The Emerald - Austin

I have already written this to you, however, my rating is poor because when we arrived at the restaurant for the birthday celebration, the restaurant was closed up tighter than a drum.There was no one there! This was inspite of lights, including a Xmas tree, on. I call ed the retaurant got no answer but did leave a message. We went on to find another restaurant. About 45 minutes later a woman called from Emeralds saying she had a quick errand she had to do thought she would get back before we arrived. So sorry. How many restaurants do you know that only have one person working each night!? Her explanation made no sense to us. surely, someone else would have been there. I mean there was not a soul in the restaurant! Emeralds has really gone downhill we will NEVER go again.

The Emerald was a fantastic getaway for an evening amongst friends. We were welcomed into the cozy space and doted upon all night as we feasted on the most delicious meal. We’ll definitely be back!

My husband enjoyed many evenings with friends in college here. I booked a date night for his birthday this year, letting them know he was now vegan. The staff could not have been more accommodating with this request, especially when my husband wanted it to become a family dinner and include our daughters. The Emerald family made us feel so welcomed and appreciated, even as we provided a complicated menu for them with 2 vegans and 2 meat eaters. The slow pace of the leisurely enjoyed meal was ended wonderfully and generously when they offered to present and carve up the cake we had brought with us. This could not have been a more perfect evening! Thanks for keeping this gem going for all us old school Austinites.

The service was very slow, even though there were only two tables occupied when we were there, including the two of us. The waitress, a member of the family that owns the restaurant, was very pleasant but we had very long waits between everything. Total time in the restaurant was almost 2 1/2 hours and I had to go ask for the check. I had the veal which was okay and buried in the sauce. My wife had the filet mignon which was large and appeared to be very good. We should have order that alone and split it. The meals are pricey and appeared to us to be overpriced for what we received. The ambience was okay, but the restaurant is showing wear and badly needs renovation. Part of its theme is Irish charm and authenticity, but this can be done well without making the restaurant look tired.

The Emerald was a wonderful find. Such a unique place, and the food was amazing!