Central Market Westgate Reviews

I am blessed to live in Austin and be so near the best food markets of any place I've ever been. This place rocks my world. Read the ingredients may contain Hydrogenated Oils and High Fructose Corn Syrup. Not a purist destination like Whole Foods.

I liked the healthy choices and actually I liked that there were so many choices. As a grocery store with a place to order, one can order off of a menu or put together a meal from the grocery store or one of the bars like the salad bar.

I live next door to Central Market Westgate so I am there several times a week. It is a wonderful place. Friendly and helpful staff. Generous samples. Lots of organic and healthy foods. Sometimes it is a little pricey. Not as much variety as regular supermarkets. Live music several evenings a week in the cafe. Good people watching.

I used to love to eat at Central Market. The deli and cafe were always vegan friendly, but not anymore. The cafe marks there 2 vegan options with VG, but the deli does not mark a thing vegan. There is a V for vegetarian on a lot of items. When I inquired I was told to ask and they would tell me what was vegan, but that was a lot of items I would have to ask about. I did ask about the tofu thinking I could make a tofu, but they actually use fish sauce on their tofu. I admit I lost my cool and my appetite. The employee I was talking to walked away from me, but I can't blame him. After I called down I ordered pasta from the cafe and the lady who took my order was very helpful. I Don't understand why the cafe can mark VG, but the deli doesn't. The rest of the world is becoming more vegan friendly so why is Central Market moving away from It? I only gave it a 3 and not a 2 because the pasta was fantastic.

Good food. Love to shop in the market after eating out on the patio. Great for kids with playground next to patio dining. My daughter loves their live music shows outside.

To be honest we don't come here for the food. We come for the entertainment and then tend to eat. They have live music many nights a week and as the primary care giver to my 80 year old father this is perfect. He gets to see live music without any of the issues of taking him to clubs. Plenty of parking, plenty of seating (if you come early) and then he can eat a decent meal. I greatly appreciate Central Market providing this entertainment. The bands are usually really good. Yes, they play from 6 to 9pm before most people would want to go have a night on the town but for a 80 year this is their night on the town. If we don't want our standard things off the menu we can go to the grocery side and get snacks, wine or beer and enjoy the show. It is win win. My go to off their menu is the cobb salad. It is huge and fresh. We also like their nightly specials but again have to order early as they do sell out. Usually very clean and their bussers are trying hard to clear tables. The people taking your orders at the counter are hit or miss. Sometimes they are a bit rude but I see the long lines they are dealing with. I think they could do something there to make it more efficient, like have one person getting the beer or wine vs. the order taker getting it. They need to get a repair man in for the second soda machine. It has been out of order for way too long. Not perfect but I will be back again and again. Thank you Central Market.

they even custom saute my spinich. fresh, delicious

My grandkids love this place for, you guessed it! The mac & cheese. They make all kinds of sandwiches too and the service is pretty good. It's noisy and usually crowded so it's popular. Prices aren't bad so if you have some food shopping to do stop here first to satisfy any hunger. It might save you some money on your grocery bill.

Central Market is a great experience. Wind your way around the different sections of the store. Lots of great produce and a wonderful meat market. The bakery, cheese and deli areas are divine. And don't forget the beer and wine department. The folks there can always guide you to a great bottle of something.

Generally speaking, we love the fact that two of the Austin grocers who helped create the organic-fresh-accountable-sustainable-local markets also brought forward dining on-site. That has been an awesome game changer for their guests/shoppers. We have tried to eat often at Central Market and Whole Foods to support this dining option effort. Whole Foods is far and away the easiest place to order food and eat there in the downtown store. Meanwhile at Central Market, while it is awesome that they have music and support local musicians like in our family and others, ordering anything more than coffee at the coffee bar has devolved into a circus. It seems Central Markets Cafe problems all are self inflicted wounds from lack of restaurant minded, customer-first skills. On our last 2 visits at the Westgate Store and our last visit to the Park Central store, we arrived while they were changing from the breakfast or brunch menu to the lunch menu. This was a train wreck at both stores so it may be just a company cultural thing and/or poor management. Both times one of the 2 meals we ordered were not given to us, had to be re-ordered, still were wrong, an avoidable train wreck. The other time at Westgate, one meal was cold as it sat waiting for the other meal to be finished. We had to go to the counter repeatedly to find out what was going on. In short, there is a poor service problem in our experience that comes from not managing the customer ticket process properly and consistently with routine restaurant procedures. Food quality is OK - IF you can ever get the Right Meal the Right Way at the Right Time. Somebody need to figure it out at Central Market.

This is right by my mom's house...its like her second home!

A great place to pick up "Chef" prepared sandwiches, soups, sushi and sashimi. The in store cafe is always consistent with quality food at reasonable prices. Today I picked up a too go Hatch Green Chili Chicken Quesadilla and was somewhat sticker shocked when I learned it was $8.95. It was really good but not worth $8.95.

This market is well worth a visit if you have some time. Their produce section is expansive; and I can't imagine they won't have what you may be looking to find. There is also a good selection of vegan products, gluten free products and vitamin products. Bring your own shopping bags when you choose to shop in Austin. I really enjoyed Central Market!

Great gelato, beer and wine. The food in the cafe is hit or miss. Extensive menu with daily specials.

This is the best grocery store in Austin for these reasons: very fresh produce you can purchase by the piece or pound - want 6 cherry tomatoes no problem add a few or as many as you want to a bag. Then weigh it and print the price sticker - no waste when you can buy small quantities - same with salad greens, unusual types of flours and spices too that can be purchased by the pound. The meat market is extensive as is seafood. The meat guys are very helpful in sharing how long to grill or bake items purchased. The bakery has 20 more types of fresh baked bread along with fresh tortillas in several flavors. And the cheese section if 40 feet long but well labeled so you know where to look. There are so many delicious prepped foods and meals too. its our go to store when entertaining as well as family meals.

Some of the review mention that it's a bit on the pricey side, considering the quality of the food I actually think it's very well priced. The food is very tasty and there is enough Friday for any group of people to find something that they can enjoy. Not fancy or pretentious it kinda reminds me of a Whole Foods, except they're not quite as expensive but the quality is still there.

Lunch time at Central Market Cafe always has a mix of customers from families to people on lunch hours to students and all in between. Ordering is done at the counter and after that you will take care of your drinks and later pick up your meal. There is a good range of options on the menu from sandwiches to plated meals to salads. I ordered the Drunken Chicken sandwich which was tasty as were the fries. Quick service, good food and reasonable prices make the CM Cafe a winner.

They always deliver, its a little pricey, but u get big portions and quick delivery. I like the smoothie happy hour, the chicken fingers, and the tortilla soup. Burgers could be better, and they dont have pickles!!?

Best place to get free food if you are really hungry... Seriously, a gourmet traveller's delight. All gastro desires fulfilled in one hit. The food range is excellent if not overly plentiful to the point of gluttony. Where does it all go? Ask the locals...

The menu is great, all the food made from scratch, includes live music, all for a small price, great family value!

Great selection of meats and fish, veggies and vitamins. The prices are higher than most markets, but they offer a great variety of organics and whole health foods and products. Many you can't find in other stores.

We stopped by Central Market Cage for the live jazz on Saturday evening. The atmosphere was very laid back and casual, appropriate even for families with smaller children. The quality of the food was good, and since you can buy wine and beer, you can have a dinner, or just drinks and enjoy the music. There is no wait staff--it is the kind of place where you order your food at the counter, get your drinks yourself , seat yourself, and pick up your food when the buzzer they give you goes off.

We love the quality of the produce, meats, breads, cheeses and olive bars. I regularly grab a meal for two and always have enough for left overs. I don't frequent the cafe but lots of folks do and linger to talk. I love the premade sushi--not restaurant quality but superior to other premades. I honestly love walking to this grocery store.

Although it makes me feel like my grandmother when she used to get excited about going to Picadilly Cafeteria, I just love eating at Central Market. Everything is so fresh and yummy. You can enjoy beer or wine while you eat to great music/entertainment..... just can't be beat. Spent a weekend in Austin and this was the best meal by far!!!!!

Everyone knows what a great grocery store this is, but it's also a fabulous place to grab lunch with MANY fresh ingredients and prepared foods! We made our own salads, ate soup, and had some munchies, and it was all excellent. I would actually come back just to eat, and then of course, the grocery is fab as well.

Since moving to Texas I have fallen in love with HEB and the Central Market. Selection is always great with a never-ending selection of MADE IN TEXAS and TEXAS PROUD labels on so many products. I really like the layout of this store. There's a good selection of fresh fruits and veggies, cold pressed juices and the meat market and fish monger area always have fresh and prepared/seasoned selections, and look super clean. The bulk area is also really nice, and has a lot to choose from, as does the coffee bean corner. The natural/ homeopathic area is well stocked and has a nice variety. The bakery and grab and go seems to turn food quickly as does the cafe. I like to take my time and check out everything because there are so many hidden treasures on all the shelves. I know, I'm a dork that likes to grocery shop. Check out cashiers have all always been nice and "Texas Friendly"

Unexpected GREAT food in their cafe. The fries are worth the prices in spades.

Hey it's not the Ritz, but it's good food at a reasonable price. Throw in the nightly entertainment, and it's a cheap date night. Good menu, which includes a daily special

greatest grocery in south austin

A staple for me. Best spaghetti and meatballs I've ever had.

Took out of town guests here before going to the movies. The tables are clean, the service is friendly and upbeat and the food was very good. I had one of the best bowls of tortilla soup that I have had in Austin. The table also had a thai chicken wrap ... excellent and two asian chicken salads also very good. Portions are big and prices are reasonable. Always good and it did not disappoint my guests.

My Wife and I go to eat often at Central Market. They are an HEB affiliate, have groceries but also have a nice restaurant that is always busy. They are similar to the Whole Foods concept but their menu is more extensive and more affordable. Their menu ranges from Salmon, salads, sandwiches, burgers to soup etc My wife and I love their tortilla soup and we usually split a chicken salad sandwich. On certain days they have bands that are performing while you eat.

Nice eatery inside a strong supermarket. Lots of nice European items if you are into French cheese and Italian meats, or good cooking supplies. Better selection than Whole Foods, which does have EXCELLENT but expensive organic and less selection brandwise.

My wife knows I have some weird fascination with grocery stores so we often venture into them. Wandered into Central Market after boot shopping and so glad we did. I was in foodie heaven and wishing I could move to live nearby. It reminded me of a wegmanns or whole foods. All the fresh food sections were HUGE! I'm salivating just thinking about it. We sampled lots of fruit, bread, and cheese but only ended up buying some fresh pressed juice and food from the deli/cafe. We got the tandoori chicken, sweet potato fries (best I've had), cous cous and gelato for dessert. Nothing disappointed and as sad as this may sound, we might not have had a better meal our entire time in Austin. If we could afford it we would do all our shopping at places like this... Ahhh to dream.

This is my most frequented Breakfast place. Really great tacos, but not your typical Tex Mex tacos. Nice and fresh cooked ingredients that are bursting out of your tortilla (whole wheat, corn, or flour your choice). One of my favorite combos is eggs, spinach, and mushrooms on Whole wheat. Fresh spinach and mushrooms are used. Don't forget to try their fresh picco de gallo on top. Great Biscuits and sausage gravy. You can order a full or half order. Then there is their top quality french toast that is served with fresh fruit over the toast. You get to serve yourself from a choice of about 5 different coffee choices. All really god. They stop breakfast service promptly at 10:30 am M-F am 11:00 am Weekends so get there a little earlier because there is often a line.

Central Market provides so many fresh options at a decent price! There's always something new to explore. I love their coffee section, and all the bulk items for that matter. This place holds a more natural version of just about anything.

Meh, sometimes I get premade sushi here.

its aiight...i think there's more variety than the OG one - less tex-mexy the tortilla soup is the bomb diggy sometimes good tapas on wednesday

I love Central Market. If I had an unlimited grocery budget, I would buy all my groceries there. So instead, we treat ourselves and go when we can. We even take out of town guests there because it is so unique and fun to experience. I went to the Paris special event and had an amazing duck leg and glass of wine in the French bistro set up in the store. The chef came and told me how he made it. I was with my 10 year old and he loved his steak with red wine reduction. Gotta try it!

We stocked our home away fridge At the central market on our first day in Austin. We had lunch first at the cafe then picked up some groceries including some excellent freshly baked muffins. Yum! My sister picked up some coconut water which she loved as well.

Great variety of health choices. Ok and some not so healthy. Ate there for lunch and had the white pizza (delish) and my Dad had the turkey club with avocado which he liked. Unfortunately, his sweet potatoe fries were served cold out as they had to wait for my pizza to be cooked. Try the gelato as they have numerous flavors!

We had lunch here with some family and a family friend. Cool vibe, had live music that was good, delicious food and good beer on draft. This is a fast and easy way to get a great meal in Austin. Highly recommend the cafe.

I have always enjoyed the meals at Central Market, and this trip was no exception. The first night I ordered an Asian Salmon Salad, which is as delicious as it sounds. On subsequent nights I went for the Hatch Chile Burger, with Angus beef, smoked gouda cheese, aioli, fried onions and -- of course -- Hatch Chiles! This burger is only available for a limited time, so I was very happy to be in town while the burger was on the menu. The food at both of the Austin Central Market locations is consistently great, but I would rate that Hatch Chile Burger as one of THE best burgers I have ever eaten.

Love to go there at least 2x a month. They have great produce & seafood. Always get a good variety of cheese while we're there too. Haven't ever left there without buying a least 2 shopping bags full of fresh food.

Arrived at Central Market's S. Lamar café location (Westgate) for a late 2:30pm lunch after a nearby medical appointment @St. David's Hospital. My daughter and I perused the vegetarian options on the cafe's large black wall menu. Bustling group of diners, probably 7 people in line in front of us. I ordered the vegetarian bean burger with French fries. My daughter ordered the Japanese-inspired spicy soup. Both food menu items were received on a huge black plastic tray, that one self-serves/takes to his/her table for eating. I had to "assemble" my bean burger ~ there was a large, chunk of sliced avocado, 2 sliced tomatoes, a lettuce leaf piece, and numerous, red onion spirals. I assembled the large sandwich, which was on an egg bread roll. Tasty, quite good. My French fries were cold tho'... My daughter returned the Japanese soup, after several spoonfuls, as she said it was basically tasteless despite its description of spices. (Upon returning it to the front counter, the cashier mumbled that "this is the story" with this soup, so obviously other diners had found it disappointing, too.) She ended up ordering the menu's 3 falafel sliders with a side plate of French fries, which were brought to our dining table by a wait staff person. (Her French fries were piping hot, so obviously mine had been sitting around for awhile and became cold... :( ) This eating place is a convenient grocery store café with plenty of tables and seats if one is hungry while shopping for groceries, but there's certainly no "ambience" or " decorative flair" compared to the grocery store's food, flower, and colorful products displays among its numerous aisles. Also, the cafe's trash bins' doors were left open when we were there, with piles of dirty plates, food-wiped napkins, and smelly discarded entrees, accessible to diners' views and "vexation" ~ ugh! which are located near the silverware/napkin pickup counter. Not a very "appetizing" view while dining during lunch.

They have a very open seating arena that allows you to have large or small groups for lunch. The food is outstanding. I always get the Steak Salad and the steak is outstanding as well as all the greens. They also have some awesome teas to try.

Our family LOVES Central Market. The cafe offers wide selection of freshly prepared foods presented likely an upscale bistro. Gelato is made in-house & the selection of flavors are presented beautifully. Bakery has amazing assortment of freshly baked breads (including tortillas, bagels, loaves of bread) & baked sweets (scones, cookies, muffins) & tempting pastries, cakes, pies. The market is packed with an enormous array of fresh produce, cheeses, meats, seafood, wine/beer & the flower selection is vibrant and interesting. Nice international food staples and soecialty items. The customer service is personable and helpful. Staff will walk you to whatever it is you are looking for. Especially for foodies, Central Market tantalizes & inspires.

Yes you can buy cheaper, but for good quality produce, lots organic at a price you can live with do shop here.

Got burger..was glad we split one because it was big. Lots of options for toppings and good sweet potato fries. Love Central Market..they have lots of healthy choices for meals..in the café part and in the store also which we have eaten from. We have gotten thing from the deli that were good too..salads and quesadillas etc.

Central Market has so many food choices. Food not typically found in a regular grocery store. Coffee is always good at the coffee bar and pick up a pastry too. They have the best cut flowers to chose from. Make your own bouquet or chose an already made.

Central Market is the greatest place to shop for everything fresh; fruits, veggies, fish, meat. The selection is remarkable, I counted at least 6 different kinds of pears, 8-10 assorted displays of dried peppers, an olive bar about 12 feet long.... every time I turned around, I saw more goodies. If you are a foodie, this is the place to visit. And you can pick up coffee and a snack to enjoy on the patio.

The food is all fresh and healthy. We live near by and treat ourselves to do this every so often. It is a clean place to both eat and shop. The atmosphere is relaxing as well.

We love this spot! Salads here are so great! Our favorites are the Mediterranean and the cob. We were entertained by live music! Only in Austin! Highly recommend! Very fresh!

Cheap and very well done.

I know it's Austin, but do we really expect a $9 burger in a café attached to a high end grocery store? Of course you do. Nights that there is music, it can be crowded, and a little dancing may break out. For the budget minded, a bowl of tortilla soup is great, the pizza can be split if you are not famished, but you really can't split the sliders... just barely enough for one unless you get the $6 Chips y mas... chips chile con queso, salsa, and an 'interesting' guacamole. Long line at the walk up counter is to be expected, but a good variety of hard and soft drinks. I have also noted a lot of birthday parties... so it can be a fun place on a weekend night, or a place to grab a bite before shopping during the week

This is part of the larger grocery store and that does not do it justice. Although there are lots of pre-packaged prepared foods available, there is also a full service made to order cafe (no wait staff). You could easily sit for hours and work (which I did one afternoon). They made up a special meal per order to so I could take it on the plane with me. Great fresh abundant salads. Excellent hummus and falafal. Good bakery too.

Have eaten here many times, and have had fish, salads, burgers, pizza, pasta and can say that they have all been good. Sometimes there is music, sometimes there are big crowds too. So if you go at a peak time, be ready for a line.

This location is in the midst of several highway crossings, but fairly easy to get to. The crowd is typical Austin which is great. Some are here to linger over work, others with their family, and others out with a group. You can pick up something prepackaged if in a super hurry, but the menu offers a wide variety of choices including healthy choice items. Prices are reasonable. Booze is available. Live music on certain days. And after eating, you can always work it off with a shopping trip to the attached grocery.

Anything your heart desires you will find at Central Market. I love that you can try the produce, foods, cheeses, breads, etc. before you buy. This is the gourmet grocery store that HEB owns. I never want to leave Austin because of this fine grocery store. Give them a try

Every city in the world needs this store!!!

Central Market is a fabulous supermarket and café. Been here many times. It has just about anything you have on your shopping list. This time we went to their café. You get on line and order and they give you a beeper to let you know when your order is ready. I tried the gourmet white chicken pizza - very good. Topped it off with their delicious ice cream. My friends had the tortilla soup and devoured it. One had a gigantic salad with a huge amount of roasted chicken. Their club sandwich was also big. Everyone enjoyed their meal. Usually there is music but I think we were there between acts. Right now they have a bacon festival going on - bacon tea, bacon ice cream, etc. I like my bacon as just plain bacon. Still, there is always something going on at Central Market!

Used to be a favorite lunch place when I lived in Austin 15 years ago. Always good food at a very reasonable price in a laid back atmosphere. Although Austin has changed a lot in 15 years, Central Market still offers good food at a good price with a nice leisurely lunch on their patio deck.

spoiled salmon

Much like Whole Foods, I'm not too fond of their pre-made food. It all about the other stuff they sell.

This morning, after taking our grandson to his montesorri school, we dropped in for one of our infrequent but look-forward-to quick breakfasts. The large windows, high ceiling, clean setting, and variously placed plants always impart an open airy feel that's quite welcoming. As usual, we ordered our preferred eating out morning meal - breakfast tacos! It's hard to go wrong with that here in Texas, and the cafe here actually does a very nice job at a very reasonable price. My wife ordered hers with chorizo, which she said was delicious, and I got my usual: bacon egg and cheese - both of ours on whole wheat tortillas. The tacos are large enough we always order extra tortillas and double our tacos (smiles). My picture for this review shows two tacos, which is really one split into two! They're in a take-out for later today. All in all we ordered 3 tacos, 3 extra wheat tortillas, and a coffee, all for $10.49 - with the tax! A very good deal in a very nice atmosphere. So why the reluctant four stars? The order was not filled as requested. Again. To be fair, for only the second time out of many dozens of visits. But the order was read back to me and was still filled out (slightly) wrong. It won't stop us from going back again (soon), but it is something to watch for. Beyond that, well worth going to.

you know what I'm referring to -- central market has so much variety that no other chain beats it. Expensive, but a lot of interesting foods. The variety of apples this time of year is unparalleled.

I choose Central Market over most restaurants. Great place to gather and talk over good fresh food. I can pick up things I need and have a great meal with a good beverage......although there was no entertainment tonight.....most nights there is good music. I just love Central Market!!!!

This is a premier place when shopping for organic fruit and veggies. They have everything in the grocery aisle, but it is organic. If this is your cup of tea this is your place.

Cafe cheeseburger worst I've had in YEARS – counting fast-food. Ordered cheeseburger, asked how it was cooked. Medium-well, unfortunately, but predictable. They texted that it was ready in no time flat, which is not a good sign. Sure enough, it'd obviously been pre-made and heated up. Dry as a BONE. Not a drop of juice. Tasteless. Never again. P.Terry's, Burger King are better. Would've gotten my $ back, but was with a friend I hadn't seen in years, so didn't want the hassle. I like CM for groceries, but never the cafe again. I'll stick to the coffee/gelato counter.

As much as I love almost everything about this grocery store chain, I still can't bring myself to eat lunch there. So this isn't a review about food quality. It's about prices and ambience. The lunch prices are what you could expect to find in a medium to upscale cafe--$9 to $12 for an entree--but get over yourself, Central Market, you're a GROCERY STORE. If I pay that much for lunch, I want service and atmosphere with it. Sorry.

I love Central Market. I'm on a road trip and filled up 4 groceries bags to take home to restock the pantry with coffees, sauces, chili powders, salsas. There is no better grocery store anywhere.

Can get busy, but good food, beer options, free early music several days a week. Tons on parking. Be as good or indulgent as you want with cafe menu...pick up stuff at the adjacent hot and cold food and soup or salad bars as well.

They serve cream soda out of the coke machine.

We love eating here and then grogery shopping for special goodies. The hamburger is excellent, and I enjoy trying the daily specials. Everything is prepared to order.

I am retired and do the shopping and cooking. Because I have the time I tend to do the European style of shopping...going to market every day other day instead of a big trip once a week. My usual haunts are Sprouts and Trader Joes, with Target occasionally because they often are 30% cheaper on canned or bottled items. I discovered Central Market after moving to Austin. CM is sort of a Disney Land for food. I became a child upon entering, running from one place to another..."oooh...look at this....oh...look at that!" The meat department is off the hook, seafood...very good...Deli....ok....bakery....queue the gates of heaven music..--WaaAaaa!. I am low carb, so essentially I have to close my eyes and run through, which almost never works....Prepared food...If you don't feel like cooking, but are staying at home this place is top notch...main dishes salads...all great. They roast there own coffee on site. After you get your coffee, turn around and get your growler of craft beer. Last...The produce department, which is over the top in size and selection. My only gripe is they have you weight bag and label your produce. I hate bags, don't like to use them and generally throw my loose but organized produce on the belt at check out. To me it makes no sense to be grocery bag free then proceed to stuff six plastic bags in your reusable shopping bags. Also, if the place is busy you may have to wait for a turn at the scales. So...In the end, my opinion is Central Market is great. That said, bulk stuff like granola can run as much as a dollar more a pound than Sprouts. The produce is a bit higher. Trader Joe's is cheaper for the more specialized canned, bottled or dry goods. Target kills them all on the regular canned, bottled, boxed or frozen items. Because I have the time, I will continue to shop at all of them. Will I continue to shop at CM...OH YEAH..and Sprouts, Trader Joe's and Target. But then again,I have the time.

I frequently have lunch here after a late morning workout. You can order a hot meal in the cafe or get food from the soup and salad bars. They also have a great selection of ready to go sushi and sashimi. My favorites are the steak salad, the tortilla soup and sashimi. Today I had the tortilla soup and it was full of chicken and tasted great. If you order at the cafe the food gets prepared fast.

I had an enjoyable lunch at Central Market. I got the lamb gyro. Messy, but delicious. The line to order was not too long. I was able to wander the deli section nearby while waiting for my food. Plenty of seating!

Favorite Grocery store and cafe! I need to move closer to this place!

When we visit Austin we stay near Central Market and dine here often. The cafe menu is extensive and very reasonably priced. Recently we had the delicious bison burger and sweet potato fries. The fries could have been a bit more crispy but were otherwise fine. For breakfast the biscuits and gravy are great. A half order is enough for me! The only minor complaint I have is the frequent unavailability of some of the wines on the wine list. One night they were out of four of the six red wines they serve. So I stopped buying wine at the cafe and simply bought it in the attached store and brought it to our table. A bonus is the live music from 6:30 - 9:00 pm Thursday - Saturday nights.

The only reason I'm not here is because I'm out of town. I come here every day, and know all the people that work here, all the infinite variety of food to choose from, the healthy stuff, and the not so healthy. I can get a great coffee and breakfast taco, or the incredible salads, or the soups in winter, or the great sandwiches. Many times I get the Mexican plates, or the spaghetti. They had a great Vietnamese "Pho" noodle salad with beef (discontinued) the fresh atlantic salmon, and the daily fresh sushi made on the premises. Specialty beers, food for the holidays, desserts. Whether in the restaurant, or the pre-cooked and ready to eat from the market, I never tire of this wonderful addition to Austin. I'm a musician, and I have played here, too, and many professional bands and friends play gigs here 1 or 2x a month. - highly recommended!!

If you want to hunker down for an afternoon and want a nice change of venue, this is a good place to go. I hold meetings here with clients, I do work on the computer, great for a quick and easy date night meal. Ususally for dinner we order the chicken fried steak when they have it on special or their tortilla soup that's on the menu most days. It's reasonable for around $10-15 bucks for a meal. Nice, bustling atmosphere. Music some nights. Casual and laid back. Their wi-fi isn't always that great, so I bring my own modem for extended work sessions.

Way too expensive and it is actually a grocery store

it's my favorite grocery store! love the deli! love the prepared foods when i need to grab something healthy! good sushi too!

The cafe at Central Market is wonderful --- casual atmosphere, live music often, and fresh food at a great price. I LOVE the salmon burger with mango-papaya slaw and sweet potato fries. It's so good, I've had it at every visit. Great spot for casual dining with great food.

Tonight music is by The Gulf Coast Playboys. There is a dining area with a stage at one end of the bistro. You can order anything from their menu or buy something from the grocery area and pick a table. They serve beer and wine by the glass or by the bottle. Music is Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6:30 to 9P.