Chuy's — Restaurant in Austin

My family and I called in May 20th around 4pm to see if we could make reservations for a large party (15) for my birthday dinner. We were told that this Chuy’s location doesnt honor reservations but to call when we were on our way so they could make sure the space was available. We called an hour later multiple times and our calls were not answered. We still showed up to the location and were told we would not be sat for 35-45 minutes due to the restaurant being busy if we didnt sit outside. It’s hot, its Texas so I discussed this option with my family first, we were all okay with it plus the patio was empty. So, we inform the rude staff we would sit outside, only then to be met with “it’s not available, thats a waiting patio” even though we were the only people waiting. So, I asked to speak with a manager the staff member goes to get him but comes back saying “he said he is busy, he’s in the kitchen cooking.” However, by the time he finished the sentence manager ‘Chris’ walks out and greets me with “whats up?” And shrugs his shoulders. I proceeded to explain the situation and he tells me once again, its a waiting patio and 45 minutes is generous and that he told us to call when we were on our way. I told him we did call but got no answer, but its fine it just doesnt make sense why we can’t sit on the completely empty patio we were just offered 10 minutes prior. He then says “45 minutes is being generous and I dont have to explain anything to you, it makes sense from a business aspect.” After that statement I asked to remove us from the list and walked away. My sister went into the establishment after me and was told we couldn’t sit there because there was no staff available to service that area. Which obviously makes so much more sense however, that reason wasn’t explained to me after 30 minutes of arguing with Chris on my birthday. I am extremely disappointed that this is how we were treated as one of the first larger parties at this new restaurant in Mueller and one of my favorite restaurants hence the reason why I wanted my birthday dinner here. Do better Chris as a manager or you are going to have a terrible time...

The only reason I go to this location for pick-up is it's location; it's only 5 minutes from me. The service at this location is consistently the worst I've received at any restaurant and the attitude of the staff including managers is 'sucks to be you' I ordered side dishes not a meal to be picked up so it's only shovel some re-fried beans in a container and rice in another and it's ready to go. I received a text message notifying me my order was ready and arrived at the time promised in another text for pick up and then proceeded to wait 15+ minutes for my order. Three people were already waiting when I arrived 1 got their order then 2 more arrived so there were consistently 4-5 people waiting for their orders. We all asked one employee what was the hold up and he brushed us off that he had something else to do. I found the bartender and asked him what was the hold up and he said he would get someone to help us. Five minutes later he walked through the pick-up area, saw me, his eyes got wide and he turned around without saying a word. I went in search of another person and the woman and man I found greeted me friendly but that disappeared when I told them I thought the number of people waiting for their orders probably out numbered the people working on the orders. Another 5 minutes went by and the manager actually came back to the area all smiles making me think she didn't get word from anyone all of us waiting had better things to do on a Sunday night than wait for an order that was 15+ minutes later than her restaurant said it would be. I told her she would get the review this place deserved. As I walked out she did give me a sarcastic 'have a good evening' adding to the reasons why I would not recommend this Chuy's location for anything. The food may be good but the service and the attitude of the staff from the manager on down is not worth spending your money here. The Chuy's on Duval Rd has just as good food and much better and more friendly service with only thing keeping from going there more frequently is that it is 4X longer a trip. Time to start looking for another...

As always, I barely leave reviews so you can count on this. As of January 2025, Texas has faced major cold temperatures, heavy wind, and snow making people stay inside. Come to the chuys on philomena and Aldrich. First of all it’s next to downtown, tons of happy austiknights, they let you bring dogs, and they have heaters outside.

With this sun, my family, my dog and the NFL wild card games it’s a damn good start to the new years. The vibes are absolutely immaculate and I’m not sure why this is a 4.1 chuys.

Don’t let me forget the service, ASK FOR ETHAN. He is one of those waiters who never has a messed up face, and seems extremely passionate about his job. His mission ALL DAY is to take care of all his customers and he even remembered my family and our orders from months ago and brought our dog a treat. What a G!

Trust me, I know chuys isn’t all that but this one is. Great management, service, food, atmosphere and the young bartender girl makes killer drinks. Love what they have...