Clay Pit Contemporary Indian Cuisine — Restaurant in Austin

I’ve been here many times before and loved it. I hadn’t been in a while and was in the area so decided to try it out again. The moment I was seated, the server was there - which is a good thing, I suppose, but I hadn’t even had a chance to look at the menu. I made a hasty drink selection, an espresso martini, and said I needed to let ok at the menu. After deciding, I placed my menu aside to indicate I was ready. And waited. The drink runner sloshed my drink a bit but what’s a little espresso on a table if you have one light colored shirt. Eventually the server returned after two drive by promises that she’d return after getting water for other tables. I ordered pappadum and goat curry. The curry came out and a little bit into it, the server came by and asked if all was well. I motioned to the goat and asked for extra napkins (because if you’ve ever had Indian goat, it’s bone in and if you want to enjoy it, you have to use your hands which can get pretty messy.) And I told her to cancel the pappadum since my meal was there. She looked surprised but had she been paying attention, she would have realized my order wasn’t complete. Of course, it’s not her fault the food runner didn’t bring it but then she mentioned that someone else probably just took it. I honestly didn’t care. I just didn’t want to pay for it. A few minutes later, she did another drive by and dropped off some cocktail napkins she said she got from the bar. Ummm okay but they are going to be messy. Oh well.

The goat curry was alright, at best. I ordered it medium because Indian hot is fire. But it had zero spice level, in my opinion. Perhaps they have started catering more to the out of state guests.

The next time I saw her was when I paid. I would have liked to have looked at the tab to make sure I wasn’t charged the pappadum but when a machine is thrust toward you, guess that’s out of the question. And now that I did the calculation, it wasn’t. I know it’s only $4. But… it’s $4. I suppose this experience just left a sour taste in my mouth. There are other Indian options in town with much better...

Exceptional! Top to bottom every category is unequivocally the best most professionally staffed crew I've met in eight countries I've been in recently. If I could give them the five star Michelin award I would. The atmosphere is an old Mexican building. It's cozy the noise level was not bad considering it was almost a capacity for lunch. The background music is delightful Indian music. The staff is stellar. The busboy had the tables cleared wiped and reset before you could turn around twice. I did not see one employee on a cell phone, let alone six of them gathered in a corner. Dread, the manager must be doing an excellent job of training them. Details right down to having a hook for ladies purses in the restroom AND the trash can near the door. Michael provided excellent table service. When all the tables were content, Michael would pick up the broom & sweep the floor. Someone else came by making sure the silverware was in the proper order on the plates and every knife had no raindrops on it. Then square the chairs up to the table so nobody would trip. The quality of the food was phenomenal. I had the lamb KORMA. You could cut the lamb with a fork. Korma is an almond, cashew, pistachio sauce with cream. It's a Southern India specialty, I do believe I've never had before. Thanks again to Michael for suggesting it. I was totally delighted. Since I was celebrating just getting divorced, I decided to put a shot of Bailey's in my iced Chai. Thus I have created the IRISH CHAI. You may ask Michael or Dread for it. I highly recommend CLAY PIT top to bottom: ambiance, staff, food, service! The best I've seen in a long, long time. Yes I have been in many fine restaurants, including Scottsdale Arizona. Highly...

More like CONTRADICTORY Indian rather than CONTEMPORARY Indian. Please DO NOT think this as an Indian restaurant.

All those 4star reviews are probably from non-Indians.

Poorly managed. Highly judgmental. Worst food. Menu online was totally different from in-store. No kid friendly options. Mens restroom paper towels are out. So, get ready to wipe the water on your pants. Dahi puri (Yogurt) had minor amounts of dahi in it. Front desk girl that takes you to the table is a big fan of "NO". Restaurant was empty. When asked for certain spot, she insisted we sit where she showed. Her attitude seemed judgmental on what you wear and how you look. Those spots we asked for were never filled in our 1hr15min horrible dining experience at this store. Mint chutney costs you money with your kebabs which we never experienced anywhere in this country. You can take your golf bag with you. Because, the kebabs are hard as golf balls. No flavor, no salt, no spice. Just taken out of the oven and thrown into your plate. Service was fast. Yes, because there is nothing the chef does other than heat up stuff with no spices or flavors. The CRUEL part of our experience was the paneer korma which was like caramel pudding. We asked for mild not sweet. Mango lassi was great. Naans were meh! Serving staff was courteous and friendly. Last but not the least. The pricing is deadly on the wallet.

The owner must be a big fan of (OR) investor in radish farms. Every dish comes with radish just to appeal the look of it while forgetting and letting the real flavor vanish in the clay pit fire.

STAY AWAY from this...