BOA Steakhouse — Restaurant in Austin

There is no question Austin needs more restaurants like BOA... but when I have to spend more than $500 (for two people), I do have certain expectations.

We made our reservation early and we were seated immediately upon arriving. Surprised they didn't have valet parking. There is a parking garage right next to the restaurant, but for a restaurant of this caliber, I would have expected the option of valet parking.

The ambiance is very upscale but I did see people in there wearing shorts. Granted, they were nice shorts. It's not too loud or too dimly lit. Our drink orders were taken and we had wine and an old-fashion. Our first time here, we wanted to try a few things. We started with the Goat Cheese Baklava and Jumbo Shrimp Scampi. The Baklava was good but the frisee salad it came with was really good and would have preferred that as a side. Shrimp scampi was a bit disappointing. I know it said it was with "jumbo" shrimp but that's not typical for scampi. I've never had anything but a garlic butter shrimp scampi and I prefer the traditional. And the "Crostini" was stale. I know it came grilled but the bread was still stale/old.

For salad, we did the tableside Caesar salad and the Classic Wedge. The Caesar was good but mostly, it's just about the show as they make the dressing right at your table. The wedge salad was okay. The dressing is really what makes a wedge salad and this blue cheese dressing was fair.

For our entree we ordered a petite Filet (medium) and the Japanese Wagyu Flight (medium). I prefer a warm pink center and most other restaurants I would order that medium rare. Our server assured us that medium would come out with a warm pink center and she was 100% correct! Now, in comparison to everything else we ate, the steaks were superb. The Wagyu flight is incredible and specifically, the Snow Beef Wagyu is amazing. My filet was also some of the best beef I have ever had.

For sides, we had the asparagus and sauteed mushrooms. It's hard to make bad asparagus and this side was quite good. But the sauteed mushrooms... I'm not sure what it was sauteed in, but again, just a traditional white wine sauce is what I expected. I was told by the server that is what we were going to get but there was no hint of a wine sauce and there was so much else mixed in with the mushrooms. Whatever happened to serving what is on the menu? The menu said mushrooms; not mushrooms and..... I would not order these

Last comment is the service. For the type of restaurant this is trying to be, they need some work. We had no less than four people wearing jackets, handing us cards and asking us how the evening was going. Here's a hint... when I'm spending over $500 for two people... we don't want to be bothered. And certainly not from someone wearing a jacket telling us they are a manager asking how our evening is. It would be INFINITELY better if you would leave us alone. Unless you are buying us a bottle of wine or dessert is on you... just leave us alone. And when I have a drink, do NOT touch my drink unless I order another or ask you to take it away. There were no fewer than seven people who attempted to take my drink away. One guy almost refused to let me keep the glass on my table. I had an old fashioned and the glass wasn't even empty when they were trying to take it away. I ultimately had to ask our server to inform everyone to leave us alone and specifically to leave my drink alone. SO obtrusive!

We did have desert which was something we shared and it was quite good. Again, for the amount we spent, I am going to be a bit picky. But really, asking to not be disturbed every five minutes is really something I would expect from every...

From the moment we entered; we were greeted with geniune kindness from the sweet hostesses. We were walked all the way to the back. At first we really wanted to be in the main room to soak in the vibe and beautiful decor. However, they could not; so we stayed and Alec was our server. We came in last night to celebrate my 48th birthday. My brother picked the meatballs for an appetizer while I picked the baklava. When the meatball arrive, we busted out laughing because it was 1 small meatball not even a big one to share. Flavor was lack luster to say the least especially when we have enjoyed Red Ash's meatballs. Everyone enjoyed the baklava. We should have ordered 2 of those instead. All three of us ordered the 15 day dry aged ribeye while my husband ordered the 16 oz NY strip. The steaks were better than J Carver's everyone agreed. My husband's NY strip was better than my ribeye; flavor wise, which he also agreed when I shared my ribeye with him. Caesar salad presentation and flavors was on point. Brussels sprouts flavor wise was good but was not executed perfectly like at Jeffrey's because it was soggy. Brussels sprouts should still have a litte crunch even when cooked through. Alec was such a good sport when I was giving him a hard time about the meatball by making jokes about it. 🤣 Our sommelier was great as well. Although I found it interesting that they did not open the bottle in front of us while decanting but took it back to do so. I am very self conscious about price when someone else is paying for dinner; especially when it comes to wine. I told the somm that I would have to come back on a Tuesday when they have their 1/2 price bottles. Jeffrey's has their 1/2 price in Sunday's. I have been a server when I was putting myself through college so I know the markup and understand the upselling. I had to stop our somm and ask him to pick a bottle $100 and under. Bottle was $90. I would go back to taste the other bottles for tuesdays special. All in all we had a wonderful experience and enjoyed our time. Thank you Alec for being such a good sport and good server. The sticky toffee butter scotch pudding was delicious which I greatly appreciated from BOA.

My sister and I sat back at the cocktail area to wait for our husbands before leaving. I found the beautiful asian cocktail server very professional and kind when she asked us if we needed anything 2 times (1st was when waiting for our table) (2nd was end of dinner). Both times we declined drinks and she did not give any attitude or disrespect like some might at other restaurants.

Our dinner for 4 people with tip...

I had dinner at BOA Steakhouse in Austin and it turned out to be one of the most memorable meals I have had in a long time. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt upscale yet inviting, with a modern design and a lively but not overwhelming energy. The staff welcomed us warmly and provided attentive service throughout the evening without ever feeling intrusive.

The food was exceptional. The steak was the highlight of the meal, cooked perfectly to order with a beautiful sear and incredible flavor. The cut I had was tender and juicy, and it came out exactly how I requested. It is clear that the kitchen knows how to treat a quality piece of beef. My companions ordered different cuts, and everyone was equally impressed. Beyond the steak, the menu has a great variety, and we sampled several sides. The truffle mac and cheese was rich and creamy, the roasted vegetables had great seasoning, and the mashed potatoes were buttery and smooth. Every dish felt carefully prepared and worth savoring.

The drink program deserves its own praise. The cocktail list is creative and well balanced, offering both classics and unique house specialties. The wine list is extensive, and our server gave thoughtful recommendations that paired perfectly with our meal. It elevated the whole dining experience to another level.

The service was consistently top notch. Our server was knowledgeable, checked in often enough to make sure we had everything we needed, and answered questions about the menu with confidence. Courses came out in perfect timing, and the pacing of the meal made the evening feel relaxed and unhurried.

What really stood out to me was the overall experience. BOA Steakhouse manages to feel like both a special occasion restaurant and a place you could come back to regularly if you want consistently excellent food and service. It feels polished but not pretentious, and the staff make you feel comfortable from the beginning to the end of the night.

Overall, BOA Steakhouse in Austin exceeded expectations in every way. The food, the drinks, the atmosphere, and the service all came together to make it a dinner I will not forget. Whether you are celebrating something special, hosting business guests, or simply treating yourself, this is absolutely one of the best spots in the city for a steakhouse experience. I will...