Overrated Austin restaurants?

[Stunns38 3460]

I remember when the Oasis burned down then they went into hyper expansion. Used to love Latin salsa Sunday watching
lovely MILFS shake their hips. That wasn’t overrated.


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[Bottlecap 1523]

Ever since Oasis Brewing decided to do a kitchen I couldn't imagine why anyone would decide to go to the shitty Oasis.

[irishtexan 11511]

I understand that you're paying for the view at the Oasis.What I don't understand is why they don't hire a real chef and serve decent food. It's really not that hard. I understand the answer is that they don't have to, and that they're always booked anyway so why waste unnecessary resources upping their food game. But damn, that place could be a destination restaurant for the entire State of Texas if they gave two shits about the food.

[BearCountry11 1234]

Glad to see some mention of PHP’s pizza on here.  I thought it was atrocious and was called crazy for that.  Still go for the beer all the time but can’t remember the last time I ate there.

I’ll throw TopGolf into the mix.  Granted most don’t go there for the food but it’s awful.  It’s the kind of menu where nothing sounds all that great and I always end up disappointed 

 

[utee94 15800]

I'm not sure why anyone is mentioning PHP as "overrated" when their pizza has been widely criticized for years.  That said, PHP's pizza has gotten a lot better over the past couple of years.  It's still not going to win any awards, but it's decent.

The pizza rolls are very good, and the beer is excellent.  But talking food only, I don't think it's ever been "rated" highly enough by anyone, to ever refer to it as "overrated."

 

 

[Jerry Callo 8695]

1 hour ago, irishtexan said:

I understand that you're paying for the view at the Oasis.What I don't understand is why they don't hire a real chef and serve decent food. It's really not that hard. I understand the answer is that they don't have to, and that they're always booked anyway so why waste unnecessary resources upping their food game. But damn, that place could be a destination restaurant for the entire State of Texas if they gave two shits about the food.

They could hire Wolfgang Puck as the chef, but with the volume and desire to get people in and out of the restaurant, the results would likely be the same.  Since the food is secondary to the atmosphere for most who go there, I think it would be better to have a more limited menu - burger, fajitas, a couple salads.  No reason to try to serve steaks and seafood.

Edited April 17, 2018 by Jerry Callo

[Red Six 131]

I don't think most of you know what "overrated" means.

99 percent of the places mentioned here are casual restaurants where you can get a plate of food and a drink or two for $20. Would any of you really suggest Denny's or IHOP over Magnolia or Kerby; or Chili's over Maudie's or Trudy's?

Most of you are wrong. Except for Guero's. That place sucks.

[Kringelbert Fishtybuns 943]

38 minutes ago, utee94 said:

I'm not sure why anyone is mentioning PHP as "overrated" when their pizza has been widely criticized for years.  That said, PHP's pizza has gotten a lot better over the past couple of years.  It's still not going to win any awards, but it's decent.

The pizza rolls are very good, and the beer is excellent.  But talking food only, I don't think it's ever been "rated" highly enough by anyone, to ever refer to it as "overrated."

No shit.  PHP is a brew pub that makes fantastic beers and has a top notch guest tap list.  They also serve pizza.  Nobody goes there for the pizza and stays for the beer.

And the answer to the question forever will be Jeffrey's (both versions).

Edited April 17, 2018 by Kringelbert Fishtybuns

[Hank_Hill 18789]

The pizza is also currently fine. There’s much better in the city but it isn’t “garbage”

[4th&Five 41506]

Last time I had pizza there it looked and tasted like it had been microwaved for too long. It wasn’t long ago either. 

[Brisketexan 105050]

The pizza is also currently fine. There’s much better in the city but it isn’t “garbage”

That’s where I am. It’s perfectly passable pizza. Good beer. Nice evening.

[Hank_Hill 18789]

I’m also a sucker for peppadews though.

[D_Goose 489]

What y'all are doing with saying some of these places are "overrated"... I see it.

I also agree that all of these shitty, overpriced, crowded restaurants named in this thread are overrated. Especially the aforementioned Pinthouse, Hopdoddy and Amy's. Shitty shitty shitty. People should stop going. Spread the word.

[Spoosner 86]

Queso especial starter, Migas & fajitas, and 2 mexican martinis at Trudy's is one of my favorite meals.  Don't hate.

[irishtexan 11511]

PHP's pepperoni rolls are actually pretty good. Get a couple two/three of those and you're set

[HenryJames 66035]

They put poblano peppers on one of their pizzas. 

Poblano peppers.

[Underdog 28544]

 

17 hours ago, swTXSU said:

Damn, I miss that place

So does Mike’s mom. 

[UT Lawnghorn 758]

Seriously you fuckers. Go to PHP. Get a beer. While drinking the first, go ahead and hop back in line and order another.  In the meantime, have a friend who you buy a beer for on your second time through the line order pizza rolls and the Armadillo. By then, go get another beer.  Smash some very good pizza rolls and a pretty good but not great pizza while very buzzed.  Enjoy. Profit.

[PatSolitanojr 518]

23 hours ago, jimmyjazz said:

I've had some great burgers at Hopdoddy's and Casino.  I'm sure there are plenty of other good burgers in Austin, but I'd like to see the definitive Top 10 list, because if those two aren't on it I'm missing some damn good options.

I know Hopfield's gets a lot of love.  I'll assume it's Top 10.

I like plenty of bar burgers like Roaring Fork, etc. but they're not exactly transcendent.  Where are all these hidden gems hiding out?

I used to live in an apartment directly behind Crown & Anchor. I gotta say it's my favorite place in town when I'm craving a burger. Nau's drug is kind of a cool experience for a burger. 

[Hank_Hill 18789]

1 hour ago, HenryJames said:

They put poblano peppers on one of their pizzas. 

Poblano peppers.

Do they make you order that one now? If so, out.

[Orange&White 5521]

1 hour ago, PatSolitanojr said:

Nau's drug is kind of a cool experience for a burger. 

Sure, if you have an hour or two to wait for a burger.

The last two times I've been, I've watched the girl make one ticket at a time. She won't start a single item from the next order until the entire first order is complete. I waited an hour the last time and there were only 3 other tables there ( 2 top, 2 top, 3 top) and there were only 2 of us.

[jimmyjazz 45880]

Well, it's not spelled "Now's Drug" for a reason.

[HenryJames 66035]

1 hour ago, UT Lawnghorn said:

...and the Armadillo.

Extra virgin olive oil, house cheese blend, local artisan sausage, poblano peppers, ricotta cheese, and cilantro.

[utee94 15800]

12 minutes ago, HenryJames said:

Extra virgin olive oil, house cheese blend, local artisan sausage, poblano peppers, ricotta cheese, and cilantro.

Yup, I like that one.  Why do you hate Poblano peppers?

But the one I get the most often is the Banh Mi.  Or, just a pizza roll and a salad, to save room for more beer.

[Hank_Hill 18789]

While we’re on the subject, how do people feel about ABGBs pizza? BLUEBERRIES AAAHHHHHH

[CooterBrown 18002]

I’m also a sucker for peppadews though.

Had the Ooh La La for lunch today. I like it.

[Firemans4Horn 18034]

Had Amy’s ice cream today at the airport. Awful. 

[UT Lawnghorn 758]

3 hours ago, HenryJames said:

Extra virgin olive oil, house cheese blend, local artisan sausage, poblano peppers, ricotta cheese, and cilantro.

Put that one in there just for you. 

 

[Deej 76751]

 
So does Mike’s mom. 

George is Mike.

[utee94 15800]

George likes his chicken spicy.

[Stunns38 3460]

I understand that you're paying for the view at the Oasis.What I don't understand is why they don't hire a real chef and serve decent food. It's really not that hard. I understand the answer is that they don't have to, and that they're always booked anyway so why waste unnecessary resources upping their food game. But damn, that place could be a destination restaurant for the entire State of Texas if they gave two shits about the food.

They did a few times from what I heard but they couldn’t retain a decent head chef likely due to the high volume and cheap owner.


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[ChickenSandwich 9824]

5 hours ago, Hank_Hill said:

While we’re on the subject, how do people feel about ABGBs pizza? BLUEBERRIES AAAHHHHHH

Respect the no substitution policy. It is what it is and deal with it. Perfectly above average pizza. 

[Bottlecap 1523]

That cheeseburger pizza by PHP is top shelf

[texasdago 7563]

On 4/16/2018 at 1:53 PM, Brisketexan said:

Gueros is mediocre for every thing...except one.  Their tacos al pastor are really, really good (or at least they were, last I went a coupla years ago).

It's the only thing I get there -- tacos al pastor and a cold beverage, and I'm happy.

Otherwise....yeah, overrated.

Yup - tacos al pastor are the way to go. 

[Gourmand 7774]

On 4/16/2018 at 3:03 PM, Doc Holliday said:

I'll keep an eye out for her as they are right around the corner from me and I really hope they figure out their operations as half the menu wasn't available and everything was slow to come out.

Are you in Windsor Park or University Hills? I live close by as well and am looking forward to having a drink and appetizers at their bar one night. The place looks great.

[Hank_Hill 18789]

1 hour ago, ChickenSandwich said:

Respect the no substitution policy. It is what it is and deal with it. Perfectly above average pizza. 

Oh I’m a fan

[futureman 22440]

3 hours ago, utee94 said:

George likes his chicken spicy.

george, there’s nothing I hate more than a liar. 

[South Austin 52442]

19 hours ago, Red Six said:

I don't think most of you know what "overrated" means.

99 percent of the places mentioned here are casual restaurants where you can get a plate of food and a drink or two for $20. 

Cheap restaurants—like Matt's El Rancho—can be overrated.

[Texas007 195]

The Hula Hut

I haven't found anything there that is worth a shit

[utee94 15800]

18 minutes ago, Texas007 said:

The Hula Hut

I haven't found anything there that is worth a shit

Mexonesian shrimp flautas appetizer is tasty.

[DanRydell 799]

The Hula Hut
I haven't found anything there that is worth a shit

The queso and fajitas are solid but not really worth the pain in the ass it typically is to go there between the waits and parking. It also seems to have gone downhill a bit since Chuy’s sold it off.

[ChickenSandwich 9824]

Chicken pipeline enchilada + queso/chips/salsa/ass

 

*and stripper Sunday 

[BurdineBandit 815]

On 4/15/2018 at 5:09 PM, Captain Ron said:

Hideout Pub
Bender Bar
Pour House Pub
Hopdoddy
Jeffrey's 
Crown & Anchor
Counter Cafe
Vince Young's
Huts
P. Terry's
 

Glad you posted this because I was having trouble thinking of overrated restaurants I feel that strongly about.

But, 1. Hopdoddy. Overrated AF. $20+ for burger fries and a drink? It's not that f'n good. I'd rather get BBQ for that price point.

Also, Huts and P. Terry's are not better than Casino El Camino (and I'm cool with P Terry's). And whoever said Via 313 is overrated needs to get kicked.

[lonestar3 274]

6 hours ago, South Austin said:

Cheap restaurants—like Matt's El Rancho—can be overrated.

[jimmyjazz 45880]

3 hours ago, BurdineBandit said:

But, 1. Hopdoddy. Overrated AF. $20+ for burger fries and a drink?

A cheeseburger and fries at Hopdoddy is $11.  Yeah, it's "high" compared to Top Notch, but well less than Roaring Fork and equal to Waterloo Ice House, and better than all three.  I'm not sure I get the complaint (other than the wait, which is ridiculous).

[Jack Straw 2954]

2 minutes ago, jimmyjazz said:

A cheeseburger and fries at Hopdoddy is $11.  Yeah, it's "high" compared to Top Notch, but well less than Roaring Fork and equal to Waterloo Ice House, and better than all three.  I'm not sure I get the complaint (other than the wait, which is ridiculous).

I'm really not one who quibbles or complains about a few bucks here or there if I think something is good.  But this conversation made me think of my experience at All Star Burger this weekend- burger, fries and fountain drink - $18 and change.  wtf  

[Brisketexan 105050]

2 minutes ago, Jack Straw said:

I'm really not one who quibbles or complains about a few bucks here or there if I think something is good.  But this conversation made me think of my experience at All Star Burger this weekend- burger, fries and fountain drink - $18 and change.  wtf  

For a good, real-deal burger and fries for the family, we've really become a Mighty Fine family.  It's plenty good, consistent, fresh, not too expensive (feeding 4, including a teenage boy).  It's not gourmet, but it ain't fast food.  Different burgers make different sense at different price points.

I love a big-ass gourmet $15 burger sometimes.  I love a $2.50 thin patty bowling alley burger sometimes.  I won't pay $10 for the bowling alley burger.  And as far as gourmet burgers, once you get above $12-15, you're wasting money.

[Jack Straw 2954]

^^ right, i guess that was my point, that a towering speciality burger like casino or hopdoddy or houston's (bartlett's) is not something I have a problem paying extra $ for - $10, $12, $14, whatever -  and All Star just seems like a run of the mill non-fast food burger - to me anyway (not to mention the burger to bun ratio on the stuffed blue cheese burger almost made me laugh out loud).  that said, i haven't had a mighty fine in years - and that sounds pretty damn good right now.

[Native Horn 3498]

21 hours ago, Firemans4Horn said:

Had Amy’s ice cream today at the airport. Awful. 

Just wondering how it is possible for ice cream to be awful?

[jimmyjazz 45880]

Mighty Fine always seems just a little dry to me.  I like them enough because they deliver more burger and enough quality for just a bit  more than the bargain joints (PTerry's, Hat Creek, etc.).