Steiner Ranch Information Blog

28 responses so far ↓

• 1 TH // Dec 3, 2008 at 1:57 pm

  My wife and I went opening night with some good friends and we all thought the entire experience was fantastic. The guys went with the Prime Texan Ribeyes and the ladies had the Prime Filets. Both cuts were excellent…tender with great flavor and cooked to perfection.

  The wait staff was knowledgeable and attentive- several different folks came by the table to check on us; including the hostess who sat us and the manager.
  The view and ambiance are unmatched in Austin. There is a true feel of Texas pride that encompasses you from the moment you enter the building.
  This is a great place to take out of town visitors; or celebrate a special occasion. It is a bit on the pricey side; but you never get the feeling you are paying for the view. The food is definitely right there with any fine dining steakhouse we have been to.
  It’s everything we were hoping it would be, and we are looking forward to many more visits.

• 2 uh huh // Dec 5, 2008 at 8:39 pm

  OK, we went to SR steakhouse and it was OK. Not an Eddie V’s, Sullivans or Jaspers, but OK. $8.25 for a Tito’s on the rocks???? Get real!!!
  Maybe we hit it on the wrong night, Friday 12/05/2005, and they did has 100+ reservations, but to be honest, I can cook a better steak. The cheese/rolls with dinner were great.
  Just like most other so called high end restaurants with lot’s of young waiters/bartenders/managers standing around talking alot.
  Drive to town and have the filet at Eddie V’s or Sullivan’s. Too bad, we were hoping this place would be great, but naw it was only OK.

• 3 uh huh // Dec 5, 2008 at 8:47 pm

  Sorry, correction, Friday, 12/05/2008.

  uh huh

• 4 The Poster formerly known as Steiner Res // Dec 5, 2008 at 9:59 pm

  TH–
  Please don’t assume that we are dim enough not to be able to recognize a “plant” review. I hope the steakhouse is great, but don’t waste my time by placing a review that is obviously from a relative, friend or employee

• 5 anon // Dec 5, 2008 at 10:09 pm

  Ok, we just got back from the steakhouse and it was not a good experience. If you hear the hostess tell someone they’re taking you to table 241, ask for another one. It’s the worst table in the house.

  We started at the bar because our table wasn’t ready and it was fine. They were pretty busy but we managed to get a few drinks with a minimum amount of waiting.

  When we got to our table, we probably should have immediately asked for a new one, but didn’t. Our server, Dean, was very nice and accomodating and seemed knowledgable about the menu. We started with the crab cake appetizer (can’t remember the real name on the menu). It was very good. I think there was quite a bit of horseradish in it, which I love, but be aware that it has a kick if you plan to order it.

  Our next course was the seafood soup. It was great with a generous amount of fresh crab meat on top. At this point, we were wondering why others had bread and we didn’t get any with the soup course, but we figured maybe it comes out with the entrees. IT DOESN’T. You have to ask for it. Wish I had known so I could have ordered it with my soup. But, when we finally got it, it was great! It was like Kings Hawaiian bread with cheese on top with a side of garlic butter.

  For our entrees, we ordered the Filet Tenderloins and the Shrimp Scampi. The tenderloins were great, but it didn’t say anywhere that they came wrapped in bacon. (My husband hates bacon, so it grossed him out a bit. We just took it off, but I was surprised it wasn’t mentioned int he menu). The scampi was just ok.

  Back to the table placement /ambience. This is not the place to go for an intimate dinner. My husband and I could not even hear each other. We ended up seeing some friends at another table and they said the same thing. There are WAY too many tables crammed into such a small room (on the 2nd floor). I’m amazed it’s not a fire hazard. Our table was right in the path of where all of the servers, bussers, hosts, etc… entered the room. They would use our table/chair to hold onto as they passed through the narrow opening. They were constantly jostling our table. It was quite rude, although I’m sure there was no other option as it was just TOO crowded.

  I want to see this restaurant succeed to I asked to speak to a manager. I specifically asked after we got our bill so it didn’t seem like were just looking for a free desert or something. The manager (Tim or Tom) came over and was not very sympathetic and bordered on condescending. I explained that I thought the food and service was great and I couldn’t wait to come back and have the soup again and try some of the other yummy things I saw around the restaurant. I just suggested that they might reconsider seating that particular table when there was a large party right next to it. (We were really blocking the traffic pattern!). He just said, “Yeah, things have been pretty crazy.” and went on his way without any kind of apology. I guess with the place that packed, he wasn’t too concerned with our business.

  Bottom line – food is good and I’m sure the kinks will get worked out, but if I’m going to go out and spend over $100 for meal, I will not go back until I start to hear that things are better. Because of the placement of our table & the people constantly running into it, our inability to hear each other, and the poor treatment by the manager, I would NOT consider this a positive experience. When I spend over $100, I’m looking for the total “experience.” I could have gone to Chilis for $30 and had similar treatment (but not that awesome soup!)

• 6 Kristine // Dec 7, 2008 at 7:34 pm

  My husband and I went to the steakhouse last night for appetizers and drinks. We sat at the main level bar (there are four total) and were attended to by “Van”. He was great. The food was very good (the lump crab soup is amazing).
  One of our items wasn’t quite warm enough but that was really our only complaint on the food.

  It was quite busy and I’m not sure how sitting at one of the many tables in the main dining areas would be. It did seem a bit crowded as the previous commenter noted.

  Other things we observed included the fact that you must enjoy very large tv’s if sitting at any of the bars. We are one of probably a very few who are not sports fans so having huge game tv’s going on all over was a bit much for us but since we knew this moving to Texas, we figure it’s our tradeoff for loving Austin.

  As far as prices, I personally didn’t think it was bad at all. Not cheap by any means, but not crazy expensive like the Driskill.

  We’ll be back when the in-laws are here from
  England. That will be the real test for us as we’ll be dining in one of the formal dining areas.

• 7 Just Me // Dec 8, 2008 at 3:07 pm

  Have been there twice now and both times have seen owners/crew members from Fion?

  It was packed in there Saturday night. Just had drinks this time; and what a great place to have in the neighborhood.

  Had a chance to shake hands with Bobby Steiner – very genuine and down to earth for a neighborhood icon! – nice to see the owners care about their patrons.

  These guys know how to run a restaurant. Service /food/drinks have been great on all fronts for me on both visits. (Ha – and they’ve only been open a week!)

  I don’t see how the success of the restaurant is going hurt Steiner property values either. I encourage you to give the place a try… they are really giving it a shot to be a truly first class place.

  I have heard they are planning on live music outside when it warms up and a bar menu. That should cover all the bases for me!

  Give it a try for yourself. Restaurants are like wine…very subjective on impression. And anyone from anywhere can post on this blog. You never know the motives behind the negativity out there?

  Supprt your Steiner businesses. – and no I am not in any way related to the Steiner family, nor do I work at the restaurant or have any piece of the business.

  Just a resident who likes good food, good people and good service.

• 8 Keye // Dec 8, 2008 at 5:42 pm

  http://www.keyetv.com/news/local/story/Deadly-shooting-at-Steiner-Ranch-restaurant-Cops/qjY3M2hcNU-CehZdyjK6Aw.cspx

  A manhunt is on for a person who shot and killed someone inside a restaurant in the Steiner Ranch area near Lake Travis this afternoon.

  The shooting happened at the Steiner Ranch Steakhouse, 5424 Steiner Ranch Rd., just south of RM 620 at approximately 4 p.m.

  According to Austin police, a person walked into the restaurant and shot a person inside the building. The suspect then ran out toward a wooded area.

  Austin police, Travis County Sheriff deputies and a StarFlight helicopter are searching for a suspect in the RM 620 and Bullock Hollow area.

• 9 Kvue // Dec 8, 2008 at 5:46 pm

  http://www.kvue.com/news/top/stories/120808kvue_steakhouse_shooting-cb.437d08c8.html

  One person was killed Monday afternoon in a shooting at a steakhouse west of Austin.

  The Steiner Ranch Steakhouse is located at 5424 Steiner Ranch Boulevard off RR 620 in Travis County.

  Travis County EMS officials told KVUE News a man about 30 years old was killed after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Officials said they were searching for the gunman in the area around RR 620 and Bullock Hollow Road.

  The restaurant is an upscale steakhouse that opened the Friday after Thanksgiving. It was open for business when the shooting happened, and investigators are holding everyone who was inside for questioning.

• 10 long time res // Dec 8, 2008 at 6:08 pm

  Excellent comment “just me” ! Top rate place, besides the craziness that is going there now.

  Glad to hear the boys from Fion are around. Those kids are everywhere! Talk about knowing to run a business. I am very pleased to have both these businesses in the neighborhood. We finally have some diversity as far as food.

  Every time I am at Fion I get greeted with a warm welcome and perfect manners. Mike and Josh have the art of customer service down to a “T”. They know just how to deal with the high maintenance, snootier types but don’t allow them to push them around. From the little I have been exposed, so does the Steakhouse.

  Keep up the great work everyone! It is great to see the amazing quality of food that becoming available to us residents here.

• 11 Just Me // Dec 8, 2008 at 6:25 pm

  Mahesh…thanks for providing a forum for us to come together in times like this.

  This is definitely a tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to the crew and owners.

• 12 Kirk // Dec 8, 2008 at 8:02 pm

  I have not been to the Steakhouse, however my next door neighbor and his family went the last week of November. He said the steaks wre “unremarkable” and that he makes better ones at home. He felt everything was overpriced. He brought home a doggy bag and let his dog chew on a bone from one of the steaks. The next day, he and the dog both had a bad case of the runs. I will probably go check out the bar at some point. As far as steaks in Austin go, you CAN NOT beat the Filet Mignon from Costco. You get 4 Giant cuts (almost 4 inches thick) for $26.00-$32.00. Then you can get a great bottle of wine to go with all for less than $75.00.

• 13 Brad // Dec 8, 2008 at 8:16 pm

  Fion staff could take a lesson from Daniel, the owner of Steiner Ranch Liquors. I have never had someone go out of their way to get the wines I like as fast as he does. And the Diamond Crown cigars are out of this world ! The person I spoke to at Fion wasn’t at all concerned at trying to stock some of my favorites, maybe I just hit them on a bad day.

• 14 long time res // Dec 8, 2008 at 10:51 pm

  Brad-
  I would suggest trying again. Those guys always get what I ask them as long as it isn’t grocery wine. There is a major difference between what grocery and liquor stores carry versus specialty wine shops. Happy hunting!

• 15 Steak Review // Dec 9, 2008 at 1:14 pm

  I tried out the steakhouse at the weekend.

  I agree with many of the comments, the tables are too close to each other and the noise level makes it hard to sometimes have a conversation under the level of shouting – this is becoming far too common with restaurants.

  The food was good, maybe not top-level but still good. I stayed away from the steaks and tried the fish courses – all came out perfectly cooked.

  One area for improvement – presentation! A little more thought is needed with the presentation of the main courses and side dishes – they look a little rushed. I know this is a steakhouse but it is meant to be a cut above a regular steakhouse.

  The wait staff were all very courteous, attentive and professional.

  It was dark when we went, but I can only imagine what the views will be like in the summer. I’m sure the bars will be packed!

  On a ending note — Restaurants have their off nights and this is a new local business and it needs to be given a chance to settle down and find its own niche.

• 16 Tracy // Dec 9, 2008 at 1:17 pm

  My husband and I ate there last week and had a very nice experience. The food and service were good and the restaurant was impressive as well. I love the dining out experience so buying food/wine from Costco and taking it home to cook just wouldn’t be the same! Our only complaint about the restaurant would be that there are televisions everywhere which can be somewhat distracting. Other than that, we hope to dine there again later this week and so glad to have some nice dining choices close to home! Tracy

• 17 Ranch fam // Dec 9, 2008 at 4:13 pm

  speaking of FION… have Y’all eaten in their new bistro?? We were there last week and their food is amazing. The service was over the top, the atmosphere nice and elegant… and if you are looking for a fabulous steak try out THEIR Fillet, it’s 14 oz and under $30 and it is the best steak I’ve had in a long time…perfectly cooked, and I LOVE steak… Short ribs, Salmon, and Pork Chop is what the remainder of my party had and everybody was super pleased. We started off with a special appetizer, homemade ravioli, it was delicious and cheesy…I’ll continue to go there until the steakhouse settles down in their Niche… the last thing I want is a messed up $50 steak, no thank you.

• 18 Local and like it // Dec 9, 2008 at 5:07 pm

  I think they are opening the doors back up on Friday…I think it would be a great show of support to come out in droves…

  Have a meal; stop in for an appetizer on your way out; stop by for a night cap on your way home-whatever.

  There are about 50 folks that work up there – show them Steiner cares.

• 19 apes // Dec 20, 2008 at 2:49 pm

  Don’t makeout after 10:00 on a schoolnight in the parking lot… The gates will be bolted!!!! 2 very visable trucks parked right in front of valet. Had to contact police and fire department to let us out. UNACCEPTABLE.. down right wrong…

• 20 The Poster Formerly Known As Steiner Res // Dec 31, 2008 at 11:45 am

  We tried the Steakhouse last night. Overall, it was a good experience. The building itself, and the finish-out, are really amazing. Nice bar areas as well. The service was very good and, though it was noisy, so are most steakhouses.
  The food was a little hit or miss. The appetizers we tried we excellent, and the salads were fine. The steaks — good, but not up to Fleming’s, Ruths’ Chris, etc. They had decent falvor (we did get the Prime steaks), but they seem to still have cooking issues. My wife’s steak was way undercooked (they fixed that easily), and my steak was, unfortunately, over-cooked. The steaks didn’t have the char-crust you typically get from the high-heat searing, either. Still, overall, it’s a thumbs-up.

• 21 Steiner Gal // Feb 13, 2009 at 1:59 pm

  Been there twice with my family and loved it. Food was great and so was the service. Thanks for bringing such a nice place to Steiner!!!

• 22 The Poster Formerly Known As Steiner Res // Feb 16, 2009 at 10:27 am

  We’ve been back, both for dinner and a couple of times for drinks/appetizers. The steaks were prepared much better the second time

• 23 Melissa // Mar 1, 2009 at 1:45 pm

  We finally made it there last night, and I have to say that I was disappointed. I love a great steak, and Sullivan’s is one of my favorite restaurants in town, so I was really excited to get a high-end steakhouse right down the street.

  Expensive? Yes. High-end? Definitely not. It felt like an overpriced sports bar. We were seated upstairs in a very brightly-lit room adorned with a large bar and big-screen TV. Not my idea of ideal ambiance in a suppostedly nice restaurant. It was also very loud, due to the bar patrons. Also, the wait station was right on the side of the room, so it created a lot of traffic and even more noise from the wait staff talking and yelling “where’s the peppermill?” In other high-end steakhouses (Sullivan’s, Ruth’s Chris, etc.), the bar is not even in the same room as diners, candlelight illuminates rather than bright recessed lighting glaring on the table like a spotlight, and the wait stations are no where to be seen.

  To add insult to injury, there was horrible pop country music being piped in on the speakers. Rather loudly, I may add. Nothing screams class like Shania Twain.

  My husband and I were looking forward to a nice romantic evening. Instead we got bright lights, country music, and college basketball on a big screen TV. We can easily find that elsewhere for a lot less than the $150 we spent. And we spent half the night repeating ourselves because we couldn’t hear each other talking.

  The food, however, was excellent. But it could not make up for the other shortcomings. Next time I’m in the mood for a great steak, I will drive right past Steiner Ranch Steakhouse on my way downtown.

• 24 Tsm // Mar 3, 2009 at 9:05 pm

  Very, very disappointed.

  The waitress appeared as if she came from IHOP and was extremely unprofessional and had this heavy twang of a voice….that I was expecting slap jacks as the special of the day.

  We initially complained that we were the only people upstairs, and she said that it would fill up completely. We were there for 40 minutes and one other couple showed up.

  While waiting for our “food” the waitress cleaned ever chair back…bottom….legs on the table behind us and then in front of us. Then she came back and she cleaned all the glasses. This was our waitress!! I was in complete shock.

  I ordered my steak medium and it was burnt to a crisp. I waited 10 minutes to see if anyone would show up upstairs….so I gave up and ate the steak. Perhaps the worst steak I have eaten in years from any restauarant.

  Finally the waitress shows up when we are done. I complained about the steak, and she did ask if I wanted a new steak; but, I said it was a bit late. I had hoped she would go back and get the manager. But, all she did was say sorry and walked away.

  For the price this restaurant is not even close to being in the same league as Sullivans or Ruths; so, don’t expect the steaks or side orders to be in the same ball park. If you want to pay $38 for a steak to have a great view, this may be the place for you. If you want great meat and great side orders and service…….stay downtown.

  Giant disappointment. Perhaps one of my worst dining experience since moving to Austin 15 years ago.

• 25 NV // Mar 12, 2009 at 2:08 pm

  My husband and I dined at the Steakhouse last week and had a great experience. We sat on the main level, actually at a dining table in the bar. This place is truely a Steakhouse atmosphere and does not feel stuffy at all. Our food was great. I love that the steak had that fresh off the grill taste. But also love Austin for all the resturant options. I love that we have a place that can give you a great view while sipping drinks and enjoying the sunset, great food, and feel lucky it is in Steiner. You don’t have that uncomfortable stuffy feeling just to have a nice dinner.

• 26 jf // Mar 14, 2009 at 9:32 am

  - Five Star Prices, Two Star Service -
  As the other posts have stated the atmosphere is different from most steak houses – not bad, just different. The décor is nice and the views are great, but you might want to reconsider if you are looking for the traditional austere environment.
  We ordered appetizers (she crab soup and jumbo prawns with extra horseradish) and a bottle of wine. The food came, no drinks. We waited for our drinks, and we waited some more. When the waitress did show up with the wine it was not what we ordered. We waited some more. Eventually she showed with the right bottle. We told her only one of us was having wine, she poured for both anyway. Then we discovered that she had not provided any spoons for the soup. By the time we were all set the soup was cold, had to send it back. I’m not completely positive on this, but I’m pretty sure they microwaved our bowl and sent it back out. The rest of the evening was marred with other similar flaws – each minor by itself, but added up to a sum total of service quality on par with Denny’s or IHOP. Strangely the place was crawling with employees, but most of the time they were standing around the edges of the room doing pretty much nothing – very aggravating when our table was littered with finished dishes and we were in need of something. In the multiple times I have dined at Sullivan’s, Flemings, Eddy V’s and the like I have NEVER had service anywhere near this poor.
  The food itself was good. The steaks were tender, well cooked and well seasoned. The inclusion of sides (mashed potatoes and vegetable of the day) is a welcomed touch. As others have commented the cheese bread is fantastic, and goes nicely with the entrées. The dessert (evening special apple tart) was a great concept and was beautifully presented, but the crispy tortilla had a strong fried taste that would seem to indicate they haven’t changed out their cooking oil in quite some time.
  All things considered it is unlikely that we will go back – the food (on par with other nice restaurants but not remarkable) paired with the poor service makes it hard to justify a $150 dinner for two. With our waitress knowing the multiple service gaffs she said the manager authorized her to comp our dessert – which was a nice gesture. I was however surprised that the manager never showed up in person, either indicating that our experience was not important or that our encounter was not isolated and they were putting out bigger fires.

• 27 High Expectations, Low Reality // Apr 3, 2010 at 7:59 am

  Because we’re SR residents, we really want to support the local businesses. However, after multiple horrible experiences there, we will NOT be returning to SR Steakhouse. While the view is gorgeous and we enjoy sitting outside, the majority of their “signature” foods are saturated in salt and at times, inedible. The service is abysmal at best. And, if you’re in a group (we had 8 adults, 8 kids), expect the orders to be delievered in 20-minute increments.

  On our most recent debacle of a visit, it was literally an hour from the time the first to last plates hit the table. The last to arrive was the sleeping 5-year old’s WRONG order… by the way, we ordered for the kids at 5:40. Her plate arrived around 7:15.-7:20. Of course, we paid for it, but she – being asleep – didn’t eat a bite. And, since it was the wrong order (for the second time, we didn’t ask to have it boxed up). When I told the waiter of the mistaken delivery (clearly I was getting annoyed, my daughter’s burger was literally the first order placed and the last to arrive) he SCREECHED at me “So, WHAT DO YOU WANT?” I didn’t say a word in response. I simply got up, walked to the hostess stand and asked to speak to a manager. I was told the waiter would be spoken with later. (A few minutes later, I saw the two gentlemen pointing at our table and laughing.) By the way, there was no offer to comp the meal or do anything to recitfy the situation.

  By the way, I am not the typical “Steiner Whiner.” I have NEVER, ever asked to speak to a manager. I always tip 20-25%, regardless. I worked my way through college and have waited many a 12-top. However, the experience we had that night would not have been tollerated at Burger King (and the food probably would have been better).

  SAVE YOUR MONEY/TIME or go somewhere else.

• 28 SAVE YOUR MONEY // Apr 3, 2010 at 8:10 am

  Because we’re SR residents, we really want to support the local businesses. However, after multiple horrible experiences there, we will NOT be returning to SR Steakhouse. While the view is gorgeous and we enjoy sitting outside, the majority of their “signature” foods are saturated in salt and at times, inedible. The service is abysmal at best. And, if you’re in a group (we had 8 adults, 8 kids), expect the orders to be delivered in 20-minute increments.

  On our most recent debacle of a visit, it was literally an hour from the time the first to last plates hit the table. The last to arrive was the sleeping 5-year old’s WRONG order… by the way, we ordered for the kids at 5:40. Her plate arrived around 7:15.-7:20. Of course, we paid for it, but she – being asleep – didn’t eat a bite. And, since it was the wrong order (for the second time, we didn’t ask to have it boxed up). When I told the waiter of the mistaken delivery (clearly I was getting annoyed, my daughter’s burger was literally the first order placed and the last to arrive) he SCREECHED at me “So, WHAT DO YOU WANT?” I didn’t say a word in response. I simply got up, walked to the hostess stand and asked to speak to a manager. I was told the waiter would be spoken with later. (A few minutes later, I saw the two gentlemen pointing at our table and laughing.) By the way, there was no offer to comp the meal or do anything to rectify the situation.

  By the way, I am not the typical “Steiner Whiner.” I have NEVER, ever asked to speak to a manager. I always tip 20-25%, regardless. I worked my way through college and have waited many a 12-top. However, the experience we had that night would not have been tolerated at Burger King (and the food probably would have been better).

  SAVE YOUR MONEY/TIME or go somewhere else.

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