Modern Market Eatery - West Lake — Restaurant in Austin

I’ve been coming here for quite some time. Now, after multiple great experiences, the manager of this location really changed things for me. Background: I sat my things down outside and was getting situated to come in and put in my usual order. Before I could even put all of my things down outside, the manager comes out and asks “sir what can I help you with?” In a presumptuous, condescending tone as if I wasn’t going to come in and order. I tell him “I’m about to come in and order, thanks.” And he then responds “I just want to make sure you are planning on eating here and not hanging out.” (I’m in my work outfit, pretty presentable, not looking like a loiterer in the slightest). He then walks back inside. Then, not even 60 seconds later he bothers me again: “sir are you planning on eating here or not?” Raised his voice, very unprofessional, not at all a professional tone. I told him once again that I am, and that I just told him the same thing, and explained that he is now harassing me. I then went inside to order, and explained to him how unprofessional he was being. He raised his voice louder and louder telling me to leave. This IS NOT WHAT A MANAGER SHOULD BEHAVE LIKE. A true child, who has been given a smidge of power and shocker, he abuses it. There’s an older gentleman with glasses in there who is quiet pleasant to speak with, who I would, on any given day vote to be the manager of this place I formerly enjoyed.

I don’t know what this managers name is but he’s about a 6’3 and African American gentleman. Going to report this one to corporate, and shame on the GM for allowing this dude any sort of role...

The food was delicious. Had the BBQ Pizza and a Chicken Grain bowl. The employee that took our order and brought it to our table was extremely nice.

HOWEVER, the individual that appeared to be the manager (tall female with short hair) was being extremely rude to customers, the rest of the team, as well as multiple DoorDash drivers picking up food. She yelled at another team member loud enough for the entire room to hear “stop slamming things so loudly!” She also yelled at one individual “I don’t know what to tell you!” when they asked about their order.

I don’t know if this is a random case but she was so rude I felt compelled to leave this review. My first of the year 🤷🏼‍♂️

Great food, nice team other than one person killing the whole experience. I’m sticking around to see what else goes down because this has been entertaining to watch. I feel like handing out words of encouragement to all the employees because everyone looks sad and ashamed of how they are being treated.

Stay strong Modern Market staff! (Except y’all short-haired...

I came here for lunch with a couple coworkers, and we were absolutely blown away by the experience. The entire staff was incredibly enthusiastic, warm, and welcoming—they genuinely seemed happy to have us there. From the moment we walked in, they were personable and conversational; cracking jokes and going out of their way to make sure we were completely satisfied with our meals.

I ordered the Caesar salmon salad, and it exceeded expectations: a generous portion with fresh, crisp produce, perfectly cooked salmon, crunchy, garlicky croutons, and a creamy, flavorful dressing that tied everything together beautifully.

One of the employees even surprised us with some sweet treats (with the friendly promise that we’d come back). To my surprise, the chocolate chip cookie I received was gluten free—and absolutely delicious!

The combination of excellent food, great value, and genuinely outstanding customer service made this such a fun and memorable lunch. I’ll definitely be returning soon with my coworkers—and I’m excited that they offer...