(512) 542-9542
1115 E 11th St
Austin,
TX
78702
30.2688
-97.7287
Neighborhood: Central East Austin
What People Are Saying About Blue Dahlia Bistro
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – In a venue that feels more like French countryside than East Austin, students, professionals and gourmands enjoy casual dining and conversation. The intimate interior features tan and oak colors, offset by deep blue hues and warm lighting. The counter's bakery case displays a selection of rich pastries and artisan breads. Chicken salad, brie, hummus, cheese and garbanzo beans are key menu ingredients while cappuccino, latte and espresso complement the small beer and wine menu.
08/22/09
Unfriendly Service
by therins
According to our waitress and the manager, the policy of this establishment is that if you order a bottle of wine, there is no service. They will open the bottle, re-cork it, and leave it at your table. Do not expect water, ice in your water, or to be checked on.
- Cons: horrible service
03/10/09
I love this place
by JimTremoz
I really enjoy The Blue Dahlia. It's a warm, inviting place to grab breakfast or lunch... or just a coffee and a pastry.
The staff is always very friendly and pleasant. You really get a sense that they care about the place, the customers and the quality of food.
The outside area in the back is really nice too.
- Pros: Great atmosphere, great food, great service
01/10/09
Delicious, fresh & healthy
by HoboBunny
Not being from Austin and having the impression of Texas eateries being limited to barbeque joints and Pappas chains, we didn't have high expectations of the evening meal. On a tip from local, we decided to try this place. The atmosphere was immediately inviting with heavy wood farm tables dappled with lit candles, soft chatter from families or groups of friends, and a charming back-garden warmed by heat lamps and a roaring chiminea. The food was equally amazing. I see why the owners chose to have family-style seating: you can't help but covet your neighbors meal while magnanimously also wanting to share your own. Between the three of us, we had, loved and devoured the: butternut squash risotto (hands-down the best risotto ever...exciting and still subtly flavorful); some sort of pumpkin spicy soup; and two pasta dishes. Fresh pesto, perfectly al dente, not drowning in sauce, perfectly sized portions. We had appetizers, a glass of wine, entrees and two desserts...all for under $70. This gave me hope that Texas restaurants may be finding their nirvana and no longer following the fat-ball trends of oversized and over-sauced options. Kudos!
- Pros: delicious, relatively healthy food & great atmosphere
- Cons: the neighborhood made my mom a little nervous (but its fine)
The Details on Blue Dahlia Bistro
When to Go:
Lunch and mornings tend to be busier times, but the full menu including breakfast is available all day.
What to Drink:
Enjoy a casual happy hour from 4pm to 7pm Monday through Friday.
Where to Sit:
On a temperate day, opt to sit on one of the patios in front or in back of the cafe.
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