07/17/08

Disappointment

by rbomer

My wife and I went to this restaurant to celebrate my birthday. It was supposed to be a special night out. We arrived at 7:25 and got our food at 9:30. One hour's wait for a table and a second hour for our food. My lobster (which cost $60) and her Copper River king salmon ($40) were both waaaay overcooked and very dry. As soon as they set the lobster down in front of me, I could smell the metallic smell of iodine. It was so late, we'd waited so long, and we were so trying to have a good time, so we didn't confront them about the quality of the food, though we probably should have (but to what end?). They knew they had taken too long, so they comped us a dessert - but both of them were also almost inedible, and we left most of both on the table when we left. This restaurant was an expensive, big disappointment.

• Pros: They have a range of seafood and fish.
• Cons: It is very badly cooked.

07/06/08

Great Service, Steaks/Seafood

by fussydiner2

My son who was recently transplanted from Manhattan, suggested Eddie V's on Sat. July 5th. He went on-line Saturday morning and made a 6:00 p.m. reservation for that evening. He had dined there previously and had been impressed. Upon arrival we were escorted to our table, and was told who our server would be . He appeared shortly after and inquired if we had dined there prior. He explained all the specials, and also indicated that certain desserts needed 20 minutes to prepare, and if we wished to order one, now was the time to tell him. He also indicated that the sides were large enough for sharing. We ordered 3 appetizers, all arrived timely, and all were gone within minutes. Shortly thereafter our entrees arrived (filets, rib eye steak, salmon), along with our 4 side dishes. The servers asked us to cut into our steaks for the doneness that we requested. The servers held a small flashlight while we 4 steak eaters inspected our meat. All of which was cooked to perfection. The salmon diner kept saying that it was the best salmon he had ever eaten. Which is a big compliment since he eats salmon 2 to 3 times a week. We had to pass on dessert since we could barely finish our entrees. We found the service and the food to be exceptional and will plan on returning on our next visit. As I had read some previous unfavorable reviews, I kept wondering if this was the same Eddie V's that we had just visited. This is the first time ever that I have left a review on dining, and suggest that you visit this establishment yourself. Also, the wine list was pages, hard to believe that people thought that it wasn't extensive enough. Also, while we were deciding what to order, one of the hostesses brought a bouquet of flowers (card attached) to a nearby booth that was vacant. Shortly thereafter, a couple arrived. Obviously, this was something planned ahead by the very thoughtful husband and carried out by the Eddie V's staff.

• Pros: Service AND food
• Cons: Couldn't fit in dessert/Valet was a little tight, but doable.

05/12/08

Great food, great ambience and impeccable service.

by dushant65

First of all thank you all for your input. Which actually prompted me to pick Eddie Vs. I made a reservation this Saturday for May 10th. There are perks for making reservations which i will tell you at the end. First advantage was it was fully packed but we ddn't wait much long until we were seated( reservation). Everybody was very polite and friendly. I can tell u before you leave, u will remember everybody's name from bartender to waiter. The ambience was the best, someone said it smelled like seafood inside forunately i couldn't smell that fragrance. My waiter was the best, he would explicitly explain what each item would taste like and look like, makes you very comfortable. The best part is when you are in such a place and indulged in conversation u totally forget about food. Needless to say mine arrived on time and with some great fine dining cuisine. I ordered swordfish steak, and my wife ordered red snapper. both tasted exquisite. Mine i felt need some sauce, cuz here was no sauce with the fish and thats why the penalty of 1 star. Other than that no complains. So finally my perk for online reservation, I metioned about our anniversary at the reservation notes and we were gifted with a free dessert for the night. It really ended on a sweet and a happy note. Thank you.

• Pros: good food, great people
• Cons: wine pairing could add that, it woud be great with seafood

03/16/08

Unique eating experience!

by MorganaEos

Eddie V's was a pleasant discovery. In the heart of one of the most crowded spots in Austin, we found unique flavors, original blends, healthy and tasty food, good live music, elegant atmosphere but easy-going feeling. Good place for a date but also for having a conversation with friends or business fellows, being able to actually hear each other. The staff is nice and helpful. We enjoyed every little bit of it!

• Pros: everything
• Cons: I probably need to go there a second time to find some...

03/14/08

Best Service, Best Food, Great Atmosphere

by shark77

I visit Eddie V's on numerous occasions and have never been disappointed. I have eaten all over the world and find that these guys have better fish than what I used to eat on the east coast. The steaks are top notch and I always feel that the staff is willing to go above and beyond, even when I needed batteries for my camera - they noticed and provided some for me without making it seem like a hassle. I enjoy eating at the bar on occasion to soak in some of the live music and converse with the friendliest and helpful bartenders around. It can get crowded sometimes, but I kind of enjoy a place that is busy...reassures my quality of taste. I highly recommend Eddie V's as it is unquestionably my first choice when I dine in Austin.

• Pros: The food and service
• Cons: Can be busy at times

02/28/08

Just do your self a favor dont go!

by clearys04

I took my nephew there to get take out for the family and he thought it would be neat to go with me. He was starving and wanted a snack so I said he could get an app while we ordered food to go. I ordered a drink from the bartender who was so rude that if my nephew hadnt been with me I would have said something to him. He acted as if I was bothering him. I had to draw the line when he was rude to my nephew. We had ordered a large amount of food about 10 to maybe15 min before. So I told the bartender that we were canceling our order. He rolled his eyes and then said it is here. My reaction was there was NO CHANCE ON THE PLANET that the kitchen could have cooked and packed all the food that we ordered in 10 min! NO CHANCE. I asked to see a manager who said he was going to take care of our bill! I didnt take the food and they charged me!!! I have left 2 voicemails and no one is calling me back! Now I get to fight the credt card company! The bartenders are RUDE! The management cant even return a phone call!! I wouldn't step foot in the restaurant agaiin!

• Pros: that I never have to go back there
• Cons: that I actually went!

02/28/08

AVOID IF YOU PLAN ON HAVING A GREAT NIGHT OUT!

by greenroots

I have traveled all over the world and love food, wine and great atmospheres!!! This restaurant is about as far from fabulous as you can get! First I felt as though I was being pushed through a cattle line! The bartenders were so rude that I felt like leaving after I ordered my first drink! Seeing the wine list seemed to be a major hassel in addition I asked to taste a wine that I wasnt sure about and with a role of the eyes and a huge attitude I was told fine. My husband and I and the friends we were with turned to eachother and were all thinking we should have left. They werent slammed so we werent sure why it took 20 min to get 4 drinks. Then we sat down and think well we will give it a try. The wine list was so so, the food bland and over priced and the same attitude follwed us into the dining room! Our food came out basically as were taking our first bite of our apps and then when we obviously decided against desert the check was there in NO TIME FLAT!! After 300.00, I would say it was a waste of money and time and we wont be back!! We have eaten at Flemmings before and I would go there before ever going back to Eddie V's!!!! What a major let down!!!

• Pros: LEAVING
• Cons: Coming in the front door

02/02/08

Not impressed.

by ConnieT

We had dinner with friends, and I was very disappointed about the menu choices.

The atmosphere was lound and crounded. Not to count the the lighting was so dark that I couldn't read my menu.

The food was just adequate, I didn't find anything special in it.

The service was nice, the waiter was competent.

But for sure I will not go back.

01/25/08

A pleasant surprise

by Dinneronme

Being from out of town I had never heard of Eddie V's before, but now I will never forget it! The service was amazing and the food was phenomenal. The atmosphere was crowded yes, but some how romantic. My boyfriend and I had no reservation and were accommodated at a table in the lounge. I was afraid it would be noisy and uncomfortable, but I was instantly proven wrong. The woman singer had a vintage style that was simply beautiful. Now to the food. I am a steak person, a meat and potatoes kind of girl and this meat and those twice bake potatoes changed my whole outlook. I had the 8oz steak that was cooked to perfection and juices dripped down my chin. The twice baked potatoes were like fluffy, cheesy, happy clouds in my mouth. My boyfriend had the ahi tuna and said it was one of the best he ever had. But hands down the best part of the meal was the Cinnamon Raisin Bread pudding. It has this marshmallow/meringue topping and was served piping hot ...WOW. I will be back again, but maybe with a reservation next time.

• Pros: food, service
• Cons: parking, ate too much

01/12/08

Horrible..... just simply horrible

by tpool

Atmosphere: After navigating the tiny valet drive-thru, waiting in line behind cars dropping off and picking up, you finally step out and face a sea of people waiting in the same cramped valet area, all of which you must fight thru just to enter Eddie V's. Inside is yet another small and awkward area. The near suffocating atmosphere does not end there. Upon being seated (we had reservations, request for booth not honored) we were squeezed between two tables whose occupants were literally elbow to elbow to us all night. And no, this is not "just how nice restaurants are". Eddie Vs interior is like a crowded food court in a dark mall. (I'd like to add here that the men's restroom was horrible..... paper towels laying around, one little sink, and of course very cramped. Typical for a truck-stop, not so much for fine dining).

Service: Service was poor and non attentive, but that can be forgiven for a single visit.

Food: All this I could over look IF the food was great.... but such was not the case. The food was simply atrocious. Our appetizer was comically less than the "half pound" ordered and provided nothing to be desired. Our main-courses were awful... just really honestly awful. Their Hong Kong Sea-bass tasted like an old basketball which had been cut up, bleached, steamed, and covered with cheap soy sauce. My wife's Butterfish tasted like a cheap frozen filet covered in heavy cream. Oh yeah, and my martini came in what looked like a novelty sized child's cocktail glass.

We've enjoyed fine dining all over the world, so I do not make these observations lightly or without insight. You might enjoy Eddie V's if your goal is to be 6-inches from hundreds of people in a cramped and awkward setting, pay hundreds of dollars for food that can't even be described as 'acceptable', and maybe catch a glimpse of the Mayor's aid's aid on a Friday night...... but if you actually want fine dining with food that makes you smile, then stay away.

• Cons: Cramped and tight from valet to restroom to dining, very sub-par food