The gourmet market on South Congress adds a wine bar for by-the-glass selections and elegant tapas.

by Joshua Hinsdale

In Short
The entire gourmet foods store has been updated to accommodate Cissi's popular neighborhood wine bar located at the front of the market. A large quartz bar and nearby tables offer plenty of seating and a cozy café-style atmosphere ideal for linering with groups of friends. More than a dozen by-the-glass selections are sided by a chef-created tapas menu. Standouts include an artisan cheese plate with two or four chef-selected varieties, a duck confit salad, Italian charcuterie plate, Gravlax plate or grilled dates wrapped in house-cured bacon. Take home some prepared gourmet foods or stop by in the mornings for a cup of the award-winning Kohana Hawaiian coffee.

11/19/08

What's been missing on Congress!

by ProudMonkey

I had eaten a few times at Cissi's, but we were very surprised to discover that it has turned most of its grocery aisles into a wonderful, warm wine bar! This is the kind of place that we have been looking for in this area. Very relaxed but elegant environment, with library shelves of wine (I think also for sale by bottle), and a nice selection of wine and little plates (tapas). Prices were reasonable, and the ambiance kept us there far longer than we intended. Glad this is here, and we will be back!

• Pros: Ambiance, selection, and simply something we haven't had in this area!
• Cons: none so far (try parking in the hidden garage behind Cissi's)

11/19/08

great coffee and now a wine bar!

by meilz

I usually stop by Cissi's for a great cup of coffee and a sandwhich, but was so excited last week to learn they've now opened a wine bar too! My coworkers and I were planning to go to Enoteca for a glass of wine after work, but noticed that Cissi's had just reopened, so we popped in there instead. Several hours, 2 cheese plates and 3 glasses of wine later, we were still having fun and needless to say, never made it down any further. The prices were really reasonable and the cheese plate was amazing. I'll definitely be back.

11/17/08

Great New Wine Bar!

by marylong123

Last weekend my boyfriend and I were walking on South Congress and realized there's this new wine bar. The wine selection is great! Over 100 wines to buy by the bottle, and about 13 to taste by the glass. Also, they had a cheese tray that was just outstanding. Service was very nice. Atmosphere so comfortable and killer location. Highly recommended. Go check it out. Cissi's Wine Bar.

• Pros: Wine selection, ambience, food.
• Cons: Parking can be challenging.

03/02/08

Very Friendly Staff

by ChickpeaG

I've stopped in to Cissi's on various occasions: once for coffee, another time to buy wine, another time for an afternoon snack. Every single time the staff has been very knowledgeable about the products and always willing to provide service.

01/29/08

Gourmet kitchen food items; great customer service.

by susanpb

Wonderful market with great combo of prepared foods + groceries. Very friendly and helpful. Was greeted immediately and helped to select from high-end black teas, which is what I was looking for. Great place to shop for those special ingredients to complete a gourmet (but soulful) kitchen.

08/01/07

Does not belong in the area...not down to earth or Austin friendly - horrible customer service

by austinitefoodie

Too Expensive

Variety - Bad

Out dated products

Does not belong in the area. I love the area and always frequent the establishments. As far as this Market ..... don't bother.

• Pros: NONE - only the area is nice. They should make room for a better establishment.
• Cons: The whole concept.

This small, modern market with its all-encompassing inventory is the grocery stop for South Congress shoppers and dwellers.

by Contributor

In Short
Cissi's Market fills a void in South Congress, an area mostly filled with boutiques and bars. The open floor plan, retro color palette and walls of glass create a fresh, relaxed environment. Artsy, sparsely stocked shelves holding gourmet groceries like truffle oil and regional jams surround a kiosk of staffers serving Kohana coffee and fresh baked goods. A rear deli counter offers prepared dishes along with choice cuts of meat. Beer, wine and an in-house florist make this urban market complete.