(512) 477-1001
258 W 2nd St
(Lavaca Street)
Austin,
TX
78701
30.264895
-97.74617
Neighborhood: Downtown
Taverna
What People Are Saying About Taverna
The Editor

Alexandra Richmond
Citysearch
Being located on the ground floor of one of Austin's newer skyscrapers adds to the big-city hustle and bustle in this large dining room. Diners come for Italian food; comforting, cheesy, saucy and preferably with lots of wine. Traditional favorites can be enjoyed on the killer sidewalk patio, or inside as the open kitchen cranks out dishes. The bar is filled with people waiting for tables, and during brunch can be a fast-moving scene as the dollar mimosas flow and patrons jockey for prime people-watching spots. Quickly enough, they are seated, and digging into house-made pasta, soup and salads…
Terrible service and food
by KM26
we went to celebrate a friends birthday at the Taverns. here are a couple of things i did not like
- food was very very small portion and very expensive
- their margarita pizza is nothing but a cheese pizza. no sliced tomatoes like margarita pizza would have
- My husband asked for a soda which they forgot to bring, and we had to remind them again after 10 mins.
- we asked for crushed pepper, which never came.
- Pretty much you need to re-ask everything, else they forget
- food was very salty but that might be my taste buds...who knows
the only good thing i would say, we were a party of 12, and the attendant volunteered to break down the bill per couple. Ambiance was good.
- Pros: Good Ambience
- Cons: bad food and bad service
Miserable Experience
by Galghaidhil
We went to Taverna for years and always had a good meal; then about two years ago the portions began shrinking - we had to eat at home afterwards to feel like we'd had a satisfying meal. Easter brunch 2009 pushed us over the top and out the door - forever. Three of us were crammed into a tiny bistro table for two; looking around, other parties were treated the same (profits over comfortable patrons!). The service was lousy - no bread on the table until 30 seconds before our meals appeared (after a lengthy wait), waitress inattentive (never told us the specials, asked if there was anything we needed as we were finishing the meal - duuuh), meal was lukewarm when served, tea was watered-down bottled tea (awful), and then there were the minuscule English muffins for eggs Benedict - I didn't know they made 'em that small; tiny little eggs, too. Cramped table, lousy service, cold small portions of food (the Hollandaise sauce was tasteless) - so why bother? I know we never will again. Too bad - it used to be a lovely place for a comfortable, relaxing (and enjoyable) dinner. Big double thumbs down. Spend your money where you'll be treated like a valuable patron, rather than someone to be fleeced and treated like one of a herd.
- Cons: Cramped seating at tables, stinko service, tiny portions
Favorite Brunch Location in Austin
by jezziesmizzle
So this is my first time writing a review on city search. I felt I HAD to after reading all the awful slams about this place. Bad Service? FAARRR from it. Poor Food Quality? What are these people talking about?! I have been enjoying brunch here for the past year and my brunch crew and I try to make it out at least once a month together. WE absolutely LOVE it. What do we love? 1) The service is always great. Yes, it is usually busy, so be reasonable and considerate with your server. We don't always get everything we ask for in under ten seconds, but we do get it in a reasonable fashion--and always with a smile. 2) Food Quality. Its always hot, prompt, and deliciously tasty. 3) Ambiance. If you like a nice breeze like we do, sit outside. My group and I love the sights, sounds, and people watching of downtown.
Taverna is the best! ****TIP: if you don't want to wait to be sat, MAKE A RESERVATION! Just call and speak with one of the lovely hosts.
- Pros: Service, Food, Ambiance, Our last server Jem
- Cons: none
The Details on Taverna
When to Go:
Brunch may cost a bit more than the dinner, but the dollar mimosas are where diners save money.
Where to Sit:
The covered sidewalk patio is one of the most urban and urbane spots to dine in Austin.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Lunch Spot, Group Dining, Brunch








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