La Condesa — Restaurant in Austin

I wanted to share my feedback following our private event for 15 people on Saturday, May 24th in the Flour House, which was booked in September 2024.

Communication & Booking Process: Unfortunately, the communication leading up to the event was neither proactive nor efficient. I had to reach out in early May as I had not received any updates, and the transition to a new contact handling private events resulted in delays. Additionally, the menu selection process was frustrating, requiring multiple back-and-forth exchanges to finalize details. It was disappointing that accommodations from the main restaurant menu seemed unnecessarily difficult to arrange.

Arrival & Service Experience: We indicated we might arrive a bit before 6 PM, but upon arrival, we were left standing in the entry area for 5–10 minutes while waiting to be seated asking us to wait.

The acoustics in the room were extremely poor, making conversations difficult, which is something guests should be aware of when booking the space. It was like sitting in a barrel and trying to talk. Had I known I would not have booked.

Food & Beverage Service: The wait time for drinks was excessive, and when they finally arrived, they were served at room temperature—not ideal for margaritas or martinis. Considering the $20–$25 per drink pricing, this was disappointing. Our server was attentive and did a good job overall, but given the size of our party, it would have been much more effective to have a second server at the start to help with drink service.

Throughout the evening, I had to personally go out multiple times to request drinks, coffee, and extra Tres Leches, which could have been avoided with better staffing.

End of Service & Additional Charges: Toward the end of the event, a manager or staff member approached to inform me that we had exceeded our allotted time and that the server needed to clean up. I was also asked if I wanted to pay for additional time. Considering we had spent nearly $3,000 on the event and were merely chatting without requiring further service, this felt unnecessary and unwelcoming.

Having previously worked in fine dining, I can confidently say that I have never seen a restaurant push a group out in this manner.

While the experience had some positive elements, these service and hospitality issues significantly impacted the event and I do not recommend them for a large private event and would look elsewhere as we did pay a premium for this event and there are many more options in this...

Nestled in the heart of downtown Austin, this contemporary gem delivered a five-star adventure for our culinary senses. We’re fans of traditional Mexican cuisine but wanted to try something new, La Condesa impressed us. Food: 5/5 From the moment the first dish arrived, it was evident that La Condesa takes great pride in their culinary offerings. The menu featured a great blend of traditional Mexican ingredients with innovative twists. The guacamole was a revelation— with perfectly ripe avocados and a good dose of lime and cilantro that elevated it to a new level. Of the 6 shareables we tried, my vote goes to the Quesadilla de Short Rib as a favorite, closely followed by the Sopes de Barbacoa. Of course, the Carne Asada was a hit and went fast at the table! Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, showcasing the kitchen's dedication to quality and creativity. Atmosphere: 5/5 La Condesa's ambiance was a perfect blend of modern chic and warm hospitality. The décor was inspired by Mexican culture, complemented by elegant lighting that created a cozy, yet lively atmosphere. The seating was comfortable, making it an ideal spot for our group of 4. Soft music played in the background, enhancing the dining experience without overwhelming our conversation. It felt like a celebration of life and flavors, reflecting the very essence of Mexican culture. Service: 5/5 The service at La Condesa was nothing short of exemplary. From the moment we walked in, the staff welcomed us with genuine smiles and a warmth that made us feel right at home. Sabrina was knowledgeable about the menu, offering insightful recommendations. She was very attentive without being intrusive plus she ensured our glasses were never empty. It’s clear that the team was well-trained and prideful, providing us a wonderful dining experience. Overall Experience: 5/5 La Condesa Modern Mexican needs to be a must-visit for anyone in the area or passing through. With its perfect blend of food, atmosphere, and service, it’s easy to provide these guys with five stars. We were treated to a culinary journey that left us satisfied and eager to return. La Condesa...

I debated leaving a bad review for a while because I can tell that whoever designed this menu is trying their best. I ended up deciding to leave one in the hopes that it would strike a chord.

The issue with this restaurant is that it tries too hard to be something it is not. When you think contemporary you think small portions and refined flavors. I can tell the chef had this in mind when designing the menu, however his execution of this format lacks passion and does not demonstrate a high level of culinary expertise or purpose.

For instance, I ordered the ceviche. Advertised as containing a "citrus broth" and "lemon puree." The citrus broth was a careless mish mash of lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit juice. There was so much of this "broth" that the small slices of fish were literally drowning in it. While the presentation of the dish was elegant, the dish lacked any semblance of depth or flavor. If somebody blindfolded me and fed me a cup filled with citrus juice and fish I would not be able to discern a difference.

If you are going to do ceviche then why not just focus on fresh ingredients and let the flavors shine through in the way they were intended. If you want to bring a fun twist to the table then do it, but do it with passion. Don't just dump the fish in citrus juice and use words like broth and puree because you think it sounds contemporary.

The quesadilla I ordered was sterile plain and boring. Simple as that. Presentation was non existent. Meat was dry and bland. I have enjoyed better meals at taco bell.

After those two dishes I decided it was time to go. This restaurant is seated on such an incredible piece of real estate. I hope it doesn't continue to...