07/29/09

Great spot for Happy Hour specials

by mayoatx82

I came to Saba recently with some co-workers for happy hour and we had a feast for less than $100 for 8 people. We ordered several appetizers and everyone had a cocktail...or two. Their happy hour prices can't be beat. The calamari and tuna appetizer are especially yummy!

• Pros: Prices, Atmosphere
• Cons: Parking?

03/04/09

madatory gratuities

by laslos37

I used to love this place and go there every Wednesday... well the last time I went they started charging an 18% mandatory tip...not that it's THAT big of a deal...but when you have 3 people drinking it's not like the waiter is not going to get a tip... even if the service is a bit sketchy...I mean our waiter must have been stoned or something! He forgot 2 "sharable plates" that we ordered and then took FOREVER to get our first drinks out... then when we ordered the second round he completely forgot and then came around again and asked us how we were doing and if we needed anything... WHAT HAPPENED SABA'S???? You used to be my favorite place...now I would not touch you with a ten foot pole! Forget the mandatory 18 % and get rid of Smokey the waiter and hopefully I'll be seeing you again.

• Pros: Great happy hour and sharable plates
• Cons: stoned wait service, long waits for orders, and mandatory 18% tip (on any ammount of people)

09/20/08

My Long-Distance Fiance and My FAVORITE Austin stop

by Shestarr

My fiance from the Eastcoast and I absolutely LOVE this place!!!!!!! I cannot put into words how romantic and FUN this place is.

Whenever he is in town, our weekend ritual is: 1)Drive to Saba, 2) check the car in at the Valet, find our favorite secret spot (we have 2 and I'm not telling). 3) I order the Fresh Mint Mojito and he orders water with the crusted shrimp appetizer, 4) I order the grilled Talapia with Jasmin rice instead of the pinneapple rice & he orders the steak dinner. 5) We both praise how wonderful Saba is and marvel at the excellent customer service from all waitresses and staff.

One time, the owner offered to make arrangements for my guy to access cash from his card, in order to pay valet. He went above and beyond to make it happen and we've been patrons ever since!

Their Mojitos are the BEST here! And the fun part kicks in as we wait for our car outside and listen and dance to whatever live band is playing in the neigboring courtyard. WE BOTH LOVE YOU SO MUCH SABA and my guy can't ever stop talking about visiting again whenever he is back in town.

• Pros: Outstanding staff, best Mojitos and UNBELIEVABLY quality and tasy food.
• Cons: Need to have more all over the country.

07/25/08

Drinks!!

by Ming83

I love coming here to meet up with my friends and catching up on life over a few cocktails. The appetizers are great and I especially loved the ceviche. Weekends can get busy though, but being a former server myself, I can understand there's things that are out of your control.

• Pros: Happy Hour, Drinks, Atmosphere
• Cons: Noise, parking, no service when it's busy

02/08/08

Thank for the Mojo Nate

by chupacabra04

Just wanted to give a shout out to Nate the bartender at Saba Blue. Thanks man for making every Thursday my gateway tot he weekend. I don' t have to work on Friday's and I always start "my" weekend at saba. Thanks Dude.

• Pros: I can't get enough Mojitos
• Cons: I can't get enough Mojitos

02/08/08

New Menu Items......Sabarific

by avalane

Just had the new scallops on the menu at saba. great butter sauce, high quality...I would recommend to anyone. After being around for so long, they sure take a while to put out new stuff. The reward is that it is always great!

02/01/08

Horrible

by veggielover75

I'll never step foot in here again. The owner is very rude and does not care about his patrons. Avoid at all cost.

• Pros: The owner is not always there.
• Cons: But he also might be there.

12/22/07

What a Surprise Ending

by married08

I felt compelled to write this review and I am trying to post everywhere because it is rare in Austin to truly find service with that personal touch. My, then boyfriend...now fiance had reservations this month at another restaurant in the warehouse district which will go unnamed. They cancelled it because we were 20 minutes late. My fiance proposed to me earlier in the week and we were out to celebrate a very special night. We ended up at Saba and although there was a wait, we explained our predicament and the manager found us a table right away. Dinner, drinks you name it...we enjoyed it. At the end of our meal, the manager presented us with a complimentry bottle of champagne and arranged a carriage ride for us with Austin Carriage (?) because we had such a rough time before getting to saba. We can honestly say that we will be back every year on or anniversary...A+ job....kudos to the Saba!

• Pros: Thoughtful, great drinks, excellent staff
• Cons: None....are you kidding me!

11/21/07

Alright for the beginning of a night out or winding down the evening

by schannonshirey

It takes allot to impress me. I've been going out downtown regularly for a while. I usually stop at one of three places for dinner or happy hour before hitting the party bars. I usually go to Fado, Saba, 219 West or Malaga. They are all pretty decent for the price. Saba's Happy Hour is cheaply priced for what you get. Their dinner menu is contemporary and takes some getting used to. They have a pretty good liquor selection ? they have allot of girly drinks. The service is ok. I think Saba's main drawbacks are: 1. it gets really busy on the weekends so call ahead and expect a crowd 2. It gets pretty loud sometimes because they are right next to Cedar St. (Outdoor music venue). 3. Is downtown, so parking can be a problem.

• Pros: Good Drinks and Food
• Cons: Noisy and sometimes crowded.

11/17/07

Going out...go to Saba

by brian_lux

Probably the fourth time I have been to Saba on first dates. Really great vibes from the music, cool art. Usually, I order the tenderloin...cooked as I requested with a great mash potato side. Shrimp enchilada (sp?) is a common favorit for the ladies. Mojitos remain the absolute best in Austin base don my endless quest and the staff is very fast and friendly. They seem to know when to leave you alone and when something is needed. Overall, I would suggest to anyone trying to avoid a chain. Prices are very reasonable...a good value.

• Pros: Food is phenominal, Best Mojitos around
• Cons: None