Congress

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Congress

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Address:
200 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701

Neighborhood:
Downtown

Public Lot Options ›
Cuisine:
Contemporary American

Price: $50 and over

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Congress Details

Dining Style: Fine Dining
Website: http://www.congressaustin.com
Email: congress@congressaustin.com
Phone: (512) 827-2760
Hours of Operation: Dinner: Tuesday - Thursday: 6:00pm - 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 6:00pm - 11:00pm
Cross Street: Second Street
Parking: Valet
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Executive Chef: David Bull
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar

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A word from Congress

Congress features a prix-fixe dinner menu inspired daily by fresh, seasonal premium ingredients. Chef David Bull and Chef de Cuisine Rebecca Meeker are imaginative in utilizing unique flavor combinations, creating an extraordinary dining experience in an elegant, intimate dining room. Bar Congress… features the cocktail expertise of Jason Stevens and wines by Beverage Director June Rodil. Continued

Congress

4.5

156 $50 and over restaurant

Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerAustin
Diners' Choice WinnerBest Ambiance
Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall

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Featured Reviews

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Reviews from OpenTable Diners Learn More

166 Current Reviews

Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews

Overall

(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5

Food

(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 4.7 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

166 Current Reviews

Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews

Overall

(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5

Food

(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 4.7 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

Filter Reviews By:

Diners classify this restaurant as:

special occasion(134)
fit for foodies(117)
romantic(102)

notable wine list(88)
hot spot(40)
vibrant bar scene(18)

Current OpenTable.com Diner Reviews (166)

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great for special occasion

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/07/2012

2005

Dined on 04/07/2012

2005

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"My wife and I went to celebrate her birthday and the service was excellent. We had the 3 course meal and even though the portions are small, we felt satisfied after dessert. Our dinner reservation was at 8pm on a Saturday and the restaurant was 3/4 full which helped with the relaxed ambiance. Overall, it was a great a great dinner experience."

Dined on 04/07/2012

2005

Special Features: special occasion

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Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

with all the great food in

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/13/2012

2009

Dined on 04/13/2012

2009

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"with all the great food in town, this one might not be worth the price... unless you are willing to pay for the ambience. that's the one thing that separates Congress from all the rest."

Dined on 04/13/2012

2009

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic

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Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

It appears that these chefs

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/13/2012

2005

Dined on 04/13/2012

2005

Food

(Poor) 1 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"It appears that these chefs are ALL about presentation."

Dined on 04/13/2012

2005

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Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good, but pricey

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/13/2012

2007

Dined on 04/13/2012

2007

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The things that stand out for me were the service and the amazing flavor combinations. I love when I take a bite and can taste several different things, each working together to complement the others. Cartwheels in my mouth is how I usually describe that feeling! The only rub for me is the cost. I enjoy a good meal and am happy to pay for it, but this was a little too pricey for me."

Dined on 04/13/2012

2007

Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

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Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

An Event Meal

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/11/2012

2005

Dined on 04/11/2012

2005

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Congress takes you out of the bustle even insulating you from its own bar to let you linger over an innovative three course dinner with some nice choices and accommodations allowed. (They also have a seven course meal but we have only been brave enough a couple of times but were well-rewarded for our courage.) Add some caviar if you're celebrating and get a great bottle of wine from their list. Every course is a perfect combination. While the menu changes it's reliably stunning. We particularly enjoyed the arugula and burrata Salad with grapefruit and compressed pear and the Veal Tenderloin and breast on this visit. The tete de cochon and sweetbreads have delighted us previously."

Dined on 04/11/2012

2005

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion

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Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Highly Recommended

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/06/2012

2007

Dined on 04/06/2012

2007

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"This restaurant had been highly recommended to us by another restauranteur in San Antonio. The meal was fantastic - alot of different flavours that the Chef paired perfectly. The service was above standard, friendly and all employees were very knowledgable. We will definitely visit this establishment again in the future."

Dined on 04/06/2012

2007

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

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Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

One of Austin's Finest

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/07/2012

2012

Dined on 04/07/2012

2012

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Tremendous food for both vegetarian and carnivores. Excellent service and wine selections. A very enjoyable evening despite the price; just don't look at the prices and enjoy the meal"

Dined on 04/07/2012

2012

Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, hot spot

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Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent food, service and

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/05/2012

2008

Dined on 04/05/2012

2008

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Excellent food, service and ambiance. An outstanding dining experience."

Dined on 04/05/2012

2008

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

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Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

The table we were at was nice

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/30/2012

2010

Dined on 03/30/2012

2010

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The table we were at was nice but the space is stuffy. A VERY eclectic crowd...uptight older people in ties/jackets and young couples appearing uncomfortable. the amuse bouche was horrible and made us quite nervous, but we were THRILLED with our meal. I loved the lobster salad with asparagus...perfectly poached and the veggies were crunchy. the carbonara was amazing. My husband loved his congress Gin and tonic...said it was the best cocktail he had ever had. He was slightly dissapointed in the fois gras.

It wasn't rediculously expensive either..."

Dined on 03/30/2012

2010

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion

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Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

The ambiance was awesome and

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/31/2012

2010

Dined on 03/31/2012

2010

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The ambiance was awesome and the service was good. However, the food portions were so small and just tasted ok, especially for the price. Our group was disappointed in what we were hoping would be an awesome birthday meal and celebration."