The Cavalier — Restaurant in Austin

I hate to rate a good place by its bad days..

The Cavalier has been a nice place to watch games in the past. I’ve had drinks with friends here. I’ve also had food here. The food is decent. The drinks are good. The happy hour is fine. Service has been good in the past, with staff being accommodating of setting specific games up on their TV’s.

4 years ago someone said this is just another place to get a $12 burger and after a really unfortunate experience I can’t help but feel that way in 2024. I recently visit The Cavalier for date night to have drinks and maybe a bite- after 2 rounds my partner and I decided to settle on fries and close out. We ordered Negronis which aren’t listed on the menu and when I closed out, I had trouble understanding the cost of my bill. I politely asked for a breakdown, emphasizing that it was my fault for not understanding, but that I simply wanted clarity. The bartender helped break it down in a rude tone which was distracting and made it harder for me to understand and then when I said it still wasn’t making sense to me they aggressively handed me an itemized receipt. Once I cleared that up I apologized and paid.

I’m a service worker so I understand what it’s like to be in a public facing position, it’s not always fun and that’s totally okay. But I found the hostility unwarranted. After we finished our second round, I walked over to apologize again for the misunderstanding and thank them for their service that night, and was unfortunately once again met with a rude tone. Can’t win em all, I guess!

Anyway, all to say- The Cav is a fine place, but in a city full of fine places, I don’t think I’ll be back.

Thanks for...

While on a day visit to Austin and craving a truly great cheeseburger, I hit the jackpot when I decided to try The Cavalier on the east side of this great town. As soon as I walked in the door I was overcome with good vibes of smiling faces of people and canines, a genuinely laid back atmosphere, perfect to enjoy some great food. A great variety of music swirled about as I tended to by the awesome staff. My cheeseburger was nothing short of amazing. I had the Swenson which was of the smashed variety, with fresh toppings including perfectly grilled onions and dripping with in-house burger sauce. While many people had only great comments on the bar itself, I chose ice tea and it paired perfectly with a burger that literally melted in my mouth. I knew it might be awhile before I could get back to Austin so I ordered another one and polished it off as I had the first. The Cavalier totally delivered, knocked it out of the park. My only regret was forgetting to add a snapshot for it was truly beautiful. Thanks guys, you really...

We moved from Austin 7 years ago to retire in Mexico. The East Side was always “our area” and the section we called home in Austin. We come back to visit for a month or so each year and so much has changed in this city we love.

While The Cavalier was not here when we left, it now welcomes us home each year when we return. It reminds us so much of the old Austin we love! Affordable, good tasting food, fantastic drinks that don’t break the bank and a kind caring staff who make you feel like family!

A special thanks to Tom, Mike, Rachel, Charlotte & Hunter! Y’all made The Cavalier feel like our home away from home during our 2025 visit. Your kindnesses, service and great attitudes overwhelmed us this trip!

Thanks for helping “Keep Austin Weird” and fabulous! See ya again next...