2944 E 12th St

Austin, TX 78702

I really wanted to love here but after a friend asked me how I liked it I found myself pausing. The restaurant has a nice vibe but it is counter service so right when you walk in you have to make your decision of what you want to eat right then and there. Makes getting explanations for a dish awkward if people are waiting in line behind you. The menu is quite limited and upon advice it takes about 5 or 6 items to get a good serving. The gazpacho sounded amazing but is only 8oz. Splitting that? That’s silly. So $14 for a small bowl of soup. The cucumber starter was very underwhelming. The gazpacho was fantastic, followed by the steak only 5oz so we also got another main of the fish which was all delicious. Add in a 3% health tax and a 20% tip for barely any table service and you’re pushing $75 a person. I left content, not full, not hungry, but passed on the $8 cookie out of principle. If I’m coming to spend nearly $100 on a meal I’d enjoy the full experience, not a rushed order line like at a fast food restaurant. Completely takes away from what I think should have been closer to $40pp for what we got. Serve me at the table and I think 50-60$ all in could have worked. But I’d rather spend the money at a full service restaurant for the experience or be told that your prices include living wage plus health charge to bring in line with value/service provided.

Birdie's is a quaint restaurant located on East side. Parking is not convenient and you will have to drive around the neighborhood to find street parking. It's first come, first served with no reservations allowed, they need the whole party to be present before ordering. You order at the counter and then choose your table, either inside (very few tables) or outside (cute patio). Every single plate we had was really tasty and perfectly balanced. I believe they change their menu seasonally so I would recommend going back once in a while to try other dishes. Overall, a good spot for date night or special occasions.

Good people, awesome atmosphere, food and presentation were great. Loved it.

Amazing place. 5 stars.

Honestly one of the best meals I’ve eaten in recent memory. Phenomenal.

Obsessed with this place. We have eaten here 4 or 5 times now and every meal has been delicious - the pasta in particular is some of the best I’ve had. Love that they switch up the menu regularly so you can always try something new!

We got there at exactly 4:30 pm and were the 3rd party in line, but had to wait for the people in front of us to order at the counter before we could even step inside the restaurant. Not the best system for being in the Texas heat. The radish toast had way too much butter. The panisse lacked crisp and flavor. And the snapper was overcooked. The good part was the dishes were actually coursed out (I did not expect this from a place with counter service). They waited for us to finish one dish before bringing out the next.

Fabulous food , a cool vibe and the best thought out wine list you’ll ever see !

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