Bess Bistro On Pecan
(512) 477-2377
500 W Sixth St
Austin,
TX
78701
30.2694
-97.7475
Neighborhood: Downtown
What People Are Saying About Bess Bistro On Pecan
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
Bess' understated exterior makes the lower-level eatery almost invisible to those unaware of its location; the tastefully labeled brick-hued awning that covers the staircase is the only clue. In-the-know patrons experience an elegantly casual atmosphere that's more Southern charm than uptown ritziness. The menus vary based on the time of day and run the gamut of American comfort food--from daily specials such as hearty meat loaf and flaky pot pie to filet mignon and steak frite.
High Marks
"...the ambiance is outstanding. It is so intimate and quaint-- they did a fabulous job with the design and decor." (sparklepenty42, Citysearch user)
"The waitstaff was very attentive, but did not hover over you at all times." (star1181, Citysearch user)
"...the entrance is secretly tucked away "for those in the know" ensuring a romantic experience that's pleasing to the soul." (swirlgal01, Citysearch user)
Low Marks
"Despite the great service, we were underwhelmed with the food." (ashley 14539, Citysearch user)
"The noise level was deafening, very loud and didn't match the decor at all..." (kriticalydining, Citysearch user)
"For the price, I think one could afford to expect a little more quantity." (mashok, Citysearch user)
User Reviews
CSMobileUser
May 18, 2009
Great hideaway especially for a late lunch. Staff friendly and tasty food! Reminds me of a NYC spot that I can always feel comfortable at.
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tetoc
April 28, 2009
Bess Bistro Austin, TX I Didn’t Order Health Damage! Bess Bistro gave us f00d p-0-i-s-0-n-i-n-g. My wife had a seafood dish that was recommended by the waitress and was up all night throwing up. We call the restaurant the next day and Donnie insulted us by tell us (one PhD and two degrees in Chemistry / Biology) that it is impossible to have this in less than 24 hrs after you have eat. Sorry Donnie, I do not believe you came up with this on your own but your source is wrong. If we insisted we call speak to Mizael Saucedo, chef and general manager of Bess Bistro but that took three days of phone tag. When we spoke the Mizael and explained everything he thought is would be difficult to be sick from the seafood since it is delivered fresh every Saturday. This explains everything, we ate there on Friday night! He was apologetic and offer to mail us something for compensation but never did. We called back two weeks later and told him that we never received anything and he claimed he sent a $50 gift certificate. I explain nothing was received so he swore that he would send another one himself the next morning for $50 and if the other $50 showed up we could keep both of them for all of the pain, suffering and frustration that Bess Bistro has caused. Over a week later still no sign of anything. These people have a nice spot in a nice building but do not have the ability to operate a business or be permitted to p-0-i-s-0-n the public. Thomas | Apr 28, 2009
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alanah
February 15, 2009
Wow. This place was incredible! West 6th street, super swanky. The place has a great upscale but down to earth vibe. My friends and I went there Valentine's night and all the tables were booked but we walked in hoping for luck and, what do you know, we sat immediately at the bar and got served! Even better than sitting at a table! Our bartender/waitress Summer was awesome. Knowledgeable, super sweet. I began by sharing the cheese plate which came with wine soaked goat cheese, two types of blue cheese, manchego, and brie, crackers, grapes and prosciutto wrapped almond stuffed dates (oh my god!). It was an incredible beginning to the evening. Superseded only by our main entree: Steak Frites. The tenderloin was cooked medium, it was absolute perfection. The fries were thin cut, not greasy at all. It all came with a demi-glace which we poured over the fries... we were basically licking the plate. I cannot even put into words here how incredible everything was. The service, the ambiance, the food, the quality. The food was absolutely incredible. Flavorful... just perfection. I would without a doubt recommend this place and go back here in a heartbeat to try their other dishes. Cocktails: Made with real fruit? What an idea! (I didn't drink all these myself!) # Vespa - Kind of sweet and mellow, really nice. Made with pear vodka, gin, peach juice... # Lagniappe - Needed to add a bit more raspberry puree to it because it was too strong for my tastes, but then it was delicious. At the bottom of my glass were all my crushed raspberries! Yum yum! Made with raspberries, lime, basil... vodka? or gin I think? # Rockstar Martini # Redlight Martini - Think this was the one which was just pomegranate juice and vodka, it was surprisingly delicious, the best cocktail of the night! # Something with mango? Literally had mango puree coming up the straw, which was awesome, but it was made with bourbon, which I don't like.
read full reviewThe Details on Bess Bistro On Pecan
Know Before You Go:
Yes, an actress owns this place. But please respect the printed request that cameras remain out of the bistro.
What to Drink:
If the extensive wine list doesn't appeal to you, try one of Bess' specialty cocktails, like the Red Light martini or the Bess champagne cocktail.
Historic Space:
Care was taken to preserve the building's historic charm, yet added touches include the custom-made pewter bar, pecan woodwork and intricate etched glass.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Celeb Hangout, Theater District Dining, Historic Setting, People Watching, Business Dining, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Notable Wine List
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
