Chez Nous

I love this place. I eaten there for several years now and am always pleased. Its a great place to take people to when they are visiting from out of town. If you're looking for a pretentious atmosphere and overly-complicated food, look elsewhere. This place has simple, good food with a relaxed atmosphere. I love the soups, especially the mushroom soup. My favorite salad is the Salad Lyonnaise. I usually get the steak but the Meuniere is always great. The lamb chops are so simple and perfect every time. I also really appreciate that the waitstaff is relaxed and friendly. Its no wonder their are so many regulars that dine here (myself included). Pros: food, friendly waitstaff Cons: parking more

My husband and I went ther tonight for my birthday and I have never wanted to come home so badly to write a review. I am a hotelier and my family is also in the the restaurant business and I was less impress with this restaurant. I've read many reviews for this restaurant and was quite excited when we decided to go there tonight. The hostess was lovely, the restaurant had a great vibe for a Wednesday night. We ordered their sampler plate which was to have a variety of pates, sausages and cured meats. When it arrived, there were no sausages and only one type of pate, a type which have never seen before. I told one of the waiters, there were 2 servers ""group"" serving all the tables, that the pate was less than desirable. In fact, it tasted like chicken salad sandwich, minus the onion, celery, etc. He told me that it was what the chef selected. Instead of suggesting that he bring another pate that I try, he walked off. I would have paid extra, it wasn't a freeby that I wanted, I wanted good food. The entrees arrived and my husband ordered the hangar steak which came out rare and cold, the waiter did not ask for a temperature. I ordered the lamb chops medium rare and the entree came out medium well. No server came to ask how our meal was util half way through, when I was half through my meal and my husband's food was no longer edible. He politely asked for them to warm up his meal, which they did, and he found his entree more desireable. To wrap things up, there are too many restaurants in Austin that has better food and better service at this pricepoint. I can guarantee that they have not stayed opend for this long with this type of service and/or quality. It is very quaint and can be so much more. Yes, I understand it's French and they are not known for their service, but guess what? We are in Austin and are very fortunate to have other places to go. I will go to those other places and will recommend that my clients, friends, and family do the same. Pros: location, ambiance Cons: everything else more

My husband and I went ther tonight for my birthday and I have never wanted to come home so badly to write a review. I am a hotelier and my family is also in the the restaurant business and I was less impress with this restaurant. I've read many reviews for this restaurant and was quite excited when we decided to go there tonight. The hostess was lovely, the restaurant had a great vibe for a Wednesday night. We ordered their sampler plate which was to have a variety of pates, sausages and cured meats. When it arrived, there were no sausages and only one type of pate, a type which have never seen before. I told one of the waiters, there were 2 servers "group" serving all the tables, that the pate was less than desirable. In fact, it tasted like chicken salad sandwich, minus the onion, celery, etc. He told me that it was what the chef selected. Instead of suggesting that he bring another pate that I try, he walked off. I would have paid extra, it wasn't a freeby that I wanted, I wanted good food. The entrees arrived and my husband ordered the hangar steak which came out rare and cold, the waiter did not ask for a temperature. I ordered the lamb chops medium rare and the entree came out medium well. No server came to ask how our meal was util half way through, when I was half through my meal and my husband's food was no longer edible. He politely asked for them to warm up his meal, which they did, and he found his entree more desireable. To wrap things up, there are too many restaurants in Austin that has better food and better service at this pricepoint. I can guarantee that they have not stayed opend for this long with this type of service and/or quality. It is very quaint and can be so much more. Yes, I understand it's French and they are not known for their service, but guess what? We are in Austin and are very fortunate to have other places to go. I will go to those other places and will recommend that my clients, friends, and family do the same. Pros: location, ambiance Cons: everything else more

We went on my Birthday, 2/13, they were very crowded, they have about 20 tables. We really loved all of the food the wine and the service. We ended up parking at the Courtyards parking lot ($10) but it was worth it, they have parking out front but only a few spots. We will be going back again soon. Pros: Parking Cons: Food more

We went on my Birthday, 2/13, they were very crowded, they have about 20 tables. We really loved all of the food the wine and the service. We ended up parking at the Courtyards parking lot ($10) but it was worth it, they have parking out front but only a few spots. We will be going back again soon. Pros: Parking Cons: Food more

We love dining at Chez Nous. The service, food, wine selection, atmosphere...it's all great. Nice overall package. more

We love dining at Chez Nous. The service, food, wine selection, atmosphere...it's all great. Nice overall package. Last I dined there we had a party of 6. We made reservations ahead of time, as reservations are accepted in parties of 6 or more. I was pleased to see a large party (like more than 15 people) being accommodated later in the evening (say, 8pm). Based on this, I've planned to have a surprise dinner there for my significant other in a few weeks and just called to make the reservation for 12. Unfortunately, the gentleman answering the phone was not willing to oblige my request and upon hearing my dissappointment said that he MIGHT be able to accommodate us but we'd have to dine at 6pm and he'd have to call me later this afternoon to let me know for sure. I seem to remember the owner/manager being quite friendly with that large party on our last visit. Perhaps you have to know someone to get special treatment. Too bad it's considered special treatment. I'm eager to find out his response to me later, however my taste for this place has already been tainted. So much for loyalty to regular customers. more

I called ahead on a Friday early evening and was told no reservations taken for 2, but that ""it wasn't too crazy"". Ominous words, usually, but we were pleasantly surprised to find them to be true. When we arrived the place was full, but several tables had just cleared out and we waited maybe 10 minutes. This time was spent at the bar where a very nice bartender quickly greeted us and took drink orders. Unlike some places in town where the bar can be vibey and awkward, this was very comfortable and the bartender charming without being overly attetive. Next to the table - again a nice, normal (thank you!) hostess. We had several wait people throughout the course of dinner - all of whom were interesting in their own ways and receptive to talk about the food and wine we were ordering with no pretention. We both had the price fix menu du jour ($25.50 for 3 courses) and the charcuterie plate ($15-ish) as an extra to start. The salami and rillettes, along with a serrano-like ham were delicious and the traditional gherkins and nicose olives as well - we had the grainy mustard (vs smooth) and ate the whole generous plate with the soft, warm french bread. Salad Lyonnaise next for both was just the right size with a perfectly poached egg and a soft vinagrette. Followed by the Drum for me and the beef tenderloin for my husband. Both dishes were wonderful, perfectly cooked and accompanied by subtle sauces. Finally for dessert you can chose from the 3 on the price fix menu or for $2 extra have anything off the dessert menu. I had the very tart (in a good way) lemon tart and my husband the chocolate mousse. Both again delicious and rustic. Overall, this is my new favorite spot in Austin and especially for the ridiculous cheapness of the price fix menu. From the kir to the cheese, truly lovely. We will go there often. more

I called ahead on a Friday early evening and was told no reservations taken for 2, but that "it wasn't too crazy". Ominous words, usually, but we were pleasantly surprised to find them to be true. When we arrived the place was full, but several tables had just cleared out and we waited maybe 10 minutes. This time was spent at the bar where a very nice bartender quickly greeted us and took drink orders. Unlike some places in town where the bar can be vibey and awkward, this was very comfortable and the bartender charming without being overly attetive. Next to the table - again a nice, normal (thank you!) hostess. We had several wait people throughout the course of dinner - all of whom were interesting in their own ways and receptive to talk about the food and wine we were ordering with no pretention. We both had the price fix menu du jour ($25.50 for 3 courses) and the charcuterie plate ($15-ish) as an extra to start. The salami and rillettes, along with a serrano-like ham were delicious and the traditional gherkins and nicose olives as well - we had the grainy mustard (vs smooth) and ate the whole generous plate with the soft, warm french bread. Salad Lyonnaise next for both was just the right size with a perfectly poached egg and a soft vinagrette. Followed by the Drum for me and the beef tenderloin for my husband. Both dishes were wonderful, perfectly cooked and accompanied by subtle sauces. Finally for dessert you can chose from the 3 on the price fix menu or for $2 extra have anything off the dessert menu. I had the very tart (in a good way) lemon tart and my husband the chocolate mousse. Both again delicious and rustic. Overall, this is my new favorite spot in Austin and especially for the ridiculous cheapness of the price fix menu. From the kir to the cheese, truly lovely. We will go there often. more

I really wanted to give it 3.5 stars but thats not an option. I picked this place for my fiance's birthday dinner and we both had the fixed price tasting menu for $25.50. more

I really wanted to give it 3.5 stars but thats not an option. I picked this place for my fiance's birthday dinner and we both had the fixed price tasting menu for $25.50. OVERVIEW: The tasting menu is a great value for the amount of food you get for the price. Things can be hiit or miss. Certainly a place worth trying at least once. ATMOSPHERE: Romantic - deep red paint, candles on tables, and white xmas lights around the windows Casual attire - the staff wore mainly jeans... with a button down for guys and with a cute top for the ladies SERVICE: Everyone was very nice, very non-stuffy, wait times were minimal but we went a little before 7:30 PM; it got very crowded around 8:30 so I would imagine that would be a different story WINE: not a huge selection but certainly seemed like good picks, we got the cheaper of the 2 merlots for just $20 and it was not bad at all FIRST COURSE 1. Salad - nice big portion for a tasting menu, lacking somewhat in flavor, the dressing tasted mostly of oil (which doesn't really have a taste), fresh quality ingredients 2. Duck Pate - another very large sized portion; very liver tasting (so if you don't like liver, don't get this; fortunately i like the taste of liver) not much of any other flavor and the bread to spread it did not remind me of the kinds I had while in France ENTREE 1. Steak - smaller tasting menu portion; perfectly done, flavored, juicy, and tender 2. Trout - moderate portion; great flavor, nice candied pecan accents DESSERT 1. Chocolate mousse: very generous portion; a lot of cocoa (which means not so much flavor as cocoa plain can be bitter yet flavorless), very barely sweet, not dry as one reviewer said but it was not something I would not get the next time 2. Caramel custard: basically a flan and it's delicious, perfectly sweet (not overly), great consistency; would certainly recommend more

A great place for a fancy night out. Great food and wine and not at all pretentious (at least not on Tuesday night!) I suspect many of the negative reviewers were hoping for a snobby French place to make them feel like big shots. This is not that place. it is homey, small, and you've basically got Texan employees speaking French, except for the owner, who I've heard is French-Canadian. Pros: comfortable, not snobby, great food Cons: short wine list (but good!) more

A great place for a fancy night out. Great food and wine and not at all pretentious (at least not on Tuesday night!) I suspect many of the negative reviewers were hoping for a snobby French place to make them feel like big shots. This is not that place. it is homey, small, and you've basically got Texan employees speaking French, except for the owner, who I've heard is French-Canadian. It was a great meal (duck and lamb were awesome, creme brulee is great) and wasn't nearly as expensive as I had expected. This is what a great restaurant is like before the pretentious yuppies find it and ruin it. That it's stayed that way for so long is a miracle. Tres bien! Pros: comfortable, not snobby, great food Cons: short wine list (but good!) more

It's been over a month since my last visit to Austin and I still crave their duck (and the fig and nut dressing/relish) dish. The duck was perfectly cooked, full of flavor and enhanced by the texture and taste of the fig, the nuts, and a decadent reduction sauce. My thanks to the young lady who recommended this dish(hostess/manager?). Can't wait for my next visit to Austin and Chez Nous. Pros: Excellent service Cons: Parking more

It's been over a month since my last visit to Austin and I still crave their duck (and the fig and nut dressing/relish) dish. The duck was perfectly cooked, full of flavor and enhanced by the texture and taste of the fig, the nuts, and a decadent reduction sauce. My thanks to the young lady who recommended this dish(hostess/manager?). Can't wait for my next visit to Austin and Chez Nous. Pros: Excellent service Cons: Parking more

Love this place every time we go! The food is absolutely delicious. I always end up ordering the Salad Lyonnaise and one of their steaks. Always impeccable. The atmosphere is very cool and laid-back. If you're looking for a pretentious waiter to dote on you hand and foot, this isn't the place for you because that's not what it's about. It's all about sitting for hours, drinking several bottles of wine, eating way too much wonderful food and talking about the experience for days afterward. Pros: Too many to list. Cons: Check gets pricey before you know it. more

Love this place every time we go! The food is absolutely delicious. I always end up ordering the Salad Lyonnaise and one of their steaks. Always impeccable. The atmosphere is very cool and laid-back. If you're looking for a pretentious waiter to dote on you hand and foot, this isn't the place for you because that's not what it's about. It's all about sitting for hours, drinking several bottles of wine, eating way too much wonderful food and talking about the experience for days afterward. Pros: Too many to list. Cons: Check gets pricey before you know it. more

Wonderful cottage atmosphere but the $25 prix fixe wasn't impressive. my steak felt tough and was smothered... more

Wonderful cottage atmosphere but the $25 prix fixe wasn't impressive. my steak felt tough and was smothered in roquefort and the rest of the meal w... more

Haven't been to this restuarant for a few years but I thought the food and service was excellent. Am passing through Austin again so will be going to this restuarant again so may write another review after going there again. Pros: food + service Cons: parking more