Blind Salamander Kitchen & Bar

Server forgot appetizer, when entree arrived steak was undercooked (medium well requested) overall not a great experience

I would give this restaurant four stars for the food, service, and ambiance. But I'm leaving three stars because as a party of two we were charged 25% gratuity as part of our bill. We're good tippers and usually leave at least 20% anyway, but we had no warning about the included gratuity. If we'd been a party of 6 or more, we would have expected this, but there were just two of us. And since it was a prix fixe menu that night, it meant the wait staff received almost an $80 tip before any service had taken place. This soured an otherwise enjoyable experience. Now for the positive. The food was mostly delicious, especially the wagyu steak. It was perfectly seasoned and cooked rare, which we both loved. The cocktails were incredibly balanced and some of the best we've had in the area. We had a spiced old fashioned and a twist on an aviation cocktail. The service was attentive without being intrusive, and the waiter was professional and friendly. The ambiance is high end and romantic, though there were families present. You can definitely take your children here for a fancy dinner. It's a shame about the mandatory gratuity, because we had been talking about doing an overnight stay at the hotel and eating here again.

What an outstanding menu. Excellent service. Everything was very, very well done. Beautiful view from outdoor tables. Everything was top-notch.

Quite place inside the Omni Hotel Resort. Nice atmosphere and quiet. The food is very tasty and good and well presented. Not all the plates are in the pictures…. Lamp chop was good and a good portion size. Recommend if you stay in the resort.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I really hate writing bad reviews, especially for this place since I’ve been a long-time member of the club. But here goes…

Overall, the food was just bland, and in a few cases, downright unpleasant.

Shrimp Cocktail
The shrimp tasted like it came straight out of a frozen bag — practically icy, rubbery, and with that unpleasant “ocean” taste no one wants. The cocktail sauce tasted fermented, and the smell was so strong my guests asked for it to be taken away immediately. I can’t believe I put that in my mouth.

Lamb Cutlets
They arrived almost cold. I honestly questioned whether they were even cooked fully or just reheated. No flavor at all. The sauce was gamey in a bad way, and the vegetables were strange and unappetizing. Easily one of the most disappointing lamb dishes I’ve had.

Other Steaks
The steaks at the table were about as average as it gets — the kind of thing you’d expect from a basic chain restaurant, not a high-end resort dining room. Minimal seasoning, nothing memorable, and definitely not worth the premium price tag. For what they charge, the steaks should be miles better.

Kids’ Food
Not great. Kids are honest food critics — if it’s good, they eat it. None of it was touched.

This place desperately needs someone to step in and actually care. It feels like they rely on the nonstop flow of resort guests who eat here once and move on, so there’s no pressure to deliver consistent quality. It’s sad, because the location is incredible and the view is one of the best in Austin.

But the food? It’s bad. This was my second time giving it a chance, and now I remember exactly why I didn’t go back sooner.

And the price? $600 for four adults and four kids. For food this mediocre, that’s a joke.

Wouldn’t recommend — and it genuinely pains me to say that

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 3

Thanksgiving buffet was amazing. They have all the things that make it perfect for a family with different palates. Everyone was full and happy when we left

Our food and experience was incredible! Our waiter, Barry, was very attentive and kind. Every course we ordered was so good. We got the shrimp cocktail and brioche to start and I had the filet and my husband had the snapper. For dessert we got the chocolate crème brûlée. We can't wait to go back again! Would truly stay again at the Omni just to eat at this restaurant again. 10/10!!

Food lacked flavor. Service was really slow. Seated next to a large party that was super loud, which ruined the atmosphere. Expensive for the quantity of the food and lack of taste. Won't be back.

The service was fantastic. From the moment I arrived, without a reservation the exemplary service was poured out on me. The hostess was very personable. She even remembered my name when I left..

Barry, my server was excellent. He took the time to describe the dishes and most ingredients. He ensured my meal was cooked per my request.

The food was great. I had the salmon, carrots, and the reimagined peach Melba.

The views were spectacular. I was given the choice of indoor dining or outdoor dining. It was dusk and just incredible.

I recommend this restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Outstanding food and service. Beautiful setting. Definitely great place to celebrate anniversary.

First time here was extremely disappointing. And I really had high hopes.

I visited this place in the middle of the day and there were only two other people in the restaurant. So not busy at all. After ordering food I excitedly bumped into the tray and it fell on the floor and made a very loud clanging noise. Both bartenders seemed totally unaware of their surroundings. Maybe they heard the noise and thought I would just go away if they didn’t say anything. So that was what I did. Management: Please hire kids who can be professional. I would never recommend this joint to my friends.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 1

Blind Salamander exceeded my expectations. The oysters, scallops, and wine selection were exceptional. The view from the patio was peaceful. I will return.

We had a really good meal. The food was great, especially the octopus and the brioche. Service was incredible and the views were beautiful. Highly recommend

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wasn't quite up to normal standard. Service was meh and there were only three tables full besides a party of 11. Menu, disappointing. $54 for three scallops that tasted very fishy.

Porterhouse special was delicious! Very rich flavors. Get one and share. We've been eating leftovers for two days.