Saw someone on instagram make a reel about this place, so I had to check it out.
First, we got there a little bit before 2 pm on a Saturday afternoon. The first thing I noticed was the help wanted sign in the window at the front. When we got inside, I definitely saw that they in fact need help. So if you have restaurant experience, please inquire within.
The line was long and moved slowly, but that was fine since it was my first time there and that gave me time to look over their menu, which rotate on their screens. They had hard copies of their menus, but they were right when you got up to the register to order. Probably would have been better had they had those right when you walk in so you can easily see what they offer. I think that is what held up the line. Plus it is more accessible if they would have done that instead
They had a DJ playing music and actually mixing the songs which was cool. However, I did NOT appreciate or like that the DJ played R. Kelly bump and grind when there was like a mother/daughter event going on. They were all wearing blue and yellow and there were kids there. I don't think that was a smart choice. It really brought my mood down and management should have told him to play something else.
The prices were pretty pricey, but i understood why when the food came out. I got the chicken strips with salt and pepper fries. My cousin got the chicken and waffles with a side of salt and pepper fries. The chicken strips can be shared with two people at least. The strips are flattened chickn breasts, the whole thing. They were good but because they flatten them out, they can come out dry and tough, which was unfortunate for about half of the chicken strips I got. I got 5! Which is why they can be shared and at $17.99. Although in my opinion, they could charge more. There was too much green onions garnish on my fries, I could have done without that. My cousin got the chicken and waffles and I have to say that the waffles are the best I have ever had anywhere. They are soo good that you don't need butter or syrup. The pepper looks like it would be spicy, but it isn't. The jalapeño ranch was good and not that spicy either. The food is very well seasoned and overall, I liked it.
They do have happy hour during the week. I don't like how they only have TVs on one side of the restaurant and my back was turned to them, but my cousin was able to watch TV. So, that can be improved as well. Overall, I give...
Read moreI recently visited Austin's Very Own Saltt for lunch and had a pleasant dining experience that left me satisfied and eager to return. The restaurant lives up to its promise of delivering quality Asian cuisine with a local Austin twist.
I opted for the S&P Shrimp lunch special served with fried rice. This classic dish is often a good indicator of a restaurant's attention to detail and execution, and Saltt delivered admirably.
The standout quality of my meal was the freshness of the ingredients. The shrimp were clearly high-quality - plump, sweet, and perfectly cooked with a satisfying bite. The salt and pepper seasoning was well-balanced, providing a nice aromatic kick without overwhelming the natural flavor of the seafood. The coating was light and crispy, exactly what you want from this style of preparation.
The fried rice served as an excellent complement to the shrimp. It had good wok hei (that distinctive smoky flavor from high-heat cooking) and wasn't greasy or heavy, which can sometimes be an issue with takeout-style fried rice.
The lunch special offered solid value for money, and the quality of ingredients really shone through. The freshness of the shrimp made all the difference in elevating what could have been an ordinary dish into something memorable.
Austin's Very Own Saltt proves that attention to ingredient quality and proper technique can make familiar dishes feel special. The Salt & Pepper Shrimp lunch special is a winner, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for well-executed Asian cuisine in Austin. I'm already planning my next visit to explore more of their menu.
Would I return? Absolutely. The combination of fresh ingredients, solid execution, and reasonable pricing makes this a reliable choice for a...
Read moreIt is rare that I give 5 stars but this place is well deserving. This Asian inspired soul food restaurant serves salt and pepper wings, fries and fried rice that are absolutely delicious. The breading on the chicken is crispy and the chicken juicy, the Fries are fried to perfection with a crispy exterior encapsulating a soft center. The fried rice had so much umami it is hard to describe the flavor. But I rank it higher than most, yes I said most, Chinese restaurants. I am not big on frozen drinks but the frozen daiquiris are pretty tasty. I would love for them to explore a melon or mango flavor, maybe with some chamoy and tajin, we are Texas after all lol. I will come here again and again, I can’t wait to try their brunch menu. I will check back in when I do. As for the staff…. They must be scouting Chick-fil-a workers because the staff understand the assignment (okay!) and are absolutely wonderful to talk to and provide so much insight to the menu since they are required to taste all the food items. I love when restaurant owners set this type of condition for the employees because they can now recommend items to customers based on what flavors the customer says they like. I really can’t find anything negative to say or identify areas for improvement. Maybe a water mark on my water glass from the dishwasher lol. The ambiance and vibe is on point as well, this retro Austin. Oh and did I mention they are black owned! @AVO Saltt, please keep up the good work. If times get hard please just raise the price rather than cutting...
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