Braise

We just returned tonight from a wonderful Groupon experience. I'm used to doing my research - so, I'm familiar with the many reviews posted previously that spoke to this venues disregard for vouchers, separate menus, varying qualities... I want to start by saying we had a wonderful evening - fantastic food, personable service, and an overall experience that will, easily, bring us back through the door of Braise again -- and soon! more

Our party of four had dinner there this Tuesday. Each of us agreed that Braise was an excellent experience. The service was fantastic, the menu was creative and our meals were very good. The wine prices ranged from very affordable to must be amazing wine which is a nice change - having an upscale meal but not having to double the bill in wine. We will go again. more

My husband and I went to Braise last night and enjoyed a really lovely meal. We started with the french onion soup which was light and tasty. Also had the crispy pork belly with collard greens which was delicious -- the pork was crispy on the outside and so tender on the inside. I would go back just for the pork belly! We then split the osso bucco for our main course. Again, so well prepared and tender. The beef just melts in your mouth. Had a chocolate tart for dessert that was sweet and rich. Very nice understated service and chef Fred was out talking to the tables, greeting all the customers. Really nice experience overall. The atmosphere is a little lacking as the restaurant looks a bit worn, but this is easily forgotten once you taste the food. more

my husband and I were meeting an out of town friend, and chose Braise on the recommendation of a friend. What a well kept secret! Great service, friendly staff who made us feel like they were there just for us. The other patrons seemed to be having as great an experience as we were. The food is amazing! We were surprised to find such a great place in East Austin. Wow! more

I was a big fan of Jezebel and was excited to try Braise, especially after hearing some good reviews. Being 6 months pregnant and having 14 month old twins, I don't get too many 'date nights' and when I do I want something GOOD. Anyway, went to Braise tonight and was very disappointed. To begin with, when we walked in there was no one to great us for several minutes. We eventually seated ourselves. There was only one other table occupied so we had the pick of the place. It was chilly inside so we chose not to sit by the windows or the door. When our waiter showed up he noticed the table wasn't fully set up and if we wouldn't mind moving to the table by the window which had all the glassware, etc. We explained we didn't want to sit by the window. Then he informs us that it is BYOB because they don't have their liqour license yet. WHAT? I studied their website before we left the house and there was NO mention of this. Disappointing. We did get a comp glass of Chardonnay but that's not what my husband drinks. The waiter wasn't very knowledgeable of the 'new menu' so he had to go to the back to find out the answers to some of our questions. Our appetizers were good, I had French Onion Soup and my husband had Rosie's salad. We both ordered the Cajun blackened amberjack with the grits, etc and that was what was truly horrible. The fish was so tough you practically needed a steak knife to cut through it. And it was flavorless. Totally flavorless. The grits were watery and also flavorless. I could only eat one bite and I can't remember the last time that happened. I rarely complain but this was very bad food. I actually didn't complain while I was there which maybe I should have. It's odd that the waiter didn't ask me if there was a problem when he picked up my plate with only one bite taken. He asked me if I wanted it to go and I replied no. He still didn't ask if I liked it or not which I think is odd. I'm very sad to have to report this but I feel like people need to know and hopefully someone from the restaurant will read this and make sure this doesn't happen again. I certainly won't ever go back. more