Our server was sweet and the atmosphere was nice overall, but the food was not anything special. I ordered the chicken fried steak (my one true love) and my boyfriend ordered the Horseshoe, which is basically just a bunch of cheese fries piled on top of a hamburger (weird, I know). The meals were definitely filling, but lacked flavor. My chicken fried steak was oddly thin and the breading just kept falling right off of it - something I did not expect. The bill ended up being about $30 for 2 meals + 1 beer.
(3)
Lance S.
I took my boys here for lunch while my wife was in town for a conference. She lives in Austin for several years, and told me this was a great place to eat. She specially doted on the fries. It's in the Hyde Park area of Austin. It's in what appears to be or have been at one time an older house. Parking was a little tricky as we parked in what was an alleyway up against the fence, so I was kind of hard to get out of the vehicle but not too terribly hard. We were greeted and seated promptly. We were set in a very comfortable booth in the front corner of the restaurant. Our waitress was wonderful. She gave some good recommendations, and took our orders quickly. The bathroom was nice and clean, and the service and food was absolutely wonderful. I do recommend the fries. They have a breading that is different from normal fries, and a sauce that compliments it so well. The hamburger that I got was absolutely delicious, very juicy and with a lot of flavor. My boys both enjoyed their meals. They got my oldest sons order incorrect, as I had ordered mac & cheese but they gave him a grilled cheese. They let them keep the grilled cheese and brought a mac & cheese quite quickly. I'm not a mac & cheese guy, but this mac & cheese was delicious. My other son order chicken fingers and they were also very tasty. When I'm back in Austin I will definitely be going here again.
(5)
Dave P.
This is easily the worst service I've ever had when I am one of the 4 tables in the restaurant and 2 of them are with someone else.. das not it mane. brb waiter never checking on us. brb waiter probably in bathroom doing God knows what. brb have to get ketchup from bar when I specifically asked for it. brb have to refill my own water. brb 30m check wait. srs. I hate to rate so low cus food was good but cot dayumnit Gatsby get your s*** together mane.
(1)
Courtney F.
I hadn't been here in years but had good memories, plus my husband had been recently and had good things to share, so I tried it again. The atmosphere is very nice and we were greeted and seated right away. (fyi: more parking around back.) The waitress was also attentive and polite. However, the food was just OK. I would come back, but I won't be quick to recommend it. In my group of three, one really enjoyed the food, I thought it was OK and the third lady thought it needed some real improvement.
(3)
Raquel C.
Right off the batt: Get the fries! not too skinny, not too crunchy, they are battered with buttermilk and go great with the aioli. Not sure what to get? can't go wrong with the daily special. I got the chicken guacamole BLT: Char grilled chicken breast with with homemade guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and bacon on a toasted a brioche bun WITH MORE FRIES. Very good. The place has a nice cozy feel (bc it was an old house, step lightly) Parking is limited up front but there's more parking in the rear. get there early to avoid circling. great neighborhood.
(4)
Margaret M.
You must order the fries!! My girlfriends and I used to go here all the time in college. I even ely went back with my little brother, and he absolutely loved his meal! Of course to start, we shared black pepper fries and avocado fries to start. The dipping sauce accompanying the fries is perfection. We both completely cleaned our plates. He ordered the chicken fried chicken and subbed rice pilaf and green beans. As he was eating, he kept commenting on how fresh and tasty the gravy was while also praising the tender and juicy the chicken. I got the three veggie plate, with max and cheese, braised collard greens with bacon, and green beans. I'm happy to see that the place is still packed and the quality is just as good if not better than I remember from my college days in Austin.
(5)
Hollie B.
Some things never change, like being greeted by a friendly, legacy host, in a very cozy little restaurant in my favorite little Austin neighborhood. So much has changed in this town that I had forgotten about my old favorite, HPG. I've been coming here since I was a kid! I've been on numerous dates at this place, and have had many heart-to-heart conversations with friends and family in every single room. Today I went back with my best friend, and we had an amazing time. We ordered from the brunch menu, but we're able to sun our potatoes for those damn delicious collard greens with bacon! I highly recommend this. I also recommend the soups, salads, the salmon, the steak, the Hyde Park fries, the crispy green beans, the sandwiches, the burgers, and the chicken fried chicken. It's all pretty dang good. Not a lot of the old "Austin Cuisine" restaurants have remained relevant, but I still think Hyde Park Grill is great.
(5)
Thomas L.
Okay so the fries arnt thaaaaaaaaaaaaat great... I mean they are good because they're different than your standard cut fries since they season them and are prepped differently. But I heard that these are the "7th" best fries in the nation so I visited the place. Not quite sure of the formula for that but I wouldn't agree. They were good. But nothing spectacular. Aside from that the staff and food was standard. Nothing to write home about. Overall I would rate this as a good restaurant at best. Don't let the hype fool you :)
(3)
Osalunosse O.
I have been to this location 10+ times merely because I was really hungry and needed a quick fix. Hyde Parks food is just okay. On my last trip 4/26/15 I popped in for brunch and ordered the Chicken and Waffles. I've had chicken and waffles at several places and Hyde Park's is probably the worst. You can't really mess up waffles so I'll blame the chicken. All I tasted was batter, unseasoned batter. I basically had to struggle through the chicken because I was starving. I have had their whole brunch menu and some of the main menu so I can confidently say that the food really is not that great. If you are hungover and just trying to fill a void under $10 this is your spot. Atmosphere: 3/5 Food:3/5
(3)
Janet N.
What a cute restaurant! My boyfriend and I decided to eat here on a date night and we really enjoyed our visit! Ambiance and Service: The place is an actual house which makes it so cozy and cute but it also has a classy touch! The service was okay! I order my item well done and it came out medium rare which sucks SO bad when you're super hungry! Food: My boyfriend and I ordered a lot of food between the two of us!! I ordered the Hyde Park Classic burger! It was SO good! The only thing I hated was that I ordered it well done (I WAS SO READY TO EAT TOO) and then it came out medium rare! Our server got it fixed and it came out like 10 minutes later. It was definitely well worth the wait! The patty was seasoned perfectly and I don't know what's in the secret sauce but it added the perfect tang to this burger! I also ordered the Hyde park fries which were fantastic. Everyone knows I'm a french fry fanatic and these were given an A+. They were crispy, seasoned and just so addicting! I also had the mac and cheese which also received an A+ in my book. It was very creamy with a nice crunch! This is definitely home cooked food I hope I can make it back soon to try more of the menu. Every bite is made with love as cheesy as that sounds! I highly recommend Hyde Park!
(4)
Charlsie D.
Best.Chicken.Fried.Chicken. Hands down. Cute setup in the "it" neighborhood in Austin right now. Amazing food, a handful of vegetarian options, and lovely staff. I even got my boyfriend to try the avacado fries. He didn't regret it ;)
(5)
Johnny M.
This was the best meal I have had in months! It's kind of like having a home cooked dinner at your grandmothers house good. I had the chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and grilled broccoli , then had the peach pudding for desert. I highly recommend!
(5)
Lovelys P.
We've been coming since we were in college back in the day and we keep coming back for more. The avocado fries appetizer and the Hyde Park fries are amazing. I live for the tarascan bean soup (quite spicy like it should be), but it's a special so they don't always have it.
(4)
Rachel S.
Love the fries, chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes-- are crazy good!! The Sonora salad with salmon is also delish!!
(5)
Madison B.
Service is great! The food is fantastic! There is no downside to going here. I've been during all time of the day, and it's consistently wonderful.
(5)
Brandon H.
This one doesn't take the cake at all for me... In fact, if the cake was free, it would probably still be worse than our meal. My girlfriend had pork and Mac with an extra side of grease. I had the steak and fries... Farm to table? No. Farm to freezer to table? No. Farm to freezer, to factory, to freezer, to whole seller, to distributor, to table to toilet? Yes. I'm giving 2 stars, only because our server Kelsey was über sweet.
(2)
D L.
Ridiculously expensive for the food you are buying. Can't get French fries as one of your sides, you have to pay extra because they're supposedly the most amazing thing since sliced bread. What? Why? They're just battered and fried! What's the big deal? Southern comfort food isn't comforting when it's $15. And their fries aren't worth 5 freaking dollars. The last couple of times I got them they were overcooked in old oil, dark and tasted funny. Never going back.
(1)
Scott L.
Austin's way of being kind of nice and laid back all at once. You could wear a jacket, or sandals here and be dressed appropriately. The menu is kind of like "upscale diner". I love to eat at the bar. Look for the big fork outside. A real favorite.
(4)
Chris P.
I'm torn. This place deserves 3.5 stars. I'll go with 3 because while I like to go here sometimes it is pretty infrequent and I rate several other diners/grills higher on my list. The food is all reasonably priced. I think you can get a burger here for $6. The burgers and fries are probably the best this place has to offer. The other food is fine and also good value with a good amount of food. I like the interior well enough and the central location makes it easy to meet up with people. The nearby bakery and cafe is convenient too. One person bathrooms are annoying though, more so for ladies I'm sure. The thing is I don't really have strong feelings for this place. Coming here is always an enjoyable experience, but I never think to myself "OH MAN GOTTA HAVE SOME HYDE PARK GRILL". I think that neutral feeling merits an "A-OK" 3-star rating quite well after all.
(3)
Laura J.
Not sure what all the hype is about. Those famous fries? Mine are way better and I can prove it.
(2)
Vanessa M.
DO NOT COME HERE IF YOU ARE ON A DIET. The food is really great and heavy and filled with delicious calories. This is the perfect place for a "cheat" day. The chicken guacamole BLT was fantastic and the fries are worth the calories..especially when dipped in the chipotle mayo it comes with. mmmmm. The only thing I didnt care for were the Margaritas, they were very syrupy, like a partially metled frozen margarita. No Bueno.
(3)
Hilary S.
Was really excited to try, and the atmosphere was wonderful. The menu was tailored to foodies, but BEWARE of the kitchen staff. The laziness of the cook who made my order is grounds for this post. I am a vegetarian and have been for eight years. I ordered the egg sandwich, an extremely simple request, and ask for NO ham. When the food was finally brought to our table, I took a large bite. To my surprise the idiot in the kitchen had realized after making the order that I had asked for no ham. Instead of remaking it, He/She merely took the ham off and closed the sandwich back up. The nasty grease was still on the bread, and he/she missed a large chunk of it. Out of the whole think I had bitten right where they left the chunk of pork. On top of that they had run out of the bread need for this sandwich, That's an unorganized kitchen staff overall. A free meal does not make up for the gag reflex experience. I cannot blame the waitress, who was more than helpful. I can only blame the hiring manager and those who watched the incompetent employee make that decision. This is a mistake that can get a restaurant in Austin shut down. I am not threatening to get them shut down in any way, only that this is something that CAN get a place shut down. Who knows what those people have served: dropped food, mislabeled gluten free product, etc.? I will not be going back here, EVER. All vegetarians be careful of this kitchen. VEgans should avoid the place overall!
(1)
LaDonne L.
Fried artichoke hearts, sweet corn & cheese tamales, and $3 Bloody Mary's for Sunday brunch! 'nuff said :)
(4)
Arnie R.
I've been here twice now, and both times have been left wanting. Not a big fan of their famous fries. They are bland and tasteless and very heavy with the batter. Left almost all of them on my plate today. The burger was pretty ok. Nothing that I would write home about or bring my family here because it's a must try. I love the artwork inside the building. We sat right in front of Willie today!!
(2)
Amanda D.
Every Sunday my friend and I are trying out a new brunch spot in Austin, TX. Our second week brought us to Hyde Park Bar & Grill on Duval. We had heard good things. Service was a bit below average, but our server was busy. The bloody mary I got was Awful. Something must have happened. My friends however tasted alright (meh), but not as good as many others we have had. The food was quite tasty though, I had the migas, and made the wait and slow service not as bad. We were brunching but the french fries on other plates around us looked good, and I had heard good things about them. One of our favorite parts was the guy at the front who had Welcomed us as we arrived, and as we were leaving, asked us how it was, and genuinely told us to have a good day... that was nice. A downfall though was I when checking my card statement, I realized I had been Charged Twice, with two different amounts. Very frustrating because it was money I needed to be in my account. When I called to get it fixed, the manager I spoke to was So Kind and Very Apologetic. He worked well with me to get the extra charge sent back to my account. I knew it was probably on accident and being in the service industry myself for a long period of time, I tried to be cool about it too. Don't get the bloody mary, and only pay with cash... But Do go and try out Hyde Park for yourself.
(3)
kat s.
This place didn't live up to the hype. My boyfriend and I decided to come here because we had never tried it. We had always heard great things, so we decided to try it for ourselves. The experience started off on the wrong foot because they placed us in this incredibly tiny room with two other tables. I felt like I couldn't even speak to my boyfriend across the table without interrupting everyone else's conversation. The food was good. The Chicken Fried Steak wasn't anything that I've never had before. We were mostly disappointed in the Grilled Texas Shrimp with Crispy Polenta. If you're going to charge someone $16 for five pieces of shrimp, at least give people large pieces of shrimp or make it aware that it is literally an appetizer. We left still hungry. For that price, I could have made it at home, had a full belly, and saved the $16. The waiter was good and he is the only reason I'm giving it three stars.
(3)
Anne S.
We pulled up on the early side of the dinner hour and were told that we'd have just a 10-minute wait for a table. 30 minutes later, we were finally seated. Amazingly, people who arrived after us were waiting upwards of an hour for a table. I say amazingly because I honestly don't think it's worth such a long wait. I had the Kobe burger -- even cooked medium, it was horribly dry. (What?!) Two others in our group had the chuck burger, which was pathetically tiny. The meatloaf looked decent, and the person with the grilled chicken sandwich enjoyed it, but overall, there wasn't anything special about this place. We finished with the banana cream pie, which didn't have all that much banana flavor, but was still yummy. I had a side of their "famous" fries, but I wasn't awed by them. They're just battered before being fried, which creates an interesting texture but nothing special in the way of taste. I'd suggest trying this place for lunch, not dinner -- and only if the wait is nonexistent or reasonable (and keep in mind that they seriously under-estimate their wait times).
(3)
Lyn P.
Hyde Park is a great neighborhood spot. I loved the eclectic mix of people that we dined with - it made for good people watching. I really enjoyed the food as well - we started off with the fries since that is what they are famous for. These are battered fries that are cooked to the perfect crispness. I had the chopped Kobe beef with broccoli and mac and cheese. Using Kobe beef is brilliant - what would normally be cafeteria-like salisbury steak is transformed into upscale comfort food. The mac and cheese was to die for - it was cheesy without being greasy which is not an easy thing to get right. Even my broccoli was awesome - perfectly steamed. I was pretty full after eating all those fries, so I took half of my meal home and it was still good the day after. Service was excellent even though it was busy. I can't wait to come back for another meal here.
(4)
Cher E.
The husband and I decided to try Hyde Park for a impromptu date night. Initial impression was good; Crowded, nice crowd, not too loud, mood lighting set, wait times were less than quoted, so that's always good; We were sat in a quiet alcove/corner section. Our server, Charles quickly greeted us and suggested some wines for me and a drink for hubby. Both were nice selections. Appetizer-- we ordered the dumplings. Although they were good (and the thai chili sauce that they're served with is great) I was expecting a "pot sticker" browning on the outside, they were still good. Entrees- I ordered the chicken friend chicken and gravy ( I know...original... but I was in the mood for comfort food and didn't to be too adventurous on my first visit.) I ordered the collards and mash potatoes for sides and I tried the jalepeno cornbread. Hubby order the "pork and mac" as suggested by our server, as well as a side of their "award winning fries". Food arrived in a good time. Upon first glance, my initial thought was that the entees' portion sizes were smaller than anticipated, but it was still good. The collards were perfect and left me wanting more; I saved the side of thai chili sauce from the dumplings and put a little on top of the greens and it was excellent. Hubby liked his pork and mac. The only thing I didn't care for was the cornbread It was very dry and crumbly and didn't taste fresh. For dessert, we decided to share the dark chocolate layer cake. It was a nice sharing size and looked great, but was a little cold and dense as if it had been refrigerated and not allowed to sit out to get room temp. So , we took the cake to go in hopes that by the time we got home, it would taste better after "thawing" on the car ride home. Overall, it was nice. The menu options were interesting enough to where we'd want to return to try more. I'll give it an A- :)
(4)
Orlando S.
I've only been for brunch (2Xs) and I absolutely love it. Fries to start and a great pancake platter. Good drink specials and good food.
(4)
YouGotta B.
We have been regulars at this restaurant for quite some time. While the selection of entrees is fairly limited, the food and beverages have been consistently good. Our favorite chicken fried chicken, with fantastic buttermilk mashed potatoes, was great last night as always. So were the bacon-laden collard greens. The potato crusted tilapia was good, too. And we love our battered fries and garlicky mayo. However, unlike previous visits, we have a few negative comments relative to last night. 1) the margarita I ordered was perfectly awful. It was very small, totally tasteless, and there was practically no salt on the glass. 2) the sauce on the meatloaf was too spicy (and repeated overnight...ugh) 3) the really nice waitress kept trying to remove things from the table long before she should have. This was a Wednesday night and the restaurant was relatively empty, so there was no good reason for this. The meal and drinks weren't cheap for the 4 of us, so we expected better. Since Hyde Park is really close to home and our previous experiences have been good, we'll certainly give it another shot. There are good daily specials and a decent happy hour there, so it's too early to give up. YMMV.
(2)
Jenny U.
Like many others, I USED to be a fan, until my most recent visit this past weekend. The food was tolerable, but what was the most unpleasant was the service. When we entered, no one greeted us, and when we were brought to our table, the host seemed irritated that he had to actually work. Actually, I would say that most of the servers had an irritable attitude. We felt this was strange, since we were not needy customers at all, only requested what we needed, like condiments and what not. No one smiled. This place just had an overall drab vibe to it. It wasn't the worst service of my life, but it was bad enough to make me never want to come here again, and I will also not recommend this to any of my friends, ever again.
(1)
Cesar P.
So this past Sunday after a great day here in Austin, the girlfriend & I decided to head over to HPG for dinner. Service & food presentation were great as always but I'm not sure what it was but not even an hour later after my meal I ended up getting really sick. 2 days later I'm still feeling the wrath of HPG. Can't say I'm a 'regular' at HPG but never had any bad service &/or food till this time around. Just beware that if you catch this wrath it could last longer then 3 days.
(2)
Mark L.
It's in my neighbor hood, but I only go 3 or 4 times a year. It's pretty standard American comfort food. If it didn't have a sign, you might think it was an upscale chain restaurant. The menu never seems to change. the food is decent and the fries are really good. Service is usually good. They're open till midnight, so this is a good spot to go when you are wanting to eat later in the evening or after an event.
(3)
Chloe K.
Fabulous, very Austin (at least the original, I do notlike the atmosphere at the south location), fresh, fast, and reasonably priced. But avoid the flatiron steak, it was one of the few disappoiting things I've ordered there over the years. The host whose been there forever looks like Donnie Osmond.
(4)
Lindsey F.
Great food every time I've been! The chicken and artichoke dish with mashed potatoes is very good-one of my favorites. Great service too. You HAVE to try the fries if you go- you may even want to get a 1/2 order because the portion is so big. Delicious for lunch or dinner!
(5)
Anastasia P.
There's a reason this place has a giant sign that looks like a box of French fries. They are amazing, but they are basically a meal. Covered in buttermilk batter, they are heavy, and delicious. Go for the cheddar cheese sauce. They are peppery, and nearly perfect. 5 stars for the fries, but 4 stars because it's kind of expensive, overall. I really just go for the fries.
(4)
Leigh M.
This would normally be a three star review. Good food, service, etc. but nothing spectacular. But I am giving an extra star because the menu has descriptions of each wine on their list. I love it when places do that! Even though I generally know my wine, having a few notes makes it so much easier to ensure that you order what you're in the mood for. I wish more places would do this.
(4)
John D.
The french fries ARE really good here. In fact, I just remember that they had Shiner in a bottle and really good fries. I also remember that the service was good (not great) and the atmosphere is cozy enough to be a decent date spot in a pinch, but laid back enough that co-workers at lunch can have a good time and a good meal. The menu is a mix of delectable sandwiches and "more complicated" items like alfredo's and seafood dishes. Go for lunch or dinner, but be ready to wait at dinner time, even during the week.
(4)
Fred K.
This place was packed for lunch. The wait was 20 minutes, and was worth it for select items. I had to try the fries because they make a big deal about how many awards the fries have won. The fries taste fresh cut, and they are chicken fried with some sort of batter. The fries would have been good but had no seasoning, none at all. I don't know how these fries have won anything without any salt and don't know if this was a onetime deal or if this is how the fries are every time. The country fried pork cutlet was tasty - the pork was juicy, the breading crisp, and the gravy and a clean taste. The green chili cheese mash potatoes were good, but were shy on green chili taste, and had no cheese. The Sonora salad with grilled chicken was really delicious. The cilantro dressing was awesome. The chicken fried steak was awful; it tasted like it was burned and the oil tasted old, which I found odd since the fried pork tasted fine. The chicken fried steak was the worst one I've had in years.
(2)
Jeremy S.
There isn't anything HPBG is doing terribly wrong, and it's the kind of place that I might take my (elderly, spice-averse) parents to if they were in town, but whatever inspires the insane crowds and (mostly, with many exceptions---3.5 stars ain't all that) glowing reviews is clearly lost on me. Food: comfort food, lots o' deep frying, mind-numbingly unhealthy. That's not a bad thing, if I'm in that kind of mood, but the signature sides (buttermilk fries and beer battered green beans [in Shiner Bock? Ew.]) failed to impress me or the missus visually (the beans look kind of gross, actually) or going down. We've had the grass-fed burger (okay, that was really good, although--fries are extra?), the fish tacos, and a couple of other things. Again, nothing too bad, but some things don't seem especially fresh, either. Tastes like a fair amount of bagged stuff gets used. In terms of atmosphere, the tables are waaaayyyy too close together, meaning that you overhear far more than you cared to of your neighbors running their waiter into the ground to get free crackers for their wee precious darling suburban children. The place is super kid-friendly, so take that into account if you are, like me, pediaphobic. Service has been solid on the two or three occasions that we've been there. Nothing to wow us or make us complain too much. Things can take a minute, but given the number of people crammed into the space, that's A-OK. Draught selection at the bar (Live Oak, Shiner) on the couple occasions I've had a drink makes me sad. Of all the craft breweries available, why pick beers so dull? Bottles are only slightly better. So, if comfort food in a family atmosphere that isn't Cracker Barrel is your thing, you should check HPBG out. For my dollar, there are two or three places (Mother's, Julio's, maybe even Dolce Vita) within 50 feet of it that I'd return to first.
(2)
Mindy H.
Want a break from the modern pricy foodie establishments, while maintaining quality of service and food? Then Hyde park is a definite option. This is a comfortable lived in neighborhood joint that focuses on quality affordable comfort food and friendly service. Our server must have had super hearing as he picked up on my food allergies just from overhearing tidbits of conversation, because when I ordered fries he warned me that their fries were battered, and that he could do a gluten free option, amazing! For us food sensitive folk, they also offer a gluten free bun. The menu even highlights a decent wine by the glass list, that won't break your pocket book. I was shocked to see that one of the wine options was a Merlot from a hard to find boutique Washington winery, Seven Falls; love! I ordered the blackened fish tacos, which had a nice spice to them. The highlight though was the fries. The fries tasted like someone had just sliced them up in the kitchen, flash fried them, and placed them on my plate. Some of the best fries I have had. I would come back here just to enjoy a side of fries with my beloved Seven Falls Wine.
(4)
Jaclyn R.
More of 3.5 star place, but I'll round up to 4 stars because of the great service from management. We showed up 30 minutes after opening on Sunday to what seemed like a large amount of people congregating outside. We all got kind of spooked that the wait was going to be long. What is it with Austinites and their brunches? I don't fault them, I'm honestly impressed. We took a seat at the bar and I ordered a bloody mary. The bartender was incredibly nice, funny, and personable. He had our drink order out within a few minutes and even though he was incredibly busy, still managed to make small talk with us. The wait was nowhere near the 25 minutes they quoted us, it was more like 15, which made everyone happy. Upon looking at the menu, I knew I was in for the Eggs Benedict. My boyfriend was all too bummed that they did not have a Club Sandwich on the menu any longer. He asked the waitress if he could still get a club, because no doubt they had the ingredients to make it properly. She was completely accommodating and said it would be no problem. I was excited because it meant I got to taste these famous fries everyone kept talking about. When his club sandwich came out, it looked like it had been assembled by a toddler. When he opened his sandwich to put mayo on the bread, there was no bacon. Everyone at our table immediately asked "who doesn't put bacon on a club sandwich?" The waitress assured us that she would have it remade, no problem. It took a few more minutes (probably 10 or so) for his Club to come out, this one looked like a winner. Now, the fries. I'll have to defer judgement because they were pretty cold and unappetizing. The sauce they came with was tasty, but didn't rescue the fries. This is presumably because the sandwich was done way before anyone's breakfast items. My eggs benedict were great! No complaints here. It's not hard to screw up. I asked for a pancake on the side, which I wasn't too impressed with. It was a little overdone and chewy. Not to be a pancake snob, but I make some pretty great pancakes, so I had high expectations. Upon learning about the Club Sandwich snafu the manager, Greg, came over to apologize and offered for the sandwich to be comped. He was incredibly friendly and apologetic. I was impressed by how involved he was with his staff and the restaurant as a whole. He played host, busser, food runner, and server in the small amount of time I was there. As we walked out of the restaurant, he stopped us, thanked and apologized to us, and asked us to visit again. I'll definitely be coming back to Hyde Park for brunch and possibly dinner the next time I'm in town!
(4)
Mikael F.
I like this place a lot. Still pretty new to Austin, it has become one of my go-to neighborhood joints. It's in a really cool little area with other casual restaurants, a cheese shop, a barbershop, and a bakery. My experience at this restaurant is with their greasy stuff. The Duval Street Hot Dog is very good. But you have to get it with a side of HP fries. So good. Be ready for a food coma. Actually if you want to guarantee the food coma, I'd strongly recommend starting with the queso, probably the best in the city. Awesome, awesome spot. Service is friendly and it's cheap (8-15 per entree). Give it a shot.
(5)
Khadesia N.
Pretty overpriced for what they offer to be honest. Thankfully though, the chicken fried steak was big enough that it was reasonable to split it between two people. That made the cost a bit better. The food was good though.
(3)
Jayme M.
We enjoyed the french fries, of course, but the beer-battered fried green beans were...meh. We were left wishing we had tried the avocado fries instead. There was nothing special about my grilled salmon, nor about the service (or lack thereof). Our friends suggested we try the wom kim's pudding for dessert. It was like so many other peach cobblers. We tried a taste of their dark chocolate cake, which was by far the better choice.
(2)
Erin L.
My boyfriend and I came here on a Wednesday night and were immediately seated. We shared the sour cream onion rings, and I would definitely recommend them. My main course was the potato crusted tilapia with macaroni and cheese. The fish was very hot and was okay, but the mac and cheese was great. My boyfriend got the catfish and seemed to enjoy it; I thought it was very spicy though. The best part of our experience was our server. He was very polite and friendly and did not check on us too often or too rarely.
(4)
Sandy S.
My roommate and I would come here whenever we felt a little sad. It was two blocks down from our apartment. The restaurant is quaint and attracts an older crowd. There's dim, warm lighting. The waiters are all very sweet. I've come here twice and have gotten the burger. It's a decent burger, but sometimes it's a bit overcooked and the buns are a little too fluffy and the burger is overall too big for my mouth. The caramelized onions on it are very good. And the fries are amazing when dipped in their little Hyde Park sauce. Definitely not in my top favorite burgers though (and I've had a lot of burgers).
(3)
Holly S.
Took my parents here for dinner while they were in town from Birmingham. To say that they were impressed is an understatement! First, you absolutely must order their fries. They are the best I've had in Austin. Dipped in a buttermilk batter and lightly salted and peppered, they're to die for. You can order them as an appetizer or with your meal. (Or both. Hey, why not?) Second, their burgers! They are always delicious, juicy, and not overcooked. Chicken fried steak is also a winner. The food came out promptly and our server was friendly and engaging. Third, location! I've always loved Hyde Park; my husband and I used to live in the area. After your meal I recommend strolling next door to Dolce Vita for a coffee or gelato, or taking a peek into Antonelli's cheese shop. The atmosphere is just lovely- a great little neighborhood to take a stroll in. (And burn off the calories from all those delicious fries.)
(5)
Dave G.
An Austin classic. Quite good. Get the "Wom Kim" for dessert. It is sort of a peach cake drenched in cream. So good.
(3)
Summer A.
Our waitress was great which is really important~* she was really sweet and attentive to everything! We ordered the steak and the chicken friend chicken! The chicken fried chicken was great! It's a lot of food and that's why I just had the leftovers for dinner! The fries are really as good as everyone says but the medium has a lot and you can easily get your fries fix from the small with sharing! Anyways, everything was good. I was very happy with the visit. Pricey but I would say it was worth it after all!
(4)
Carmen P.
I read about Hyde Park Bar being named, one of the top 15 places in the US for their French Fries. Well, considering myself such a connoisseur of French Fries, I knew I had to try these on my next trip to Austin....which I did. All I can say is they were absolutely CORRECT!!! The crunchiness was perfect. The batter that they are fried in is very tasty. The aioli sauce for the fries make it even better. Now, with my fries I had a hamburger. It was cooked to perfection. Other people in my party had the fish & chips, chicken guacamole BLT sandwich, and the chicken salad sandwich. Everybody raved about their meal. Needless to say the food was very good. The service was excellent. I will make sure that next time I'm in Austin, I will pay them a visit.
(5)
L. C.
Had a great meal night before last... awesome food, great service as usual. I had the pastrami cold no kraut.... best in town. It is sad not being able to get good deli sandwiches anymore. Date had baked chicken. sounds bland but it was awesome... highly recommend David the waiter... just really good fun food... the Hibsicus tea is the best in town...
(5)
Angela M.
The fries and the reuben sandwich are delicious! I highly recommend Hyde Park but beware of serious crowds and tough parking
(5)
Chelsie Y.
I always love coming to Hyde Park Bar & Grill when visiting Austin. The service is always great and I love their chicken fried steak and awesome fries! Give them a try!
(4)
Darren B.
I came to try their famous fries. They were really good and after having what is basically fries fried in fried chicken batter (say that 10 times fast) I not only remarked on what a genius idea, but I'm somewhat surprised other places have not done this. I also had the eggs benedict which were not amazing, but were solid 3 out of 5 stars and had a good buttery flavor. The service was great and I really felt like they make a point to provide good service which I always appreciate. I went for brunch and the atmosphere was perfect for just that. I like the Hyde Park area; you can have a good meal then go for a nice stroll around after. I came right when they opened and was surprised that there was no wait and I was seated right away. The food came out quick too. I would come back to try some of their other menu items.
(3)
Gary H.
I've been fries hunting for a while now and heard this place had some killer fries. Ordering a small Hyde Park fries for two, they were some of the most delicious fries I've ever had. The sauce that comes with it is indeed killer. I didn't think a small order of fries would be enough for two, but man they stuff that plate full of fries. Wanting to try something light, I went with the Blackened Fish Tacos. Although very delicious, I guess two tacos isn't enough for me to get full. I saw a waiter bring a huge plate full of Chicken Fried Chicken and mashed potatoes to the table next to me, which made me regret getting the fish tacos. I'm definitely getting the Chicken Fried Chicken next time. I've also tried the Chicken Salad Sandwich and it's good as well. Advice: This place gets really busy during peak hours (I waited 35 minutes around 6:30pm). I recommend going 30 minutes earlier than you planned.
(4)
Ron B.
Went here for a Thanksgiving meal, the scoop: There are a few places serving similar multi-course meals on Thanksgiving day in the area but most are at hotels and overpriced. We enjoyed our trip over, had a delicious thanksgiving meal at a local restaurant and our waitress Vivian was great. We can't wait for next year to do it again. The worse part about the meal is not having enough leftovers for a weeks worth of turkey sandwiches.
(4)
Cee H.
I've eaten here off and on for more than a decade and was more than happy to discover they still serve the Wom Kim Peach Pudding. You have to try that! It used to be bigger with more cream so a star off for that but just delicious. Really. Most of the food is not remotely healthy but is delicious. I don't think I've ever had a bad meal here.
(4)
Michelle R.
The bartender had an inappropriate attitude & is not suited for customer service. He complained to me when he had to type in the number on my card because it wasn't sliding. Afterwards, he handed me the to go order and walked off, not addressing me. Very unprofessional.
(1)
Anthony F.
Hyde Park Bar & Grill- Central Stopped by here for lunch with my buddy. Had a great experience all around. We were greeted promptly and then seated at 2-top in a corner. It is a more "snug" restaurant, but looks like a great place to bring a date. We chuckled about the table, but we poke fun at each other about seating when we grab a bite. Not a problem. Eric was our server and took great care of us, not too over-the-top, just pretty chill and attentive. He suggested the Pork & Mac, which I ordered. It was excellent. Not a huge portion(I'm a heavy eater), but in hindsight, the size was great for lunch. The pork was moist and tender, delicious. The macaroni tasted great and the cheese wasn't over-bearing. The peppers, too, were on point. The dish was topped with cilantro, which makes everything better. It's science. And to boot, the soft-boiled egg with the dish was a nice addition, giving it a little variety. My buddy had the Chicken Guacamole BLT. It looked tasty and he noted that it was "pretty darn good." My only "note" would be about the iced tea. It was a little light/watered down for my liking, but that's just me. Again, great time, wonderful restaurant. I am planning on coming again.
(5)
Ken H.
In the past, I might have given this restaurant four stars. I first dined at Hyde Park Bar and Grill in 1995, and I remember some really great meals there over the years. The French fries were spectacular, and the atmosphere in the restaurant was great. I've always enjoyed checking out the artwork on the walls when I'm there. Lately, though, the execution of the menu has been lacking. My last two meals there have been disappointing. Overcooked, over-spiced, missing ingredients, poorly plated... The French fries honestly do not taste as good as they used to. I don't think that's just nostalgia. This is an iconic restaurant in Austin, but it's not quite what it used to be.
(3)
Erik S.
A nice restaurant with good healthy options and excellent service. The sandwiches are great and the fries are pretty good to boot. The service here was awesome. They kept refilling iced tea and water so that no one's glass was ever empty. I would definitely go back here.
(4)
Jen Z.
This may not be the most popular thing to say, but I really don't like the fries at Hyde Park Bar & Grill. While the dipping sauce is good, I feel that fries need to be good on their own merits, and these, to me, are a little bland. That said, everything else that I've had to eat here is excellent! I went in again this afternoon for lunch, and was pleasantly surprised that their Sunday Brunch was still going on (Sunday's until 3pm), meaning $2.50 mimosas, bloody marys, and screwdrivers. I ordered a mimosa, and it was pulpy perfection - they use Goodflow OJ, which appears to be the (not-so) secret ingredient making the mimosas so tasty. For my meal I had my favorite pizza on the menu - the Pesto Prima Vera pizza. I love pesto-based pizzas to start with, and they load on the veggies - carrots, mushrooms, zuchinni, and more. This is good veggie pizza at it's finest. And for $7.95 and possible leftovers, it's a good price too. Finally, as a sometimes late dinner eater who has found a lack of post 10pm dining options in Austin (besides the 24 hour places and Jackalope), Hyde Park Bar & Grill gets high marks for being open until midnight.
(4)
James K.
HP is still wonderful and pleasant. The food is the bomb.........
(4)
Happy O.
My first time at this place as I met a friend there for lunch. We were greeted by a friendly waiter who indicated that it was his first day. While the menu was very traditional we found two Texas traditions and consumed them with vigor. The service was good, the menu was varied and my only complaint was that there was no fruit in the beer. We brought this to the attention of our server that my friend might be dying of scurvy and the hefeweizen really needed that wedge of orange so that they could live another day, he made sure to rectify the vitamin C deficiency!
(3)
P K.
Went there with a freind about a month ago and even tho the fried mushrooms were good they only give you four or five. They messed up my order on my birthday and didn't seem too concerned and the waiter was actually coppin a tude when I pointed it out. This used to be a great place to eat, but i wouldn't recommend it now. Not for good,skimpy shrooms.
(1)
k n.
After many recommendations I paid my first visit to Hyde Park today. I have to say I don't understand what everyone is raving about! First, our section was FREEZING and we repeatedly asked our server if she could turn up the air, but she never did. Also, she rushed us the entire meal and every time she came over she almost seemed pained to even refill our drinks. Second, the food was alright. I have to say the only exception had to be the wonderful spinach salad a friend had. The french fries were alright. Blah. Maybe it was just a bad day to go? I don't know. I don't see myself going back unless forced!
(3)
Felice T.
i really want to like this place. i really do. after living in austin for ten years, i find it surprising that i expect something different everytime i eat here, but i leave just as unsatisfied. i can't put my finger on it, what exactly about their food has me in a tizzy. too salty? sometimes. too bland? sometimes too. their food just isn't exciting and doesn't present me with a persuasive enough argument change my mind.
(3)
James M.
This place is seriously over-hyped. The food and service leaves much to be desired. Seriously, the battered fries are OK, but I can think of many places that have better fries.
(2)
Lora T.
its good, but pricey for what I feel I'm actually getting.
(3)
Patrick W.
This place has some really good food. I've typically stuck to the sandwhiches, probably because I was poor when I lived in Austin. Oh so cripplingly poor. At any rate the french fries are super. Best fries I've ever had. They are not like normal fries, I think they dip them in some sort of batter first. If you rode your bike 120 miles that day, OR if you are going to be executed for being a serial killer that day, I strongly recommend getting the "horseshoe sandwhich". This is an open face burger on a big slice of Texas Toast, topped with their famous french fries and queso. It is wonderful, but it has like 10,000 calories.
(4)
Jaime M.
Hype Park? We went for a Sunday brunch, and while nothing was awful, nothing stood out. My friend had migas (I've known the guy for a while, and if there are migas on the menu, there will be migas in his belly), and he was happy with them. They looked well balanced, which is key to good migas. Not too much cheese on top, not too dry (can happen at Magnolia), and certainly not an overload of tortilla pieces (think El Sol y La Luna), but he didn't have anything great to say about them. I had the Southwestern omelet, and it just didn't impress. The poblano chunks were all toward the outer edge, so my mouth was burning a little as I got bite after bite of nothing but egg and poblano. The center at the fold had ALL the cheese, so I had mouthfuls of nothing but gooey white jack (I think) cheese. Even the dish of so-so salsa wasn't enough to spice up those bites. The English muffin with butter and jam was a nice touch, though it was lukewarm and the jam was a Smuckers packet, which always seems wasteful to me. But for $6-ish apiece, this was better ambience and less of a wait than Kerbey Lane or Magnolia, my other late-in-the day eggs places. Entrees are more expensive, but brunch is served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Unfortunately, the menu has only six or eight brunch items, plus three $3 breakfast cocktails. We got stuck on what we hypothesized had been a porch at some point, and we were cramped in our tiny corner with barely enough room for me to squeeze into my seat, and I was close enough to breathe down the neck of the poor woman at the next table. Our waiter wasn't all that friendly or interested, but I think he was busy. Our waters got refilled once, but that was the extent of his service. Skip it unless you haven't any better ideas and you're in the neighborhood.
(3)
Mike B.
Okay, I hate to be the kill joy here but this place is way overhyped. I went there about a year ago to have their chicken fried steak and it was terrible. The gravy was thin and the crust was over cooked and the meat was bloody runny. So much so, that it ran a layer under my gravy. NASTY! No offense but with all of the hype of this place, I will prefer a greasy diner compared to this. The ambiance was nice and the waiter was really good but he gave me a look of concern when I finished my meal and there was still over half of it on the plate. The french fries were funky as well. I'm sure they have some other things that are good on the menu but you ruin my day when you hype a plate like a Chicken Fried Steak as one of the best and it falls short. They at least get 2 stars because of the service.
(2)
Alexandra L.
One time, at my old job, one of my coworkers and I thought it would fun and rebellious to drink some Bloody Marys during lunch. The closest place we could think of was Hyde Park - so off we went. We had one hour to complete our mission. Well, even though it was after the noon-to-one lunch rush and we got our Bloody Marys quickly, our food took quite long, and we were really pushing the hour limit on our lunch break. The Bloody Marys were good, though, and the food has always been mostly average and slightly overpriced. Terrific french fries, though. And our boss never found out.
(4)
Sarah P.
Although this is the site of me and my fiance's first date almost a decade ago, Hyde Park has held little allure for me. I have always felt it was a little like Chili's, Austin-style. However, I went today with some friends and was thrilled to discover that they had a gluten free menu! Therefore, Hyde Park is back in my good graces.
(4)
Kaitlin H.
They have a delicious country fried steak! It is super filling and traditional. This place is like a local version of Applebee's.
(4)
Aanika D.
Great service! Whenever I go inside I am always met with a smile. The food is pretty good, I prefer the brunch menu more than the regular hours menu, although the fries are pretty great. Other than that, the atmosphere is nice and the prices are fairly affordable.
(4)
Errol M.
Sometimes, it's not about being at the latest & greatest restaurant in Austin, or having to acknowledge Picasso on a plate, or wondering what they really think serving you bone marrow with a straight face. Sometimes, it's not about being with the hip & cool and living the vibe, or tiny black dresses and matching Speedos, or wondering if the $15 martini is better than the $12 one. Sometimes, it's all about having fun and laughter in an Austin icon, with fried artichokes and oversalted chicken, and the surprised look on her face when they brought out the peach pudding with a lit birthday candle on it. And the nice young man with his family who kept staring at us from the next table, and even the nice group of UT defensive linemen who kept glancing at us while taking up a lot of space. And when we left Hyde Park, the staff said goodbye to us by name. Yeah, on a cold and dark Monday night in Austin, that's pretty much as good as it gets.
(5)
Alana W.
Yum. I love the mac n cheese and the collards. The catfish was great too. The cozy yet nice atmosphere makes Hyde Park Grill a great place to take your friends, family, a date, etc. I would definitely recommend and go there again.
(4)
Gregory B.
I always enjoy my time at Hyde Park Grill and I rarely go. The groupon deal was great and it was even better when they extended it for the whole year. That is in handy since, sadly, their famous Hyde Park fries are a 2 dollar extension to your meal but they are worth it. That is only how they get away with it because its so delicious. I'm doing my best staying away from fried foods but I buckled when I went last week. I've had a variety of their meals and the best are with their chicken salad sandwich, the horseshoe, and their burgers. I'll try something else next time and if I like it I will update this review. The decor is yuppish and the paintings are nice on the wall. There are limited amount of tables and space so doing at prime eating hours such as lunch and dinner will result in a wait but it's worth it if you have the time. The parking situation is not as bad as you think it is because most people forget about the back lot parking than just the front. What Hyde Park is a stylish take on southern and American comfort food that is up to it's hype and is all around delicious. Also I was glad to have some Hyde Park food at the Austin City Limits music festival this year.
(4)
W B.
I've been going to Hyde Park Bar and Grill since it opened it's doors in 198(3? 4?) and until recently, have loved the place. The food is still good, but the service is so appalling we won't be going back any time in the foreseeable future. Good luck getting refills, and the wait time from when you are seated, until anyone on the staff such as, oh, a waiter, even acknowledges your existence, has risen to upwards of 10 minutes. The LAST TIME we were there we sat for 15 minutes without being offered a glass of water let alone a stale cracker or heaven forfend, appetizers. Noone even spoke to us, I mean quite literally, noone who worked there SPOKE to us, the entire time we sat, getting more and more angry in a near empty restaurant two HOURS before closing time. My partner and I are not college age so they wouldn't be assuming we would be lousy tippers. Maybe they got new management who suddenly decided after all these years of tolerance they hate homos now? I doubt that. Any idiot waitperson with more than a day's worth of experience knows gay men are the best tippers. Finally we just left, because by that time if anyone HAD spoken to me, I would have let RIP. So sad. Those french fries are really special, but not THAT special. Maybe they sent all the people with any service industry skills to their new south location, figuring people will just keep going to the original location on game day to keep the place afloat?
(1)
H. H.
Wow, I'm like way surprised at all the thumbs down reviews. I mean..ok...if you want comfort food I think Black Eyed Pea has the market cornered. But! Those Hyde Park Fries and that sauce?! OMG, they are so good. Maybe it's an acquired taste, but it's certainly worth a go. However, my favorite thing on the menu is the Wom Kim's Peach Pudding. Pardon my French, but eff Dolce. They've got nothing on this Peach Pudding action. This stuff is like a hug for your tummy. It's cozy, warm and so gloriously simple. I LOVE it. It's delish buttermilk cake in a pool of fresh cream with peaches baked in AND it's warm! Also, if you are a baller on a budget, take your date here and split a dish. The servers are super cool about it and will bring you one meal split on two plates. I think the Chicken Fried Chicken is the bomb as well and the Roasted Chicken. I'm a fanatic about my Chicken Fried Steak and won't eat it here. But the others are good.
(4)
Morgan H.
Some good food, but generally over hyped and a long wait.
(3)
Meagan M.
I am also going to be a nay-sayer on this one - I just don't get the adoration for this place. I've been a few times (not really by choice), and each time has been tasteless and bleh. The fries are weird and bland, and thats what the restaurant's claim to fame is? The interior is cozy and the art they display and sell is cute, but the food is just flat out boring.
(3)
Matt M.
I just don't get the appeal of this place. I've been there at least 10-12 times and each time I end up with a plate of not very healthy, bland tasting food. Last night I met a friend there for dinner and once again I left unimpressed. It's like a dinner version of Kerby Lane except the food is not very good.
(1)
Sasha C.
Food here is pretty darn good especially at brunch when everything seems to be available. They always have several good beverages on tap and some killer bloody marys. Their horseshoe platter si big enough to be shared by two people. What really makes this place stand out beyond many other similar joints is the level of service. Every time I have been here the wait staff have gone above and beyond the call of duty in serving me. Substitute califlour for fries? No problem. Put a meal on two plates so my girlfriend and I can share? No problem. Seat us in a secluded booth away from the noise? Done. Additionally they always ask before taking dishes away, and make a genuine connection to the customer. They laugh at our jokes and tell us funny stories of their own. It feels genuine. The other customers although visible are not obnoxious, and often make good specimens for people watching, especially the happy families. Yeah it's a tad pricer than what I might want to do for brunch on a regular basis, I have always left here with a full stomach, a satisfied soul and a big smile. food: 3.5-4 stars atmosphere: 5 stars service: 6 stars
(5)
nic f.
this was the hula family's go-to place in austin -- we loooooved it. the bartenders were always happy to pour a stiff one and i remain completely addicted to the lentil soup (the best you'll ever have) and any salad that features the tamari dressing. i never had issues with the waitstaff or the host -- i've always found everyone to be charming and kind. but let's be honest. the real reason to come here is, of course, wom kim's peach pudding. it will change your freaking life, i swear. i never would've tried it but hulaboy (who's ex was addicted to it) insisted and i never looked back. it's like crack on a plate. but better.
(4)
A S.
I remember the first time I went to Hyde Park, it was the hype about the curly fries. They are great and the food is good as well. I remember thinking this place is tucked away in a quite neighborhood and look at the following. The service is excellent and actually I enjoy sitting at the bar and enjoying my meal. I find Hyde Park an excellent example of how an independent owner can make it work provided he has the stamina to put in the gruling hours of the family owned restaurant. After over 20 years they are still going strong,, and the curly fries, aren't just hype, they are awfully good.
(3)
Emily D.
Good food, service has never been bad (I've definitely experienced worse, like not getting a plate to eat my food on at Sushi Sake)...the downside? BAD macaroni and cheese and the prices could be more reasonable. Don't get me wrong - I'd definitely go to Hyde Park Grill over let's say, Black Eyed Pea or some other American/Comfort Food-type restaurant. It's one of those places my parents and I always go to when they visit me here in Austin. Try it out! I love the gravy!!
(4)
Renee W.
I have to say I really enjoyed this place. Admittedly I am new to Austin and was wary of the reviews I had read, but I liked the neighborhood feel, both family friendly and stepping out fun. Great bartender, shook a great martini and margarita! Even replaced my martini when my son knocked it across the bar by accident! Shared the smoked sirloin with a side of corn and green chili tamale with my husband and my son really enjoyed the horseshoe. Great prices and nice service. A nice friday night out.
(4)
William M.
I had eaten a couple of mediocre meals here before Hyde Park gave me food poisoning. Never again. And I second the "French fries are overrated." They are borderline tasteless.
(1)
Nikhil K.
I've been going to Hyde Park Bar Grill since I was in school (and considerably poorer) and always found it consistently good. Items I prefer are the burgers (Kobe or not...hard to tell at times), turkey burger, salmon, and of course, the fries. Service is pretty good as well - the staff is friendly and attentive and the place has a nice atmosphere. HPB&G and Dolce Vita (next door) usually makes for a nice evening.
(3)
R C.
Had the Angus burger and fries and it was delicious! The fries were awesome and I loved their spicy mayo dip! SUPER good! Moderately priced, though I do think they should include the fries with the burger. The service was very good, and our waiter was very friendly. The atmosphere is nice and it's very clean. We will def go back again sometime when in the area.
(4)
Lisa B.
While our food was absolutely perfect yesterday, the thing that really gives Hyde Park the stand-out star is our waitress Katie! We got the kind of service you expect from restaurants that charge twice as much!!! After she had already put our order in, we decided we to make a change on our sides and she was more than gracious in changing it while also carefully repeating it back to assure she had the changes correct. Further, she hunted down the bottle of dumpling sauce when we asked if she knew what it was and reported back the brand name very quickly. We had a groupon and she was a pro at how to pay with groupon. Now, the food. The dumplings are what we REALLY raved over. They were perfectly cooked, not to soggy or overcooked, meat mildly seasoned and served with an amazing spicy red "Tiger" sauce for dipping (the one Katie hunted down for us)! It is fairly hot, be forewarned, but we LOVED it. I had fried chicken with the green chili mashed potatoes and my choice of side. The chicken came out with 2 pieces, crisp and hot with an amazing flaky crust. The mashed potatoes are just genius. Green chilis? Yes please! I liked that the potatoes have a little bit of texture, not mashed into a puree. Broccoli--not overcooked! Not covered in butter/cheese/margarine! Just a lovely slice of lemon. Perfect way to feel better about my fried chicken. My boyfriend loved his muffalatta and he got an order of the famous fries, which lived up to their extra-crispy reputation. I love the atmosphere of Hyde Park. We had a little converted-porch room all to ourselves the whole time. Very cozy. I realized that Hyde Park did the cute converted house thing before converting houses was cool (Kerby Lane, also). Would like to come back for brunch. $3 bloody maries. Also Sunday is all day happy hour so my boyfriend got a margarita which tasted AWESOME. Maybe had a touch of wine in it? Not too sweet or too citrusy. An enthusuiastic 5 stars!
(5)
Griffin K.
After two trips to HPB&G, I'm still totally up in the air about food quality, vibe, and pricing. It's one of those places I walk away from thinking, "It is what it is."
(3)
Adam A.
The fries are the speciality here and man are they good. Fried after a flour and buttermilk treatment, they pair wonderfully with their special dipping sauce which has just a hint of spices. Highly recommended. I got the Kobe beef burger when I went here and it was good. Nothing amazing but a safe choice.
(3)
Bec P.
Went here for brunch today and overall, I was very pleased. The brunch menu is very well priced and the portions are very large. We got the artichoke appetizer (read: fried artichoke hearts), the eggs florentine, biscuits and gravy, a side of bacon and a tomato juice. The only real complaint/observation we had was this: for biscuits and gravy, put the sausage in the gravy, not as a patty between the biscuit. Alas, I still enjoyed it. Downside: juice is $2 for a smallish glass, but upside: all brunch cocktails are $3. Great deal and the fact that we had a groupon made it that much sweeter.
(4)
Noelle W.
Haven't been in a while, but went last night. The fried eggplant sandwich is still amazing. Disappointed with the fries- the batter was tasteless and flaked off- have they changed this recently? The peach pudding was great- highly recommend it if you still have room.
Some of the best kid food in town. Great fries. Always a solid meal.
(4)
justin d.
I don't understand why people like this place so much. The fork out front with its rotating french fry art is cool, but that's about it. It is common wisdom amongst austinites that this place has the best fries. Thus, I ordered a basket of fries with cheese sauce. The fries were pretty good. They were medium sized sticks that had been coated in seasoned corn starch, and they were appropriately crisp. They're not the best I've had in Austin, but they were at least executed well. The cheese sauce was pathetic. I'm not sure what abomination of ingredients and cooking techniques produce such a watery, gritty consistency. It tastes like the rehydrated cheese powder of the off-brand of kraft mac and cheese. The main courses are all pretty boring. The sides are also pretty bad. I would just steer clear of this place altogether. If you're in the neighborhood, go grab a pizza at Asti.
(2)
Sarah S.
The only reason Hyde park grill doesn't get 5 stars for me is because the service (it's a server issue) is SOOO slow every single time ! The food is always smashing. The fries are untouchable. The margaritas are strong! I love Hyde park grill!
(4)
Sandra M.
I love this place. Recently, I have re-discovered Hyde Park Bar and Grill. The food here is great, especially brunch food. The egg Benedict dish is quite delicious. The $3 mimosas are amazing as well (they have a cherry at the bottom!). I definitely will be back for brunch here. :D
(4)
Ryan Z.
Might've been the worst experience with french fries, ever. Overly starched batter, pure mayo for dipping, how could this be touted the best fries in Austin? The boast made it that much worse...sorry Hyde Park. Gotta tell it like it is, I'd rather eat McD's/Wendy's fries. Gimme that sat. fat.
(2)
Travis R.
As a born and raised Austinite I appreciate the legit "local spots" still left. HPB&G is definitely one of them! Cool and intimate decor, very hip without being "pretentious hipster" and Our server was polite and competent which is always a great start to your dining experience. The food is reasonably priced, its a tad above "moderate" but its worth the cost for the incredible fare. Some things I had that I would recommend, which will be very difficult to not get again instead of trying something new: Their world famous Fries (they've earned their street cred) and the Green Chile Cheese Mashers (fancy chef-speak for AWESOME mashed potatoes!) I've also had the Chicken fried steak, and it was also excellent, and The Chuck Burger not a very exciting choice but it was perfect. I'll probably try something different next time because I'm so confident in their menu. BOTTOM LINE: If youve never been here and want to treat yourself to some great grub and support a local business, you cant go wrong with HPB&G!! GO CHECK IT OUT!!
(4)
Kathleen H.
Oh Hyde Park Bar & Grill. I feel like there was a time when your mac and cheese did not suck. I just threw some to-go mac away. It was sad. However, I like most everything else about you. You make my belly fat and happy. Yay southern fried chicken breast and french fries. I will miss you when I move to San Angelo. I also like how most of your servers have that serial killer vibe about them.
(4)
Heather L.
Meatloaf Chicken fried steak Sides: green chile and cheese mashed potatoes, creamed corn Crab and sweet potato samosas
(4)
Lil T.
Hyde Park, what happened to you? You used to be good. Now you're just fries and Wom Kim pudding. Everything else seems to have slipped on you. Maybe my palate has improved over the years since I first met you. However, I think that in this relationship it's you and not me. Your salads have routinely had wilted lettuce, dry carrots, and pinkish, mealy tomatoes. The mac in your mac & cheese is overcooked to the point of mushiness. The lentil soup needs tabasco and lemon to have any hint of taste. I won't even go into describing what used to be my favorite, the chicken fried steak. It's just too painful to describe what that's become. My brother remembers Hyde Park from his days at UT. He would always want to go there at least once when he was in town. This last time, he said he was through. He said he didn't want his memories spoiled by reality.
(2)
Scott K.
Hyde Park has a brunch menu weekends, which includes eggs Benedict, woo hoo! I like my hollandaise a little lemonier than it's generally served here in Texas, though, and expressed that preference to the waiter. He frowned and said it might screw up the thick consistency of the hollandaise to add more lemon juice, said he'd take care of it, and wandered off thinking. When my eggs came there were a couple of fresh lemon wedges on the plate, eureka! 25% tip for that guy; why the hell didn't I think of that?! Delicious!
(5)
Vonne T.
I have been going to Hyde Park since college (about 8 years ago) and I LOVE this place! I moved to Houston four years ago and I STILL can't get the Wom Kim's Peach Pudding and the killer fries off my mind. I read the reviews about how this place is over-rated and how people don't understand all the hype about the fries etc. but I will explain why I love it and always will: the fries: these fries are battered with crack or something. They are super crispy on the outside with almost a chicken fried batter and creamy on the inside like smashed potatoes. On their own, they are pretty (super) bland but I think the magic is when you dip those crispy little suckers into that special aioli sauce that comes with the fries. The sauce is rich and a bit tangy with some kind of herb that complements the fries perfectly! Every time I go back and have them, I wonder how I could forget how good they are! I think they're definitely worth a try. The peach pudding: I have to admit, I haven't had many of the other rotating desserts here as I first tried the peach pudding and automatically became hooked! I think a lot of people feel the same way since the dessert menu usually has about 8 desserts and the peach pudding is the only one that never changes and is always listed at the top of the menu. It's basically buttermilk cake with peaches baked into the bottom and some cream poured all over the top. It reminds me of a mix of bread pudding and tres leches and is OH SO GOOD! It's a pretty big piece for $4.50! Not a bad deal at all. I go to Hyde park strictly for these two things but I had the burger the other night with guacamole and my bf had the turkey burger and we were both pleased with our selections. Though the burgers were machine formed and not hand formed, they still tasted good and came on some sturdy, tasty buns. Most of the sandwiches are good though I think the pasta dishes could use some improvement. I've also had brunch there and the brunch selection is pretty good too. As for the service, it's hit or miss but I never get stellar service there. It's just okay but that never stops me from coming back! Besides, I love that the original location is in this cute house in the lovely Hyde Park neighborhood and I can always admire the rotating art. To sum it up: decent and consistent tasting food with some definite stand outs, nice, comfortable atmosphere, low-key and well-priced.
(4)
Natalia B.
This place is pretty great! I've only been there a handful of times, but everytime I go back there I remember how great it is. The service there has always been fantastic. They have always been VERY ATTENTIVE but not annoyingly attentive. And the fries...oh the fries...I feel a bit redundant saying how marvelous and plentiful they are...but they are. Yummy! I only have two small qualms with this this. 1) I wish they would seat you right away instead of making you wait until your WHOLE party of three has arrived on a MONDAY night. Come on. I know you guys had plenty of room. Or if you're gonna make me wait, at least have a bit of a waiting area inside. 2) The tables are placed too close together. I hate getting banged every time the person in back of me gets up. Take out one of the on either side of the restaurant, Hyde Park, it would make the dining experience SO MUCH BETTER! Other than that...PERFECTO!
(4)
Dick A.
Always great. Super stir fry fusion today. 7-25-12
(5)
Les S.
So, I gave Hyde Park another chance. Both the food and the service were great! Really enjoyed so hope there is consistency!!
(4)
Kelly R.
Hyde Park Bar & Grill on Duval is close by our house. We've been a few times, both by ourselves and with friends. Our primary reason for going has always been my husband's love for their Kobe burger, which is one of the only foods he actually craves, and my love for their homemade macaroni and cheese, which they (used to) bake in individual crocks with a crunchy breadcrumb topping and loads of stringy, delicious cheese. Each time we have been, his love for their burger is strengthened and renewed. I, on the other hand, have developed a progressively lower and lower opinion of this restaurant with each visit. Last night's visit is what prompted me to finally write a review. We met friends for dinner and arrived at 7:00 pm. The owner (I think) is extremely nice; he took our names and told us it would be about 20-30 minutes. It was very busy, but we were in fact seated in about 25 minutes. Our waitress was nice and very pleasant, but something seemed a little 'off'. Both my friend and I felt like she was either very distracted or just...I don't know...empty. She smiled, and was pleasant enough, but was just oddly absent. We ordered a large plate of fries, which are as great as everyone says, BTW, to share as an appetizer. But two tables near us, who were seated and ordered after us, both got their fries first. Our entrees arrived instead, but my husband's sides were wrong and had to be sent back. We asked the guy that delivered our entrees about the fries, and he said he would check on them. Meanwhile, the three of us sat with our entrees in front of us, not wanting to eat while my husband waited for his entree to be fixed. You know how weird that is....even if the person who's waiting says 'no no, please go ahead and eat, it's totally okay', it still feels rude to eat in front of someone. And isn't the whole point to eat together? Our waitress returned about 5 minutes later with a plate of fries and said she hadn't heard us order them. Okaaaaay. I'll give you that it's a crowded and noisy place on a Friday night, and maybe she didn't hear that part of the order, but it's a little bit of a bummer when you're looking forward to those fries and your entrees come out instead. So we ate fries, while our entrees were getting cold and went untouched, until the burger with the correct sides came out. Our entrees for the most part were...good. I ordered the New York strip steak, which the menu said was rubbed with red chile and spices. It was tasty, but no hint of chiles or spices other than salt and pepper. The green chile mashed potatoes taste like mashed potatoes with roasted green chiles mixed in. Eh. Worse than that, and much to my horror and chagrin, they have also stopped serving their mac and cheese in crocks, and no more crunchy topping either! It tasted okay, but I was very disappointed with this clear cost-cutting measure. Our friends said their entrees were fine, but I think we were all a little bummed about the fries thing and the timing on the entree delivery. Not to mention, our 'empty' waitress was pretty slow on drink refills and didn't ask if we wanted another wine or beer until 2/3 of the way through the meal. I'll admit that the reason I'm giving HPB&G only 3 stars has mostly to do with the declining quality of the food. We have always had pretty decent service there, so perhaps last night's lapses were an anomaly, but I don't think we'll be back until the next time my husband's Kobe burger craving reaches epic proportions.
(3)
Cherie L.
I really wanted to try this place b/c the menu online sounded awesome, sadly, I was greatly disappointed. The price per person and quality of the meal are not equal, for the food I got I would've wanted to pay less. How their so-called famous fries won that title confounds me, they were fairly soggy and got cold very quickly. I had the potato crusted tilapia, the fish was cooked fine but I could tell the only seasoning was in the crust which just isn't flavorful enough for me, it left the fish w/that kind of tap water taste. The rice pilaf it came w/was actually surprisingly okay, I feel like most places ruin this the most, but the mac and cheese I got as a side wasn't anything special & I thought it would come in a separate dish (being a side) but instead it was on the same plate under my fish, not the best combo. My boyfriend had the chicken fried steak, said it was decent but not the best he's ever had. He did really like the fried artichoke app though. At the end of the meal I decided to try the chocolate cake, which is made w/coffee. I understand a lot of people make their chocolate cake w/coffee (which is fine) but I can definitely taste the coffee and I don't like this so I would appreciate it if places would state this so I know not to bother w/it.
(2)
Lisa M.
Here's the deal about Hyde Park...don't even bother with the entrees. This place has three of my all-time favorite dishes: two appetizers and one dessert. The fries are great but you haven't lived until you've had the marinated and fried artichoke hearts along with the sweet corn and cheese tamales. Add a little side salad (which is actually pretty big) and you have a yummy, if slightly fattening, meal. For dessert - Wom Kim's Peach Pudding...a big thick heavy moist pound cake sort of thing covered in heavy cream. So bad and so good. *drool* For best results, get the Wom Kim to go and eat it later...you'll be miserably full otherwise.
(4)
Atalanta P.
Crowds make me nervous so I won't be dining in here any time soon, but with a little help from Eat Out In I can enjoy my favorites in comfort! I really liked the avocado fries, piping hot with a crisp peppery coating, creamy and delicious inside. The buttermilk mashed potatoes were a little bland but wonderful with a bit of cream gravy. And Wom Kim's Peach Pudding is rich and sweet and flavorful, a bit heavy but great comfort food.
(4)
Jens B.
30 yrs... that is a long time to be in business. Especially if you happen to be a restaurant. Met with a client for lunch and frankly it had been years since I ate here. Hyde Park still has the homey feeling which is pretty indicative of the house the restaurant is housed in. I opted for a BLT which was the lunch special. The sammy came with the ubiquitous famous fries. Crunchy bread, two big slabs of bacon and avocado were a good combination. Our server, who had some cool purple hair, was prompt and friendly. It is nice to know that they still provide a quality lunch in a nice atmosphere. Even after being around for 3 decades.
(4)
Jared H.
One of the most underrated places in austin. Fantastic food, reasonably priced. I have tried several different items on the menu and every time my expectations have been exceeded. The macaroni is a must.
(4)
Lily A.
Jiminy Crickets . . . I love this place. I love the cute bespectacled store manager who is always so attentive. I love the local art for sale on the walls that is always different and enthralling every time I stop by. I love the french fries. I love the Asian Chicken Salad. The interior is homey and situated right in the heart of the cozy and personable Hyde Park, Austin. It's all so great. The service is grand. The vibe is grand. It's my go-to place, because it reminds me of home.
(5)
Dan B.
Decided to eat dinner here while in town instead of using Favor for delivery. What a mistake that was. Came in with a friend, sat down and was a bit wary of the waitress who seemed a bit distracted and rushed when she approached us. Ordered a lentil soup, cauliflower steak, and avocado fries. Friend ordered a burger. Waitress never wrote the order down, but I thought maybe she was just confident in her abilities. I was wrong. Appetizer comes out, bland and very boring, literally just a fried avocado with a sauce. No interesting seasoning and the presentation is sad. Soup was decent, although the cup was very small. My friend receives his burger, and about 15 minutes go by before I start questioning if I'm going to get my food. Eventually the waitress comes over asking if we want anything else or just the check. That's when I mention the cauliflower steak and she responds, "Oh the cauliflower steak, that's right, one moment." That's when I got a little irritated, but was thinking maybe it wasn't brought out of the kitchen. Wrong, 5 minutes later no sign of anything. I spoke with the manager explaining the issue and how I didn't want the entree anymore as my friend was done with his meal. He was nice enough to comp some things for the inconvenience which salvaged this mess a tiny bit. The waitress brought over the check, didn't say a single word about my entree, no apology whatsoever. Even a short explanation would have made me feel better. As I glanced at her to acknowledge the error she just gave me a mean look as she walked away. This is how you treat a customer??? This was the first time in my life that I did not tip a server. I would never go back to this restaurant, there are so many great restaurants in Austin I am disappointed that I wasted my short time here going to this dump if this is the kind of service that I can expect here.
(1)
Scott T.
Came here for some Brunch this past Saturday and it was surely busy. Grabbed a seat with a friend up at the bar and got our 3 dollar mimosa special on.. Cordon Blue Omelet (organic eggs, ham, swiss, hollandaise, parsley) you sounded so good, reading your description on the menu.. got me all tingly inside.. then you came out in front of me.. you were the equivalent of that blind date years ago my buddy tried to set me up on that turned into utter disappointment - Thanks Dan! The portion was a decent but the hash browns on the side were a little too oily. The omelet itself lacked any real flavor that stood out including the lackluster hollandaise sauce. My friend got the Hyde Park Hash (organic fried egg, sweet potato hash, red and green bell peppers with bacon on the side) he didn't seem that thrilled with the dish, and finished about half of the it, portion was on the large side. Mimosas were excellent though, and the orange juice seemed freshly squeezed. I possiblyI will swing back here and try it out again, because they do have some glowing reviews, but they are not of the most recent dates unfortunately. I will just stay away from the brunch menu, and get into the meat of things on the regular side next time. I feel that the brunch menu is your basic items with a wannabe gourmet twist added to validate the price is all. Until next time, HPBNG...
(3)
Casey H.
This uses to be one of my favorite places for good grub. However, in the last couple of years they have gone through three different chef changes and each time I hope they'd reclaim their former glory that I loved so much. Today was the final nail in the coffin. After not having been for a couple of months, we sat down ready for our meal after noming on the fries. A baby cockroach joined us on the wall right near us. When we asked the manager to comp the meals of those who had lost their appetite (some it didn't bother) he did the bare minimum. Very disappointed that he didn't see to comp their drinks or anything else. I felt like he could've gone above and beyond, but was met with bare minimum service. So long hyde park, I won't be back for more.
(2)
Greg J.
A friend who moved away is back in town for a visit so I offered to take her to lunch any place she's been missing since moving to Nashville. Really pleased, but not surprised when she chose this place as it's been a mutual favorite for years. Feeling guiltless after four miles on the treadmill, I eschewed my normal lunchtime salad and went for the Reuben, probably my favorite sandwich. Something about the traditional combo of rye, corned beef, swiss and kraut really does it for me. And HP, thankfully, is savvy enough to know that the thousand island dressing is best served on the side. Okay, I've yet to find a Reuben quite up to the standard of those I ate in the years I lived on the east coast and in the midwest but the HP version comes close and perhaps more importantly, surpasses any of the other local versions I've come across to date. So, I undid the good achieved in my morning workout-- I'll get back in the gym tomorrow!
(4)
Andrew G.
Remember before you moved to this great city and you lived in some backwards bumfuck town in the middle of nowhere Texas? And when you were growing up your mother would take you out to eat a few times a month and the only place the two of you could agree upon was Cracker Barrel? Foodwise, Hyde Park Bar and Grill is in similar territory. Your mother will love it when she comes to visit you. American Food is a weird designator. I think of a lot of dishes when I think of American Food. Before we got to the restaurant, I figured I'd order Meatloaf and fried okra. They don't serve either. With every entre costing between 10 and 20 bucks, a person used to his mother buying him Cracker Barrel better choose wisely. The menu leaves something to be desired. Chicken Fried bullshit gets its own section. There is chicken fried tilapia. Chicken fried pork. Chicken fried catfish etc. I opted for the Texas Horseshoe because that is what my Mom would have chosen for me had we been back home. It's a heaping pile of bread, fries and a burger patty covered in mustard grease. It was really good while the steam was still flickering. But once the dish had settled down to room temperature mush, it was no longer delicious and became kind of a chore. I trooped on until I had about five bites left and let it that. I would have saved it for my second wind, but my waiter took the plate away from me before I had the chance. I went with a party of 12, so I got to experience other dishes as well. All the chicken fried stuff seemed standard. The collards were great. The fries with mustard dip were very good. The water I ordered was fine. All in all, I doubt I will come here with friends again. But when my mother comes up to deliver another "survival package" to me, I know a place that she may like.
(3)
Diana C.
I really can't fathom how there are 4-5 star ratings for this place. I don't mean to insult other reviewers, but my girlfriend and I went here to eat lunch on a Sunday, and the food was at best open-the-fridge-nothing-else-to-eat quality. We ordered their fries, and it was so battered and greasy that they could probably 86 the potatoes without anyone noticing. I got the chicken fried steak, which was just soaked in oil and fell apart as soon as I put my fork on it. My girlfriend got the huevos rancheros, and it was basically a dark, squishy pool of all the ingredients in the recipe. We're college kids. If the food is hot, we'll eat it. If the food has mold, we'll cut it off and we'll eat it. If the food is expired, we'll smell it, and eat it. However, we could barely handle this. Perhaps we ordered the wrong things, but I feel like my chicken fried steak is pretty standard. Perhaps someone can recommend us other dishes that taste better.
(1)
Cassandra C.
I went here for Happy Hour, and it was pretty chill on a Thursday afternoon! Certain drinks and beers were $2 off. Some of their drinks are quite strong, so you do get your money's worth. As a group, we ordered a large Hyde Park Fries. They were quickly consumed and enjoyed by our group of seven. In fact, they were recently rated one of the top fries in American, and I wholeheartedly agree. The batter is light and crispy, and the dipping sauce, which was a mix of a spicy ranch and what not, was delicious. Other individuals in the group ordered burgers and the chicken fried steak, and they seemed pretty happy with their choices. Personally, I ate before hand, so I was going for the dessert. The Wom Kim's peach pudding was super delicious! It's like bread pudding and tres leches combined. I will definitely return again for lunch or brunch to try out their food. If not, I will be back for dessert!
(4)
T T.
Well, running a little fever that's kept me from eating for a few days, it's beginning to pass. And boy am I hungry. Ordered take out. First problem, at the very very end of the menu it tells you you have to PAY EXTRA to TAKE OUT. What!? So I pay for the food, create no dishes, take up no table real estate, and you make me PAY FOR IT? You oughta give me a discount. Second problem: After paying the special absurd and ridiculous take out surcharge -- I'll never get take out from them again for that, ever ---- my take out order was wrong. They left out one of our sides. AMELIORATING CIRCUMSTANCE: I called immediately, and they did promise to deduct three dollars from the order. Which is about the value of the side. Which doesn't account for my hassle of not having it, or paying a fucking surcharge for take out that was wrong, or else. But it was a nod in the right direction. Other places might have just said 'tough shit, jack.' and they didn't. they apolgized and gave me back the value of the food they didn't deliver. but no more. food was OK or OK+ as usual - and no bargain. i think they lost me for good this time - a diner there since about the year they opened. meh, now no one's happy.
(2)
Nick E.
I grabbed some take out midweek from HP bar and grill. The Texas Horseshoe wasn't great... Barely any cheese sauce, the meat was so over cooked and dry it was nearly inedible...not to mention the less than helpful bartender who was tasked with being the take out cashier. It's also pretty pricey for what it is. My vote: pass on this place.
(2)
Roy R.
I hear good things about this place and of course read the good reviews so on a day that I had a hankering for some homestyle type of cooking and CFS came to mind, so did this place. The parking lot in front is kind of tight and there is also parking along the fence, but in my truck I would never attempt one of those along the fence and drive way to the back. I love my truck too much to risk that narrow pathway. Didn't see how the back parking was, but in general, the whole lot looked packed. I was quickly greeted by either the manager or owner and seated at a small table since I was dining alone. Outside the place looks rustic and old school, inside it is surprising chic and relaxed. Soft music plays. Soft lighting is displayed along the dark walls. The conversation noise is moderate as can be expected in a fully packed area, but the music covers conversation well. The waitress was very nice and quick to bring me my drinks. I ordered the CFS with mac and mash potatoes. I also decided to try the small fries since they are well reviewed. My fries were out in a couple of minutes! The dipping sauce for the fries was awesome! I asked for a second. The fries, although good, lacked salt in my opinion. Now, it could be my taste buds just used to too much salt on fries, but still, I just felt that there wasn't any at all in the batter used for them. In any case, with a small sprinkle, better flavors came out. The best I've ever had, definitely not, but good regardless and even better with the dipping sauce. The food followed shortly and boy, oh boy, was it good! My steak was piping hot and nice sized. It had a great flaky crust that did not fall off right away upon cutting up the steak and it was very well seasoned. The steak itself was tender enough and had good flavor as well. Probably the best CFS I've had in ATX itself. The mash and mac were spectacular and definitely homemade. The portions were very nice and technically, I say that you can probably feed 2 people with this meal. Albeit a hungry person and maybe one that just wants a small meal since I managed to down about 2/3 of my meal. I also happened to order a ginger beer/soda that they had and I was very surprised at how good it was even if it was small and left me wanting more. If you happen to have left overs, (and you probably will from what I saw), they will take them in the back and put them away for like a nice restaurant would. Side note: They happen to have a $5 dollar Yelp check-in offer. It is towards their small happy hour specials of like 3 types of drinks, a couple of beers and about 3 appetizers. I enjoyed this place. It is in my neighborhood so I shall be back.
(5)
Michelle C.
Wonderful experience. The staff is super friendly, and very attentive. The food was excellent (especially fries) and drinks were strong! The loss of star is only because someone in the group wanted to order off the 'non-brunch' menu and the waitress told us it wasn't available until after brunch. They were also out of two of their "special" drinks, so it limited their selection. Certainly glad I tried and will be back.
(4)
Jenny A.
What a fantastic experience! I hear this place usually has a line out the door, but we snuck in after 11 with no wait. They have extended hours. Chicken fried steak was fantastic. Cherry Streusel pie to die for. The restaurant has an extensive menu with quality options. A full bar. And I believe it is privately owned, so you really feel that Austin small business quality experience. I prefer restaurant like these with a "uniqueness" about them. Waitstaff was very attentive.
(5)
Victoria A.
There's a reason this is an Austin staple. It's damn good food. It's also a perfect place to take your parents! Everything tastes like it was made with love and care. These french fries might be the best fries to ever be in my mouth. And the hyde park sauce need to replace ketchup. I had a chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. Everything was top notch. The chicken fried steak was crispy and tender. It didn't feel heavy and greasy. It went perfectly with the mashed potatoes that must be made with sour cream or something else delicious. Probably the best mashed potatoes I've ever had. The mac and cheese was good just not as good as everything else. I ordered a pink lemonade. Damn, that was fresh! I like the atmosphere here. It's intimate and a little romantic. It's a good date place. It's nice but won't break the bank. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Bre M.
Great burgers. I've never had a bad experience here, but never phenomenal either. Relaxed vibe and never too busy to get a seat fairly quickly.
(4)
Tyler H.
Good service and good atmosphere when you enter. Love the fact that they support local artist buy selling their work off their walls. Food was great but not so amazing I would write home about it. Bathroom was not great, looked like a gas station bathroom. Parking is no fun either. Other than that it was very good. Will have to go back again.
(4)
Deepika S.
This place is just ok every time I go. And for some reason I've gone so many times. It's probably because my family loves their little 15% off coupons they send in the mail. The service tends to not be very good. Hosts/hostesses tend to be eagerly awaiting seating you and then not really be all that nice. The wait-staff is hit or miss. The food has never been yummy. Just ok. I think the best thing I've ordered there (mind you no meat here), was some kind of combination of sides. Also, it's noisy there and next to impossible to have a conversation with your table without getting loud yourself. If you want to reduce your appetite, though, I highly recommend visiting the restroom! I typically wouldn't mention it, but they are just not well kept and it's gross for a restaurant. I will say, though, that their peach pudding is TASTY. get that!
(3)
R. D.
No problems with the service. Prices are ok, not great. I had the stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer...pretty bland. For my entree I had the Asian Chicken Salad which was delicious. I would go again, but I'm not blown away...solid B.
I finally made my way to this institution... by way of a coupon. Dinner service on a Saturday was already packed around 5PM. The menu is nice and diverse, and the atmosphere also has an "Austin" feel. It reminds me of a grown-up Kerbey Lane. The famous french fries and house-made sauce is pretty solid. I was pretty pleased because these fries are fairly unique, seeing as they are battered. The house-made sauce is a hot-sauce and pepper mayonnaise sort of mix? The dumplings also threw me for a loop. They were surprisingly tender, and the filling tasted of authentic Chinese dumplings; definitely a plus at a very American restaurant. The rest of the meal fell a little flat. The fresh tamales were pretty moist, but nothing special. The mac and cheese was a little thick and did not offer much creaminess, but it was cheesy. The creamed corn tasted of canned corn+cream. The mashed potatoes were very bland and a bit wet. The lentil soup was boring. The meatloaf was very dense and dry. The spice roasted sweet potatoes did not have any spice, and they were fairly soggy. As you can see, I sampled most of their sides, and nothing popped out at me. Thus, I am a tad disappointed, but the food is very reasonably priced, so this place is definitely a great upbeat place to meet for a casual meal.
(3)
Katy J.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! I used to live in Hyde Park, and now that I live in Houston, I stopped by my old haunt to try it out four years later when I hit up Austin for a convention. I brought a few people with me, and they were all thrilled with my choice by the end of the meal. The menu is so fabulous that it is hard to choose just one thing to order! Their healthy options are also very abundant. The prices are reasonable. The atmosphere is that of a small house, with art on display and it isn't too loud. My only quibble is the fact that our waiter was too busy to bring us our checks at the end of the meal in a timely fashion. However, the food was so fantastic, everyone was willing to wait it out. Best to try eating here on an off time or during the week. Otherwise you can expect a wait and parking can be difficult!
(5)
Eve R.
Feeling in a very New York state of mind after watching a Broadway show at Bass, we decided to have a late-night dinner at Hyde Park. Since they are open until midnight, we didn't feel bad arriving around 10:30. Despite it being a bad time for heavy fare, I couldn't resist ordering the horseshoe, which is a delectable (if heart-attack inducing) plate layered with Texas toast, a burger cooked to your liking (medium rare, please), topped with a mountain of Hyde Park fries and cheese sauce. So. Freaking. Good. If you can finish this mountain-o-goodness, you should get a medal, or the next one free, or some kind of recognition. I've never done it. My bf got the kobe beef chopped steak with creamed corn and mashed potatoes - good comfort food too. He assures me it was wonderful. Although we both only finished half our plates, we were stuffed. And still found room for some delectable banana cream pie. The crust was flaky and buttery, the filling was wonderfully banana-ful, and we finished every bite. I still don't know how, but we did. I feel so lucky to have this late-night gem right in my own neighborhood. When I first visited Austin, Hyde Park was the first place I ate, on the recommendation of the innkeeper where I was staying. It still has a special place in my heart. I can also attest that the horseshoe can be reheated the following day and it's almost as good as the first time around. My arteries are probably screaming. But I can't hear them. So my mouth wins this round.
(4)
Nirav D.
The fries are legit. Definitely as good as advertised. Other than that ... meh. The eggplant sandwich was bland and left a lot to be desired. My girlfriend's lentil soup also needed a lot of help from salt and pepper. I'd recommend going for the fries (which you get a generous helping of for the price) and then leave.
(3)
Christine L.
Despite getting "eh" reviews on Yelp I really wanted to try Hyde Park Grill just because it's one of those Austin institutes and known for it's "famous fries". Who doesn't love fries? . Unfortunately I found ( as I often do) that the reviews were right on. The atmosphere was a bit dingy and dim where we sat but I did notice that other parts were bright and welcoming. The food was way overpriced, bland, and just okay. The fries were crispy but were flavorless. Hardly living up to it's fame! All in all it was just an "eh" experience. ---- It was edible but with all the other choices you have in Austin for great food at great prices...there's really nothing there that would make me want to go back. One positive? Our waiter Spencer was great. Really attentive and helpful.
(2)
Adrienne L.
YES! More than three years after I graduate from UT (yikes, I'm old), HP is the same. Delicious mac and cheese, French fries that make my jeans cry, $3 drink specials and local art on the walls. I can't confirm this, but it even seemed like the prices were the same. Huh? Yeah. This is my all-time favorite restaurant. The only reason I docked it one star is because they don't hire my all-time favorite waitstaff. I mean, can a girl get her Wom Kim on or what?
(4)
Crystal A.
I struggled deciding bewteen 2 and 3 stars. It's really hit or miss. After kitty sitting for a friend nearby, the boyfriend and I wanted to grab some dinner. After finding some parking on the street and a short wait inside, we got a table. Staff is ok. I can't say great or horrible, but they get the job done. Our dinner: Our fried green tomatoes were too tart. The condiments they came with barely helped. We didn't even finish them. I got the meatloaf and didn't like it. I don't normally send things back, and I really wanted to. My boyfriend got the horseshoe, which he liked and was pretty good. We actually decided to switch, since he didn't mind the meatloaf. The fries, even the ones at the top, were not crunchy. I don't know that we'll be back. Probably for brunch, but not for dinner.
(3)
Andrea M.
Honestly, the french fries here suck. They taste chalky and require a lot of ketchup. Don't waste your time with these fries because they may look nice but it is not all about appearances.
(2)
Amanda T.
We had some college friends come to town and needed a break from all the Tex-Mex and decided to go out for delicious comfort food. I love that this place has a cute neighborhood feel while tucked away inconspicuously on Duval. There are old couples, families, groups of friends and college students on dates. The restaurant was smaller than I expected. You can grab a drink from the bar in the middle of the restaurant while you wait (we had to wait about 10-15 minutes, they seem to turn tables over quickly). Everything on the menu looked absolutely delicious. We started with a full order of fries. That was definitely enough to satisfy five hungry girls. It is a huge heap of french fries but we finished the entire plate. It comes with a mayonnaise-based sauce (reminds me of thousand island). Perfectly seasoned. (on the menu they also claim to be ranked as the best french fries in Austin.. I believe it). I was the only vegetarian at the table but the description sounded so good that three of us ordered the fried eggplant sandwich. Comes with smoked gouda (my favorite) and sauteed mix of onions, mushrooms and red bell peppers. + a side of olive tapenade. It was just so perfect, warm. We were all very hungry from a long day so we finished the entire sandwich - it was very substantial and very filling. One of our other friends got a chicken salad sandwich - she said it was good and not too mayonnaise-y. Our last friend got a veggie burger + avocado and said it was good but nothing exciting. But if you're going to go veggie for this meal, definitely get the fried eggplant sandwich. When we first walked in, we noticed that it seemed like every table was ordering dessert. We had originally planned on dessert but by the time we finished our meals, we were stuffed. I would definitely want to come back to dessert. Oh and their mac and cheese looks heavenly. The waitress was extremely nice and happily split our checks. She even split the fries evenly 5-ways. I will be back.
(4)
Robert S.
This location is better than the one at Westgate. Why? 1. It's located in a converted house (hence the additional star) 2. Has more class/style than the Westgate location, which already looks outdated 3. Not as pretentious as the Westgate location, but still pretentious 4. The food tastes better here (even though it's still packaged, frozen food - and tastes like it) Still not a fan. However, the fries are pretty alright. Salads, soups, sandwiches - two thumbs down due to epic levels of blah-ness.
(2)
ally c.
I've been going to HPBG almost as long as I've lived in Austin, they're famous for their french fries, but that isn't the only reason to go. Their food is always spot-on. It should be - they've hardly changed their menu in the last 12 years as far as I can tell, but I guess that means they've had a lot of practice. It's not the healthiest fare, lots of butter and fried goodness (see the horseshoe sandwich), but for comfort food where you can get a big serving of perfectly steamed broccoli on the side, I'm calling it good. Their corn and cheese tamales are delicious, as is the potato crusted tilapia and they have a whole range of sides to choose from that range from green beans, to collard greens to green chile mashed potatoes Oh, and the fries - well, I think they speak for themselves. Just ask them. Extra bonus points for being open till midnight on the weekends and 11 during the week and no eye rolling when we show up at 10:30 on a slow Monday night. Full bar doesn't hurt, and service is always good across the board. We'll keep going back!
(4)
Liz W.
This is one of those place where there are a few good things to order on the menu, and once you know them, it's a solid 4 star place. The first time I went here, in 2000, I got an overcooked piece of tuna. Later, I had their fries, and I think they're kinda bland and flavorless. They serve them with a special sauce and they're okay as a sauce vehicle but they have nothing going for them on their own. Because of this, when I order the Horseshoe platter, an open faced burger covered in fries, cheese and tomatoes, I ask to substitue broccoli. I sometimes get weird looks, but the wait staff always gets the idea eventually, and I absolutely love this modified dish. The cheese sauce is super yummy with a nice subtle flavor I can't put my finger on (mustard?). They're also good at making sure the burger is cooked to my rarish specification, which I can't say of most establishments in town. Other than the various burgers, my next favorite sandwich is the Reuben. It's not one of those monstrosities you see at Katz's or Jason's Deli, but a nice sandwich on proper bread with a proper amount of meat. You'd think it wouldn't be hard to screw up, but so many places do. Here it's tasty. It goes well with a cup of their perfectly decent lentil soup. The third thing I like is the brunch with the eggs benedict, because they really do the Hollandaise sauce just right. The price is right on the bloody marys and they're tasty, but they're kind of a salt shaker in a glass. Dilute with water. If you stick to the above menu items, you can't go wrong. Make sure they put enough cheese sauce or Hollandaise on your food - it can vary chef to chef. I don't know how anyone ever manages to eat dessert here. The portions aren't small. Service is consistently good, flexible and attentive.
(4)
Ashley V.
I will start with the atmosphere, the cheap paintings on the wall and the dennys feel to the place did not attract me as I took my seet. I was tol thi was a high end restraunt up north where it started so what happened here?! Feels like Chillis!! My boyfriend and I both ordered the Kobe burger which I guarantee was NOT 100% Kobe beef. It was greasy and as where the fries which were the only thing that I enjoyed with the spicy sauce they serve. After we finished this standard meal and my boyfriends stomach was already turning we proceeded to wait for our waitress with our check for about 10min until finally leaving enough cash on the table and walking out. The main reason why I'm writting this review is because I have been up all night with this helatious stomach ache!!! One full hand of thumbs down!!!!
(1)
erin m.
This place goes up and down in my opinion. Skip the entrees, which are hit or miss & go straight for the desserts which are always spot on! If I was just rating the baked goods, I'd give them 5 stars.
(3)
Kandace S.
This is my favorite restaurant in Austin. Everything is delicious. The only thing I don't like are the fries, I don't get all the hype, that's just my taste though. Everyone else seems to enjoy. They have an amazing creamy cilantro dressing, appetizers, and the best lentil soup. Their burgers rock and their sides alone can be a meal. Sauteed collard greens with bacon, yes please! The fried chicken is out of this world! Love the local vibe, the local art for sale on the wall is cool and sometimes there's a cat on a leash. Never had a problem with service.
(5)
Squidney V.
Met here with my rescue group for lunch one day, had a good time. I enjoyed my meal and everyone else enjoyed their food, as well; the fries were yummy and my friends seemed to enjoy the dipping sauce very much. We did catch the back end of lunch rush, but the service was good, the server was attentive and got everything right. The decor was interesting, this may have once been a nifty uptown restaurant, but i felt a totally laid back and approachable waitstaff. Parking kinda sucks though if you hit at a busy time, or as people are leaving the end of lunchtime but, considering the service was good, servers were friendly, atmosphere was nice, the food was yummy and the restaurant sits in a cute location in town, then making a few attempts at finding a good parking spot is worth it. It was pretty good and I would like to come back here.
(4)
Tiff T.
I'm not writing this review just to be contrary to everyone else. This is one of those places I classify under "Austin's most overrated". And the fries can't stand up for themselves in a tasting. That's not to say I haven't been here more than once. I've probably been here a handful of times for a few reasons. 1) Some former classmates told me that the natural progression if you're going to 43rd and Duval is to walk into a busy Hyde Park Bar & Grill, put your name on the list, and enjoy dessert first at La Dolce Vita next door. I found that the best part of the comprehensive experience is dessert. 2) After trying #1, I decided to take a break from the restaurant. It wasn't special in any way. But time heals all, so once my wound closed up, and I found myself at that intersection again, I had forgotten why I hadn't been to this place in a while. Then I painfully remember after trying the food. 3) Repeat #2 a few times before putting my foot down and writing a Yelp review so that I can forever remember why I haven't been to Hyde Park Bar & Grill in a while. Even a simple chicken fried steak wasn't executed well: 25% more batter than steak, which was chewy at best. (You know it's bad when a gal like me who likes to share bite-sized samples of whatever dish I order with my boyfriend opts to skip this step.) The verdict: I won't be fooled again. Thanks to Yelp, I have a documented way to remind myself not to go back to this place again.
(2)
Cameron K.
Nothing like having an old stand by that you can take someone who's never been and see the look on their faces. Went a couple of nights ago, took the woman for her first time. Decor was still sheik and stylish. I giggle a little when I see the $1,895 price tag on the paintings on the wall though. Cause I really walk in for a $30 meal and have almost two grand laying around? Love the various menu items, I've never had a bad entree there. I gotta admit though, I'm not a huge fan of the fries. They don't taste like much of anything, to me. Maybe I'm spoiled and used to, I don't know, salt on my fries. Get Wom Kim's Peach Pudding. Skip an appetizer or go yark to make room, but get the pudding. Our server Jared was excellent.
(4)
Serge K.
Something definitely changed for Hyde Park, pretty much ever since the globe came off the fork in front of the restaurant. The muffaletta was by the far the best turkey sandwich I had ever tasted, but just recently I went back to the grill and the olives were overpowering, the bread too crusty and overall not the sandwich I feel in love with over 3 years ago. Their fries are still fantastic and the Hibiscus mint tea is awesome, the wait staff is still the same: a big gamble, which is ok for a place like Thunderbird Cafe and/or Thundercloud subs but when my parents came to visit me and I took them to Hyde Park and the server never made eye contact with us the whole time, it was a bit of a disappointment.
(3)
Q J.
I've only been there once but it will not be a place I want to revisit without a good reason. The food was okay. Service was as good. Dessert was decent and pretty cheap so that's the highlight of my visit. I got the fried egg sandwich. It's probably created after the classic croque madame but not as good. The piece of bread under the ham and egg was completely soggy. The lettuce, tomato and onion didn't look very fresh. There was way too much cheese. The eggs were cooked as described on the menu but I've decided after this that I like my eggs on a sandwich over easy instead of over medium. It's too dry otherwise. I got the famous french fries on the side and I don't understand the hype. The texture was good but there was no seasoning in the batter so it's incredibly bland. I had to put salt on it, even with ketchup. I like Central Market fries way better. We got 2 dessert at the table, the (again) famous peach pudding and the chocolate pots de creme. The peach pudding reminds of tres leches but again, not as good. I don't understand how many people seem to go gaga over it in their reviews. The chocolate pots de creme was very good, really creamy and rich. 2 of us shared it and we still couldn't finish. The best part of the trip was a stop by Antonelli's Cheese Shop, right next door!
(3)
Dana B.
I had to pick a "safe" restaurant for my out of town guests, they don't' share my love of spicy food. I picked Hyde Park Grill because they have a wide variety of food to choose from, so hopefully everybody would be happy. Here is the run down of the food: Fried Pork Chop: two people at the table ordered this, and two people at this table wished that they hadn't ordered this. The bone-in pork chop was a good size, but there was way too much breading. My Mom had to really work to find a good bite of meat that wasn't over powered with breading. Green Beans: three people ordered this, and three people immediately regretted this decision. The beans were chewy, flavorless, and embarrassing for a restaurant to serve. Chicken Fried Steak: husband ordered this and said it was very good Chicken with artichokes and a mustard sauce: I really enjoyed this dish. There were plenty of artichokes and the sauce had a light mustard flavor and wasn't overpowering. Green Chili mashed potatoes: typical mashed potatoes with a faint flavor of green chilies Even though everybody wasn't super happy with their selections, the food overall was good. Our one big complaint of the night was our waiter. He was a total douche. He didn't go out of this way to be a jerk, but he mumbled while he talked to us and didn't make eye contact with anybody acting like we were bothering him by making him work. I think he said like 5 words to us after he took our order. He reminded me of a brooding actor disgruntled that he hasn't been "found' yet and hates his day job. Jackass.
(3)
Shane M.
Consistently good. I've discovered over many years of eating out, that's not such an easy thing for a restaurant to pull off. When I go there I know the staff will be friendly and I know my food will be good. Sometimes great, as in the case of their Peach Bread Pudding dessert - oh man. With the ambiance of the place you can tell you are in Austin - which is comforting to me. Comfort food in a comfortable place - that's what it is. I would like to suggest they replace/recover the chairs, however. Weird is good. Torn up and worn out is bad.
(4)
Shinta S.
My husband and I used to come here for margaritas. Now that we have kids, we occasionally take them here for dinner. This is one of the two places in town my daughter would actually eat vegetables: carrot with some ranch. It is not in the menu, but they would gladly give you some. I love their Four Medley. You can pick and choose your sides and they always give plenty.
(4)
Maurice G.
What happened here? What was once a nifty uptown restaurant, tucked cleverly inside the 19th century, streetcar borough of Hyde Park, has become like a got damn Chuck E. Cheese's carnival circus. Its as if this village of new-money had a neighborhood orgy about 6 years ago, and produced a bunch of future assholes that tend to climb all over this place as if its the mfing Christmas Village at Northcross Mall. Hyde Park B&G hilariously dresses the tables in white cloth, presumably to camouflage the fact that their establishment is being actively contaminated by The Toddler Legion, reenacting Band of Brothers with forks, spoons, and straws. The walls are grimy, but not in the grime-chic style of Magnolia or Austin Diner. The furniture always appears to be haphazard like a frathouse. Its just a sad state of affairs. Unfortunately for everyone who once shared an admiration for this diner, the food itself has devolved like country radio. Yeah, yeah .. the fries. For anyone who has a decent amount of skill in the kitchen, these are easily replicated without the hassle of aforementioned ankle army. Dunno, I'd have to hear a glowing review from Keller or Bordain before I'd ever revisit at this point.
(2)
Brian L.
Was terrific. Fast and great food.
(5)
Aaron M.
So we live around the corner and are pretty impressed with this place. Its a little neighborhood place, completely unpretentious and open to all crowds. suited churchers, tattooed hipsters and vanilla suburbanites... all are welcome and all are satisfied. The food has been a bit bland at times but the occasional mind-blowing mean makes up for it. Biscuits and gravy are top notch. fried chicken sandwich is subtly fried and perfectly tender. most sandwiches are good. Fries are totally yoyo. Some are lightly battered and hot (read amazing) and others are over battered and bland. The GF swears by the chicken and dumplings.. its all comfort food and all top-notch! The place has its quirks but always put a smile on our faces for a lazy lunch on a Sunday. The staff is aways fantastic and even taking away has been easy and rarely bad.
(4)
Jim C.
Summary: Good food, good service, what more could you ask for? Not-very-long version: I was dragged here by a friend... I didn't have anything against this place, necessarily, the menu just didn't look particularly interesting. We started with the steamed dumplings (yummy) and had the grilled salmon and Kobe chopped steak as entrees. Everything was really good. Even the collard greens with bacon I had as a side was good. It just goes to show that just as complex dishes aren't necessarily tasty, simple foods can often be delicious. Service was good, atmosphere was nice, cute location in town - what more could you ask for? A great place to go!
(4)
Kelsey Jo M.
Me and my boyfriend went here for our one year anniversary. We had a reservation and were seated immediately in the bar area with a conjoining table which I usually don't mind, except it was ridiculously close to one another, to a point where we could over hear every word said. We then waited for 15 minutes before some finally came over to take our drink orders. I ordered lemonade and what came out...wasn't. It was a sugary mess that tasted like someone had made some koolaid and put way to much sugar in it. They said it was a organic fruit lemonade but it was absolutely gross. We then waited another 15 minutes before she came back and took our order. Me and my boyfriend are huge fans of artichoke hearts, so we ordered that as the appetizer. The batter was good but the preservative taste was repugnant . They were obviously canned and absolutely disgusting. For the main course I got the Turkey Muffaletta while my boyfriend got the horseshoe. Aside from being extremely under seasoned, my boyfriend actually got a bone in his sandwich that nearly chipped his tooth! The only saving grace of this restaurant was the fact that the waitress recommended a decent wine. Will not be returning.
(1)
Kathi J.
I've been coming here since college, so it's an old standby for me. It's comfortable and even cozy, especially if you come at a non-busy time when you don't have to wait. (Waiting is a hassle if the weather is bad, since there's so little space inside for those waiting...) The servers are very professional in a friendly way, and the food is consistently good... Except for the potato-crusted tilapia. I've tried it several times now over a long span of time, and each time, I've been disappointed. This last week, I tried it again for what will be the last time. The breading came off the fish and so to eat fish and breading (and tartar sauce) in one bite was quite the messy challenge. Things I enjoy eating here: They have good burgers, including the non-beef burgers, and the other sandwiches are good, too. I have enjoyed the tuna sandwich (grilled) several times. I like the fries but can't eat them much anymore because of a food allergy. Their mac and cheese is gooey and decadent with crunchy breadcrumbs on top. I love it, but have to limit myself because it's soooo rich. Their brunch menu is great. The spinach salad is really good (with chicken). I always tell them to leave off the hot bacon dressing and just bring the honey mustard, but that's a personal thing. Their margaritas (I've only had on the rocks here) are great, plus they have other bar drinks. Their desserts are good (not sure if they're made in-house?).
(4)
Nick Q.
Obviously an Austin-staple. Everyone must go here at least once. And everyone must order the fries, at least once. My wife and I enjoyed some comfort food and wine, we enjoyed it all. The seating could use improvement, it seems they are really trying to pack the tables in there. OFI, no one likes sitting near the kitchen or bathrooms. Price is fair for the quality, however, the wine seemed unusually overpriced for average selections.
(4)
Niko J.
Our waitress, Vivian, couldn't have been much more attentive. Her only mistake: forgetting the cup of chili I ordered as an appetizer, hut I'm glad she did. I had the Steak & Fries with a spinach salad and I couldn't eat another bite. Dessert was just a fantasy. The service was good without being obtrusive. Portions were good and the steak was cooked the way I like it. And, yes, I'll be back.
(4)
Ryan A.
This place is darn right good, for anyone previous saying disparaging words, I invite you to re-visit and dine in! Had the chicken fried chicken... Good lord is was amazing. Perfect amount of gravy! We also had the fried avocado (recommend) as well as the fried green beans to start off. Our server was Derick, he did a great job and if we lived here I would be
(4)
eileen s.
Loved everything ... Good vibe, excellent food (lunch), reasonable prices. Mashed potatoes and grilled broccoli and onion rings and sweet potatoes were so good. My husband liked his hamburger. Young waitress was attentive. Be sure to eat here.
(4)
Julia R.
I used to love going to this place. The bar staff is usually awesome. Unfortunately, I am extremely unhappy with the loss of the muffuletta. I don't know who this new Austin transplant chef is but, I'm not impressed. Sure, I will try items off your new menu. Eh, not bad. However, if I'm there for my muffuletta and it's been rudely and unceremoniously removed from the menu, I shall not return. Also not impressed by the avocado fries. :-/
(3)
Greg M.
For a place that looks fancy, it's really kind of not (others have noted table proximity issues). I got the fish tacos and they were pretty good. It's probably really not fair to review them for a lunch, as it's more of a dinner & drinks place. Still, they were very good and fast about seating a large group, and did separate checks.
(4)
Bibi L.
A year ago I wrote a very harsh review of this restaurant. I didn't want to--I had been going to Hyde Park Bar & Grill since they'd opened and loved the food, vibe and the great service. Then they changed the menu. BOO! I got a note from the owner and was asked to try it again. I finally girded my loins and off we went. We were thrilled to see the "a la carte" menu was gone, the Horseshoe was back and really interesting sounding new items. We were starving and ready to eat. We started with the Sour Cream and Onion Rings. Crispy and delicious. I dipped mine in my leftover Ranch Dressing as my salad made it to the table before the onion rings. I ordered the Pan Roasted Chicken with the buttermilk mashed potatoes and the salad. My husband had the meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans. All delicious and hot. The chicken was tender, the tarragon jus just right and the mashed potatoes creamy. There was no room for dessert, but I'm glad that I can put this back on my favorites again!
(4)
Tami S.
found this place because noble pig was closed. happy discovery as the food and service were great. had pork n' Mac and potato crusted tilapia. tilapia was cooked perfectly, nice and flaky and crust was light and not greasy. rice pilaf that came with was good - nothing stellar. ordered collards w/bacon as a side... tasty, cooked so they were still on the crisp side. a little greasy - but very tasty! only complaint is they were a little hard to eat. cut in thin strip across the stem. I prefer stem removed and larger pieces - but that is me :) pork and mac was perfection! Mac was SO creamy and cheese choice was tasty combo. pork was oh so flavorful and incredibly tender! YUMMO! eat dessert first so you are sure u have room! the peach cake is everything it's cracked up to be and more! like your gramma's secret just for company cake! so light but so rich at the same time. almost like a pineapple upside down cake with peaches - and fresh cream instead of the brown sugar goo. it was really, really, REALLY good! Maine root fountain drinks a plus. check in for happy hour specials! not valid on weekends though :(
(4)
Emily B.
Hyde Park Grill rarely disappoints. The Pork and Mac melts in your mouth, and the Fried Egg Sandwich is great with a freshly-squeezed mimosa and a side of their legendary fries. It can get pretty busy at peak times, so go during the off-times to get a table more quickly.
(4)
J S.
I've since moved from Austin, but was in town for the Thanksgiving holiday. My sister and I made our usual trip to Hyde Park, the south location, which over time became our preferred location. It has been a while since we've been there and changes have been made. The fried egg sandwich bread is served on different bread (preferred the other) and the tamales were not tasteful. They no longer serve the eggplant sandwich. The food was just mediocre and not our usual delicious Hyde Park experience. On the positive side, the service was excellent. Our server was very friendly and very attentive! Sad to say, that Hyde Park may no longer be on my "must eat" list when I visit Austin.
(3)
Marybeth B.
I've only eaten here once but I have no desire to go back. I ordered some sort of chicken BLT with guacamole on it and it was very... okay. I probably could have made something just as good at home. The fries were not my thing, but I can see how they're a "love it or hate it" type of food. My mom ordered the polenta and it was pretty good, but I don't know why they covered it with pesto. Pesto and polenta is just way too much for me, but maybe I'm a purist. The thing that bothered me the most was that the waiter was a total ass. He acted like serving food was the last thing in the world he wanted to be doing at that moment. It just sort of ruined the whole experience which was sub-par anyway.
(2)
Annie W.
Above-average bar food - some curious and interesting combinations that were pretty tasty and served with little fanfare. Don't expect anything fancy, but it's a cozy ambience and the service is pretty good.
(4)
Dana J.
The food was okay, nothing I would ever really crave or have to go back for. But the service, my God, the service, was AWFUL. I had the most surly waitress ever. At the end, I asked for a to go box, more water (my glass had been totally empty for a while), and the check. She came back with box. Eons later when she returned with the bill, I asked for a to go water since it was so late in the game. She came back with my receipt...and that was it. The place is too small in the front waiting area, way to crowded, I had to crowd surf with my daughter to get to the bathroom and leave. The fries...who likes these bland things? Way over rated.
(2)
A D.
Went there last night around 6:30. Greeted at the door and were sat promptly. Took the recommendation of our server and ordered the margarita. Our drinks, food (meatloaf w/ mashed + collard greens w/bacon bits) were delivered promptly. Service was excellent, not overbearing, not gone and never to return, just right place at the right time. This first timer was very happy with the overall experience. Will go there again !
(4)
Samer K.
This place is DECENT. Nothing else. I have learned the best dishes are the southern home cooking options. The times I've had the pasta or fish, i was mostly disappointed. The last time i was here i did have an AWFUL encounter with a waiter. Basically, it took him over 30 min to bring us the check, take it back to run the card, and bring the card/bill back. We told him we were trying to make it to a movie and it definitely seemed he was delaying on purpose. We missed our movie and were quite flabbergasted at how long it took. It was to the point we were standing up awkwardly by our table waiting to leave and one of the other waiters had to go to the back, find our check and card and get us taken care of. Our actual server never came back! Totally unacceptable service (although the other times i have been here, the service was at least average/standard).
(2)
Thomas L.
"Best fries" in Austin? Close, but not the "best." However, the fries are unique and you're not going to get fries like that anywhere else in Austin. At least they come out piping hot, crispy and with a great dipping sauce. We also had the stuffed mushrooms with pesto sauce stuffed inside. It was very good. Highly recommend this to any stuffed mushroom lover. However, we also ordered the country fried pork cutlet and cast iron skillet steak (8 oz) and those just felt mediocre for being the favorites/specials of the night. The country fried pork cutlet felt almost too dry for me, but the batter and gravy was good. Still prefer Hoover's if I'm looking for a great country fried anything. The mashed potatoes were good, but the green beans tasted a little too bland. The other problem was our steak came out well-done when we had ordered medium rare, so we just had them take it back because even then, it didn't taste too great. Overall, I guess you could say the experience didn't bold to well food-wise, but I have been here before when I was in college, so I know they can do better. I still love the ambience of the restaurant and the service was great as always. I'd try it again, but not anytime soon.
(3)
Kevin B.
For starters, I had the stuffed mushrooms. I wasnt that impressed and wouldn't order again. The mushrooms were stuffed with something but didn't seem like it went well with the mushroom. The red potatoes my dad ate were old. Me and my mate had the Penne Florentine and the Lemon Shrimp Capellini BOTH were way over-priced for the over-cooked noodles and a disappointing amount of shrimp on the plate. The noodles were mushy in the Capellini and the Penne Florentine was bland. The alcoholic drinks aren't that strong so if I'm going to pay that much for a margarita in a tall glass I BETTER FEEL IT! I can just go down the street to El Caribe and order a small margarita for under 4 bucks (limit 3) and only need one drink to feel good. Boo HPBG.
(2)
Megan H.
When I saw a Yelp review pic of the Texas Roadhouse fries I knew it was love at first sight. The pic looked exactly like my meal. My gal pals shared this hidden treasure and loved it!! I had the chicken fried chicken, which was amazing. The cornbread was good. Service was a bit slow but well worth the wait I guess bc It was packed, hence the great Southern food. My friend loved her collard greens so if you're into that dish, she recommends it.
(4)
Richelle O.
This was basically the most disappointing dining experience in Austin, if not in my entire life. This restaurant came highly recommended as one I should definitely try in my neighborhood, so maybe I had too high expectations. The food was worse than low-end pre-frozen microwaved diner food. You might like this place if you grew up as a starving child in western Africa and this was the first place your adoptive parents took you when you arrived in the US. Otherwise, steer clear and don't believe anyone who tells you this place is great, and you *have* to try the fries. Trust me, it's not worth it. Ignore my advice and I guarantee you will experience extreme buyers remorse and mild heartburn.
(1)
Lauren B.
As long as I can remember, my parents always brought my sister and I to this place every time we visited Austin. Now that I live so close, I go as often as I can because the food reminds me of home (literally and its all homemade). If there is one thing you get, make sure you get their famous (buttermilk & deep fried) french fries... w/ extra Hyde Park sauce! OMG I could eat those everyday... just amazing! I have tried most of their salads (Asian Chicken Salad is my favorite though) and all have been very good. My go-to dish there is the Pork Roast Shepherd's Pie - the meat is perfectly cooked & seasoned. Then you add those green chile mashed potatoes in the roast and ohhhh my its just perfect! There may be a wait since the place isn't the biggest... but I promise you will not be disappointed in the food here if you want homemade & delish!
(5)
Jess B.
No. Just No. Never again. Ordered the Hyde Park Hash- says sweet potato hash. There were about 10 micro pieces of sweet potato. The rest was over fried super greasy regular potatoes. Horrible. BF had migas. He said it was flavorless. We were crammed in this corner like sardines. Brunch was a bust. Atleast I was in good company.
(1)
jeff r.
They removed artichoke hearts from the menu. They've been on the menu for decades for a reason, they were fantastic. I won't be back, decisions this stupid are impossible to ignore. Update: Heard back as the comment below from Lucy shows and the hearts are back! As a result I'm editing this review back to five stars, kudos for listening to your customers!
(5)
Andrew D.
The food is indulgent, almost reminiscent of a national bar and grill chain but without the awesomely thin tortilla chips. However, HPB&G does offer an ambiance and menu a notch above the typical, they just don't execute at that level. My oh-so-adventurous selection? To start, the fried mushrooms. Golden golf ball sized treasures when coupled with the dipping sauce. For the main course, I had what's known as a Smoked Turkey Muffuletta. Being from the west coast and a sandwich connoisseur, I knew I had to try this alien sub. True to form, it had mozzarella, tapenade, and turkey, but the cheese had congealed and the tapenade was a bit salty for my taste. The fries were...different, but I wouldn't say better than most other fries. But I like spicy things, including fries and these definitely weren't that. Perhaps you will feel differently. Overall, everything was decent, but I wasn't impressed...and I wanted to be impressed. HPB&G...slightly better than Chili's.
(3)
John R.
I've yet to understand what is good about the fries. When they're VERY hot they're alright, but I usually tend to get lukewarm fries that are pretty bland. The food is fine but nothing has ever really blown me away. I've never been served what I'd call a bad meal, but they've always just been middle of the road. The last time I went, my mimosa seemed to be mostly orange juice. That said, I still go occasionally, as friends con me into going every now and then. I just always end up staring longingly out the window wishing we'd gone to Mothers instead.
(2)
Lady R.
I like this place for: The nice and very attentive staff; everyone likes to smile, be friendly here and they are clean cut. LIKE! The decorations/tables and chairs; has a nice feeling to it not casual and not too fancy. Cleanliness; pretty good for Austin I don't like this place because: It's freezing inside. The food is served in the smallest portions I have ever seen. We have come here multiple times and the size of the meal never fills us up. Dinner or lunch. The wait for your food also takes forever. white rice as a side shouldn't have to be paid for esp when you are getting a $17 plate. Some of the food is really bland. I wouldn't recommend getting a salad here or their fish. I think a good indication on whether the food is good is if customers finish their food. During our times here everyone always leaves a lot of leftovers. iced tea's are diluted with a lot of water. Other than this is a great place to meet up with one or two friends and has a great location on duval. Just an ok place.
(3)
M F.
I felt that the menu was limited to regional fare which has been made in a gourmet style in order to justify small portions at reasonably high prices. The actual food was well prepared and tasty, but really,two small fish tacos with no accoutrements is an entree in Austin? My husband's entree was a piece of chicken. Period. Sides are separate. Now, quality was good, but if I hadn't had peanuts before we went, I'd have left hungry. I also thought the menu was limited.
(2)
Keely S.
Their fries and peach pie are KILLER. The entrees weren't memorable, but I'll probably come back again some time just for fries and pie. Glutinous, much? The atmosphere was great...who doesn't love a converted house turned restaurant? Sorry though...you can't get more than 3 stars on fries, pie, and atmosphere alone! :)
(3)
Frances L.
If you want to feel like you are having a healthy heartattack, you should come here. The sandwiches sound super fresh ... eggplant, yellowfin, etc. but in reality, let's not lie to ourselves ... they're huge sandwiches that are kind of greasy (in a good way) and stacked mile high with layers of veggies, meat, etc! but it's all yummy. i also tried the wom kim peach pudding because i saw so many yelp-ers talk about it ... i liked it, but i didn't love it. it reminded me of mushy sweet cornbread haha. but it was still good. i think im more of a chocolate girl and they definitely have chocolate dessert options as well. the only thing really off about the restaurant was the ambiance and the waitstaff ... it screamed old people. which was just really weird in a neighborhood that is increasingly becoming younger. plus it's situated next to mother's, julio's, and quack's which are much more casual and ...young? oh idk, i guess as long as the food is good, then meh... and the food was good. i have some good pictures on my blog: lesmerles.blogspot.com/2…
(4)
David D.
My date and I ate there last night. Let me first say that the service was excellent. Our server was attentive without hovering. I also enjoyed the atmosphere. There was a nice, relaxed vibe to the place. We started with the steamed dumplings. They looked like the ones that you get in a bag at Costco and tasted alright. The sauce that came with them was really good, with a nice but not overwhelming bite to it. I ordered the fried chicken and it was fairly good, but nothing special. The mashed potatoes were good, but not earth shaking. My date told me I HAD to have the fries and they turned out to be....meh. They were effectively flavorless. Admittedly my expectations were high, but they didn't even come close. My date had one of the fish dishes and loved it. I would be willing to give it another try next time I'm in the area.
(3)
Shaun K.
I've heard good things about this place, but it didn't really work out for me. I liked the atmosphere, service, location, and fries;), but not the food. Me and my buddy had meatloaf and chicken fried steaks, and we found it too salty. Our waitress recommended us some sauteed veggie with bacon? as one of my sides, but it turned out to be the best choice. Sorry I'm picky, but I guess I had too much expectation.
(2)
Lola L.
Good solid food and a nice selection. Can get ridiculously busy during brunch on the weekend but the manager has always been friendly when I've arrived with a couple of friends and a pack of friends. While I'm not a fan of their infamous fries, I do love their green pepper mashed potatoes and their kobe (Texas raised) burgers are always tasty.
(4)
Albert N.
Man, I used to love this place. But the quality has slipped. When I lived in Austin, Hyde Park was on my short list of favorite casual spots. Good food, great atmosphere, and one of those places that says "Austin" without trying too hard. But on my last two visits, Hyde Park disappointed me. The signature fries were the biggest let-down -- they were mushy and without the texture and snap that made them so amazing. They hadn't changed the recipe, or so it appears, so the execution must have been off. Same thing for my other favorite, the fried chicken breast sandwich. Instead of the moist, juicy chicken breast inside a slightly crispy, delightfully gritty coating, I had greasy chicken in a soggy crust. Not good. At first I wrote this off as a one-time thing and gave 'em a second chance, but I had almost exactly the same experience on the next visit. A pity, because it's still a beautiful house. Folks, if you're in this biz, execution of your recipes is job #1. If you can't do that, the rest doesn't matter.
(2)
Sarah W.
Seating: My ONLY complaint about this place is how small it is. We (3 of us) sat next to a couple and could litterally hear every sweet nothing he whispered to her. I felt uncomfortable because I knew whatever I talked about would be heard by others. Service: Our waitress was not only helpful but pleasant and always smiling. She answered all of our questions and continuously checked on us. Food: Very prompt and tasted AMAZING! They are known for their fries...must have appetizer for a reason!!! The portions are HUGE for the price and we all left with doggy bags. I will soooo be back!!! All in all very affordble, huge portions, friendly prompt service, and just a great menu!
(4)
Angela C.
I've been going to Hyde Park for years (both locations), and the food is consistent and delicious. Not suprisingly, this is a well known Austin Favorite. My only warning would be to watch out ordering the famous Hyde Park Fries during 'off' hours, I've noticed that if not served during lunch or dinner hours, they can be less fresh or perhaps simply reheated. Other than that everything here is spot on! What to order a Hyde Park: Chicken & Dumplings..YUMMY!! Turkey Burger.....Simple yet filling! Angus Burger....Watch Out, you will leave very FULL, but HAPPY!! Salmon....YOWZA, light yet filling, ask them to go easy on the pesto. Asian Grilled Chick. Salad....WOW!!!! Ask for extra sauce, you won't regret it!! Everyone MUST try the Won Kim's peach pudding for dessert. BEWARE: Wear your Stretchy Pants :)
(5)
Adam T.
THE GOOD: The soups, the Pimento Cheese sandwich (one of the few places that gets it right in my opinion), the stir-fry, the dumplings, the catfish, the routinely exceptional service I've received consistently for over two years. A wonderful Sunday brunch spot if you live in Central. THE BAD: the "hot bacon" salad dressing. Warm dressing = ew. The fries for being the same type of fries as every other mid-tier casual dining place ever, which means yes, you'll have a vague stomach-ache about 20 minutes after eating. THE UGLY: The Horseshoe. *Shudder*
(4)
Sara M.
Having just moved to Austin (and the Hyde Park neighborhood, specifically) from San Francisco, I was excited to find a local restaurant so close. The food is average at best, but the location is convenient. Unfortunately, I will no longer be dining here. I recently ordered a steak for dinner, only to suffer an allergic reaction because they put walnuts in the sauce. I had alerted my server to my nut allergy, but she didn't even know that walnuts were in the sauce. When I started getting sick, the manager had to ask the chef directly. So here's a message Hyde Park Grill: It's time to pay to get new menus printed -- with notes about what items are in each dish. Then take it a step further -- make sure your servers know the menu. A menu update wouldn't hurt either.
(1)
Claire R.
The one positive thing about this place is that the french fries are delicious. And whatever sauce they come with, tastes like spicy mayo with Old Bay seasoning or something, was delicious. Service: Our waiter was not very friendly. I think she was annoyed we all ordered water. I had the fried egg sandwich and it was only OK, I've had better. And really, how hard is it to make a fried egg sandwich?!?! This place is not tasty and it made my stomach hurt.
(2)
Adam B.
Went in to pick up a carryout order and the restaurant was full. The older shorter male manager with brown hair and glasses rudely directed me to the end of the bar to get my pickup order in a frantic and dickish manner. The black dude with dreads who got me my food was attentive and very friendly. The burger was a joke. Frozen and uber overpriced. Never again
$4 french fries. It said it's the best fries in Austin on their menu. But it's too greasy. I don't know why it's the best. Maybe I'm not interested in any fries. Actually their sweet potato cubes taste better. We had eggplant sandwich and almond covered trout. eggplant mixed with mushroom and olives. It tastes so good. Trout needs more flavors. The waitress came many times to check on us.
(3)
Jessie R.
Disclaimer: This review is for Hyde Park Grill's weekend brunch. I've been trying for several days to try and come up with a way to describe my thoughts about the brunch we had at Hyde Park Grill and have drawn a blank. Maybe that in and of itself should be enough of a description. The best I can do is to call it standard. Average. Run of the mill. You won't find any interesting variations of your favorite brunch classics here, but you will find the standard menu of eggs benedict, migas, omelet, belgian waffle, etc. When the food arrives, it will be served with semi-cold hash-browns that seem like they were prepared at the start of the day and left in a big pan to be scooped out for each order. In fact, my eggs benedict weren't that warm, either. The staff is trained well to say the right things at the right times, but you can tell that their hearts aren't in it. I got the distinct impression that they would all rather be somewhere else at that moment. My overall impression? Lackluster. Don't get me wrong, the food and mimosas were decent, but I think I'll try a different spot next time when my eggs benny craving hits.
(3)
Ashley S.
As my boyfriend and I explored our new home in Hyde Park, we chose Hyde Park Bar & Grill for a Sunday brunch. It was fairly crowded around noon, but we were able to order quickly and get our food quickly. The brunch menu was inexpensive and very yummy - I got the Migas and my boyfriend got the Mushroom Omelet. They also had brunch drink specials that we didn't partake in, but looked delicious. Parking was easy to find and the ambience of the restaurant was enjoyable -- I especially liked the black and white photos of farm animals on the walls! I will be taking my family members here when they come to visit!
(4)
Vincent N.
An old stand-by. Great place to get some meatloaf, chicken-fried steak, and their amazing french fries. I really don't dig Hoover's, so this has become my default place to get some good "home cookin'." Their service has always been great, and everyone is always very nice there. Get the fries!
(4)
Heather L.
The fries lived up to the hype; they were delicious and the dipping sauce was perfect however, I prefer my fries without a side of bad attitude. My first visit to Hyde Park Bar & Grill last night might be my last. The host: a grump, the bartender: grumpy, and our server: grumpier. My chicken fried steak was really good, the collard greens were seared perfectly and I tried a bite of my husband's sirloin burger and there was nothing wrong with it either, but the negativity in the place ruined my experience. Maybe there was just a bad staff meeting before dinner service and the rudeness I experienced is not the norm, but if I go back and the funk is still in the air, I won't be dining there again. Cheer up staff; your crankiness is a major bummer that even buttermilk battered fries can't fix.
(3)
Ian R.
This place isn't amazing but it has a few things going for it that keep me coming back. Every entree I've tried here has been good, and also relatively healthy. I often come here to break up studying at Flightpath or Epoch. Their kitchen is open late, and even at 11pm they do a good job of preparing tasty food quickly. I generally get the salmon or chicken, served with 2 sides, and a glass of red wine for under $20. Not bad, especially considering the neighborhood. The bar tender here is a nice guy. I might come here for a first dinner date. Its not fancy and its not slummy. I've never had the fries or burgers here, but they claim best fries in town.
(4)
Robin S.
This is a review of the original HPBAG on Duval. (as an aside, since I have been reviewing restaurants, I have been eating more, and not going to the gym. Not good. Perhaps I should start reviewing gyms). The atmosphere here is so good, I find, that anything wrong with the place can be overlooked. Which, really, I have yet to find much. I love the local artwork, the fact that it feels like (is in? I sadly do not know) an old house. The drinks are well poured. The food is quite good; nothing particularly spicy or fancy but its comfort food (people complaining about multi-courses being served too close to each other need to look elsewhere). I'm going with the fries: they are really good. get the cajun trout with devotion and its always good. Once I had the chicken salad sandwich and it was a little more just meh. My husband loves the horshoe sandwich, though he usually can't plough through all the fries and only gets a bit or two of sammich. The servers are generally pleasant though occasonally a tad forgetful, but not obtrusive and prompt with food and drinks. The prices are really good for the quality, and I like the range in prices for the menu.
(4)
Mel G.
I'm quite a fan of Hyde Park usually so my review is only about my experience today. Unfortunately, that experience was one of the worst I've had at any restaurant, ever. I'm not gonna say that everything that could go wrong did (our service was perfectly fine and they didn't sit us by the door at that crappy 2 person table), but the dining experience was abysmal. My boyfriend and I have argued over whether it gets 1 star or 2 but since all the errors fell on his food, I let him pick the one star. He ordered chicken fried steak, it was very over battered and the bottom of it came out with a layer resembling shake and bake. So he ended up ordering a cup of soup as replacement (I had one as an appetizer and it was good). The cup of soup was served with what I would like to assume was a curly beard hair on the top of it (hesitant to consider where else it came from). Screw up once, things happen, screw up twice, I'm probably not chancing a third try. On the plus, the manager did comp our entire meal and issued us a gift card, IF we go back in the future (most likely to drink mimosas). It was one of those, "should we even bother giving you a gift card because I wouldn't come back if I were you" moments. I know these kind of things happen, but someone should at least have the attentiveness to check a plate of food going out to replace an inedible one. And as a side note, I think they need to change their dishwashing machine. The cups and silverware all had a film on them that I expect from a Chili's or Friday's not a restaurant that advertises as "fine dining" I will say that our service was perfectly fine and the manager was very apologetic. Even my food all came out well. Wish the food would've matched up on the other side of the table.
(1)
Patricia P.
Very good food, very good service, very cute outside and nice inside. I really liked this place for a more upscale lunch experience!
(4)
M G.
Yum. Everytime this place makes consistantly good food. Everything at this place is delicious. I wouldn't say this is a dieters paradice, but who cares about that when you are going out for a good time. Good wine selection with reasonable prices. Price seems a bit high when you first go here, but believe me its more than fair, and you will realise this when you taste the food. Good size portions, I regularly take a doggy bag. Another great spot for a casual dinner or dinner with friend from out of town. Very Austin. Cons: Sometimes there is a wait and the waiters can get a bit bogged down. Only because its so freaking good.
(4)
Maria V.
Definitely underwhelmed by everything. I tried their soup of the day, tomato with artichoke. Sounded good but didn't even finish it. For my entree I had the Sonora salad with some fried chicken. Just ok. My husband ordered the burger and he was also unimpressed. Their fries were pretty good but not good enough to come back for.
(3)
Frances S.
This is a solidly above average restaurant. I used to really favor this place, as the nice decor always suggested to me that the food was just as nice. The food is alright to pretty good, and the sandwiches especially are very reasonably priced for a sit-down restaurant at 6.96 to 8.95 each. Service has always been good for me here. The fries are pretty good, but nothing to write home about. They taste better when piping hot. As a huge fresh squeezed lemonade fan, DO NOT order their lemonade! It's something like $3, which I thought equated with quality, but it is just made out of powdered Country Time or something equally distasteful. Big disappointment. The desserts are alright, if not a bit overpriced for the portion size. The peach pudding is very creamy and rich (too much for me). The seasonal pie is OK, but the slice is tiny. Lastly, this is a minor quibble, but when I asked for a to-go box for my last eggplant cutlet, I was given a styrofoam box. Don't they know that styrofoam is awful for the world? I think that a restaurant's choice in material of to-go containers tells a lot about its actual class and values.
(3)
Allison W.
I really loved the ambiance of this location. It's pretty and intimate. They don't have many healthy selections on the menu, but I've tried the veggie burger and it was good. They are famous for the french fries, which I don't really understand because they weren't very flavorful (aside from the dip). I got the potato crusted tilapia and that was awesome, though. On the side they let you sub anything you want...so instead of rice pilaf I got macaroni and cheese and fresh fruit. The fruit was great; the macaroni was watery and disappointing.
(4)
Michael C.
Food ranges from mediocre to terrible. Last meal I got there I couldn't actually eat because it was so bad.
(1)
Joshua W.
GREAT FRIES. The end. Ok, I guess I have to write more than a two word review, but that pretty much sums it up. Their burgers are ok, and the crab cake sandwich they used to have on Fridays rocked. If you really want some proper comfort food and are willing to take a year or two off of your life, try the Horseshoe sandwich. It's an open faced monstrosity that involves texas toast being topped with 8 oz of ground sirloin, topped with melted chedder cheese topped with a huge mound of their epic fries, topped with more cheese sauce, topped with deiced tomatoes. Like I said, you're looking at a shorter lifespan, but I'm pretty sure it's worth it. All in all Hyde Park is a pretty good place to eat, just don't forget the fries!
(4)
Kate W.
Love Hyde Park Bar and Grill! They have wonderful fries... and great all around food, especially the asian chicken salad! Their mango margaritas are the best, and they have great service - you are seated quickly even if there is a crowd, and the food comes out quickly. My only complaint is that I miss the huge thing of fries that used to sit on top of the fork outside... what's up with the weird heart? sometimes the earth is up there too... i vote for the fries!!
(5)
Kat M.
We eat here a lot. As in, we purposely drove into Austin last night to see MI4 at the Bob Bullock IMAX (as opposed to the way closer up-north IMAX) just so we could have an excuse to go eat at Hyde Park afterwards. I gave the place 5 stars because the food I always order is worth 5 stars. I do not, however, order their famous french fries because they are only one-star. For the life of me, I cannot figure out why people love them. I theorize that people just think buttermilk battered fries sound neat --- and granted, they do LOOK neat --- but they just don't taste neat. Very, very bland. They look like they have some kind of seasoning on them, but that's just to throw you off. They are actually flavorless. But enough fry-bashing. Like I said, I've learned my lesson (several times) with the fries, so I no longer order them. Problem solved! Now, on to the good stuff. The turkey burger here is really yummy! It's nicely seasoned and if you get it on a focaccia bun with smoked gouda cheese and a side of honey mustard like I do, you will almost be in sandwich heaven. (Note: the turkey burger here actually used to be even better than it is now. A couple of years ago they seemed to have mysteriously switched brands or something, because the turkey is now not as well-seasoned or juicy as it used to be. I think they now use all-white meat turkey, so it's probably healthier, and we all know that "healthier" doesn't always equal "tastier", but it's still very good.). The smoked gouda is really delish. Very smoky and full-flavored. And the focaccia buns are yummy. On the side, I always order their green chile cheese mashed potatoes. I love mashed potatoes that are well-seasoned and chunky, and this fits the bill on both counts. My husband has an ongoing love affair with Wom Kim's Peach Pudding. And I admit, even though I forgo dessert myself, having filled up on turkey burgers and mashed potatoes, I always take a bite of his because the Wom Kim is really, really, really yumm-o. We also love the atmosphere at Hyde Park. Very Austin-y. Very much the feel of a neighborhood bar and grill. I love how it consists of several small rooms (I dislike restaurants where you sit in a giant, cavernous room and feel like you have no privacy). And I especially love how they have local artwork that constantly changes hanging on the walls. Every time we go, the artwork is different! Granted, we seldom like the artwork, but it does make for good conversation and a fun experience, especially since it's different every time. Oh, forgot to mention ---- my husband loves the fried egg sandwich. I wish he didn't. But he does. Service here is always very friendly. Very down-to-earth , but professional, waitstaff. Check out Hyde Park Bar and Grill. Skip the fries, though, and save room for some Wom Kim.
(5)
Bill K.
The HPBG on Duvall - went there had the French Fries - yup - the best (batter dipped) - must have. Got the Egg Plant Parm - crispy - just the way I like it - the fettucine was dry though - nothing on it at all. The Whits Chocolate cake was dry - good - but dry. The Peach Cake in a cream sauce though is to die for. The waitress was attentive and excellent - very rapid with the food. This place is recommended. Be aware - no reservations - parking is limited at best.
(4)
Jeffrey L.
consistently very good food. Garden side salad fantastic; great fries (with their mayo-based chipotle (?) dipping sauce), chicken fried steak, fish dishes, shepherd's pie. Have eaten here approx 8 times in past several yrs (it's just a little too far to drive from Round Rock), and have been satisfied every time. good luck parking, however. May want to come on your motorcycle.
(4)
Sam S.
#NAME?
(4)
P C.
I have been here about 6 times. Each time I hope the Gluten free menu will have improved. The last time I went they had changed the look of the menu which was nice, but they took off some of the gluten free choices so there is almost nothing to choose from. we asked the waiter if there were any other choices that were gluten free. usually the waiters work with me and try to figure something out but this waiter was clueless. He didn't even know the menu. We had to leave because he said he couldnt help us.
(1)
G H.
Not any more! Sadly, this place that was once a favorite of ours has slipped. Not even close to what it used to be. My meatloaf (which had been GREAT in the past) was overcooked, dry and dense. It honestly looked like the "meatloaf" you see at those big buffet places...the stuff that's been cut and laying around on the steam table for several hours. It was covered with a skimmed over (by the time it reached our table) gravy. The flavorless, dry mashed potatoes with it didn't help. Sadly, this is probably the last time we'll eat at this neighborhood comfort-food former favorite of ours.
(1)
Mary E F.
I can only speak for what I ordered but it was delicious. I wanted a veggie burger - but they were out. That is not good - but my alternate choice was much better. I got the veggie plate with collards (OK it has bacon - not veggie, but I cheat with bacon), roasted sweet potatoes (just a teeny bit spicey - so tasty), cilantro rice (also delicious) and green beans (the green beans were just OK - normal but good - just right amount of crispness, not limp at all). The collards were probably my favorite - but I will definitely go back and get the same thing. I just wish they had a little bit of bread or cornbread to go with it. We got there just before 11:00 and weren't sure if they were open - as we drove by. And a waiter was standing in the window and waved at us to indicate that they were in fact open. Cool.
(4)
Khuyen P.
After 6 years of separation, I was reunited with my favorite fries in Austin. Seriously, the thought of those buttermilk battered fries and tartar sauce [really, just thousand island sauce. leave me alone, i've lived in socal for too long but nevertheless great!] were enough to make me come here for my first dinner back in town. I ordered the chicken fried chicken....very good but had a slight fake butter taste in the gravy. I wished I had room for dessert, but alas, I didn't get my famous Wom Kim's Peach Pudding.... Sigh. I really would take those fries home if only they tasted as good as they did fresh out of the kitchen.
(5)
Alex M.
Some of the waiters are mighty sexy. But: The french fries are ever so much better at Opal Divine's. And really, when you want fries, you want a beer. Not a bunch of Hyde Parkers who smuggly own while you continue to rent.
(3)
Pat C.
We recieved great service and the food was good. We purchased the Groupon special, where you get twenty dollars worth of food for just 10 dollars. I ordered the chicken fried steak and their delicious fries. It was pretty good. Their bread pudding for dessert is to die for! If it were not for the distance, I would probably visit more often.
(3)
Sydney T.
I still really like HPBG. The eggplant parmesan was delicious. The fries were really good (but really bad for you). Too bad I can't say the same thing for their margaritas -- I would skip those if I were you. The staff has always been really friendly to me. The only downside is that there is no lobby, so waiting around for a table is pretty awkward. You feel like you're in everyone's way.
(4)
Robert C.
Had lunch here today. I love the interior. Very clean with a nice modern feel to it. You could tell they were winding down from their lunch rush as they were seating everyone that came in to dine in the side rooms so it seemed way more crowded than it actually was. We were next to 2 separate families with kids that had obviously just learned to talk (because they couldn't stop doing it). I have to say here that I have nothing against children or people bringing their children out to eat. In fact, today I had the honor of hearing our child's heartbeat for the first time so I need to get used to those squeaky voices sooner than later. I just wish they hadn't corralled everyone together like that. There was plenty of room in the dining hall and it could have been a very intimate lunch if they hadn't. Moving on...we had the stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer. They were good but could use some salt, kinda bland. This surprised me as they were stuffed with a pesto cream cheese, battered and then deep-fried...shoulda been plenty of flavor there right? I had the 10 oz pork chop (which they also fry) and my wife had the turkey burger. The latter was delicious and came with some awesome fries. My pork chop did exactly what I thought it would when they fried it; it shrank. I only got like 6 healthy bites out of it before it was gone. Sad because it tasted excellent. For $14 I feel like the portion should have been much larger. All in all it was a decent meal but for $40 it coulda been much better. The service was excellent BTW
(2)
Bobbyray D.
The Horeshoe. When all hope is questionable and nothing seems to be going how you want it.. order a horseshoe ...(i beleive that is the name of the plate) its two pieces of texas toast topped with a chicken fried steak gravy. Fries and more gravy..... this meal alone is enough to cause cardiac arrest or a huge smile to keep your tummy content for a few days...
(5)
Ryan N.
I wait tables at a fairly nice place, so I realize that any criticisms I have of the service when I go out to eat can be a bit like a drummer getting irritated by the snare sound when attending a local punk show. Regardless, my first visit to Hyde Park B&G in years found the place, um, "service-challenged." We were greeted fairly promptly, at which point we both asked for ice waters, and I requested an orange cream soda (love those). She returned with the waters, but no soda. Our waitress was all like, "oh--you wanted a Fat Tire, right?" And I was like, "no, I wanted an orange cream soda." She left to rectify the situation... ...And returned with a regular cream soda. I like those, too (just not as much), so decided to just roll with it. At this point, we ordered. An appetizer (pork dumplings), Caesar salad, and two entrees. Three courses, right? Nope. My dining companion's salad arrived first, followed in short succession by the appetizer, then entrees about three minutes after that. We were actually in a bit of a hurry, so no real harm done. It just seemed sloppy, though. So when our entrees arrived, my date cut into her veggie burger to discover... ...Beef. She figured it out immediately, and the mistake was fixed fairly quickly. She is not a vegetarian, but this kind of thing could very easily create a pretty f'd up situation for someone who was. My entree (blackened tuna salad) was just fine, and her burger likewise sufficed once it arrived. Nothing we ate blew me away, though. I know that mistakes do happen, and--believe it or not--I actually make them myself on occasion. But I also know that waiting tables is not rocket surgery. Our server was perfectly nice, and maybe we just caught her on an off-night. Or maybe I just need to check my uptight waiter 'tude at the door when I go out to eat. (Actually 2 1/2 star review, but I'm willing to round up for benefit of the doubt).
(3)
Kim L.
I'm not a fan of reviews that just rant unhappily... But this experience must be shared. Yesterday a fellow yelper and I went to Hyde Park for a early afternoon margarita. (We're grad students and it's the end of the semester. It's a necessary thing.) Anyway, the first glaring if not unforgivable slip up was when the waiter reversed our mango and lime margaritas, even after insisting that he was giving them to us the right way around. (It took us the entire time we were their to figure this out. We both just thought ours tasted funny. Grad school has rotted our brains.) The unforgivable part of the experience came next. A couple of young college students were seated next to us. They ordered fries and were brought waters. My friend was in the middle of venting about a particularly frustrating experience but I was suddenly somewhat distracted by the way the couple next to us was acting about their waters. "Is that a shrimp?" I heard them ask. The waiter came by, apologized briefly and took the waters away. We talked to our mortified fellow diners and found out there was a cockroach in one of their waters! A big one at that-- We could see the shadow of it from our table! But it wasn't only the presence of the cockroach or the fact that the waiter somehow didn't notice it. Ultimately, I was horrified and repulsed by the way the waiter handled the situation. There were no massive apologies or offers to comp the meal. No manager swooped in and said he'd make it right. Instead, the waiter went back and got the couple new waters. Directly from the ice bin this time, he said. He apologized briefly again and that was it. The couple, thoroughly mortified, left. We quickly finished our margaritas and went on to Julio's down the street for our second...
(1)
Kat M.
I love Hyde Park Bar and Grill. The ambiance is comforting and the staff is always friendly. The soups are amazing and always home made. I love the salad dressing and the fries are absolutely amazing with the sauce. I have tried myself to replicate them but its not really possible. The sides are comforting as well as any of the dishes. I have ordered something from every category in the menu and they seem to know what they are doing in the kitchen. I last had the tuna special and the lobster sauce was awesome with thick chunks of lobster and the sides that came with it were perfect. I have been coming here for over five years and have never walked away disappointed. K
(5)
A M.
While this place is a staple of all that is Austin in the heart of Hyde Park-it is just decent. It is the kind of place that if you live close by, and you want a casual evening out with your SO you may want to check out. Otherwise don't waste your gas.
(3)
Sarah M.
I lived in Hyde Park for almost six months before dining at Hyde Park Bar & Grill....sacrilege! The big old house with the fork-and-french-fry sign sits on Duval kitty-korner to HP's tiny main drag. While there is almost always a wait for dinner, you won't be disappointed. HPBG offers a decent sized menu, a variety of drinks, good, hot soups, and those famous french fries of which everyone speaks so highly. (Although I must say, they are a bit potato-ey for my taste.) I would particularly recommend the Chicken and Artichoke Alfredo ($10.95). Basil chicken, artichoke, penne pasta, diced Roma tomato, alfredo sauce, and a fresh, soft roll. But there's no need to limit your options to pasta - Hyde Park is truly an American bar & grill, offering pizza, pasta, soups, salads, burgers, seafood, meat and potatoes. Moderately priced, but be careful because a dinner for two adds up! You pay separately for soups, salads & sides with an entree. And the taste buds said...Scrumptious. hydeparkbarandgrill.com
(4)
Laurelin O.
Do NOT go to Hyde Park B&G. They used to a great place to go eat but each time i've gone this year the food is horrible. I've had to send back my last 3 entree's due to overcooking or just rotten lettuce in my salad. They used to be a great restaurant but they're completely gone downhill.
(1)
Dan F.
This place is solid - a true standard. The atmosphere could use a bit of an adjustment, either towards the more casual or more formal, but right now it just kind of sits in this weird in between spot that is a bit confusing. The service is excellent as is the food. The french fries are definitely worth a taste, but see my review of Bits and Druthers for my opinion of the best fries in town.
(4)
Stephanie T.
My pet peeve? Bad Waitstaff. So I joined a few friends here for dinner after we attended the Room to Read Beers for Books Event at Dolce Vita. Can I just say that our waitress sucked? She had this look of total disgust and impatience on her face as she waited for our small group of 5 to order. Ok, so we were a little talkative over her, so what? She didn't even smile - she had no sense of humor. So the 2 stars is for her. The food was alright - not great like everyone raves. Maybe they are going downhill?
(2)
William M.
Hyde Park Bar & Grill was recommended to me by some friends of mine so I figured I would go check it out. We went a little bit later so it was in the middle of the dinner rush but the host was polite and nice and we were seated within 20 minutes. The first thing I noticed upon sitting down is that the tables were kind of close together but didn't affect things too much. Our waitress that we had was not very good as she would often times walk right by our table when we needed drink refills or had some other request. I ordered the muffaletta which was not very good. There was some sauce on it that was way overpowering. As many have said the fries were just mediocre. They were good but nothing special. Just typical fries.
(2)
Toonces ..
I'm not sure how so many people could have so many bad experiences with Hyde Park, but I've always had great experiences there. The service has always been nice and the food always great, except for the Horseshoe Sandwich. I love their Chicken Fried Steak and my absolute favorite are their fries! They batter the fries and they're speckled with sesame seeds or something, but they're soooo yummy to me! Personally, I think it's a great place for a nice homestyle meal with a nice atmosphere. I will admit that it can be a little cold in there much of the time. I have no idea why they crank the AC up so much. Also, though they're relatively clean most of the time, sometimes, they have a not so fresh smell, like there's some old food that fell on the floor and crusted there. I guess I'm not selling this so well, but I really do enjoy their food overall. It's also in my neighborhood! :)
(4)
Amanda A.
I've never had a bad meal here. Definitely had to wait for a while to get seated, but I think it's totally worth it. Whether I'm in the mood for a burger, fresh veggies, fish or whatnot, it's always great. I agree with the other reviewer who said they choose this place over seafood restaurants every time for the fish: me too. The catfish, salmon, and fish specials are always out of this world. And the fries are my hands-down favorite.
(5)
sarah b.
This place is great! Cool atmosphere, great art, good wine selection, reasonably priced. I'm also from out of town and I appreciated the good South Western flair that made the dishes interesting but not over-the-top. Had the tamales, goat cheese tart, lentil soup, crab cake entree, cheese cake, brownie. The crab cakes were outstanding and I highly recommend the brownie. And yes the fries were very good. There were four of us who showed up at around 7 and there was a 45 minute wait, so I would definitely try and show up a little earlier.
(4)
Tracy J.
I've been very happy here. Nice, friendly neighborhood atmosphere. I really enjoyed the salmon. Both that and the broccoli were cooked perfectly. My friend's beef dish was great. Good sweet potato fries. Really nothing I didn't like.
(5)
Mary D.
I agree with Josh L. Disappointing. Had heard great things, but for the most part, the food is bland and over-priced. Prices are based on the neighborhood, not the food. While I do believe we received quality food, it was 'eh' for flavor. They are known for their fries. Those were good. I believe they were cooked twice - like good fries should be. They're chicken-fried fries, served with bland sauces. We had the specials: scallops and beef stew. The scallops we coated; so when you cut or bit into them the coating (shell?) of flavor separated from the scallop. Weird and disappointing. The spinach was raw and the sauce was hiding underneath. Just a strange ensemble. The beef stew was lukewarm, flavorless, and covered in... cheese! Yes, cheese and fresh tomato, and the cheese didn't even melt. It was basic beef, celery, carrot, blah. That was $12 for about a cup of of stew with 1/2 cup of cold cheese & tomatoes sans salt or pepper. Did I mention the green chiles? No? Because you could barely taste them in the 'green chile stew.' Nice atmosphere. Friendly staff. Quality ingredients. I'd go back for the fries, then head to one of the neighboring businesses for a meal.
(2)
Nicole L.
FANCY. DENNY'S. Before I start, a caveat: All the servers are always super nice. Now, let's begin. Do you like limp half-dead spinach leaves tossed joylessly with your iceberg lettuce? Well, some people call that a salad! How about croutons from a bag made special for you with fake butter? Top it all off with en masse salad dressing a la Sysco Corporation and voila! C'est not at all magnifique. The sad thing is, I used to like this place a lot. I grew up 4 blocks away, and it was always the fancy place. I guess that was back in the 80s and they've let themselves go. Even the decor is just begging for help. Dirty chair legs, cracked upholstery, scuffed-up base-boards... (not to mention overpriced "art" on the walls that would be better placed in the "what to do with all your craft leftovers" section of a Hobby Lobby catalog...). If you deign to dine here, may I suggest a low-lit evening meal if at all. I did, however, appreciate the no-questions-asked taking away of our catfish when we both bit in and realized how fishy it tasted. All this on top of weak tea and stale crackers... I think I'm not going back if I can ever help it. And really, when you're surrounded by the likes of Julio's and Mother's, if you're HPBG, you probably kinda wanna step up your game. One cannot live on "pretty good" fries alone. The next time I consider being over-charged by a dining establishment to heat up their pre-frozen selections, I'll, uh, heat up my own damned leftovers at home.
(2)
Lauren F.
This place is the Harrison Ford of restaurants. It won't knock your socks off but probably won't disappoint you (unless it tries to be the president, then even Gary Oldman can't save it). Yes Hyde Park has fries, the Star Wars of their menu (obsessed over past their quality). The Mac and Cheese is truly the Blade Runner here, sexy and futuristic, with just enough Rutger Hauer.
(3)
Megan M.
You know what they say, the original is always the best. Last night we decided to enjoy an evening out after traversing the city looking at chairs. We hadn't been to this location in a long time, and the other one kind of let us down, so we decided we wanted to redeem our relationship with HPB&G. And my, my, my, did our hearts get set aflame! We started with the chicken quesadillas, which were fabulous. The salsas they came with were finger-licking good. We fought over the last triangle...but since I had 3 already, I thought it was fair my companion get the last triangle. He had the Red Chile Rubbed NY Strip and I was very jealous as he let me have a taste along with his green chile & cheese mashed potatoes. We both got the broccoli (which I always finish). I got the blackened Farm Raised Catfish - which comes with a side of fries, too. If you have never had the fries, you have never lived. Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience and all the staff we encountered were very friendly. One thing I wish they would do would be to make chips n' queso. That would've hit the spot most definitely last night, but we did enjoy the quesadillas. Plus, there were children at the next table really wanting some queso- which only helped exemplify my argument that this need be a chips n' queso-carrying establishment.
(5)
Kathryn W.
We came here last night for dinner because it's one of the many eateries in walking distance in Hyde Park. Arrived at about 6:30 on a Monday night and there were plenty of tables open (but they filled up quickly after about 7:00) and were seated immediately. Great space and it looked there was a variety of date-nighters, families, and friends catching up over a meal. This is a good place to take out of town friends or family if you need a big menu (both food & drink) to satisfy a lot of people. Parking is very limited out front but you may have some luck in the neighborhoods. We started with the sweet corn tamales - 6 little tamales with a bit of a kick. They were delicious. I had the chopped steak and it was "fine" but a bit on the greasy side with mashed potatoes and BBQ broccoli. I would probably order something else on my next visit. It wasn't very memorable. Husband had the pork Mac & Cheese and raved about it. Talk about clean plate club. Decent prices on everything and would probably be back in again for lunch or dinner. They also offer fried chicken on Monday & Tuesdays.
(3)
Allison M.
This is where we go when we want some reliably good, solid food and wine. Service is always prompt, professional, and efficient; cocktails are good; menu is not so large that you can't make a decision, nor so small that you don't feel like you have any choices. They offer some gluten free foods and are considerate about warning you off things that are batter coated. It can get a little noisy when it's crowded, as it often is, but that just adds to the neighborhood feel of the place. Parking is a bit hairy sometimes, but nowhere near as bad as it can get at other restaurants. It's the kind of place people walk to, anyway. A nice place to spend an evening with friends or family.
(4)
Cindy A.
Thank you for carrying Omission beer and naked fries. Dave, Kevin and Patrick make me feel at home and the food makes me smile.
(5)
Emily S.
Great for Sunday brunch! The migas are pretty delicious, but there are a variety of tasty options. Staff is always friendly.
(4)
John W.
Yes, the fries are good, but the real star of the menu is the fat kid delight (totally made that up, b t dubbs) - a bowl of Mac and cheese, pepper mix, slow roasted pork... And if that isn't enough, a soft boiled egg. I went in for a Saturday dinner a few weeks ago with a girlfriend and this place didn't disappoint. Seriously, we didn't say one word to each other for the 13 minutes it took us to devour the dish. Embarrassing? Maybe. But we've got no shame in our game, yo.
(4)
Brad P.
First time here, and I will definitely come again. The service was fantastic. An attentive, fun & friendly server helped us throughout the lunch. The food was great (I had some chicken and guacamole sandwich). The french fries are delicious and well-known. Someone in my party ordered their lunch special, which she did not enjoy. they graciously took it back and cooked her something else. and it is in a cool/old house. Really enjoyed myself and am looking forward to going back.
(4)
shannon h.
I rarely if at all write a negative review, but I am so beyond disappointed. We are moving to the neighborhood and have been scoping out several of the local restaurants nearby. We figured, based on the great reviews and location, that this place was going to be our go to place. Sadly, I'm not sure if I have the guts to come back. Out server was wonderful. Let me start off by saying that. He was just stellar, and from looking around and seeing the other servers, they all looked awesome too. So five stars on that. We arrived and no one sat us for a while. No biggie. Seemed dark and dreary. Soooo....I was starving. Pregnant me starving is not pretty. I ordered the first thing I saw on the menu. It sounded wonderful! Homemade chips with burrata cheese, tomatillo, salsa, avocados, olive oil. Was not expecting it to come all mushed up together. But whatever, it was fine. Certainly not $8 fine, no way! I ordered the fish tacos and my husband ordered some pork and Mac n cheese dish. So this is where I kept envisioning Gordon Ramsey on Kitchen Nightmares saying over and over "what a shame, bollocks!" My fish tacos, when picked up had so much watery juice spilling out when I picked it up that it splashed all over the other taco and plate. But then came the bad part. It smelled sour. I mean like a dirty dish towel in need of a good bleaching. And it wasn't my pregger nose. My husband took a few bites and grimaced and kept smelling it. We were both stunned and didn't know what to say. Was it supposed to smell that way? I took a bite of his and nearly gagged. It looked pretty pathetic, his dish. But I was so surprised by the sweetness of it. Who wants sugary Mac n cheese?? My stomach started going nuts and the baby was kicking like crazy. I felt so nauseous. My stomach is so upset right now and this is not typical pregnancy stuff for me this far along. I think it was the sour fish taco. Left with a $40 ticket plus tip. Sad waste of money and time. May be this was a fluke. But Monday night never again!
(2)
Lyndsey M.
Hyde Park Bar and Grill used to get a consistent 4 stars (and the desserts 5 star) from me. My S.O. and I would go at least once a week. Back when they had the frequent diner card, we redeemed it 4 or 5 times. The last two times I've been, however, they have been mediocre. I noticed the menu change right away. Some of my favorites were gone - most notably the green chile mashed potatoes, shrimp with polenta, and a grilled basil chicken that had a wonderful mushroom sauce. They have been replaced with buttermilk mashed potatoes, and pan roasted chicken.. shrimp no where on the menu. So, I've gone two Fridays over the past couple of months. The first time I got the special - pulled pork sandwich. While the description sounded good, it was incredibly plain and the bread was soggy, so I ended up eating the meat by itself. My never picky S.O. took a few bites of his veggie burger and hated it. Fast forward to our next visit where I had the chicken fried steak and he had the chicken fried chicken. My side salad came out and the ranch dressing tasted very plain. My chicken fried steak was good, but the gravy and mashed potatoes needed seasoning. Service has always been good and was on this trip. I will probably try it again just to give it a fair shake, but I am extremely disappointed.
(3)
Sahar A.
Came here on a Saturday for lunch with 3 other people and we tried a variety of the menu all which pretty much sucked. To start we had avocado fries and queso. Fries were tasteless and queso was something out of a can. I had a Bloody Mary which tasted like water and an old tomato with the cheapest vodka they could find. I had the chicken and waffles, the chicken was good but the waffles seemed microwaved and not crispy at all. My friends has the chicken fried steak w cornbread and he said it was all awful. Service was mediocre. My friend Waite a while for his coke and when he got it it was flat. And the waiter never came back to refill it anyway. The only reason I give this place 2 stars is because it's very well located and in a nice area. Other than that it sucks.
(2)
Pam L.
The food was amazing. Avacado fries were delicious. A very nice location. And staff was great.
(4)
Edward M.
So maybe I ordered wrong, but my experience here was underwhelming. I got the Horseshoe, a burger topped with their famous fries and cheese dip, served on top texas toast. It seemed to be one of their specialty dishes, so I went for it. Nothing was really right about the food. The cheese dip came out kind of cool and congealed, the fries were a bit soggy and when I finally dug through all the crap on top and got to the actual burger, it was just OK. The person I was with ordered the Asian Chicken Salad and liked it. I swore to never go back, they said they would probably give it a second try. So, three stars it is.
(3)
Shah S.
This is an Austin institution for over 20 years. Love their chicken salad sandwich, lentil soup and wom kim's pudding. Definitely go to the one near campus on Hyde Park. That's the original. The one down South doesn't have quite the same ambiance or consistent service.
(4)
Ash M.
I think this place is pretty darn good. I wouldn't necessarily order a burger here, but the main entrees, particularly their fish, are super tasty. This place is VERY busy VERY often, so if you're one of those people who has ridiculously high service standards (i.e., needy) I probably wouldn't recommend coming here. Especially not on game days.
(4)
Mason R.
The food is always good, but I always struggle to walk away in love with this place like I know I could. It's popularity is maybe the biggest downfall as there is frequently a wait for a table and the wait staff is buzzing to keep up. So many healthy options at this fine Austin restaurant that mixes high class with Austin-casual so well. It's a great neighborhood hang.
(3)
Ryan F.
About ten years ago, during my salad days of grad school, a trip to HPB&G was a treat. I had my graduation dinner there because the food was so good then, and my out of town guests raved about the fries. But times have changed at HPB&G, for the worse sadly. The food quality has slipped considerably and the once professional waitstaff are now inconsistent. I've had a few mediocre meals at HPB&G lately, but never one that made me wish for a stomach transplant. Then last night I encountered the wrath Cesar P. wrote about. The night got off to a good start when we were seated right away. But things quickly took a turn for the worse when our waiter arrived. He mumbled a lot and was hostile toward us, like he was offended that we had been sat at his station. I ordered the Blackened Catfish and my girlfriend got the Dijon Artichoke Chicken. She thought the chicken was okay, nothing particularly memorable. I've had the Blackened Catfish several times, and in the past it was prepared well, with the spices forming a thin crust around the fish. I'm not sure what they did to it this time; it was greasy like it had been pan-fried instead of grilled. The fries were served soggy and luke warm, and the rice pilaf had husks in it. The wrath took longer to hit me than it did Cesar P., but when it came early this morning it arrived with a vengeance. As I write this it's almost 12 hours after the last of my several offerings to the porcelain god, and I still feel sick. I thought about demanding HPB&G comp my undigested meal, but it's just not worth having to go back there again.
(1)
April L.
I've visted this place once before a couple years ago and it was great! But i've recently visted and it was horrible. The front room that they have is horrible. They have a table for 6 with a table for 2 in a little enclosed room. It was irritating to sit in that little room with 6 frat boys. We ordered and got our fries. I'm aware that they are famous for their fries and again I've had them a couple of years ago and this time they were GROSS. They had a werid after taste, I've NEVER had fries this nasty. We should of took the hint and left after the fries but we ordered our meal and waited with out me and my boyfriend really being able to talk or hear each other due to the loud ass frat boys. Our food got to the table and we took 2 bites and almost vomited. If I was aware of the ketchup topped meatloaf I wouldn't of even attempted to eat it. The chicken fried chicken that my boyfriend ordered was dry and the batter was soooo gross. On top of having a bad taste in my mouth, litteraly, I waited 20-25 for our waitress to come back and I was seeing our waitress serve the frat boys water, I was so thirsty and was never asked if I needed more water and wasn't even able to ask due to the fact she was never at our table. When she did finally come to check on us I asked for the check and left. I understand that it's busy and it's by campus but if you don't like your job and/or halfway do your job then quit. I don't know if i'll come back to this place and if i do i'll make sure it's when the kids are back with their mommys and daddys during the holidays or summer vaca.
(2)
Ashley S.
I FINALLY ate here. My first experience here left me with a bad taste in my mouth. Awhile back the roomie and I walked in here randomly after leaving Dolce. No one greeted us or spoke to us or asked us "How many?" We found a menu and looked at it for awhile...waiting. No one ever came up to us or anything so we left. Now I could have been a big bad Yelper and ranted about how snobby and unprofessional this place was, but I'm just not that kinda Yelper, people. Seeing as how I pass by all the time & go to the other places around here, my friend decided it was about time I eat here. She raved how great the fries were and I replied with the standard "So I've heard." We were greeted immediately and I knew from then on that maybe I had come in at an off time previously. The layout is strange, but then again it IS an old house. I love old houses, but I didn't really like where they sat us, didn't feel like I got the full effect sitting in the corner near the kitchen door. The menu had many items that sounded very appetizing and with so many choices it was hard to decide since I wasn't hungry, being so full from my orgasmic iced mojo from Epoch earlier. I ordered pasta florentine with chicken, artichokes, squash, spinach, cheese, forget those gross shrooms please. It was FANTASSTIC. I won't even complain how much it cost, because the amount served was so huge it became another meal (a very late night one). I got to try their famous fries and have to say I was underwhelmed. Very deep fried, as I was expecting, but utterly flavorless by themselves. Since ketchup can make practically anything taste good I consumed quite a good amount of those heart attacks on sticks. All in all I was pleased. A solid 4 because there are many other items on the menu that I want to try. And I absolutely loved my dinner. If only they could fix the music though...I felt like I was dining in a nursing home cafeteria.
(4)
Stacey B.
The "Hyde Park Fries" with dipping sauce here are amazing. Best fries ever. I always enjoy eating here - the fried egg sandwich is also worth a try. The only reason I gave 3 stars is that I wish they had more healthy options. I can't say I've ever had a meal here that I didn't enjoy, though.
(3)
L. W.
We went here for the first time last night. The place is very charming with local art and eclectic styling in what appears to be a old timey residential conversion. The food is home style and was very good. For a unique local experience this is a good choice. My only con was it was very busy. The wait staff did a pretty good job under the circumstances but you never really get a great dinning experience if the restaurant is really full, crowded and noisy.
(4)
Kelsey J.
I loved Hyde Park Grill. The mac and cheese was phenomenal and the service was excellent. It was a great start to date night.
(5)
Christine S.
I'm a fan of the quaint neighborhood restaurant! I love their turkey burger with the Hyde Park Fries if I'm feeling particularly naughty. I also like to start off with their corn tamales!!! Finally, their Womkim's Peach is SUPER delicious. Wait staff is friendly and love the location.
(4)
Terri J.
OK - starting to get whiplash here...updating again from 4 stars to 5 and here's why: Hyde Park Bar & Grill recently decimated their vegetarian menu...for a very short time. Unfortunately, I (and several other vegetarians) went in during the brief period where there were very few vegetarian items and my fav was just gone. I was devastated and thought wow...what happened here? First "new menu" experience...bad...but not only does Hyde Park Bar & Grill listen, they ACT! After mourning my fav yummy HPB&G foods, and bringing my poor experience to Hyde Park's attention, I am contacted directly by their customer service person and their new executive chef. He asked me to come in and TRY their new vegetarian items before they're added to the menu at the end of the month. So I go...and I'm in love. 6 new dishes to try plus a yummy new dessert. It was one of the best dining experiences of my life...and as a super picky eater, I had absolutely no complaints about anything - everything was absolutely perfect! And almost a week later I am still thinking about the food...it was soooooooooo good! A few things happened here...they did decimate the vegetarian selection for a SHORT period of time...but they have MADE IT RIGHT - new vegetarian items are on the menu and they do not disappoint. My friend (who is not a vegetarian) liked the new items as much as I did and said even though she is not a vegetarian, she would order these items. I have to say I'm impressed by the way this whole thing was handled. Unfortunately, I did have a bad experience, but wow...they have made it all better...The new chef has many new vegetarian items up his sleeve and they are incredible. I can't wait to go back again and I'm glad I can say "Hyde Park Bar & Grill is STILL one of my favorite restaurants and I will be happy to visit over and over again and bring guests!" Amazing food and customer service. Keep up the great work! :) Updating from 2 stars up to 4...hopefully will be back to 5 soon. FOUR STARS - After reading my comments on Facebook, I was contacted directly by the executive chef with my concerns about the lack of vegetarian items. They have already added some new items and are adding more by the end of the month. He even invited me to try some of the new vegetarian dishes - now THAT is customer service! I will update back to 5 stars once I try the new hopefully yummy food! **** TWO STARS (for a very short time) - Wow...This used to be my favorite comfort food place...I loved the veggie burger, 4-veggie plate, corn & cheese tamales, mac n cheese, and of course the fries (among other things)...but WOW...way to go changing the menu and completely messing up my world...my faves are now just GONE! I tried the new replacement item, but it was loaded with onions (yuk!). I'm so sad and disappointed I could cry. And HELLO - who gives one teeny tiny salsa with 4 HUGE tamales on a "to go" order (previously with the smaller tamales they always gave me two and that was perfect...but ONE???...seriously???) So now I will go mourn my previously favorite place only to return one more time to use my last Groupon...then it's goodbye HPB&G...you were once wonderful...now your menu is crap...and TWO STARS is being generous...(My previous review was 5 with the old menu). Meh...is being very generous... :(
(5)
Kristal P.
Food was good at a decent price. Enjoyed the atmosphere and surrounding neighborhood, helped feel intimate. One drawback was it was a bit noisy to really hear someone across the table.
(3)
Christine P.
First, let me say that I am absolutely mortified by Kim X.'s story below. Roaches are never okay. Waiters that don't appropriately apologize must want to get stiffed. ugh. I've been talking about my top 5 Austin restaurants and asking friends, old and new, for their dining preference. Hyde Park B&G has been in my top 5 for a considerable amount of time for the following perks: 1. It's one of the very few restaurants that stay open late-night (til midnight), during the week. 2. The horseshoe sandwich keeps me coming back. 3. It's a neighborhoody type of place with tasty margaritas. This isn't to say that Hyde Park B&G cannot be replaced in my top 5; however, I did want to highlight potential benefits of keeping it an option.
(3)
Christine C.
This is based on the good burger mission I had mentioned in the previous burger reviews of mine. Really, that's all I'm focusing on - I don't even remember what I ate here. My boyfriend got the burger here. It was pretty good - can it rival Sam's? No. We did agree that the quality of the meat and the taste was good. This is where the category part is an issue. Hyde Park Bar and Grill is a restaurant. Sam's Burger Joint is short order. So, it's hard to hold all things equal. The HPBG burger was higher quality, and on a foccacia bun. It's a hard call because of the bells and whistles. Still a good burger though.
(4)
Austin T.
We only go here for booze and fries the rest is over priced and under-delivered. If they would pour a proper driveway and clean up the back door area of the kitchen where we park, it would be a great start to a needed clean up.Parking is not easy get there early. We took a star away for not updating the place or deep cleaning it after almost 30 years.
(2)
Mason A.
The Duval location is old and I used to have mixed feelings about it. they put a lot of love into their south location, though. And they just built a new outdoor deck, which is really nice. I get their Kobe burger and add jalapenos, provolone, and bacon. It's a meal all by itself, which is good since it ends up costing $13. Most expensive burger I've ever had, but also the best. They also have a great spinach salad. It comes with honey bacon dressing...I tell em to leave that behind and bring me the bleu cheese vinaigrette instead. Much better
(4)
Janelle R.
I receive a monthly gift certificate from restaurant.com as a gift my father who knows I like dining out but don't quite always have the funds to afford to, and I have been using their services for quite some time. How most of the certificates work is you have a $25 gift certificate and have to spend $35 to be able to use it. I am used to the clause in most of these gift certificates that "excludes alcohol" from the gift certificate. HOWEVER at every single establishment I have gone to outside of Hyde Park Bar and Grill with these terms, have allowed the purchase of alcoholic beverages for the remaining $10 balance that needs to be covered, as it is coming out of my pocket and is not part of the free $25 gift certificate. I want to also preempt this review by stating that I am an extremely laid-back, easy going person, to where even if I got the wrong order at a restaurant, if it looked good, I'd still eat it not to cause trouble. I have many friends who work in the food service industry and I know the trouble that customers can cause and I avoid trouble like the plague. I went to Hyde Park with a friend and we planned on two entrees, dessert and a drink each to cover the $35 balance. We gave our waitress the coupon right at the start, ordered our food and drinks and she came back out with a receipt stating our total at a few cents over $30 and informing us that we were still short. I told her we were planning on getting dessert which should cover it, and she said that was fine and explained that some people do not know about having to have a $35 balance to have the coupon and just wanted to remind us. At the end of our meal, which to Hyde Park's credit, was delicious, we order our dessert and I was informed that we were still over $10 short. I asked her why, and at that point late in the game, I was told that alcohol was not included ANYWHERE if the gift certificate was to be honored and that earlier she was trying to point at the food subtotal, which she made no extra effort to show was barely at $20. I attempted to politely dispute this with her as I've never had this problem, as the drinks were not part of the $25 we were getting for free, and that had she had announced it while getting our drinks that they would be excluded, I would have purchased an appetizer opposed to an alcoholic beverage to cover my total. She then had her manager come out to try to dispute this with me and I personally feel that I was under-minded as I am a young 21 year old, who clearly has no clout or credit in their restaurant. She stated that in the two months they've been using restaurant.com to get people into their establishment that no one has had this problem before. I told her that it would be appreciated if the servers would disclose this information to patrons with gift certificates as they are ordering their beverages, because as a college student, I don't have the funds to have to spend an extra $10 on drinks when I'm going out to eat, I only got them to reach the $35 total. I don't have the funds to go out to eat without these monthly coupons, to be honest. The manager replied to me saying that that she and her server felt that it was not necessary or part of their job to inform people bringing these coupons in of this alcohol clause as it is explicitly clear. Clearly not. Why then, did the server take her time out to point the minimum $35 purchase to me, when that was listed in bolder print on the coupon than the confines of whether alcohol counts outside of the $25 or not? My friend and I ended up having to order a second purchase to take to go (so we could use the coupon, which, at this point made no difference, we ended up paying the same amount that we would have paid without the second order and coupon), which I CLEARLY ordered as a "stir-fry to go in two separate boxes, please," clearly being the key term. With so much misunderstanding that had already occurred this evening, I wanted to get this right, and get out. Of course, it is brought out in a bag and one box. My friend politely asks the manager for another box, and was handed a plastic container, which, with steaming hot food that was just recently prepared, would likely melt. And then we had nothing to split our food with so I had to, once more ask this waitress, who I'm sure was fed up with my party, for a fork and she returns with one without a hint of pleasure in her bones. I was told they were using restaurant.com to get people into their restaurant, however with that kind or service how do they expect anybody to ever come back? It was a clear misunderstanding on both parts, but I have never been in a situation where a manager and patron couldn't come to some agreement where both parties were satisfied. I have never been treated with such disrespect in an establishment before, treated as if my opinion does not matter in the world. Unfortunately for Hyde Park, there are plenty of restaurants in Austin that deserve my money and support
(1)
john l.
Well against my wife's better judgment I gave this place one final try. The service was just as bad as I remember- extremely slow and the staff was so uncaring I had to BEG for more water... When our food finally arrived after an almost 30 min. wait , it was for the most part cold and even if it had been hot, it wasn't even equal to food I have had at an "All you can eat Buffet". On top of that, it was over priced we drank no alcohol and each just had an entree and our bill was over $34.00 ??? What a rip off!! If you have guests in town or are looking for a new place to eat, this ain't it... No one will be touting your culinary IQ. for bringing them here (just the opposite). There are many better places to spend your hard earned money, but then again if you like bad service, high prices and food that tastes like an "All You Can Eat Buffet" well you just might have found yourself a new restaurant.... Vote with your money....
(1)
Justin C.
A great place when you don't want to eat at home, but don't want to spend a ton of money. There's something for everyone (including a kids menu). The food is pretty basic, but varied- a few meat and seafood entrees, sandwiches, pasta, soups, a large selection of veggies, good desserts. The prices are very reasonable- you can get out of here for less than $10 if you order right and don't get any drinks. They have a frequent diner plan that will save you 10 bucks out of every hundred you spend.
(4)
Joe C.
I was really struggling with this review. I've been going to HPB&G since before I moved to Austin 22 years ago. See, my sister attended UT, and HP was, and probably still is, the place that students took their visiting parents, to show the kind of "respectable" places they liked to frequent (I don't remember sis ever taking us to Crown and Anchor...). Now, I could be wrong, but I swear they did fried mushrooms then, possibly with cream gravy. Now they have stuffed mushrooms. Ah "progress".... But I have much history there. This is the place I brought my wife for our first date. Mostly because it was easy to meet at before a show at Bass, but also because I know that it's a place that most folks can find something on the menu they like, that consistently comes out good. I won't say that the menu isn't a bit TOO broad... But we usually center on just a couple items we REALLY like. Maybe we're really low maintenance, but we've never had issues with service I read about in other reviews. I've often been impressed with getting a soda refull before I even asked. It's comforting to see the same couple of gentlemen hosts over the years. I've always been amazed how they can seemingly memorize a dozen parties, and where they sitting waiting for a table without writing anything down. A lot of water under the bridge later, it is also the place that I asked for her hand in marriage. When my wife got diagnosed with a gluten intolerance, HP was one of the first places we frequented that had a complete GF menu for her to review. She has since fallen in LOVE with the "four side medley", which for her will consist of TWO orders of the tender and tasty corn and cheese tamales (extra side of the spicy but fresh tasting salsa, please), an order of the green chili mashed potatoes, and either the corn and edamame saute, or a second mash. 97% of the time I just go with the basic burger, side of fries (which easily serves 2). I mix the "Hyde Park Sauce" with ketchup for the fries. Yum! So, it pained us in early July, when my wife and I visited and had a sub-par dinner there. I've been worried seeing too many changes going on. The second location didn't seem to change things. The "frequent diners card" seemed a little out of character. Then the subtle menu changes. Often the signs of new management, or a place spinning out of control. Our meal that day was a lackluster shell of what is usually is. Even the fries were cardboardy that day. Horrifically disappointing. Decided to give them one more try last Sunday. Last week we got one of our fave waitresses, the one with the adorable short haircut, to which my wife asked where she gets it done (possible salon review to follow?). She's been there a couple years. It's always good to see staff that stick around. We asked if there had been new owners. She said they did bring in a new exec chef, and that there had been a bit of a transition. But our dinner there that night proved to us that HP is back. I'm not even a fan of tamales, but the smell of them across the table made me want to dive in and take a bite. The fries were back on point, the burger was tasty once more. Hyde Park, you are another old friend of mine. I have many good memories there, and hope to continue to have more. Hopefully, we'll have another visit next January to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Just keep it up so you're always there for us... Now, if only you can find a way to use tamari instead of soy sauce in the lentil soup, and get it on the Gluten Free menu. My wife would LOVE to be able to enjoy it again. Oh, and if we could ALWAYS get one of those two-top tables in the front windows. That would be great....
(5)
Jon W.
Went to this place for the first time a few weeks ago before the Black Sabbath concert. \m/ I got the fries as an appetizer because the meal I wanted didn't come with them, and I was told I HAD to try them. They're different in a good way. For starters, they're actually battered. I've seen similar batter on fried pickles and mushrooms, if that gives you an idea. They're also not really seasoned. There may be a little on there, but not enough to really matter. What do they do to make up for it? Amazing dipping sauce. It's some kind of mayo concoction that belongs in everyone's mouth all the time. For my entree I got the chicken fried chicken, which comes with mashed potatoes and your choice of side. I got the mac and cheese, of course. Let me tell you something about Hyde Park Bar & Grill's chicken fried whatevers. They are EXPLETIVING DELICIOUS. You think you know, but you don't. Not only is the batter absolute perfection, but the gravy and the chicken itself are both laying in the grass outside of the park, because they were knocked there. The chicken is moist and tender, and the white gravy stands up to any gravy of any race, creed or color I've ever had. And the mashed potatoes? I'm pretty sure they put sour cream in them, which is now a requirement for all future mashed potatoes made by anyone anywhere. They were some of the best mashed potatoes I've ever put in my increasingly fat mouth. The mac and cheese was good, but couldn't really hang with the rest of the plate, in my opinion. I won't dwell on that because, like I said, they were still good. I've come back here once since that first visit and it was just as good. I got the grilled broccoli instead of the mac and cheese and it was wonderful, but much like the mac and cheese, didn't quite stick the landing. I'll find it, folks. Don't you worry.
(5)
John I.
This past Saturday I rediscovered an old favorite. We were seated right away upon arriving even though our whole party wasn't yet present. We started with a "small" order of fries which came out piping hot, delicious, and an ample portion for two. In the past I've only had their fries with my meal and they never came out this hot or delicious. After much deliberation and assistance from our wonderful waitress, we opted for the chopped steak with mashed taters and side. The steak was well seasoned and extremely flavorful. For dessert we got the peach pudding, chocolate hazelnut, and banana cream pie; we loved every bite of it!
(5)
James A.
Some of the best french fries I have ever had. Also, they have a killer ruben. I love the feel of the space and friendly staff.
(5)
Gabrielle L.
My husband had bought the Groupon offer for Hyde Park in an effort to expand our culinary horizons to places outside the immediate area. He read that they were famous for their fries and that was definitely incentive right there. The place is charming with an upscale kind of atmosphere, soft lighting and natural yet funky interior. It was fairly crowded when we arrived so we waited over by the bar until we were called. Our table was a bit small but it lent to a cozy atmosphere. Our server was super cute and super helpful. I decided on the hamburger and we ordered a plate of fries for the table. We saw plates of said fries flying around everywhere, like appetizers. OMG! Awesome fries! Had to really pace myself with these babies. My hamburger arrived. I raised it to my lips, took that first anticipatory bite and the rest, as they say is history. The meat did not have that greasy burger smell or feel in my mouth. It was firm but juicy and the taste was simply superb. I really tried to milk it and make it last and did a good job for the most part. After the last bite had been ingested, I rested back on my chair and thanked the food gods for such a wonderful place. I also thanked my husband for buying the Groupon certificate. To tell you the truth I don't even remember what my husband and son ate. After all, when you are having a religious food experience such as the one I had, it's best to be in that moment, oblivious to everything else.
(4)
Randy S.
Yes, I have a frequent diner card and waiting for the payoff! I have loved this place for years and years. It is our neighborhood cafe and has survived several minor changes. The fries are the best! The servers are usually attentive but seem very busy during the rush.
(4)
Shani S.
Rarely do I get to spend an evening with just one of my three kiddos and have time devoted to that one kiddo. A night came when I would have just that; one. I asked around as to what would be a nice, but not too, too expensive and quiet. A place to take Ajhei so she and I could spend quality time and she could feel very big girl and special. A parent recommended Hyde Park Bar and Grill. We both got all dolled up and Ajhei was so excited. We get there and walk in and immediately I knew NEVER to trust that parent for advice on this sort of thing again. The place was jam packed, LOUD and the hostess acted like I'd just kicked her in the shin. The fries were disgusting, as was the sauce. It took us forever to get a seat, a wait person and our food was cold by the time we did get it. I think we'll let the other Austinites that find this place so fab have more space, since we won't be taking it up EVER again.
(1)
Will C.
Yes. Yes. Yes. This was my favourite sit-down eatery in Austin. Something about those french fries with the diipping sauces was just magic in your mouth. My favourite thing to get here was the smoked turkey mufaletta. never failed me. Always deliciously good. The ambience here is quiet and great for dates. It's kind of in the middle of nowhere, so it's also once of those little secrets in Austin that isn't over-commercialized or watered-down restaurants for the yuppies. Parking is so-so during lunch hour. There can be a wait, but usually not very long. Prices are very, very reasonable. Could probably get a 3-course meal for about $15. Service is very good. Waiters and staff are very polite. Not too big of a dining room, but it was surprising how many people they could fit inside. Overall. One of the few Austin restaurants I really miss. Definitely one of the first places I'll go back to when I do visit.
(5)
Becca M.
I recently moved to Hyde Park and I wanted to check out some of the local places. I came here for a late bite to eat with my boyfriend. The food was good, the service was good, but nothing outstanding.
(3)
Elizzabeth E.
Great Mac and cheese, artichoke,goat cheese and butternut squash, great service and good drinks
(4)
M. G.
We dropped in on Wed Jan 16 2013 around 6:45 p.m. It was mobbed, we waited about 45 min for a table, many people were standing waiting for a table, quite a few were sitting. It was very noisy due to the number of people in the small space. I ordered chopped steak, it was greasy, fatty tasting & very rubbery. The mushrooms on top were very salty. The mashed potato with buttermilk was sharp tasting, not pleasant, the corn salad was bland in flavor with raw corn, I thought it would be cooked. The peach pudding was pretty good, I would have omitted pouring cream on the plate. Our service was very slow, very slow, with people who were seated after us eating first. It was a long long stay that we did not anticipate. The eggplant parmesan that I had stopped in for was no longer on the menu. So it was at best a 2 star experience. There is only 1 toilet for women & 1 for men. Surprising for a restaurant that has a large clientele.
(2)
Britt W.
I love this place! The salads are delicious and I love the house-made dressings! I never even liked honey mustard dressing until I ate it at HP Grill. Now, I get it all the time on the Spinach Salad. Yum! The banana cream pie is also amazing! Go check it out...
(5)
Lauren L.
While I love the ambiance of Hyde Park and the service is always ace, I am often underwhelmed by my food. On the last occasion I ordered a blackened tuna sandwich and they overcooked my tuna, which is a bummer. Gray tuna, not so tasty. The fries were amazing, as always, and it was an excellent way to wine down an evening. I also like that I can sit at the bar there and eat solo and not feel lame.
(3)
Jennifer J.
Eating here was like my experience with Napoleon Dynamite - a disappointment. Not entirely the fault of Hyde Park Grill, when it comes down to it. I've just heard SO much about those fries that when I went there, I knew what I had to do. So I ordered the fried egg sandwich because I could get fries with it. Woe to me. First of all, when I got the sandwich, I felt sort of like the waitress had, on the way to my table, accidentally fallen into a tunnel that lead directly to a vat of Canola oil. I'm almost positive that by eating half of that sandwich, I ingested my body weight in cholesterol. Second, the fries didn't really seem to taste like anything at all. Except potatoes. They did have a nice crunch to them, courtesy of the fried buttermilk clinging to the outside of each perfectly cut potato. But it was not like anything I expected based on the Austin Chronicle or randos on the elevator at work. On a positive note, the host looked like Bill Clinton and, mysteriously, like the random guy sitting on a railing in one of the many paintings displayed throughout the restaurant. Also, the neighborhood was completely cool and made me wish I had a tattoo.
(2)
Philippe M.
I really wouldn't go back again. The food was underwhelming to say the least. After reading some of the reviews and looking around, I was expecting great fries and a decent burger. My wife had soup while my son had part of one of their fun sandwiches -- a steak sandwich with a pile of fries on top and cheese sauce. The idea is great, but the fact of the matter is that there was certainly not a lot of favor. Everything needed more salt, more pepper ... more flavor in general.
(2)
Catherine Y.
I visited Hyde Park Grill a year ago when I first moved here and somehow the place gave me a rather good impression. Last weekend I visited this restaurant again with a few friends for lunch and I was somehow a bit disappointed and I don't know why! I remember they had really good fries but when I tried it last week, it was a little too greasy and not that flavorful even though it was cooked with the chicken fried batter. Brunch was good, I had the egg florentine, it was tasty and good portion. They serve bloody mary during brunch for $3...It was yummy. That might be my favorite of all.
(3)
Elaine C.
Not only does Hyde Park Bar and Grill offer consistently great comfort food (hello, southern fried chicken breast and Won Kim's Peach Pudding!) and solid wine/beer selections, but we've always enjoyed attentive service and reasonable prices. If that isn't good enough, this place has given back to our community for years. They are always generous to charities and schools, so please know that your patronage is far reaching!
(5)
S K.
I have been eating at this place for the past three years and I just love it. Its everything what the Hyde park neighborhood is all about. Its casual, but not too laid back..its kinda classy..but not pretentious..love their salmon with mint sauce( but the portion size has been on the decline)...fries are as they say "best in austin"..don't like the desserts here though..and oh yes...its open till midnight everyday!
(4)
James L.
First the Fries. This place is supposed to have some of the best french fries in town. The fries, like a lot of others have said, are surprisingly bland. I wonder if they mean for it to be, but if you eat the fry alone, it tastes as if they've forgotten to at least maybe salt it. However, if you pair it with the sauce, it's much better... but then it's really just the sauce that's good. We also tried the tuna sammich. That thing was really good. We ordered the tuna to be medium, and it was very very flavorful. I haven't had good cooked tuna for a long time (usually I have it raw). Definitely try it, but be wary, it's rather small for the price. I think for the most, the prices are pretty affordable and the food(even ones that I just saw on other tables) looks good.
(3)
Adele B.
I love that this is in an old house! Cozy and comfortable. Our waitress was great. The food was good. I love the fact that they have so many vegetables on their menu, and not the same broccoli cauliflower mix everyone else has. My collards with bacon were awesome! Eggplant sandwich with smoked gouda! Wow! And I'm not even a vegetarian. They had lots of great looking meat items too. We will be back!
(4)
Jewel J.
The food wasn't bad but it wasn't extraordinary. I had the fried chicken breast with a side of their "famous" fries. Honestly, I don't understand what the big deal was. The fries were poorly seasoned and had too much of the breading. That isn't saying that they didn't have potential, I just don't feel that they were executed properly. I did taste the Kobe burger that was pretty good though.
(3)
Michael K.
I used to be a fan, but this place has taken a turn for the worse. The last two times I've gone both the service and the food have been ... unexceptional. The fries also - both times - have been stale. Last time we went there were flies buzzing around - I guess that's tough to control completely, but still ... It's sad, because i used to really love this place. It still has potential with a better trained staff - and some freshly fried fries - and not flies, I just might go back.
(2)
Lindsay B.
A mediocre place but the prices are fair and the service is pretty good. The sirloin burger is pretty good. The veggie burger is not. The atmosphere is kind of stuffy and there's no outdoor seating. The bar area is nice and the mixed drinks are usually good. I've never had to wait long for a table. They offer gourmet cheese from Antonelli's Cheese Shop (located next door) for their burgers. A nice option.
(3)
T L.
Reminds me of Chow in SF. Tasty, well-made comfort food for not-too-much-money. You can easily have a delicious date-night meal for $25 for 2. So, the much-talked of famous french fries are not my favorite. They are tasty, as they are french fries, but I'm not a huge fan of the batter-dipped fry. I enjoyed my first-ever chicken-fried steak here and was not only happily-fed, but I never felt fried-hungover! The CFS was pounded flat and pan-fried in a crunchy cornmealy-ish crusty thing. Manpanion had a burger, which was hefty and satisfying. A perf place for grandmas, lovers, kids, prom-bound-teens, pride-bound-trannys - it's for everyone! Love it.
(4)
Tiffany W.
I've been to Hyde Park three times now and each time, the fries have been the most memorable. I guess it's the way the prepare them. The coating looks different than typical fries you'd find a burger joints. The yellowfin tuna sandwich, from what I remember, what pretty decent. Nothing too extraordinary, but a lot better than just a standard burger. The second time, I ordered the fish and chips off of the lunch menu. I was actually very surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I had recently come back from Seattle where I pretty much had fish and chips every other day and Hyde Park's version was comparable! The fish was fresh (not too mushy, like most previously frozen fish) and it was at a perfect crisp. Most recently, I had the farm-raised catfish which, I would say, is my least favorite so far. I chose for the fish to be blackened instead of fried. When I requested that option, I had no idea that they actually meant "blackened." When it came out, the fish filets were slightly burnt around the edges and the overall color was a little bit darker than I had expected. When I took a bite, I wasn't surprised to find that the fish was overly seasoned. This probably explains the dark color. Not only did they overcook it, but they overcooked it with too much seasoning. I was a little disappointed since it would've been a perfectly fine entree if there was less cajun seasoning. I ended up reaching for the water after every like, 3 bites. If not for the fries, I probably would've given them 3.5 stars, if that was possible.
(4)
Michelle R.
Decided to check this place out based on great reviews. SOOO glad we did!! The first time we went I ordered the special which was a BBQ Pork Burger w/ Hyde Park Fries. DELICIOUS! If you like frozen margaritas, they have some very yummy ones! Have since been back and had the chicken fried steak and it was also wonderful! Definitely on my list of favorites!
(4)
j m.
I've eaten here several times and I've left with the same impression each time. The food is decent, but overpriced. The atmosphere is cool, the service has always been good. Not a place I'd probably recommend to a foodie, but for an easy lunch its a go-to. I don't recommend it for dinner.
(2)
Chris G.
Excellent food and great fries! Service is a bit slow but it's worth the wait. Had tilapia tonight and it was great.
(4)
Laura P.
Thank you, HPB&G, for once again treating the entire faculty and staff of Bryker Woods Elementary to a fantastic end of year lunch! We appreciate your generosity, thoughtfulness, and support and are so lucky that you are a part of the BW family! Thank you!!!
(5)
Marie C.
I get called to Hyde Park Bar & Grill by the craving for their French Fries. They are very different than most places- especially the sauce. I usually get a sandwhich or a chuck burger and have been very pleased with them. Another converted house (I'm noticing a trend in my reviews), so I love the intimate atmosphere. And the paintings by local artists are usually interesting and strike up some conversation. I've always experienced good service here.
(4)
Dolph M.
After my first visit, I've had strange impulses to return. Your mileage may vary. I feel like everything I order could be just a little bit better, everything could have just a little more flavor, and everything could look a little more appetizing. Worst entree first- I've had the Horseshoe burger which I don't recommend. Its not what it sounds like on the menu- literally, its a piece of toast with a ground beef patty on top of it, some pico, some kind of cheese that's one step up from Velveeta, and more fries than you could hope to eat on top. Don't kid yourself, thats all there is too it. Next up was the Kobe Beef Burger. Could-be-awesome, although they cooked it medium well when I ordered it medium rare, which ruined the meat for me. And I ordered it with a random selection of one of their many, many cheeses- definitely recommend it with cheese. Bonus points for coming on foccacia bread and not on a wheat bun! Fries are almost amazing. Use the dipping sauce that they come with instead of ketchup- you won't be disappointed. I'm not sure that its fair to call them "French Fries" though, they're much too unique. Breakfast- don't remember what I ordered exactly, but it wasn't that great, and it didn't come with french fries :( lol If you haven't been to Hyde Park, definitely *try* it. I feel like some people will have great experiences, some will have poor experiences, nothing is consistent, but its worth a shot or two if you get some good flavors out of it.
(4)
Amy M.
What happened to you Hyde Park Bar and Grill? I used to love your hand made Ravioli...now it seems like everything I order is a pre-made frozen version of what I used to love about this place. The only thing that keeps me from giving up on you entirely are your fries.
(2)
Rachel D.
The burgers are great, I stick to the sirloin - right in the middle. I find it's a lot better than the chuck and the one time i tried the kobe, i didn't think it was any better than the sirloin. The fries are famously good, and the dipping sauce is great, with an intriguingly faint flavor of celery. The stuffed mushrooms are really good and are served with a delicious red-pepper sauce. The tamales were underwhelming. Lately I've been getting the grilled chicken ceasar salad which comes with these wonderfully delicate cubes of fried polenta, and the chicken is always perfect, and might be seasoned with pesto or some wonderful herb concoction. It's delicious and i highly recommend it. I've never been impressed with the wine, especially at the cost, so i avoid it now. The prices are a bit high, and the tables are a little close together, but the service and quality of the food keep me coming back.
(4)
Randall R.
The better restaurant of the two (the other being in south Austin off of 290), but that's only because of the decor at this one (more intimate & artsy). The food is...ok. It's really basic American fare dressed up a bit in presentation, but if you don't look and just taste, it's nothing special. I do think the fries are fabulous, but as I said in my comments about the other location, I'm not a french fry kind of guy, so take my comments with a grain of salt. But I will say that the location, the artwork, the clientele, and the service do make for a memorable experience. There's no question you're in Austin when you're eating at this place. I just postulate that a number of people are eating with their eyes instead of their tongues.
(3)
Chris G.
I enjoyed the place. We went there because we're very close by and I had never been. I definitely liked the mashed potatoes. Steve the roomie got a Kobe burger and the famous fries. For the price, I'd say that's probably one of the better things to get on the menu. I mean, Kobe beef? Awesome, if it really is :) Jess the girlfriend got some kind of chicken, but she has a very touchy stomach so it didn't sit too well. I had the potato crusted snapper or some other whitefish. It was tasty, but yeah, just fried fish in the end. Positives: Fries (duh), burgers, atmosphere, location Negatives: Drink prices (3.75 for a Shiner in Austin?), lack of a waiting area, the wait itself Meh: Prices overall. Ended up about 20 bucks a plate in the end but I'm a cheapskate, and far from a foodie. Plus I was treating :)
(4)
Carmen H.
Ok, so usually I would give Hyde Park Bar and Grill high marks but not last night. Hyde Park Bar and Grill has always been a good staple for my husband and I, you know, always consistent. I was a little disappointed last night, primarily with the service. I brought a girlfriend there for dinner (her first time) and we arrived to a packed house. I was a little surprised since it was a Thursday night, a weekend I would understand but good for them. Anyway, we were sat within 15 minutes. Our waiter took about 20 minutes at least to even greet us and take our drink orders and when he did, he made no eye contact and had a grim look on his face the entire time. I asked his suggestions for wine and he had no clue what to suggest to me...really? Anyway, we received our drinks about 10 minutes later and the waiter disappeared again. When he finally came back by to take our orders, again, no eye contact, no personality, nada. Not impressed. My friend ordered a hamburger and french fries (the fries I raved about and told her she had to get). She said her burger was pretty good but the fries, meh, nothing special. I agree, they were cold and not good. What happened? I use to love the yummy batter dipped, extra peppered and salted fries. Maybe it was just a bad night. Anyway, overall just Ok Hyde Park Bar and Grill. The waiter needed to pep it up a bit!
(3)
Alex B.
This place has really gone downhill the last few years in my opinion. It used to be a favorite of mine, but after several sub-par visits I'm wary of going back. The location is great, nestled in the Hyde Park neighborhood near Asti , Dolce Vita, and Mother's. The building is an old converted house with a very cozy feel. The setting is nice and clean, but still casual. The bar is cozy and they have several tasty beers on tap. They're known for their fries, but the last few times I've been they weren't that great. In fact, the last time I met some friends there, they had already sent back a plate of fries that were much less than tasty. I had some chicken fried steak that was overcooked, and before that a burger that tasted undercooked. Maybe this happened because their attention was on expanding the restaurant down south? I hope they figure it out, because I want to love this restaurant again. It isn't terrible, but it's just not what it used to be. Parking sucks if you get there during peak hours. You may end up having to find a spot on one of the neighborhood streets.
(3)
Cody R.
This weekend I was in the mood for a good hamburger, and thought I would try this place out. Overall, the food was pretty good, but I was a little disappointed by there supposed "amazing fries".... I mean, they weren't bad..... but I didn't see what all the fuss was about. I've had better fires before. Also, I wanted my burger to have cheese, so they up charged me nearly two dollars, and the cheese was small and hardly covered half the burger. If I pay two dollars for a slice of cheese I expect to taste it! It was one of those restaurants where the menu "seems" cheap, but then you realize the price doesn't include anything. Fries, cheese, condiments... they all cost extra! Overall, the food was good. If I find myself in the area, and I'm hungry I might re-visit, but I don't see myself making any special trips
(3)
Laura Louise L.
The food in my opinion is just OK. I know it's an Austin icon but after more than a few visits I still haven't fallen in love. The atmosphere is so so and there is nothing outstanding about this place. I don't feel the same love for their semi-famous fries that I hear about all the time. Our visit last week I ordered their Sonora salad and it wasn't particularly special for the price. It wasn't a terrible experience but it wasn't great either. If you are looking for something to fill your belly that is relatively healthy go there. If you want something that's a bit more you might want to think a little harder.
(2)
Haley B.
Scrumptious any time of day. This was a staple of my childhood, and it is always fun to see whats on the giant fork. You cannot go wrong, everything on the menu is delicious but come hungry the portions are not small. The house fries are no joke and if there weren't so many other good things on the menu I would have just a large order every time I'm in there for lunch. And that dipping sauce, it is heaven.
(5)
Amy B.
I first discovered Hyde Park after a UT football game where we wanted to continue drinking & also grab some good food. We had their margaritas (which of course at the time tasted deee-licious!!), and I tried their Yellowfin Tuna sandwich which was pretty great- the Tuna could have been a little more moist. Of course we tried the famous french fries & dipping sauce which is what got us really hooked. My then-boyfriend, now-husband & I later went back & tried a variety of things over time: smoked turkey muffaletta, chicken quesadillas, fried baby portabella mushrooms, lentil soup, asian chicken salad, burgers, & desserts. From then on, we always enjoyed the food. The service is always good, and I have been on numerous occasions with family & friends.
(5)
Jennifer B.
One of my favortie places to eat in Austin!! Everything is delicious here...the veggies are great (esp. the collards w/ bacon), the mac & cheese is downright krunk, the corn & cheese tamales rule, salads are superb, turkey burger is on of my fav's evah, the tuna burger rocks, delicious french fries, and yes, the wom kim's peach pudding rules the earth. I couldn't ask for more!!! Brunch is also divine!!!
(5)
Danny O.
Very good restaurant, I have been eating here for over 11 years now and it's always a treat and an experience to come here.
(5)
Julie S.
This used to be my favorite restaurant when I lived in Austin, but last time I while visiting, I went back there and found that something was missing from the great place it used to be. Our waiter barely checked on us, and we never once made extra modifications or requests, so the fact we were being avoided seemed almost weird. He avoided us so much that we had to track the guy down to get our check then wait forever to get him to pick up the credit card, then finally when he did take the card he had someone else bring it back. Totally odd, and they didn't seem busy either. I was also heartbroken that their usual amazing fries where very overcooked and hard to chew. What a bummer of a visit!
(3)
Chang K.
I live around the area and finally had a chance to try this place out! I had their fried chicken that I think was a special dish, and it was very very delicious. I got their mac and cheese side that also made me cry like a little baby..
(5)
Arlene Y.
This place took me by surprise. I came in with a friend and we were seated right away. Our server was super nice and friendly. I ordered the natural burger, and my friend ordered the lunch special of the day BBQ Brisket Sandwich. The natural burger was so delicious. Every single ingredient was fresh so I loved it. My friend also enjoyed her BBQ Brisket Sandwich. The portion is pretty big. Along with her sandwich came the fries and they were good. The server explained that the fries are what they are known for! Totally recommend to try this place.
(5)
Sandra S.
Waitress was so nice and friendly. She told is the fries were rated the 15th best by people magazine in May. They actually had no flavor whatsoever but..the hot dog was awesome. Ice tea was as good as it gets.
(4)
Stephen H.
I. Don't. Get. It. My friend grew up in Hyde Park, so I expect she's blinded by nostalgia, but everything about this place is mediocre. Let's start with the hostess. We, a group of three, were seated at a long table for six at the back of the restaurant. So we awkwardly spent our entire meal with half the table empty. As for the food. I got a sandwich, and the bread was almost impossible to bite through. Crazy hard. I actually got tired of chewing and did not finish. Meanwhile, my fries, which my friend raves about, were mushy and undercooked. The other food on the table was decent, but nothing memorable. In general, the food just tastes sub-par. Our waiter was nice. And the restaurant itself is cozy, though the art is hilariously bad at times. But the food just brings everything down. I will not be back.
(2)
Ellen T.
Great service, great atmosphere, great parking situation, great drinks! BUT the last few times I've been the food really just wasn't up to par, unfortunately. The sandwiches are great, but the entrees were sadly disappointing. Perhaps we've just gone on an off night, but since it's so close to me, I'm definitely not going to stop going.
(3)
Taylor M.
Its hard for me to review Hyde Park because I've been there so many times it just seems obvious that its great. I often take my family here when they're in town because I know everyone will find something they're in the mood for. They have some unique dishes along with standard southern "good ol' food" such as chicken fried steak. The only thing I'm not too crazy about here is their famous french fries and sauce. The sauce is mayonnaise based, the fries are double fried, and its just a grease overload in my opinion. Here are a few of my favorites: Fried eggplant sandwich Blackened fish tacos Sweet corn and cheese tamales Green chile mashed potatoes The desert menu changes seasonally and you can't choose wrong, they are all delicious. A few years ago they had hot chocolate cake with homemade marshmallows and I really hope they bring it back. If you are planning to eat here, keep an eye out for a Groupon. They have deals regularly.
(5)
Lilah P.
The customer service here is lousy. I've had meals comped at this restaurant no fewer than three times. I walked in tonight, and the barkeep NEVER acknowledged me. He did the same thing to another couple that was right next to me. They had the good sense to walk out. I've seen this guy several times and usually when I see him I opt out of dining. He's constantly rubbing his head and I find that to be repulsive. If there'd been anywhere else to get pie I certainly would have left. Since me and the couple were African American, it does make me wonder...
(2)
Natalie M.
I wrote a review on Hyde Park back in October that stated I didn't have the best experience or food at their restaurant (to put it nicely). After my review on Yelp, Hyde Park contacted me immediately and offered for me to come enjoy a meal on them. They gave me a gift card which contained enough for a meal for two. It was a gesture I did not expect based on past experience from them. Today I went to Hyde Park and had amazing service, complete 180 from the first time. The waitress was very sweet and very quick! I ordered the chip appetizer (which wasn't that great but I see what they were trying to do) and a burger again just to see if maybe I just got a bad chef the first time...and wow, this time it wasn't bland at all. So many flavors and I was impressed. Honestly, just the fact that Hyde Park cares enough to listen to their customers means a ton and I will definitely put HP back on my 'eat here' lists.
(4)
David W.
So this place likes to bill themselves as having the best fries in Austin and honestly, I can't disagree with them. It's almost like they're double deep fried to produce this type of crunchiness. In addition to that, I got myself some chicken fried steak (hey I was feeling gluttonous) and it was everything I was hoping for, well, except it could've been a little bit bigger if you asked me. But that's only because I'm a fatass...
(4)
Quani C.
This is a great place to go to for a date or just a nice dinner out. The atmosphere is pretty upscale, but I feel completely comfy going in wearing my standard t-shirt and jeans (one aspect I love about living in Austin, actually). They have an impressive wine selection and everything I've had there is amazing. I have yet to determine how I feel about the fries, I always have something that doesn't come with them. Next time perhaps...
(5)
Matt S.
Finally tried Hyde Park Bar and Grill after living in Austin 8 years and I am not too disappointed that I missed it during those years.. Honestly, I can't get too excited about typical American fare.. The fries that everyone is raving about, well, they are fries people.. FRIES.. How good can fries really be? Great fries is like having the best trailer in the trailer park.. I also had the trout and it was interesting with almond slices on it. The best dish I had was the eggplant sandwich, it was very good.. Service was fine, prices were good, portions were fair.. Really no big complaints at all, just didn't have any really awesome, exotic tastes at all..
(3)
Joel G.
I've been to Hyde Park Bar and Grill many times. I have been to both locations but favor the location in Hyde Park. The south location has a cafeteria feel to it when you compare to the home feel you get at the Hyde Park location. HYB&G has great food at a great price. Pros: -Nice atmosphere -Nice location -Great service -Open till midnight -Fair prices Cons: -Not the most extravagant but good food -Not the easiest parking but I live in the neighborhood -Service can be hit or miss One of my visits in particular stands out. It was a few months ago and a friend of mine and myself went to HPB&G. Our waitress was in a horrible mood and it showed, she was a taller skinny blonde. I felt like she felt she was too good to be serving us. She was rude in asking our drink orders and was impatient when we were ordering. We always get the fried artichoke hearts and steamed dumplings for appetizers and sometimes share an order of fries before we decide on our entrees. She asked if we were ready to order as if we were not ordering any appetizers. Then she expected us to order our entrees at the same time as was noticeable in her tone and mannerisms as she wrote down our order for appetizers. She checked on us two times and it seemed as if she were looking down her nose at us. It was shortly after she brought out our entrees that I noticed she was walking out the door with her purse and everything. The other waitress picked up our table and the contrast in the service she provided was apparent like no other. Our second server was very hospitable and kind. I've worked in the food industry and so I asked if our ticket was closing on her name. It was and we tipped her pretty well for picking up and turning around what would of otherwise been an awful experience at one of my favorite places to eat. I usually always order the salmon or crab cakes with broccoli and pilaf. They have specials that keep the menu fresh and are open when you want a restaurant to be open past 10p.
(4)
Roman U.
Awesome meal! I've only eaten here once and the food was great. Any restaurant that sells ginger beer is ok with me I got the three aide medley (greens, Mac, and sweet potatoes). Added jalapeño corn bread. It was all delicious. Ended with Whom Kim's Pudding. The later food coma was soooooo worth it. Waste no time and go!
(5)
Patty C.
On one of my previous Austin trips, I had one of the best chicken fried steaks in my life. While on our way to this charming restaurant, one of my dining companion mentioned that the chicken fried steak is excellent here. Well, game on! I am always on a search for a great rendition of this classic favorite. Parking wasn't much of a hassle in the back parking lot shared by other establishments. Upon entrance, you are greeted immediately by the bar. Good sign. Amateur artwork hangs from the walls. The atmosphere felt one step above casual, yet lots of families and people in shorts were dining in. Our waitress was very sweet and maybe a little too enthusiastic. After my companions were comfortable, we ordered a small size Hyde Park fries to share. As for myself, I settled on the pricier $12 chicken fried steak, which came with mashed potatoes and a choice of a side. Went ahead and ordered the grilled broccoli, as it was recommended as one of the of the few healthier options, though the mac and cheese was tempting. Menu items seemed a bit dated, with nothing jumping out immediately as exciting or interesting. They seem to concentrate on familiar favorites for the less adventurous eaters. Luckily, I was already settled on the chicken fried steak anyway. I did notice they have pimento cheese sandwiches. Whoa. The Hype Park fries were delicious. They are prepared with a buttermilk batter for that extra crunch, seasoned with black pepper and other spices, and finished with a creamy spicy dipping sauce on the side. It was a decent size for a small appetizer, and the three of us cleaned off the plate quickly. The chicken fried with gravy on the side, as I requested, was a more modest portion than what I am use to. One bite, and I was hooked. Wow, the meat was tender and without gristle, the seasoned batter clung tightly to the meat, and the white gravy was a perfect creamy touch. The mashed potatoes were very average, nothing that exciting. This is a bit disappointing, as there is so much you can do to boost its taste. The grilled broccoli was tasty, firm with a slight charred taste, an exciting way to eat it. My friends egg sandwich looked good but kind of small for what you pay for it. He said it was good but didn't rave about it. Presentation on the dishes could have used a little work, but the flavors were good. Though I thought the prices could have been a bit lower, the food was delicious, and yes, it was one of the top three chicken fried steaks I have tried, so kudos to them. Just kind of would like to see a more polished interior and updated menu with interesting options. I know older people enjoy homestyle cooking, so if that is their target audience, then they have landed on target.
(3)
Kristy S.
Interesting menu -- their version of favorites and some surprises. Good for lunch -- didn't love the tamales (too dry), but the hot dog, Sonora salad, lentil soup, chicken avocado BLT, and fries were all good. Pork Mac and cheese looked good - maybe next time.
(3)
Kayla D.
Delicious food. Fries are to die for... be careful with ordering a large though!
(4)
Jim C.
I've been back 3x since my "meh" review in February. Maybe I'm just on a roll over there, well, I will be if I keep eating the fries but I digress. My experiences have just been much more positive. The salmon and the grilled tuna sandwich were both very good as was the Pastrami Reuben. Good service and the guy w/ the glasses, the host, stopped by the last couple of times to make sure everythign was up to snuff. Oh, a well poured Tanqueray and tonic never hurt anyone's ratings.
(4)
Jon B.
I've only had the lower end food here and it was pretty darn great for the price. Best fries I've had in the city.
(4)
Randall S.
It's hit or miss here. A few hits. A few misses. The service is usually miss, the personalities of the servers is usually hit. The wagyu burger I had was a hit, but the chicken fried steak was a miss. The famous french fries were a big missing dissapointment and the chicken I had was just barely a miss. The sandwiches I've had so far have all been hit. I can't give it four and I can't give it a two, so overall it's a hit, just barely.
(3)
stuntman m.
Really good food. Good variety of choices to eat. Everything Ive had so far has been awesome. Salad with ginger dressing good. Lentil soup awesome. Dijon chicken with artichoke hearts freaking good. Grilled Salmon is really good. Try to eat the fries as soon as they come out...didnt like them that much once they cooled down. And much more.
(4)
Charlie S.
We were so disappointed the last few times we went to Hyde Park Grill. We used to be such fans and would go all the time, especially to brunch on Sundays. The service has really done down hill and it seems they changed their ingredients to lower quality fare. We waited over an hour for two salads, a cup of soup, and a turkey burger about a month ago. Last week had a waiter that seemed put out to wait on tables, even though that's his job. Though we did not try the fries, the fried mushrooms were spongy and the chicken fried chicken was very greasy. We will not be coming back here anytime soon. Will stick with Threadgill's or Hoover's for home cooking.
(1)
Yelpsucks S.
Hyde Park is fabulous! Their fries really do live up to the hype of being voted Austin's Best Fries in the Chronicle every year. They are decadent, and so is the sauce they come with and the portions they give you- a half order feeds two HUNGRY people, for example. And they're even good as leftovers (we've had them that way many times). This is probably my favorite "Austin-style" non-texmex restaurant. I really love the portobello sandwhich and the meatloaf. My fiance always gets chicken-fried something, and is sometimes in such a stated of full-bellied bliss that I have to drive home. They've got beer and wine and cocktails, and really good iced tea and lemonade. The service is always great, and the wait staff are true professionals- not your usual high-turnover college kids. They could be working at a high-end steakhouse. The sides are fabulous- mac and cheese! I love being able to get something grown-up like a seared tuna salad, and then an indulgent side that makes me feel like I'm 12 again. I haven't tried the famous fried chicken yet, but I've heard really good things and can't wait to check it out. The desserts are also practically to die for- the peach cobbler and tiramisu are wonderful. I love that they have a good variety of comfort food, kid-friendly stuff, healthy stuff, and vegetarian options- it means you can come here with one of ever kind in your group, and everyone's happy. Their facebook page is also a great place to find deals, daily specials, and the music line-up. Did I mention they have live music? It doesn't get anymore "Austin" than this- but in a good way! They're super consistent, not over-priced, and let you sit around and talk after your meal without breathing down your neck. It's comparable to Threadgills, but less expensive with better quality food, much more consistent service, and you don't feel as rushed. Hyde Park is our go-to place when we want American food. Yum!
(4)
Cear A.
For the most part, I dig this place. The service is always prompt and professional, and they have good veggie selections. I don't know why I always get the veggie burger there, though, definitely not the best in town. The fries are good, salads tasty and fresh, and pasta is decent (for Austin). The beer selection is decent too, for HP. Def worth a shot!
(4)
Amanda G.
I used to frequent this place in college, but it had been a long time since I'd been here. I was fortunate enough to have dinner here last week with some friends while visiting Austin, and wow, is it good. Hasn't changed a bit. Great neighborhood. Order some fries.
(4)
Reagan F.
Every item I have ordered here has been delicious. The fries are sinful and they have perfected the collard greens. A great place for any occasion.
(4)
Frenchie B.
The food here is pretty blah. When you overcook an omelette, eggs, potatoes or pretty much anything you turn out, rendering them rubbery, its pretty suboptimal. Having had a few very inexpensive mimosas didn't even help like it can often help with making food taste much better than it does.
(1)
Megan L.
my first trip here was great! good food, good service. the second, HORRIBLE. my group and i had been at a concert in the daytime and stopped here around 9pm. we had talked this place up to a friend that had never been here. at first, all was well. but my boyfriend got silverware that was bent. no biggie. we asked the server for another one, and the manager brought it to us ROLLING HIS EYES and asking if we were ok. we thought it was strange. even more strange was the fact that ALL the servers were staring at us. we were quiet and we weren't doing anything wrong. when we told our waitress that we weren't playing a prank, the silverware was actually bent, her exact words were "it's whatever." whaaaaaaaat? we aren't assholes that go out to eat and mess with servers, we all WERE servers at the time. we quickly boxed up our food, settled our tab and left. i, however, stopped and spoke with the manager. he basically told me i was a liar and our server said it was our fault, that when she set the flatware down it was fine. this was really just the last straw. as a server, i've given people bent silverware, accidentally. it happens, most restaurant silverware is cheap. i think it's cool the manager had his server's back, but they lost quite a few customers after this. over silverware. we aren't jerks and we aren't 15 year olds playing pranks. we are adults who were made uncomfortable by a business that clearly does not care about their customers or their referrals. i will never go back because of this event.
(1)
Julie B.
Good laid-back vibe, and killer fries. Hand-cut Idahoes dipped in creamy buttermilk, rolled in seasoned flour (this is the trick , I think) and lightly fried...served with a special sauce that could make a grown man weep. VGS, as we like to say.
(3)
Genevieve T.
The french fries are AMAZING. I have eaten here MANY times and every time I come the food is wonderful. I usually get the Thai pot-stickers, honey dijon chicken with artichoke, the ravioli, or one of their many delicious sandwiches - you really can't go wrong. This is a great place to eat for any occasion (and any diet). The wait staff has always been very prompt and they get my order right every time (I am picky). It is very busy for dinner, so I would recommend going early or late. It can be a tad loud at times. Also, I like the atmosphere and the art.
(5)
Missy B.
Hyde Park south had changed the menu the day we went! At first, things seemed like they would be okay. There was no Horseshoe for my BF but he does need to cut back on the read meat. His burger was cooked perfectly and so were the fries which resulted in his being sated. Though after eating fries out of a little metal basket, he felt a little less manly though. It is odd that the horsehoe is gone, but since they are trying to change the style of the cuisine into upscale American, it is understandable that a meal worthy of a food challenge was the first to go. Typically I order the salmon with rice pilaf and broccoli. Absolutely fresh, light, and tasty. After sifting through the other items and not being pleased with an alternative to their new salmon dish, I went ahead and ordered it. In the meantime, a friend ordered and received the cauliflower steak, which looked and smelled delicious. I was jealous and wish I had chosen this dish instead. If only I had! My salmon was cooked just as wonderfully as expected and the mashed potatoes were fine but just not a good pair for the salmon. maybe a Yukon gold mash, but not butter-rich, creamy potatoes. The five leafs of wilted spinach left me speechless. Was it a side or a garnish? To add to my disappointment, the sauce poured on my fish was really just a buttery cream gravy. Please bring back the original! If it had been changed by choosing quinoa instead and more spinach, then I would be pleased with that. But this dish was changed from light to heavy. Also, those delicious, most flavorful little ground chicken and pea dumplings are gone. Why? Those were one of a kind. There was also a wonderful veggie and pasta dish gone. Upscale American doesn't mean adding meatier and richer dishes. Variety and fresh ingredients are integral and those dishes were very representative of unique but universally palate pleasing. I understand why they want to change the menu. They have a lot of competition and updating items for many iconic restaurants is necessary to achieve longevity. But the dishes added are heavier and the lighter dishes are almost obsolete. Without a balance, then it is more difficult to chose an item from the menu.
(3)
Ron E.
Today I had the "Cast Iron Catfish". The blackening seasoning was flavorful and spicy. The catfish was served atop a piece of moist cornbread and their version of Hoppin John, no rice, the black eyed peas and veggies were good. My only suggestion is to have clarified butter for traditionalist like me that like it with blackened fish. I find Hyde Park to be safe bet for a good meal and plenty of variety.
(4)
Jeffrey V.
Good food, nice place, but five stars for service. Our server was very attentive, but a customer with a large party waiting for a table come up to us and asked us how long we were going to be, because they wanted our table. A manager came to us and apologized for the customer, even though it obviously wasn't his fault she accosted us, and told us we could stay at the table as long as we wanted. Awesome!
(5)
Sarah P.
A really solid standby. Used to bring the parents here during college because it offers good food, is casual, and rarely is there a wait. The corn tamales are awesome, the veggie burger is really good and the fries are famous in Austin.
(4)
Jason D.
I have to eat here every time I visit Austin. I always get the Horseshoe burger.
(4)
Jonathan G.
HPG and I have been close friends for a long time, but somehow I've never written a review. First off, the neighborhood is awesome. I love this cute little enclave of professors and college kids. There's a casual, yet somehow cosmopolitan feel to it. And the converted house of a space is so charming with its wood walls, local art, and bumpy copper bar. You're as likely to see a dance troupe noshing after rehearsal as a pair of corporate logo polo wearing business men at the bar. A+ for diversity. I usually like to sit at that copper bar, where the bartenders are friendly. There's usually a decent wine on special and they're plenty attentive to your needs up there, whether you're eating or just waiting on a table (don't be surprised if you have to wait). They've upgraded their menu over time. There are still misses, though. The appetizers are still pretty weak. The steamed dumplings could have come straight from Costco if I 'm honest, but I don't know what we were thinking ordering that in the first place. I stick to the sandwiches, mostly. They've partnered with Walton's on the bread which has made a huge difference. I'm a sucker for the turkey burger, although the fried egg sandwich gets me to change it up sometimes. I enjoy the turkey muffaletta as well. Burgers are nothing to be ashamed of - plenty big and lots of options. The fries are typically voted best in town, but I think they're an occasional indulgence only. They are buttermilk battered and thus very unique...and heavy. They're quite an extravagance, especially if you get the cheese sauce. And you should get the cheese sauce, which takes the decadence of the fries to 11 and gives them a flavor boost they really require. Their entree plates work, too, if you're super hungry. Portion sizes are hearty and the content can be rich. Fried chicken, the Horseshoe, chicken fried steak, chicken fried chicken, crab cakes, all served with mashed potatoes and veggies. You'll get plenty full but I guarantee you'll like the food. They have lighter options like rotisserie chicken, some fish plates, and pasta. But that's not why you came, is it? You can get decent salads here if you're not feeling like a food coma afterwards. Their asian chicken is my fave. But instead, I would save this restaurant for times when you do want to settle in and bond with a big sandwich and plate of fries, or just like momma made it comfort food.
(4)
Jeff T.
Wow, what a great place. The fries with the cheese dip are the BEST. I had the chicken fried steak and it was good. The atmosphere is outstanding and the service is second to none. This will be a regular place. For me now.
(5)
Kat M.
Hyde Park is a quality restaurant that overall has good food and decent service (We have had great service, and we have had crappy service). The fried chicken on Mondays (special) is amazing! It is the best chicken that I have ever had. They individually bread and fry each order, so prepare to wait. It is well worth it. I no longer eat chicken, but this is the only chicken I miss. The blackened catfish is moist and flavorful. My hubby really enjoys the potato crusted tilapia. Both are cooked perfectly. For sides, I usually pick french fries and green beans. Both are tasty. I do not think their fries are the best in the city, but many people do. The tamales are also tasty as well as the sweet potatoes. I used to love their chocolate cake, but then something changed... might have been my taste buds. My hubby still loves it. I like this place when I want hardy food in a casual environment.
(4)
Julie S.
Oh Austin, how I miss thee. I was in ATX for a conference at UT and, lucky for me, a friend offered to pick me up to go to the airport. I haven't been to HP since undergrad and thought we'd pop in. They weren't busy at all for a later Saturday lunch and they were also offering brunch. We shared (my favorite!) the artichoke appetizer. It comes with a chipotle sauce as well as a HP sauce, but I prefer plain ranch. Friend got the burger, with the famous HP fries, and I noshed on the always perfect chicken fried steak. The portions here are pretty big, so you could share, or have leftovers for another meal. Everything is house-made and always wonderful. Our service was top-notch as well.
(4)
April S.
As much as I do enjoy Hyde Park's burgers, I have found myself going on Monday nights so I can get Tony's chicken. A plate of Tony's chicken with Hyde Park fries is about as close to heaven as I can get. Prepare to wait for your hot pieces of chicken as they fry them to order. But the wait is ooooh so worth it!! Easily the best fried chicken I've had in Austin. I always end up burning my fingers because I can't wait for it to cool. Staff is always friendly and I love this place. It has truly earned it's place as an iconic Austin eatery.
(4)
Nichola G.
What to say about this place? Nothing too good unfortunately. It may be a great place to hang out, but food and service wise, NO THANKS. All I had was a salad,you can't mess up a salad... Wrong. It's like they only cut each vegetable in half, definitely not salad sized. Don't even get me started on that disgusting frozen turkey burger. Lesson learned, stay away from this place. Do not waste your money or time. Meh,maybe I wasn't drunk enough?
(1)
Alex A.
Your neighborhood diner. I like brunch here a lot. It's a little cramped feeling, but not overly so. Service has always been fine - friendly staff and all that. Nice bar. The food is pretty pedestrian. You won't impress a date, that's for sure. Have you heard about HPB&G's fries? Those awesome, got-to-try the fries? I can't stand them. They're coated in bland, grits-tasting batter and the dipping sauce is most assuredly not special. Vegetarian? You're not gonna find much to eat. Pros: tamale appetizers and the Eggs Florentine or Benedict. Probably gonna go to Mother's across the street instead....
(3)
Mandi R.
I want to start out by saying that I myself am a server, and I haven't had service as good as what Charlie gave my family and I tonight in awhile! He was timely, friendly, gave amazing suggestions and I couldn't be happier with my experience at Hyde park grill! I definitely recommend the pork and mac....with wait... A fried egg and cilantro on top yummmmmm so happy.
(5)
Jimmy L.
Been coming to Austin every year for about 15 years, and knew that this place has been an institution for about 30+ years or so. Even though this was a borderline 3-4 stars here on Yelp, driving by the giant fork outside with all the accroutements kept intriguing me! So here I was on a late Sat night all by my lonesome self, and found myself in the neightborhood. They're in an old house. Parking situation was marginal. They also have a bar as kind of the centerpiece of it all. Interior was kind of loud (not because of the bar, though!). Clientele ranged from small families, to couples, to a groups of guys out on the town - either before or after the drunken rage - who knows, but everyone just sounds like they're having fun in here! I was greeted by either a manager, or proprietor, and he graciously seated me almost immediately at a single lone table parked in a corner next to the front window, with a view to the street, and a view of the front room - perfect for my people-watching fetish! I read about the service here, and considering the crowds at 9 pm, I was kind of skeptical, so I had set my expectations low. Fortunately, I was blessed with an angel of a server - Courtney. She was really responsive and on the mark with everything. Menu seemed pretty diverse with burgers/sandwiches, salads, comfort food entrees, and drinks/beer - perfect as a neighborhood hangout - close to UT that serves both students and young families. I can imagine people walking here. I ordered coffee, and she'd come back frequently with hot refills, AND served it with a smile! I also ordered the - All Natural Grass Fed Burger at $9.95 - All-natural hormone and antibiotic free grass-fed burger from Bastrop Cattle Co, walton's bun, hyde park mustard, hyde park pickles, lettuce, tomato, red onion. (The reason why I went with this one instead of the 1/2-pounder at 6.95 is I asked asked the server which of the burgers was "smaller"!) ...and of course I had to try their famous fries on the side, which is the sole reason why I wanted to try this place! - A big platter fresh hand-cut Idaho potatoes; dipped In creamy buttermilk; rolled In seasoned flour; and lightly fried. Served with special Hyde Park sauce. $2.95 The wait time really wasn't that lengthy considering the business they were pushing, and everything came out hot and fresh. The burger was done perfectly at medium-rare (even though the server never asked how I wanted the burger cooked)! Note that people usually either like their fries, or they don't, but I DID. All-in-all, I'd come back here, if only to try some of their other comfort-food fare such as the brunch.
(4)
Il P.
If you like greasy food, this is the place to go. Not my taste. Every time I eat here, I feel like I'm drenched in fat. Price is reasonable, and it has nice atmosphere though. The famous fries are not that good, so lower your expectations!
(3)
Linda P.
We went at a mid time 4pm, the waiter was fantastic (sorry I forgot your name ;( ) My friend and I split the Grilled chicken breast. I always have liked when a resturant will split a meal and put it on two seperate plates for you and you don't have to do it at your table yourself. The chicken was a little dry, it may have been pre-cooked and just warmed up? The mashed potatoes and the fresh green bean were fantastic. I also had the side salad with a blue cheese vineragette, which was to die for. It is one place i will be going back to again
(4)
Vicki G.
Meh, indeed. Even with a Groupon, I will no longer be tempted by Hyde Park Bar & Grill. I'm sad to write this review, because I've been eating here for a long time. There have been slips before over the years -- once, when the chicken salad was actually spoiled at the Duval location, and once at the Westgate location when we could witness the goings-on in the kitchen and my boyfriend had to report what we saw to management. (You don't want to know.) Still, I returned, again and again. I remember when the crab cakes weren't on the menu, and I loved them so much. At any rate -- those days are gone, my friends. Gone. Yes, the fries are still very good, and I love that sauce. But.... I ordered the chicken caesar. Yes, a lame order, I admit, but so many of the options seemed to be fried or really bready (sandwiches, pasta). So, I ordered what should be pretty basic. First of all, the romaine lettuce was so pale, I wasn't even sure it was romaine from a glance. But even worse.... the chicken breast.... the basil grilled chicken breast... was served sliced on the salad WITH THE SKIN. Gooey, stringy, slimy chicken skin. Absolutely disgusting. My companion ordered the grilled basil chicken dinner. His chicken arrived smothered in some kind of creamy mushroom sauce. Underneath? You guessed it: slimy gooey stringy icky chicken skin on the breast. Why oh why??? It was, I believe, the second worst chicken caesar I've ever been served. So, I'm done. I don't need those fries anyway.
(2)
Sarah S.
Considering there is a giant fork outside, the inside was fancier then I thought it would be (I was definitely expecting more of a casual, diner vibe). I had the chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes for lunch and it was deeeeelicious. They were pretty busy, and since I was by myself they sat me at a 2 person table by the door. Kind of an awkward place to sit because people hang out by the door as they walk in. However the food was delicious, it has a very relaxed atmosphere, and it looks like a popular place for business meetings, catching up with old friends, or just grabbing a bite to eat.
(4)
Carlos G.
Every place deserve more than a second chance if you're a fan of an establishment...I am a fan of HPBG and we had a much better experience on our recent visit. Keep up the great work! ************************* Not sure what was going on last night at the restaurant, but we got terrible service (server was nice at first, but never bothered to clear off our table during meal and was very inattentive, and left the lime/celery/ranch dressing on table even after we got our bill), bloody mary presentation was inconsiderate (dried out lime & celery)..server brought me another lime on sword as if to mock us since I asked for a fresh lime/celery, salad was dry and tasted as if it had been out at room temperature for hours...I know this is a UT student type of crowd, but give me a break....don't treat your customers like we all don't give 2 *(#$% about proper service and presentation. HPBGC you can do better! I like your restaurant...however some of the employees and managers need to really focus making sure service and presentation are always at high standards....unfortunately last night the standard was very low.
(4)
Joseph F.
Hyde Park is a really great place. The food is awesome and the staff is always friendly. It is definitely one of your traditional Austin vibe kind of places with a giant fork topper out front that is great.
(4)
Dan K.
Consistent food in a warm, inviting setting. I've only had one bad meal at Hyde Park and everything else has been generally good. Nothing that'll put them on the foodie map but consistently good comfort food. The one thing to stay away from is the Hyde Park burger. One day when I was feeling cheap, I got the Hyde park burger. The patty was too firm and had that taste of being frozen and delivered by Sysco. Not what I expected from HPB&G. The bun was really good though. (they also offer a Kobe beef burger which is _very_ good). On the other hand last night I had the southern fried pork chop which was quite good. They have a good selection of beers on tap and also bottles. I had a super sharp pint of Widmer Bros' Hefeweizen. There is also a rumor going around about their fries. Well, it's true. If you like battered fries, HP does it up proper. All in all the ingredients are generally quality and fresh and the wait staff warm and friendly. Things to get: Hyde Park fries appetizer. Kobe beef burger. Collard greens side. Yum. (Skip dessert and go next door to La Dolce Vita. That place is awesome!)
(3)
Thomas G.
Do you need another review? What can I say... been coming here since 1992... always great service... always great food... only negative is sometimes there is a long wait... (i come on off hours... mid afternoon or after the dinner rush...) but if you are here at prime times... like brunch on sunday be ready to wait an hour... also if you are new to the home turned restaurant then you need to know you will be seated inches away from others.
(5)
Shana O.
Two words: Fried Chicken. Hell, I'm not even that big of a fan of fried chicken but I will go out of my way to eat this fried chicken. The greens and mac and cheese were good, not great. The greens had a smokey bacon flavor, but the mac and cheese needed to be creamier. I asked for all drumsticks (I'm prissy and didn't want to get dirty chicken style on a first date) and got a "bonus" drumstick on my plate for a total of 3 drumsticks. I can't eat 3 drumsticks but it was like winning the food lotto, so I went for it. Service was prompt, my waiter was extremely nice, and the place was steadily busy. Hyde Park Bar & Grill has a very cozy feel to it. Nothing fancy, nothing trashy, just a nice place in a great neighborhood to go to for comfort food.
(4)
Alyssa R.
Three stars because service is great and they have a pretty good beer selection. But the food is not that good.
(3)
Stacie K.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Austin. I love their battered French fries and their special dipping sauce for it. Their Horseshoe Bend dish and chicken fried steak is great. Also their pumpkin bread pudding is delicious!!
(5)
Carolyn V.
Guys. The Fried Chicken that is available only Mondays and Tuesdays. It is freaking delicious. Get it with a side of collard greens (which are done PERFECTLY and not mushy and come with small pieces of bacon) and the mashed potatoes. The FRIED CHICKEN. GET IT. STOP WHINING AND GET IT. Totally delicious. They threw in an extra piece for me and it was like finding a $100 in the couch cushions. Fried chicken. In your mouth. Crispity deliciousness. In your mouth.
(5)
Jennyfer N.
I love this restaurant! I have loved this place ever since I started going about 2 years ago. Everything I have ever had has been great here. Service has always been speedy and courteous. I love the chicken fried fries as well! I will say, they're not for everyone though as they're probably a heart attack waiting to happen but if you're looking to treat yourself for dinner then look no further. Their eggplant pasta is delicious and it comes with this tomato vodka sauce that I've been trying to recreate for months! The lemon shrimp capellini is equally delicious and is usually my go-to with tart lemony pasta and large succulent shrimp. They have wonderful sandwiches, my favorite being the eggplant one...go figure. The ambiance is very mellow, casual, and warm as the restaurant itself is what looks like a remodeled home. It's very cozy and approachable. I've always gotten seated within 15 minutes, even when they tell me the wait is 30 minutes. I don't generally go during SUPER peak hours like Friday or Saturday night just because the parking situation can get a bit hairy. They do share a lot behind the restaurant with other restaurants in that little cove but it can get difficult when it's very crowded as these restaurants are a bit smaller than most of your major chain type places. To me, it's an Austin landmark and a place I will take all of my friends to when they come visit!
(5)
Carole S.
Damn! What has happened to you HPG?!?!! This was one of those places i would go for comfort food, as well as show off to out of town guests. I've been in the ATX a long time and have been here enough times to know the in's and out's (go at an off time if you don't wanna stand in the parking lot waiting for a table.) Now, i doubt i will Ever be back. Soooo. There was a groupon and the bf has never been. Hot diggety! Let's go! We showed up around 3 and got a rockstar parking spot. Score! We walked in and the boy was all impressed (it is a cool old house... i will give them that.) He thought he was under dressed. I assured him he was not. We were quickly greeted and shown to a table. That guy asked us if we knew what we wanted to drink and we quickly ordered a martini and a mojito. Then we waited... and waited... and waited. Another table was seated next to us. Our drinks came. They were stiff and good. Then we waited. And waited. Finally a waiter shows up. Incredulously, he goes to the other table first to take their order. WHAT?! Ummmm. We have drinks from the bar, clearly we have been here longer. I mean mug the other table, but know it's not their fault... Then he comes to us. We have been sitting there for at least 15-20 minutes, yeah dude, we know what we want to order. We order the Horseshoe which i had been hyping up to the bf since the mention of the groupon. Food comes. It's gross. Meat is not seasoned and dry. There is barely any cheese sauce and the extra side of it i asked for never came. Fries were meh. It was just gross and a horrible experience all around. nope. not even close. never again. 1 star for good drinks. minus all the other stars in the universe for crushing my love of an Austin institution.
(1)
Karen G.
I have eaten here a few times for lunch, and if you get there early, you can usually get a seat pretty quick. I will say this: I love, love, love their french fries. They are a little different from the typical french fry- a little bit of a thicker crustier coating, but I love them. And their fry sauce is great! The rest of the food is good but just okay, maybe I am just not ordering other great dishes. Good place to stop by but a little bit pricey for what you are getting.
(3)
Amanda M.
I had been wanting to try this place for a long time. The atmosphere was really great, the entire side of the restaurant facing west gate has a huge window- I liked that. The wait staff was friendly and prompt. I got the shrimp and polenta. I had no idea what polenta was before this but I really liked it. The shrimp were huge and cooked well and the polenta complimented the dish nicely. I really liked how unique the dish was- it seemed like you'd only find this at a fancy shmancy restaurant. It was $16 but it still seemed like a good deal. My dad got the vegetable stir fry and he could only eat half of it because there was so much but he really liked it. I tried some and it had good flavor. This was a really great place full of fun and friendly people. The reason why it's missing one star is because it's just not THAT unique. Call me picky but that's just what I think.
(4)
Dan A.
They do a few things very well here. They make the desserts in house. The permanent chocolate cake is fantastic if you heat it up in the microwave just the right amount. The current mint ganache cake is also extraordinary. Beyond the desserts, the fries are special. They also offer lots of choices for vegans or gluten free eaters.
(4)
Jules W.
HPBG - yes please! We've been several times and HPBG does not disappoint. The drinks, the food, the decor. Pretty fantastic all the way around.
(4)
Leah R.
It was my first time there, and to be honest, 3.5 stars. I'm rounding down and will promise to re-evaluate upon another visit or 2 (so I'm saying I would absolutely go back). The wait was loooong on a Sunday night but at least there was a bar and a decent amount of seating. I ended up with a lovely glass of white wine my friend recommended. By the time we were seated we were STARVED so we went with an appetizer. I wanted to try their famous fries, and I thought we were ordering CHEESE fries, but ended up with CHILI cheese fries. Not their fault, but honestly? The chili was MEH and ended up making the fries soggy where I could tell they probably otherwise would be yummy. They reminded me of the fries at Alamo Draft House, honestly. The food was better. I went really boring and ordered a chicken sandwich and a side salad, but the cilantro dressing was DELISH and I used it for both my sandwich and greens. The sandwich was GOOD, and it's my fault for ordering something so plain, but I couldn't scream it's praises from a mountaintop. Definitely hit the spot though, and with the appetizer and what was to come later, I took half of it home so it was decently sized. We decided to split a desert, and ended up with the peach pudding. I secretly was pouting because I wanted the key lime pie and I'm usually not a gigantic fan, but this was the stuff dreams are made of - I was fighting over the last bites (and won!) and would totally get this again. Service was good and friendly, decor and feel was cool, although we were seated at one of those tables where you feel like you're right up in other people's business because they're seated so close.
(3)
Donna W.
We ate here twice last fall and the service was horrible. I wrote to the manager who was very nice and said they would fix it and sent me a gift card to try again. Just went this week and sure enough, the service was great! The place was packed but our server was very prompt with everything like we were the only people in the place. Their sweet potatoes and their green beans are to die for. I dream about them. Their burgers were good and very large, too, and I really liked their mac and cheese the last time I was there. I know their fries are supposed to be a big deal and I love fries, but I didn't care for them. No matter, the sweet potatoes and green beans are better for me anyway! I also tried their butternut squash and goat cheese appetizer and loved that, too. My friend ordered the chicken fried steak and said it had a lot of gristle on it so he didn't care for it. All of my food was great! I am glad the gift card gave me the incentive to give this place another try. With the service so very improved from last fall, I will definitely be back.
(4)
Addie B.
Gotta say, you gonna walk up in the joint and it be COOOOOOLLLLD! (this is mostly for the ladies, but I hate SHIVERING while I am eating) So you best bring a jacket. the LIKES: -In my hood -Good burgers -the $5.50 red wine is good -it's open LATER than most places -they'll split the plate for you the DISLIKES: -service is spotty, I found sitting at the bar is where I feel most welcome -you gotta pay extra for fries with your burger! c'mon! overall the pros outweigh the cons. I like this place over all. and they have fried chicken on Mon/Tues. I gotta satisfy those fried chicken craving sometime!
(3)
Ruth R.
Delicious food and excellent service. The wait is never too long and they always have appetizer specials when you check in on yelp.
(5)
Jennifer D.
Very underwhelmed by fries - totally not impressed and food in general. Waiter forgot my tea and charged me for it. He was nice otherwise. I ordered the salmon and it was drenched in butter and not salted enough. The collard greens with bacon were tasty. I would definitely not return. There's too many places in Austin with better fries and better atmosphere.
(2)
Nick E.
Great food, great waitstaff, great prices, great guy at the door that greets you. Always save room for Wom Kim's Peach Pudding. They changed their menu recently and disappointingly got rid of the meatloaf, but everything on the menu is good. A mainstay when we are in the area.
(5)
K R.
I love Hyde Park Grill. The staff is very friendly. I had the chicken fried steak and a sidecar. I've heard that the bartender here is one of the best in town, I don't order cocktails very often, but I really enjoyed this one. We also went around 8 on a Sunday and didn't have to wait at all for a table. In the best I've been on a Sunday afternoon and it was insanely crowded.
(4)
Mandy S.
Hyde Park Bar & Grill, what happened to you? I've never had any complaints in the 5 years I have eaten here. In fact, you were the first restaurant I was ever recommended to visit upon my first moving to Austin. I always try to bring out of towners for your home cooking creations, but after going back today and realizing how drastically they have changed their menu, and experiencing the awful customer service, I was left completely confused and wondering: What went wrong? I used to order their crab cake meal- it was amazing served over sweet potatoes and getting 2 sides made it a huge deal. When I noticed today how many items have changed on the menu, including my aforementioned lovely crab cakes, I wondered what I would do. My husband was fine ordering his usual Horseshoe, so I went ahead and picked the next-best thing on the menu that was kinda similar-the Yankee Crab Cakes. Hey, how different could they be? How I was wrong. Our waiter was intent on speaking to us in transactions that either consisted of fewer than 3 words or a simple guttural grunt. When we thanked him for refills, he seemed like we were such a nuisance for being there. Really? I knew when the time came for me to pull out the Groupon we brought that we were going to get the brunt end of it, but at least we aren't ordering more food at that point. The crab cakes we horrible. My first bite into them was the wettest, mushiest crab I have ever eaten. Totally fishy and didn't resemble their old crab cake recipe at all. It's such a shame when a restaurant seems to change so much overnight. They drenched both cakes in a bland mayonnaise type sauce, it was so nasty I just ended up pushing it off to the side of the plate. The sauteed greens were okay, but I was so grossed out by the crab cakes and wondering why they tasted so weird (not to mention whether it was okay to send them back to the kitchen considering the service we were already getting). After a while I cut them apart so they kind of dried out, making them more edible. For a sec I was afraid that they weren't cooked enough, and that would have been bad. Wondering about food poisoning is never a fun thing. The husband's horseshoe was okay- I ended up eating most of his fries since I ditched my meal a long time ago, but he said the meat was well done even though he ordered it medium. I guess you really can't win them all. I'm actually saddened to think I will never be back, but it's going to have to happen. I'm sorry Hyde Park!
(2)
Glenn R.
Pretty good service. I ordered the chicken fried steak and was mildly disappointed. The flavor was lacking big time. What did make up for this though was our excellent server. He was friendly, efficient, and knew about all the different items on the menu. Also, there was no wait, which was a plus.
(3)
Tiffany W.
French fries here are overhyped. They're deep fried twice with buttermilk sauce but somehow still taste bland if eaten without the dipping sauce. My roommate and I split an order of the horseshoe. Large portion but it seemed like something I could've whipped up quickly at home with a slice a texas toast, a microwaved hamburger patty and a couple slices of melted cheese.
(3)
Walker F.
I didn't really have any expectations going in here, other than to be fed. As such, Hyde Park met and exceeded them! An interesting spot...it looks pretty fancy from the outside with the giant fork with longhorns on it (classier than what you are picturing). An offical host greeted us at the door and we were directed to the U-shaped bar in the center of the restaurant to wait for our table. The bar looked like it would have fit in maybe at Vino Vino, as it was all wooden and had all the classics (instead of row after row of flavored vodka). The bartender didn't blink an eye when I ordered a lemon drop martini (with a splash of chambord) and my date an Old Fashioned. In conversation with the gentleman behind me this place has been around for quite some time, website says 1982 (maybe I should have guessed given that over 50% of the patrons were over 50). The tables are pretty close together in the dining area so its not exactly intimate. Art was funky - I really dug it - but given that the bar area was so classic, the dining experience was more...casual. The menu serves country fried steak which just doesn't really "match" with Old Fashioned ya know? I mean it works, don't get me wrong. I ordered the Chicken Fried Chicken and throughouly enjoyed the gravy and green chili mashed potatoes. My date got a pasta dish with fried eggplant that was awesome. Big portions, good value. Definitely a fan. PS. We also tried the margarita, but nothing really special to note. PPS. It was freezing in there. Maybe they have to keep in under 60 for the old folk, who knows. But bring a sweater.
(4)
Neline S.
This is where Rusty Nails and I first met. They didn't have a lot of options on their drink menu and I was craving whiskey so Rusty was sitting there patiently waiting for me. My waitress asked if I wanted top shelf and I asked how much it would cost considering it was happy hour. She said $5 and then I wondered again why I drink in NY. Rusty came and he tasted so good my friend wanted her own as well. Hyde Park is specifically known for their french fries so my friend and I were pretty excited to be here and were deciding what plates to get that involved them. We could have gotten the sole order and split it between us but my friend wanted the burger so it would be pointless to get it considering it came as a side. I debated if I wanted steak since we are in Texas after all but it didn't come with the fries so I opted for the Horseshoe, which is basically beef sirloin on Texas toast topped with Hyde Park french fries. Yum! The beef sirloin was ok but the french fries were pretty good topped with tomatoes, cheese and chives. I saw they had dessert and my friend said the banana cream pie with caramel sounded great. It was a hefty size split between two people and that ended the meal perfectly. Overall, I think the banana cream pie trumped the french fries this time!
(4)
Teresa S.
What do they put in that Balsamic Dressing? It's like candy. I can hardly contain myself from licking the bowl clean. The other items on the menu are "pretty good"; no complaints or raves. Like other reviewers, I am not on board with the battered fries. I have yet to try the fried chicken, since it is a "special" and not on the regular menu. I never seem to be there on the right day. It is a reliable local eatery though and definitely worth a visit. We found the service average. Good wait staff usually, but sub par bar staff. Just not very friendly or attentive :-/ We usually steer clear of the bar for that reason and so that is the only advice I can offer. Oh and be prepared to circle for parking.
(4)
Melissa P.
This was maybe our third time going here--my coworkers and I with our boss. two days ago (on Wednesday at 11am). I don't know if people normally need reservations or not but we didn't. I had the Club Cordon Bleu special, which is the Wednesday special. See their menu online--they have a different special every day. It was $10.00 *and* it included their famous fries with the little cup of the dipping sauce that goes on the side! I ate all the fries, and took half of my sandwich home. The sandwich was so good. It was smothered with cheese... A few of my coworkers also got the Club Cordon Bleu special and they were very pleased too. They at it all (but later said they were very full--they tend to do this!:) The atmosphere is very pleasant. The walls are decorated with $300 paintings of probably local artists that you can buy. In the front of the restaurant is this HUGE fork that they sometimes decorate with something on top. This was definitely a good experience and we will of course be back.
(5)
Matt K.
Good service below average burger! Burger had little flavor and came on a rock hard bun.
(2)
Susan D.
I found myself at this restaurant after a long, hard trip to Austin, Texas by car from Chicago around the first part of July. After many days of extreme heat, I was still trying to rustle up an appetite. It's a really great vibe in this place - and during peak times, very busy, which is a good sign. Nonetheless, the 7 of us were seated right away, which really surprised me. Despite having a great little table in a somewhat private spot, the noise level was too loud to really converse effectively. So if you think you'll be able to actually talk and hear your dinner partners during peak times, guess again. That's important to know unless you don't mind shouting, straining to hear or just eating in quasi-silence. The food choices are quite amazing -- everything from standard fare to more interesting things like fried goat cheese and squash, which we tried. Fried food in extreme heat isn't too smart, but I like to try new things when I go out. For me, that's more than half the fun of going out to eat. I ordered the cornflake fried catfish which came with their "best of Austin" famous battered fries (delicious) and my choice of side -- two tamales. I like to order tamales out because I know what a pain in the neck they are to make. The cornflake fried catfish (which is also served blackened if you like) was really great -- and the portion was too much for me to finish. The fries were great, too. The tamale, on the other hand, left a little to be desired. I did finish one because I thought it may get better, but, alas, that was not the case. I found it just a bit bland and a bit dry, which is why I must give the restaurant 3 stars. It isn't their fault that the noise level was so bad ... but in this day and age, there must be something that a restaurant can do acoustically to rectify that. There really isn't much in the way of restaurants that I saw in the area as we drove through the urban sprawl that is this part of Austin, so it's really nice that it is there for the residents. And the quality of food, variety and service were really great, too.
(3)
Cansu B.
We got the pimento cheese and cucumber sandwich, and the chicken fried chicken...both with fries. The fries are the best we've ever had!!
(4)
Julie S.
Hyde Park Bar and Grill is by far one of my favorite restaurants in this whole city. My love affair with HPBG started when I was a Freshman at UT and my parents just moved me in to my dorm room. Of course, we went to HPBG as a farewell dinner and I think they fell in love with it too! Ever since then, I go to this place constantly. When the question is: "where should we go that everyone likes?", the answer is always HPBG. First of all...the fries. Oh. my. god. They are fantastic! Especially that mayo they serve it with. Some people opt to order the cheese sauce too, but I think its unnecessary. The fries stand alone and I think it is an appetizer-necessity for first-timers. I have had quite a few things on their menu in the last 5 years. I think the mac and cheese is FANTASTIC (great side dish...I've recommended it to a ton of my friends and they have all loved it). The Penne Pasta is alright...tons of noodles, but could use more chicken and veggies. Probably best left to a carbo-loader before a marathon - soooo many noodles. The burgers and sandwiches are great...especially the avocado chicken one. I love the Mixed Green salad with deli turkey...extremely healthy and filling! This is a huge salad, folks! The chicken fried steak is OK (never ordered it but thats what my friends tell me), so I'd skip that one. The service is always great. My boyfriend ordered a steak last time we went and there was pesto all over it (he is allergic) and they got a new fresh one out to him in MINUTES. It was so impressive. The drinks are OK. I would stick to wine or beer if you want to have a cocktail. The margaritas are best left to a tex-mex restaurant. Anyways, I love love love this place and have never ever had a bad experience. Great for a date, family or group of friends that wanna catch up over delicious food. Also, the atmosphere is adorable. Feels like you are visiting an old friend's house. MUCH better option if you are looking for American food than Chili's or Friday's. Also, I love the local art on the walls. Sometimes it is....interesting....but always makes for a good conversation starter. Go here. Now. Do yourself and your taste buds a favor.
(4)
Calily B.
My friend was right, the fries here are bomb diggity! Not that I ever doubted her "fry rating", homegirl knows her fries! I had the CFS which had a great crunchy coating and the green beans were cooked perfectly. My boyf had the tuna sandwich, which he really enjoyed, and even mentioned that we should come back here sooner rather than later. That's big kudos in his book. My friend had a carbo load plate of goodness: CFC, fries, and mac n' cheese. She doesn't live here anymore so she wanted to indulge in all of Hyde Park's good things. I even had a coupon! Cha-ching! Good food and bucks saved? Sign me up!
(4)
Jennifer F.
We continue to give this place a shot and are continually disappointed. The waitstaff is nice and helpful. The food is mediocre, at best. Seriously, the pastrami was flavorless and I had to salt the fries. I really question these reviews of 4 stars. Are their expectations this low? My husband had the pork cutlet it was "pretty good." He says, "Hoovers is much better." I do think the people are very nice and the experience is pleasant but I really think the restaurant is way over popularized.
(2)
Erik W.
We dropped by the Hyde Park Bar and Grill on Friday to enjoy some food. There was a 25 minute wait, which we were more then willing to wait out after checking out the menu. We ordered up a couple of good drinks ($11 for a lemon drop and an Old Fashioned). Do bring an extra sweater/jacket. It's pretty chilly inside. Even though it was raining, Walker F and I waited outside the restaurant with our drinks in hand because she was so cold. The decor in the Hyde Park Bar and Grill was interesting. They had a bunch of really neat art that was made out of painted wood cutouts. The lighting was nice. It was a bit on the loud side, but not to the point where you couldn't hold a conversation. The restaurant is nice, but still fairly casual. The menu is large! Not a ton of stuff for vegetarians, but enough. I had a pasta dish with some AMAZING fried eggplant. The prices were very reasonable. It seemed odd, but they even had a stir-fry on the menu. The group at the Hyde Park Bar and Grill was very interesting. There were people who had to be in their 90s all the way to folks in their early 20s. Seemed like a great little restaurant. I'm going to find a reason to come back here.
(4)
Charly T.
Things I love: House fries, chicken fried steak, turkey burger and for dessert -- definitely Wom Kim's Peach Pudding. The peach pudding is a must. I love the food, but the sides leave a little to be desired. The fries are some of the best I've had; I love the batter and the sauce that comes with it. The price is reasonable, as are the portions. My only complaint is how small and cramped the space is. I always feel like I'm becoming very friendly with the next table over . I wouldn't say that it's great for a huge group (although they do have a couple big booths).
(4)
Holly A.
Even though I have been here several times through the years, I doubt I'll ever go here again. Why? Because it's AVERAGE. Not that I have a problem with average, I like average sometimes, but I do have a problem paying way more than average for average. And the surly attitude that can sometimes be found here is completely unnecessary. You know who you are certain servers and uptighties. Look around, you are in an old dirt creeping building with raggedy furniture, serving and/or eating a god damned hamburger and some fries with special sauce that will probably give you a special heart attack before you even get back to your car. That's certainly something to get all uppity about.
I was skeptical yesterday about joining my hubby and my grrl here after work for a drink. They'd dropped her car off at Sears Hancock and were killing time at this bar. I guess I just associate Hyde Park with being a little cafe not a bar (even tho it's in the name) and after the day I'd had, I needed a Drink. No, a D. rink. As soon as I sat at the bar, Kevin, the bartender asked what I wanted. "Shot of Tuaca, chilled and a glass of vodka cranberry". He served me that Tuaca with a really nice pour in a snifter. Ahhh, after that and the cape cod, I could feel myself starting to relax. My grrl then ordered a glass of Torrontes and again, Kevin gave her a massive pour, so I got one of those too. By the end of my glass, Kevin was going off shift and, apologizing to my grrl first, I declared him my new best friend. I was feeling ready for anything. My grrl was fighting with her BF on the phone and we were debating on where to go next to get her in the most trouble with him. The Yellow Rose or DK Sushi (he hates sushi and would know we picked that so he wouldn't join us). That's when the new bartender, David, came on. David just LOOKS like an experienced barkeep. He reminded me of Eddie at Eddie V's. So hubby asked what his specialty drink was. He said he makes a mean margarita. I was skeptical again, but we ordered a round of those and he did not disappoint. Tequila with fresh lime juice....that's pretty much all it was and the first sip spun my head around. "Thish ish gooood!!" I wash feeling noo pains. All my shtressh adn worriesh, my grrl's fight with her man, my piesh of shit coworker were all drowning in the lasht shwig of my tequila ( shee? ther'esh my coworker dodging icesh cubesh at the bottom of my glassh...crush him! crush himm!!!!). I walked into thish bar grumbpy and lookin for a fight. I left tipshy, happy and shtill lookin for a fight (it'sh the tequila). Yay! Im' a fan! Exiting the front door refresshed into warm shunlight, I looked left. "That'sh the F@*#&ing Cheese Shop!!!!" (to be continued)
(4)
Tom J.
How can anyone give this place a bad review? Did their taste buds fall off? Or maybe they just ordered the wrong thing. This has been one of my favorite restaurants in Austin for years. Some of the dishes I really enjoy include the chicken and avocado blt, the chicken and dumplings, the spinach salad with hot bacon dressing and the catfish. The fries are heavenly, crispy, greasy delicious morsels served with a decadent chipotle mayo. Hyde Park Grill has great desserts too. The Won Kim's peach pudding has deservedly been on the dessert menu for many years. It's like a rich, tasty combo of cake, pudding and peaches, warmed up and drenched in heavy cream. What's not to like? Most of the other desserts are rotated and changed out, which is fun since you never know what treats they'll have. I recently had a kahlua cream pie that was out of this world.
(5)
Elizabeth E.
Oh my God, eat the mac and cheese! It's delicious! As a connoisseur of all exquisitely cooked southern comfort food, I love this place! The prices are okay, the atmosphere is pretty relaxed (appears at first glance a bit formal for Austin, but get over it - it's not!, and the servings where substantial (I came home with lunch AND diner for the next day). I sampled everyone's plate and didn't have a complaint! Only reason I'm knocking them a star is that I appreciate prompt service - throughout my entire experience. Our waiter was slow in refilling our drinks, and while he agree to split the bill between our parties, it took him forever.
(4)
Wendy L.
I use to love coming to this restaurant but in the later years of my 5 years in Austin I found myself coming here less and less to not coming back at all. I use to enjoy the food here, but the last time I came back I found it to be average. Or maybe just a little bit above average? One of the things I loved getting here was the blackened catfish because it had an excellent flavor. I also use to get the horseshoe, but the last time I ate it I found the amount of fries they give you to be a little to much that I had to push them off to get to the burger. I also found the burger meat to be a little dry and overcooked. Plus I think they fries are good but I'm not a fan to say they're the best fries I've ever had. Also throughout the past 5 years, they have decreased their portion sizes. However the atmosphere of the house is great with the art they place on their walls. The waitstaff isn't bad either however there are times you might get a slow one. Overall I think this place is okay, but I just never crave this place.
(3)
Diego S.
I'll keep it simple. Dining area: cramped, noisy, time your arrival or else you will be waiting. Service: Friendly and attentive. I wonder if that was a rarity seeing what others have written about the staff here? Food: Solid A. had the chicken sandwich and fries. Small but plump chicken breast that was seasoned well, strangely large bun (had to eat open faced as that top bun was two inches high LOL), and yes the fries were damn good. Lightly breaded perhaps...I actually tasted potato versus cooking oil.
(4)
Lacey W.
I'm always leery of restaurants with huge menus, especially when they tend to be extra cross-cultural. I have yet to come across a place that can give me a burger, a plate of pasta, some steamed dumplings, and a decent enchilada all in one go. Alas, Hyde Park B&G falls into this "let's offer ALL THE THINGS" trap. My initial plan was to order the shrimp capellini. It sounded awesome-- roasted grape tomatoes, tender shrimp, hint of lemon. Yum. Except that it wasn't so yum. Soggy, wet, mushy pasta; rubbery, overdone shrimp; oily, separating sauce. I took three bites, because I try hard to never be the person who sends food back, but I just couldn't do it, children. (The pasta was taken off my bill without my having to ask, which was nice.) I aimed lower next time: steamed pork dumplings. These were... fine, but nothing to shout about. I couldn't tell if they were done in-house or frozen, but either way, pretty lackluster. The Thai dipping sauce they came with was astonishing, though. Nice job on the sauce. Everyone apparently raves about the fries, so my dining companions and I got a plate to split, and I honestly don't see what the big deal is. They're fries, and just not that special. Although I didn't have the fries until I'd tried the pasta, so maybe I was just bitter. The service was actually really wonderful. Our server was quite gracious about my polite request to "Please remove this horrifying pasta from my sight AT ONCE!" (no, I was nicer than that. Actually, I was pretty damn saccharine, because I never, ever send back food. I just suffer through.) All in all, not a good dining experience for me.
(2)
Hannah W.
Just Meh. Nothing about Hyde Park is fantastic. And nothing is horrible. The famed fries have a great outer crunch with a soft center but I enjoy the sauce more than the fries themselves. The service is good but can be slow all around.
(3)
B N.
Our second time at the North location in Austin. Friday afternoon with maybe 4-5 other tables. Upon entering the bartender made eye contact with both of us, and then looked away and continued with texting on the phone. No hello or how can I help you. Plain rude. After 7 minutes of standing at the door, a wait staff took us to a table. He did not introduce himself or tell us the specials or even say a plain HELLO! Rude IMO. The food, plain and boring. The order was mixed up, when we said what we ordered versus what we received, he huffed and walked away. All in all a bad experience. Never again. Food 1.5 stars. Service 1 star. Management, I hope if you do read these reviews you train your folks to be polite, courteous who enjoy working at your joint, otherwise you will be loosing valuable business.
(1)
Rusty S.
Even Lamestreamers who live in Fake Austin need a place where they can pay a $10 location fee for the same reheated entree they could get at a chain near Parmer Lane. Like a stubborn trilobite refusing to acknowledge the Permian extiction, Hyde Park Bar & Grill still exists amongst the Yuppie masses of Central Austin yearning for yet another Farm2Table, heritage pork-friendly outlet. Only go if your Far West coworkers make you.
(2)
David R.
I'm only giving it 3-starts because my sister tried something new (fried egg sandwich) and said it was good. However...WHAT HAPPENED? Apparently there's a new executive chef and he's changed the menu quite a bit. #1 The Chicken Fried Steak seems a lot "heavier" than it used to be. Thicker crust, smaller piece of steak...I preferred the thinner, lighter crust. #2 Hyde Park Fries- I don't think I EVER remember them being salted before. If they were, it wasn't over-salted with kosher salt like they are now. I left more than half my fries...I NEVER do that. #3 The Mac and Cheese was just a step above Kraft. I guess it's mainly on the menu for kids, but still... That said, some of the NEW menu items looked interesting, so I will still probably go back to try a few. The old favorites are not-so-favorite anymore, though. It's going to be hard not to order the old standbys.
(3)
Emily R.
I'm over this place. Yes, their fries are pretty good and so is that remoulade. But recently I took friends from out of town here for brunch, and we thought the food was pretty uninspired. In particular, my sweet potato hash was really disappointing--dry, bland white/sweet potato homefry mix, topped with a single fried egg that would have been inadequate to sauce the so-called "hash" even if it hadn't been slightly overcooked and not runny enough for the job. Service was friendly enough and there was no wait, which I guess should have been my clue that this isn't that much of a Sunday brunch destination. This was my first brunch visit, and lunches there in the recent past have been, meh, fine, but I just don't think they're really trying that hard anymore. Hyde Park seems to be coasting on its past reputation and location rather than actually living up to its famous name.
(2)
Kris K.
Had dinner here last night (8/22) with my hubby and baby and it was just blah. So the good things we had come to love about Hyde Park is their chicken fried chicken, wok seared greens and mashed tators and side salads. This evening we both decided on something different, he had a burger with bacon and swiss and I ordered the fried egg sandwich. Negatives: - We told them we needed a highchair, we were seated with no highchair I had to ask the guy again and then it was like he was in a daze he then asked me if I needed a high chair (lol). -Took so long for waiter to tend to us after we were seated. - Once we ordered we didn't see the waiter again until food was served. -Hubby's burger was "meh" not very flavorful. -My fried egg sandwich which comes with a Ham on it, I opted for bacon instead, came with one piece of bacon cut in half. My egg was not medium like asked but hard. -Hard to flag waiter down to get check and get out. So moral to this story is if you have a set thing you get all the time at one place and really have not had anything else, just keep it to what you know. Don't be brave.
(2)
LaShandra J.
Came here for an office meeting, I thought it was odd that they had our table blocking the exits (but hey if something popped off and we needed get out we were right there lol). The food was okay, the atmosphere was nice, and our waiter was very nice and helpful. The best part was their chocolate cake I got it to go it was a HUGE chunk and very thick, I had to take it home. If you order ask for a scoop of ice cream YUM!!
(3)
Stephanie F.
Hardly ever much of a wait here and I love the host. 4 stars is based mainly on the delicious fries and sauce and dessert. I could eat a pound of these fries and we got a large for our appetizer and I wasn't hungry one bit for my entree. That was good because I ordered the eggs Benedict and it came out cold. The hollandaise (sp?) sauce was sparse. The host overheard me saying it was cold and told my server and he came over to talk to me. I ended up just sending it back and not ordering anything else since I'd loaded up on fries. Healthy, I know. I had 2 of the raspberry margaritas, which were very good. Fresh raspberry puree and enough tequila to taste. My fiance got the the Horsehoe, which was just more fries, ground beef and a weird cheese sauce. Nothing special. Since I didn't have an entree, I ordered the peach pudding for dessert, which is like a peach cake, served warm with cream. DELICIOUS. The fries keep me coming back.
(4)
Scott R.
Now that I've been here a couple of times, I'd say Hyde Park B&G is close to the epitome of a 3-star American food diner/restaurant. It's a solid place to walk to if you live in the neighborhood and to bring finicky guests but I wouldn't get in the car for it. The ground chuck burger is just mediocre. As is the Eggs Benedict on the brunch menu. I wasn't disappointed in either - but definitely a star below nearby restaurants in the genre like Blue Star Cafeteria or Galaxy Cafe. I'm also not sold on the french fries - which have been awarded 'Best in Austin' in the past. The buttermilk on the fries adds a nice crunch but there's not much there in flavor. The spiced mayo helps. I'll be back b/c I live in the area but probably wouldn't be back if I wasn't....
(3)
Marsha B.
HPB&G has always been one of my faves - but based on Sunday brunch, they are slipping downward. I ordered a brunch item that had pancakes, bacon and eggs. I specifically requested that the eggs be "soft scrambled" and unfortunately they were extremely overcooked - practically needed a knife to cut them up! I filled out a survey presented at the end of the meal - received response from the manager today acknowledging my problem. However, the manner in which it was written was a further turn-off - moreless flippant, no true concern. I may end up going back some time in the future but not at my suggestion. Also, we arrived right after they opened - there were only 2 other tables seated and the hostess put us at a very small two-top table in an empty restaurant - another real turn-off. I certainly would understand this had the restaurant been close to full.
(2)
Matt A.
Had some damn good fried chicken here with their famous french fries, yummy mac 'n cheese, and undercooked collard greens. Their downfall was definitely their collard greens, which were greasy and undercooked. However, those french fries and the sauce it comes with (mayo, celery salt, ketchup maybe?) are so good! The fried chicken was also crunchy, and very juicy.
(4)
Wayne N.
This was one of the first places I ate at when I first came to ATX. I walked out impressed but at the same time indifferent. I got the horseshoe from a recommendation from the waiter. Definitely not what I was expecting (it's like eating a small mountain), but was surprised at the quantity. The quality was very meh, but the fries were good. But there were so many of them, I just simply felt sick halfway through trying to eat it. Service is kinda slow but wasn't expecting too much. I'll be back to try some of the other stuff.
(3)
Kelly S.
Comfort food at its best, I had the chicken fried chicken (brown gravy please), fries and macaroni and cheese. Then we shared the peach delight dessert. Three words: Oh my god. Everything was amazing (except for the sorority girls next to us... do they take a class in how to shriek at a dog whimpering pitch???). Chicken was moist and crispy, fries were peppery and the macaroni and cheese was melt in your mouth lick the plate good. Then the peach thing. That thing is made with love and fairy dust. And heavy cream. Take half your meal home in order to get it. Seriously. The man got the tilapia which I didnt really like but the sweet potato chunks were perfect. The best part... our meal was only $30 and our waiter looked like Michael Bolton from Office Space. His name was Jared and he was the perfect server. Attentive, non obtrusive, remembered our orders, special stuff and all, and refilled our tea/water about 5 times. i didnt know what to expect from this place and was totally impressed.
(5)
Phillip S.
Some of the better mac and cheese in town. Obviously the fries are good, but you'll fill up on them and miss out on some other goodness. Last time I had the Pimento sandwich, a bit dissapointing, but maybe it's just not my thing, was my first time trying. Oh and their lentil soup is decently good. All in all decent value.
(4)
The D.
Food is good here. They try to hard. Too many hipsters have invaded this once grand Austin eatery. Kerby Lane is just as good and half the price.
(3)
Bethany W.
I've been here twice and both times were great! First off, order the Reuben. It's almost big enough to split between 3 people and it is delicious. Other goodies are the burgers and the homemade fries. Overall, the menu reads like your favorites dishes that you thought only your mom knew how to cook but with more flare. Well, no one beats my mom's cooking (seriously she's that awesome) but when she's not around this fills the void. The decor has that trendy Austin feel and the service is quick and consistent. Parking is a bit of a gamble but know that you can park to the side and back of the building in case you don't see anything up front. Now, to get all those Yankee's out of Austin so I can afford to move there and enjoy this place more often.
(4)
Kelly B.
5 stars for the fries alone! I love these fries. I crave these fries. When I left Austin to live in Kansas City I dreamed about these fries. I missed these fries. I drove 800 miles back to Austin and the first thing I did? Yep...I went to Hyde Park and ATE THESE FRIES! Oh.... the rest of the food is just for accompaniment. The pimento cheese sandwich was awesome, the Reuben just as good, the turkey muffeletta not so much. The chicken fried steak was pretty good but a little chewy. Did I mention the fries?
(5)
Ryley W.
This was my first trip to Hyde park. I know there are a million places to eat in Austin but for some reason I can never decide where to eat. I suggested Hyped Park tonight because I LOVE French fries. Thin, thick, waffle, wedge..... So I ordered a burger and fries tonight. My waiter was very honest with me and said that he wasnt a fan of Hyde park fries bc they were too battered. Well personally I love battered fries (among others). So I ordered them anyways. My rating Is mainly for the fries.... The batter was amazing! Kinda like a peppered long John silvers batter (but tastier). But my main issue was with the crispness and saltiness! Everyone loves Micky d's fast food fries bc they are at least salty. These fries were just battered. There was no saltiness to lick off of your fingers at the end of the meal. So other than the unique but mediocre fries, good place to eatin Austin. Been there since 1982!
(3)
Jeff M.
My family and I have been going there for a very long time and in the last few years the decline in food and service is so very disappointing. My daughter ordered a steak dish med rare and when it came out it was very, very well done, so I asked for a new one and it came out looking like grisly greasy dog vomit. Not kidding, I even took a picture of it and this is after waiting over an hour for our food. I asked to speak to the manager who was and wondered what happened and if he could see how gross the steak was and he blew up on me. He said he has vision problems and I apologized but he clearly had his glasses on and then he started screaming at us I again apologized for "offending" him but how would I know and pretty sure that is not my job to know. All of our food was so horrible it made me very sad. They need to get it together because it used to be a great place to eat and it feels like the owners just gave up. Hope they get it together soon.
(1)
Gretchen D.
We've been here a couple of times recently and the food is good. The prices are average. Some things seem a little over-priced, others average. I've gotten the 4 side plate and the green beans, new potatoes, corn & cheese tamales, and clam chowder were all very good. A second time, I got this combo but got the lentil soup. I wasn't really a fan of it, but my husband said he liked it. The kid meal portions are quite large - especially if you get vegetable side instead of fries. I came a few years ago and got the "famous fries" and couldn't understand why they were famous. They have a batter coating on them that to me tastes like nothing. I mean, really, it's got less flavor than if the fries were just fried on their own. Our last visit recently, my husband got a burger and fries and I once again felt the same way about the fries. I love french fries. I love coated/seasoned fries. These really have zero flavor. It's like the batter neutralizes the potato flavor. We'll probably go back, as we live in the neighborhood and it's easy.
(3)
Whitney W.
I have recently been trying other menu items.... I am completely addicted to the shiner battered green beans. It's like crack. Chicken fried chicken, delish. Bacon collard greens: perfect bacony goodness. They make some pretty tasty Bloody Maria's here too.
(5)
Betsy H.
Hmmm.... yes, hmmm. I like to use that phrase when writing. Whatever, it's a very Betsy thing. So, James liked his meal. I mean, maybe he loved it. I took pictures of "the Horseshoe" being devoured... looked, well, like an amazing tasting heart attack - but in a good way. I wasn't hungry, which was unfortunate, so I ordered a salad with grilled tuna. Perhaps I should have NOT ordered that. Dry, grilled tuna = not exciting. Or good. I took someone's advice about the steamed dumplings. GOOD NEWS. At least ours were!! Order them, try them, and taste the hot chili sauce. Soooo, my verdict: I will go again when I am actually hungry. I loved the old-school diner atmosphere... that will call me back, if nothing else!
(3)
Tama H.
The food at Hyde Park Bar & Grill is always just okay, with the exception of their fries. I love their french fries! The service leaves something to be desired. On a recent trip there for lunch our waitress got really grumpy and moody when my friend wanted to change her order. She kept up the attitude, for no apparent reason, for the rest of our meal. I have probably been to Hyde Park Bar & Grill more times in my life than most any other restaurant in Austin, due to sheer proximity, but bad service is unexcusable, particularly for a restaurant with solidly mediocre food. Sorry, HPB&G - I want to like you, but sometimes you make it difficult.
(2)
Ananda C.
Nothing special, but consistent and yummy. I HEART fried egg sandwiches and they have a great version. I skip the ham. Drinks are decent, too. And since it's in walking distance from my house the loyalty card has come in handy many times! The decor is...hard to define. A mix of eclectic art on the walls and Elks clubs of yore. Go here if you are searching out reliable comfort food and leave any foodie snobs at home. Skip any attempts on the menu at non-traditional American (just say no to the pasta, trust me) and go with the familiar. They claim their fries are the best in Austin. I disagree, but I dislike battered fries.
(3)
Priscila M.
Favorite things about Hyde Park? It's consistent and it's close to my house. I usually get the same things here - the chicken burger with guac and bacon and the eggplant vodka red sauce pasta (this isn't what it's called). I can eat this three times in a month and not get sick of it, and it's always consistently good. That being said, I've tried a couple other things there I didn't love. But if comfort food is what you're looking for, Hyde Park is the right place to go. It's not overpriced and the environment is super relaxed and inviting. It's usually pretty cold in there and kind of crowded (like many Austin restaurants that used to be homes) but I still love it and have never had a bad server. If you go to Hyde Park, YOU MUST GET THE FRIES. They're battered and delicious. Do not leave without trying them.
(4)
Jessica L.
After several trips back to Hyde Park (usually when their french fries are calling my name) I've come to the slow realization that this may be the best comfort food in Austin. Now this is not the kind of place you should go if you are counting calories, which makes it such a treat when you decide to splurge. Favorite menu items: Chicken fried steak (Texas staple), Fried chicken (only served Tuesdays), collard greens (cooked in bacon, you can't not love them!), french fries (best in town), top it off with a banana cream pie drizzled in caramel sauce....oh man, making myself hungry. In summary, never a bad choice. Love this place!
(5)
Nicolas L.
FIVE STARS OMG! I've been a regular at Hyde Park for years and have always LOVED the menu through and through. I thought the food couldn't get better... Until now. The new menu items are to die for. I had the Pan Roasted Chicken. It is an elegantly simple bit of perfection, the right balance of flavor and texture. My friend ordered the new crab-cakes, which she REALLY enjoyed. We both cleared our plates in record time. The service was friendly and informative, and our server was very attentive. Our drinks from the bar were PERFECT. I ordered a delicious mojito and it was clear there was a lot of care in its preparation. My friend ordered a manhattan, which she said couldn't be better... And she's a bartender. Overall, very satisfied. Hyde Park Bar & Grill still comes highly recommended. Thanks Hyde Park!
(5)
dana p.
I like the food. I always have decent service. Nice artwork on the walls. The main reason I don't go to HPG more often is that finding parking can be difficult and I don't think the seating is all that comfortable. Just not the best atmosphere in town, but the food is very tasty and it's a nice place to catch up with friends for diner.
(3)
Tim P.
great service, servers are always accomadating friendly yet still quirky (keepin' Austin wierd in there own way/good way) new menu rocks too! They really weeded out a few menu items that weren't up to par, improved on existing ones, and added some new flavors! Try the Salmon Blackened!!!
(5)
Chucky P.
Fantastic server. I wanted to take her home and/or be my friend. Everything I tasted here was good. Got the veggie plate: cheese tamale, fruit cup, salad, and lentil soup. Was the bomb diggity. I'd visit at least once a month back when I lived in Austin.
(5)
Gary K.
So Hyde Park, what is it really? A bar, a restaurant, a house, an institution, or a neighbor hood goodie? Maybe it is all of them. We started going her over a year ago, I have resisted going to Hyde Park for the last dozen years thinking it was a la de da place that I would not like. We went with friends and I came away with a feeling I should have gone years before I did. I had the Kobe beef burger and it was one of the best burgers I have had in Austin. Now every time I go back I order this burger. I order it medium rare which gives it the great ooze factor that I like in a burger. I also order the steamed red potatoes which are always good. My wife has ordered many of the different dishes including the meatloaf and the chicken friend chicken. She has liked all of them. I tasted her items and like them too. I will talk about the fries later. The Hyde Park location is an old house as most of you know, parking is limited and sometime you have to park on a side street nearby. It is in a quaint neighbor hood along with other places like a desert place, a grocery and a vegan restaurant near by. The house is old and the tables inside are really close together. They have a full bar as you enter and it will be right in front of you. If you are waiting for a table you will be standing right beside tables where people are eating. So get used to the closeness. The tables are so close you can many times listen in to conversation at the other tables. It is a good place to take a date. The locals that live in the neighbor hood like this place. Many of them are older UT professor types or hippie types that rent in the area as well as UT fraternity and sorority types. So a lot of different, diverse people eat here. The first time we ate there the tables near us had several people on dates, one large table of sorority girls dressed to kill laughing and having fun, they were great to watch. One table with an education god was dominating the conversation telling his friends how great he is and how his students loved him. Now for the fries, my wife loves them without the chili and cheese and she loves the special sauce that come with them. They have a special batter that they are dipped in with some spices as well. Most of my friends love them as well with or without the chili cheese topping. OK, I am sorry Hyde Park but there is at least one person in the world that does not like your fries. I do not like the battered fries at all, so that is it on fries. Would I go back? Yes, many times.
(4)
Meredith N.
Great food! My boyfriend and I went here to go somewhere new in Austin and we weren't disappointed. The "best fries in Austin" were ok, but paled in comparison to the mac & cheese. He had the chopped steak which he describes as a solid classic dish and very filling. The atmosphere was really nice; a re-purposed home with local art on the walls and a nice bar right when you walk in. We went in late on a Sunday night and we were seated right away. Our waitress, Francesca, was helpful and attentive. We know we'll be back, this time saving some room for dessert!
(4)
Felecia I.
My in-laws were in town and wanted to eat there, so off we went. I am not thrilled with HPG's service (having lived in the 'hood & eaten there consistently over the past fourteen years) but everyone else wanted to go, so.... The place was packed for lunch; however, the banquette by the kitchen was available, so we were seated quickly. Our server appeared promptly. She was polite but did not once smile during her entire time with us. We had to ask for water & coffee refills. There were five of us, and when we asked or extra sauce for our fries (4 out of 5 ordered dishes with fries), she brought out one tiny individual container. Um... what about for the 3 others? No follow-up to find out how the meals were. All in all, typical of the sub-standard service I've come to expect from HPG. Food was good: stuffed mushroom appetizer, fried fish & chips, footlong corn dog, chicken fried steak, fries, fries, fries. HPG is always good about splitting entrees, which I appreciate. As always, our cfs was split between 2 people, with each receiving nice portions of vege & fries on the side. Too bad rolls are no longer included with cfs order -- a cost cutting measure? We did not have to wait very long for our food, even with a full restaurant. Word of warning: springs are out at the tail end of the banquette, so whoever sits there will look & feel like a toddler. Same with two regular chairs I tried. Had to finally ask a table behind me to switch out one of their spare chairs.
(3)
Esther S.
The first time i went i had the Pork Roast Shepherd's Pie. Omg it was amazing. It was full on pee my pants i want to eat this every day amazing. For dessert me and my husband ordered a slice of banana cream pie to go. Later that night, we fought over every bite of that slice. Although, i wish the pie had walnut pieces. Luckily, i had some in my pantry. Amazing. The second time i went i had one of the daily specials. King crab cakes. It was ok. Oh how i wished i had ordered the Shepherd's Pie. I had dragged my parents out this time and told them the food was amazing. They smiled and said it was good. They didnt rave about it... but neither did i this time around. Tonight i went in and proudly ordered my Shepherd's Pie. I had 3 bites total. It was terrible. I dont understand! Very bland. The first time i had this dish it was rich and flavorful and kinda spicy from the green chile masher top. This time i had large chunks of pork instead of the shredded. I had green peas that were different colors- bright fresh green and day old pea soup green. ??? what is that about??? And it was very bland. I was totally frowny face to my husband who also looked like he had a bad case of frownies. He had ordered the ribeye special. He said it was under seasoned and a terrible cut of meat. I'm going to chalk it up to that there must have been a different chef these last 2 times. I will still dine here to chase that first awesome shepherd's pie and when i find it, i'm totally gonna find out who the chef is and only go when he's leading the kitchen. The service is fantastic here.
(3)
Jennifer P.
I was excited to eat here because they have a giant fork outside and lots of comfort food on the menu. I snatched up the Groupon and away we went. The best thing I can say about this place is that they have delicious peach cake (which they call Wom Kim's Peach Pudding). Another good thing, I guess, is that when the waitress comes and you haven't eaten much of your entree because it isn't very good, she will give you a credit on your bill. I noticed right away that the desserts sounded really good, so I purposely ordered two small things. I got the fried goat cheese & butternut squash and a small order of fries since they are apparently the best fries in Austin. The cheese and squash didn't have much taste and I've had better fries at Five Guys and at Chi'Lantro. About 45 minutes after the waitress brought our food I realized we hadn't seen her since. She didn't check on us once. I had to ask the bartender to get her so I could order dessert. But seriously, I really loved the peach cake!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Crystal S.
Our server was sweet and the atmosphere was nice overall, but the food was not anything special. I ordered the chicken fried steak (my one true love) and my boyfriend ordered the Horseshoe, which is basically just a bunch of cheese fries piled on top of a hamburger (weird, I know). The meals were definitely filling, but lacked flavor. My chicken fried steak was oddly thin and the breading just kept falling right off of it - something I did not expect. The bill ended up being about $30 for 2 meals + 1 beer.
(3)Lance S.
I took my boys here for lunch while my wife was in town for a conference. She lives in Austin for several years, and told me this was a great place to eat. She specially doted on the fries. It's in the Hyde Park area of Austin. It's in what appears to be or have been at one time an older house. Parking was a little tricky as we parked in what was an alleyway up against the fence, so I was kind of hard to get out of the vehicle but not too terribly hard. We were greeted and seated promptly. We were set in a very comfortable booth in the front corner of the restaurant. Our waitress was wonderful. She gave some good recommendations, and took our orders quickly. The bathroom was nice and clean, and the service and food was absolutely wonderful. I do recommend the fries. They have a breading that is different from normal fries, and a sauce that compliments it so well. The hamburger that I got was absolutely delicious, very juicy and with a lot of flavor. My boys both enjoyed their meals. They got my oldest sons order incorrect, as I had ordered mac & cheese but they gave him a grilled cheese. They let them keep the grilled cheese and brought a mac & cheese quite quickly. I'm not a mac & cheese guy, but this mac & cheese was delicious. My other son order chicken fingers and they were also very tasty. When I'm back in Austin I will definitely be going here again.
(5)Dave P.
This is easily the worst service I've ever had when I am one of the 4 tables in the restaurant and 2 of them are with someone else.. das not it mane. brb waiter never checking on us. brb waiter probably in bathroom doing God knows what. brb have to get ketchup from bar when I specifically asked for it. brb have to refill my own water. brb 30m check wait. srs. I hate to rate so low cus food was good but cot dayumnit Gatsby get your s*** together mane.
(1)Courtney F.
I hadn't been here in years but had good memories, plus my husband had been recently and had good things to share, so I tried it again. The atmosphere is very nice and we were greeted and seated right away. (fyi: more parking around back.) The waitress was also attentive and polite. However, the food was just OK. I would come back, but I won't be quick to recommend it. In my group of three, one really enjoyed the food, I thought it was OK and the third lady thought it needed some real improvement.
(3)Raquel C.
Right off the batt: Get the fries! not too skinny, not too crunchy, they are battered with buttermilk and go great with the aioli. Not sure what to get? can't go wrong with the daily special. I got the chicken guacamole BLT: Char grilled chicken breast with with homemade guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and bacon on a toasted a brioche bun WITH MORE FRIES. Very good. The place has a nice cozy feel (bc it was an old house, step lightly) Parking is limited up front but there's more parking in the rear. get there early to avoid circling. great neighborhood.
(4)Margaret M.
You must order the fries!! My girlfriends and I used to go here all the time in college. I even ely went back with my little brother, and he absolutely loved his meal! Of course to start, we shared black pepper fries and avocado fries to start. The dipping sauce accompanying the fries is perfection. We both completely cleaned our plates. He ordered the chicken fried chicken and subbed rice pilaf and green beans. As he was eating, he kept commenting on how fresh and tasty the gravy was while also praising the tender and juicy the chicken. I got the three veggie plate, with max and cheese, braised collard greens with bacon, and green beans. I'm happy to see that the place is still packed and the quality is just as good if not better than I remember from my college days in Austin.
(5)Hollie B.
Some things never change, like being greeted by a friendly, legacy host, in a very cozy little restaurant in my favorite little Austin neighborhood. So much has changed in this town that I had forgotten about my old favorite, HPG. I've been coming here since I was a kid! I've been on numerous dates at this place, and have had many heart-to-heart conversations with friends and family in every single room. Today I went back with my best friend, and we had an amazing time. We ordered from the brunch menu, but we're able to sun our potatoes for those damn delicious collard greens with bacon! I highly recommend this. I also recommend the soups, salads, the salmon, the steak, the Hyde Park fries, the crispy green beans, the sandwiches, the burgers, and the chicken fried chicken. It's all pretty dang good. Not a lot of the old "Austin Cuisine" restaurants have remained relevant, but I still think Hyde Park Grill is great.
(5)Thomas L.
Okay so the fries arnt thaaaaaaaaaaaaat great... I mean they are good because they're different than your standard cut fries since they season them and are prepped differently. But I heard that these are the "7th" best fries in the nation so I visited the place. Not quite sure of the formula for that but I wouldn't agree. They were good. But nothing spectacular. Aside from that the staff and food was standard. Nothing to write home about. Overall I would rate this as a good restaurant at best. Don't let the hype fool you :)
(3)Osalunosse O.
I have been to this location 10+ times merely because I was really hungry and needed a quick fix. Hyde Parks food is just okay. On my last trip 4/26/15 I popped in for brunch and ordered the Chicken and Waffles. I've had chicken and waffles at several places and Hyde Park's is probably the worst. You can't really mess up waffles so I'll blame the chicken. All I tasted was batter, unseasoned batter. I basically had to struggle through the chicken because I was starving. I have had their whole brunch menu and some of the main menu so I can confidently say that the food really is not that great. If you are hungover and just trying to fill a void under $10 this is your spot. Atmosphere: 3/5 Food:3/5
(3)Janet N.
What a cute restaurant! My boyfriend and I decided to eat here on a date night and we really enjoyed our visit! Ambiance and Service: The place is an actual house which makes it so cozy and cute but it also has a classy touch! The service was okay! I order my item well done and it came out medium rare which sucks SO bad when you're super hungry! Food: My boyfriend and I ordered a lot of food between the two of us!! I ordered the Hyde Park Classic burger! It was SO good! The only thing I hated was that I ordered it well done (I WAS SO READY TO EAT TOO) and then it came out medium rare! Our server got it fixed and it came out like 10 minutes later. It was definitely well worth the wait! The patty was seasoned perfectly and I don't know what's in the secret sauce but it added the perfect tang to this burger! I also ordered the Hyde park fries which were fantastic. Everyone knows I'm a french fry fanatic and these were given an A+. They were crispy, seasoned and just so addicting! I also had the mac and cheese which also received an A+ in my book. It was very creamy with a nice crunch! This is definitely home cooked food I hope I can make it back soon to try more of the menu. Every bite is made with love as cheesy as that sounds! I highly recommend Hyde Park!
(4)Charlsie D.
Best.Chicken.Fried.Chicken. Hands down. Cute setup in the "it" neighborhood in Austin right now. Amazing food, a handful of vegetarian options, and lovely staff. I even got my boyfriend to try the avacado fries. He didn't regret it ;)
(5)Johnny M.
This was the best meal I have had in months! It's kind of like having a home cooked dinner at your grandmothers house good. I had the chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and grilled broccoli , then had the peach pudding for desert. I highly recommend!
(5)Lovelys P.
We've been coming since we were in college back in the day and we keep coming back for more. The avocado fries appetizer and the Hyde Park fries are amazing. I live for the tarascan bean soup (quite spicy like it should be), but it's a special so they don't always have it.
(4)Rachel S.
Love the fries, chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes-- are crazy good!! The Sonora salad with salmon is also delish!!
(5)Madison B.
Service is great! The food is fantastic! There is no downside to going here. I've been during all time of the day, and it's consistently wonderful.
(5)Brandon H.
This one doesn't take the cake at all for me... In fact, if the cake was free, it would probably still be worse than our meal. My girlfriend had pork and Mac with an extra side of grease. I had the steak and fries... Farm to table? No. Farm to freezer to table? No. Farm to freezer, to factory, to freezer, to whole seller, to distributor, to table to toilet? Yes. I'm giving 2 stars, only because our server Kelsey was über sweet.
(2)D L.
Ridiculously expensive for the food you are buying. Can't get French fries as one of your sides, you have to pay extra because they're supposedly the most amazing thing since sliced bread. What? Why? They're just battered and fried! What's the big deal? Southern comfort food isn't comforting when it's $15. And their fries aren't worth 5 freaking dollars. The last couple of times I got them they were overcooked in old oil, dark and tasted funny. Never going back.
(1)Scott L.
Austin's way of being kind of nice and laid back all at once. You could wear a jacket, or sandals here and be dressed appropriately. The menu is kind of like "upscale diner". I love to eat at the bar. Look for the big fork outside. A real favorite.
(4)Chris P.
I'm torn. This place deserves 3.5 stars. I'll go with 3 because while I like to go here sometimes it is pretty infrequent and I rate several other diners/grills higher on my list. The food is all reasonably priced. I think you can get a burger here for $6. The burgers and fries are probably the best this place has to offer. The other food is fine and also good value with a good amount of food. I like the interior well enough and the central location makes it easy to meet up with people. The nearby bakery and cafe is convenient too. One person bathrooms are annoying though, more so for ladies I'm sure. The thing is I don't really have strong feelings for this place. Coming here is always an enjoyable experience, but I never think to myself "OH MAN GOTTA HAVE SOME HYDE PARK GRILL". I think that neutral feeling merits an "A-OK" 3-star rating quite well after all.
(3)Laura J.
Not sure what all the hype is about. Those famous fries? Mine are way better and I can prove it.
(2)Vanessa M.
DO NOT COME HERE IF YOU ARE ON A DIET. The food is really great and heavy and filled with delicious calories. This is the perfect place for a "cheat" day. The chicken guacamole BLT was fantastic and the fries are worth the calories..especially when dipped in the chipotle mayo it comes with. mmmmm. The only thing I didnt care for were the Margaritas, they were very syrupy, like a partially metled frozen margarita. No Bueno.
(3)Hilary S.
Was really excited to try, and the atmosphere was wonderful. The menu was tailored to foodies, but BEWARE of the kitchen staff. The laziness of the cook who made my order is grounds for this post. I am a vegetarian and have been for eight years. I ordered the egg sandwich, an extremely simple request, and ask for NO ham. When the food was finally brought to our table, I took a large bite. To my surprise the idiot in the kitchen had realized after making the order that I had asked for no ham. Instead of remaking it, He/She merely took the ham off and closed the sandwich back up. The nasty grease was still on the bread, and he/she missed a large chunk of it. Out of the whole think I had bitten right where they left the chunk of pork. On top of that they had run out of the bread need for this sandwich, That's an unorganized kitchen staff overall. A free meal does not make up for the gag reflex experience. I cannot blame the waitress, who was more than helpful. I can only blame the hiring manager and those who watched the incompetent employee make that decision. This is a mistake that can get a restaurant in Austin shut down. I am not threatening to get them shut down in any way, only that this is something that CAN get a place shut down. Who knows what those people have served: dropped food, mislabeled gluten free product, etc.? I will not be going back here, EVER. All vegetarians be careful of this kitchen. VEgans should avoid the place overall!
(1)LaDonne L.
Fried artichoke hearts, sweet corn & cheese tamales, and $3 Bloody Mary's for Sunday brunch! 'nuff said :)
(4)Arnie R.
I've been here twice now, and both times have been left wanting. Not a big fan of their famous fries. They are bland and tasteless and very heavy with the batter. Left almost all of them on my plate today. The burger was pretty ok. Nothing that I would write home about or bring my family here because it's a must try. I love the artwork inside the building. We sat right in front of Willie today!!
(2)Amanda D.
Every Sunday my friend and I are trying out a new brunch spot in Austin, TX. Our second week brought us to Hyde Park Bar & Grill on Duval. We had heard good things. Service was a bit below average, but our server was busy. The bloody mary I got was Awful. Something must have happened. My friends however tasted alright (meh), but not as good as many others we have had. The food was quite tasty though, I had the migas, and made the wait and slow service not as bad. We were brunching but the french fries on other plates around us looked good, and I had heard good things about them. One of our favorite parts was the guy at the front who had Welcomed us as we arrived, and as we were leaving, asked us how it was, and genuinely told us to have a good day... that was nice. A downfall though was I when checking my card statement, I realized I had been Charged Twice, with two different amounts. Very frustrating because it was money I needed to be in my account. When I called to get it fixed, the manager I spoke to was So Kind and Very Apologetic. He worked well with me to get the extra charge sent back to my account. I knew it was probably on accident and being in the service industry myself for a long period of time, I tried to be cool about it too. Don't get the bloody mary, and only pay with cash... But Do go and try out Hyde Park for yourself.
(3)kat s.
This place didn't live up to the hype. My boyfriend and I decided to come here because we had never tried it. We had always heard great things, so we decided to try it for ourselves. The experience started off on the wrong foot because they placed us in this incredibly tiny room with two other tables. I felt like I couldn't even speak to my boyfriend across the table without interrupting everyone else's conversation. The food was good. The Chicken Fried Steak wasn't anything that I've never had before. We were mostly disappointed in the Grilled Texas Shrimp with Crispy Polenta. If you're going to charge someone $16 for five pieces of shrimp, at least give people large pieces of shrimp or make it aware that it is literally an appetizer. We left still hungry. For that price, I could have made it at home, had a full belly, and saved the $16. The waiter was good and he is the only reason I'm giving it three stars.
(3)Anne S.
We pulled up on the early side of the dinner hour and were told that we'd have just a 10-minute wait for a table. 30 minutes later, we were finally seated. Amazingly, people who arrived after us were waiting upwards of an hour for a table. I say amazingly because I honestly don't think it's worth such a long wait. I had the Kobe burger -- even cooked medium, it was horribly dry. (What?!) Two others in our group had the chuck burger, which was pathetically tiny. The meatloaf looked decent, and the person with the grilled chicken sandwich enjoyed it, but overall, there wasn't anything special about this place. We finished with the banana cream pie, which didn't have all that much banana flavor, but was still yummy. I had a side of their "famous" fries, but I wasn't awed by them. They're just battered before being fried, which creates an interesting texture but nothing special in the way of taste. I'd suggest trying this place for lunch, not dinner -- and only if the wait is nonexistent or reasonable (and keep in mind that they seriously under-estimate their wait times).
(3)Lyn P.
Hyde Park is a great neighborhood spot. I loved the eclectic mix of people that we dined with - it made for good people watching. I really enjoyed the food as well - we started off with the fries since that is what they are famous for. These are battered fries that are cooked to the perfect crispness. I had the chopped Kobe beef with broccoli and mac and cheese. Using Kobe beef is brilliant - what would normally be cafeteria-like salisbury steak is transformed into upscale comfort food. The mac and cheese was to die for - it was cheesy without being greasy which is not an easy thing to get right. Even my broccoli was awesome - perfectly steamed. I was pretty full after eating all those fries, so I took half of my meal home and it was still good the day after. Service was excellent even though it was busy. I can't wait to come back for another meal here.
(4)Cher E.
The husband and I decided to try Hyde Park for a impromptu date night. Initial impression was good; Crowded, nice crowd, not too loud, mood lighting set, wait times were less than quoted, so that's always good; We were sat in a quiet alcove/corner section. Our server, Charles quickly greeted us and suggested some wines for me and a drink for hubby. Both were nice selections. Appetizer-- we ordered the dumplings. Although they were good (and the thai chili sauce that they're served with is great) I was expecting a "pot sticker" browning on the outside, they were still good. Entrees- I ordered the chicken friend chicken and gravy ( I know...original... but I was in the mood for comfort food and didn't to be too adventurous on my first visit.) I ordered the collards and mash potatoes for sides and I tried the jalepeno cornbread. Hubby order the "pork and mac" as suggested by our server, as well as a side of their "award winning fries". Food arrived in a good time. Upon first glance, my initial thought was that the entees' portion sizes were smaller than anticipated, but it was still good. The collards were perfect and left me wanting more; I saved the side of thai chili sauce from the dumplings and put a little on top of the greens and it was excellent. Hubby liked his pork and mac. The only thing I didn't care for was the cornbread It was very dry and crumbly and didn't taste fresh. For dessert, we decided to share the dark chocolate layer cake. It was a nice sharing size and looked great, but was a little cold and dense as if it had been refrigerated and not allowed to sit out to get room temp. So , we took the cake to go in hopes that by the time we got home, it would taste better after "thawing" on the car ride home. Overall, it was nice. The menu options were interesting enough to where we'd want to return to try more. I'll give it an A- :)
(4)Orlando S.
I've only been for brunch (2Xs) and I absolutely love it. Fries to start and a great pancake platter. Good drink specials and good food.
(4)YouGotta B.
We have been regulars at this restaurant for quite some time. While the selection of entrees is fairly limited, the food and beverages have been consistently good. Our favorite chicken fried chicken, with fantastic buttermilk mashed potatoes, was great last night as always. So were the bacon-laden collard greens. The potato crusted tilapia was good, too. And we love our battered fries and garlicky mayo. However, unlike previous visits, we have a few negative comments relative to last night. 1) the margarita I ordered was perfectly awful. It was very small, totally tasteless, and there was practically no salt on the glass. 2) the sauce on the meatloaf was too spicy (and repeated overnight...ugh) 3) the really nice waitress kept trying to remove things from the table long before she should have. This was a Wednesday night and the restaurant was relatively empty, so there was no good reason for this. The meal and drinks weren't cheap for the 4 of us, so we expected better. Since Hyde Park is really close to home and our previous experiences have been good, we'll certainly give it another shot. There are good daily specials and a decent happy hour there, so it's too early to give up. YMMV.
(2)Jenny U.
Like many others, I USED to be a fan, until my most recent visit this past weekend. The food was tolerable, but what was the most unpleasant was the service. When we entered, no one greeted us, and when we were brought to our table, the host seemed irritated that he had to actually work. Actually, I would say that most of the servers had an irritable attitude. We felt this was strange, since we were not needy customers at all, only requested what we needed, like condiments and what not. No one smiled. This place just had an overall drab vibe to it. It wasn't the worst service of my life, but it was bad enough to make me never want to come here again, and I will also not recommend this to any of my friends, ever again.
(1)Cesar P.
So this past Sunday after a great day here in Austin, the girlfriend & I decided to head over to HPG for dinner. Service & food presentation were great as always but I'm not sure what it was but not even an hour later after my meal I ended up getting really sick. 2 days later I'm still feeling the wrath of HPG. Can't say I'm a 'regular' at HPG but never had any bad service &/or food till this time around. Just beware that if you catch this wrath it could last longer then 3 days.
(2)Mark L.
It's in my neighbor hood, but I only go 3 or 4 times a year. It's pretty standard American comfort food. If it didn't have a sign, you might think it was an upscale chain restaurant. The menu never seems to change. the food is decent and the fries are really good. Service is usually good. They're open till midnight, so this is a good spot to go when you are wanting to eat later in the evening or after an event.
(3)Chloe K.
Fabulous, very Austin (at least the original, I do notlike the atmosphere at the south location), fresh, fast, and reasonably priced. But avoid the flatiron steak, it was one of the few disappoiting things I've ordered there over the years. The host whose been there forever looks like Donnie Osmond.
(4)Lindsey F.
Great food every time I've been! The chicken and artichoke dish with mashed potatoes is very good-one of my favorites. Great service too. You HAVE to try the fries if you go- you may even want to get a 1/2 order because the portion is so big. Delicious for lunch or dinner!
(5)Anastasia P.
There's a reason this place has a giant sign that looks like a box of French fries. They are amazing, but they are basically a meal. Covered in buttermilk batter, they are heavy, and delicious. Go for the cheddar cheese sauce. They are peppery, and nearly perfect. 5 stars for the fries, but 4 stars because it's kind of expensive, overall. I really just go for the fries.
(4)Leigh M.
This would normally be a three star review. Good food, service, etc. but nothing spectacular. But I am giving an extra star because the menu has descriptions of each wine on their list. I love it when places do that! Even though I generally know my wine, having a few notes makes it so much easier to ensure that you order what you're in the mood for. I wish more places would do this.
(4)John D.
The french fries ARE really good here. In fact, I just remember that they had Shiner in a bottle and really good fries. I also remember that the service was good (not great) and the atmosphere is cozy enough to be a decent date spot in a pinch, but laid back enough that co-workers at lunch can have a good time and a good meal. The menu is a mix of delectable sandwiches and "more complicated" items like alfredo's and seafood dishes. Go for lunch or dinner, but be ready to wait at dinner time, even during the week.
(4)Fred K.
This place was packed for lunch. The wait was 20 minutes, and was worth it for select items. I had to try the fries because they make a big deal about how many awards the fries have won. The fries taste fresh cut, and they are chicken fried with some sort of batter. The fries would have been good but had no seasoning, none at all. I don't know how these fries have won anything without any salt and don't know if this was a onetime deal or if this is how the fries are every time. The country fried pork cutlet was tasty - the pork was juicy, the breading crisp, and the gravy and a clean taste. The green chili cheese mash potatoes were good, but were shy on green chili taste, and had no cheese. The Sonora salad with grilled chicken was really delicious. The cilantro dressing was awesome. The chicken fried steak was awful; it tasted like it was burned and the oil tasted old, which I found odd since the fried pork tasted fine. The chicken fried steak was the worst one I've had in years.
(2)Jeremy S.
There isn't anything HPBG is doing terribly wrong, and it's the kind of place that I might take my (elderly, spice-averse) parents to if they were in town, but whatever inspires the insane crowds and (mostly, with many exceptions---3.5 stars ain't all that) glowing reviews is clearly lost on me. Food: comfort food, lots o' deep frying, mind-numbingly unhealthy. That's not a bad thing, if I'm in that kind of mood, but the signature sides (buttermilk fries and beer battered green beans [in Shiner Bock? Ew.]) failed to impress me or the missus visually (the beans look kind of gross, actually) or going down. We've had the grass-fed burger (okay, that was really good, although--fries are extra?), the fish tacos, and a couple of other things. Again, nothing too bad, but some things don't seem especially fresh, either. Tastes like a fair amount of bagged stuff gets used. In terms of atmosphere, the tables are waaaayyyy too close together, meaning that you overhear far more than you cared to of your neighbors running their waiter into the ground to get free crackers for their wee precious darling suburban children. The place is super kid-friendly, so take that into account if you are, like me, pediaphobic. Service has been solid on the two or three occasions that we've been there. Nothing to wow us or make us complain too much. Things can take a minute, but given the number of people crammed into the space, that's A-OK. Draught selection at the bar (Live Oak, Shiner) on the couple occasions I've had a drink makes me sad. Of all the craft breweries available, why pick beers so dull? Bottles are only slightly better. So, if comfort food in a family atmosphere that isn't Cracker Barrel is your thing, you should check HPBG out. For my dollar, there are two or three places (Mother's, Julio's, maybe even Dolce Vita) within 50 feet of it that I'd return to first.
(2)Mindy H.
Want a break from the modern pricy foodie establishments, while maintaining quality of service and food? Then Hyde park is a definite option. This is a comfortable lived in neighborhood joint that focuses on quality affordable comfort food and friendly service. Our server must have had super hearing as he picked up on my food allergies just from overhearing tidbits of conversation, because when I ordered fries he warned me that their fries were battered, and that he could do a gluten free option, amazing! For us food sensitive folk, they also offer a gluten free bun. The menu even highlights a decent wine by the glass list, that won't break your pocket book. I was shocked to see that one of the wine options was a Merlot from a hard to find boutique Washington winery, Seven Falls; love! I ordered the blackened fish tacos, which had a nice spice to them. The highlight though was the fries. The fries tasted like someone had just sliced them up in the kitchen, flash fried them, and placed them on my plate. Some of the best fries I have had. I would come back here just to enjoy a side of fries with my beloved Seven Falls Wine.
(4)Jaclyn R.
More of 3.5 star place, but I'll round up to 4 stars because of the great service from management. We showed up 30 minutes after opening on Sunday to what seemed like a large amount of people congregating outside. We all got kind of spooked that the wait was going to be long. What is it with Austinites and their brunches? I don't fault them, I'm honestly impressed. We took a seat at the bar and I ordered a bloody mary. The bartender was incredibly nice, funny, and personable. He had our drink order out within a few minutes and even though he was incredibly busy, still managed to make small talk with us. The wait was nowhere near the 25 minutes they quoted us, it was more like 15, which made everyone happy. Upon looking at the menu, I knew I was in for the Eggs Benedict. My boyfriend was all too bummed that they did not have a Club Sandwich on the menu any longer. He asked the waitress if he could still get a club, because no doubt they had the ingredients to make it properly. She was completely accommodating and said it would be no problem. I was excited because it meant I got to taste these famous fries everyone kept talking about. When his club sandwich came out, it looked like it had been assembled by a toddler. When he opened his sandwich to put mayo on the bread, there was no bacon. Everyone at our table immediately asked "who doesn't put bacon on a club sandwich?" The waitress assured us that she would have it remade, no problem. It took a few more minutes (probably 10 or so) for his Club to come out, this one looked like a winner. Now, the fries. I'll have to defer judgement because they were pretty cold and unappetizing. The sauce they came with was tasty, but didn't rescue the fries. This is presumably because the sandwich was done way before anyone's breakfast items. My eggs benedict were great! No complaints here. It's not hard to screw up. I asked for a pancake on the side, which I wasn't too impressed with. It was a little overdone and chewy. Not to be a pancake snob, but I make some pretty great pancakes, so I had high expectations. Upon learning about the Club Sandwich snafu the manager, Greg, came over to apologize and offered for the sandwich to be comped. He was incredibly friendly and apologetic. I was impressed by how involved he was with his staff and the restaurant as a whole. He played host, busser, food runner, and server in the small amount of time I was there. As we walked out of the restaurant, he stopped us, thanked and apologized to us, and asked us to visit again. I'll definitely be coming back to Hyde Park for brunch and possibly dinner the next time I'm in town!
(4)Mikael F.
I like this place a lot. Still pretty new to Austin, it has become one of my go-to neighborhood joints. It's in a really cool little area with other casual restaurants, a cheese shop, a barbershop, and a bakery. My experience at this restaurant is with their greasy stuff. The Duval Street Hot Dog is very good. But you have to get it with a side of HP fries. So good. Be ready for a food coma. Actually if you want to guarantee the food coma, I'd strongly recommend starting with the queso, probably the best in the city. Awesome, awesome spot. Service is friendly and it's cheap (8-15 per entree). Give it a shot.
(5)Khadesia N.
Pretty overpriced for what they offer to be honest. Thankfully though, the chicken fried steak was big enough that it was reasonable to split it between two people. That made the cost a bit better. The food was good though.
(3)Jayme M.
We enjoyed the french fries, of course, but the beer-battered fried green beans were...meh. We were left wishing we had tried the avocado fries instead. There was nothing special about my grilled salmon, nor about the service (or lack thereof). Our friends suggested we try the wom kim's pudding for dessert. It was like so many other peach cobblers. We tried a taste of their dark chocolate cake, which was by far the better choice.
(2)Erin L.
My boyfriend and I came here on a Wednesday night and were immediately seated. We shared the sour cream onion rings, and I would definitely recommend them. My main course was the potato crusted tilapia with macaroni and cheese. The fish was very hot and was okay, but the mac and cheese was great. My boyfriend got the catfish and seemed to enjoy it; I thought it was very spicy though. The best part of our experience was our server. He was very polite and friendly and did not check on us too often or too rarely.
(4)Sandy S.
My roommate and I would come here whenever we felt a little sad. It was two blocks down from our apartment. The restaurant is quaint and attracts an older crowd. There's dim, warm lighting. The waiters are all very sweet. I've come here twice and have gotten the burger. It's a decent burger, but sometimes it's a bit overcooked and the buns are a little too fluffy and the burger is overall too big for my mouth. The caramelized onions on it are very good. And the fries are amazing when dipped in their little Hyde Park sauce. Definitely not in my top favorite burgers though (and I've had a lot of burgers).
(3)Holly S.
Took my parents here for dinner while they were in town from Birmingham. To say that they were impressed is an understatement! First, you absolutely must order their fries. They are the best I've had in Austin. Dipped in a buttermilk batter and lightly salted and peppered, they're to die for. You can order them as an appetizer or with your meal. (Or both. Hey, why not?) Second, their burgers! They are always delicious, juicy, and not overcooked. Chicken fried steak is also a winner. The food came out promptly and our server was friendly and engaging. Third, location! I've always loved Hyde Park; my husband and I used to live in the area. After your meal I recommend strolling next door to Dolce Vita for a coffee or gelato, or taking a peek into Antonelli's cheese shop. The atmosphere is just lovely- a great little neighborhood to take a stroll in. (And burn off the calories from all those delicious fries.)
(5)Dave G.
An Austin classic. Quite good. Get the "Wom Kim" for dessert. It is sort of a peach cake drenched in cream. So good.
(3)Summer A.
Our waitress was great which is really important~* she was really sweet and attentive to everything! We ordered the steak and the chicken friend chicken! The chicken fried chicken was great! It's a lot of food and that's why I just had the leftovers for dinner! The fries are really as good as everyone says but the medium has a lot and you can easily get your fries fix from the small with sharing! Anyways, everything was good. I was very happy with the visit. Pricey but I would say it was worth it after all!
(4)Carmen P.
I read about Hyde Park Bar being named, one of the top 15 places in the US for their French Fries. Well, considering myself such a connoisseur of French Fries, I knew I had to try these on my next trip to Austin....which I did. All I can say is they were absolutely CORRECT!!! The crunchiness was perfect. The batter that they are fried in is very tasty. The aioli sauce for the fries make it even better. Now, with my fries I had a hamburger. It was cooked to perfection. Other people in my party had the fish & chips, chicken guacamole BLT sandwich, and the chicken salad sandwich. Everybody raved about their meal. Needless to say the food was very good. The service was excellent. I will make sure that next time I'm in Austin, I will pay them a visit.
(5)L. C.
Had a great meal night before last... awesome food, great service as usual. I had the pastrami cold no kraut.... best in town. It is sad not being able to get good deli sandwiches anymore. Date had baked chicken. sounds bland but it was awesome... highly recommend David the waiter... just really good fun food... the Hibsicus tea is the best in town...
(5)Angela M.
The fries and the reuben sandwich are delicious! I highly recommend Hyde Park but beware of serious crowds and tough parking
(5)Chelsie Y.
I always love coming to Hyde Park Bar & Grill when visiting Austin. The service is always great and I love their chicken fried steak and awesome fries! Give them a try!
(4)Darren B.
I came to try their famous fries. They were really good and after having what is basically fries fried in fried chicken batter (say that 10 times fast) I not only remarked on what a genius idea, but I'm somewhat surprised other places have not done this. I also had the eggs benedict which were not amazing, but were solid 3 out of 5 stars and had a good buttery flavor. The service was great and I really felt like they make a point to provide good service which I always appreciate. I went for brunch and the atmosphere was perfect for just that. I like the Hyde Park area; you can have a good meal then go for a nice stroll around after. I came right when they opened and was surprised that there was no wait and I was seated right away. The food came out quick too. I would come back to try some of their other menu items.
(3)Gary H.
I've been fries hunting for a while now and heard this place had some killer fries. Ordering a small Hyde Park fries for two, they were some of the most delicious fries I've ever had. The sauce that comes with it is indeed killer. I didn't think a small order of fries would be enough for two, but man they stuff that plate full of fries. Wanting to try something light, I went with the Blackened Fish Tacos. Although very delicious, I guess two tacos isn't enough for me to get full. I saw a waiter bring a huge plate full of Chicken Fried Chicken and mashed potatoes to the table next to me, which made me regret getting the fish tacos. I'm definitely getting the Chicken Fried Chicken next time. I've also tried the Chicken Salad Sandwich and it's good as well. Advice: This place gets really busy during peak hours (I waited 35 minutes around 6:30pm). I recommend going 30 minutes earlier than you planned.
(4)Ron B.
Went here for a Thanksgiving meal, the scoop: There are a few places serving similar multi-course meals on Thanksgiving day in the area but most are at hotels and overpriced. We enjoyed our trip over, had a delicious thanksgiving meal at a local restaurant and our waitress Vivian was great. We can't wait for next year to do it again. The worse part about the meal is not having enough leftovers for a weeks worth of turkey sandwiches.
(4)Cee H.
I've eaten here off and on for more than a decade and was more than happy to discover they still serve the Wom Kim Peach Pudding. You have to try that! It used to be bigger with more cream so a star off for that but just delicious. Really. Most of the food is not remotely healthy but is delicious. I don't think I've ever had a bad meal here.
(4)Michelle R.
The bartender had an inappropriate attitude & is not suited for customer service. He complained to me when he had to type in the number on my card because it wasn't sliding. Afterwards, he handed me the to go order and walked off, not addressing me. Very unprofessional.
(1)Anthony F.
Hyde Park Bar & Grill- Central Stopped by here for lunch with my buddy. Had a great experience all around. We were greeted promptly and then seated at 2-top in a corner. It is a more "snug" restaurant, but looks like a great place to bring a date. We chuckled about the table, but we poke fun at each other about seating when we grab a bite. Not a problem. Eric was our server and took great care of us, not too over-the-top, just pretty chill and attentive. He suggested the Pork & Mac, which I ordered. It was excellent. Not a huge portion(I'm a heavy eater), but in hindsight, the size was great for lunch. The pork was moist and tender, delicious. The macaroni tasted great and the cheese wasn't over-bearing. The peppers, too, were on point. The dish was topped with cilantro, which makes everything better. It's science. And to boot, the soft-boiled egg with the dish was a nice addition, giving it a little variety. My buddy had the Chicken Guacamole BLT. It looked tasty and he noted that it was "pretty darn good." My only "note" would be about the iced tea. It was a little light/watered down for my liking, but that's just me. Again, great time, wonderful restaurant. I am planning on coming again.
(5)Ken H.
In the past, I might have given this restaurant four stars. I first dined at Hyde Park Bar and Grill in 1995, and I remember some really great meals there over the years. The French fries were spectacular, and the atmosphere in the restaurant was great. I've always enjoyed checking out the artwork on the walls when I'm there. Lately, though, the execution of the menu has been lacking. My last two meals there have been disappointing. Overcooked, over-spiced, missing ingredients, poorly plated... The French fries honestly do not taste as good as they used to. I don't think that's just nostalgia. This is an iconic restaurant in Austin, but it's not quite what it used to be.
(3)Erik S.
A nice restaurant with good healthy options and excellent service. The sandwiches are great and the fries are pretty good to boot. The service here was awesome. They kept refilling iced tea and water so that no one's glass was ever empty. I would definitely go back here.
(4)Jen Z.
This may not be the most popular thing to say, but I really don't like the fries at Hyde Park Bar & Grill. While the dipping sauce is good, I feel that fries need to be good on their own merits, and these, to me, are a little bland. That said, everything else that I've had to eat here is excellent! I went in again this afternoon for lunch, and was pleasantly surprised that their Sunday Brunch was still going on (Sunday's until 3pm), meaning $2.50 mimosas, bloody marys, and screwdrivers. I ordered a mimosa, and it was pulpy perfection - they use Goodflow OJ, which appears to be the (not-so) secret ingredient making the mimosas so tasty. For my meal I had my favorite pizza on the menu - the Pesto Prima Vera pizza. I love pesto-based pizzas to start with, and they load on the veggies - carrots, mushrooms, zuchinni, and more. This is good veggie pizza at it's finest. And for $7.95 and possible leftovers, it's a good price too. Finally, as a sometimes late dinner eater who has found a lack of post 10pm dining options in Austin (besides the 24 hour places and Jackalope), Hyde Park Bar & Grill gets high marks for being open until midnight.
(4)James K.
HP is still wonderful and pleasant. The food is the bomb.........
(4)Happy O.
My first time at this place as I met a friend there for lunch. We were greeted by a friendly waiter who indicated that it was his first day. While the menu was very traditional we found two Texas traditions and consumed them with vigor. The service was good, the menu was varied and my only complaint was that there was no fruit in the beer. We brought this to the attention of our server that my friend might be dying of scurvy and the hefeweizen really needed that wedge of orange so that they could live another day, he made sure to rectify the vitamin C deficiency!
(3)P K.
Went there with a freind about a month ago and even tho the fried mushrooms were good they only give you four or five. They messed up my order on my birthday and didn't seem too concerned and the waiter was actually coppin a tude when I pointed it out. This used to be a great place to eat, but i wouldn't recommend it now. Not for good,skimpy shrooms.
(1)k n.
After many recommendations I paid my first visit to Hyde Park today. I have to say I don't understand what everyone is raving about! First, our section was FREEZING and we repeatedly asked our server if she could turn up the air, but she never did. Also, she rushed us the entire meal and every time she came over she almost seemed pained to even refill our drinks. Second, the food was alright. I have to say the only exception had to be the wonderful spinach salad a friend had. The french fries were alright. Blah. Maybe it was just a bad day to go? I don't know. I don't see myself going back unless forced!
(3)Felice T.
i really want to like this place. i really do. after living in austin for ten years, i find it surprising that i expect something different everytime i eat here, but i leave just as unsatisfied. i can't put my finger on it, what exactly about their food has me in a tizzy. too salty? sometimes. too bland? sometimes too. their food just isn't exciting and doesn't present me with a persuasive enough argument change my mind.
(3)James M.
This place is seriously over-hyped. The food and service leaves much to be desired. Seriously, the battered fries are OK, but I can think of many places that have better fries.
(2)Lora T.
its good, but pricey for what I feel I'm actually getting.
(3)Patrick W.
This place has some really good food. I've typically stuck to the sandwhiches, probably because I was poor when I lived in Austin. Oh so cripplingly poor. At any rate the french fries are super. Best fries I've ever had. They are not like normal fries, I think they dip them in some sort of batter first. If you rode your bike 120 miles that day, OR if you are going to be executed for being a serial killer that day, I strongly recommend getting the "horseshoe sandwhich". This is an open face burger on a big slice of Texas Toast, topped with their famous french fries and queso. It is wonderful, but it has like 10,000 calories.
(4)Jaime M.
Hype Park? We went for a Sunday brunch, and while nothing was awful, nothing stood out. My friend had migas (I've known the guy for a while, and if there are migas on the menu, there will be migas in his belly), and he was happy with them. They looked well balanced, which is key to good migas. Not too much cheese on top, not too dry (can happen at Magnolia), and certainly not an overload of tortilla pieces (think El Sol y La Luna), but he didn't have anything great to say about them. I had the Southwestern omelet, and it just didn't impress. The poblano chunks were all toward the outer edge, so my mouth was burning a little as I got bite after bite of nothing but egg and poblano. The center at the fold had ALL the cheese, so I had mouthfuls of nothing but gooey white jack (I think) cheese. Even the dish of so-so salsa wasn't enough to spice up those bites. The English muffin with butter and jam was a nice touch, though it was lukewarm and the jam was a Smuckers packet, which always seems wasteful to me. But for $6-ish apiece, this was better ambience and less of a wait than Kerbey Lane or Magnolia, my other late-in-the day eggs places. Entrees are more expensive, but brunch is served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Unfortunately, the menu has only six or eight brunch items, plus three $3 breakfast cocktails. We got stuck on what we hypothesized had been a porch at some point, and we were cramped in our tiny corner with barely enough room for me to squeeze into my seat, and I was close enough to breathe down the neck of the poor woman at the next table. Our waiter wasn't all that friendly or interested, but I think he was busy. Our waters got refilled once, but that was the extent of his service. Skip it unless you haven't any better ideas and you're in the neighborhood.
(3)Mike B.
Okay, I hate to be the kill joy here but this place is way overhyped. I went there about a year ago to have their chicken fried steak and it was terrible. The gravy was thin and the crust was over cooked and the meat was bloody runny. So much so, that it ran a layer under my gravy. NASTY! No offense but with all of the hype of this place, I will prefer a greasy diner compared to this. The ambiance was nice and the waiter was really good but he gave me a look of concern when I finished my meal and there was still over half of it on the plate. The french fries were funky as well. I'm sure they have some other things that are good on the menu but you ruin my day when you hype a plate like a Chicken Fried Steak as one of the best and it falls short. They at least get 2 stars because of the service.
(2)Alexandra L.
One time, at my old job, one of my coworkers and I thought it would fun and rebellious to drink some Bloody Marys during lunch. The closest place we could think of was Hyde Park - so off we went. We had one hour to complete our mission. Well, even though it was after the noon-to-one lunch rush and we got our Bloody Marys quickly, our food took quite long, and we were really pushing the hour limit on our lunch break. The Bloody Marys were good, though, and the food has always been mostly average and slightly overpriced. Terrific french fries, though. And our boss never found out.
(4)Sarah P.
Although this is the site of me and my fiance's first date almost a decade ago, Hyde Park has held little allure for me. I have always felt it was a little like Chili's, Austin-style. However, I went today with some friends and was thrilled to discover that they had a gluten free menu! Therefore, Hyde Park is back in my good graces.
(4)Kaitlin H.
They have a delicious country fried steak! It is super filling and traditional. This place is like a local version of Applebee's.
(4)Aanika D.
Great service! Whenever I go inside I am always met with a smile. The food is pretty good, I prefer the brunch menu more than the regular hours menu, although the fries are pretty great. Other than that, the atmosphere is nice and the prices are fairly affordable.
(4)Errol M.
Sometimes, it's not about being at the latest & greatest restaurant in Austin, or having to acknowledge Picasso on a plate, or wondering what they really think serving you bone marrow with a straight face. Sometimes, it's not about being with the hip & cool and living the vibe, or tiny black dresses and matching Speedos, or wondering if the $15 martini is better than the $12 one. Sometimes, it's all about having fun and laughter in an Austin icon, with fried artichokes and oversalted chicken, and the surprised look on her face when they brought out the peach pudding with a lit birthday candle on it. And the nice young man with his family who kept staring at us from the next table, and even the nice group of UT defensive linemen who kept glancing at us while taking up a lot of space. And when we left Hyde Park, the staff said goodbye to us by name. Yeah, on a cold and dark Monday night in Austin, that's pretty much as good as it gets.
(5)Alana W.
Yum. I love the mac n cheese and the collards. The catfish was great too. The cozy yet nice atmosphere makes Hyde Park Grill a great place to take your friends, family, a date, etc. I would definitely recommend and go there again.
(4)Gregory B.
I always enjoy my time at Hyde Park Grill and I rarely go. The groupon deal was great and it was even better when they extended it for the whole year. That is in handy since, sadly, their famous Hyde Park fries are a 2 dollar extension to your meal but they are worth it. That is only how they get away with it because its so delicious. I'm doing my best staying away from fried foods but I buckled when I went last week. I've had a variety of their meals and the best are with their chicken salad sandwich, the horseshoe, and their burgers. I'll try something else next time and if I like it I will update this review. The decor is yuppish and the paintings are nice on the wall. There are limited amount of tables and space so doing at prime eating hours such as lunch and dinner will result in a wait but it's worth it if you have the time. The parking situation is not as bad as you think it is because most people forget about the back lot parking than just the front. What Hyde Park is a stylish take on southern and American comfort food that is up to it's hype and is all around delicious. Also I was glad to have some Hyde Park food at the Austin City Limits music festival this year.
(4)W B.
I've been going to Hyde Park Bar and Grill since it opened it's doors in 198(3? 4?) and until recently, have loved the place. The food is still good, but the service is so appalling we won't be going back any time in the foreseeable future. Good luck getting refills, and the wait time from when you are seated, until anyone on the staff such as, oh, a waiter, even acknowledges your existence, has risen to upwards of 10 minutes. The LAST TIME we were there we sat for 15 minutes without being offered a glass of water let alone a stale cracker or heaven forfend, appetizers. Noone even spoke to us, I mean quite literally, noone who worked there SPOKE to us, the entire time we sat, getting more and more angry in a near empty restaurant two HOURS before closing time. My partner and I are not college age so they wouldn't be assuming we would be lousy tippers. Maybe they got new management who suddenly decided after all these years of tolerance they hate homos now? I doubt that. Any idiot waitperson with more than a day's worth of experience knows gay men are the best tippers. Finally we just left, because by that time if anyone HAD spoken to me, I would have let RIP. So sad. Those french fries are really special, but not THAT special. Maybe they sent all the people with any service industry skills to their new south location, figuring people will just keep going to the original location on game day to keep the place afloat?
(1)H. H.
Wow, I'm like way surprised at all the thumbs down reviews. I mean..ok...if you want comfort food I think Black Eyed Pea has the market cornered. But! Those Hyde Park Fries and that sauce?! OMG, they are so good. Maybe it's an acquired taste, but it's certainly worth a go. However, my favorite thing on the menu is the Wom Kim's Peach Pudding. Pardon my French, but eff Dolce. They've got nothing on this Peach Pudding action. This stuff is like a hug for your tummy. It's cozy, warm and so gloriously simple. I LOVE it. It's delish buttermilk cake in a pool of fresh cream with peaches baked in AND it's warm! Also, if you are a baller on a budget, take your date here and split a dish. The servers are super cool about it and will bring you one meal split on two plates. I think the Chicken Fried Chicken is the bomb as well and the Roasted Chicken. I'm a fanatic about my Chicken Fried Steak and won't eat it here. But the others are good.
(4)Morgan H.
Some good food, but generally over hyped and a long wait.
(3)Meagan M.
I am also going to be a nay-sayer on this one - I just don't get the adoration for this place. I've been a few times (not really by choice), and each time has been tasteless and bleh. The fries are weird and bland, and thats what the restaurant's claim to fame is? The interior is cozy and the art they display and sell is cute, but the food is just flat out boring.
(3)Matt M.
I just don't get the appeal of this place. I've been there at least 10-12 times and each time I end up with a plate of not very healthy, bland tasting food. Last night I met a friend there for dinner and once again I left unimpressed. It's like a dinner version of Kerby Lane except the food is not very good.
(1)Sasha C.
Food here is pretty darn good especially at brunch when everything seems to be available. They always have several good beverages on tap and some killer bloody marys. Their horseshoe platter si big enough to be shared by two people. What really makes this place stand out beyond many other similar joints is the level of service. Every time I have been here the wait staff have gone above and beyond the call of duty in serving me. Substitute califlour for fries? No problem. Put a meal on two plates so my girlfriend and I can share? No problem. Seat us in a secluded booth away from the noise? Done. Additionally they always ask before taking dishes away, and make a genuine connection to the customer. They laugh at our jokes and tell us funny stories of their own. It feels genuine. The other customers although visible are not obnoxious, and often make good specimens for people watching, especially the happy families. Yeah it's a tad pricer than what I might want to do for brunch on a regular basis, I have always left here with a full stomach, a satisfied soul and a big smile. food: 3.5-4 stars atmosphere: 5 stars service: 6 stars
(5)nic f.
this was the hula family's go-to place in austin -- we loooooved it. the bartenders were always happy to pour a stiff one and i remain completely addicted to the lentil soup (the best you'll ever have) and any salad that features the tamari dressing. i never had issues with the waitstaff or the host -- i've always found everyone to be charming and kind. but let's be honest. the real reason to come here is, of course, wom kim's peach pudding. it will change your freaking life, i swear. i never would've tried it but hulaboy (who's ex was addicted to it) insisted and i never looked back. it's like crack on a plate. but better.
(4)A S.
I remember the first time I went to Hyde Park, it was the hype about the curly fries. They are great and the food is good as well. I remember thinking this place is tucked away in a quite neighborhood and look at the following. The service is excellent and actually I enjoy sitting at the bar and enjoying my meal. I find Hyde Park an excellent example of how an independent owner can make it work provided he has the stamina to put in the gruling hours of the family owned restaurant. After over 20 years they are still going strong,, and the curly fries, aren't just hype, they are awfully good.
(3)Emily D.
Good food, service has never been bad (I've definitely experienced worse, like not getting a plate to eat my food on at Sushi Sake)...the downside? BAD macaroni and cheese and the prices could be more reasonable. Don't get me wrong - I'd definitely go to Hyde Park Grill over let's say, Black Eyed Pea or some other American/Comfort Food-type restaurant. It's one of those places my parents and I always go to when they visit me here in Austin. Try it out! I love the gravy!!
(4)Renee W.
I have to say I really enjoyed this place. Admittedly I am new to Austin and was wary of the reviews I had read, but I liked the neighborhood feel, both family friendly and stepping out fun. Great bartender, shook a great martini and margarita! Even replaced my martini when my son knocked it across the bar by accident! Shared the smoked sirloin with a side of corn and green chili tamale with my husband and my son really enjoyed the horseshoe. Great prices and nice service. A nice friday night out.
(4)William M.
I had eaten a couple of mediocre meals here before Hyde Park gave me food poisoning. Never again. And I second the "French fries are overrated." They are borderline tasteless.
(1)Nikhil K.
I've been going to Hyde Park Bar Grill since I was in school (and considerably poorer) and always found it consistently good. Items I prefer are the burgers (Kobe or not...hard to tell at times), turkey burger, salmon, and of course, the fries. Service is pretty good as well - the staff is friendly and attentive and the place has a nice atmosphere. HPB&G and Dolce Vita (next door) usually makes for a nice evening.
(3)R C.
Had the Angus burger and fries and it was delicious! The fries were awesome and I loved their spicy mayo dip! SUPER good! Moderately priced, though I do think they should include the fries with the burger. The service was very good, and our waiter was very friendly. The atmosphere is nice and it's very clean. We will def go back again sometime when in the area.
(4)Lisa B.
While our food was absolutely perfect yesterday, the thing that really gives Hyde Park the stand-out star is our waitress Katie! We got the kind of service you expect from restaurants that charge twice as much!!! After she had already put our order in, we decided we to make a change on our sides and she was more than gracious in changing it while also carefully repeating it back to assure she had the changes correct. Further, she hunted down the bottle of dumpling sauce when we asked if she knew what it was and reported back the brand name very quickly. We had a groupon and she was a pro at how to pay with groupon. Now, the food. The dumplings are what we REALLY raved over. They were perfectly cooked, not to soggy or overcooked, meat mildly seasoned and served with an amazing spicy red "Tiger" sauce for dipping (the one Katie hunted down for us)! It is fairly hot, be forewarned, but we LOVED it. I had fried chicken with the green chili mashed potatoes and my choice of side. The chicken came out with 2 pieces, crisp and hot with an amazing flaky crust. The mashed potatoes are just genius. Green chilis? Yes please! I liked that the potatoes have a little bit of texture, not mashed into a puree. Broccoli--not overcooked! Not covered in butter/cheese/margarine! Just a lovely slice of lemon. Perfect way to feel better about my fried chicken. My boyfriend loved his muffalatta and he got an order of the famous fries, which lived up to their extra-crispy reputation. I love the atmosphere of Hyde Park. We had a little converted-porch room all to ourselves the whole time. Very cozy. I realized that Hyde Park did the cute converted house thing before converting houses was cool (Kerby Lane, also). Would like to come back for brunch. $3 bloody maries. Also Sunday is all day happy hour so my boyfriend got a margarita which tasted AWESOME. Maybe had a touch of wine in it? Not too sweet or too citrusy. An enthusuiastic 5 stars!
(5)Griffin K.
After two trips to HPB&G, I'm still totally up in the air about food quality, vibe, and pricing. It's one of those places I walk away from thinking, "It is what it is."
(3)Adam A.
The fries are the speciality here and man are they good. Fried after a flour and buttermilk treatment, they pair wonderfully with their special dipping sauce which has just a hint of spices. Highly recommended. I got the Kobe beef burger when I went here and it was good. Nothing amazing but a safe choice.
(3)Bec P.
Went here for brunch today and overall, I was very pleased. The brunch menu is very well priced and the portions are very large. We got the artichoke appetizer (read: fried artichoke hearts), the eggs florentine, biscuits and gravy, a side of bacon and a tomato juice. The only real complaint/observation we had was this: for biscuits and gravy, put the sausage in the gravy, not as a patty between the biscuit. Alas, I still enjoyed it. Downside: juice is $2 for a smallish glass, but upside: all brunch cocktails are $3. Great deal and the fact that we had a groupon made it that much sweeter.
(4)Noelle W.
Haven't been in a while, but went last night. The fried eggplant sandwich is still amazing. Disappointed with the fries- the batter was tasteless and flaked off- have they changed this recently? The peach pudding was great- highly recommend it if you still have room.
(4)Su L.
The atmosphere is very chill. The waitress was busy and a bit impersonal. The food was alright. Overall, I feel like I should have just gone to Five Guys. If a restaurant is going to advertise that their fries have been consistently chosen the best in Austin, I expect the best fries I've ever tasted. But no, I was disappointed. The fries are crunchy and that's about it. The Hype Park sauce is nothing to rave about it. Just tastes like any other sauce that I would get from a little package from a fast food restaurant. I believe I got the chuck burger. The beef was splendid and the vegetables were fresh. However, everything else was a-okay. I wasn't over the moon for the food and I don't remember the name of the entrée my boyfriend got but it was basically toast with beef on top smothered with cheese. I think he liked it because it was smothered in cheese but I thought that it was simply alright. We also shared a margarita, again, I don't remember the name but I believe it's a house specialty, and eh, I've tasted better. I feel like Hyde Park Bar & Grill is a good first date spot if you don't want to over do it but it's not too understated. But overall, the food is alright. It's not absolutely amazing and I'm still upset that the fries weren't as amazing as I would have hoped.
(3)Fareed T.
Some of the best kid food in town. Great fries. Always a solid meal.
(4)justin d.
I don't understand why people like this place so much. The fork out front with its rotating french fry art is cool, but that's about it. It is common wisdom amongst austinites that this place has the best fries. Thus, I ordered a basket of fries with cheese sauce. The fries were pretty good. They were medium sized sticks that had been coated in seasoned corn starch, and they were appropriately crisp. They're not the best I've had in Austin, but they were at least executed well. The cheese sauce was pathetic. I'm not sure what abomination of ingredients and cooking techniques produce such a watery, gritty consistency. It tastes like the rehydrated cheese powder of the off-brand of kraft mac and cheese. The main courses are all pretty boring. The sides are also pretty bad. I would just steer clear of this place altogether. If you're in the neighborhood, go grab a pizza at Asti.
(2)Sarah S.
The only reason Hyde park grill doesn't get 5 stars for me is because the service (it's a server issue) is SOOO slow every single time ! The food is always smashing. The fries are untouchable. The margaritas are strong! I love Hyde park grill!
(4)Sandra M.
I love this place. Recently, I have re-discovered Hyde Park Bar and Grill. The food here is great, especially brunch food. The egg Benedict dish is quite delicious. The $3 mimosas are amazing as well (they have a cherry at the bottom!). I definitely will be back for brunch here. :D
(4)Ryan Z.
Might've been the worst experience with french fries, ever. Overly starched batter, pure mayo for dipping, how could this be touted the best fries in Austin? The boast made it that much worse...sorry Hyde Park. Gotta tell it like it is, I'd rather eat McD's/Wendy's fries. Gimme that sat. fat.
(2)Travis R.
As a born and raised Austinite I appreciate the legit "local spots" still left. HPB&G is definitely one of them! Cool and intimate decor, very hip without being "pretentious hipster" and Our server was polite and competent which is always a great start to your dining experience. The food is reasonably priced, its a tad above "moderate" but its worth the cost for the incredible fare. Some things I had that I would recommend, which will be very difficult to not get again instead of trying something new: Their world famous Fries (they've earned their street cred) and the Green Chile Cheese Mashers (fancy chef-speak for AWESOME mashed potatoes!) I've also had the Chicken fried steak, and it was also excellent, and The Chuck Burger not a very exciting choice but it was perfect. I'll probably try something different next time because I'm so confident in their menu. BOTTOM LINE: If youve never been here and want to treat yourself to some great grub and support a local business, you cant go wrong with HPB&G!! GO CHECK IT OUT!!
(4)Kathleen H.
Oh Hyde Park Bar & Grill. I feel like there was a time when your mac and cheese did not suck. I just threw some to-go mac away. It was sad. However, I like most everything else about you. You make my belly fat and happy. Yay southern fried chicken breast and french fries. I will miss you when I move to San Angelo. I also like how most of your servers have that serial killer vibe about them.
(4)Heather L.
Meatloaf Chicken fried steak Sides: green chile and cheese mashed potatoes, creamed corn Crab and sweet potato samosas
(4)Lil T.
Hyde Park, what happened to you? You used to be good. Now you're just fries and Wom Kim pudding. Everything else seems to have slipped on you. Maybe my palate has improved over the years since I first met you. However, I think that in this relationship it's you and not me. Your salads have routinely had wilted lettuce, dry carrots, and pinkish, mealy tomatoes. The mac in your mac & cheese is overcooked to the point of mushiness. The lentil soup needs tabasco and lemon to have any hint of taste. I won't even go into describing what used to be my favorite, the chicken fried steak. It's just too painful to describe what that's become. My brother remembers Hyde Park from his days at UT. He would always want to go there at least once when he was in town. This last time, he said he was through. He said he didn't want his memories spoiled by reality.
(2)Scott K.
Hyde Park has a brunch menu weekends, which includes eggs Benedict, woo hoo! I like my hollandaise a little lemonier than it's generally served here in Texas, though, and expressed that preference to the waiter. He frowned and said it might screw up the thick consistency of the hollandaise to add more lemon juice, said he'd take care of it, and wandered off thinking. When my eggs came there were a couple of fresh lemon wedges on the plate, eureka! 25% tip for that guy; why the hell didn't I think of that?! Delicious!
(5)Vonne T.
I have been going to Hyde Park since college (about 8 years ago) and I LOVE this place! I moved to Houston four years ago and I STILL can't get the Wom Kim's Peach Pudding and the killer fries off my mind. I read the reviews about how this place is over-rated and how people don't understand all the hype about the fries etc. but I will explain why I love it and always will: the fries: these fries are battered with crack or something. They are super crispy on the outside with almost a chicken fried batter and creamy on the inside like smashed potatoes. On their own, they are pretty (super) bland but I think the magic is when you dip those crispy little suckers into that special aioli sauce that comes with the fries. The sauce is rich and a bit tangy with some kind of herb that complements the fries perfectly! Every time I go back and have them, I wonder how I could forget how good they are! I think they're definitely worth a try. The peach pudding: I have to admit, I haven't had many of the other rotating desserts here as I first tried the peach pudding and automatically became hooked! I think a lot of people feel the same way since the dessert menu usually has about 8 desserts and the peach pudding is the only one that never changes and is always listed at the top of the menu. It's basically buttermilk cake with peaches baked into the bottom and some cream poured all over the top. It reminds me of a mix of bread pudding and tres leches and is OH SO GOOD! It's a pretty big piece for $4.50! Not a bad deal at all. I go to Hyde park strictly for these two things but I had the burger the other night with guacamole and my bf had the turkey burger and we were both pleased with our selections. Though the burgers were machine formed and not hand formed, they still tasted good and came on some sturdy, tasty buns. Most of the sandwiches are good though I think the pasta dishes could use some improvement. I've also had brunch there and the brunch selection is pretty good too. As for the service, it's hit or miss but I never get stellar service there. It's just okay but that never stops me from coming back! Besides, I love that the original location is in this cute house in the lovely Hyde Park neighborhood and I can always admire the rotating art. To sum it up: decent and consistent tasting food with some definite stand outs, nice, comfortable atmosphere, low-key and well-priced.
(4)Natalia B.
This place is pretty great! I've only been there a handful of times, but everytime I go back there I remember how great it is. The service there has always been fantastic. They have always been VERY ATTENTIVE but not annoyingly attentive. And the fries...oh the fries...I feel a bit redundant saying how marvelous and plentiful they are...but they are. Yummy! I only have two small qualms with this this. 1) I wish they would seat you right away instead of making you wait until your WHOLE party of three has arrived on a MONDAY night. Come on. I know you guys had plenty of room. Or if you're gonna make me wait, at least have a bit of a waiting area inside. 2) The tables are placed too close together. I hate getting banged every time the person in back of me gets up. Take out one of the on either side of the restaurant, Hyde Park, it would make the dining experience SO MUCH BETTER! Other than that...PERFECTO!
(4)Dick A.
Always great. Super stir fry fusion today. 7-25-12
(5)Les S.
So, I gave Hyde Park another chance. Both the food and the service were great! Really enjoyed so hope there is consistency!!
(4)Kelly R.
Hyde Park Bar & Grill on Duval is close by our house. We've been a few times, both by ourselves and with friends. Our primary reason for going has always been my husband's love for their Kobe burger, which is one of the only foods he actually craves, and my love for their homemade macaroni and cheese, which they (used to) bake in individual crocks with a crunchy breadcrumb topping and loads of stringy, delicious cheese. Each time we have been, his love for their burger is strengthened and renewed. I, on the other hand, have developed a progressively lower and lower opinion of this restaurant with each visit. Last night's visit is what prompted me to finally write a review. We met friends for dinner and arrived at 7:00 pm. The owner (I think) is extremely nice; he took our names and told us it would be about 20-30 minutes. It was very busy, but we were in fact seated in about 25 minutes. Our waitress was nice and very pleasant, but something seemed a little 'off'. Both my friend and I felt like she was either very distracted or just...I don't know...empty. She smiled, and was pleasant enough, but was just oddly absent. We ordered a large plate of fries, which are as great as everyone says, BTW, to share as an appetizer. But two tables near us, who were seated and ordered after us, both got their fries first. Our entrees arrived instead, but my husband's sides were wrong and had to be sent back. We asked the guy that delivered our entrees about the fries, and he said he would check on them. Meanwhile, the three of us sat with our entrees in front of us, not wanting to eat while my husband waited for his entree to be fixed. You know how weird that is....even if the person who's waiting says 'no no, please go ahead and eat, it's totally okay', it still feels rude to eat in front of someone. And isn't the whole point to eat together? Our waitress returned about 5 minutes later with a plate of fries and said she hadn't heard us order them. Okaaaaay. I'll give you that it's a crowded and noisy place on a Friday night, and maybe she didn't hear that part of the order, but it's a little bit of a bummer when you're looking forward to those fries and your entrees come out instead. So we ate fries, while our entrees were getting cold and went untouched, until the burger with the correct sides came out. Our entrees for the most part were...good. I ordered the New York strip steak, which the menu said was rubbed with red chile and spices. It was tasty, but no hint of chiles or spices other than salt and pepper. The green chile mashed potatoes taste like mashed potatoes with roasted green chiles mixed in. Eh. Worse than that, and much to my horror and chagrin, they have also stopped serving their mac and cheese in crocks, and no more crunchy topping either! It tasted okay, but I was very disappointed with this clear cost-cutting measure. Our friends said their entrees were fine, but I think we were all a little bummed about the fries thing and the timing on the entree delivery. Not to mention, our 'empty' waitress was pretty slow on drink refills and didn't ask if we wanted another wine or beer until 2/3 of the way through the meal. I'll admit that the reason I'm giving HPB&G only 3 stars has mostly to do with the declining quality of the food. We have always had pretty decent service there, so perhaps last night's lapses were an anomaly, but I don't think we'll be back until the next time my husband's Kobe burger craving reaches epic proportions.
(3)Cherie L.
I really wanted to try this place b/c the menu online sounded awesome, sadly, I was greatly disappointed. The price per person and quality of the meal are not equal, for the food I got I would've wanted to pay less. How their so-called famous fries won that title confounds me, they were fairly soggy and got cold very quickly. I had the potato crusted tilapia, the fish was cooked fine but I could tell the only seasoning was in the crust which just isn't flavorful enough for me, it left the fish w/that kind of tap water taste. The rice pilaf it came w/was actually surprisingly okay, I feel like most places ruin this the most, but the mac and cheese I got as a side wasn't anything special & I thought it would come in a separate dish (being a side) but instead it was on the same plate under my fish, not the best combo. My boyfriend had the chicken fried steak, said it was decent but not the best he's ever had. He did really like the fried artichoke app though. At the end of the meal I decided to try the chocolate cake, which is made w/coffee. I understand a lot of people make their chocolate cake w/coffee (which is fine) but I can definitely taste the coffee and I don't like this so I would appreciate it if places would state this so I know not to bother w/it.
(2)Lisa M.
Here's the deal about Hyde Park...don't even bother with the entrees. This place has three of my all-time favorite dishes: two appetizers and one dessert. The fries are great but you haven't lived until you've had the marinated and fried artichoke hearts along with the sweet corn and cheese tamales. Add a little side salad (which is actually pretty big) and you have a yummy, if slightly fattening, meal. For dessert - Wom Kim's Peach Pudding...a big thick heavy moist pound cake sort of thing covered in heavy cream. So bad and so good. *drool* For best results, get the Wom Kim to go and eat it later...you'll be miserably full otherwise.
(4)Atalanta P.
Crowds make me nervous so I won't be dining in here any time soon, but with a little help from Eat Out In I can enjoy my favorites in comfort! I really liked the avocado fries, piping hot with a crisp peppery coating, creamy and delicious inside. The buttermilk mashed potatoes were a little bland but wonderful with a bit of cream gravy. And Wom Kim's Peach Pudding is rich and sweet and flavorful, a bit heavy but great comfort food.
(4)Jens B.
30 yrs... that is a long time to be in business. Especially if you happen to be a restaurant. Met with a client for lunch and frankly it had been years since I ate here. Hyde Park still has the homey feeling which is pretty indicative of the house the restaurant is housed in. I opted for a BLT which was the lunch special. The sammy came with the ubiquitous famous fries. Crunchy bread, two big slabs of bacon and avocado were a good combination. Our server, who had some cool purple hair, was prompt and friendly. It is nice to know that they still provide a quality lunch in a nice atmosphere. Even after being around for 3 decades.
(4)Jared H.
One of the most underrated places in austin. Fantastic food, reasonably priced. I have tried several different items on the menu and every time my expectations have been exceeded. The macaroni is a must.
(4)Lily A.
Jiminy Crickets . . . I love this place. I love the cute bespectacled store manager who is always so attentive. I love the local art for sale on the walls that is always different and enthralling every time I stop by. I love the french fries. I love the Asian Chicken Salad. The interior is homey and situated right in the heart of the cozy and personable Hyde Park, Austin. It's all so great. The service is grand. The vibe is grand. It's my go-to place, because it reminds me of home.
(5)Dan B.
Decided to eat dinner here while in town instead of using Favor for delivery. What a mistake that was. Came in with a friend, sat down and was a bit wary of the waitress who seemed a bit distracted and rushed when she approached us. Ordered a lentil soup, cauliflower steak, and avocado fries. Friend ordered a burger. Waitress never wrote the order down, but I thought maybe she was just confident in her abilities. I was wrong. Appetizer comes out, bland and very boring, literally just a fried avocado with a sauce. No interesting seasoning and the presentation is sad. Soup was decent, although the cup was very small. My friend receives his burger, and about 15 minutes go by before I start questioning if I'm going to get my food. Eventually the waitress comes over asking if we want anything else or just the check. That's when I mention the cauliflower steak and she responds, "Oh the cauliflower steak, that's right, one moment." That's when I got a little irritated, but was thinking maybe it wasn't brought out of the kitchen. Wrong, 5 minutes later no sign of anything. I spoke with the manager explaining the issue and how I didn't want the entree anymore as my friend was done with his meal. He was nice enough to comp some things for the inconvenience which salvaged this mess a tiny bit. The waitress brought over the check, didn't say a single word about my entree, no apology whatsoever. Even a short explanation would have made me feel better. As I glanced at her to acknowledge the error she just gave me a mean look as she walked away. This is how you treat a customer??? This was the first time in my life that I did not tip a server. I would never go back to this restaurant, there are so many great restaurants in Austin I am disappointed that I wasted my short time here going to this dump if this is the kind of service that I can expect here.
(1)Scott T.
Came here for some Brunch this past Saturday and it was surely busy. Grabbed a seat with a friend up at the bar and got our 3 dollar mimosa special on.. Cordon Blue Omelet (organic eggs, ham, swiss, hollandaise, parsley) you sounded so good, reading your description on the menu.. got me all tingly inside.. then you came out in front of me.. you were the equivalent of that blind date years ago my buddy tried to set me up on that turned into utter disappointment - Thanks Dan! The portion was a decent but the hash browns on the side were a little too oily. The omelet itself lacked any real flavor that stood out including the lackluster hollandaise sauce. My friend got the Hyde Park Hash (organic fried egg, sweet potato hash, red and green bell peppers with bacon on the side) he didn't seem that thrilled with the dish, and finished about half of the it, portion was on the large side. Mimosas were excellent though, and the orange juice seemed freshly squeezed. I possiblyI will swing back here and try it out again, because they do have some glowing reviews, but they are not of the most recent dates unfortunately. I will just stay away from the brunch menu, and get into the meat of things on the regular side next time. I feel that the brunch menu is your basic items with a wannabe gourmet twist added to validate the price is all. Until next time, HPBNG...
(3)Casey H.
This uses to be one of my favorite places for good grub. However, in the last couple of years they have gone through three different chef changes and each time I hope they'd reclaim their former glory that I loved so much. Today was the final nail in the coffin. After not having been for a couple of months, we sat down ready for our meal after noming on the fries. A baby cockroach joined us on the wall right near us. When we asked the manager to comp the meals of those who had lost their appetite (some it didn't bother) he did the bare minimum. Very disappointed that he didn't see to comp their drinks or anything else. I felt like he could've gone above and beyond, but was met with bare minimum service. So long hyde park, I won't be back for more.
(2)Greg J.
A friend who moved away is back in town for a visit so I offered to take her to lunch any place she's been missing since moving to Nashville. Really pleased, but not surprised when she chose this place as it's been a mutual favorite for years. Feeling guiltless after four miles on the treadmill, I eschewed my normal lunchtime salad and went for the Reuben, probably my favorite sandwich. Something about the traditional combo of rye, corned beef, swiss and kraut really does it for me. And HP, thankfully, is savvy enough to know that the thousand island dressing is best served on the side. Okay, I've yet to find a Reuben quite up to the standard of those I ate in the years I lived on the east coast and in the midwest but the HP version comes close and perhaps more importantly, surpasses any of the other local versions I've come across to date. So, I undid the good achieved in my morning workout-- I'll get back in the gym tomorrow!
(4)Andrew G.
Remember before you moved to this great city and you lived in some backwards bumfuck town in the middle of nowhere Texas? And when you were growing up your mother would take you out to eat a few times a month and the only place the two of you could agree upon was Cracker Barrel? Foodwise, Hyde Park Bar and Grill is in similar territory. Your mother will love it when she comes to visit you. American Food is a weird designator. I think of a lot of dishes when I think of American Food. Before we got to the restaurant, I figured I'd order Meatloaf and fried okra. They don't serve either. With every entre costing between 10 and 20 bucks, a person used to his mother buying him Cracker Barrel better choose wisely. The menu leaves something to be desired. Chicken Fried bullshit gets its own section. There is chicken fried tilapia. Chicken fried pork. Chicken fried catfish etc. I opted for the Texas Horseshoe because that is what my Mom would have chosen for me had we been back home. It's a heaping pile of bread, fries and a burger patty covered in mustard grease. It was really good while the steam was still flickering. But once the dish had settled down to room temperature mush, it was no longer delicious and became kind of a chore. I trooped on until I had about five bites left and let it that. I would have saved it for my second wind, but my waiter took the plate away from me before I had the chance. I went with a party of 12, so I got to experience other dishes as well. All the chicken fried stuff seemed standard. The collards were great. The fries with mustard dip were very good. The water I ordered was fine. All in all, I doubt I will come here with friends again. But when my mother comes up to deliver another "survival package" to me, I know a place that she may like.
(3)Diana C.
I really can't fathom how there are 4-5 star ratings for this place. I don't mean to insult other reviewers, but my girlfriend and I went here to eat lunch on a Sunday, and the food was at best open-the-fridge-nothing-else-to-eat quality. We ordered their fries, and it was so battered and greasy that they could probably 86 the potatoes without anyone noticing. I got the chicken fried steak, which was just soaked in oil and fell apart as soon as I put my fork on it. My girlfriend got the huevos rancheros, and it was basically a dark, squishy pool of all the ingredients in the recipe. We're college kids. If the food is hot, we'll eat it. If the food has mold, we'll cut it off and we'll eat it. If the food is expired, we'll smell it, and eat it. However, we could barely handle this. Perhaps we ordered the wrong things, but I feel like my chicken fried steak is pretty standard. Perhaps someone can recommend us other dishes that taste better.
(1)Cassandra C.
I went here for Happy Hour, and it was pretty chill on a Thursday afternoon! Certain drinks and beers were $2 off. Some of their drinks are quite strong, so you do get your money's worth. As a group, we ordered a large Hyde Park Fries. They were quickly consumed and enjoyed by our group of seven. In fact, they were recently rated one of the top fries in American, and I wholeheartedly agree. The batter is light and crispy, and the dipping sauce, which was a mix of a spicy ranch and what not, was delicious. Other individuals in the group ordered burgers and the chicken fried steak, and they seemed pretty happy with their choices. Personally, I ate before hand, so I was going for the dessert. The Wom Kim's peach pudding was super delicious! It's like bread pudding and tres leches combined. I will definitely return again for lunch or brunch to try out their food. If not, I will be back for dessert!
(4)T T.
Well, running a little fever that's kept me from eating for a few days, it's beginning to pass. And boy am I hungry. Ordered take out. First problem, at the very very end of the menu it tells you you have to PAY EXTRA to TAKE OUT. What!? So I pay for the food, create no dishes, take up no table real estate, and you make me PAY FOR IT? You oughta give me a discount. Second problem: After paying the special absurd and ridiculous take out surcharge -- I'll never get take out from them again for that, ever ---- my take out order was wrong. They left out one of our sides. AMELIORATING CIRCUMSTANCE: I called immediately, and they did promise to deduct three dollars from the order. Which is about the value of the side. Which doesn't account for my hassle of not having it, or paying a fucking surcharge for take out that was wrong, or else. But it was a nod in the right direction. Other places might have just said 'tough shit, jack.' and they didn't. they apolgized and gave me back the value of the food they didn't deliver. but no more. food was OK or OK+ as usual - and no bargain. i think they lost me for good this time - a diner there since about the year they opened. meh, now no one's happy.
(2)Nick E.
I grabbed some take out midweek from HP bar and grill. The Texas Horseshoe wasn't great... Barely any cheese sauce, the meat was so over cooked and dry it was nearly inedible...not to mention the less than helpful bartender who was tasked with being the take out cashier. It's also pretty pricey for what it is. My vote: pass on this place.
(2)Roy R.
I hear good things about this place and of course read the good reviews so on a day that I had a hankering for some homestyle type of cooking and CFS came to mind, so did this place. The parking lot in front is kind of tight and there is also parking along the fence, but in my truck I would never attempt one of those along the fence and drive way to the back. I love my truck too much to risk that narrow pathway. Didn't see how the back parking was, but in general, the whole lot looked packed. I was quickly greeted by either the manager or owner and seated at a small table since I was dining alone. Outside the place looks rustic and old school, inside it is surprising chic and relaxed. Soft music plays. Soft lighting is displayed along the dark walls. The conversation noise is moderate as can be expected in a fully packed area, but the music covers conversation well. The waitress was very nice and quick to bring me my drinks. I ordered the CFS with mac and mash potatoes. I also decided to try the small fries since they are well reviewed. My fries were out in a couple of minutes! The dipping sauce for the fries was awesome! I asked for a second. The fries, although good, lacked salt in my opinion. Now, it could be my taste buds just used to too much salt on fries, but still, I just felt that there wasn't any at all in the batter used for them. In any case, with a small sprinkle, better flavors came out. The best I've ever had, definitely not, but good regardless and even better with the dipping sauce. The food followed shortly and boy, oh boy, was it good! My steak was piping hot and nice sized. It had a great flaky crust that did not fall off right away upon cutting up the steak and it was very well seasoned. The steak itself was tender enough and had good flavor as well. Probably the best CFS I've had in ATX itself. The mash and mac were spectacular and definitely homemade. The portions were very nice and technically, I say that you can probably feed 2 people with this meal. Albeit a hungry person and maybe one that just wants a small meal since I managed to down about 2/3 of my meal. I also happened to order a ginger beer/soda that they had and I was very surprised at how good it was even if it was small and left me wanting more. If you happen to have left overs, (and you probably will from what I saw), they will take them in the back and put them away for like a nice restaurant would. Side note: They happen to have a $5 dollar Yelp check-in offer. It is towards their small happy hour specials of like 3 types of drinks, a couple of beers and about 3 appetizers. I enjoyed this place. It is in my neighborhood so I shall be back.
(5)Michelle C.
Wonderful experience. The staff is super friendly, and very attentive. The food was excellent (especially fries) and drinks were strong! The loss of star is only because someone in the group wanted to order off the 'non-brunch' menu and the waitress told us it wasn't available until after brunch. They were also out of two of their "special" drinks, so it limited their selection. Certainly glad I tried and will be back.
(4)Jenny A.
What a fantastic experience! I hear this place usually has a line out the door, but we snuck in after 11 with no wait. They have extended hours. Chicken fried steak was fantastic. Cherry Streusel pie to die for. The restaurant has an extensive menu with quality options. A full bar. And I believe it is privately owned, so you really feel that Austin small business quality experience. I prefer restaurant like these with a "uniqueness" about them. Waitstaff was very attentive.
(5)Victoria A.
There's a reason this is an Austin staple. It's damn good food. It's also a perfect place to take your parents! Everything tastes like it was made with love and care. These french fries might be the best fries to ever be in my mouth. And the hyde park sauce need to replace ketchup. I had a chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. Everything was top notch. The chicken fried steak was crispy and tender. It didn't feel heavy and greasy. It went perfectly with the mashed potatoes that must be made with sour cream or something else delicious. Probably the best mashed potatoes I've ever had. The mac and cheese was good just not as good as everything else. I ordered a pink lemonade. Damn, that was fresh! I like the atmosphere here. It's intimate and a little romantic. It's a good date place. It's nice but won't break the bank. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Bre M.
Great burgers. I've never had a bad experience here, but never phenomenal either. Relaxed vibe and never too busy to get a seat fairly quickly.
(4)Tyler H.
Good service and good atmosphere when you enter. Love the fact that they support local artist buy selling their work off their walls. Food was great but not so amazing I would write home about it. Bathroom was not great, looked like a gas station bathroom. Parking is no fun either. Other than that it was very good. Will have to go back again.
(4)Deepika S.
This place is just ok every time I go. And for some reason I've gone so many times. It's probably because my family loves their little 15% off coupons they send in the mail. The service tends to not be very good. Hosts/hostesses tend to be eagerly awaiting seating you and then not really be all that nice. The wait-staff is hit or miss. The food has never been yummy. Just ok. I think the best thing I've ordered there (mind you no meat here), was some kind of combination of sides. Also, it's noisy there and next to impossible to have a conversation with your table without getting loud yourself. If you want to reduce your appetite, though, I highly recommend visiting the restroom! I typically wouldn't mention it, but they are just not well kept and it's gross for a restaurant. I will say, though, that their peach pudding is TASTY. get that!
(3)R. D.
No problems with the service. Prices are ok, not great. I had the stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer...pretty bland. For my entree I had the Asian Chicken Salad which was delicious. I would go again, but I'm not blown away...solid B.
(3)nick h.
We stopped in at Hyde Park after attending the Yelp cocktail contest. I had not been here for several years and the first thing i noticed was the wonderful art being displayed throughout the restaurant. After a short wait we were seated and started off with a glass of wine. I chose the Sautéed Crab Cakes. Two fresh lump meat crab cakes sautéed and served with Cajun remoulade, spice roasted sweet potatoes and a side of steamed broccoli $14.95 I thought the crab cakes were a bit dry for my taste but were still very good. Our other entree was the special that night which was a boneless beef rib plate with creamy gravy served with mashed potatoes and side steamed broccoli. The beef was very tender and tasty. Overall i thought the prices here were very reasonable for the quality of the food. Hyde Park Grill was a fun little place to rediscover and i can see myself going back to try some other meals.
(4)Solomon W.
I finally made my way to this institution... by way of a coupon. Dinner service on a Saturday was already packed around 5PM. The menu is nice and diverse, and the atmosphere also has an "Austin" feel. It reminds me of a grown-up Kerbey Lane. The famous french fries and house-made sauce is pretty solid. I was pretty pleased because these fries are fairly unique, seeing as they are battered. The house-made sauce is a hot-sauce and pepper mayonnaise sort of mix? The dumplings also threw me for a loop. They were surprisingly tender, and the filling tasted of authentic Chinese dumplings; definitely a plus at a very American restaurant. The rest of the meal fell a little flat. The fresh tamales were pretty moist, but nothing special. The mac and cheese was a little thick and did not offer much creaminess, but it was cheesy. The creamed corn tasted of canned corn+cream. The mashed potatoes were very bland and a bit wet. The lentil soup was boring. The meatloaf was very dense and dry. The spice roasted sweet potatoes did not have any spice, and they were fairly soggy. As you can see, I sampled most of their sides, and nothing popped out at me. Thus, I am a tad disappointed, but the food is very reasonably priced, so this place is definitely a great upbeat place to meet for a casual meal.
(3)Katy J.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! I used to live in Hyde Park, and now that I live in Houston, I stopped by my old haunt to try it out four years later when I hit up Austin for a convention. I brought a few people with me, and they were all thrilled with my choice by the end of the meal. The menu is so fabulous that it is hard to choose just one thing to order! Their healthy options are also very abundant. The prices are reasonable. The atmosphere is that of a small house, with art on display and it isn't too loud. My only quibble is the fact that our waiter was too busy to bring us our checks at the end of the meal in a timely fashion. However, the food was so fantastic, everyone was willing to wait it out. Best to try eating here on an off time or during the week. Otherwise you can expect a wait and parking can be difficult!
(5)Eve R.
Feeling in a very New York state of mind after watching a Broadway show at Bass, we decided to have a late-night dinner at Hyde Park. Since they are open until midnight, we didn't feel bad arriving around 10:30. Despite it being a bad time for heavy fare, I couldn't resist ordering the horseshoe, which is a delectable (if heart-attack inducing) plate layered with Texas toast, a burger cooked to your liking (medium rare, please), topped with a mountain of Hyde Park fries and cheese sauce. So. Freaking. Good. If you can finish this mountain-o-goodness, you should get a medal, or the next one free, or some kind of recognition. I've never done it. My bf got the kobe beef chopped steak with creamed corn and mashed potatoes - good comfort food too. He assures me it was wonderful. Although we both only finished half our plates, we were stuffed. And still found room for some delectable banana cream pie. The crust was flaky and buttery, the filling was wonderfully banana-ful, and we finished every bite. I still don't know how, but we did. I feel so lucky to have this late-night gem right in my own neighborhood. When I first visited Austin, Hyde Park was the first place I ate, on the recommendation of the innkeeper where I was staying. It still has a special place in my heart. I can also attest that the horseshoe can be reheated the following day and it's almost as good as the first time around. My arteries are probably screaming. But I can't hear them. So my mouth wins this round.
(4)Nirav D.
The fries are legit. Definitely as good as advertised. Other than that ... meh. The eggplant sandwich was bland and left a lot to be desired. My girlfriend's lentil soup also needed a lot of help from salt and pepper. I'd recommend going for the fries (which you get a generous helping of for the price) and then leave.
(3)Christine L.
Despite getting "eh" reviews on Yelp I really wanted to try Hyde Park Grill just because it's one of those Austin institutes and known for it's "famous fries". Who doesn't love fries? . Unfortunately I found ( as I often do) that the reviews were right on. The atmosphere was a bit dingy and dim where we sat but I did notice that other parts were bright and welcoming. The food was way overpriced, bland, and just okay. The fries were crispy but were flavorless. Hardly living up to it's fame! All in all it was just an "eh" experience. ---- It was edible but with all the other choices you have in Austin for great food at great prices...there's really nothing there that would make me want to go back. One positive? Our waiter Spencer was great. Really attentive and helpful.
(2)Adrienne L.
YES! More than three years after I graduate from UT (yikes, I'm old), HP is the same. Delicious mac and cheese, French fries that make my jeans cry, $3 drink specials and local art on the walls. I can't confirm this, but it even seemed like the prices were the same. Huh? Yeah. This is my all-time favorite restaurant. The only reason I docked it one star is because they don't hire my all-time favorite waitstaff. I mean, can a girl get her Wom Kim on or what?
(4)Crystal A.
I struggled deciding bewteen 2 and 3 stars. It's really hit or miss. After kitty sitting for a friend nearby, the boyfriend and I wanted to grab some dinner. After finding some parking on the street and a short wait inside, we got a table. Staff is ok. I can't say great or horrible, but they get the job done. Our dinner: Our fried green tomatoes were too tart. The condiments they came with barely helped. We didn't even finish them. I got the meatloaf and didn't like it. I don't normally send things back, and I really wanted to. My boyfriend got the horseshoe, which he liked and was pretty good. We actually decided to switch, since he didn't mind the meatloaf. The fries, even the ones at the top, were not crunchy. I don't know that we'll be back. Probably for brunch, but not for dinner.
(3)Andrea M.
Honestly, the french fries here suck. They taste chalky and require a lot of ketchup. Don't waste your time with these fries because they may look nice but it is not all about appearances.
(2)Amanda T.
We had some college friends come to town and needed a break from all the Tex-Mex and decided to go out for delicious comfort food. I love that this place has a cute neighborhood feel while tucked away inconspicuously on Duval. There are old couples, families, groups of friends and college students on dates. The restaurant was smaller than I expected. You can grab a drink from the bar in the middle of the restaurant while you wait (we had to wait about 10-15 minutes, they seem to turn tables over quickly). Everything on the menu looked absolutely delicious. We started with a full order of fries. That was definitely enough to satisfy five hungry girls. It is a huge heap of french fries but we finished the entire plate. It comes with a mayonnaise-based sauce (reminds me of thousand island). Perfectly seasoned. (on the menu they also claim to be ranked as the best french fries in Austin.. I believe it). I was the only vegetarian at the table but the description sounded so good that three of us ordered the fried eggplant sandwich. Comes with smoked gouda (my favorite) and sauteed mix of onions, mushrooms and red bell peppers. + a side of olive tapenade. It was just so perfect, warm. We were all very hungry from a long day so we finished the entire sandwich - it was very substantial and very filling. One of our other friends got a chicken salad sandwich - she said it was good and not too mayonnaise-y. Our last friend got a veggie burger + avocado and said it was good but nothing exciting. But if you're going to go veggie for this meal, definitely get the fried eggplant sandwich. When we first walked in, we noticed that it seemed like every table was ordering dessert. We had originally planned on dessert but by the time we finished our meals, we were stuffed. I would definitely want to come back to dessert. Oh and their mac and cheese looks heavenly. The waitress was extremely nice and happily split our checks. She even split the fries evenly 5-ways. I will be back.
(4)Robert S.
This location is better than the one at Westgate. Why? 1. It's located in a converted house (hence the additional star) 2. Has more class/style than the Westgate location, which already looks outdated 3. Not as pretentious as the Westgate location, but still pretentious 4. The food tastes better here (even though it's still packaged, frozen food - and tastes like it) Still not a fan. However, the fries are pretty alright. Salads, soups, sandwiches - two thumbs down due to epic levels of blah-ness.
(2)ally c.
I've been going to HPBG almost as long as I've lived in Austin, they're famous for their french fries, but that isn't the only reason to go. Their food is always spot-on. It should be - they've hardly changed their menu in the last 12 years as far as I can tell, but I guess that means they've had a lot of practice. It's not the healthiest fare, lots of butter and fried goodness (see the horseshoe sandwich), but for comfort food where you can get a big serving of perfectly steamed broccoli on the side, I'm calling it good. Their corn and cheese tamales are delicious, as is the potato crusted tilapia and they have a whole range of sides to choose from that range from green beans, to collard greens to green chile mashed potatoes Oh, and the fries - well, I think they speak for themselves. Just ask them. Extra bonus points for being open till midnight on the weekends and 11 during the week and no eye rolling when we show up at 10:30 on a slow Monday night. Full bar doesn't hurt, and service is always good across the board. We'll keep going back!
(4)Liz W.
This is one of those place where there are a few good things to order on the menu, and once you know them, it's a solid 4 star place. The first time I went here, in 2000, I got an overcooked piece of tuna. Later, I had their fries, and I think they're kinda bland and flavorless. They serve them with a special sauce and they're okay as a sauce vehicle but they have nothing going for them on their own. Because of this, when I order the Horseshoe platter, an open faced burger covered in fries, cheese and tomatoes, I ask to substitue broccoli. I sometimes get weird looks, but the wait staff always gets the idea eventually, and I absolutely love this modified dish. The cheese sauce is super yummy with a nice subtle flavor I can't put my finger on (mustard?). They're also good at making sure the burger is cooked to my rarish specification, which I can't say of most establishments in town. Other than the various burgers, my next favorite sandwich is the Reuben. It's not one of those monstrosities you see at Katz's or Jason's Deli, but a nice sandwich on proper bread with a proper amount of meat. You'd think it wouldn't be hard to screw up, but so many places do. Here it's tasty. It goes well with a cup of their perfectly decent lentil soup. The third thing I like is the brunch with the eggs benedict, because they really do the Hollandaise sauce just right. The price is right on the bloody marys and they're tasty, but they're kind of a salt shaker in a glass. Dilute with water. If you stick to the above menu items, you can't go wrong. Make sure they put enough cheese sauce or Hollandaise on your food - it can vary chef to chef. I don't know how anyone ever manages to eat dessert here. The portions aren't small. Service is consistently good, flexible and attentive.
(4)Ashley V.
I will start with the atmosphere, the cheap paintings on the wall and the dennys feel to the place did not attract me as I took my seet. I was tol thi was a high end restraunt up north where it started so what happened here?! Feels like Chillis!! My boyfriend and I both ordered the Kobe burger which I guarantee was NOT 100% Kobe beef. It was greasy and as where the fries which were the only thing that I enjoyed with the spicy sauce they serve. After we finished this standard meal and my boyfriends stomach was already turning we proceeded to wait for our waitress with our check for about 10min until finally leaving enough cash on the table and walking out. The main reason why I'm writting this review is because I have been up all night with this helatious stomach ache!!! One full hand of thumbs down!!!!
(1)erin m.
This place goes up and down in my opinion. Skip the entrees, which are hit or miss & go straight for the desserts which are always spot on! If I was just rating the baked goods, I'd give them 5 stars.
(3)Kandace S.
This is my favorite restaurant in Austin. Everything is delicious. The only thing I don't like are the fries, I don't get all the hype, that's just my taste though. Everyone else seems to enjoy. They have an amazing creamy cilantro dressing, appetizers, and the best lentil soup. Their burgers rock and their sides alone can be a meal. Sauteed collard greens with bacon, yes please! The fried chicken is out of this world! Love the local vibe, the local art for sale on the wall is cool and sometimes there's a cat on a leash. Never had a problem with service.
(5)Squidney V.
Met here with my rescue group for lunch one day, had a good time. I enjoyed my meal and everyone else enjoyed their food, as well; the fries were yummy and my friends seemed to enjoy the dipping sauce very much. We did catch the back end of lunch rush, but the service was good, the server was attentive and got everything right. The decor was interesting, this may have once been a nifty uptown restaurant, but i felt a totally laid back and approachable waitstaff. Parking kinda sucks though if you hit at a busy time, or as people are leaving the end of lunchtime but, considering the service was good, servers were friendly, atmosphere was nice, the food was yummy and the restaurant sits in a cute location in town, then making a few attempts at finding a good parking spot is worth it. It was pretty good and I would like to come back here.
(4)Tiff T.
I'm not writing this review just to be contrary to everyone else. This is one of those places I classify under "Austin's most overrated". And the fries can't stand up for themselves in a tasting. That's not to say I haven't been here more than once. I've probably been here a handful of times for a few reasons. 1) Some former classmates told me that the natural progression if you're going to 43rd and Duval is to walk into a busy Hyde Park Bar & Grill, put your name on the list, and enjoy dessert first at La Dolce Vita next door. I found that the best part of the comprehensive experience is dessert. 2) After trying #1, I decided to take a break from the restaurant. It wasn't special in any way. But time heals all, so once my wound closed up, and I found myself at that intersection again, I had forgotten why I hadn't been to this place in a while. Then I painfully remember after trying the food. 3) Repeat #2 a few times before putting my foot down and writing a Yelp review so that I can forever remember why I haven't been to Hyde Park Bar & Grill in a while. Even a simple chicken fried steak wasn't executed well: 25% more batter than steak, which was chewy at best. (You know it's bad when a gal like me who likes to share bite-sized samples of whatever dish I order with my boyfriend opts to skip this step.) The verdict: I won't be fooled again. Thanks to Yelp, I have a documented way to remind myself not to go back to this place again.
(2)Cameron K.
Nothing like having an old stand by that you can take someone who's never been and see the look on their faces. Went a couple of nights ago, took the woman for her first time. Decor was still sheik and stylish. I giggle a little when I see the $1,895 price tag on the paintings on the wall though. Cause I really walk in for a $30 meal and have almost two grand laying around? Love the various menu items, I've never had a bad entree there. I gotta admit though, I'm not a huge fan of the fries. They don't taste like much of anything, to me. Maybe I'm spoiled and used to, I don't know, salt on my fries. Get Wom Kim's Peach Pudding. Skip an appetizer or go yark to make room, but get the pudding. Our server Jared was excellent.
(4)Serge K.
Something definitely changed for Hyde Park, pretty much ever since the globe came off the fork in front of the restaurant. The muffaletta was by the far the best turkey sandwich I had ever tasted, but just recently I went back to the grill and the olives were overpowering, the bread too crusty and overall not the sandwich I feel in love with over 3 years ago. Their fries are still fantastic and the Hibiscus mint tea is awesome, the wait staff is still the same: a big gamble, which is ok for a place like Thunderbird Cafe and/or Thundercloud subs but when my parents came to visit me and I took them to Hyde Park and the server never made eye contact with us the whole time, it was a bit of a disappointment.
(3)Q J.
I've only been there once but it will not be a place I want to revisit without a good reason. The food was okay. Service was as good. Dessert was decent and pretty cheap so that's the highlight of my visit. I got the fried egg sandwich. It's probably created after the classic croque madame but not as good. The piece of bread under the ham and egg was completely soggy. The lettuce, tomato and onion didn't look very fresh. There was way too much cheese. The eggs were cooked as described on the menu but I've decided after this that I like my eggs on a sandwich over easy instead of over medium. It's too dry otherwise. I got the famous french fries on the side and I don't understand the hype. The texture was good but there was no seasoning in the batter so it's incredibly bland. I had to put salt on it, even with ketchup. I like Central Market fries way better. We got 2 dessert at the table, the (again) famous peach pudding and the chocolate pots de creme. The peach pudding reminds of tres leches but again, not as good. I don't understand how many people seem to go gaga over it in their reviews. The chocolate pots de creme was very good, really creamy and rich. 2 of us shared it and we still couldn't finish. The best part of the trip was a stop by Antonelli's Cheese Shop, right next door!
(3)Dana B.
I had to pick a "safe" restaurant for my out of town guests, they don't' share my love of spicy food. I picked Hyde Park Grill because they have a wide variety of food to choose from, so hopefully everybody would be happy. Here is the run down of the food: Fried Pork Chop: two people at the table ordered this, and two people at this table wished that they hadn't ordered this. The bone-in pork chop was a good size, but there was way too much breading. My Mom had to really work to find a good bite of meat that wasn't over powered with breading. Green Beans: three people ordered this, and three people immediately regretted this decision. The beans were chewy, flavorless, and embarrassing for a restaurant to serve. Chicken Fried Steak: husband ordered this and said it was very good Chicken with artichokes and a mustard sauce: I really enjoyed this dish. There were plenty of artichokes and the sauce had a light mustard flavor and wasn't overpowering. Green Chili mashed potatoes: typical mashed potatoes with a faint flavor of green chilies Even though everybody wasn't super happy with their selections, the food overall was good. Our one big complaint of the night was our waiter. He was a total douche. He didn't go out of this way to be a jerk, but he mumbled while he talked to us and didn't make eye contact with anybody acting like we were bothering him by making him work. I think he said like 5 words to us after he took our order. He reminded me of a brooding actor disgruntled that he hasn't been "found' yet and hates his day job. Jackass.
(3)Shane M.
Consistently good. I've discovered over many years of eating out, that's not such an easy thing for a restaurant to pull off. When I go there I know the staff will be friendly and I know my food will be good. Sometimes great, as in the case of their Peach Bread Pudding dessert - oh man. With the ambiance of the place you can tell you are in Austin - which is comforting to me. Comfort food in a comfortable place - that's what it is. I would like to suggest they replace/recover the chairs, however. Weird is good. Torn up and worn out is bad.
(4)Shinta S.
My husband and I used to come here for margaritas. Now that we have kids, we occasionally take them here for dinner. This is one of the two places in town my daughter would actually eat vegetables: carrot with some ranch. It is not in the menu, but they would gladly give you some. I love their Four Medley. You can pick and choose your sides and they always give plenty.
(4)Maurice G.
What happened here? What was once a nifty uptown restaurant, tucked cleverly inside the 19th century, streetcar borough of Hyde Park, has become like a got damn Chuck E. Cheese's carnival circus. Its as if this village of new-money had a neighborhood orgy about 6 years ago, and produced a bunch of future assholes that tend to climb all over this place as if its the mfing Christmas Village at Northcross Mall. Hyde Park B&G hilariously dresses the tables in white cloth, presumably to camouflage the fact that their establishment is being actively contaminated by The Toddler Legion, reenacting Band of Brothers with forks, spoons, and straws. The walls are grimy, but not in the grime-chic style of Magnolia or Austin Diner. The furniture always appears to be haphazard like a frathouse. Its just a sad state of affairs. Unfortunately for everyone who once shared an admiration for this diner, the food itself has devolved like country radio. Yeah, yeah .. the fries. For anyone who has a decent amount of skill in the kitchen, these are easily replicated without the hassle of aforementioned ankle army. Dunno, I'd have to hear a glowing review from Keller or Bordain before I'd ever revisit at this point.
(2)Brian L.
Was terrific. Fast and great food.
(5)Aaron M.
So we live around the corner and are pretty impressed with this place. Its a little neighborhood place, completely unpretentious and open to all crowds. suited churchers, tattooed hipsters and vanilla suburbanites... all are welcome and all are satisfied. The food has been a bit bland at times but the occasional mind-blowing mean makes up for it. Biscuits and gravy are top notch. fried chicken sandwich is subtly fried and perfectly tender. most sandwiches are good. Fries are totally yoyo. Some are lightly battered and hot (read amazing) and others are over battered and bland. The GF swears by the chicken and dumplings.. its all comfort food and all top-notch! The place has its quirks but always put a smile on our faces for a lazy lunch on a Sunday. The staff is aways fantastic and even taking away has been easy and rarely bad.
(4)Jim C.
Summary: Good food, good service, what more could you ask for? Not-very-long version: I was dragged here by a friend... I didn't have anything against this place, necessarily, the menu just didn't look particularly interesting. We started with the steamed dumplings (yummy) and had the grilled salmon and Kobe chopped steak as entrees. Everything was really good. Even the collard greens with bacon I had as a side was good. It just goes to show that just as complex dishes aren't necessarily tasty, simple foods can often be delicious. Service was good, atmosphere was nice, cute location in town - what more could you ask for? A great place to go!
(4)Kelsey Jo M.
Me and my boyfriend went here for our one year anniversary. We had a reservation and were seated immediately in the bar area with a conjoining table which I usually don't mind, except it was ridiculously close to one another, to a point where we could over hear every word said. We then waited for 15 minutes before some finally came over to take our drink orders. I ordered lemonade and what came out...wasn't. It was a sugary mess that tasted like someone had made some koolaid and put way to much sugar in it. They said it was a organic fruit lemonade but it was absolutely gross. We then waited another 15 minutes before she came back and took our order. Me and my boyfriend are huge fans of artichoke hearts, so we ordered that as the appetizer. The batter was good but the preservative taste was repugnant . They were obviously canned and absolutely disgusting. For the main course I got the Turkey Muffaletta while my boyfriend got the horseshoe. Aside from being extremely under seasoned, my boyfriend actually got a bone in his sandwich that nearly chipped his tooth! The only saving grace of this restaurant was the fact that the waitress recommended a decent wine. Will not be returning.
(1)Kathi J.
I've been coming here since college, so it's an old standby for me. It's comfortable and even cozy, especially if you come at a non-busy time when you don't have to wait. (Waiting is a hassle if the weather is bad, since there's so little space inside for those waiting...) The servers are very professional in a friendly way, and the food is consistently good... Except for the potato-crusted tilapia. I've tried it several times now over a long span of time, and each time, I've been disappointed. This last week, I tried it again for what will be the last time. The breading came off the fish and so to eat fish and breading (and tartar sauce) in one bite was quite the messy challenge. Things I enjoy eating here: They have good burgers, including the non-beef burgers, and the other sandwiches are good, too. I have enjoyed the tuna sandwich (grilled) several times. I like the fries but can't eat them much anymore because of a food allergy. Their mac and cheese is gooey and decadent with crunchy breadcrumbs on top. I love it, but have to limit myself because it's soooo rich. Their brunch menu is great. The spinach salad is really good (with chicken). I always tell them to leave off the hot bacon dressing and just bring the honey mustard, but that's a personal thing. Their margaritas (I've only had on the rocks here) are great, plus they have other bar drinks. Their desserts are good (not sure if they're made in-house?).
(4)Nick Q.
Obviously an Austin-staple. Everyone must go here at least once. And everyone must order the fries, at least once. My wife and I enjoyed some comfort food and wine, we enjoyed it all. The seating could use improvement, it seems they are really trying to pack the tables in there. OFI, no one likes sitting near the kitchen or bathrooms. Price is fair for the quality, however, the wine seemed unusually overpriced for average selections.
(4)Niko J.
Our waitress, Vivian, couldn't have been much more attentive. Her only mistake: forgetting the cup of chili I ordered as an appetizer, hut I'm glad she did. I had the Steak & Fries with a spinach salad and I couldn't eat another bite. Dessert was just a fantasy. The service was good without being obtrusive. Portions were good and the steak was cooked the way I like it. And, yes, I'll be back.
(4)Ryan A.
This place is darn right good, for anyone previous saying disparaging words, I invite you to re-visit and dine in! Had the chicken fried chicken... Good lord is was amazing. Perfect amount of gravy! We also had the fried avocado (recommend) as well as the fried green beans to start off. Our server was Derick, he did a great job and if we lived here I would be
(4)eileen s.
Loved everything ... Good vibe, excellent food (lunch), reasonable prices. Mashed potatoes and grilled broccoli and onion rings and sweet potatoes were so good. My husband liked his hamburger. Young waitress was attentive. Be sure to eat here.
(4)Julia R.
I used to love going to this place. The bar staff is usually awesome. Unfortunately, I am extremely unhappy with the loss of the muffuletta. I don't know who this new Austin transplant chef is but, I'm not impressed. Sure, I will try items off your new menu. Eh, not bad. However, if I'm there for my muffuletta and it's been rudely and unceremoniously removed from the menu, I shall not return. Also not impressed by the avocado fries. :-/
(3)Greg M.
For a place that looks fancy, it's really kind of not (others have noted table proximity issues). I got the fish tacos and they were pretty good. It's probably really not fair to review them for a lunch, as it's more of a dinner & drinks place. Still, they were very good and fast about seating a large group, and did separate checks.
(4)Bibi L.
A year ago I wrote a very harsh review of this restaurant. I didn't want to--I had been going to Hyde Park Bar & Grill since they'd opened and loved the food, vibe and the great service. Then they changed the menu. BOO! I got a note from the owner and was asked to try it again. I finally girded my loins and off we went. We were thrilled to see the "a la carte" menu was gone, the Horseshoe was back and really interesting sounding new items. We were starving and ready to eat. We started with the Sour Cream and Onion Rings. Crispy and delicious. I dipped mine in my leftover Ranch Dressing as my salad made it to the table before the onion rings. I ordered the Pan Roasted Chicken with the buttermilk mashed potatoes and the salad. My husband had the meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans. All delicious and hot. The chicken was tender, the tarragon jus just right and the mashed potatoes creamy. There was no room for dessert, but I'm glad that I can put this back on my favorites again!
(4)Tami S.
found this place because noble pig was closed. happy discovery as the food and service were great. had pork n' Mac and potato crusted tilapia. tilapia was cooked perfectly, nice and flaky and crust was light and not greasy. rice pilaf that came with was good - nothing stellar. ordered collards w/bacon as a side... tasty, cooked so they were still on the crisp side. a little greasy - but very tasty! only complaint is they were a little hard to eat. cut in thin strip across the stem. I prefer stem removed and larger pieces - but that is me :) pork and mac was perfection! Mac was SO creamy and cheese choice was tasty combo. pork was oh so flavorful and incredibly tender! YUMMO! eat dessert first so you are sure u have room! the peach cake is everything it's cracked up to be and more! like your gramma's secret just for company cake! so light but so rich at the same time. almost like a pineapple upside down cake with peaches - and fresh cream instead of the brown sugar goo. it was really, really, REALLY good! Maine root fountain drinks a plus. check in for happy hour specials! not valid on weekends though :(
(4)Emily B.
Hyde Park Grill rarely disappoints. The Pork and Mac melts in your mouth, and the Fried Egg Sandwich is great with a freshly-squeezed mimosa and a side of their legendary fries. It can get pretty busy at peak times, so go during the off-times to get a table more quickly.
(4)J S.
I've since moved from Austin, but was in town for the Thanksgiving holiday. My sister and I made our usual trip to Hyde Park, the south location, which over time became our preferred location. It has been a while since we've been there and changes have been made. The fried egg sandwich bread is served on different bread (preferred the other) and the tamales were not tasteful. They no longer serve the eggplant sandwich. The food was just mediocre and not our usual delicious Hyde Park experience. On the positive side, the service was excellent. Our server was very friendly and very attentive! Sad to say, that Hyde Park may no longer be on my "must eat" list when I visit Austin.
(3)Marybeth B.
I've only eaten here once but I have no desire to go back. I ordered some sort of chicken BLT with guacamole on it and it was very... okay. I probably could have made something just as good at home. The fries were not my thing, but I can see how they're a "love it or hate it" type of food. My mom ordered the polenta and it was pretty good, but I don't know why they covered it with pesto. Pesto and polenta is just way too much for me, but maybe I'm a purist. The thing that bothered me the most was that the waiter was a total ass. He acted like serving food was the last thing in the world he wanted to be doing at that moment. It just sort of ruined the whole experience which was sub-par anyway.
(2)Annie W.
Above-average bar food - some curious and interesting combinations that were pretty tasty and served with little fanfare. Don't expect anything fancy, but it's a cozy ambience and the service is pretty good.
(4)Dana J.
The food was okay, nothing I would ever really crave or have to go back for. But the service, my God, the service, was AWFUL. I had the most surly waitress ever. At the end, I asked for a to go box, more water (my glass had been totally empty for a while), and the check. She came back with box. Eons later when she returned with the bill, I asked for a to go water since it was so late in the game. She came back with my receipt...and that was it. The place is too small in the front waiting area, way to crowded, I had to crowd surf with my daughter to get to the bathroom and leave. The fries...who likes these bland things? Way over rated.
(2)A D.
Went there last night around 6:30. Greeted at the door and were sat promptly. Took the recommendation of our server and ordered the margarita. Our drinks, food (meatloaf w/ mashed + collard greens w/bacon bits) were delivered promptly. Service was excellent, not overbearing, not gone and never to return, just right place at the right time. This first timer was very happy with the overall experience. Will go there again !
(4)Samer K.
This place is DECENT. Nothing else. I have learned the best dishes are the southern home cooking options. The times I've had the pasta or fish, i was mostly disappointed. The last time i was here i did have an AWFUL encounter with a waiter. Basically, it took him over 30 min to bring us the check, take it back to run the card, and bring the card/bill back. We told him we were trying to make it to a movie and it definitely seemed he was delaying on purpose. We missed our movie and were quite flabbergasted at how long it took. It was to the point we were standing up awkwardly by our table waiting to leave and one of the other waiters had to go to the back, find our check and card and get us taken care of. Our actual server never came back! Totally unacceptable service (although the other times i have been here, the service was at least average/standard).
(2)Thomas L.
"Best fries" in Austin? Close, but not the "best." However, the fries are unique and you're not going to get fries like that anywhere else in Austin. At least they come out piping hot, crispy and with a great dipping sauce. We also had the stuffed mushrooms with pesto sauce stuffed inside. It was very good. Highly recommend this to any stuffed mushroom lover. However, we also ordered the country fried pork cutlet and cast iron skillet steak (8 oz) and those just felt mediocre for being the favorites/specials of the night. The country fried pork cutlet felt almost too dry for me, but the batter and gravy was good. Still prefer Hoover's if I'm looking for a great country fried anything. The mashed potatoes were good, but the green beans tasted a little too bland. The other problem was our steak came out well-done when we had ordered medium rare, so we just had them take it back because even then, it didn't taste too great. Overall, I guess you could say the experience didn't bold to well food-wise, but I have been here before when I was in college, so I know they can do better. I still love the ambience of the restaurant and the service was great as always. I'd try it again, but not anytime soon.
(3)Kevin B.
For starters, I had the stuffed mushrooms. I wasnt that impressed and wouldn't order again. The mushrooms were stuffed with something but didn't seem like it went well with the mushroom. The red potatoes my dad ate were old. Me and my mate had the Penne Florentine and the Lemon Shrimp Capellini BOTH were way over-priced for the over-cooked noodles and a disappointing amount of shrimp on the plate. The noodles were mushy in the Capellini and the Penne Florentine was bland. The alcoholic drinks aren't that strong so if I'm going to pay that much for a margarita in a tall glass I BETTER FEEL IT! I can just go down the street to El Caribe and order a small margarita for under 4 bucks (limit 3) and only need one drink to feel good. Boo HPBG.
(2)Megan H.
When I saw a Yelp review pic of the Texas Roadhouse fries I knew it was love at first sight. The pic looked exactly like my meal. My gal pals shared this hidden treasure and loved it!! I had the chicken fried chicken, which was amazing. The cornbread was good. Service was a bit slow but well worth the wait I guess bc It was packed, hence the great Southern food. My friend loved her collard greens so if you're into that dish, she recommends it.
(4)Richelle O.
This was basically the most disappointing dining experience in Austin, if not in my entire life. This restaurant came highly recommended as one I should definitely try in my neighborhood, so maybe I had too high expectations. The food was worse than low-end pre-frozen microwaved diner food. You might like this place if you grew up as a starving child in western Africa and this was the first place your adoptive parents took you when you arrived in the US. Otherwise, steer clear and don't believe anyone who tells you this place is great, and you *have* to try the fries. Trust me, it's not worth it. Ignore my advice and I guarantee you will experience extreme buyers remorse and mild heartburn.
(1)Lauren B.
As long as I can remember, my parents always brought my sister and I to this place every time we visited Austin. Now that I live so close, I go as often as I can because the food reminds me of home (literally and its all homemade). If there is one thing you get, make sure you get their famous (buttermilk & deep fried) french fries... w/ extra Hyde Park sauce! OMG I could eat those everyday... just amazing! I have tried most of their salads (Asian Chicken Salad is my favorite though) and all have been very good. My go-to dish there is the Pork Roast Shepherd's Pie - the meat is perfectly cooked & seasoned. Then you add those green chile mashed potatoes in the roast and ohhhh my its just perfect! There may be a wait since the place isn't the biggest... but I promise you will not be disappointed in the food here if you want homemade & delish!
(5)Jess B.
No. Just No. Never again. Ordered the Hyde Park Hash- says sweet potato hash. There were about 10 micro pieces of sweet potato. The rest was over fried super greasy regular potatoes. Horrible. BF had migas. He said it was flavorless. We were crammed in this corner like sardines. Brunch was a bust. Atleast I was in good company.
(1)jeff r.
They removed artichoke hearts from the menu. They've been on the menu for decades for a reason, they were fantastic. I won't be back, decisions this stupid are impossible to ignore. Update: Heard back as the comment below from Lucy shows and the hearts are back! As a result I'm editing this review back to five stars, kudos for listening to your customers!
(5)Andrew D.
The food is indulgent, almost reminiscent of a national bar and grill chain but without the awesomely thin tortilla chips. However, HPB&G does offer an ambiance and menu a notch above the typical, they just don't execute at that level. My oh-so-adventurous selection? To start, the fried mushrooms. Golden golf ball sized treasures when coupled with the dipping sauce. For the main course, I had what's known as a Smoked Turkey Muffuletta. Being from the west coast and a sandwich connoisseur, I knew I had to try this alien sub. True to form, it had mozzarella, tapenade, and turkey, but the cheese had congealed and the tapenade was a bit salty for my taste. The fries were...different, but I wouldn't say better than most other fries. But I like spicy things, including fries and these definitely weren't that. Perhaps you will feel differently. Overall, everything was decent, but I wasn't impressed...and I wanted to be impressed. HPB&G...slightly better than Chili's.
(3)John R.
I've yet to understand what is good about the fries. When they're VERY hot they're alright, but I usually tend to get lukewarm fries that are pretty bland. The food is fine but nothing has ever really blown me away. I've never been served what I'd call a bad meal, but they've always just been middle of the road. The last time I went, my mimosa seemed to be mostly orange juice. That said, I still go occasionally, as friends con me into going every now and then. I just always end up staring longingly out the window wishing we'd gone to Mothers instead.
(2)Lady R.
I like this place for: The nice and very attentive staff; everyone likes to smile, be friendly here and they are clean cut. LIKE! The decorations/tables and chairs; has a nice feeling to it not casual and not too fancy. Cleanliness; pretty good for Austin I don't like this place because: It's freezing inside. The food is served in the smallest portions I have ever seen. We have come here multiple times and the size of the meal never fills us up. Dinner or lunch. The wait for your food also takes forever. white rice as a side shouldn't have to be paid for esp when you are getting a $17 plate. Some of the food is really bland. I wouldn't recommend getting a salad here or their fish. I think a good indication on whether the food is good is if customers finish their food. During our times here everyone always leaves a lot of leftovers. iced tea's are diluted with a lot of water. Other than this is a great place to meet up with one or two friends and has a great location on duval. Just an ok place.
(3)M F.
I felt that the menu was limited to regional fare which has been made in a gourmet style in order to justify small portions at reasonably high prices. The actual food was well prepared and tasty, but really,two small fish tacos with no accoutrements is an entree in Austin? My husband's entree was a piece of chicken. Period. Sides are separate. Now, quality was good, but if I hadn't had peanuts before we went, I'd have left hungry. I also thought the menu was limited.
(2)Keely S.
Their fries and peach pie are KILLER. The entrees weren't memorable, but I'll probably come back again some time just for fries and pie. Glutinous, much? The atmosphere was great...who doesn't love a converted house turned restaurant? Sorry though...you can't get more than 3 stars on fries, pie, and atmosphere alone! :)
(3)Frances L.
If you want to feel like you are having a healthy heartattack, you should come here. The sandwiches sound super fresh ... eggplant, yellowfin, etc. but in reality, let's not lie to ourselves ... they're huge sandwiches that are kind of greasy (in a good way) and stacked mile high with layers of veggies, meat, etc! but it's all yummy. i also tried the wom kim peach pudding because i saw so many yelp-ers talk about it ... i liked it, but i didn't love it. it reminded me of mushy sweet cornbread haha. but it was still good. i think im more of a chocolate girl and they definitely have chocolate dessert options as well. the only thing really off about the restaurant was the ambiance and the waitstaff ... it screamed old people. which was just really weird in a neighborhood that is increasingly becoming younger. plus it's situated next to mother's, julio's, and quack's which are much more casual and ...young? oh idk, i guess as long as the food is good, then meh... and the food was good. i have some good pictures on my blog: lesmerles.blogspot.com/2…
(4)David D.
My date and I ate there last night. Let me first say that the service was excellent. Our server was attentive without hovering. I also enjoyed the atmosphere. There was a nice, relaxed vibe to the place. We started with the steamed dumplings. They looked like the ones that you get in a bag at Costco and tasted alright. The sauce that came with them was really good, with a nice but not overwhelming bite to it. I ordered the fried chicken and it was fairly good, but nothing special. The mashed potatoes were good, but not earth shaking. My date told me I HAD to have the fries and they turned out to be....meh. They were effectively flavorless. Admittedly my expectations were high, but they didn't even come close. My date had one of the fish dishes and loved it. I would be willing to give it another try next time I'm in the area.
(3)Shaun K.
I've heard good things about this place, but it didn't really work out for me. I liked the atmosphere, service, location, and fries;), but not the food. Me and my buddy had meatloaf and chicken fried steaks, and we found it too salty. Our waitress recommended us some sauteed veggie with bacon? as one of my sides, but it turned out to be the best choice. Sorry I'm picky, but I guess I had too much expectation.
(2)Lola L.
Good solid food and a nice selection. Can get ridiculously busy during brunch on the weekend but the manager has always been friendly when I've arrived with a couple of friends and a pack of friends. While I'm not a fan of their infamous fries, I do love their green pepper mashed potatoes and their kobe (Texas raised) burgers are always tasty.
(4)Albert N.
Man, I used to love this place. But the quality has slipped. When I lived in Austin, Hyde Park was on my short list of favorite casual spots. Good food, great atmosphere, and one of those places that says "Austin" without trying too hard. But on my last two visits, Hyde Park disappointed me. The signature fries were the biggest let-down -- they were mushy and without the texture and snap that made them so amazing. They hadn't changed the recipe, or so it appears, so the execution must have been off. Same thing for my other favorite, the fried chicken breast sandwich. Instead of the moist, juicy chicken breast inside a slightly crispy, delightfully gritty coating, I had greasy chicken in a soggy crust. Not good. At first I wrote this off as a one-time thing and gave 'em a second chance, but I had almost exactly the same experience on the next visit. A pity, because it's still a beautiful house. Folks, if you're in this biz, execution of your recipes is job #1. If you can't do that, the rest doesn't matter.
(2)Sarah W.
Seating: My ONLY complaint about this place is how small it is. We (3 of us) sat next to a couple and could litterally hear every sweet nothing he whispered to her. I felt uncomfortable because I knew whatever I talked about would be heard by others. Service: Our waitress was not only helpful but pleasant and always smiling. She answered all of our questions and continuously checked on us. Food: Very prompt and tasted AMAZING! They are known for their fries...must have appetizer for a reason!!! The portions are HUGE for the price and we all left with doggy bags. I will soooo be back!!! All in all very affordble, huge portions, friendly prompt service, and just a great menu!
(4)Angela C.
I've been going to Hyde Park for years (both locations), and the food is consistent and delicious. Not suprisingly, this is a well known Austin Favorite. My only warning would be to watch out ordering the famous Hyde Park Fries during 'off' hours, I've noticed that if not served during lunch or dinner hours, they can be less fresh or perhaps simply reheated. Other than that everything here is spot on! What to order a Hyde Park: Chicken & Dumplings..YUMMY!! Turkey Burger.....Simple yet filling! Angus Burger....Watch Out, you will leave very FULL, but HAPPY!! Salmon....YOWZA, light yet filling, ask them to go easy on the pesto. Asian Grilled Chick. Salad....WOW!!!! Ask for extra sauce, you won't regret it!! Everyone MUST try the Won Kim's peach pudding for dessert. BEWARE: Wear your Stretchy Pants :)
(5)Adam T.
THE GOOD: The soups, the Pimento Cheese sandwich (one of the few places that gets it right in my opinion), the stir-fry, the dumplings, the catfish, the routinely exceptional service I've received consistently for over two years. A wonderful Sunday brunch spot if you live in Central. THE BAD: the "hot bacon" salad dressing. Warm dressing = ew. The fries for being the same type of fries as every other mid-tier casual dining place ever, which means yes, you'll have a vague stomach-ache about 20 minutes after eating. THE UGLY: The Horseshoe. *Shudder*
(4)Sara M.
Having just moved to Austin (and the Hyde Park neighborhood, specifically) from San Francisco, I was excited to find a local restaurant so close. The food is average at best, but the location is convenient. Unfortunately, I will no longer be dining here. I recently ordered a steak for dinner, only to suffer an allergic reaction because they put walnuts in the sauce. I had alerted my server to my nut allergy, but she didn't even know that walnuts were in the sauce. When I started getting sick, the manager had to ask the chef directly. So here's a message Hyde Park Grill: It's time to pay to get new menus printed -- with notes about what items are in each dish. Then take it a step further -- make sure your servers know the menu. A menu update wouldn't hurt either.
(1)Claire R.
The one positive thing about this place is that the french fries are delicious. And whatever sauce they come with, tastes like spicy mayo with Old Bay seasoning or something, was delicious. Service: Our waiter was not very friendly. I think she was annoyed we all ordered water. I had the fried egg sandwich and it was only OK, I've had better. And really, how hard is it to make a fried egg sandwich?!?! This place is not tasty and it made my stomach hurt.
(2)Adam B.
Went in to pick up a carryout order and the restaurant was full. The older shorter male manager with brown hair and glasses rudely directed me to the end of the bar to get my pickup order in a frantic and dickish manner. The black dude with dreads who got me my food was attentive and very friendly. The burger was a joke. Frozen and uber overpriced. Never again
(2)Clare B.
I'm a pretty big fan of this place for a stand-by good meal. It's nothing absolutely stellar, but it is consistently good and everyone can find something they'll like. They have a few dishes I especially love, including the Crispy Parmesan Polenta as a appetizer and the Sautéed Crab Cakes for an entree. mmmm. My mouth is watering just a little even thinking about it. The one thing I won't really recommend are their margaritas. They're just not that great for the price. As far as the place itself, if you happen to go during a busy time it can be a little bit loud, and some of the tables are definitely too close together so you've got to overhear other people's conversations. But, if you can manage to go during an off time you'll probably appreciate the art, cute atmosphere, and reasonably attentive wait-staff.
(4)Isabelle K.
$4 french fries. It said it's the best fries in Austin on their menu. But it's too greasy. I don't know why it's the best. Maybe I'm not interested in any fries. Actually their sweet potato cubes taste better. We had eggplant sandwich and almond covered trout. eggplant mixed with mushroom and olives. It tastes so good. Trout needs more flavors. The waitress came many times to check on us.
(3)Jessie R.
Disclaimer: This review is for Hyde Park Grill's weekend brunch. I've been trying for several days to try and come up with a way to describe my thoughts about the brunch we had at Hyde Park Grill and have drawn a blank. Maybe that in and of itself should be enough of a description. The best I can do is to call it standard. Average. Run of the mill. You won't find any interesting variations of your favorite brunch classics here, but you will find the standard menu of eggs benedict, migas, omelet, belgian waffle, etc. When the food arrives, it will be served with semi-cold hash-browns that seem like they were prepared at the start of the day and left in a big pan to be scooped out for each order. In fact, my eggs benedict weren't that warm, either. The staff is trained well to say the right things at the right times, but you can tell that their hearts aren't in it. I got the distinct impression that they would all rather be somewhere else at that moment. My overall impression? Lackluster. Don't get me wrong, the food and mimosas were decent, but I think I'll try a different spot next time when my eggs benny craving hits.
(3)Ashley S.
As my boyfriend and I explored our new home in Hyde Park, we chose Hyde Park Bar & Grill for a Sunday brunch. It was fairly crowded around noon, but we were able to order quickly and get our food quickly. The brunch menu was inexpensive and very yummy - I got the Migas and my boyfriend got the Mushroom Omelet. They also had brunch drink specials that we didn't partake in, but looked delicious. Parking was easy to find and the ambience of the restaurant was enjoyable -- I especially liked the black and white photos of farm animals on the walls! I will be taking my family members here when they come to visit!
(4)Vincent N.
An old stand-by. Great place to get some meatloaf, chicken-fried steak, and their amazing french fries. I really don't dig Hoover's, so this has become my default place to get some good "home cookin'." Their service has always been great, and everyone is always very nice there. Get the fries!
(4)Heather L.
The fries lived up to the hype; they were delicious and the dipping sauce was perfect however, I prefer my fries without a side of bad attitude. My first visit to Hyde Park Bar & Grill last night might be my last. The host: a grump, the bartender: grumpy, and our server: grumpier. My chicken fried steak was really good, the collard greens were seared perfectly and I tried a bite of my husband's sirloin burger and there was nothing wrong with it either, but the negativity in the place ruined my experience. Maybe there was just a bad staff meeting before dinner service and the rudeness I experienced is not the norm, but if I go back and the funk is still in the air, I won't be dining there again. Cheer up staff; your crankiness is a major bummer that even buttermilk battered fries can't fix.
(3)Ian R.
This place isn't amazing but it has a few things going for it that keep me coming back. Every entree I've tried here has been good, and also relatively healthy. I often come here to break up studying at Flightpath or Epoch. Their kitchen is open late, and even at 11pm they do a good job of preparing tasty food quickly. I generally get the salmon or chicken, served with 2 sides, and a glass of red wine for under $20. Not bad, especially considering the neighborhood. The bar tender here is a nice guy. I might come here for a first dinner date. Its not fancy and its not slummy. I've never had the fries or burgers here, but they claim best fries in town.
(4)Robin S.
This is a review of the original HPBAG on Duval. (as an aside, since I have been reviewing restaurants, I have been eating more, and not going to the gym. Not good. Perhaps I should start reviewing gyms). The atmosphere here is so good, I find, that anything wrong with the place can be overlooked. Which, really, I have yet to find much. I love the local artwork, the fact that it feels like (is in? I sadly do not know) an old house. The drinks are well poured. The food is quite good; nothing particularly spicy or fancy but its comfort food (people complaining about multi-courses being served too close to each other need to look elsewhere). I'm going with the fries: they are really good. get the cajun trout with devotion and its always good. Once I had the chicken salad sandwich and it was a little more just meh. My husband loves the horshoe sandwich, though he usually can't plough through all the fries and only gets a bit or two of sammich. The servers are generally pleasant though occasonally a tad forgetful, but not obtrusive and prompt with food and drinks. The prices are really good for the quality, and I like the range in prices for the menu.
(4)Mel G.
I'm quite a fan of Hyde Park usually so my review is only about my experience today. Unfortunately, that experience was one of the worst I've had at any restaurant, ever. I'm not gonna say that everything that could go wrong did (our service was perfectly fine and they didn't sit us by the door at that crappy 2 person table), but the dining experience was abysmal. My boyfriend and I have argued over whether it gets 1 star or 2 but since all the errors fell on his food, I let him pick the one star. He ordered chicken fried steak, it was very over battered and the bottom of it came out with a layer resembling shake and bake. So he ended up ordering a cup of soup as replacement (I had one as an appetizer and it was good). The cup of soup was served with what I would like to assume was a curly beard hair on the top of it (hesitant to consider where else it came from). Screw up once, things happen, screw up twice, I'm probably not chancing a third try. On the plus, the manager did comp our entire meal and issued us a gift card, IF we go back in the future (most likely to drink mimosas). It was one of those, "should we even bother giving you a gift card because I wouldn't come back if I were you" moments. I know these kind of things happen, but someone should at least have the attentiveness to check a plate of food going out to replace an inedible one. And as a side note, I think they need to change their dishwashing machine. The cups and silverware all had a film on them that I expect from a Chili's or Friday's not a restaurant that advertises as "fine dining" I will say that our service was perfectly fine and the manager was very apologetic. Even my food all came out well. Wish the food would've matched up on the other side of the table.
(1)Patricia P.
Very good food, very good service, very cute outside and nice inside. I really liked this place for a more upscale lunch experience!
(4)M G.
Yum. Everytime this place makes consistantly good food. Everything at this place is delicious. I wouldn't say this is a dieters paradice, but who cares about that when you are going out for a good time. Good wine selection with reasonable prices. Price seems a bit high when you first go here, but believe me its more than fair, and you will realise this when you taste the food. Good size portions, I regularly take a doggy bag. Another great spot for a casual dinner or dinner with friend from out of town. Very Austin. Cons: Sometimes there is a wait and the waiters can get a bit bogged down. Only because its so freaking good.
(4)Maria V.
Definitely underwhelmed by everything. I tried their soup of the day, tomato with artichoke. Sounded good but didn't even finish it. For my entree I had the Sonora salad with some fried chicken. Just ok. My husband ordered the burger and he was also unimpressed. Their fries were pretty good but not good enough to come back for.
(3)Frances S.
This is a solidly above average restaurant. I used to really favor this place, as the nice decor always suggested to me that the food was just as nice. The food is alright to pretty good, and the sandwiches especially are very reasonably priced for a sit-down restaurant at 6.96 to 8.95 each. Service has always been good for me here. The fries are pretty good, but nothing to write home about. They taste better when piping hot. As a huge fresh squeezed lemonade fan, DO NOT order their lemonade! It's something like $3, which I thought equated with quality, but it is just made out of powdered Country Time or something equally distasteful. Big disappointment. The desserts are alright, if not a bit overpriced for the portion size. The peach pudding is very creamy and rich (too much for me). The seasonal pie is OK, but the slice is tiny. Lastly, this is a minor quibble, but when I asked for a to-go box for my last eggplant cutlet, I was given a styrofoam box. Don't they know that styrofoam is awful for the world? I think that a restaurant's choice in material of to-go containers tells a lot about its actual class and values.
(3)Allison W.
I really loved the ambiance of this location. It's pretty and intimate. They don't have many healthy selections on the menu, but I've tried the veggie burger and it was good. They are famous for the french fries, which I don't really understand because they weren't very flavorful (aside from the dip). I got the potato crusted tilapia and that was awesome, though. On the side they let you sub anything you want...so instead of rice pilaf I got macaroni and cheese and fresh fruit. The fruit was great; the macaroni was watery and disappointing.
(4)Michael C.
Food ranges from mediocre to terrible. Last meal I got there I couldn't actually eat because it was so bad.
(1)Joshua W.
GREAT FRIES. The end. Ok, I guess I have to write more than a two word review, but that pretty much sums it up. Their burgers are ok, and the crab cake sandwich they used to have on Fridays rocked. If you really want some proper comfort food and are willing to take a year or two off of your life, try the Horseshoe sandwich. It's an open faced monstrosity that involves texas toast being topped with 8 oz of ground sirloin, topped with melted chedder cheese topped with a huge mound of their epic fries, topped with more cheese sauce, topped with deiced tomatoes. Like I said, you're looking at a shorter lifespan, but I'm pretty sure it's worth it. All in all Hyde Park is a pretty good place to eat, just don't forget the fries!
(4)Kate W.
Love Hyde Park Bar and Grill! They have wonderful fries... and great all around food, especially the asian chicken salad! Their mango margaritas are the best, and they have great service - you are seated quickly even if there is a crowd, and the food comes out quickly. My only complaint is that I miss the huge thing of fries that used to sit on top of the fork outside... what's up with the weird heart? sometimes the earth is up there too... i vote for the fries!!
(5)Kat M.
We eat here a lot. As in, we purposely drove into Austin last night to see MI4 at the Bob Bullock IMAX (as opposed to the way closer up-north IMAX) just so we could have an excuse to go eat at Hyde Park afterwards. I gave the place 5 stars because the food I always order is worth 5 stars. I do not, however, order their famous french fries because they are only one-star. For the life of me, I cannot figure out why people love them. I theorize that people just think buttermilk battered fries sound neat --- and granted, they do LOOK neat --- but they just don't taste neat. Very, very bland. They look like they have some kind of seasoning on them, but that's just to throw you off. They are actually flavorless. But enough fry-bashing. Like I said, I've learned my lesson (several times) with the fries, so I no longer order them. Problem solved! Now, on to the good stuff. The turkey burger here is really yummy! It's nicely seasoned and if you get it on a focaccia bun with smoked gouda cheese and a side of honey mustard like I do, you will almost be in sandwich heaven. (Note: the turkey burger here actually used to be even better than it is now. A couple of years ago they seemed to have mysteriously switched brands or something, because the turkey is now not as well-seasoned or juicy as it used to be. I think they now use all-white meat turkey, so it's probably healthier, and we all know that "healthier" doesn't always equal "tastier", but it's still very good.). The smoked gouda is really delish. Very smoky and full-flavored. And the focaccia buns are yummy. On the side, I always order their green chile cheese mashed potatoes. I love mashed potatoes that are well-seasoned and chunky, and this fits the bill on both counts. My husband has an ongoing love affair with Wom Kim's Peach Pudding. And I admit, even though I forgo dessert myself, having filled up on turkey burgers and mashed potatoes, I always take a bite of his because the Wom Kim is really, really, really yumm-o. We also love the atmosphere at Hyde Park. Very Austin-y. Very much the feel of a neighborhood bar and grill. I love how it consists of several small rooms (I dislike restaurants where you sit in a giant, cavernous room and feel like you have no privacy). And I especially love how they have local artwork that constantly changes hanging on the walls. Every time we go, the artwork is different! Granted, we seldom like the artwork, but it does make for good conversation and a fun experience, especially since it's different every time. Oh, forgot to mention ---- my husband loves the fried egg sandwich. I wish he didn't. But he does. Service here is always very friendly. Very down-to-earth , but professional, waitstaff. Check out Hyde Park Bar and Grill. Skip the fries, though, and save room for some Wom Kim.
(5)Bill K.
The HPBG on Duvall - went there had the French Fries - yup - the best (batter dipped) - must have. Got the Egg Plant Parm - crispy - just the way I like it - the fettucine was dry though - nothing on it at all. The Whits Chocolate cake was dry - good - but dry. The Peach Cake in a cream sauce though is to die for. The waitress was attentive and excellent - very rapid with the food. This place is recommended. Be aware - no reservations - parking is limited at best.
(4)Jeffrey L.
consistently very good food. Garden side salad fantastic; great fries (with their mayo-based chipotle (?) dipping sauce), chicken fried steak, fish dishes, shepherd's pie. Have eaten here approx 8 times in past several yrs (it's just a little too far to drive from Round Rock), and have been satisfied every time. good luck parking, however. May want to come on your motorcycle.
(4)Sam S.
#NAME?
(4)P C.
I have been here about 6 times. Each time I hope the Gluten free menu will have improved. The last time I went they had changed the look of the menu which was nice, but they took off some of the gluten free choices so there is almost nothing to choose from. we asked the waiter if there were any other choices that were gluten free. usually the waiters work with me and try to figure something out but this waiter was clueless. He didn't even know the menu. We had to leave because he said he couldnt help us.
(1)G H.
Not any more! Sadly, this place that was once a favorite of ours has slipped. Not even close to what it used to be. My meatloaf (which had been GREAT in the past) was overcooked, dry and dense. It honestly looked like the "meatloaf" you see at those big buffet places...the stuff that's been cut and laying around on the steam table for several hours. It was covered with a skimmed over (by the time it reached our table) gravy. The flavorless, dry mashed potatoes with it didn't help. Sadly, this is probably the last time we'll eat at this neighborhood comfort-food former favorite of ours.
(1)Mary E F.
I can only speak for what I ordered but it was delicious. I wanted a veggie burger - but they were out. That is not good - but my alternate choice was much better. I got the veggie plate with collards (OK it has bacon - not veggie, but I cheat with bacon), roasted sweet potatoes (just a teeny bit spicey - so tasty), cilantro rice (also delicious) and green beans (the green beans were just OK - normal but good - just right amount of crispness, not limp at all). The collards were probably my favorite - but I will definitely go back and get the same thing. I just wish they had a little bit of bread or cornbread to go with it. We got there just before 11:00 and weren't sure if they were open - as we drove by. And a waiter was standing in the window and waved at us to indicate that they were in fact open. Cool.
(4)Khuyen P.
After 6 years of separation, I was reunited with my favorite fries in Austin. Seriously, the thought of those buttermilk battered fries and tartar sauce [really, just thousand island sauce. leave me alone, i've lived in socal for too long but nevertheless great!] were enough to make me come here for my first dinner back in town. I ordered the chicken fried chicken....very good but had a slight fake butter taste in the gravy. I wished I had room for dessert, but alas, I didn't get my famous Wom Kim's Peach Pudding.... Sigh. I really would take those fries home if only they tasted as good as they did fresh out of the kitchen.
(5)Alex M.
Some of the waiters are mighty sexy. But: The french fries are ever so much better at Opal Divine's. And really, when you want fries, you want a beer. Not a bunch of Hyde Parkers who smuggly own while you continue to rent.
(3)Pat C.
We recieved great service and the food was good. We purchased the Groupon special, where you get twenty dollars worth of food for just 10 dollars. I ordered the chicken fried steak and their delicious fries. It was pretty good. Their bread pudding for dessert is to die for! If it were not for the distance, I would probably visit more often.
(3)Sydney T.
I still really like HPBG. The eggplant parmesan was delicious. The fries were really good (but really bad for you). Too bad I can't say the same thing for their margaritas -- I would skip those if I were you. The staff has always been really friendly to me. The only downside is that there is no lobby, so waiting around for a table is pretty awkward. You feel like you're in everyone's way.
(4)Robert C.
Had lunch here today. I love the interior. Very clean with a nice modern feel to it. You could tell they were winding down from their lunch rush as they were seating everyone that came in to dine in the side rooms so it seemed way more crowded than it actually was. We were next to 2 separate families with kids that had obviously just learned to talk (because they couldn't stop doing it). I have to say here that I have nothing against children or people bringing their children out to eat. In fact, today I had the honor of hearing our child's heartbeat for the first time so I need to get used to those squeaky voices sooner than later. I just wish they hadn't corralled everyone together like that. There was plenty of room in the dining hall and it could have been a very intimate lunch if they hadn't. Moving on...we had the stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer. They were good but could use some salt, kinda bland. This surprised me as they were stuffed with a pesto cream cheese, battered and then deep-fried...shoulda been plenty of flavor there right? I had the 10 oz pork chop (which they also fry) and my wife had the turkey burger. The latter was delicious and came with some awesome fries. My pork chop did exactly what I thought it would when they fried it; it shrank. I only got like 6 healthy bites out of it before it was gone. Sad because it tasted excellent. For $14 I feel like the portion should have been much larger. All in all it was a decent meal but for $40 it coulda been much better. The service was excellent BTW
(2)Bobbyray D.
The Horeshoe. When all hope is questionable and nothing seems to be going how you want it.. order a horseshoe ...(i beleive that is the name of the plate) its two pieces of texas toast topped with a chicken fried steak gravy. Fries and more gravy..... this meal alone is enough to cause cardiac arrest or a huge smile to keep your tummy content for a few days...
(5)Ryan N.
I wait tables at a fairly nice place, so I realize that any criticisms I have of the service when I go out to eat can be a bit like a drummer getting irritated by the snare sound when attending a local punk show. Regardless, my first visit to Hyde Park B&G in years found the place, um, "service-challenged." We were greeted fairly promptly, at which point we both asked for ice waters, and I requested an orange cream soda (love those). She returned with the waters, but no soda. Our waitress was all like, "oh--you wanted a Fat Tire, right?" And I was like, "no, I wanted an orange cream soda." She left to rectify the situation... ...And returned with a regular cream soda. I like those, too (just not as much), so decided to just roll with it. At this point, we ordered. An appetizer (pork dumplings), Caesar salad, and two entrees. Three courses, right? Nope. My dining companion's salad arrived first, followed in short succession by the appetizer, then entrees about three minutes after that. We were actually in a bit of a hurry, so no real harm done. It just seemed sloppy, though. So when our entrees arrived, my date cut into her veggie burger to discover... ...Beef. She figured it out immediately, and the mistake was fixed fairly quickly. She is not a vegetarian, but this kind of thing could very easily create a pretty f'd up situation for someone who was. My entree (blackened tuna salad) was just fine, and her burger likewise sufficed once it arrived. Nothing we ate blew me away, though. I know that mistakes do happen, and--believe it or not--I actually make them myself on occasion. But I also know that waiting tables is not rocket surgery. Our server was perfectly nice, and maybe we just caught her on an off-night. Or maybe I just need to check my uptight waiter 'tude at the door when I go out to eat. (Actually 2 1/2 star review, but I'm willing to round up for benefit of the doubt).
(3)Kim L.
I'm not a fan of reviews that just rant unhappily... But this experience must be shared. Yesterday a fellow yelper and I went to Hyde Park for a early afternoon margarita. (We're grad students and it's the end of the semester. It's a necessary thing.) Anyway, the first glaring if not unforgivable slip up was when the waiter reversed our mango and lime margaritas, even after insisting that he was giving them to us the right way around. (It took us the entire time we were their to figure this out. We both just thought ours tasted funny. Grad school has rotted our brains.) The unforgivable part of the experience came next. A couple of young college students were seated next to us. They ordered fries and were brought waters. My friend was in the middle of venting about a particularly frustrating experience but I was suddenly somewhat distracted by the way the couple next to us was acting about their waters. "Is that a shrimp?" I heard them ask. The waiter came by, apologized briefly and took the waters away. We talked to our mortified fellow diners and found out there was a cockroach in one of their waters! A big one at that-- We could see the shadow of it from our table! But it wasn't only the presence of the cockroach or the fact that the waiter somehow didn't notice it. Ultimately, I was horrified and repulsed by the way the waiter handled the situation. There were no massive apologies or offers to comp the meal. No manager swooped in and said he'd make it right. Instead, the waiter went back and got the couple new waters. Directly from the ice bin this time, he said. He apologized briefly again and that was it. The couple, thoroughly mortified, left. We quickly finished our margaritas and went on to Julio's down the street for our second...
(1)Kat M.
I love Hyde Park Bar and Grill. The ambiance is comforting and the staff is always friendly. The soups are amazing and always home made. I love the salad dressing and the fries are absolutely amazing with the sauce. I have tried myself to replicate them but its not really possible. The sides are comforting as well as any of the dishes. I have ordered something from every category in the menu and they seem to know what they are doing in the kitchen. I last had the tuna special and the lobster sauce was awesome with thick chunks of lobster and the sides that came with it were perfect. I have been coming here for over five years and have never walked away disappointed. K
(5)A M.
While this place is a staple of all that is Austin in the heart of Hyde Park-it is just decent. It is the kind of place that if you live close by, and you want a casual evening out with your SO you may want to check out. Otherwise don't waste your gas.
(3)Sarah M.
I lived in Hyde Park for almost six months before dining at Hyde Park Bar & Grill....sacrilege! The big old house with the fork-and-french-fry sign sits on Duval kitty-korner to HP's tiny main drag. While there is almost always a wait for dinner, you won't be disappointed. HPBG offers a decent sized menu, a variety of drinks, good, hot soups, and those famous french fries of which everyone speaks so highly. (Although I must say, they are a bit potato-ey for my taste.) I would particularly recommend the Chicken and Artichoke Alfredo ($10.95). Basil chicken, artichoke, penne pasta, diced Roma tomato, alfredo sauce, and a fresh, soft roll. But there's no need to limit your options to pasta - Hyde Park is truly an American bar & grill, offering pizza, pasta, soups, salads, burgers, seafood, meat and potatoes. Moderately priced, but be careful because a dinner for two adds up! You pay separately for soups, salads & sides with an entree. And the taste buds said...Scrumptious. hydeparkbarandgrill.com
(4)Laurelin O.
Do NOT go to Hyde Park B&G. They used to a great place to go eat but each time i've gone this year the food is horrible. I've had to send back my last 3 entree's due to overcooking or just rotten lettuce in my salad. They used to be a great restaurant but they're completely gone downhill.
(1)Dan F.
This place is solid - a true standard. The atmosphere could use a bit of an adjustment, either towards the more casual or more formal, but right now it just kind of sits in this weird in between spot that is a bit confusing. The service is excellent as is the food. The french fries are definitely worth a taste, but see my review of Bits and Druthers for my opinion of the best fries in town.
(4)Stephanie T.
My pet peeve? Bad Waitstaff. So I joined a few friends here for dinner after we attended the Room to Read Beers for Books Event at Dolce Vita. Can I just say that our waitress sucked? She had this look of total disgust and impatience on her face as she waited for our small group of 5 to order. Ok, so we were a little talkative over her, so what? She didn't even smile - she had no sense of humor. So the 2 stars is for her. The food was alright - not great like everyone raves. Maybe they are going downhill?
(2)William M.
Hyde Park Bar & Grill was recommended to me by some friends of mine so I figured I would go check it out. We went a little bit later so it was in the middle of the dinner rush but the host was polite and nice and we were seated within 20 minutes. The first thing I noticed upon sitting down is that the tables were kind of close together but didn't affect things too much. Our waitress that we had was not very good as she would often times walk right by our table when we needed drink refills or had some other request. I ordered the muffaletta which was not very good. There was some sauce on it that was way overpowering. As many have said the fries were just mediocre. They were good but nothing special. Just typical fries.
(2)Toonces ..
I'm not sure how so many people could have so many bad experiences with Hyde Park, but I've always had great experiences there. The service has always been nice and the food always great, except for the Horseshoe Sandwich. I love their Chicken Fried Steak and my absolute favorite are their fries! They batter the fries and they're speckled with sesame seeds or something, but they're soooo yummy to me! Personally, I think it's a great place for a nice homestyle meal with a nice atmosphere. I will admit that it can be a little cold in there much of the time. I have no idea why they crank the AC up so much. Also, though they're relatively clean most of the time, sometimes, they have a not so fresh smell, like there's some old food that fell on the floor and crusted there. I guess I'm not selling this so well, but I really do enjoy their food overall. It's also in my neighborhood! :)
(4)Amanda A.
I've never had a bad meal here. Definitely had to wait for a while to get seated, but I think it's totally worth it. Whether I'm in the mood for a burger, fresh veggies, fish or whatnot, it's always great. I agree with the other reviewer who said they choose this place over seafood restaurants every time for the fish: me too. The catfish, salmon, and fish specials are always out of this world. And the fries are my hands-down favorite.
(5)sarah b.
This place is great! Cool atmosphere, great art, good wine selection, reasonably priced. I'm also from out of town and I appreciated the good South Western flair that made the dishes interesting but not over-the-top. Had the tamales, goat cheese tart, lentil soup, crab cake entree, cheese cake, brownie. The crab cakes were outstanding and I highly recommend the brownie. And yes the fries were very good. There were four of us who showed up at around 7 and there was a 45 minute wait, so I would definitely try and show up a little earlier.
(4)Tracy J.
I've been very happy here. Nice, friendly neighborhood atmosphere. I really enjoyed the salmon. Both that and the broccoli were cooked perfectly. My friend's beef dish was great. Good sweet potato fries. Really nothing I didn't like.
(5)Mary D.
I agree with Josh L. Disappointing. Had heard great things, but for the most part, the food is bland and over-priced. Prices are based on the neighborhood, not the food. While I do believe we received quality food, it was 'eh' for flavor. They are known for their fries. Those were good. I believe they were cooked twice - like good fries should be. They're chicken-fried fries, served with bland sauces. We had the specials: scallops and beef stew. The scallops we coated; so when you cut or bit into them the coating (shell?) of flavor separated from the scallop. Weird and disappointing. The spinach was raw and the sauce was hiding underneath. Just a strange ensemble. The beef stew was lukewarm, flavorless, and covered in... cheese! Yes, cheese and fresh tomato, and the cheese didn't even melt. It was basic beef, celery, carrot, blah. That was $12 for about a cup of of stew with 1/2 cup of cold cheese & tomatoes sans salt or pepper. Did I mention the green chiles? No? Because you could barely taste them in the 'green chile stew.' Nice atmosphere. Friendly staff. Quality ingredients. I'd go back for the fries, then head to one of the neighboring businesses for a meal.
(2)Nicole L.
FANCY. DENNY'S. Before I start, a caveat: All the servers are always super nice. Now, let's begin. Do you like limp half-dead spinach leaves tossed joylessly with your iceberg lettuce? Well, some people call that a salad! How about croutons from a bag made special for you with fake butter? Top it all off with en masse salad dressing a la Sysco Corporation and voila! C'est not at all magnifique. The sad thing is, I used to like this place a lot. I grew up 4 blocks away, and it was always the fancy place. I guess that was back in the 80s and they've let themselves go. Even the decor is just begging for help. Dirty chair legs, cracked upholstery, scuffed-up base-boards... (not to mention overpriced "art" on the walls that would be better placed in the "what to do with all your craft leftovers" section of a Hobby Lobby catalog...). If you deign to dine here, may I suggest a low-lit evening meal if at all. I did, however, appreciate the no-questions-asked taking away of our catfish when we both bit in and realized how fishy it tasted. All this on top of weak tea and stale crackers... I think I'm not going back if I can ever help it. And really, when you're surrounded by the likes of Julio's and Mother's, if you're HPBG, you probably kinda wanna step up your game. One cannot live on "pretty good" fries alone. The next time I consider being over-charged by a dining establishment to heat up their pre-frozen selections, I'll, uh, heat up my own damned leftovers at home.
(2)Lauren F.
This place is the Harrison Ford of restaurants. It won't knock your socks off but probably won't disappoint you (unless it tries to be the president, then even Gary Oldman can't save it). Yes Hyde Park has fries, the Star Wars of their menu (obsessed over past their quality). The Mac and Cheese is truly the Blade Runner here, sexy and futuristic, with just enough Rutger Hauer.
(3)Megan M.
You know what they say, the original is always the best. Last night we decided to enjoy an evening out after traversing the city looking at chairs. We hadn't been to this location in a long time, and the other one kind of let us down, so we decided we wanted to redeem our relationship with HPB&G. And my, my, my, did our hearts get set aflame! We started with the chicken quesadillas, which were fabulous. The salsas they came with were finger-licking good. We fought over the last triangle...but since I had 3 already, I thought it was fair my companion get the last triangle. He had the Red Chile Rubbed NY Strip and I was very jealous as he let me have a taste along with his green chile & cheese mashed potatoes. We both got the broccoli (which I always finish). I got the blackened Farm Raised Catfish - which comes with a side of fries, too. If you have never had the fries, you have never lived. Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience and all the staff we encountered were very friendly. One thing I wish they would do would be to make chips n' queso. That would've hit the spot most definitely last night, but we did enjoy the quesadillas. Plus, there were children at the next table really wanting some queso- which only helped exemplify my argument that this need be a chips n' queso-carrying establishment.
(5)Kathryn W.
We came here last night for dinner because it's one of the many eateries in walking distance in Hyde Park. Arrived at about 6:30 on a Monday night and there were plenty of tables open (but they filled up quickly after about 7:00) and were seated immediately. Great space and it looked there was a variety of date-nighters, families, and friends catching up over a meal. This is a good place to take out of town friends or family if you need a big menu (both food & drink) to satisfy a lot of people. Parking is very limited out front but you may have some luck in the neighborhoods. We started with the sweet corn tamales - 6 little tamales with a bit of a kick. They were delicious. I had the chopped steak and it was "fine" but a bit on the greasy side with mashed potatoes and BBQ broccoli. I would probably order something else on my next visit. It wasn't very memorable. Husband had the pork Mac & Cheese and raved about it. Talk about clean plate club. Decent prices on everything and would probably be back in again for lunch or dinner. They also offer fried chicken on Monday & Tuesdays.
(3)Allison M.
This is where we go when we want some reliably good, solid food and wine. Service is always prompt, professional, and efficient; cocktails are good; menu is not so large that you can't make a decision, nor so small that you don't feel like you have any choices. They offer some gluten free foods and are considerate about warning you off things that are batter coated. It can get a little noisy when it's crowded, as it often is, but that just adds to the neighborhood feel of the place. Parking is a bit hairy sometimes, but nowhere near as bad as it can get at other restaurants. It's the kind of place people walk to, anyway. A nice place to spend an evening with friends or family.
(4)Cindy A.
Thank you for carrying Omission beer and naked fries. Dave, Kevin and Patrick make me feel at home and the food makes me smile.
(5)Emily S.
Great for Sunday brunch! The migas are pretty delicious, but there are a variety of tasty options. Staff is always friendly.
(4)John W.
Yes, the fries are good, but the real star of the menu is the fat kid delight (totally made that up, b t dubbs) - a bowl of Mac and cheese, pepper mix, slow roasted pork... And if that isn't enough, a soft boiled egg. I went in for a Saturday dinner a few weeks ago with a girlfriend and this place didn't disappoint. Seriously, we didn't say one word to each other for the 13 minutes it took us to devour the dish. Embarrassing? Maybe. But we've got no shame in our game, yo.
(4)Brad P.
First time here, and I will definitely come again. The service was fantastic. An attentive, fun & friendly server helped us throughout the lunch. The food was great (I had some chicken and guacamole sandwich). The french fries are delicious and well-known. Someone in my party ordered their lunch special, which she did not enjoy. they graciously took it back and cooked her something else. and it is in a cool/old house. Really enjoyed myself and am looking forward to going back.
(4)shannon h.
I rarely if at all write a negative review, but I am so beyond disappointed. We are moving to the neighborhood and have been scoping out several of the local restaurants nearby. We figured, based on the great reviews and location, that this place was going to be our go to place. Sadly, I'm not sure if I have the guts to come back. Out server was wonderful. Let me start off by saying that. He was just stellar, and from looking around and seeing the other servers, they all looked awesome too. So five stars on that. We arrived and no one sat us for a while. No biggie. Seemed dark and dreary. Soooo....I was starving. Pregnant me starving is not pretty. I ordered the first thing I saw on the menu. It sounded wonderful! Homemade chips with burrata cheese, tomatillo, salsa, avocados, olive oil. Was not expecting it to come all mushed up together. But whatever, it was fine. Certainly not $8 fine, no way! I ordered the fish tacos and my husband ordered some pork and Mac n cheese dish. So this is where I kept envisioning Gordon Ramsey on Kitchen Nightmares saying over and over "what a shame, bollocks!" My fish tacos, when picked up had so much watery juice spilling out when I picked it up that it splashed all over the other taco and plate. But then came the bad part. It smelled sour. I mean like a dirty dish towel in need of a good bleaching. And it wasn't my pregger nose. My husband took a few bites and grimaced and kept smelling it. We were both stunned and didn't know what to say. Was it supposed to smell that way? I took a bite of his and nearly gagged. It looked pretty pathetic, his dish. But I was so surprised by the sweetness of it. Who wants sugary Mac n cheese?? My stomach started going nuts and the baby was kicking like crazy. I felt so nauseous. My stomach is so upset right now and this is not typical pregnancy stuff for me this far along. I think it was the sour fish taco. Left with a $40 ticket plus tip. Sad waste of money and time. May be this was a fluke. But Monday night never again!
(2)Lyndsey M.
Hyde Park Bar and Grill used to get a consistent 4 stars (and the desserts 5 star) from me. My S.O. and I would go at least once a week. Back when they had the frequent diner card, we redeemed it 4 or 5 times. The last two times I've been, however, they have been mediocre. I noticed the menu change right away. Some of my favorites were gone - most notably the green chile mashed potatoes, shrimp with polenta, and a grilled basil chicken that had a wonderful mushroom sauce. They have been replaced with buttermilk mashed potatoes, and pan roasted chicken.. shrimp no where on the menu. So, I've gone two Fridays over the past couple of months. The first time I got the special - pulled pork sandwich. While the description sounded good, it was incredibly plain and the bread was soggy, so I ended up eating the meat by itself. My never picky S.O. took a few bites of his veggie burger and hated it. Fast forward to our next visit where I had the chicken fried steak and he had the chicken fried chicken. My side salad came out and the ranch dressing tasted very plain. My chicken fried steak was good, but the gravy and mashed potatoes needed seasoning. Service has always been good and was on this trip. I will probably try it again just to give it a fair shake, but I am extremely disappointed.
(3)Sahar A.
Came here on a Saturday for lunch with 3 other people and we tried a variety of the menu all which pretty much sucked. To start we had avocado fries and queso. Fries were tasteless and queso was something out of a can. I had a Bloody Mary which tasted like water and an old tomato with the cheapest vodka they could find. I had the chicken and waffles, the chicken was good but the waffles seemed microwaved and not crispy at all. My friends has the chicken fried steak w cornbread and he said it was all awful. Service was mediocre. My friend Waite a while for his coke and when he got it it was flat. And the waiter never came back to refill it anyway. The only reason I give this place 2 stars is because it's very well located and in a nice area. Other than that it sucks.
(2)Pam L.
The food was amazing. Avacado fries were delicious. A very nice location. And staff was great.
(4)Edward M.
So maybe I ordered wrong, but my experience here was underwhelming. I got the Horseshoe, a burger topped with their famous fries and cheese dip, served on top texas toast. It seemed to be one of their specialty dishes, so I went for it. Nothing was really right about the food. The cheese dip came out kind of cool and congealed, the fries were a bit soggy and when I finally dug through all the crap on top and got to the actual burger, it was just OK. The person I was with ordered the Asian Chicken Salad and liked it. I swore to never go back, they said they would probably give it a second try. So, three stars it is.
(3)Shah S.
This is an Austin institution for over 20 years. Love their chicken salad sandwich, lentil soup and wom kim's pudding. Definitely go to the one near campus on Hyde Park. That's the original. The one down South doesn't have quite the same ambiance or consistent service.
(4)Ash M.
I think this place is pretty darn good. I wouldn't necessarily order a burger here, but the main entrees, particularly their fish, are super tasty. This place is VERY busy VERY often, so if you're one of those people who has ridiculously high service standards (i.e., needy) I probably wouldn't recommend coming here. Especially not on game days.
(4)Mason R.
The food is always good, but I always struggle to walk away in love with this place like I know I could. It's popularity is maybe the biggest downfall as there is frequently a wait for a table and the wait staff is buzzing to keep up. So many healthy options at this fine Austin restaurant that mixes high class with Austin-casual so well. It's a great neighborhood hang.
(3)Ryan F.
About ten years ago, during my salad days of grad school, a trip to HPB&G was a treat. I had my graduation dinner there because the food was so good then, and my out of town guests raved about the fries. But times have changed at HPB&G, for the worse sadly. The food quality has slipped considerably and the once professional waitstaff are now inconsistent. I've had a few mediocre meals at HPB&G lately, but never one that made me wish for a stomach transplant. Then last night I encountered the wrath Cesar P. wrote about. The night got off to a good start when we were seated right away. But things quickly took a turn for the worse when our waiter arrived. He mumbled a lot and was hostile toward us, like he was offended that we had been sat at his station. I ordered the Blackened Catfish and my girlfriend got the Dijon Artichoke Chicken. She thought the chicken was okay, nothing particularly memorable. I've had the Blackened Catfish several times, and in the past it was prepared well, with the spices forming a thin crust around the fish. I'm not sure what they did to it this time; it was greasy like it had been pan-fried instead of grilled. The fries were served soggy and luke warm, and the rice pilaf had husks in it. The wrath took longer to hit me than it did Cesar P., but when it came early this morning it arrived with a vengeance. As I write this it's almost 12 hours after the last of my several offerings to the porcelain god, and I still feel sick. I thought about demanding HPB&G comp my undigested meal, but it's just not worth having to go back there again.
(1)April L.
I've visted this place once before a couple years ago and it was great! But i've recently visted and it was horrible. The front room that they have is horrible. They have a table for 6 with a table for 2 in a little enclosed room. It was irritating to sit in that little room with 6 frat boys. We ordered and got our fries. I'm aware that they are famous for their fries and again I've had them a couple of years ago and this time they were GROSS. They had a werid after taste, I've NEVER had fries this nasty. We should of took the hint and left after the fries but we ordered our meal and waited with out me and my boyfriend really being able to talk or hear each other due to the loud ass frat boys. Our food got to the table and we took 2 bites and almost vomited. If I was aware of the ketchup topped meatloaf I wouldn't of even attempted to eat it. The chicken fried chicken that my boyfriend ordered was dry and the batter was soooo gross. On top of having a bad taste in my mouth, litteraly, I waited 20-25 for our waitress to come back and I was seeing our waitress serve the frat boys water, I was so thirsty and was never asked if I needed more water and wasn't even able to ask due to the fact she was never at our table. When she did finally come to check on us I asked for the check and left. I understand that it's busy and it's by campus but if you don't like your job and/or halfway do your job then quit. I don't know if i'll come back to this place and if i do i'll make sure it's when the kids are back with their mommys and daddys during the holidays or summer vaca.
(2)Ashley S.
I FINALLY ate here. My first experience here left me with a bad taste in my mouth. Awhile back the roomie and I walked in here randomly after leaving Dolce. No one greeted us or spoke to us or asked us "How many?" We found a menu and looked at it for awhile...waiting. No one ever came up to us or anything so we left. Now I could have been a big bad Yelper and ranted about how snobby and unprofessional this place was, but I'm just not that kinda Yelper, people. Seeing as how I pass by all the time & go to the other places around here, my friend decided it was about time I eat here. She raved how great the fries were and I replied with the standard "So I've heard." We were greeted immediately and I knew from then on that maybe I had come in at an off time previously. The layout is strange, but then again it IS an old house. I love old houses, but I didn't really like where they sat us, didn't feel like I got the full effect sitting in the corner near the kitchen door. The menu had many items that sounded very appetizing and with so many choices it was hard to decide since I wasn't hungry, being so full from my orgasmic iced mojo from Epoch earlier. I ordered pasta florentine with chicken, artichokes, squash, spinach, cheese, forget those gross shrooms please. It was FANTASSTIC. I won't even complain how much it cost, because the amount served was so huge it became another meal (a very late night one). I got to try their famous fries and have to say I was underwhelmed. Very deep fried, as I was expecting, but utterly flavorless by themselves. Since ketchup can make practically anything taste good I consumed quite a good amount of those heart attacks on sticks. All in all I was pleased. A solid 4 because there are many other items on the menu that I want to try. And I absolutely loved my dinner. If only they could fix the music though...I felt like I was dining in a nursing home cafeteria.
(4)Stacey B.
The "Hyde Park Fries" with dipping sauce here are amazing. Best fries ever. I always enjoy eating here - the fried egg sandwich is also worth a try. The only reason I gave 3 stars is that I wish they had more healthy options. I can't say I've ever had a meal here that I didn't enjoy, though.
(3)L. W.
We went here for the first time last night. The place is very charming with local art and eclectic styling in what appears to be a old timey residential conversion. The food is home style and was very good. For a unique local experience this is a good choice. My only con was it was very busy. The wait staff did a pretty good job under the circumstances but you never really get a great dinning experience if the restaurant is really full, crowded and noisy.
(4)Kelsey J.
I loved Hyde Park Grill. The mac and cheese was phenomenal and the service was excellent. It was a great start to date night.
(5)Christine S.
I'm a fan of the quaint neighborhood restaurant! I love their turkey burger with the Hyde Park Fries if I'm feeling particularly naughty. I also like to start off with their corn tamales!!! Finally, their Womkim's Peach is SUPER delicious. Wait staff is friendly and love the location.
(4)Terri J.
OK - starting to get whiplash here...updating again from 4 stars to 5 and here's why: Hyde Park Bar & Grill recently decimated their vegetarian menu...for a very short time. Unfortunately, I (and several other vegetarians) went in during the brief period where there were very few vegetarian items and my fav was just gone. I was devastated and thought wow...what happened here? First "new menu" experience...bad...but not only does Hyde Park Bar & Grill listen, they ACT! After mourning my fav yummy HPB&G foods, and bringing my poor experience to Hyde Park's attention, I am contacted directly by their customer service person and their new executive chef. He asked me to come in and TRY their new vegetarian items before they're added to the menu at the end of the month. So I go...and I'm in love. 6 new dishes to try plus a yummy new dessert. It was one of the best dining experiences of my life...and as a super picky eater, I had absolutely no complaints about anything - everything was absolutely perfect! And almost a week later I am still thinking about the food...it was soooooooooo good! A few things happened here...they did decimate the vegetarian selection for a SHORT period of time...but they have MADE IT RIGHT - new vegetarian items are on the menu and they do not disappoint. My friend (who is not a vegetarian) liked the new items as much as I did and said even though she is not a vegetarian, she would order these items. I have to say I'm impressed by the way this whole thing was handled. Unfortunately, I did have a bad experience, but wow...they have made it all better...The new chef has many new vegetarian items up his sleeve and they are incredible. I can't wait to go back again and I'm glad I can say "Hyde Park Bar & Grill is STILL one of my favorite restaurants and I will be happy to visit over and over again and bring guests!" Amazing food and customer service. Keep up the great work! :) Updating from 2 stars up to 4...hopefully will be back to 5 soon. FOUR STARS - After reading my comments on Facebook, I was contacted directly by the executive chef with my concerns about the lack of vegetarian items. They have already added some new items and are adding more by the end of the month. He even invited me to try some of the new vegetarian dishes - now THAT is customer service! I will update back to 5 stars once I try the new hopefully yummy food! **** TWO STARS (for a very short time) - Wow...This used to be my favorite comfort food place...I loved the veggie burger, 4-veggie plate, corn & cheese tamales, mac n cheese, and of course the fries (among other things)...but WOW...way to go changing the menu and completely messing up my world...my faves are now just GONE! I tried the new replacement item, but it was loaded with onions (yuk!). I'm so sad and disappointed I could cry. And HELLO - who gives one teeny tiny salsa with 4 HUGE tamales on a "to go" order (previously with the smaller tamales they always gave me two and that was perfect...but ONE???...seriously???) So now I will go mourn my previously favorite place only to return one more time to use my last Groupon...then it's goodbye HPB&G...you were once wonderful...now your menu is crap...and TWO STARS is being generous...(My previous review was 5 with the old menu). Meh...is being very generous... :(
(5)Kristal P.
Food was good at a decent price. Enjoyed the atmosphere and surrounding neighborhood, helped feel intimate. One drawback was it was a bit noisy to really hear someone across the table.
(3)Christine P.
First, let me say that I am absolutely mortified by Kim X.'s story below. Roaches are never okay. Waiters that don't appropriately apologize must want to get stiffed. ugh. I've been talking about my top 5 Austin restaurants and asking friends, old and new, for their dining preference. Hyde Park B&G has been in my top 5 for a considerable amount of time for the following perks: 1. It's one of the very few restaurants that stay open late-night (til midnight), during the week. 2. The horseshoe sandwich keeps me coming back. 3. It's a neighborhoody type of place with tasty margaritas. This isn't to say that Hyde Park B&G cannot be replaced in my top 5; however, I did want to highlight potential benefits of keeping it an option.
(3)Christine C.
This is based on the good burger mission I had mentioned in the previous burger reviews of mine. Really, that's all I'm focusing on - I don't even remember what I ate here. My boyfriend got the burger here. It was pretty good - can it rival Sam's? No. We did agree that the quality of the meat and the taste was good. This is where the category part is an issue. Hyde Park Bar and Grill is a restaurant. Sam's Burger Joint is short order. So, it's hard to hold all things equal. The HPBG burger was higher quality, and on a foccacia bun. It's a hard call because of the bells and whistles. Still a good burger though.
(4)Austin T.
We only go here for booze and fries the rest is over priced and under-delivered. If they would pour a proper driveway and clean up the back door area of the kitchen where we park, it would be a great start to a needed clean up.Parking is not easy get there early. We took a star away for not updating the place or deep cleaning it after almost 30 years.
(2)Mason A.
The Duval location is old and I used to have mixed feelings about it. they put a lot of love into their south location, though. And they just built a new outdoor deck, which is really nice. I get their Kobe burger and add jalapenos, provolone, and bacon. It's a meal all by itself, which is good since it ends up costing $13. Most expensive burger I've ever had, but also the best. They also have a great spinach salad. It comes with honey bacon dressing...I tell em to leave that behind and bring me the bleu cheese vinaigrette instead. Much better
(4)Janelle R.
I receive a monthly gift certificate from restaurant.com as a gift my father who knows I like dining out but don't quite always have the funds to afford to, and I have been using their services for quite some time. How most of the certificates work is you have a $25 gift certificate and have to spend $35 to be able to use it. I am used to the clause in most of these gift certificates that "excludes alcohol" from the gift certificate. HOWEVER at every single establishment I have gone to outside of Hyde Park Bar and Grill with these terms, have allowed the purchase of alcoholic beverages for the remaining $10 balance that needs to be covered, as it is coming out of my pocket and is not part of the free $25 gift certificate. I want to also preempt this review by stating that I am an extremely laid-back, easy going person, to where even if I got the wrong order at a restaurant, if it looked good, I'd still eat it not to cause trouble. I have many friends who work in the food service industry and I know the trouble that customers can cause and I avoid trouble like the plague. I went to Hyde Park with a friend and we planned on two entrees, dessert and a drink each to cover the $35 balance. We gave our waitress the coupon right at the start, ordered our food and drinks and she came back out with a receipt stating our total at a few cents over $30 and informing us that we were still short. I told her we were planning on getting dessert which should cover it, and she said that was fine and explained that some people do not know about having to have a $35 balance to have the coupon and just wanted to remind us. At the end of our meal, which to Hyde Park's credit, was delicious, we order our dessert and I was informed that we were still over $10 short. I asked her why, and at that point late in the game, I was told that alcohol was not included ANYWHERE if the gift certificate was to be honored and that earlier she was trying to point at the food subtotal, which she made no extra effort to show was barely at $20. I attempted to politely dispute this with her as I've never had this problem, as the drinks were not part of the $25 we were getting for free, and that had she had announced it while getting our drinks that they would be excluded, I would have purchased an appetizer opposed to an alcoholic beverage to cover my total. She then had her manager come out to try to dispute this with me and I personally feel that I was under-minded as I am a young 21 year old, who clearly has no clout or credit in their restaurant. She stated that in the two months they've been using restaurant.com to get people into their establishment that no one has had this problem before. I told her that it would be appreciated if the servers would disclose this information to patrons with gift certificates as they are ordering their beverages, because as a college student, I don't have the funds to have to spend an extra $10 on drinks when I'm going out to eat, I only got them to reach the $35 total. I don't have the funds to go out to eat without these monthly coupons, to be honest. The manager replied to me saying that that she and her server felt that it was not necessary or part of their job to inform people bringing these coupons in of this alcohol clause as it is explicitly clear. Clearly not. Why then, did the server take her time out to point the minimum $35 purchase to me, when that was listed in bolder print on the coupon than the confines of whether alcohol counts outside of the $25 or not? My friend and I ended up having to order a second purchase to take to go (so we could use the coupon, which, at this point made no difference, we ended up paying the same amount that we would have paid without the second order and coupon), which I CLEARLY ordered as a "stir-fry to go in two separate boxes, please," clearly being the key term. With so much misunderstanding that had already occurred this evening, I wanted to get this right, and get out. Of course, it is brought out in a bag and one box. My friend politely asks the manager for another box, and was handed a plastic container, which, with steaming hot food that was just recently prepared, would likely melt. And then we had nothing to split our food with so I had to, once more ask this waitress, who I'm sure was fed up with my party, for a fork and she returns with one without a hint of pleasure in her bones. I was told they were using restaurant.com to get people into their restaurant, however with that kind or service how do they expect anybody to ever come back? It was a clear misunderstanding on both parts, but I have never been in a situation where a manager and patron couldn't come to some agreement where both parties were satisfied. I have never been treated with such disrespect in an establishment before, treated as if my opinion does not matter in the world. Unfortunately for Hyde Park, there are plenty of restaurants in Austin that deserve my money and support
(1)john l.
Well against my wife's better judgment I gave this place one final try. The service was just as bad as I remember- extremely slow and the staff was so uncaring I had to BEG for more water... When our food finally arrived after an almost 30 min. wait , it was for the most part cold and even if it had been hot, it wasn't even equal to food I have had at an "All you can eat Buffet". On top of that, it was over priced we drank no alcohol and each just had an entree and our bill was over $34.00 ??? What a rip off!! If you have guests in town or are looking for a new place to eat, this ain't it... No one will be touting your culinary IQ. for bringing them here (just the opposite). There are many better places to spend your hard earned money, but then again if you like bad service, high prices and food that tastes like an "All You Can Eat Buffet" well you just might have found yourself a new restaurant.... Vote with your money....
(1)Justin C.
A great place when you don't want to eat at home, but don't want to spend a ton of money. There's something for everyone (including a kids menu). The food is pretty basic, but varied- a few meat and seafood entrees, sandwiches, pasta, soups, a large selection of veggies, good desserts. The prices are very reasonable- you can get out of here for less than $10 if you order right and don't get any drinks. They have a frequent diner plan that will save you 10 bucks out of every hundred you spend.
(4)Joe C.
I was really struggling with this review. I've been going to HPB&G since before I moved to Austin 22 years ago. See, my sister attended UT, and HP was, and probably still is, the place that students took their visiting parents, to show the kind of "respectable" places they liked to frequent (I don't remember sis ever taking us to Crown and Anchor...). Now, I could be wrong, but I swear they did fried mushrooms then, possibly with cream gravy. Now they have stuffed mushrooms. Ah "progress".... But I have much history there. This is the place I brought my wife for our first date. Mostly because it was easy to meet at before a show at Bass, but also because I know that it's a place that most folks can find something on the menu they like, that consistently comes out good. I won't say that the menu isn't a bit TOO broad... But we usually center on just a couple items we REALLY like. Maybe we're really low maintenance, but we've never had issues with service I read about in other reviews. I've often been impressed with getting a soda refull before I even asked. It's comforting to see the same couple of gentlemen hosts over the years. I've always been amazed how they can seemingly memorize a dozen parties, and where they sitting waiting for a table without writing anything down. A lot of water under the bridge later, it is also the place that I asked for her hand in marriage. When my wife got diagnosed with a gluten intolerance, HP was one of the first places we frequented that had a complete GF menu for her to review. She has since fallen in LOVE with the "four side medley", which for her will consist of TWO orders of the tender and tasty corn and cheese tamales (extra side of the spicy but fresh tasting salsa, please), an order of the green chili mashed potatoes, and either the corn and edamame saute, or a second mash. 97% of the time I just go with the basic burger, side of fries (which easily serves 2). I mix the "Hyde Park Sauce" with ketchup for the fries. Yum! So, it pained us in early July, when my wife and I visited and had a sub-par dinner there. I've been worried seeing too many changes going on. The second location didn't seem to change things. The "frequent diners card" seemed a little out of character. Then the subtle menu changes. Often the signs of new management, or a place spinning out of control. Our meal that day was a lackluster shell of what is usually is. Even the fries were cardboardy that day. Horrifically disappointing. Decided to give them one more try last Sunday. Last week we got one of our fave waitresses, the one with the adorable short haircut, to which my wife asked where she gets it done (possible salon review to follow?). She's been there a couple years. It's always good to see staff that stick around. We asked if there had been new owners. She said they did bring in a new exec chef, and that there had been a bit of a transition. But our dinner there that night proved to us that HP is back. I'm not even a fan of tamales, but the smell of them across the table made me want to dive in and take a bite. The fries were back on point, the burger was tasty once more. Hyde Park, you are another old friend of mine. I have many good memories there, and hope to continue to have more. Hopefully, we'll have another visit next January to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Just keep it up so you're always there for us... Now, if only you can find a way to use tamari instead of soy sauce in the lentil soup, and get it on the Gluten Free menu. My wife would LOVE to be able to enjoy it again. Oh, and if we could ALWAYS get one of those two-top tables in the front windows. That would be great....
(5)Jon W.
Went to this place for the first time a few weeks ago before the Black Sabbath concert. \m/ I got the fries as an appetizer because the meal I wanted didn't come with them, and I was told I HAD to try them. They're different in a good way. For starters, they're actually battered. I've seen similar batter on fried pickles and mushrooms, if that gives you an idea. They're also not really seasoned. There may be a little on there, but not enough to really matter. What do they do to make up for it? Amazing dipping sauce. It's some kind of mayo concoction that belongs in everyone's mouth all the time. For my entree I got the chicken fried chicken, which comes with mashed potatoes and your choice of side. I got the mac and cheese, of course. Let me tell you something about Hyde Park Bar & Grill's chicken fried whatevers. They are EXPLETIVING DELICIOUS. You think you know, but you don't. Not only is the batter absolute perfection, but the gravy and the chicken itself are both laying in the grass outside of the park, because they were knocked there. The chicken is moist and tender, and the white gravy stands up to any gravy of any race, creed or color I've ever had. And the mashed potatoes? I'm pretty sure they put sour cream in them, which is now a requirement for all future mashed potatoes made by anyone anywhere. They were some of the best mashed potatoes I've ever put in my increasingly fat mouth. The mac and cheese was good, but couldn't really hang with the rest of the plate, in my opinion. I won't dwell on that because, like I said, they were still good. I've come back here once since that first visit and it was just as good. I got the grilled broccoli instead of the mac and cheese and it was wonderful, but much like the mac and cheese, didn't quite stick the landing. I'll find it, folks. Don't you worry.
(5)John I.
This past Saturday I rediscovered an old favorite. We were seated right away upon arriving even though our whole party wasn't yet present. We started with a "small" order of fries which came out piping hot, delicious, and an ample portion for two. In the past I've only had their fries with my meal and they never came out this hot or delicious. After much deliberation and assistance from our wonderful waitress, we opted for the chopped steak with mashed taters and side. The steak was well seasoned and extremely flavorful. For dessert we got the peach pudding, chocolate hazelnut, and banana cream pie; we loved every bite of it!
(5)James A.
Some of the best french fries I have ever had. Also, they have a killer ruben. I love the feel of the space and friendly staff.
(5)Gabrielle L.
My husband had bought the Groupon offer for Hyde Park in an effort to expand our culinary horizons to places outside the immediate area. He read that they were famous for their fries and that was definitely incentive right there. The place is charming with an upscale kind of atmosphere, soft lighting and natural yet funky interior. It was fairly crowded when we arrived so we waited over by the bar until we were called. Our table was a bit small but it lent to a cozy atmosphere. Our server was super cute and super helpful. I decided on the hamburger and we ordered a plate of fries for the table. We saw plates of said fries flying around everywhere, like appetizers. OMG! Awesome fries! Had to really pace myself with these babies. My hamburger arrived. I raised it to my lips, took that first anticipatory bite and the rest, as they say is history. The meat did not have that greasy burger smell or feel in my mouth. It was firm but juicy and the taste was simply superb. I really tried to milk it and make it last and did a good job for the most part. After the last bite had been ingested, I rested back on my chair and thanked the food gods for such a wonderful place. I also thanked my husband for buying the Groupon certificate. To tell you the truth I don't even remember what my husband and son ate. After all, when you are having a religious food experience such as the one I had, it's best to be in that moment, oblivious to everything else.
(4)Randy S.
Yes, I have a frequent diner card and waiting for the payoff! I have loved this place for years and years. It is our neighborhood cafe and has survived several minor changes. The fries are the best! The servers are usually attentive but seem very busy during the rush.
(4)Shani S.
Rarely do I get to spend an evening with just one of my three kiddos and have time devoted to that one kiddo. A night came when I would have just that; one. I asked around as to what would be a nice, but not too, too expensive and quiet. A place to take Ajhei so she and I could spend quality time and she could feel very big girl and special. A parent recommended Hyde Park Bar and Grill. We both got all dolled up and Ajhei was so excited. We get there and walk in and immediately I knew NEVER to trust that parent for advice on this sort of thing again. The place was jam packed, LOUD and the hostess acted like I'd just kicked her in the shin. The fries were disgusting, as was the sauce. It took us forever to get a seat, a wait person and our food was cold by the time we did get it. I think we'll let the other Austinites that find this place so fab have more space, since we won't be taking it up EVER again.
(1)Will C.
Yes. Yes. Yes. This was my favourite sit-down eatery in Austin. Something about those french fries with the diipping sauces was just magic in your mouth. My favourite thing to get here was the smoked turkey mufaletta. never failed me. Always deliciously good. The ambience here is quiet and great for dates. It's kind of in the middle of nowhere, so it's also once of those little secrets in Austin that isn't over-commercialized or watered-down restaurants for the yuppies. Parking is so-so during lunch hour. There can be a wait, but usually not very long. Prices are very, very reasonable. Could probably get a 3-course meal for about $15. Service is very good. Waiters and staff are very polite. Not too big of a dining room, but it was surprising how many people they could fit inside. Overall. One of the few Austin restaurants I really miss. Definitely one of the first places I'll go back to when I do visit.
(5)Becca M.
I recently moved to Hyde Park and I wanted to check out some of the local places. I came here for a late bite to eat with my boyfriend. The food was good, the service was good, but nothing outstanding.
(3)Elizzabeth E.
Great Mac and cheese, artichoke,goat cheese and butternut squash, great service and good drinks
(4)M. G.
We dropped in on Wed Jan 16 2013 around 6:45 p.m. It was mobbed, we waited about 45 min for a table, many people were standing waiting for a table, quite a few were sitting. It was very noisy due to the number of people in the small space. I ordered chopped steak, it was greasy, fatty tasting & very rubbery. The mushrooms on top were very salty. The mashed potato with buttermilk was sharp tasting, not pleasant, the corn salad was bland in flavor with raw corn, I thought it would be cooked. The peach pudding was pretty good, I would have omitted pouring cream on the plate. Our service was very slow, very slow, with people who were seated after us eating first. It was a long long stay that we did not anticipate. The eggplant parmesan that I had stopped in for was no longer on the menu. So it was at best a 2 star experience. There is only 1 toilet for women & 1 for men. Surprising for a restaurant that has a large clientele.
(2)Britt W.
I love this place! The salads are delicious and I love the house-made dressings! I never even liked honey mustard dressing until I ate it at HP Grill. Now, I get it all the time on the Spinach Salad. Yum! The banana cream pie is also amazing! Go check it out...
(5)Lauren L.
While I love the ambiance of Hyde Park and the service is always ace, I am often underwhelmed by my food. On the last occasion I ordered a blackened tuna sandwich and they overcooked my tuna, which is a bummer. Gray tuna, not so tasty. The fries were amazing, as always, and it was an excellent way to wine down an evening. I also like that I can sit at the bar there and eat solo and not feel lame.
(3)Jennifer J.
Eating here was like my experience with Napoleon Dynamite - a disappointment. Not entirely the fault of Hyde Park Grill, when it comes down to it. I've just heard SO much about those fries that when I went there, I knew what I had to do. So I ordered the fried egg sandwich because I could get fries with it. Woe to me. First of all, when I got the sandwich, I felt sort of like the waitress had, on the way to my table, accidentally fallen into a tunnel that lead directly to a vat of Canola oil. I'm almost positive that by eating half of that sandwich, I ingested my body weight in cholesterol. Second, the fries didn't really seem to taste like anything at all. Except potatoes. They did have a nice crunch to them, courtesy of the fried buttermilk clinging to the outside of each perfectly cut potato. But it was not like anything I expected based on the Austin Chronicle or randos on the elevator at work. On a positive note, the host looked like Bill Clinton and, mysteriously, like the random guy sitting on a railing in one of the many paintings displayed throughout the restaurant. Also, the neighborhood was completely cool and made me wish I had a tattoo.
(2)Philippe M.
I really wouldn't go back again. The food was underwhelming to say the least. After reading some of the reviews and looking around, I was expecting great fries and a decent burger. My wife had soup while my son had part of one of their fun sandwiches -- a steak sandwich with a pile of fries on top and cheese sauce. The idea is great, but the fact of the matter is that there was certainly not a lot of favor. Everything needed more salt, more pepper ... more flavor in general.
(2)Catherine Y.
I visited Hyde Park Grill a year ago when I first moved here and somehow the place gave me a rather good impression. Last weekend I visited this restaurant again with a few friends for lunch and I was somehow a bit disappointed and I don't know why! I remember they had really good fries but when I tried it last week, it was a little too greasy and not that flavorful even though it was cooked with the chicken fried batter. Brunch was good, I had the egg florentine, it was tasty and good portion. They serve bloody mary during brunch for $3...It was yummy. That might be my favorite of all.
(3)Elaine C.
Not only does Hyde Park Bar and Grill offer consistently great comfort food (hello, southern fried chicken breast and Won Kim's Peach Pudding!) and solid wine/beer selections, but we've always enjoyed attentive service and reasonable prices. If that isn't good enough, this place has given back to our community for years. They are always generous to charities and schools, so please know that your patronage is far reaching!
(5)S K.
I have been eating at this place for the past three years and I just love it. Its everything what the Hyde park neighborhood is all about. Its casual, but not too laid back..its kinda classy..but not pretentious..love their salmon with mint sauce( but the portion size has been on the decline)...fries are as they say "best in austin"..don't like the desserts here though..and oh yes...its open till midnight everyday!
(4)James L.
First the Fries. This place is supposed to have some of the best french fries in town. The fries, like a lot of others have said, are surprisingly bland. I wonder if they mean for it to be, but if you eat the fry alone, it tastes as if they've forgotten to at least maybe salt it. However, if you pair it with the sauce, it's much better... but then it's really just the sauce that's good. We also tried the tuna sammich. That thing was really good. We ordered the tuna to be medium, and it was very very flavorful. I haven't had good cooked tuna for a long time (usually I have it raw). Definitely try it, but be wary, it's rather small for the price. I think for the most, the prices are pretty affordable and the food(even ones that I just saw on other tables) looks good.
(3)Adele B.
I love that this is in an old house! Cozy and comfortable. Our waitress was great. The food was good. I love the fact that they have so many vegetables on their menu, and not the same broccoli cauliflower mix everyone else has. My collards with bacon were awesome! Eggplant sandwich with smoked gouda! Wow! And I'm not even a vegetarian. They had lots of great looking meat items too. We will be back!
(4)Jewel J.
The food wasn't bad but it wasn't extraordinary. I had the fried chicken breast with a side of their "famous" fries. Honestly, I don't understand what the big deal was. The fries were poorly seasoned and had too much of the breading. That isn't saying that they didn't have potential, I just don't feel that they were executed properly. I did taste the Kobe burger that was pretty good though.
(3)Michael K.
I used to be a fan, but this place has taken a turn for the worse. The last two times I've gone both the service and the food have been ... unexceptional. The fries also - both times - have been stale. Last time we went there were flies buzzing around - I guess that's tough to control completely, but still ... It's sad, because i used to really love this place. It still has potential with a better trained staff - and some freshly fried fries - and not flies, I just might go back.
(2)Lindsay B.
A mediocre place but the prices are fair and the service is pretty good. The sirloin burger is pretty good. The veggie burger is not. The atmosphere is kind of stuffy and there's no outdoor seating. The bar area is nice and the mixed drinks are usually good. I've never had to wait long for a table. They offer gourmet cheese from Antonelli's Cheese Shop (located next door) for their burgers. A nice option.
(3)T L.
Reminds me of Chow in SF. Tasty, well-made comfort food for not-too-much-money. You can easily have a delicious date-night meal for $25 for 2. So, the much-talked of famous french fries are not my favorite. They are tasty, as they are french fries, but I'm not a huge fan of the batter-dipped fry. I enjoyed my first-ever chicken-fried steak here and was not only happily-fed, but I never felt fried-hungover! The CFS was pounded flat and pan-fried in a crunchy cornmealy-ish crusty thing. Manpanion had a burger, which was hefty and satisfying. A perf place for grandmas, lovers, kids, prom-bound-teens, pride-bound-trannys - it's for everyone! Love it.
(4)Tiffany W.
I've been to Hyde Park three times now and each time, the fries have been the most memorable. I guess it's the way the prepare them. The coating looks different than typical fries you'd find a burger joints. The yellowfin tuna sandwich, from what I remember, what pretty decent. Nothing too extraordinary, but a lot better than just a standard burger. The second time, I ordered the fish and chips off of the lunch menu. I was actually very surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I had recently come back from Seattle where I pretty much had fish and chips every other day and Hyde Park's version was comparable! The fish was fresh (not too mushy, like most previously frozen fish) and it was at a perfect crisp. Most recently, I had the farm-raised catfish which, I would say, is my least favorite so far. I chose for the fish to be blackened instead of fried. When I requested that option, I had no idea that they actually meant "blackened." When it came out, the fish filets were slightly burnt around the edges and the overall color was a little bit darker than I had expected. When I took a bite, I wasn't surprised to find that the fish was overly seasoned. This probably explains the dark color. Not only did they overcook it, but they overcooked it with too much seasoning. I was a little disappointed since it would've been a perfectly fine entree if there was less cajun seasoning. I ended up reaching for the water after every like, 3 bites. If not for the fries, I probably would've given them 3.5 stars, if that was possible.
(4)Michelle R.
Decided to check this place out based on great reviews. SOOO glad we did!! The first time we went I ordered the special which was a BBQ Pork Burger w/ Hyde Park Fries. DELICIOUS! If you like frozen margaritas, they have some very yummy ones! Have since been back and had the chicken fried steak and it was also wonderful! Definitely on my list of favorites!
(4)j m.
I've eaten here several times and I've left with the same impression each time. The food is decent, but overpriced. The atmosphere is cool, the service has always been good. Not a place I'd probably recommend to a foodie, but for an easy lunch its a go-to. I don't recommend it for dinner.
(2)Chris G.
Excellent food and great fries! Service is a bit slow but it's worth the wait. Had tilapia tonight and it was great.
(4)Laura P.
Thank you, HPB&G, for once again treating the entire faculty and staff of Bryker Woods Elementary to a fantastic end of year lunch! We appreciate your generosity, thoughtfulness, and support and are so lucky that you are a part of the BW family! Thank you!!!
(5)Marie C.
I get called to Hyde Park Bar & Grill by the craving for their French Fries. They are very different than most places- especially the sauce. I usually get a sandwhich or a chuck burger and have been very pleased with them. Another converted house (I'm noticing a trend in my reviews), so I love the intimate atmosphere. And the paintings by local artists are usually interesting and strike up some conversation. I've always experienced good service here.
(4)Dolph M.
After my first visit, I've had strange impulses to return. Your mileage may vary. I feel like everything I order could be just a little bit better, everything could have just a little more flavor, and everything could look a little more appetizing. Worst entree first- I've had the Horseshoe burger which I don't recommend. Its not what it sounds like on the menu- literally, its a piece of toast with a ground beef patty on top of it, some pico, some kind of cheese that's one step up from Velveeta, and more fries than you could hope to eat on top. Don't kid yourself, thats all there is too it. Next up was the Kobe Beef Burger. Could-be-awesome, although they cooked it medium well when I ordered it medium rare, which ruined the meat for me. And I ordered it with a random selection of one of their many, many cheeses- definitely recommend it with cheese. Bonus points for coming on foccacia bread and not on a wheat bun! Fries are almost amazing. Use the dipping sauce that they come with instead of ketchup- you won't be disappointed. I'm not sure that its fair to call them "French Fries" though, they're much too unique. Breakfast- don't remember what I ordered exactly, but it wasn't that great, and it didn't come with french fries :( lol If you haven't been to Hyde Park, definitely *try* it. I feel like some people will have great experiences, some will have poor experiences, nothing is consistent, but its worth a shot or two if you get some good flavors out of it.
(4)Amy M.
What happened to you Hyde Park Bar and Grill? I used to love your hand made Ravioli...now it seems like everything I order is a pre-made frozen version of what I used to love about this place. The only thing that keeps me from giving up on you entirely are your fries.
(2)Rachel D.
The burgers are great, I stick to the sirloin - right in the middle. I find it's a lot better than the chuck and the one time i tried the kobe, i didn't think it was any better than the sirloin. The fries are famously good, and the dipping sauce is great, with an intriguingly faint flavor of celery. The stuffed mushrooms are really good and are served with a delicious red-pepper sauce. The tamales were underwhelming. Lately I've been getting the grilled chicken ceasar salad which comes with these wonderfully delicate cubes of fried polenta, and the chicken is always perfect, and might be seasoned with pesto or some wonderful herb concoction. It's delicious and i highly recommend it. I've never been impressed with the wine, especially at the cost, so i avoid it now. The prices are a bit high, and the tables are a little close together, but the service and quality of the food keep me coming back.
(4)Randall R.
The better restaurant of the two (the other being in south Austin off of 290), but that's only because of the decor at this one (more intimate & artsy). The food is...ok. It's really basic American fare dressed up a bit in presentation, but if you don't look and just taste, it's nothing special. I do think the fries are fabulous, but as I said in my comments about the other location, I'm not a french fry kind of guy, so take my comments with a grain of salt. But I will say that the location, the artwork, the clientele, and the service do make for a memorable experience. There's no question you're in Austin when you're eating at this place. I just postulate that a number of people are eating with their eyes instead of their tongues.
(3)Chris G.
I enjoyed the place. We went there because we're very close by and I had never been. I definitely liked the mashed potatoes. Steve the roomie got a Kobe burger and the famous fries. For the price, I'd say that's probably one of the better things to get on the menu. I mean, Kobe beef? Awesome, if it really is :) Jess the girlfriend got some kind of chicken, but she has a very touchy stomach so it didn't sit too well. I had the potato crusted snapper or some other whitefish. It was tasty, but yeah, just fried fish in the end. Positives: Fries (duh), burgers, atmosphere, location Negatives: Drink prices (3.75 for a Shiner in Austin?), lack of a waiting area, the wait itself Meh: Prices overall. Ended up about 20 bucks a plate in the end but I'm a cheapskate, and far from a foodie. Plus I was treating :)
(4)Carmen H.
Ok, so usually I would give Hyde Park Bar and Grill high marks but not last night. Hyde Park Bar and Grill has always been a good staple for my husband and I, you know, always consistent. I was a little disappointed last night, primarily with the service. I brought a girlfriend there for dinner (her first time) and we arrived to a packed house. I was a little surprised since it was a Thursday night, a weekend I would understand but good for them. Anyway, we were sat within 15 minutes. Our waiter took about 20 minutes at least to even greet us and take our drink orders and when he did, he made no eye contact and had a grim look on his face the entire time. I asked his suggestions for wine and he had no clue what to suggest to me...really? Anyway, we received our drinks about 10 minutes later and the waiter disappeared again. When he finally came back by to take our orders, again, no eye contact, no personality, nada. Not impressed. My friend ordered a hamburger and french fries (the fries I raved about and told her she had to get). She said her burger was pretty good but the fries, meh, nothing special. I agree, they were cold and not good. What happened? I use to love the yummy batter dipped, extra peppered and salted fries. Maybe it was just a bad night. Anyway, overall just Ok Hyde Park Bar and Grill. The waiter needed to pep it up a bit!
(3)Alex B.
This place has really gone downhill the last few years in my opinion. It used to be a favorite of mine, but after several sub-par visits I'm wary of going back. The location is great, nestled in the Hyde Park neighborhood near Asti , Dolce Vita, and Mother's. The building is an old converted house with a very cozy feel. The setting is nice and clean, but still casual. The bar is cozy and they have several tasty beers on tap. They're known for their fries, but the last few times I've been they weren't that great. In fact, the last time I met some friends there, they had already sent back a plate of fries that were much less than tasty. I had some chicken fried steak that was overcooked, and before that a burger that tasted undercooked. Maybe this happened because their attention was on expanding the restaurant down south? I hope they figure it out, because I want to love this restaurant again. It isn't terrible, but it's just not what it used to be. Parking sucks if you get there during peak hours. You may end up having to find a spot on one of the neighborhood streets.
(3)Cody R.
This weekend I was in the mood for a good hamburger, and thought I would try this place out. Overall, the food was pretty good, but I was a little disappointed by there supposed "amazing fries".... I mean, they weren't bad..... but I didn't see what all the fuss was about. I've had better fires before. Also, I wanted my burger to have cheese, so they up charged me nearly two dollars, and the cheese was small and hardly covered half the burger. If I pay two dollars for a slice of cheese I expect to taste it! It was one of those restaurants where the menu "seems" cheap, but then you realize the price doesn't include anything. Fries, cheese, condiments... they all cost extra! Overall, the food was good. If I find myself in the area, and I'm hungry I might re-visit, but I don't see myself making any special trips
(3)Laura Louise L.
The food in my opinion is just OK. I know it's an Austin icon but after more than a few visits I still haven't fallen in love. The atmosphere is so so and there is nothing outstanding about this place. I don't feel the same love for their semi-famous fries that I hear about all the time. Our visit last week I ordered their Sonora salad and it wasn't particularly special for the price. It wasn't a terrible experience but it wasn't great either. If you are looking for something to fill your belly that is relatively healthy go there. If you want something that's a bit more you might want to think a little harder.
(2)Haley B.
Scrumptious any time of day. This was a staple of my childhood, and it is always fun to see whats on the giant fork. You cannot go wrong, everything on the menu is delicious but come hungry the portions are not small. The house fries are no joke and if there weren't so many other good things on the menu I would have just a large order every time I'm in there for lunch. And that dipping sauce, it is heaven.
(5)Amy B.
I first discovered Hyde Park after a UT football game where we wanted to continue drinking & also grab some good food. We had their margaritas (which of course at the time tasted deee-licious!!), and I tried their Yellowfin Tuna sandwich which was pretty great- the Tuna could have been a little more moist. Of course we tried the famous french fries & dipping sauce which is what got us really hooked. My then-boyfriend, now-husband & I later went back & tried a variety of things over time: smoked turkey muffaletta, chicken quesadillas, fried baby portabella mushrooms, lentil soup, asian chicken salad, burgers, & desserts. From then on, we always enjoyed the food. The service is always good, and I have been on numerous occasions with family & friends.
(5)Jennifer B.
One of my favortie places to eat in Austin!! Everything is delicious here...the veggies are great (esp. the collards w/ bacon), the mac & cheese is downright krunk, the corn & cheese tamales rule, salads are superb, turkey burger is on of my fav's evah, the tuna burger rocks, delicious french fries, and yes, the wom kim's peach pudding rules the earth. I couldn't ask for more!!! Brunch is also divine!!!
(5)Danny O.
Very good restaurant, I have been eating here for over 11 years now and it's always a treat and an experience to come here.
(5)Julie S.
This used to be my favorite restaurant when I lived in Austin, but last time I while visiting, I went back there and found that something was missing from the great place it used to be. Our waiter barely checked on us, and we never once made extra modifications or requests, so the fact we were being avoided seemed almost weird. He avoided us so much that we had to track the guy down to get our check then wait forever to get him to pick up the credit card, then finally when he did take the card he had someone else bring it back. Totally odd, and they didn't seem busy either. I was also heartbroken that their usual amazing fries where very overcooked and hard to chew. What a bummer of a visit!
(3)Chang K.
I live around the area and finally had a chance to try this place out! I had their fried chicken that I think was a special dish, and it was very very delicious. I got their mac and cheese side that also made me cry like a little baby..
(5)Arlene Y.
This place took me by surprise. I came in with a friend and we were seated right away. Our server was super nice and friendly. I ordered the natural burger, and my friend ordered the lunch special of the day BBQ Brisket Sandwich. The natural burger was so delicious. Every single ingredient was fresh so I loved it. My friend also enjoyed her BBQ Brisket Sandwich. The portion is pretty big. Along with her sandwich came the fries and they were good. The server explained that the fries are what they are known for! Totally recommend to try this place.
(5)Sandra S.
Waitress was so nice and friendly. She told is the fries were rated the 15th best by people magazine in May. They actually had no flavor whatsoever but..the hot dog was awesome. Ice tea was as good as it gets.
(4)Stephen H.
I. Don't. Get. It. My friend grew up in Hyde Park, so I expect she's blinded by nostalgia, but everything about this place is mediocre. Let's start with the hostess. We, a group of three, were seated at a long table for six at the back of the restaurant. So we awkwardly spent our entire meal with half the table empty. As for the food. I got a sandwich, and the bread was almost impossible to bite through. Crazy hard. I actually got tired of chewing and did not finish. Meanwhile, my fries, which my friend raves about, were mushy and undercooked. The other food on the table was decent, but nothing memorable. In general, the food just tastes sub-par. Our waiter was nice. And the restaurant itself is cozy, though the art is hilariously bad at times. But the food just brings everything down. I will not be back.
(2)Ellen T.
Great service, great atmosphere, great parking situation, great drinks! BUT the last few times I've been the food really just wasn't up to par, unfortunately. The sandwiches are great, but the entrees were sadly disappointing. Perhaps we've just gone on an off night, but since it's so close to me, I'm definitely not going to stop going.
(3)Taylor M.
Its hard for me to review Hyde Park because I've been there so many times it just seems obvious that its great. I often take my family here when they're in town because I know everyone will find something they're in the mood for. They have some unique dishes along with standard southern "good ol' food" such as chicken fried steak. The only thing I'm not too crazy about here is their famous french fries and sauce. The sauce is mayonnaise based, the fries are double fried, and its just a grease overload in my opinion. Here are a few of my favorites: Fried eggplant sandwich Blackened fish tacos Sweet corn and cheese tamales Green chile mashed potatoes The desert menu changes seasonally and you can't choose wrong, they are all delicious. A few years ago they had hot chocolate cake with homemade marshmallows and I really hope they bring it back. If you are planning to eat here, keep an eye out for a Groupon. They have deals regularly.
(5)Lilah P.
The customer service here is lousy. I've had meals comped at this restaurant no fewer than three times. I walked in tonight, and the barkeep NEVER acknowledged me. He did the same thing to another couple that was right next to me. They had the good sense to walk out. I've seen this guy several times and usually when I see him I opt out of dining. He's constantly rubbing his head and I find that to be repulsive. If there'd been anywhere else to get pie I certainly would have left. Since me and the couple were African American, it does make me wonder...
(2)Natalie M.
I wrote a review on Hyde Park back in October that stated I didn't have the best experience or food at their restaurant (to put it nicely). After my review on Yelp, Hyde Park contacted me immediately and offered for me to come enjoy a meal on them. They gave me a gift card which contained enough for a meal for two. It was a gesture I did not expect based on past experience from them. Today I went to Hyde Park and had amazing service, complete 180 from the first time. The waitress was very sweet and very quick! I ordered the chip appetizer (which wasn't that great but I see what they were trying to do) and a burger again just to see if maybe I just got a bad chef the first time...and wow, this time it wasn't bland at all. So many flavors and I was impressed. Honestly, just the fact that Hyde Park cares enough to listen to their customers means a ton and I will definitely put HP back on my 'eat here' lists.
(4)David W.
So this place likes to bill themselves as having the best fries in Austin and honestly, I can't disagree with them. It's almost like they're double deep fried to produce this type of crunchiness. In addition to that, I got myself some chicken fried steak (hey I was feeling gluttonous) and it was everything I was hoping for, well, except it could've been a little bit bigger if you asked me. But that's only because I'm a fatass...
(4)Quani C.
This is a great place to go to for a date or just a nice dinner out. The atmosphere is pretty upscale, but I feel completely comfy going in wearing my standard t-shirt and jeans (one aspect I love about living in Austin, actually). They have an impressive wine selection and everything I've had there is amazing. I have yet to determine how I feel about the fries, I always have something that doesn't come with them. Next time perhaps...
(5)Matt S.
Finally tried Hyde Park Bar and Grill after living in Austin 8 years and I am not too disappointed that I missed it during those years.. Honestly, I can't get too excited about typical American fare.. The fries that everyone is raving about, well, they are fries people.. FRIES.. How good can fries really be? Great fries is like having the best trailer in the trailer park.. I also had the trout and it was interesting with almond slices on it. The best dish I had was the eggplant sandwich, it was very good.. Service was fine, prices were good, portions were fair.. Really no big complaints at all, just didn't have any really awesome, exotic tastes at all..
(3)Joel G.
I've been to Hyde Park Bar and Grill many times. I have been to both locations but favor the location in Hyde Park. The south location has a cafeteria feel to it when you compare to the home feel you get at the Hyde Park location. HYB&G has great food at a great price. Pros: -Nice atmosphere -Nice location -Great service -Open till midnight -Fair prices Cons: -Not the most extravagant but good food -Not the easiest parking but I live in the neighborhood -Service can be hit or miss One of my visits in particular stands out. It was a few months ago and a friend of mine and myself went to HPB&G. Our waitress was in a horrible mood and it showed, she was a taller skinny blonde. I felt like she felt she was too good to be serving us. She was rude in asking our drink orders and was impatient when we were ordering. We always get the fried artichoke hearts and steamed dumplings for appetizers and sometimes share an order of fries before we decide on our entrees. She asked if we were ready to order as if we were not ordering any appetizers. Then she expected us to order our entrees at the same time as was noticeable in her tone and mannerisms as she wrote down our order for appetizers. She checked on us two times and it seemed as if she were looking down her nose at us. It was shortly after she brought out our entrees that I noticed she was walking out the door with her purse and everything. The other waitress picked up our table and the contrast in the service she provided was apparent like no other. Our second server was very hospitable and kind. I've worked in the food industry and so I asked if our ticket was closing on her name. It was and we tipped her pretty well for picking up and turning around what would of otherwise been an awful experience at one of my favorite places to eat. I usually always order the salmon or crab cakes with broccoli and pilaf. They have specials that keep the menu fresh and are open when you want a restaurant to be open past 10p.
(4)Roman U.
Awesome meal! I've only eaten here once and the food was great. Any restaurant that sells ginger beer is ok with me I got the three aide medley (greens, Mac, and sweet potatoes). Added jalapeño corn bread. It was all delicious. Ended with Whom Kim's Pudding. The later food coma was soooooo worth it. Waste no time and go!
(5)Patty C.
On one of my previous Austin trips, I had one of the best chicken fried steaks in my life. While on our way to this charming restaurant, one of my dining companion mentioned that the chicken fried steak is excellent here. Well, game on! I am always on a search for a great rendition of this classic favorite. Parking wasn't much of a hassle in the back parking lot shared by other establishments. Upon entrance, you are greeted immediately by the bar. Good sign. Amateur artwork hangs from the walls. The atmosphere felt one step above casual, yet lots of families and people in shorts were dining in. Our waitress was very sweet and maybe a little too enthusiastic. After my companions were comfortable, we ordered a small size Hyde Park fries to share. As for myself, I settled on the pricier $12 chicken fried steak, which came with mashed potatoes and a choice of a side. Went ahead and ordered the grilled broccoli, as it was recommended as one of the of the few healthier options, though the mac and cheese was tempting. Menu items seemed a bit dated, with nothing jumping out immediately as exciting or interesting. They seem to concentrate on familiar favorites for the less adventurous eaters. Luckily, I was already settled on the chicken fried steak anyway. I did notice they have pimento cheese sandwiches. Whoa. The Hype Park fries were delicious. They are prepared with a buttermilk batter for that extra crunch, seasoned with black pepper and other spices, and finished with a creamy spicy dipping sauce on the side. It was a decent size for a small appetizer, and the three of us cleaned off the plate quickly. The chicken fried with gravy on the side, as I requested, was a more modest portion than what I am use to. One bite, and I was hooked. Wow, the meat was tender and without gristle, the seasoned batter clung tightly to the meat, and the white gravy was a perfect creamy touch. The mashed potatoes were very average, nothing that exciting. This is a bit disappointing, as there is so much you can do to boost its taste. The grilled broccoli was tasty, firm with a slight charred taste, an exciting way to eat it. My friends egg sandwich looked good but kind of small for what you pay for it. He said it was good but didn't rave about it. Presentation on the dishes could have used a little work, but the flavors were good. Though I thought the prices could have been a bit lower, the food was delicious, and yes, it was one of the top three chicken fried steaks I have tried, so kudos to them. Just kind of would like to see a more polished interior and updated menu with interesting options. I know older people enjoy homestyle cooking, so if that is their target audience, then they have landed on target.
(3)Kristy S.
Interesting menu -- their version of favorites and some surprises. Good for lunch -- didn't love the tamales (too dry), but the hot dog, Sonora salad, lentil soup, chicken avocado BLT, and fries were all good. Pork Mac and cheese looked good - maybe next time.
(3)Kayla D.
Delicious food. Fries are to die for... be careful with ordering a large though!
(4)Jim C.
I've been back 3x since my "meh" review in February. Maybe I'm just on a roll over there, well, I will be if I keep eating the fries but I digress. My experiences have just been much more positive. The salmon and the grilled tuna sandwich were both very good as was the Pastrami Reuben. Good service and the guy w/ the glasses, the host, stopped by the last couple of times to make sure everythign was up to snuff. Oh, a well poured Tanqueray and tonic never hurt anyone's ratings.
(4)Jon B.
I've only had the lower end food here and it was pretty darn great for the price. Best fries I've had in the city.
(4)Randall S.
It's hit or miss here. A few hits. A few misses. The service is usually miss, the personalities of the servers is usually hit. The wagyu burger I had was a hit, but the chicken fried steak was a miss. The famous french fries were a big missing dissapointment and the chicken I had was just barely a miss. The sandwiches I've had so far have all been hit. I can't give it four and I can't give it a two, so overall it's a hit, just barely.
(3)stuntman m.
Really good food. Good variety of choices to eat. Everything Ive had so far has been awesome. Salad with ginger dressing good. Lentil soup awesome. Dijon chicken with artichoke hearts freaking good. Grilled Salmon is really good. Try to eat the fries as soon as they come out...didnt like them that much once they cooled down. And much more.
(4)Charlie S.
We were so disappointed the last few times we went to Hyde Park Grill. We used to be such fans and would go all the time, especially to brunch on Sundays. The service has really done down hill and it seems they changed their ingredients to lower quality fare. We waited over an hour for two salads, a cup of soup, and a turkey burger about a month ago. Last week had a waiter that seemed put out to wait on tables, even though that's his job. Though we did not try the fries, the fried mushrooms were spongy and the chicken fried chicken was very greasy. We will not be coming back here anytime soon. Will stick with Threadgill's or Hoover's for home cooking.
(1)Yelpsucks S.
Hyde Park is fabulous! Their fries really do live up to the hype of being voted Austin's Best Fries in the Chronicle every year. They are decadent, and so is the sauce they come with and the portions they give you- a half order feeds two HUNGRY people, for example. And they're even good as leftovers (we've had them that way many times). This is probably my favorite "Austin-style" non-texmex restaurant. I really love the portobello sandwhich and the meatloaf. My fiance always gets chicken-fried something, and is sometimes in such a stated of full-bellied bliss that I have to drive home. They've got beer and wine and cocktails, and really good iced tea and lemonade. The service is always great, and the wait staff are true professionals- not your usual high-turnover college kids. They could be working at a high-end steakhouse. The sides are fabulous- mac and cheese! I love being able to get something grown-up like a seared tuna salad, and then an indulgent side that makes me feel like I'm 12 again. I haven't tried the famous fried chicken yet, but I've heard really good things and can't wait to check it out. The desserts are also practically to die for- the peach cobbler and tiramisu are wonderful. I love that they have a good variety of comfort food, kid-friendly stuff, healthy stuff, and vegetarian options- it means you can come here with one of ever kind in your group, and everyone's happy. Their facebook page is also a great place to find deals, daily specials, and the music line-up. Did I mention they have live music? It doesn't get anymore "Austin" than this- but in a good way! They're super consistent, not over-priced, and let you sit around and talk after your meal without breathing down your neck. It's comparable to Threadgills, but less expensive with better quality food, much more consistent service, and you don't feel as rushed. Hyde Park is our go-to place when we want American food. Yum!
(4)Cear A.
For the most part, I dig this place. The service is always prompt and professional, and they have good veggie selections. I don't know why I always get the veggie burger there, though, definitely not the best in town. The fries are good, salads tasty and fresh, and pasta is decent (for Austin). The beer selection is decent too, for HP. Def worth a shot!
(4)Amanda G.
I used to frequent this place in college, but it had been a long time since I'd been here. I was fortunate enough to have dinner here last week with some friends while visiting Austin, and wow, is it good. Hasn't changed a bit. Great neighborhood. Order some fries.
(4)Reagan F.
Every item I have ordered here has been delicious. The fries are sinful and they have perfected the collard greens. A great place for any occasion.
(4)Frenchie B.
The food here is pretty blah. When you overcook an omelette, eggs, potatoes or pretty much anything you turn out, rendering them rubbery, its pretty suboptimal. Having had a few very inexpensive mimosas didn't even help like it can often help with making food taste much better than it does.
(1)Megan L.
my first trip here was great! good food, good service. the second, HORRIBLE. my group and i had been at a concert in the daytime and stopped here around 9pm. we had talked this place up to a friend that had never been here. at first, all was well. but my boyfriend got silverware that was bent. no biggie. we asked the server for another one, and the manager brought it to us ROLLING HIS EYES and asking if we were ok. we thought it was strange. even more strange was the fact that ALL the servers were staring at us. we were quiet and we weren't doing anything wrong. when we told our waitress that we weren't playing a prank, the silverware was actually bent, her exact words were "it's whatever." whaaaaaaaat? we aren't assholes that go out to eat and mess with servers, we all WERE servers at the time. we quickly boxed up our food, settled our tab and left. i, however, stopped and spoke with the manager. he basically told me i was a liar and our server said it was our fault, that when she set the flatware down it was fine. this was really just the last straw. as a server, i've given people bent silverware, accidentally. it happens, most restaurant silverware is cheap. i think it's cool the manager had his server's back, but they lost quite a few customers after this. over silverware. we aren't jerks and we aren't 15 year olds playing pranks. we are adults who were made uncomfortable by a business that clearly does not care about their customers or their referrals. i will never go back because of this event.
(1)Julie B.
Good laid-back vibe, and killer fries. Hand-cut Idahoes dipped in creamy buttermilk, rolled in seasoned flour (this is the trick , I think) and lightly fried...served with a special sauce that could make a grown man weep. VGS, as we like to say.
(3)Genevieve T.
The french fries are AMAZING. I have eaten here MANY times and every time I come the food is wonderful. I usually get the Thai pot-stickers, honey dijon chicken with artichoke, the ravioli, or one of their many delicious sandwiches - you really can't go wrong. This is a great place to eat for any occasion (and any diet). The wait staff has always been very prompt and they get my order right every time (I am picky). It is very busy for dinner, so I would recommend going early or late. It can be a tad loud at times. Also, I like the atmosphere and the art.
(5)Missy B.
Hyde Park south had changed the menu the day we went! At first, things seemed like they would be okay. There was no Horseshoe for my BF but he does need to cut back on the read meat. His burger was cooked perfectly and so were the fries which resulted in his being sated. Though after eating fries out of a little metal basket, he felt a little less manly though. It is odd that the horsehoe is gone, but since they are trying to change the style of the cuisine into upscale American, it is understandable that a meal worthy of a food challenge was the first to go. Typically I order the salmon with rice pilaf and broccoli. Absolutely fresh, light, and tasty. After sifting through the other items and not being pleased with an alternative to their new salmon dish, I went ahead and ordered it. In the meantime, a friend ordered and received the cauliflower steak, which looked and smelled delicious. I was jealous and wish I had chosen this dish instead. If only I had! My salmon was cooked just as wonderfully as expected and the mashed potatoes were fine but just not a good pair for the salmon. maybe a Yukon gold mash, but not butter-rich, creamy potatoes. The five leafs of wilted spinach left me speechless. Was it a side or a garnish? To add to my disappointment, the sauce poured on my fish was really just a buttery cream gravy. Please bring back the original! If it had been changed by choosing quinoa instead and more spinach, then I would be pleased with that. But this dish was changed from light to heavy. Also, those delicious, most flavorful little ground chicken and pea dumplings are gone. Why? Those were one of a kind. There was also a wonderful veggie and pasta dish gone. Upscale American doesn't mean adding meatier and richer dishes. Variety and fresh ingredients are integral and those dishes were very representative of unique but universally palate pleasing. I understand why they want to change the menu. They have a lot of competition and updating items for many iconic restaurants is necessary to achieve longevity. But the dishes added are heavier and the lighter dishes are almost obsolete. Without a balance, then it is more difficult to chose an item from the menu.
(3)Ron E.
Today I had the "Cast Iron Catfish". The blackening seasoning was flavorful and spicy. The catfish was served atop a piece of moist cornbread and their version of Hoppin John, no rice, the black eyed peas and veggies were good. My only suggestion is to have clarified butter for traditionalist like me that like it with blackened fish. I find Hyde Park to be safe bet for a good meal and plenty of variety.
(4)Jeffrey V.
Good food, nice place, but five stars for service. Our server was very attentive, but a customer with a large party waiting for a table come up to us and asked us how long we were going to be, because they wanted our table. A manager came to us and apologized for the customer, even though it obviously wasn't his fault she accosted us, and told us we could stay at the table as long as we wanted. Awesome!
(5)Sarah P.
A really solid standby. Used to bring the parents here during college because it offers good food, is casual, and rarely is there a wait. The corn tamales are awesome, the veggie burger is really good and the fries are famous in Austin.
(4)Jason D.
I have to eat here every time I visit Austin. I always get the Horseshoe burger.
(4)Jonathan G.
HPG and I have been close friends for a long time, but somehow I've never written a review. First off, the neighborhood is awesome. I love this cute little enclave of professors and college kids. There's a casual, yet somehow cosmopolitan feel to it. And the converted house of a space is so charming with its wood walls, local art, and bumpy copper bar. You're as likely to see a dance troupe noshing after rehearsal as a pair of corporate logo polo wearing business men at the bar. A+ for diversity. I usually like to sit at that copper bar, where the bartenders are friendly. There's usually a decent wine on special and they're plenty attentive to your needs up there, whether you're eating or just waiting on a table (don't be surprised if you have to wait). They've upgraded their menu over time. There are still misses, though. The appetizers are still pretty weak. The steamed dumplings could have come straight from Costco if I 'm honest, but I don't know what we were thinking ordering that in the first place. I stick to the sandwiches, mostly. They've partnered with Walton's on the bread which has made a huge difference. I'm a sucker for the turkey burger, although the fried egg sandwich gets me to change it up sometimes. I enjoy the turkey muffaletta as well. Burgers are nothing to be ashamed of - plenty big and lots of options. The fries are typically voted best in town, but I think they're an occasional indulgence only. They are buttermilk battered and thus very unique...and heavy. They're quite an extravagance, especially if you get the cheese sauce. And you should get the cheese sauce, which takes the decadence of the fries to 11 and gives them a flavor boost they really require. Their entree plates work, too, if you're super hungry. Portion sizes are hearty and the content can be rich. Fried chicken, the Horseshoe, chicken fried steak, chicken fried chicken, crab cakes, all served with mashed potatoes and veggies. You'll get plenty full but I guarantee you'll like the food. They have lighter options like rotisserie chicken, some fish plates, and pasta. But that's not why you came, is it? You can get decent salads here if you're not feeling like a food coma afterwards. Their asian chicken is my fave. But instead, I would save this restaurant for times when you do want to settle in and bond with a big sandwich and plate of fries, or just like momma made it comfort food.
(4)Jeff T.
Wow, what a great place. The fries with the cheese dip are the BEST. I had the chicken fried steak and it was good. The atmosphere is outstanding and the service is second to none. This will be a regular place. For me now.
(5)Kat M.
Hyde Park is a quality restaurant that overall has good food and decent service (We have had great service, and we have had crappy service). The fried chicken on Mondays (special) is amazing! It is the best chicken that I have ever had. They individually bread and fry each order, so prepare to wait. It is well worth it. I no longer eat chicken, but this is the only chicken I miss. The blackened catfish is moist and flavorful. My hubby really enjoys the potato crusted tilapia. Both are cooked perfectly. For sides, I usually pick french fries and green beans. Both are tasty. I do not think their fries are the best in the city, but many people do. The tamales are also tasty as well as the sweet potatoes. I used to love their chocolate cake, but then something changed... might have been my taste buds. My hubby still loves it. I like this place when I want hardy food in a casual environment.
(4)Julie S.
Oh Austin, how I miss thee. I was in ATX for a conference at UT and, lucky for me, a friend offered to pick me up to go to the airport. I haven't been to HP since undergrad and thought we'd pop in. They weren't busy at all for a later Saturday lunch and they were also offering brunch. We shared (my favorite!) the artichoke appetizer. It comes with a chipotle sauce as well as a HP sauce, but I prefer plain ranch. Friend got the burger, with the famous HP fries, and I noshed on the always perfect chicken fried steak. The portions here are pretty big, so you could share, or have leftovers for another meal. Everything is house-made and always wonderful. Our service was top-notch as well.
(4)April S.
As much as I do enjoy Hyde Park's burgers, I have found myself going on Monday nights so I can get Tony's chicken. A plate of Tony's chicken with Hyde Park fries is about as close to heaven as I can get. Prepare to wait for your hot pieces of chicken as they fry them to order. But the wait is ooooh so worth it!! Easily the best fried chicken I've had in Austin. I always end up burning my fingers because I can't wait for it to cool. Staff is always friendly and I love this place. It has truly earned it's place as an iconic Austin eatery.
(4)Nichola G.
What to say about this place? Nothing too good unfortunately. It may be a great place to hang out, but food and service wise, NO THANKS. All I had was a salad,you can't mess up a salad... Wrong. It's like they only cut each vegetable in half, definitely not salad sized. Don't even get me started on that disgusting frozen turkey burger. Lesson learned, stay away from this place. Do not waste your money or time. Meh,maybe I wasn't drunk enough?
(1)Alex A.
Your neighborhood diner. I like brunch here a lot. It's a little cramped feeling, but not overly so. Service has always been fine - friendly staff and all that. Nice bar. The food is pretty pedestrian. You won't impress a date, that's for sure. Have you heard about HPB&G's fries? Those awesome, got-to-try the fries? I can't stand them. They're coated in bland, grits-tasting batter and the dipping sauce is most assuredly not special. Vegetarian? You're not gonna find much to eat. Pros: tamale appetizers and the Eggs Florentine or Benedict. Probably gonna go to Mother's across the street instead....
(3)Mandi R.
I want to start out by saying that I myself am a server, and I haven't had service as good as what Charlie gave my family and I tonight in awhile! He was timely, friendly, gave amazing suggestions and I couldn't be happier with my experience at Hyde park grill! I definitely recommend the pork and mac....with wait... A fried egg and cilantro on top yummmmmm so happy.
(5)Jimmy L.
Been coming to Austin every year for about 15 years, and knew that this place has been an institution for about 30+ years or so. Even though this was a borderline 3-4 stars here on Yelp, driving by the giant fork outside with all the accroutements kept intriguing me! So here I was on a late Sat night all by my lonesome self, and found myself in the neightborhood. They're in an old house. Parking situation was marginal. They also have a bar as kind of the centerpiece of it all. Interior was kind of loud (not because of the bar, though!). Clientele ranged from small families, to couples, to a groups of guys out on the town - either before or after the drunken rage - who knows, but everyone just sounds like they're having fun in here! I was greeted by either a manager, or proprietor, and he graciously seated me almost immediately at a single lone table parked in a corner next to the front window, with a view to the street, and a view of the front room - perfect for my people-watching fetish! I read about the service here, and considering the crowds at 9 pm, I was kind of skeptical, so I had set my expectations low. Fortunately, I was blessed with an angel of a server - Courtney. She was really responsive and on the mark with everything. Menu seemed pretty diverse with burgers/sandwiches, salads, comfort food entrees, and drinks/beer - perfect as a neighborhood hangout - close to UT that serves both students and young families. I can imagine people walking here. I ordered coffee, and she'd come back frequently with hot refills, AND served it with a smile! I also ordered the - All Natural Grass Fed Burger at $9.95 - All-natural hormone and antibiotic free grass-fed burger from Bastrop Cattle Co, walton's bun, hyde park mustard, hyde park pickles, lettuce, tomato, red onion. (The reason why I went with this one instead of the 1/2-pounder at 6.95 is I asked asked the server which of the burgers was "smaller"!) ...and of course I had to try their famous fries on the side, which is the sole reason why I wanted to try this place! - A big platter fresh hand-cut Idaho potatoes; dipped In creamy buttermilk; rolled In seasoned flour; and lightly fried. Served with special Hyde Park sauce. $2.95 The wait time really wasn't that lengthy considering the business they were pushing, and everything came out hot and fresh. The burger was done perfectly at medium-rare (even though the server never asked how I wanted the burger cooked)! Note that people usually either like their fries, or they don't, but I DID. All-in-all, I'd come back here, if only to try some of their other comfort-food fare such as the brunch.
(4)Il P.
If you like greasy food, this is the place to go. Not my taste. Every time I eat here, I feel like I'm drenched in fat. Price is reasonable, and it has nice atmosphere though. The famous fries are not that good, so lower your expectations!
(3)Linda P.
We went at a mid time 4pm, the waiter was fantastic (sorry I forgot your name ;( ) My friend and I split the Grilled chicken breast. I always have liked when a resturant will split a meal and put it on two seperate plates for you and you don't have to do it at your table yourself. The chicken was a little dry, it may have been pre-cooked and just warmed up? The mashed potatoes and the fresh green bean were fantastic. I also had the side salad with a blue cheese vineragette, which was to die for. It is one place i will be going back to again
(4)Vicki G.
Meh, indeed. Even with a Groupon, I will no longer be tempted by Hyde Park Bar & Grill. I'm sad to write this review, because I've been eating here for a long time. There have been slips before over the years -- once, when the chicken salad was actually spoiled at the Duval location, and once at the Westgate location when we could witness the goings-on in the kitchen and my boyfriend had to report what we saw to management. (You don't want to know.) Still, I returned, again and again. I remember when the crab cakes weren't on the menu, and I loved them so much. At any rate -- those days are gone, my friends. Gone. Yes, the fries are still very good, and I love that sauce. But.... I ordered the chicken caesar. Yes, a lame order, I admit, but so many of the options seemed to be fried or really bready (sandwiches, pasta). So, I ordered what should be pretty basic. First of all, the romaine lettuce was so pale, I wasn't even sure it was romaine from a glance. But even worse.... the chicken breast.... the basil grilled chicken breast... was served sliced on the salad WITH THE SKIN. Gooey, stringy, slimy chicken skin. Absolutely disgusting. My companion ordered the grilled basil chicken dinner. His chicken arrived smothered in some kind of creamy mushroom sauce. Underneath? You guessed it: slimy gooey stringy icky chicken skin on the breast. Why oh why??? It was, I believe, the second worst chicken caesar I've ever been served. So, I'm done. I don't need those fries anyway.
(2)Sarah S.
Considering there is a giant fork outside, the inside was fancier then I thought it would be (I was definitely expecting more of a casual, diner vibe). I had the chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes for lunch and it was deeeeelicious. They were pretty busy, and since I was by myself they sat me at a 2 person table by the door. Kind of an awkward place to sit because people hang out by the door as they walk in. However the food was delicious, it has a very relaxed atmosphere, and it looks like a popular place for business meetings, catching up with old friends, or just grabbing a bite to eat.
(4)Carlos G.
Every place deserve more than a second chance if you're a fan of an establishment...I am a fan of HPBG and we had a much better experience on our recent visit. Keep up the great work! ************************* Not sure what was going on last night at the restaurant, but we got terrible service (server was nice at first, but never bothered to clear off our table during meal and was very inattentive, and left the lime/celery/ranch dressing on table even after we got our bill), bloody mary presentation was inconsiderate (dried out lime & celery)..server brought me another lime on sword as if to mock us since I asked for a fresh lime/celery, salad was dry and tasted as if it had been out at room temperature for hours...I know this is a UT student type of crowd, but give me a break....don't treat your customers like we all don't give 2 *(#$% about proper service and presentation. HPBGC you can do better! I like your restaurant...however some of the employees and managers need to really focus making sure service and presentation are always at high standards....unfortunately last night the standard was very low.
(4)Joseph F.
Hyde Park is a really great place. The food is awesome and the staff is always friendly. It is definitely one of your traditional Austin vibe kind of places with a giant fork topper out front that is great.
(4)Dan K.
Consistent food in a warm, inviting setting. I've only had one bad meal at Hyde Park and everything else has been generally good. Nothing that'll put them on the foodie map but consistently good comfort food. The one thing to stay away from is the Hyde Park burger. One day when I was feeling cheap, I got the Hyde park burger. The patty was too firm and had that taste of being frozen and delivered by Sysco. Not what I expected from HPB&G. The bun was really good though. (they also offer a Kobe beef burger which is _very_ good). On the other hand last night I had the southern fried pork chop which was quite good. They have a good selection of beers on tap and also bottles. I had a super sharp pint of Widmer Bros' Hefeweizen. There is also a rumor going around about their fries. Well, it's true. If you like battered fries, HP does it up proper. All in all the ingredients are generally quality and fresh and the wait staff warm and friendly. Things to get: Hyde Park fries appetizer. Kobe beef burger. Collard greens side. Yum. (Skip dessert and go next door to La Dolce Vita. That place is awesome!)
(3)Thomas G.
Do you need another review? What can I say... been coming here since 1992... always great service... always great food... only negative is sometimes there is a long wait... (i come on off hours... mid afternoon or after the dinner rush...) but if you are here at prime times... like brunch on sunday be ready to wait an hour... also if you are new to the home turned restaurant then you need to know you will be seated inches away from others.
(5)Shana O.
Two words: Fried Chicken. Hell, I'm not even that big of a fan of fried chicken but I will go out of my way to eat this fried chicken. The greens and mac and cheese were good, not great. The greens had a smokey bacon flavor, but the mac and cheese needed to be creamier. I asked for all drumsticks (I'm prissy and didn't want to get dirty chicken style on a first date) and got a "bonus" drumstick on my plate for a total of 3 drumsticks. I can't eat 3 drumsticks but it was like winning the food lotto, so I went for it. Service was prompt, my waiter was extremely nice, and the place was steadily busy. Hyde Park Bar & Grill has a very cozy feel to it. Nothing fancy, nothing trashy, just a nice place in a great neighborhood to go to for comfort food.
(4)Alyssa R.
Three stars because service is great and they have a pretty good beer selection. But the food is not that good.
(3)Stacie K.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Austin. I love their battered French fries and their special dipping sauce for it. Their Horseshoe Bend dish and chicken fried steak is great. Also their pumpkin bread pudding is delicious!!
(5)Carolyn V.
Guys. The Fried Chicken that is available only Mondays and Tuesdays. It is freaking delicious. Get it with a side of collard greens (which are done PERFECTLY and not mushy and come with small pieces of bacon) and the mashed potatoes. The FRIED CHICKEN. GET IT. STOP WHINING AND GET IT. Totally delicious. They threw in an extra piece for me and it was like finding a $100 in the couch cushions. Fried chicken. In your mouth. Crispity deliciousness. In your mouth.
(5)Jennyfer N.
I love this restaurant! I have loved this place ever since I started going about 2 years ago. Everything I have ever had has been great here. Service has always been speedy and courteous. I love the chicken fried fries as well! I will say, they're not for everyone though as they're probably a heart attack waiting to happen but if you're looking to treat yourself for dinner then look no further. Their eggplant pasta is delicious and it comes with this tomato vodka sauce that I've been trying to recreate for months! The lemon shrimp capellini is equally delicious and is usually my go-to with tart lemony pasta and large succulent shrimp. They have wonderful sandwiches, my favorite being the eggplant one...go figure. The ambiance is very mellow, casual, and warm as the restaurant itself is what looks like a remodeled home. It's very cozy and approachable. I've always gotten seated within 15 minutes, even when they tell me the wait is 30 minutes. I don't generally go during SUPER peak hours like Friday or Saturday night just because the parking situation can get a bit hairy. They do share a lot behind the restaurant with other restaurants in that little cove but it can get difficult when it's very crowded as these restaurants are a bit smaller than most of your major chain type places. To me, it's an Austin landmark and a place I will take all of my friends to when they come visit!
(5)Carole S.
Damn! What has happened to you HPG?!?!! This was one of those places i would go for comfort food, as well as show off to out of town guests. I've been in the ATX a long time and have been here enough times to know the in's and out's (go at an off time if you don't wanna stand in the parking lot waiting for a table.) Now, i doubt i will Ever be back. Soooo. There was a groupon and the bf has never been. Hot diggety! Let's go! We showed up around 3 and got a rockstar parking spot. Score! We walked in and the boy was all impressed (it is a cool old house... i will give them that.) He thought he was under dressed. I assured him he was not. We were quickly greeted and shown to a table. That guy asked us if we knew what we wanted to drink and we quickly ordered a martini and a mojito. Then we waited... and waited... and waited. Another table was seated next to us. Our drinks came. They were stiff and good. Then we waited. And waited. Finally a waiter shows up. Incredulously, he goes to the other table first to take their order. WHAT?! Ummmm. We have drinks from the bar, clearly we have been here longer. I mean mug the other table, but know it's not their fault... Then he comes to us. We have been sitting there for at least 15-20 minutes, yeah dude, we know what we want to order. We order the Horseshoe which i had been hyping up to the bf since the mention of the groupon. Food comes. It's gross. Meat is not seasoned and dry. There is barely any cheese sauce and the extra side of it i asked for never came. Fries were meh. It was just gross and a horrible experience all around. nope. not even close. never again. 1 star for good drinks. minus all the other stars in the universe for crushing my love of an Austin institution.
(1)Karen G.
I have eaten here a few times for lunch, and if you get there early, you can usually get a seat pretty quick. I will say this: I love, love, love their french fries. They are a little different from the typical french fry- a little bit of a thicker crustier coating, but I love them. And their fry sauce is great! The rest of the food is good but just okay, maybe I am just not ordering other great dishes. Good place to stop by but a little bit pricey for what you are getting.
(3)Amanda M.
I had been wanting to try this place for a long time. The atmosphere was really great, the entire side of the restaurant facing west gate has a huge window- I liked that. The wait staff was friendly and prompt. I got the shrimp and polenta. I had no idea what polenta was before this but I really liked it. The shrimp were huge and cooked well and the polenta complimented the dish nicely. I really liked how unique the dish was- it seemed like you'd only find this at a fancy shmancy restaurant. It was $16 but it still seemed like a good deal. My dad got the vegetable stir fry and he could only eat half of it because there was so much but he really liked it. I tried some and it had good flavor. This was a really great place full of fun and friendly people. The reason why it's missing one star is because it's just not THAT unique. Call me picky but that's just what I think.
(4)Dan A.
They do a few things very well here. They make the desserts in house. The permanent chocolate cake is fantastic if you heat it up in the microwave just the right amount. The current mint ganache cake is also extraordinary. Beyond the desserts, the fries are special. They also offer lots of choices for vegans or gluten free eaters.
(4)Jules W.
HPBG - yes please! We've been several times and HPBG does not disappoint. The drinks, the food, the decor. Pretty fantastic all the way around.
(4)Leah R.
It was my first time there, and to be honest, 3.5 stars. I'm rounding down and will promise to re-evaluate upon another visit or 2 (so I'm saying I would absolutely go back). The wait was loooong on a Sunday night but at least there was a bar and a decent amount of seating. I ended up with a lovely glass of white wine my friend recommended. By the time we were seated we were STARVED so we went with an appetizer. I wanted to try their famous fries, and I thought we were ordering CHEESE fries, but ended up with CHILI cheese fries. Not their fault, but honestly? The chili was MEH and ended up making the fries soggy where I could tell they probably otherwise would be yummy. They reminded me of the fries at Alamo Draft House, honestly. The food was better. I went really boring and ordered a chicken sandwich and a side salad, but the cilantro dressing was DELISH and I used it for both my sandwich and greens. The sandwich was GOOD, and it's my fault for ordering something so plain, but I couldn't scream it's praises from a mountaintop. Definitely hit the spot though, and with the appetizer and what was to come later, I took half of it home so it was decently sized. We decided to split a desert, and ended up with the peach pudding. I secretly was pouting because I wanted the key lime pie and I'm usually not a gigantic fan, but this was the stuff dreams are made of - I was fighting over the last bites (and won!) and would totally get this again. Service was good and friendly, decor and feel was cool, although we were seated at one of those tables where you feel like you're right up in other people's business because they're seated so close.
(3)Donna W.
We ate here twice last fall and the service was horrible. I wrote to the manager who was very nice and said they would fix it and sent me a gift card to try again. Just went this week and sure enough, the service was great! The place was packed but our server was very prompt with everything like we were the only people in the place. Their sweet potatoes and their green beans are to die for. I dream about them. Their burgers were good and very large, too, and I really liked their mac and cheese the last time I was there. I know their fries are supposed to be a big deal and I love fries, but I didn't care for them. No matter, the sweet potatoes and green beans are better for me anyway! I also tried their butternut squash and goat cheese appetizer and loved that, too. My friend ordered the chicken fried steak and said it had a lot of gristle on it so he didn't care for it. All of my food was great! I am glad the gift card gave me the incentive to give this place another try. With the service so very improved from last fall, I will definitely be back.
(4)Addie B.
Gotta say, you gonna walk up in the joint and it be COOOOOOLLLLD! (this is mostly for the ladies, but I hate SHIVERING while I am eating) So you best bring a jacket. the LIKES: -In my hood -Good burgers -the $5.50 red wine is good -it's open LATER than most places -they'll split the plate for you the DISLIKES: -service is spotty, I found sitting at the bar is where I feel most welcome -you gotta pay extra for fries with your burger! c'mon! overall the pros outweigh the cons. I like this place over all. and they have fried chicken on Mon/Tues. I gotta satisfy those fried chicken craving sometime!
(3)Ruth R.
Delicious food and excellent service. The wait is never too long and they always have appetizer specials when you check in on yelp.
(5)Jennifer D.
Very underwhelmed by fries - totally not impressed and food in general. Waiter forgot my tea and charged me for it. He was nice otherwise. I ordered the salmon and it was drenched in butter and not salted enough. The collard greens with bacon were tasty. I would definitely not return. There's too many places in Austin with better fries and better atmosphere.
(2)Nick E.
Great food, great waitstaff, great prices, great guy at the door that greets you. Always save room for Wom Kim's Peach Pudding. They changed their menu recently and disappointingly got rid of the meatloaf, but everything on the menu is good. A mainstay when we are in the area.
(5)K R.
I love Hyde Park Grill. The staff is very friendly. I had the chicken fried steak and a sidecar. I've heard that the bartender here is one of the best in town, I don't order cocktails very often, but I really enjoyed this one. We also went around 8 on a Sunday and didn't have to wait at all for a table. In the best I've been on a Sunday afternoon and it was insanely crowded.
(4)Mandy S.
Hyde Park Bar & Grill, what happened to you? I've never had any complaints in the 5 years I have eaten here. In fact, you were the first restaurant I was ever recommended to visit upon my first moving to Austin. I always try to bring out of towners for your home cooking creations, but after going back today and realizing how drastically they have changed their menu, and experiencing the awful customer service, I was left completely confused and wondering: What went wrong? I used to order their crab cake meal- it was amazing served over sweet potatoes and getting 2 sides made it a huge deal. When I noticed today how many items have changed on the menu, including my aforementioned lovely crab cakes, I wondered what I would do. My husband was fine ordering his usual Horseshoe, so I went ahead and picked the next-best thing on the menu that was kinda similar-the Yankee Crab Cakes. Hey, how different could they be? How I was wrong. Our waiter was intent on speaking to us in transactions that either consisted of fewer than 3 words or a simple guttural grunt. When we thanked him for refills, he seemed like we were such a nuisance for being there. Really? I knew when the time came for me to pull out the Groupon we brought that we were going to get the brunt end of it, but at least we aren't ordering more food at that point. The crab cakes we horrible. My first bite into them was the wettest, mushiest crab I have ever eaten. Totally fishy and didn't resemble their old crab cake recipe at all. It's such a shame when a restaurant seems to change so much overnight. They drenched both cakes in a bland mayonnaise type sauce, it was so nasty I just ended up pushing it off to the side of the plate. The sauteed greens were okay, but I was so grossed out by the crab cakes and wondering why they tasted so weird (not to mention whether it was okay to send them back to the kitchen considering the service we were already getting). After a while I cut them apart so they kind of dried out, making them more edible. For a sec I was afraid that they weren't cooked enough, and that would have been bad. Wondering about food poisoning is never a fun thing. The husband's horseshoe was okay- I ended up eating most of his fries since I ditched my meal a long time ago, but he said the meat was well done even though he ordered it medium. I guess you really can't win them all. I'm actually saddened to think I will never be back, but it's going to have to happen. I'm sorry Hyde Park!
(2)Glenn R.
Pretty good service. I ordered the chicken fried steak and was mildly disappointed. The flavor was lacking big time. What did make up for this though was our excellent server. He was friendly, efficient, and knew about all the different items on the menu. Also, there was no wait, which was a plus.
(3)Tiffany W.
French fries here are overhyped. They're deep fried twice with buttermilk sauce but somehow still taste bland if eaten without the dipping sauce. My roommate and I split an order of the horseshoe. Large portion but it seemed like something I could've whipped up quickly at home with a slice a texas toast, a microwaved hamburger patty and a couple slices of melted cheese.
(3)Walker F.
I didn't really have any expectations going in here, other than to be fed. As such, Hyde Park met and exceeded them! An interesting spot...it looks pretty fancy from the outside with the giant fork with longhorns on it (classier than what you are picturing). An offical host greeted us at the door and we were directed to the U-shaped bar in the center of the restaurant to wait for our table. The bar looked like it would have fit in maybe at Vino Vino, as it was all wooden and had all the classics (instead of row after row of flavored vodka). The bartender didn't blink an eye when I ordered a lemon drop martini (with a splash of chambord) and my date an Old Fashioned. In conversation with the gentleman behind me this place has been around for quite some time, website says 1982 (maybe I should have guessed given that over 50% of the patrons were over 50). The tables are pretty close together in the dining area so its not exactly intimate. Art was funky - I really dug it - but given that the bar area was so classic, the dining experience was more...casual. The menu serves country fried steak which just doesn't really "match" with Old Fashioned ya know? I mean it works, don't get me wrong. I ordered the Chicken Fried Chicken and throughouly enjoyed the gravy and green chili mashed potatoes. My date got a pasta dish with fried eggplant that was awesome. Big portions, good value. Definitely a fan. PS. We also tried the margarita, but nothing really special to note. PPS. It was freezing in there. Maybe they have to keep in under 60 for the old folk, who knows. But bring a sweater.
(4)Neline S.
This is where Rusty Nails and I first met. They didn't have a lot of options on their drink menu and I was craving whiskey so Rusty was sitting there patiently waiting for me. My waitress asked if I wanted top shelf and I asked how much it would cost considering it was happy hour. She said $5 and then I wondered again why I drink in NY. Rusty came and he tasted so good my friend wanted her own as well. Hyde Park is specifically known for their french fries so my friend and I were pretty excited to be here and were deciding what plates to get that involved them. We could have gotten the sole order and split it between us but my friend wanted the burger so it would be pointless to get it considering it came as a side. I debated if I wanted steak since we are in Texas after all but it didn't come with the fries so I opted for the Horseshoe, which is basically beef sirloin on Texas toast topped with Hyde Park french fries. Yum! The beef sirloin was ok but the french fries were pretty good topped with tomatoes, cheese and chives. I saw they had dessert and my friend said the banana cream pie with caramel sounded great. It was a hefty size split between two people and that ended the meal perfectly. Overall, I think the banana cream pie trumped the french fries this time!
(4)Teresa S.
What do they put in that Balsamic Dressing? It's like candy. I can hardly contain myself from licking the bowl clean. The other items on the menu are "pretty good"; no complaints or raves. Like other reviewers, I am not on board with the battered fries. I have yet to try the fried chicken, since it is a "special" and not on the regular menu. I never seem to be there on the right day. It is a reliable local eatery though and definitely worth a visit. We found the service average. Good wait staff usually, but sub par bar staff. Just not very friendly or attentive :-/ We usually steer clear of the bar for that reason and so that is the only advice I can offer. Oh and be prepared to circle for parking.
(4)Melissa P.
This was maybe our third time going here--my coworkers and I with our boss. two days ago (on Wednesday at 11am). I don't know if people normally need reservations or not but we didn't. I had the Club Cordon Bleu special, which is the Wednesday special. See their menu online--they have a different special every day. It was $10.00 *and* it included their famous fries with the little cup of the dipping sauce that goes on the side! I ate all the fries, and took half of my sandwich home. The sandwich was so good. It was smothered with cheese... A few of my coworkers also got the Club Cordon Bleu special and they were very pleased too. They at it all (but later said they were very full--they tend to do this!:) The atmosphere is very pleasant. The walls are decorated with $300 paintings of probably local artists that you can buy. In the front of the restaurant is this HUGE fork that they sometimes decorate with something on top. This was definitely a good experience and we will of course be back.
(5)Matt K.
Good service below average burger! Burger had little flavor and came on a rock hard bun.
(2)Susan D.
I found myself at this restaurant after a long, hard trip to Austin, Texas by car from Chicago around the first part of July. After many days of extreme heat, I was still trying to rustle up an appetite. It's a really great vibe in this place - and during peak times, very busy, which is a good sign. Nonetheless, the 7 of us were seated right away, which really surprised me. Despite having a great little table in a somewhat private spot, the noise level was too loud to really converse effectively. So if you think you'll be able to actually talk and hear your dinner partners during peak times, guess again. That's important to know unless you don't mind shouting, straining to hear or just eating in quasi-silence. The food choices are quite amazing -- everything from standard fare to more interesting things like fried goat cheese and squash, which we tried. Fried food in extreme heat isn't too smart, but I like to try new things when I go out. For me, that's more than half the fun of going out to eat. I ordered the cornflake fried catfish which came with their "best of Austin" famous battered fries (delicious) and my choice of side -- two tamales. I like to order tamales out because I know what a pain in the neck they are to make. The cornflake fried catfish (which is also served blackened if you like) was really great -- and the portion was too much for me to finish. The fries were great, too. The tamale, on the other hand, left a little to be desired. I did finish one because I thought it may get better, but, alas, that was not the case. I found it just a bit bland and a bit dry, which is why I must give the restaurant 3 stars. It isn't their fault that the noise level was so bad ... but in this day and age, there must be something that a restaurant can do acoustically to rectify that. There really isn't much in the way of restaurants that I saw in the area as we drove through the urban sprawl that is this part of Austin, so it's really nice that it is there for the residents. And the quality of food, variety and service were really great, too.
(3)Cansu B.
We got the pimento cheese and cucumber sandwich, and the chicken fried chicken...both with fries. The fries are the best we've ever had!!
(4)Julie S.
Hyde Park Bar and Grill is by far one of my favorite restaurants in this whole city. My love affair with HPBG started when I was a Freshman at UT and my parents just moved me in to my dorm room. Of course, we went to HPBG as a farewell dinner and I think they fell in love with it too! Ever since then, I go to this place constantly. When the question is: "where should we go that everyone likes?", the answer is always HPBG. First of all...the fries. Oh. my. god. They are fantastic! Especially that mayo they serve it with. Some people opt to order the cheese sauce too, but I think its unnecessary. The fries stand alone and I think it is an appetizer-necessity for first-timers. I have had quite a few things on their menu in the last 5 years. I think the mac and cheese is FANTASTIC (great side dish...I've recommended it to a ton of my friends and they have all loved it). The Penne Pasta is alright...tons of noodles, but could use more chicken and veggies. Probably best left to a carbo-loader before a marathon - soooo many noodles. The burgers and sandwiches are great...especially the avocado chicken one. I love the Mixed Green salad with deli turkey...extremely healthy and filling! This is a huge salad, folks! The chicken fried steak is OK (never ordered it but thats what my friends tell me), so I'd skip that one. The service is always great. My boyfriend ordered a steak last time we went and there was pesto all over it (he is allergic) and they got a new fresh one out to him in MINUTES. It was so impressive. The drinks are OK. I would stick to wine or beer if you want to have a cocktail. The margaritas are best left to a tex-mex restaurant. Anyways, I love love love this place and have never ever had a bad experience. Great for a date, family or group of friends that wanna catch up over delicious food. Also, the atmosphere is adorable. Feels like you are visiting an old friend's house. MUCH better option if you are looking for American food than Chili's or Friday's. Also, I love the local art on the walls. Sometimes it is....interesting....but always makes for a good conversation starter. Go here. Now. Do yourself and your taste buds a favor.
(4)Calily B.
My friend was right, the fries here are bomb diggity! Not that I ever doubted her "fry rating", homegirl knows her fries! I had the CFS which had a great crunchy coating and the green beans were cooked perfectly. My boyf had the tuna sandwich, which he really enjoyed, and even mentioned that we should come back here sooner rather than later. That's big kudos in his book. My friend had a carbo load plate of goodness: CFC, fries, and mac n' cheese. She doesn't live here anymore so she wanted to indulge in all of Hyde Park's good things. I even had a coupon! Cha-ching! Good food and bucks saved? Sign me up!
(4)Jennifer F.
We continue to give this place a shot and are continually disappointed. The waitstaff is nice and helpful. The food is mediocre, at best. Seriously, the pastrami was flavorless and I had to salt the fries. I really question these reviews of 4 stars. Are their expectations this low? My husband had the pork cutlet it was "pretty good." He says, "Hoovers is much better." I do think the people are very nice and the experience is pleasant but I really think the restaurant is way over popularized.
(2)Erik W.
We dropped by the Hyde Park Bar and Grill on Friday to enjoy some food. There was a 25 minute wait, which we were more then willing to wait out after checking out the menu. We ordered up a couple of good drinks ($11 for a lemon drop and an Old Fashioned). Do bring an extra sweater/jacket. It's pretty chilly inside. Even though it was raining, Walker F and I waited outside the restaurant with our drinks in hand because she was so cold. The decor in the Hyde Park Bar and Grill was interesting. They had a bunch of really neat art that was made out of painted wood cutouts. The lighting was nice. It was a bit on the loud side, but not to the point where you couldn't hold a conversation. The restaurant is nice, but still fairly casual. The menu is large! Not a ton of stuff for vegetarians, but enough. I had a pasta dish with some AMAZING fried eggplant. The prices were very reasonable. It seemed odd, but they even had a stir-fry on the menu. The group at the Hyde Park Bar and Grill was very interesting. There were people who had to be in their 90s all the way to folks in their early 20s. Seemed like a great little restaurant. I'm going to find a reason to come back here.
(4)Charly T.
Things I love: House fries, chicken fried steak, turkey burger and for dessert -- definitely Wom Kim's Peach Pudding. The peach pudding is a must. I love the food, but the sides leave a little to be desired. The fries are some of the best I've had; I love the batter and the sauce that comes with it. The price is reasonable, as are the portions. My only complaint is how small and cramped the space is. I always feel like I'm becoming very friendly with the next table over . I wouldn't say that it's great for a huge group (although they do have a couple big booths).
(4)Holly A.
Even though I have been here several times through the years, I doubt I'll ever go here again. Why? Because it's AVERAGE. Not that I have a problem with average, I like average sometimes, but I do have a problem paying way more than average for average. And the surly attitude that can sometimes be found here is completely unnecessary. You know who you are certain servers and uptighties. Look around, you are in an old dirt creeping building with raggedy furniture, serving and/or eating a god damned hamburger and some fries with special sauce that will probably give you a special heart attack before you even get back to your car. That's certainly something to get all uppity about.
(3)Josh L.
Overall, my fiancé and I regretted eating here. While the wait staff was very nice, the food was ultimately disappointing. I think the food has potential, but our problem was that none of what we got had much or any flavor to it. Very bland. That included the fries, mac n' cheese, chicken fried pork, and the "cheese" mashed potatoes (which had no cheese whatsoever..?) My fiancé found herself dousing salt and pepper on everything, which she never does at restaurants. By the time we left, we were not full but had lost our appetites. Too bad, we had heard such great things about the place.
(2)Keri B.
I was skeptical yesterday about joining my hubby and my grrl here after work for a drink. They'd dropped her car off at Sears Hancock and were killing time at this bar. I guess I just associate Hyde Park with being a little cafe not a bar (even tho it's in the name) and after the day I'd had, I needed a Drink. No, a D. rink. As soon as I sat at the bar, Kevin, the bartender asked what I wanted. "Shot of Tuaca, chilled and a glass of vodka cranberry". He served me that Tuaca with a really nice pour in a snifter. Ahhh, after that and the cape cod, I could feel myself starting to relax. My grrl then ordered a glass of Torrontes and again, Kevin gave her a massive pour, so I got one of those too. By the end of my glass, Kevin was going off shift and, apologizing to my grrl first, I declared him my new best friend. I was feeling ready for anything. My grrl was fighting with her BF on the phone and we were debating on where to go next to get her in the most trouble with him. The Yellow Rose or DK Sushi (he hates sushi and would know we picked that so he wouldn't join us). That's when the new bartender, David, came on. David just LOOKS like an experienced barkeep. He reminded me of Eddie at Eddie V's. So hubby asked what his specialty drink was. He said he makes a mean margarita. I was skeptical again, but we ordered a round of those and he did not disappoint. Tequila with fresh lime juice....that's pretty much all it was and the first sip spun my head around. "Thish ish gooood!!" I wash feeling noo pains. All my shtressh adn worriesh, my grrl's fight with her man, my piesh of shit coworker were all drowning in the lasht shwig of my tequila ( shee? ther'esh my coworker dodging icesh cubesh at the bottom of my glassh...crush him! crush himm!!!!). I walked into thish bar grumbpy and lookin for a fight. I left tipshy, happy and shtill lookin for a fight (it'sh the tequila). Yay! Im' a fan! Exiting the front door refresshed into warm shunlight, I looked left. "That'sh the F@*#&ing Cheese Shop!!!!" (to be continued)
(4)Tom J.
How can anyone give this place a bad review? Did their taste buds fall off? Or maybe they just ordered the wrong thing. This has been one of my favorite restaurants in Austin for years. Some of the dishes I really enjoy include the chicken and avocado blt, the chicken and dumplings, the spinach salad with hot bacon dressing and the catfish. The fries are heavenly, crispy, greasy delicious morsels served with a decadent chipotle mayo. Hyde Park Grill has great desserts too. The Won Kim's peach pudding has deservedly been on the dessert menu for many years. It's like a rich, tasty combo of cake, pudding and peaches, warmed up and drenched in heavy cream. What's not to like? Most of the other desserts are rotated and changed out, which is fun since you never know what treats they'll have. I recently had a kahlua cream pie that was out of this world.
(5)Elizabeth E.
Oh my God, eat the mac and cheese! It's delicious! As a connoisseur of all exquisitely cooked southern comfort food, I love this place! The prices are okay, the atmosphere is pretty relaxed (appears at first glance a bit formal for Austin, but get over it - it's not!, and the servings where substantial (I came home with lunch AND diner for the next day). I sampled everyone's plate and didn't have a complaint! Only reason I'm knocking them a star is that I appreciate prompt service - throughout my entire experience. Our waiter was slow in refilling our drinks, and while he agree to split the bill between our parties, it took him forever.
(4)Wendy L.
I use to love coming to this restaurant but in the later years of my 5 years in Austin I found myself coming here less and less to not coming back at all. I use to enjoy the food here, but the last time I came back I found it to be average. Or maybe just a little bit above average? One of the things I loved getting here was the blackened catfish because it had an excellent flavor. I also use to get the horseshoe, but the last time I ate it I found the amount of fries they give you to be a little to much that I had to push them off to get to the burger. I also found the burger meat to be a little dry and overcooked. Plus I think they fries are good but I'm not a fan to say they're the best fries I've ever had. Also throughout the past 5 years, they have decreased their portion sizes. However the atmosphere of the house is great with the art they place on their walls. The waitstaff isn't bad either however there are times you might get a slow one. Overall I think this place is okay, but I just never crave this place.
(3)Diego S.
I'll keep it simple. Dining area: cramped, noisy, time your arrival or else you will be waiting. Service: Friendly and attentive. I wonder if that was a rarity seeing what others have written about the staff here? Food: Solid A. had the chicken sandwich and fries. Small but plump chicken breast that was seasoned well, strangely large bun (had to eat open faced as that top bun was two inches high LOL), and yes the fries were damn good. Lightly breaded perhaps...I actually tasted potato versus cooking oil.
(4)Lacey W.
I'm always leery of restaurants with huge menus, especially when they tend to be extra cross-cultural. I have yet to come across a place that can give me a burger, a plate of pasta, some steamed dumplings, and a decent enchilada all in one go. Alas, Hyde Park B&G falls into this "let's offer ALL THE THINGS" trap. My initial plan was to order the shrimp capellini. It sounded awesome-- roasted grape tomatoes, tender shrimp, hint of lemon. Yum. Except that it wasn't so yum. Soggy, wet, mushy pasta; rubbery, overdone shrimp; oily, separating sauce. I took three bites, because I try hard to never be the person who sends food back, but I just couldn't do it, children. (The pasta was taken off my bill without my having to ask, which was nice.) I aimed lower next time: steamed pork dumplings. These were... fine, but nothing to shout about. I couldn't tell if they were done in-house or frozen, but either way, pretty lackluster. The Thai dipping sauce they came with was astonishing, though. Nice job on the sauce. Everyone apparently raves about the fries, so my dining companions and I got a plate to split, and I honestly don't see what the big deal is. They're fries, and just not that special. Although I didn't have the fries until I'd tried the pasta, so maybe I was just bitter. The service was actually really wonderful. Our server was quite gracious about my polite request to "Please remove this horrifying pasta from my sight AT ONCE!" (no, I was nicer than that. Actually, I was pretty damn saccharine, because I never, ever send back food. I just suffer through.) All in all, not a good dining experience for me.
(2)Hannah W.
Just Meh. Nothing about Hyde Park is fantastic. And nothing is horrible. The famed fries have a great outer crunch with a soft center but I enjoy the sauce more than the fries themselves. The service is good but can be slow all around.
(3)B N.
Our second time at the North location in Austin. Friday afternoon with maybe 4-5 other tables. Upon entering the bartender made eye contact with both of us, and then looked away and continued with texting on the phone. No hello or how can I help you. Plain rude. After 7 minutes of standing at the door, a wait staff took us to a table. He did not introduce himself or tell us the specials or even say a plain HELLO! Rude IMO. The food, plain and boring. The order was mixed up, when we said what we ordered versus what we received, he huffed and walked away. All in all a bad experience. Never again. Food 1.5 stars. Service 1 star. Management, I hope if you do read these reviews you train your folks to be polite, courteous who enjoy working at your joint, otherwise you will be loosing valuable business.
(1)Rusty S.
Even Lamestreamers who live in Fake Austin need a place where they can pay a $10 location fee for the same reheated entree they could get at a chain near Parmer Lane. Like a stubborn trilobite refusing to acknowledge the Permian extiction, Hyde Park Bar & Grill still exists amongst the Yuppie masses of Central Austin yearning for yet another Farm2Table, heritage pork-friendly outlet. Only go if your Far West coworkers make you.
(2)David R.
I'm only giving it 3-starts because my sister tried something new (fried egg sandwich) and said it was good. However...WHAT HAPPENED? Apparently there's a new executive chef and he's changed the menu quite a bit. #1 The Chicken Fried Steak seems a lot "heavier" than it used to be. Thicker crust, smaller piece of steak...I preferred the thinner, lighter crust. #2 Hyde Park Fries- I don't think I EVER remember them being salted before. If they were, it wasn't over-salted with kosher salt like they are now. I left more than half my fries...I NEVER do that. #3 The Mac and Cheese was just a step above Kraft. I guess it's mainly on the menu for kids, but still... That said, some of the NEW menu items looked interesting, so I will still probably go back to try a few. The old favorites are not-so-favorite anymore, though. It's going to be hard not to order the old standbys.
(3)Emily R.
I'm over this place. Yes, their fries are pretty good and so is that remoulade. But recently I took friends from out of town here for brunch, and we thought the food was pretty uninspired. In particular, my sweet potato hash was really disappointing--dry, bland white/sweet potato homefry mix, topped with a single fried egg that would have been inadequate to sauce the so-called "hash" even if it hadn't been slightly overcooked and not runny enough for the job. Service was friendly enough and there was no wait, which I guess should have been my clue that this isn't that much of a Sunday brunch destination. This was my first brunch visit, and lunches there in the recent past have been, meh, fine, but I just don't think they're really trying that hard anymore. Hyde Park seems to be coasting on its past reputation and location rather than actually living up to its famous name.
(2)Kris K.
Had dinner here last night (8/22) with my hubby and baby and it was just blah. So the good things we had come to love about Hyde Park is their chicken fried chicken, wok seared greens and mashed tators and side salads. This evening we both decided on something different, he had a burger with bacon and swiss and I ordered the fried egg sandwich. Negatives: - We told them we needed a highchair, we were seated with no highchair I had to ask the guy again and then it was like he was in a daze he then asked me if I needed a high chair (lol). -Took so long for waiter to tend to us after we were seated. - Once we ordered we didn't see the waiter again until food was served. -Hubby's burger was "meh" not very flavorful. -My fried egg sandwich which comes with a Ham on it, I opted for bacon instead, came with one piece of bacon cut in half. My egg was not medium like asked but hard. -Hard to flag waiter down to get check and get out. So moral to this story is if you have a set thing you get all the time at one place and really have not had anything else, just keep it to what you know. Don't be brave.
(2)LaShandra J.
Came here for an office meeting, I thought it was odd that they had our table blocking the exits (but hey if something popped off and we needed get out we were right there lol). The food was okay, the atmosphere was nice, and our waiter was very nice and helpful. The best part was their chocolate cake I got it to go it was a HUGE chunk and very thick, I had to take it home. If you order ask for a scoop of ice cream YUM!!
(3)Stephanie F.
Hardly ever much of a wait here and I love the host. 4 stars is based mainly on the delicious fries and sauce and dessert. I could eat a pound of these fries and we got a large for our appetizer and I wasn't hungry one bit for my entree. That was good because I ordered the eggs Benedict and it came out cold. The hollandaise (sp?) sauce was sparse. The host overheard me saying it was cold and told my server and he came over to talk to me. I ended up just sending it back and not ordering anything else since I'd loaded up on fries. Healthy, I know. I had 2 of the raspberry margaritas, which were very good. Fresh raspberry puree and enough tequila to taste. My fiance got the the Horsehoe, which was just more fries, ground beef and a weird cheese sauce. Nothing special. Since I didn't have an entree, I ordered the peach pudding for dessert, which is like a peach cake, served warm with cream. DELICIOUS. The fries keep me coming back.
(4)Scott R.
Now that I've been here a couple of times, I'd say Hyde Park B&G is close to the epitome of a 3-star American food diner/restaurant. It's a solid place to walk to if you live in the neighborhood and to bring finicky guests but I wouldn't get in the car for it. The ground chuck burger is just mediocre. As is the Eggs Benedict on the brunch menu. I wasn't disappointed in either - but definitely a star below nearby restaurants in the genre like Blue Star Cafeteria or Galaxy Cafe. I'm also not sold on the french fries - which have been awarded 'Best in Austin' in the past. The buttermilk on the fries adds a nice crunch but there's not much there in flavor. The spiced mayo helps. I'll be back b/c I live in the area but probably wouldn't be back if I wasn't....
(3)Marsha B.
HPB&G has always been one of my faves - but based on Sunday brunch, they are slipping downward. I ordered a brunch item that had pancakes, bacon and eggs. I specifically requested that the eggs be "soft scrambled" and unfortunately they were extremely overcooked - practically needed a knife to cut them up! I filled out a survey presented at the end of the meal - received response from the manager today acknowledging my problem. However, the manner in which it was written was a further turn-off - moreless flippant, no true concern. I may end up going back some time in the future but not at my suggestion. Also, we arrived right after they opened - there were only 2 other tables seated and the hostess put us at a very small two-top table in an empty restaurant - another real turn-off. I certainly would understand this had the restaurant been close to full.
(2)Matt A.
Had some damn good fried chicken here with their famous french fries, yummy mac 'n cheese, and undercooked collard greens. Their downfall was definitely their collard greens, which were greasy and undercooked. However, those french fries and the sauce it comes with (mayo, celery salt, ketchup maybe?) are so good! The fried chicken was also crunchy, and very juicy.
(4)Wayne N.
This was one of the first places I ate at when I first came to ATX. I walked out impressed but at the same time indifferent. I got the horseshoe from a recommendation from the waiter. Definitely not what I was expecting (it's like eating a small mountain), but was surprised at the quantity. The quality was very meh, but the fries were good. But there were so many of them, I just simply felt sick halfway through trying to eat it. Service is kinda slow but wasn't expecting too much. I'll be back to try some of the other stuff.
(3)Kelly S.
Comfort food at its best, I had the chicken fried chicken (brown gravy please), fries and macaroni and cheese. Then we shared the peach delight dessert. Three words: Oh my god. Everything was amazing (except for the sorority girls next to us... do they take a class in how to shriek at a dog whimpering pitch???). Chicken was moist and crispy, fries were peppery and the macaroni and cheese was melt in your mouth lick the plate good. Then the peach thing. That thing is made with love and fairy dust. And heavy cream. Take half your meal home in order to get it. Seriously. The man got the tilapia which I didnt really like but the sweet potato chunks were perfect. The best part... our meal was only $30 and our waiter looked like Michael Bolton from Office Space. His name was Jared and he was the perfect server. Attentive, non obtrusive, remembered our orders, special stuff and all, and refilled our tea/water about 5 times. i didnt know what to expect from this place and was totally impressed.
(5)Phillip S.
Some of the better mac and cheese in town. Obviously the fries are good, but you'll fill up on them and miss out on some other goodness. Last time I had the Pimento sandwich, a bit dissapointing, but maybe it's just not my thing, was my first time trying. Oh and their lentil soup is decently good. All in all decent value.
(4)The D.
Food is good here. They try to hard. Too many hipsters have invaded this once grand Austin eatery. Kerby Lane is just as good and half the price.
(3)Bethany W.
I've been here twice and both times were great! First off, order the Reuben. It's almost big enough to split between 3 people and it is delicious. Other goodies are the burgers and the homemade fries. Overall, the menu reads like your favorites dishes that you thought only your mom knew how to cook but with more flare. Well, no one beats my mom's cooking (seriously she's that awesome) but when she's not around this fills the void. The decor has that trendy Austin feel and the service is quick and consistent. Parking is a bit of a gamble but know that you can park to the side and back of the building in case you don't see anything up front. Now, to get all those Yankee's out of Austin so I can afford to move there and enjoy this place more often.
(4)Kelly B.
5 stars for the fries alone! I love these fries. I crave these fries. When I left Austin to live in Kansas City I dreamed about these fries. I missed these fries. I drove 800 miles back to Austin and the first thing I did? Yep...I went to Hyde Park and ATE THESE FRIES! Oh.... the rest of the food is just for accompaniment. The pimento cheese sandwich was awesome, the Reuben just as good, the turkey muffeletta not so much. The chicken fried steak was pretty good but a little chewy. Did I mention the fries?
(5)Ryley W.
This was my first trip to Hyde park. I know there are a million places to eat in Austin but for some reason I can never decide where to eat. I suggested Hyped Park tonight because I LOVE French fries. Thin, thick, waffle, wedge..... So I ordered a burger and fries tonight. My waiter was very honest with me and said that he wasnt a fan of Hyde park fries bc they were too battered. Well personally I love battered fries (among others). So I ordered them anyways. My rating Is mainly for the fries.... The batter was amazing! Kinda like a peppered long John silvers batter (but tastier). But my main issue was with the crispness and saltiness! Everyone loves Micky d's fast food fries bc they are at least salty. These fries were just battered. There was no saltiness to lick off of your fingers at the end of the meal. So other than the unique but mediocre fries, good place to eatin Austin. Been there since 1982!
(3)Jeff M.
My family and I have been going there for a very long time and in the last few years the decline in food and service is so very disappointing. My daughter ordered a steak dish med rare and when it came out it was very, very well done, so I asked for a new one and it came out looking like grisly greasy dog vomit. Not kidding, I even took a picture of it and this is after waiting over an hour for our food. I asked to speak to the manager who was and wondered what happened and if he could see how gross the steak was and he blew up on me. He said he has vision problems and I apologized but he clearly had his glasses on and then he started screaming at us I again apologized for "offending" him but how would I know and pretty sure that is not my job to know. All of our food was so horrible it made me very sad. They need to get it together because it used to be a great place to eat and it feels like the owners just gave up. Hope they get it together soon.
(1)Gretchen D.
We've been here a couple of times recently and the food is good. The prices are average. Some things seem a little over-priced, others average. I've gotten the 4 side plate and the green beans, new potatoes, corn & cheese tamales, and clam chowder were all very good. A second time, I got this combo but got the lentil soup. I wasn't really a fan of it, but my husband said he liked it. The kid meal portions are quite large - especially if you get vegetable side instead of fries. I came a few years ago and got the "famous fries" and couldn't understand why they were famous. They have a batter coating on them that to me tastes like nothing. I mean, really, it's got less flavor than if the fries were just fried on their own. Our last visit recently, my husband got a burger and fries and I once again felt the same way about the fries. I love french fries. I love coated/seasoned fries. These really have zero flavor. It's like the batter neutralizes the potato flavor. We'll probably go back, as we live in the neighborhood and it's easy.
(3)Whitney W.
I have recently been trying other menu items.... I am completely addicted to the shiner battered green beans. It's like crack. Chicken fried chicken, delish. Bacon collard greens: perfect bacony goodness. They make some pretty tasty Bloody Maria's here too.
(5)Betsy H.
Hmmm.... yes, hmmm. I like to use that phrase when writing. Whatever, it's a very Betsy thing. So, James liked his meal. I mean, maybe he loved it. I took pictures of "the Horseshoe" being devoured... looked, well, like an amazing tasting heart attack - but in a good way. I wasn't hungry, which was unfortunate, so I ordered a salad with grilled tuna. Perhaps I should have NOT ordered that. Dry, grilled tuna = not exciting. Or good. I took someone's advice about the steamed dumplings. GOOD NEWS. At least ours were!! Order them, try them, and taste the hot chili sauce. Soooo, my verdict: I will go again when I am actually hungry. I loved the old-school diner atmosphere... that will call me back, if nothing else!
(3)Tama H.
The food at Hyde Park Bar & Grill is always just okay, with the exception of their fries. I love their french fries! The service leaves something to be desired. On a recent trip there for lunch our waitress got really grumpy and moody when my friend wanted to change her order. She kept up the attitude, for no apparent reason, for the rest of our meal. I have probably been to Hyde Park Bar & Grill more times in my life than most any other restaurant in Austin, due to sheer proximity, but bad service is unexcusable, particularly for a restaurant with solidly mediocre food. Sorry, HPB&G - I want to like you, but sometimes you make it difficult.
(2)Ananda C.
Nothing special, but consistent and yummy. I HEART fried egg sandwiches and they have a great version. I skip the ham. Drinks are decent, too. And since it's in walking distance from my house the loyalty card has come in handy many times! The decor is...hard to define. A mix of eclectic art on the walls and Elks clubs of yore. Go here if you are searching out reliable comfort food and leave any foodie snobs at home. Skip any attempts on the menu at non-traditional American (just say no to the pasta, trust me) and go with the familiar. They claim their fries are the best in Austin. I disagree, but I dislike battered fries.
(3)Priscila M.
Favorite things about Hyde Park? It's consistent and it's close to my house. I usually get the same things here - the chicken burger with guac and bacon and the eggplant vodka red sauce pasta (this isn't what it's called). I can eat this three times in a month and not get sick of it, and it's always consistently good. That being said, I've tried a couple other things there I didn't love. But if comfort food is what you're looking for, Hyde Park is the right place to go. It's not overpriced and the environment is super relaxed and inviting. It's usually pretty cold in there and kind of crowded (like many Austin restaurants that used to be homes) but I still love it and have never had a bad server. If you go to Hyde Park, YOU MUST GET THE FRIES. They're battered and delicious. Do not leave without trying them.
(4)Jessica L.
After several trips back to Hyde Park (usually when their french fries are calling my name) I've come to the slow realization that this may be the best comfort food in Austin. Now this is not the kind of place you should go if you are counting calories, which makes it such a treat when you decide to splurge. Favorite menu items: Chicken fried steak (Texas staple), Fried chicken (only served Tuesdays), collard greens (cooked in bacon, you can't not love them!), french fries (best in town), top it off with a banana cream pie drizzled in caramel sauce....oh man, making myself hungry. In summary, never a bad choice. Love this place!
(5)Nicolas L.
FIVE STARS OMG! I've been a regular at Hyde Park for years and have always LOVED the menu through and through. I thought the food couldn't get better... Until now. The new menu items are to die for. I had the Pan Roasted Chicken. It is an elegantly simple bit of perfection, the right balance of flavor and texture. My friend ordered the new crab-cakes, which she REALLY enjoyed. We both cleared our plates in record time. The service was friendly and informative, and our server was very attentive. Our drinks from the bar were PERFECT. I ordered a delicious mojito and it was clear there was a lot of care in its preparation. My friend ordered a manhattan, which she said couldn't be better... And she's a bartender. Overall, very satisfied. Hyde Park Bar & Grill still comes highly recommended. Thanks Hyde Park!
(5)dana p.
I like the food. I always have decent service. Nice artwork on the walls. The main reason I don't go to HPG more often is that finding parking can be difficult and I don't think the seating is all that comfortable. Just not the best atmosphere in town, but the food is very tasty and it's a nice place to catch up with friends for diner.
(3)Tim P.
great service, servers are always accomadating friendly yet still quirky (keepin' Austin wierd in there own way/good way) new menu rocks too! They really weeded out a few menu items that weren't up to par, improved on existing ones, and added some new flavors! Try the Salmon Blackened!!!
(5)Chucky P.
Fantastic server. I wanted to take her home and/or be my friend. Everything I tasted here was good. Got the veggie plate: cheese tamale, fruit cup, salad, and lentil soup. Was the bomb diggity. I'd visit at least once a month back when I lived in Austin.
(5)Gary K.
So Hyde Park, what is it really? A bar, a restaurant, a house, an institution, or a neighbor hood goodie? Maybe it is all of them. We started going her over a year ago, I have resisted going to Hyde Park for the last dozen years thinking it was a la de da place that I would not like. We went with friends and I came away with a feeling I should have gone years before I did. I had the Kobe beef burger and it was one of the best burgers I have had in Austin. Now every time I go back I order this burger. I order it medium rare which gives it the great ooze factor that I like in a burger. I also order the steamed red potatoes which are always good. My wife has ordered many of the different dishes including the meatloaf and the chicken friend chicken. She has liked all of them. I tasted her items and like them too. I will talk about the fries later. The Hyde Park location is an old house as most of you know, parking is limited and sometime you have to park on a side street nearby. It is in a quaint neighbor hood along with other places like a desert place, a grocery and a vegan restaurant near by. The house is old and the tables inside are really close together. They have a full bar as you enter and it will be right in front of you. If you are waiting for a table you will be standing right beside tables where people are eating. So get used to the closeness. The tables are so close you can many times listen in to conversation at the other tables. It is a good place to take a date. The locals that live in the neighbor hood like this place. Many of them are older UT professor types or hippie types that rent in the area as well as UT fraternity and sorority types. So a lot of different, diverse people eat here. The first time we ate there the tables near us had several people on dates, one large table of sorority girls dressed to kill laughing and having fun, they were great to watch. One table with an education god was dominating the conversation telling his friends how great he is and how his students loved him. Now for the fries, my wife loves them without the chili and cheese and she loves the special sauce that come with them. They have a special batter that they are dipped in with some spices as well. Most of my friends love them as well with or without the chili cheese topping. OK, I am sorry Hyde Park but there is at least one person in the world that does not like your fries. I do not like the battered fries at all, so that is it on fries. Would I go back? Yes, many times.
(4)Meredith N.
Great food! My boyfriend and I went here to go somewhere new in Austin and we weren't disappointed. The "best fries in Austin" were ok, but paled in comparison to the mac & cheese. He had the chopped steak which he describes as a solid classic dish and very filling. The atmosphere was really nice; a re-purposed home with local art on the walls and a nice bar right when you walk in. We went in late on a Sunday night and we were seated right away. Our waitress, Francesca, was helpful and attentive. We know we'll be back, this time saving some room for dessert!
(4)Felecia I.
My in-laws were in town and wanted to eat there, so off we went. I am not thrilled with HPG's service (having lived in the 'hood & eaten there consistently over the past fourteen years) but everyone else wanted to go, so.... The place was packed for lunch; however, the banquette by the kitchen was available, so we were seated quickly. Our server appeared promptly. She was polite but did not once smile during her entire time with us. We had to ask for water & coffee refills. There were five of us, and when we asked or extra sauce for our fries (4 out of 5 ordered dishes with fries), she brought out one tiny individual container. Um... what about for the 3 others? No follow-up to find out how the meals were. All in all, typical of the sub-standard service I've come to expect from HPG. Food was good: stuffed mushroom appetizer, fried fish & chips, footlong corn dog, chicken fried steak, fries, fries, fries. HPG is always good about splitting entrees, which I appreciate. As always, our cfs was split between 2 people, with each receiving nice portions of vege & fries on the side. Too bad rolls are no longer included with cfs order -- a cost cutting measure? We did not have to wait very long for our food, even with a full restaurant. Word of warning: springs are out at the tail end of the banquette, so whoever sits there will look & feel like a toddler. Same with two regular chairs I tried. Had to finally ask a table behind me to switch out one of their spare chairs.
(3)Esther S.
The first time i went i had the Pork Roast Shepherd's Pie. Omg it was amazing. It was full on pee my pants i want to eat this every day amazing. For dessert me and my husband ordered a slice of banana cream pie to go. Later that night, we fought over every bite of that slice. Although, i wish the pie had walnut pieces. Luckily, i had some in my pantry. Amazing. The second time i went i had one of the daily specials. King crab cakes. It was ok. Oh how i wished i had ordered the Shepherd's Pie. I had dragged my parents out this time and told them the food was amazing. They smiled and said it was good. They didnt rave about it... but neither did i this time around. Tonight i went in and proudly ordered my Shepherd's Pie. I had 3 bites total. It was terrible. I dont understand! Very bland. The first time i had this dish it was rich and flavorful and kinda spicy from the green chile masher top. This time i had large chunks of pork instead of the shredded. I had green peas that were different colors- bright fresh green and day old pea soup green. ??? what is that about??? And it was very bland. I was totally frowny face to my husband who also looked like he had a bad case of frownies. He had ordered the ribeye special. He said it was under seasoned and a terrible cut of meat. I'm going to chalk it up to that there must have been a different chef these last 2 times. I will still dine here to chase that first awesome shepherd's pie and when i find it, i'm totally gonna find out who the chef is and only go when he's leading the kitchen. The service is fantastic here.
(3)Jennifer P.
I was excited to eat here because they have a giant fork outside and lots of comfort food on the menu. I snatched up the Groupon and away we went. The best thing I can say about this place is that they have delicious peach cake (which they call Wom Kim's Peach Pudding). Another good thing, I guess, is that when the waitress comes and you haven't eaten much of your entree because it isn't very good, she will give you a credit on your bill. I noticed right away that the desserts sounded really good, so I purposely ordered two small things. I got the fried goat cheese & butternut squash and a small order of fries since they are apparently the best fries in Austin. The cheese and squash didn't have much taste and I've had better fries at Five Guys and at Chi'Lantro. About 45 minutes after the waitress brought our food I realized we hadn't seen her since. She didn't check on us once. I had to ask the bartender to get her so I could order dessert. But seriously, I really loved the peach cake!
(3)