Ology

Gourmet cuisine in Round Rock, Pflugerville, and Austin:
Each week the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Austin puts together gourmet, experimental meals at Ology, a student-​run restaurant where students hone their craft and get graded. The restaurant is only open from 11 – 1.
My take: the best $ 7 – 10 you will spend at lunch in the Round Rock/​North Austin area. It’s near the southwest corner of Toll 45 and I-​35.
Prix-​Fixe menu for $ 10 that includes amuse bouche, soup, salad, entrée, and dessert.
Yesterday I had a deconstructed muffaletta followed by strawberry peach soup, goat cheese and pistachio covered grapes, and a New York strip with roasted onions, cauliflower purée.
On previous times they’ve run out of a prix-​fixe and I’ve gotten a fried chicken sandwich that was way good.
It’s the closest I can get to an affordable gourmet meal in Round Rock outside of Jack Allen’s Kitchen. The food isn’t always perfect (they are students after all), but in three trips there I have found really unique takes and something delicious each time, even if each course wasn’t worthy of a Michelin star.

This culinary school café is a good option for those working and taking classes in the building. It is only open Tuesday and Wednesday so keep that in mind. The food is good, if a bit hit and miss, and very cheap at $ 10 for a full four course Prix fixe meal.

This new restaurant serves as dining lab for students at the International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Austin. Aspiring student chefs create dishes inspired by culinary traditions from around the world under the tutelage of talented instructors and renown local chefs. The menu changes weekly, fresh ingredients are locally sourced, and they use 100% grass-​fed beef. Try the weekly beverage specials, like blueberry-​lemonade or cranberry tea. There is no alcohol, sorry. The food is delicious and the atmosphere makes this a perfect place for a professional lunch meeting or afternoon rendezvous.
While the menu is amazing, one should not expect the highest level of service. This restaurant serves as a classroom environment for culinary students to «learn the ropes» of working the front and back of the house. Some of these students have never worked in a restaurant setting before and are working on polishing their service skills. I have had great service, I have had service that was not so great, but keeping in mind that these are students learning and not yet professionals helps keep things in perspective. Remember, these kids may be nervous waiting on you, so keep a friendly attitude and if you need extra attention just signal the instructor on the floor and he will take complete care of you. As service can be hit-​or-​miss, remember that tipping is not allowed or accepted at this restaurant. Instead, a small gratuity is added to the bill that is entirely used to fund scholarships for Culinary students.
The restaurant hours change quarterly as class times and sizes change. For the Spring 2011 quarter (04÷05÷11 — 6÷18÷11) they are open for lunch on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s from 11:30AM — 2:00PM. I suggest calling for hours beyond the dates above and arriving early. Bön Appetit!