Red Lotus Asian Grille — Restaurant in Austin

First, I must tell you that undoubtedly the over-4-star score this place has is only the result of know-nothing locals from Jester and Riverplace going there and thinking it's something special because their palates are so underdeveloped. It's funny how rich people tend to be the worst at judging things' value. I have been to Red Lotus once, to dine in person. There was really nothing wrong with the experience, I just found the food "very average", bordering on "below average". By looking at their large and unique building, I would've thought there'd be something more going on in there. However, while what they offer to eat is OK for the price, it is some of the least original, interesting or authentic Asian cuisine in Austin. I did kind of like how spacious the dining room is, and I wouldn't complain at all about prices...but there is basically no reason for me to go here again as I have seen everything the Red Lotus kitchen can do, done to death before and often better, at 100 other run-of-the-mill American "Chinese" food places. Totally 100% skip-able. No idea if they handle deliveries...

I would give ZERO stars if I could. On 12/11 Friday night my son and I went to Red Lotus around 6:30pm. We were immediately seated and given menus. After 30mins no one took my order. Finally they place a drink and appetizers order. I waited patiently and gave them the plenty opportunity to serve us because I was in no hurry and was having a great conversation with my son. After an hour no appetizers or an order for dinner. A group of five and a group of two come in after us and are able to eat and enjoy pay and leave. I go to the attendant at the front and ask what is going on and all he said was that they are busy. It did not seem exceptionally packed. They did not let me speak to someone in charge and offered no apology. I left extremely mad and disappointed without making a scene per my son’s request. I did not eat anything after an hour. I will never return. This took me a while to write without being rude. Unfortunate and unacceptable. We left and went near by to Bashaws and it was a much better experience...

So yeah, the place was empty when we arrived. Got sat and got our drinks. Within 10 minutes 2 more tables arrived. At that point service began to fade. Nice waitress but not a good fit for her.

Appetizers were delicious and arrived in a timely manner.

We had two main courses. General Tso and I can’t remember the other one but it’s pictured and was based around chicken. That one was pretty good. The general Tso chicken though was so tough you couldn’t cut it with a knife. It was not good. Would not order that ever again.

Portion sizes are way to large and therefor far to expensive. One chicken based meal was $17 bucks! We usually eat across town but decided to try this place since it’s closer. The prices are double here! Can’t justify that. Portions across town are large as well but half the price and service is amazing.

May try again later on but idk, that price...