09/20/09

One of Austin's Best Kept Secrets

by megwoodut

This restuarant, while may be a bit far for some, is definetely worth the drive. The true Irish owners not only graciously welcome you at the door, but they truly appreciate your business - unlike other places that take you for granted. Portions were huge, and there's something to please everyone at the table. Just realize that everything on the menu is a pricey. Guys - they give you the menu with the prices btw (very traditional). This is another Austin landmark that has been fortunate to withstand the test of times and everyone should dine here at least once or on those special occassions. Well worth it.

• Pros: Portions were huge, authentic Irish food, service excellent
• Cons: It is pricey

09/04/09

$88.00 -Complete Four-Course Dinner per Couple!!

by lizbethcerna

We had always wanted to try out the Emerald-we had passed by it many times on our way out to LLano and when my husband was given a coupon that stated that both of us could dine at the Emerald for $88.00-we were thrilled. We both started out with the Irish Potato Soup which was homemade and creamy. Then we had salad and then we had a choice of Filet Mignon, Snapper with Shrimp or Celtic Chicken. I ordered the Chicken and my husband ordered the filet. Both came with a ton of vegetables which were fresh and delicious. We finished up with big pieces of Irish whiskey cake which is made by the owner, Paul. Very good, high quality food and the service was so attentive without being overbearing. I have to mention it again-we both ate a wonderful four course meal for only $88.00-for both of us. We had a coupon, but the owner said that since this is the 25 year anniversary of the restaurant, they are honoring that price for the rest of the year-so just mention it. You cannot use any other coupons-but that makes sense. Can't wait to go back and try the fish.

• Pros: Delicious-huge amounts of food!
• Cons: None

08/01/09

What a Find!!Finally!! Update Phone Number and Map!!

by Malloryhenderson

Wow-my husband and I had a great meal (lobster and steak...yum!)but I never knew how near this restaurant was to the Hill Country Galleria or Lakeway or that it is in Bee Caves!! The phone number on Citysearch is wrong-it should be 512-263-2147 and the map on Citysearch is way confusing-We went to a movie at the Galleria ( the Ugly Truth-very funny!)and afterwards went for dinner-it took us 3 minutes to get to the Emerald!! We tried the lemon cheesecake and it is perfect for summer-nice and citrusy. There was a harpist playing and how great was that -added to our romantic evening- a nice surprise.! What a great evening-thank-you! Mallory and Jeff

• Pros: Great Food and Atmosphere
• Cons: Please Update Phone Number and Map

07/19/09

Delightful!

by jerrywatson

My wife and I had a wonderful time this past Friday at the Emerald. As it happens we were driving by and the parking lot was packed. We didn't have reservations, but we decided to try our luck and see if we could get a table-we had heard the lobster was excellent and we were hungry. We were quickly seated and learned why the parking lot was so full- there was a huge,friendly Italian family celebrating a rehearsal dinner,! We were served a delicious dinner-the lobster is GOOD! The atmosphere was delightful and memorable and everyone enjoyed themselves.

• Pros: Cozy and Relaxed

07/18/09

Wonderful Service and Great Food

by rmasterson5

Great meal all the way around for my five guests and myself-we each tried a different appetizer (get the escargot!) and each of us tried a different entree. The veal was topped with a creamy shrimp sauce, the chicken had a marsala wine sauce, the roast duck had a delicious brandied cherry sauce, the filet had a mushroom sauce and my wife and I had the chateaubriand complete dinner for two.Plenty of food, fresh vegetables,atttentive service and a full bar. Definitely will be back!T Thanks!

• Pros: Best Chateaubriand!
• Cons: It was all Good!!

07/14/09

Worst service ever

by jschoeb

WE invited some friends to go with us on a weekend. The place was empty and we had to wait a few minutes before anyone greeted us. We ordered some drinks. We then ordered our meals. 5 minutes go by and we're told that they didn't have what we orderd. In fact a complete sheet of the menu was unavailable. They tolds us they only had chicken or quail. One of our guests decided to order Irsih Stew. They didn't have Irish Stew. How can an Irish Restaurant not have Irish Stew. We got up and left in disgust. We never did get the drinks.

• Cons: Does not stock food so half the menu is unavailable

06/27/09

Delicious Broiled Lobster

by Johnnybailey

One of my favorite restaurants for many years! Their roast duck is exceptional, the broiled lobster tails consistently fresh and cooked perfectly and the chateaubriand served tableside is always memorable. Fine, fine dining and the family who owns and operates the restaurant never fail to make you feel so special. It is a unique experience.

• Pros: Relaxing and Elegant
• Cons: None

06/06/09

Very Delicious and Great Lobster!!

by PolishProud

I am from San Antonio and was up for the Triton Golfing Tournament. After a fantastic day of watching great golf, my buddies and I headed over to the Emerald on a recommendation from one of players. Great little cottage, authentic irish music, and a sweet hostess/waitress/owner who brought out some incredible food.The broiled lobster is out of this world as was the escargot. We were hungry, thirsty and sunburned when we went into the restaurant and we walked out in much better moods. Thanks for a great meal and the wonderful hospitality-wish I lived in Austin because I want to try the roast duck!

• Pros: Romantic and Very Friendly
• Cons: None-wish there was an Emerald in San Antonio!

05/20/09

Great Food,Great Atmosphere!

by EGonzales14

I would like to say what a wonderful dinner and experience we recently had this past Mpther's Day at the Emerald-it was truly amazing and enjoyed by everyone in our large boisterous family of 11! The staff at the Emerald were gracious and went out of their way to make us all comfortable-from the 3yearold tyrant nephew to the 82 year old great grandmother. We are a difficult group because our needs range from getting a bottle warmed to spills of wine throughout the meal-however, we were treated and catered to like royalty. That says alot as far as I am concerned about the ability of how well and how professional a restaurant is run. Maybe the china is a little worn-but oh my goodness-the food ON the china is out of this world! Go to the Emerald to experience what a seasoned restaurant should be like-ask for things that normally would be an embarrassment in other fine dining establishments-you will appreciate the Emerald and truly enjoy yourself!

• Pros: Super Romantic
• Cons: None at all!

05/02/09

Strange to the point of being creepy

by limac

We arrived hoping to have an authentic Irish experience, too bad we didn't get it.

The place looks neglected. Arriving in the dirt parking lot, I was immediately put off by fake Tulips stuck in the soil - they are faded and looks to have been there for a while. There are little lights strung around the footpaths leading up to the door - several were broken. We were met by a lady wearing a very tacky black shift dress with a Celtic design in sequins on the front. There was nobody else there.

The first thing I noticed was that the CD of generic Irish music that was playing had a skip in it. The "lacy" table cloths are the super cheap, mass manufactured type, and the "bone china" might be from Galway, but the designs on it is rubbed off from I assume years of use, making it look old and shabby. The whole place just seemed run down and in need of a good scrubbing.

We waited a few minutes before being given menus. Only one menu had pricing in it, one menu had torn pages, and one had grease spot on it.

Every entree is priced between $30 and $50, and the descriptions of the food just didn't seem worth the price. If you choose the full meal for two, that's $175.

Needles to say, we left. If we are going to pay through the neck for food, we really want to feel that we are getting value for our money. I was completely surprised that they are so pricey, considering how run down and sad that place looks. So, I can't say if the food is good or not. It didn't seem worth the bother to find out.

• Cons: over priced, run down, grubby