also a great place for a business luncheon.

• Pros: quick and delicious!
• Cons: gets really packed during the lunch rush so go after 1

04/29/08

A wedding reception venue of perfection

by Buckogirl at Citysearch

Finding The Thistle Cafe was like discovering a hidden treasure in Downtown Austin. I wanted to have a unique setting for my wedding reception and when I heard that The Thistle rents there downtown location out on the evenings and weekends for private parties, I was thrilled. It was a beautiful place to have a reception. Its modern decor is perfect for those not wanting to spend a lot of money on large elaborate floral arrangements. I worked with Herman and Susan and they were both very helpful and accommodating, and the service was great.

Most importantly, the food was fantastic. I got so many complements on the quality of food and the unique and beautiful setting. It was as if all my guests were surprised that a wedding could encompass both elements.

I have recommended them again and again to my friends who are getting married and want something more interesting than a hotel ballroom reception.

• Pros: Ambiance; Helpful Owners; variety of delicious food
• Cons: not big enough for more than 150 people