I think this would be a nice place to go at non-peak times. I would have given more stars for ambience, except there was a strong floral smell and it was chaotic. We went here before a concert and planned 90 minutes to eat to be safe. It was very busy and there were not enough staff. It took 20 minutes to get waters and a menu, 45 to get wine. After an hour with no food, I let the server know we had a concert and the food came out shortly after. I felt badly for the wait staff because it was a management issue, not their issue. Everyone was doing the best they could. The food was good. And there was a good wine selection. I just would not book it at a peak time, especially if you have somewhere to be.
Cru Downtown is clearly struggling to get qualified staff for service and kitchen. Pizza oven wasn't working but still they offered pizza than ended undercooked. Kitchen forgot the sauce in our mussels, so they sent them dry and overcooked. After politely pointing to their mistakes, no apology by our waiter, and full check with full service was presented. We will make sure we never come back.
Savannah was our server and she did a great job of checking on us and keeping us from going thirsty. She was also very knowledgeable of the wine and the food. The pizza was a big hit as was the salmon and chicken. The favorite at the table was the goat cheese beignets.
MP
Service and atmosphere are good. The pizza was decent and wine flight was good. Stay away from the pot stickers, straight from the freezer.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Really enjoyed this spot for our Valentine's dinner! The ambience is wonderful and the service fantastic. Wine flights are well priced and worth it. Cheese plates too. Already making a future date just to have the chocolate fondue dessert! And it's very close to the Elephant Room, which is one of our favorite spots. Loved heading there for jazz after dinner.
Brooke Lindenbusch
It was delicious food and good service with an excellent atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Megan D.
Charcuterie board and wine were amazing. I got a flight and thought the price was great. Our server was amazing and was always checking up on us. In regard to the ambience, it is a gorgeous location but the music threw me off. The interior is gorgeous and very elegant, but they were playing pop/rap music the entire time. Definitely would have preferred more jazz or slow music that would fit with the vibe and aesthetic of the place.
StevenD
The service was exceptional. The wine selection was great and the appetizers were delicious. My wife ordered the filet medium and it came very well done. I had the short ribs and the vinaigrette was overpowering the rest of the dish.
KellyS
CRÚ Food & Wine Bar, 2nd Street Austin, is a great place to enjoy the company you keep! We got the Wagyu Meatballs, extra flavorful. The Bruschetta and fresh tomatoes was delightful. The tomato soup w/ grilled cheese takes you to your comfort zone. The pan seared scallops melt in your mouth!! Great wine selection. Special thanks to Chef Martin, Sous Chef Ashley, their staff, and Savannah. You made our evening extremely memorable. We will definitely be back!!
Holly Busnardo
Brittany is so helpful. She has amazing wine recommendations. We had a great time. Thank you!
I don't know if the kitchen was overwhelmed but out filets were very overcooked (very well done when we ordered medium) and the crème brûlée was mealy and sugar was burnt not caramelized. Our server barely paid attention to us which was even more noticeable because of another server who was very attentive and charming with her tables nearby. We ordered flights of wine that were not explained, not even which glass had which wine in it. Everything took a long time to be served.
This place has a nice ambiance. The butter & bread are good. The cranberry butter is quite sweet. The pumpkin ricotta tortelloni was tasty. The butternut squash bisque was good. The pumpkin pie was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
James Jones
Decided to take my partner on a date night and I have to say I was highly impressed. The food was delicious ( especially the goat cheese beignets), the waiter wine recommendation perfect and the atmosphere made for a perfect date night. We will definitely be coming back in for our next date night!
They were out of both appetizers we wanted (at 6:30pm). The ambiance is nice. The service was slow & the guy who sat us and (partially) waited on us was cold & flat. Overpriced for the food you get. Great place if you're just there forwine, pizza, & charcuterie, but I don't recommend it if you're dinner-focused.
I think this would be a nice place to go at non-peak times. I would have given more stars for ambience, except there was a strong floral smell and it was chaotic. We went here before a concert and planned 90 minutes to eat to be safe. It was very busy and there were not enough staff. It took 20 minutes to get waters and a menu, 45 to get wine. After an hour with no food, I let the server know we had a concert and the food came out shortly after. I felt badly for the wait staff because it was a management issue, not their issue. Everyone was doing the best they could. The food was good. And there was a good wine selection. I just would not book it at a peak time, especially if you have somewhere to be.
Cru Downtown is clearly struggling to get qualified staff for service and kitchen. Pizza oven wasn't working but still they offered pizza than ended undercooked. Kitchen forgot the sauce in our mussels, so they sent them dry and overcooked. After politely pointing to their mistakes, no apology by our waiter, and full check with full service was presented. We will make sure we never come back.
Savannah was our server and she did a great job of checking on us and keeping us from going thirsty. She was also very knowledgeable of the wine and the food. The pizza was a big hit as was the salmon and chicken. The favorite at the table was the goat cheese beignets.
Service and atmosphere are good. The pizza was decent and wine flight was good. Stay away from the pot stickers, straight from the freezer.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Really enjoyed this spot for our Valentine's dinner! The ambience is wonderful and the service fantastic. Wine flights are well priced and worth it. Cheese plates too. Already making a future date just to have the chocolate fondue dessert! And it's very close to the Elephant Room, which is one of our favorite spots. Loved heading there for jazz after dinner.
It was delicious food and good service with an excellent atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Charcuterie board and wine were amazing. I got a flight and thought the price was great. Our server was amazing and was always checking up on us. In regard to the ambience, it is a gorgeous location but the music threw me off. The interior is gorgeous and very elegant, but they were playing pop/rap music the entire time. Definitely would have preferred more jazz or slow music that would fit with the vibe and aesthetic of the place.
The service was exceptional. The wine selection was great and the appetizers were delicious. My wife ordered the filet medium and it came very well done. I had the short ribs and the vinaigrette was overpowering the rest of the dish.
CRÚ Food & Wine Bar, 2nd Street Austin, is a great place to enjoy the company you keep! We got the Wagyu Meatballs, extra flavorful. The Bruschetta and fresh tomatoes was delightful. The tomato soup w/ grilled cheese takes you to your comfort zone. The pan seared scallops melt in your mouth!! Great wine selection. Special thanks to Chef Martin, Sous Chef Ashley, their staff, and Savannah. You made our evening extremely memorable. We will definitely be back!!
Brittany is so helpful. She has amazing wine recommendations. We had a great time. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I don't know if the kitchen was overwhelmed but out filets were very overcooked (very well done when we ordered medium) and the crème brûlée was mealy and sugar was burnt not caramelized. Our server barely paid attention to us which was even more noticeable because of another server who was very attentive and charming with her tables nearby. We ordered flights of wine that were not explained, not even which glass had which wine in it. Everything took a long time to be served.
Spectacular food, exquisitely prepared with subtle flavors. Fondue (cheese & chocolate both) highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Calamari with Shrimp
This place has a nice ambiance. The butter & bread are good. The cranberry butter is quite sweet. The pumpkin ricotta tortelloni was tasty. The butternut squash bisque was good. The pumpkin pie was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Decided to take my partner on a date night and I have to say I was highly impressed. The food was delicious ( especially the goat cheese beignets), the waiter wine recommendation perfect and the atmosphere made for a perfect date night. We will definitely be coming back in for our next date night!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Molten Chocolate Lava Cake, Bruschetta, Goat Cheese Beignets
They were out of both appetizers we wanted (at 6:30pm). The ambiance is nice. The service was slow & the guy who sat us and (partially) waited on us was cold & flat. Overpriced for the food you get. Great place if you're just there forwine, pizza, & charcuterie, but I don't recommend it if you're dinner-focused.