Keepers Austin — Restaurant in Austin

As fans of District Kitchen, we looked forward to trying out this place. Unfortunately, it did not live up to our expectations. The food was good but not outstanding, and the portions, atmosphere, and service were insufficient to justify the price. The restaurant expects that most people will use their online ordering system, but they don't explain that when they seat you. A waitress finally came by with water and pointed out the placard with the QR code (most people our age are trained to ignore those, because so many restaurants put ads on them) and asked if we wanted physical menus instead, but after delivering our menus, it took so long for her to come back that we finally gave up and figured out how to order with our phones. To her credit, she did comp our drinks for our trouble, and we do not blame her for the issue. It's understandable that restaurants, particularly when staffing is tight, want most people to use online ordering, but they need to be more accommodating of people who choose not to use that system, and the price of the food needs to reflect the additional hassle. If I'm paying District prices, then I expect District service and atmosphere. The $9 frozen piña colada and $10 Port A fries were both tasty, but they were about 1/3 to 1/2 the size of drinks and apps of similar quality elsewhere. The $17 Gulf Shrimp Plate was similarly good but did not fill me up and was largely forgettable. As with the drink and app, you can get food of similar quality elsewhere for a lower price or with larger portions. The background music was generally pop, rap, or Nashville country and not at all reflective of Austin's vibrant local music scene, and it was loud enough that people had to talk over it. The restaurant has a lot of concrete and steel, so the music and the loud conversation necessitated by the music made it too loud, in general, to support a high-end dining experience. This place needs to decide whether it's District Kitchen or Joe's Crab Shack, because right now, it's trying to be both and failing. Either lean into the casual dining experience and provide larger portions at lower prices, preferably with more of an Austin-themed atmosphere, or lean into the high-end dining experience and provide better service and a quieter, more upscale atmosphere. Maybe Austin has reached the point at which there is a market for a pretentious overpriced casual dining establishment, but we are definitely not...

I personally enjoyed ordering over the phone while sitting at the table as it seemed more efficient rather than waiting for a server. That being said, our server checked on us regularly and gave us the conventional restaurant experience.

The food was tasty and I enjoyed the 1/2 pd gulf shrimp boil with added sausage. I chose the "ay caramba" butter (the spiciest option.) It was a good and even heat similar to cayenne pepper and I enjoyed it immensely. My dinner companion enjoyed their shrimp roll.

Overall, it was an enjoyable experience however there is room for improvement

When I asked how spicy the butter was, I got the reply, "well there's three chili's next to it so that means it is spicy." I mean, I guess that's a fair response but the server didn't seem to be familiar with any of the dishes in general.

There was a moderate amount of indoor seating but the window seats were a bit awkward as these are higher, bartop style seating while the outdoor seating alongside the glass is lower than you. Basically the outdoor guests are level with your stomach.

I'll visit again and update my review as needed.

Update 10/6/2022: Unfortunately, what little positives I had with my previous experience have disappeared. You can't order/check out on your phone anymore and the food was horrible and overpriced. I ordered the shrimp vermicelli bowl which was $15+ for some dry noodles and lettuce and little to no seasoning. For that price point, I expect some kind of flavor in my food lol. My dinner companion had fish and chips. The fries were delicious and crunchy...but of course they are, it's literally fries. The fish was plain (for real, do they not have seasoning back in the kitchen?) and the coleslaw smelled sour and bitter aka, it was spoiled. There were three other tables and one waitress, which seems pretty manageable, however our drinks were not refilled and I had to go inside to ask at the bar to be checked out.

I'm not...

8/5/2021 Update: Went for dinner tonight and it's obvious they're listening to feedback and finding their groove. Someone greeted us to tell us about open seating, and once we sat down a waiter came over to bring us glasses and a picture of water and to ask if we were okay ordering on the app or if we wanted regular menus. We opted for the app and it was a very seamless and quick experience. They had PEI ousters!!, And our cocktails and food were all amazing. I personally believe the food is very well priced. The cocktails feel more pricey, but at the same time this is truly an elevated casual experience as odd as that may sound. My only feedback as I wish there was dessert besides milkshakes!! Oh! They also added mister fans to the patio so it was very enjoyable to eat outside.

We went on the second night Keepers opened, and I could tell they were already adapting based on feedback from opening night. Everyone working there was incredibly nice and quick to acknowledge you even though they were slammed. Bring some patience and grace while they find their groove.

The space is really cool- centerpiece bar with raw bar at the end and tables around the perimeter and on the patio. Bright and fun decor.

You order from your phone and food is brought out. We started with oysters and they were fresh and clean, but I'd love some PEI options as personal preference. I like smaller oysters. The aguachile, Port A Fries and fried avocado apps we're fantastic. We also tried the shrimp and snow crab boils. These were just ok. The shrimp itself was fantastic, but the corn was either frozen or way overcooked, maybe both and the potatoes were bland. Would love an option to add some bread to the boil for that butter! We also had the fried fish and this was amazing. Delicate fish with a light and crispy batter. Very good.

Overall great experience and we'll be back. Welcome to the...