My girlfriend and I had a delicious lunch. Congrats to the staff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Chop Dinner, Joe's Special and Biscuits and Gravy
Debbie D
Delicious, fresh farm to table food!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tina Poer
Great place for breakfast! We had Migas, Eggs Benedict, & bisciuts w/ gravy. Only food complaint was sausage. Had a metallic taste & was bland. Migas was wonderful and just right portion. Service was a little slow but staff was friendly.
Was sat on the patio, in a corner. Was completely ignored by wait staff, the hostess, and even what appeared to be the owner/manager...After having to flag someone down 15 minutes after being seated, we got service. Server was somewhat engaging and the ONLY reason there are two stars. The food came out within less than five minutes of ordering. While some may find that appealing, it gave me the sense that nothing was fresh-made. The biscuits and gravy was the most bizarre dish I have ever tried. The gravy was sweet and sugary, not savory. The biscuit itself was dry and tasted days old. We also ordered the grits, greens, and poached eggs. Underwhelming. Poached eggs were basically not even cooked, with runny whites inside. Disappointing meal. Horrible first impression! And to the owner/manager, try treating ALL of your patrons the way you did your two friends on the patio....they seemed like they had a wonderful time. Us...not so much. Do better. Complete waste of my time and money.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Kake N
Lucked onto this singularly authentic spot while visiting solo and was surprised by the creative menu, excellent service, outstanding food and selection. Hot was HOT. Cold cold. Fresh foods, many locally sourced, made and served promptly. Watching the chefs and staff was pure delight ~ a superb dance.Will recommend and return.I had Southern Poached Eggs ~ 2 served over excellent cheese grits and perfect collards. Fresh squeezed OJ. Very good coffee. Others’ entrees looked great. I could eat the menu.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Collard Greens with Bacon
Muge Dervis
Most unfriendly service place I ever been in Austin. Server seemed hated to serve us. They were too busy socializing with their friends...I asked for refil and she totally ignored my request...it is over priced for a mediocre food served. We will never go again....it was literally unpleasant experience!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Breakfast Tacos
Leander Benjamin
It was my girlfriend's birthday and we came here for the first-time. Excellent food, service, and
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Doug Villella
Wife and I went here for breakfast. The coffee was excellent, mimosas were tasty, but the food was some of the best breakfast we've had in years. The red quinoa and cream with fruit was delicious, and the Joe's special with eggs, sausage, spinach and potatoes was out of this world. Highly recommend, and we'll be going back again.Vegetarian options: Several veggie options, and substitutions with avocado instead of meat.Dietary restrictions: Offered some gluten free options for toast and other items that were not gluten
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Joe's Special and Biscuits and Gravy
J T
Our burgers DID NOT DISSAPPOINT. They were so good. Cooked how you like, fresh ingredients. Homemade mayonnaise. Get bacon and have them grill the onions on your burger. You will be glad you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Counter Burger
Beth P.
Wish I could give zero stars *** the short version is do not ignore automatic gratuity that is added. It shouldn't be there. The business owners do not care about you and allow their server to add tips before you even get to touch the check.*** I called in and To Go order and went to pick it up. When I walked in, I let the woman (blonde in her 50's) know I had called the order and she said it wasn't ready yet very rudely. I said that's fine and I was going to ask if I could pay ahead But she had already moved on to her tables. Some more people walked in. She greeted them nicely and asked them if they were dining in. They said oh, she was waiting first referring to me. The woman said she's waiting for To Go order aggressively again. At this point, I said I'd like to go ahead and pay, so I can leave when it's ready. She sat the table and got me the check. Here is the thing that I find to be very offputting. When I receive the check, there is an automatic gratuity already added for almost 6 dollars. The woman was so busy. I could not ask her about it. At this point I was just wanting to leave. I took a photo of the check and crossed off the blank area as I'm not going to double tip on an order that she didn't do anything for. I emailed them and they never responded. I emailed them again and still no response. My boyfriend works nearby and sees the owner very regularly and asked him about the gratuity and said that that's not something they do. I also cannot find anywhere on their website about automatic gratuity apply or any service fees. I know that there are places in Austin that do but they always advertises it. The owners wife ended up throwing a fit when my boyfriend went to get his own To Go order another time and asked about the automatic gratuity and referred to my experience that they already knew about because of my email. She says she responded to my email. Which she did not. Then she yelled at the woman server that she needs to stop adding gratuity to peoples checks and that she keeps getting asked questions. All of this outside and inside the business in front of customers.
We used to frequent the Counter Cafe on Lamar for years, and are saddened by the decline of service at the West Campus location. Had breakfast there on a Saturday morning. After our server took our order, we never saw him again until we managed to flag him down for our check. During our meal, we were unable to get refills on water, iced tea or coffee. I took my coffee mug to the bar to ask for a refill. A server at the bar was pouring coffee for someone else, and I politely asked for a refill. She asked if I were sitting at a table. Yes. Pointed to my seat. She told me my server would be over with more tea and coffee. Seriously? You're pouring coffee right as I'm speaking with you. I sat down with my empty cup. We waited another 10-15 minutes. No refills. My friend was finally able to get our server's attention for the check. If you're this short staffed, maybe don't try to seat every table in the establishment. I've been coming this restaurant for years.. used to take friends visiting from out town to the location on Lamar. After today's experience, we will not be returning. Not sure if Debbie Davis still owns Counter Cafe. If so, she should visit this location. Super disappointing.
Clara S
The burger here was sooo good.Also got the giant pancake and almost ate it by myself.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Keith Luger
Delicious. Very hard to eat quick. Very small and hard to get a table.
Emily M.
My two friends and myself came here for breakfast Sunday and the food was great, as was the service. However, after 40 minutes while we were still finishing our meals we were handed the check. We paid and remained chatting but we're promptly asked to leave by an older gentleman who I assume is the GM. He stated he needed to give our table to others who were waiting. It was surprising behavior, especially considering we were there enjoying our breakfasts and catching up having not seen one another in several months. We will not be returning.
Chill S.
Pretty solid. I don't get the low reviews. Had a Benedict and coffee. Friendly service. Not pretentious at all.
My girlfriend and I had a delicious lunch. Congrats to the staff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Chop Dinner, Joe's Special and Biscuits and Gravy
Delicious, fresh farm to table food!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great place for breakfast! We had Migas, Eggs Benedict, & bisciuts w/ gravy. Only food complaint was sausage. Had a metallic taste & was bland. Migas was wonderful and just right portion. Service was a little slow but staff was friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Counter Benedict, Migas Plate, Biscuits & Gravy
Was sat on the patio, in a corner. Was completely ignored by wait staff, the hostess, and even what appeared to be the owner/manager...After having to flag someone down 15 minutes after being seated, we got service. Server was somewhat engaging and the ONLY reason there are two stars. The food came out within less than five minutes of ordering. While some may find that appealing, it gave me the sense that nothing was fresh-made. The biscuits and gravy was the most bizarre dish I have ever tried. The gravy was sweet and sugary, not savory. The biscuit itself was dry and tasted days old. We also ordered the grits, greens, and poached eggs. Underwhelming. Poached eggs were basically not even cooked, with runny whites inside. Disappointing meal. Horrible first impression! And to the owner/manager, try treating ALL of your patrons the way you did your two friends on the patio....they seemed like they had a wonderful time. Us...not so much. Do better. Complete waste of my time and money.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Lucked onto this singularly authentic spot while visiting solo and was surprised by the creative menu, excellent service, outstanding food and selection. Hot was HOT. Cold cold. Fresh foods, many locally sourced, made and served promptly. Watching the chefs and staff was pure delight ~ a superb dance.Will recommend and return.I had Southern Poached Eggs ~ 2 served over excellent cheese grits and perfect collards. Fresh squeezed OJ. Very good coffee. Others’ entrees looked great. I could eat the menu.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Collard Greens with Bacon
Most unfriendly service place I ever been in Austin. Server seemed hated to serve us. They were too busy socializing with their friends...I asked for refil and she totally ignored my request...it is over priced for a mediocre food served. We will never go again....it was literally unpleasant experience!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Breakfast Tacos
It was my girlfriend's birthday and we came here for the first-time. Excellent food, service, and
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wife and I went here for breakfast. The coffee was excellent, mimosas were tasty, but the food was some of the best breakfast we've had in years. The red quinoa and cream with fruit was delicious, and the Joe's special with eggs, sausage, spinach and potatoes was out of this world. Highly recommend, and we'll be going back again.Vegetarian options: Several veggie options, and substitutions with avocado instead of meat.Dietary restrictions: Offered some gluten free options for toast and other items that were not gluten
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Joe's Special and Biscuits and Gravy
Our burgers DID NOT DISSAPPOINT. They were so good. Cooked how you like, fresh ingredients. Homemade mayonnaise. Get bacon and have them grill the onions on your burger. You will be glad you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Counter Burger
Wish I could give zero stars *** the short version is do not ignore automatic gratuity that is added. It shouldn't be there. The business owners do not care about you and allow their server to add tips before you even get to touch the check.*** I called in and To Go order and went to pick it up. When I walked in, I let the woman (blonde in her 50's) know I had called the order and she said it wasn't ready yet very rudely. I said that's fine and I was going to ask if I could pay ahead But she had already moved on to her tables. Some more people walked in. She greeted them nicely and asked them if they were dining in. They said oh, she was waiting first referring to me. The woman said she's waiting for To Go order aggressively again. At this point, I said I'd like to go ahead and pay, so I can leave when it's ready. She sat the table and got me the check. Here is the thing that I find to be very offputting. When I receive the check, there is an automatic gratuity already added for almost 6 dollars. The woman was so busy. I could not ask her about it. At this point I was just wanting to leave. I took a photo of the check and crossed off the blank area as I'm not going to double tip on an order that she didn't do anything for. I emailed them and they never responded. I emailed them again and still no response. My boyfriend works nearby and sees the owner very regularly and asked him about the gratuity and said that that's not something they do. I also cannot find anywhere on their website about automatic gratuity apply or any service fees. I know that there are places in Austin that do but they always advertises it. The owners wife ended up throwing a fit when my boyfriend went to get his own To Go order another time and asked about the automatic gratuity and referred to my experience that they already knew about because of my email. She says she responded to my email. Which she did not. Then she yelled at the woman server that she needs to stop adding gratuity to peoples checks and that she keeps getting asked questions. All of this outside and inside the business in front of customers.
Restaurantji Recommends
We used to frequent the Counter Cafe on Lamar for years, and are saddened by the decline of service at the West Campus location. Had breakfast there on a Saturday morning. After our server took our order, we never saw him again until we managed to flag him down for our check. During our meal, we were unable to get refills on water, iced tea or coffee. I took my coffee mug to the bar to ask for a refill. A server at the bar was pouring coffee for someone else, and I politely asked for a refill. She asked if I were sitting at a table. Yes. Pointed to my seat. She told me my server would be over with more tea and coffee. Seriously? You're pouring coffee right as I'm speaking with you. I sat down with my empty cup. We waited another 10-15 minutes. No refills. My friend was finally able to get our server's attention for the check. If you're this short staffed, maybe don't try to seat every table in the establishment. I've been coming this restaurant for years.. used to take friends visiting from out town to the location on Lamar. After today's experience, we will not be returning. Not sure if Debbie Davis still owns Counter Cafe. If so, she should visit this location. Super disappointing.
The burger here was sooo good.Also got the giant pancake and almost ate it by myself.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious. Very hard to eat quick. Very small and hard to get a table.
My two friends and myself came here for breakfast Sunday and the food was great, as was the service. However, after 40 minutes while we were still finishing our meals we were handed the check. We paid and remained chatting but we're promptly asked to leave by an older gentleman who I assume is the GM. He stated he needed to give our table to others who were waiting. It was surprising behavior, especially considering we were there enjoying our breakfasts and catching up having not seen one another in several months. We will not be returning.
Pretty solid. I don't get the low reviews. Had a Benedict and coffee. Friendly service. Not pretentious at all.