
Upscale-casual seafood spot with an open kitchen & marble-topped bar, plus indoor & outdoor seating.
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Reservations: clarksaustin.com
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We had reservations for 6:45 and got there closer to 6:35. We had to wait a bit as the previous table was still at ours and I think we got seated around 6:55. They apologized when they sat us but still, don’t think I’ve had to wait that long with a reservation before anywhere else and usually, at most places, if you’re early you’ll still get seated early if not on time. Oh well, we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt on that.
Otherwise, the experience was great. We started with a ‘leaving on Monday’ as I couldn’t help myself after hearing it was Anthony Bourdain’s favorite and she got the Amber waves. Both were really good but next time, I might ask for light ice on mine.
To start, we got the 2 each of the Sex on the bay, Savage Blonde, and Blish point Oysters and then also an oyster shooter and a dressed oyster. I think the savage blonde was the fave but all were really good and man, she loved the dressed oyster. The oyster shot was decent but from just a mix of vodka and oysters isn’t something I’ll probably do again.
We then had the bluefin tuna carpaccio and it was so interesting. Lots of flavor and the capers were delicious.
We had read the gruyere burger was a must so we split that with the shoestring fries. The burger was a top 5 of the ones I’ve had in Austin; not huge though so if you want a large portion, probably get something else with it. I’m not sure how to feel about the fries tbh. They were hyped too but they were so thin. They were good but I think I’d prefer if they were double the size as you couldn’t even dip them in ketchup without them falling apart.
To finish, we split of scoop of cream cheese ice cream and it was fantastic.
Price D was our server and was friendly and seemed pretty on top of things and overall he did a good job. We left happy and will probably go again but maybe for happy hour next time just to soften the blow on the wallet. Our bill with tip was $180 which was expected but not something I would do all the time.
We saw people trying to walk in when we arrived and they were booked so generally, I’d recommend reservations…even if you’re going up on a Tuesday
They place a happy anniversary card on the table, but won’t even say it. Only, when our server Vanessa brought the check, she mentioned it, but at that point, our experience couldn’t be enhanced anyhow. Also, don’t expect any complementary gesture.
The service was pretty choppy. We placed order for drinks, and then waited forever for the server to come back to take food order. Dinner takes a while to arrive, which is understandable. Meanwhile they offer comp bread for the table: a huge chunk of half sliced sourdough with tiny-tiny drop of a butter. I mean, it’s just not enough for that big of a piece of bread. When we were done with the butter and had half the bread left on the table, we requested another butter from a naked-torso other server, she swept the whole thing and said she’d bring a new one. Why waste perfectly fine bread? It’s a tendency here, they just take your plates, when you didn’t even finish. I had to ask them several times to just leave the plates!
Burger was fine, the French fries it comes with looks cute at first, but because it’s basically shredded potato it contains tons of oil in it and pretty awkward to eat. My octopus was a small plate oily and rubbery. I grew up on the seafood and know how it should taste. I still ate it and didn’t mention anything, since didn’t want to wait again. Mom’s whole branzino fish was pretty good except for too oily. The oil was just all over the plate, even though it was supposed to be grilled?
Dad’s Choppino was also nice, but pretty spicy, which is not mentioned on the menu. I regretted trying it, since after my mouth was on fire. Shrimp was overcooked.
Dessert – basque cake didn’t meet my expectations either. Served cold, not worth the price.
Also, there was a sudden change in weather, cold strong wind started blowing, throwing the acorn cups at us, it hit me on the arm and it was not pleasant. I was worried about my 8month old in the stroller, as we only had him covered half way. So we had to keep holding hands on top of the stroller to protect him. Maybe, put some protection for your customers?
Very dark both in patio and inside, when I eat I like to clearly see what’s on the plate.
All in all, I would not come back. And feel bad that I chose this place for my parent’s anniversary
We’ve tried every oyster on their menu, and each one was excellent with great brine, texture, and variety. The crab cake was another standout, crispy on the outside, rich and flavorful inside, and perfectly paired with the salad and pickled shallots.