15th Street Cafe

Submitted for the approval of the Midnight Society, I call this story:
«The Tale of the Ever-​Changing Restaurant.»
This restaurant is located conveniently close to our office building and my coworker and I like to come here every so often. We just waltz though the Doubletree Lobby and on over to the café. It looks straight out of a scene from the classic 90s show, «Are You Afraid of the Dark» — very quiet, maybe one other diner in the room and a host greeting you telling you to have a pleasant meal. If you had never been here before, you might say to your friend, «I don’t like the looks of this place, let’s leave,» but you might be able to convince your friend to stay put.
Whether you’re in for a trick or a treat depends on who is running the show and how that show is run. Now, this establishment doesn’t have that Dr. Vink’s Scary Soup kind of vibe, but sometimes you can be pleasantly surprised by what you find on the menu.
The problem is, each time we have gone (a time or two every few months) something changes in the restaurant. You may not have the same décor, server, and even menu twice. It can be a crapshoot as to what you’ll find.
On our most recent visited, I had the joy of enjoying a stuffed turkey burger– which was at a decent price point. However, anything other than a sandwich/​burger or salad was over $ 20. Even the price points for everything under $ 20 were all over the place. It didn’t make very much sense how the prices were all over the place.
I was a little saddened because I’ve enjoyed «entrée» style food here between $ 15 – 20 in the past– but as long as the current menu stays in force, I’ll probably stick to the turkey burger.
Every time we go in during the lunch hour, it is empty, but unlike a lot of places empty during the the lunch hour, the servers are actually attentive.
So I can’t really give an accurate description of this place since it changes so frequently. You may be disappointed or pleasantly surprised, but it is a worth a go if you’re in the area. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you…

This is definitely a tourist/​business expense/​hotel visitor restaurant since it is located int he Doubletree Inn. We dined there at lunchtime and only 2 other tables were taken. Still, the service was slow. We had to move things along constantly. The food was pricey and of average quality & taste. I had the sliders plate for S12.25. there were 2 small sliders and waffle fries. The fries were good but the sliders were very small portioned and had little meat in them. They were bland. Other dishes at the table were the turkey panini, which I’d had on a previous visit. It was decent. the Thai Shrimp appetizer was small and was decent.

This is a good place to have a lunch meeting. It’s quiet with a business atmosphere and reliable customer service. They do not have a large menu but it’s still a variety and the food isn’t bad. I recommend the salmon, the bbq chicken salad or the hamburger. Prices are what you would expect for a hotel, certainly not the cheapest. But when planning a business meeting, there is never a wait, always good service, and decent food. They also have sweet potato fries which is a plus in my book.

It was a little strange to walk in at 6pm on a Saturday and be the ONLY people in the restaurant. Luckily, there were 2 more couples that showed up while we were there.
We used a
coupon. Even using a coupon, I wouldn’t come back or recommend the place.
Their website said there were wings on the menu. When we got there no wings under the appetizers. So we ordered the crab cakes. $ 9 for 2 itty bitty crab cakes.
For entrees, I ordered the salmon and my husband ordered the fried chicken. We both ate all of our food, but I’ve definitely had better salmon and fried chicken.
The server was a little strange and we were quick to leave. Do not plan on returning ever.

My husband and I first tried this place because of the entertainment coupon. Not many locals go here, it seems like, but we can highly recommend the place!
Don’t be fooled by its almost-​too-​quiet atmosphere when you walk in, and suppress the urge to turn and go home! Just stay! The prices are reasonable, their food is fresh, good veggies, and the service is super nice (the manager, Dan, is so sweet and fun to talk to).
I especially like their tortilla soup, Ruben (one of the best around), and fish dish. My husband usually orders steak or burger, which he likes also. Oh, and the fries that come with those dishes are really good too!
You can also go there to watch sports and have a beer as well. It’s also fun to watch out-​of-​towners travel and go places, or feel like you’re having some secret affair while having dinner.
To sum up, 5 stars for it’s melancholy charm, good food, and unpretentious attitude. Giving 4 stars to keep it an Austin secret! Seriously, give them a try!!!