Chez Zee American Bistro Reviews

4.3

92 of 3,585 Restaurants in Austin


Reviews

Mother's day brunch

By Leenarino |

Cozy atmosphere. Appy bowl of bacon with a side of maple syrup. Nice selection of Benedict's. Steak w/ creamed spinach, poached egg and hollandaise sauce. Fresh croissants w/ strawberry butter. We'll be back!!

Delicious and absolutely charming!

By Meredith S |

Where do I start?! We went for brunch, well it was more like a late lunch by the time we go there but we didn't have any trouble getting a table. I can't comment on how long you'll have to wait if you go at a normal hour, but at 1pm you'll be fine! They immediately bring you giant croissants that you can tell are hand rolled and baked fresh every day. They come with a strawberry butter that is out of this world. It's light, fluffy, and full of flavor. We all had some variation of eggs benedict. I ordered the smoked salmon benedict and finshed the whole thing. It is a little on the salty side, but it wasn't any unusual with smoked salmon. It's served with large cuts of breakfast potatoes. Everything had so much flavor. Apparently they're known for their desserts and pastries. I can totally see why! We ordered the cheese cake, french toast creme brulee, and the yellow butter cake. Our eyes are were definitely bigger than our stomachs, but we ordered them to go and devoured them later. Totally worth the extra calories =) We also treated ourselves to Irish coffees that had the perfect combination of alcohol, coffee, and cool cream on top. As the cream melted from the heat of the coffee it blended very nicely. I would recommend it to anyone who likes this type of drink. Service was good. Nothing tremendously special. They do have an outdoor space that has tons of games - giant life sized connect 4, board games, table games, etc.. I'm assuming this place usually has a wait so this would be great for entertaining kids, or adults =)

Easter Brunch

By candygirl1972 |

Came for Easter Brunch with the family. Had seen the good reviews so decided to try it. The place looks old at first glance from outside. Wish we had left at this point. There’s holiday lights throughout the interiors many seating areas. It looks worn and outdated throughout, and not in a good way. The piano player looked like he was stuck in the 80’s, playing away, without lifting his eyes once. So weird. The waitress was nice and efficient but not overly enthusiastic about being there. Breakfast was below average. I ordered their “signature cream brûlée French toast”, absolutely tasted nothing like cream brûlée or like anything good. The regular French toast was just ok. The eggs tasted like they been sitting in a warmer since dawn. The only part we enjoyed was the warm croissants at the beginning. Overall, not our type of place, will not be returning. I guess more people prefer mediocre food than quality food based on the reviews.

Bridal brunch

By Penney Z |

My sister in law held her bridal brunch here. How cute is this place??? The food was so delicious! Our waiters were so accommodating to all of our needs.

Slow start, great brunch

By Spiegs1968 |

Our brunch experience started poorly but by the end of the meal, the food and atmosphere allowed Chez Zee to recover. We were greeted promptly and seated despite the other family in our party not arrived- sadly, the server took this as a sign that she didn’t need to check in or offer coffee, which we desperately wanted, while we waited. When she did come over, she had an attitude and was quite flip in her demeanor- we finally got coffee after 12 minutes which is inexcusable at at breakfast or brunch venue. Then things got better- the food was excellent. Everyone was pleased with their meal. The chefs special was a nice blend of eggs, pulled pork and cheese served with a variety of excellent salsa options. The Benedict’s are great and despite the crowd. We were not rushed with friends that we don’t see very often. The timing of the magician coming to our table was perfect- the full range of age 11-20 something to 50s were entertained. Prices are a tad elevated dropping price and value to a 3 out of. 5 but overall it ended up being a good experience and we would return and recommend for brunch or breakfast. $30 for a carafe of mimosa seems extreme but what can you do

Brunch and more

By Nancy-Jane G |

Wonderful Sunday brunch, Lots of choices. However you may have to wait ( bring a book) but worth the wait. Once inside you do not feel rushed. It is also a wonderful place for dessert and coffee late in the evening.

Weekend Brunch

By Robin120 |

Great variety and awesome food. Restaurant is very "Austin". Definitely want to go back next we visit for Lunch/Dinner.

Dessert

By Chastity D |

Gorgeous presentation! The three of us shared this gem and we were all very happy. I would HIGHLY recommend dessert here. Our service was great to top off the great visit. We'll be back.

Lunch with friends

By khrd |

Had lunch with friends at this restaurant. There was nice variety on the menu. They were able to accommodate a food allergy by letting us know which menu items could be adapted. The food was good, the service was great, and the atmosphere was fun.

Good eats and drinks

By rholliday |

We were a party of 14. Food was great and drinks were as well. I had the Chicken waffles which were great and split with my daughter. Large portions. They don't have options for Vegans as one of our members was served a plate of steamed vegetables. I suggest providing options for Vegans.

Solid eatery

By Carolina H |

I've been out of luck trying them out for weekend brunch (which is what they're known for), but it's a decent choice for lunch during the week. Service is fine. Diego was my waiter last time--super friendly. He even pulled a few strings and got me a croissant with strawberry butter (yum!), even though it's only served on the weekends. Their crab cakes are pretty good--not outstanding, but one of the better choices. The shrimp bisque is unfortunate--way too thick and chunky, more like a chowder. If they really want to call it a "bisque", it should be smooth, rich and creamy. It almost seems like it's from a can, kind of bland for my taste. Their salads are pretty good, fresh and tasty. Their créme brûlée French toast is decadent, but heavy. Eclectic atmosphere and decor with an outdoor shaded patio.

An amazing interior atrium!

By BradATX |

Attended another association meeting at Chez Zee. The atmosphere was wonderful and the food was amazing! Informed the manager of what a great time and how great the food was and he remembered us! Simply, awesome!

Good food, wonderful Austin restaurant!

By trackerem |

I was there for a business meeting. I ordered 1 of several specials offered to the group. Fresh fish of the day with grilled veggies. I replaced more veggies for potatoes and the server did this without batting an eye or declining which I appreciated very much! We ate in the outer part of the restaurant which they provide free of charge to groups(huge plus)! A very enjoyable place to eat and to hang out for conversation!

Good Food/Terrible Service

By Lettie C |

The food was excellent but the server only took drink orders for some of our party, got our food order wrong and only once came back to check on us. When we said the food was good, we NEVER saw her again until she brought the tab. We had to contact another server when we noticed one of the entrees was wrong.

Chez Zee one of the best restaurants in Austin.

By Jay W |

We go there all the time because it has good service combined with excellent food. Although it is neighborhood restaurant, it is one of the best restaurants in Austin. The menu is eclectic American, with first-rate fish, steaks, and deserts. It is often crowded, naturally, but they take reservations. Among our favorites are Chicken Adrano, chicken fried stake, and Aztec Corn Soup.

Wonderfully different venue and excellent dinner/food

By CharlieinTexas |

Ate here with my wife tonight. Delicious muscles in a white wine sauce to start. Tasty salmon for my wife and I had salmon with a lobster cream sauce. Both had fresh tasting spinach and mushrooms, and I had tasty brussel sprouts too. Kendall Jackson chardonnay a nice accompaniment for my wife. Eric, our server, knew the menu well, and enhanced our dining experience with a friendly demeanor and efficient service. Cappucino well done, great finish -- almost (see below re coffee). An overall great mid-week restaurant experience with one criticism. Here goes - the coffee -- just regular coffee -- is truly lousy, has been for years, and most of the servers (not Eric, didn't ask him to share his thoughts) readily and regularly join in and agree with my assessment as we eat here every few months, oftentimes just dessert as the pies are award-winning. So, skip the coffee, but go enjoy the wonderful ambiance, service, and food.

Great brunch!

By CinciPatron |

We ate outside on a balmy day (with nearby space heaters). Despite the server saying they were short on help covering this area, she was wonderful and didn't miss a beat. There were plenty of great brunch options to chose from - many unique to the area. Delicious! We booked based on recommendations and that they accept reservations, a big plus!

Yummy Brunch

By Tracy T |

We brunched on 6/29/19 and were absolutely delighted with everything. From our friendly waitress to our cozy table to the fabulous food, Chez Zee was wonderful. The quirky decor and spots for photo ops were fun. Valet parking was available if needed. The bathrooms were clean and the restaurant was a nice and cool escape from summer heat. It’s a must visit when I’m Austin!

Birthday Brunch

By MiriamOlesen |

5 star reservations--on time. Table set for birthday celebration. 5 star service--waiter excellent. 5 star food with a couple of exceptions. Yum on complimentary croissants with strawberry butter. Not impressed with creme brulee French toast. Had 1 piece (1/2 slice) ordered as appetizer to try since highly reviewed. Our take was it is more like a bread pudding than a French toast. Not our thing. Liked that you could customize your order. Hubby likes Eggs Benedict but does not like Hollandaise. He was able to request a different sauce for the eggs. Said they were cooked perfectly. My omelette with lobster and shrimp was disappointing but waiter tried to make it right. Unable to detect any lobster among all the other ingredients so waiter brought a saucer with extra butter sautéed lobster and shrimp. However I have to say if you are a lobster lover the only way to eat it is a big tail with a side of butter. For brunch there are better choices. Loved the Pear Mimosa but could have been colder. Complimentary dessert of my choice for my birrthday (gooey chocolate cake with icecream--yum). Altogether a nice treat for my birthday. We will be back.

Mom's Birthday -- drive by dessert

By magnetboy |

Apple pie, key lime pie, creme bruele and coconut cream pie all very good. Many choices. Trendy and quirky. One of the quieter locales for after dinner stop.

Brunch

By 405lindal |

We were there for Sunday brunch, and it was wonderful. The restaurant was full, but the service was fast and efficient. The atmosphere was fun am eclectic. Would definitely go back on another trip to Austin.

Tasty meal and nice atmosphere

By The Sane Adventurer |

Chez Zee was a had tasty food. Sometimes I think they tried a bit too hard to rename things like Chichen Beignets that are really just chicken fingers. Tasty ones, but $9 chicken fingers none the less. I had flat iron steak with broccoli and steak fries. It, again, was good but broccoli but a bit too raw leaning more to crudite. I think one of the best reasons for going to Chez Zee was their dessert menu. Lots of cakes, chocolates and other goodies to choose from. Again, $1-2 more than some restaurants but likely worth it given variety offered and portion size.

Family and Friends

By GloriaMunday |

Always a delight to eat at Chez Zee. I have a warm spinach salad. What time question chicken is a signature dish not to be missed. Everything they have is worth trying. We did have the hummingbird cake for dessert it was worth it.

Great Valentine’s Day Meal!

By CharlieinTexas |

Great Valentine’s Day dinner in a beautifully themed “love day” motif. Welcoming staff. Our server, Jillian, was well-versed in the menu, genuinely friendly, and quite efficient. My vodka martini, with blue cheese stuffed olives, was a nice pour and my wife enjoyed her Malbec. Shared a caprese salad for two. My seafood pasta was delicious — lots of seafood and tasty sauce. Pasta yummy too. My wife’s Margherita Pizza. Cheese was plentiful and the crust was nicely crisped. Delicious double espresso Americano coffee and apple pie for two ended a great meal. Reasonably priced in my opinion. Thanks again Jillian and three cheers to the chef!

Unbelievable

By texascouple21 |

Sunday brunch.French toast with rum sauce.As the title says----UNBELIEVABLE. Service courteous and friendly which is typically Austin. Decor is funky which is also typically Austin. Please don't miss this place

Just outstanding!

By Elizabeth W |

This was a favorite place of my Mom. I think Chez Zee is much improved from when she visited. Absolutely delicious homemade bread. Great Fettucine Alfredo with Pecan Chicken.

Unique and delicious!

By iamqueenme |

Terrific little Bistro - wonderful waiting area with the giant colorful chair and many other things to keep both little & big kids occupied while you wait, including giant connect four game! Delicious food, don't pass on the basket of bacon appetizer at brunch, ask for crispy, you won't be disappointed. Everything I have ever had here has been delicious. Terrific service and comfortable atmosphere.

A Lunchtime Treat

By PatDuckworth |

My Austin based friend took me to Chez Zee on the way to the airport. It was a bigger restaurant than I expected from the outside. Good choice of appetizers and mains. I had Tequila-Lime Chicken which was very tasty. The dessert menu is huge as this restaurant started out as a bakery. I was spoilt for choice but had the Brownie Bites which come in a warm rum sauce. Delicious. The staff were friendly and very helpful.

Easter Brunch

By J E |

Made reservations for Easter brunch. They had us in the event space with a nice piano player. Our table was a bit in the traffic pattern but we didn't mind. As it was Easter Sunday they had face painting and balloon animals for the kids. The food was great and the service was on point for being such a busy day. Dumb me made reservations around 9am on a Sunday so no bloody Marys. Not their fault but the law. The Creme Brulee French Toast is AMAZING. You must get it for the table and each eat a bite. That is all you can eat it is so rich. Reminds me of Bananas Foster. My 82 father thought is was a wonderful meal and time. That is what matters to me. Thanks Chez Zee for the memories.

Hidden gem

By Ahmed M |

This is our 3rd visit over the last couple of years to this hidden gem. The place is full of charm in and out. wonderful food, excellent variety. every time we have ordered something different - but it always tasted great. The service is top notch. With Deb running the show, you’re good to go!

Wonderful food and service!

By CREED2013 |

The restaurant is very inviting and cozy. This was my second time here and the waitstaff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Food is delicious!!!

And Austin stronghold for Natives

By GloriaMunday |

Chez Zee is a favorite for me and for many local Austinites. Everything on the menu is delicious and the pecan crusted chicken is always delicious. The homemade sangria was very refreshing. I think this is a secret restaurant and love coming here each time I'm in Austin.

Just OK

By Kpratt99 |

Took my family there for a birthday dinner celebration. There was 5 of us and I had made a reservation. We were one of 5 groups there, and they managed to seat us in the smallest possible table for 5, while there were many other tables that the could have put together to give us more room. And the empty tables never filled up, in fact when we left, there was only 2 other tables with someone seated. Some of the dishes were ok, but the burger, pasta and chicken strips were really good. Not worth another visit in my opinion. Server was great.

Great Hot Croissants and Soups

By tlscorpio |

Had a great brunch here but almost didn't stay. When we arrived, they said it would be a 25 minute wait, yet lots of empty tables. After a few minutes wait we talked about leaving and suddenly they had a table for us. How ironic. The hot croissants and soups were excellent. I tried the Crème Brûlée french toast. It was good but very heavy. I've had better.

Good food, good atmosphere

By Cicero63 |

When we were in Austin, we came here for a Saturday brunch. We enjoyed the food so much that we returned for dinner a couple of nights later.

Exactly what we needed for a family brunch

By IDigWine |

Brothers and sister and nieces and nephews and where to go to brunch in Austin without breaking the bank? Chez Zee, that's where! The atmosphere is whimsical and the server was fantastic. Food was all terrific and portions were huge, really! They drop croissants and butter whipped with strawberry jam before they take your order, a lot of variety on the menu also, the piano player added a great touch.

Great place for breakfast

By fagannx |

Dropped in for breakfast and found the selection and service very good. Chez Zee has a casual atmosphere and valet parking if you want it. Good place to go.

Romantic place for couples or nice for small group business dinners

By John T |

We went with a group of nine, two nights in a row. Everyone loved the variety of the menu. The food and service are simply amazing. Selection is good, with a couple vegetarian options. The Cucumber Jalepeno Margarita is to die for.

Great Easter brunch

By Greg G |

Our party of three had creme brulee french toast, the classic eggs Benedict and migas. The portions were large and delicious. The Easter crowd was having a great time with face painters and balloons. A great place for a family brunch any time of the year.

Absolutely Amazing

By Chris K |

Let's start with the day - Valentines Day. Like an idiot, I didn't make reservations (oopsie); but the Hostess was more than accommodating seating our party in a reasonable time. The Waiter was perfect in every way: Cheerful, helpful, tentative, and my personal favorite ... did not interrupt whilst talking! Didn't I say perfect?! The entrees were amazing. The dishes were well plated and looked appealing - they tasted even better! Cocktails had the right amount of alcohol (not too much, not too weak). We did not so much enjoy the desert, however we were told the deserts at this place are amazing - they certainly looked amazing! Atmosphere: OMG Great. Both indoors and outdoor seating listening live pianist and cellist playing created a lively yet soft atmosphere - very romantic. If you want to impress your partner - Visit here - you WONT be disappointed!

Fun

By naneliz |

Interesting, eclectic place with all kinds of funky lights and decor and unique food. Charming and tasty.

Best meal I had in Austin

By Loki_and_Odin |

I was in the Austin area for 5 nights recently and by far the best meal I had was at Chez Zee. Nice atmosphere although the window shades made it appear dark and gloomy outside. I had a trout entree that was truly superb. Desserts were also special but not being that hungry we shared one. It was huge and even two of us could no finish it. Service was just ok (no water refill). Nice set of wines, appetizers, a few draft beers.

Lovely bistro style food

By ScubaDyver |

Visited this for the first time with friends during the F1 GP weekend. My wife had the smoked pork tenderloin, I had the tuna frites, and our friends had the flat iron steak with truffle fries and the pecan crusted salmon. The ambiance, service, and food were outstanding. We paired the food with one of the red wine specials, and it was so good we had a second bottle ............ An outstanding evening at a lovely restaurant

Outstanding Brunch Destination

By Dad05 |

We had brunch at Chez Zee today and it was fantastic; off the charts good. It was $70 for 3 of us but I would go back tmrw if my wife would let me. My daughter had chicken & waffles, my wife had eggs Benedict and I had the "Dad's breakfast tacos". Service was great (Brooke) and it was just a 5 star experience.

First time visit to Chez Zee

By ibbirdie |

My daughter and I decided to try out Chez Zee. She has moved to the area recently and we were looking for something in the neighborhood vs a chain or UberEats! We both loved it! The menu was varied and it all sounded delicious. We will definitely go back and save room for dessert

Good food, cute atmosphere, pricey

By Cameron K |

We visited for a friend’s dinner with two kids. The desserts were to die for esp the ooey gooey chocolate cake. I had the NY strip which was good. The dinner was $50 which seems pricey for one but very good.

Where West Austin meets to Eat

By chemtex |

Restaurants come and go in Austin, but Chez Zee has been around for over 40 years and is still coming up with new ideas -- Meet the Author nights and live music on weekend evenings. Decorations and local are slowly change out. Competent waiters are supported by the kitchen staff. This is a restaurant run by an accountant and it runs like a top. Order whatever satisfies your fancy. I've never had a bad meal at Chaz Zee. You'll never see Chez Zee advertised to tourists, because the local n'hood keeps it busy w/ date nights, family dinners, baby showers and political get togethers.

Fun environment, delicious food!

By AshandDantravel |

This place was so cute. Eclectic atomosphere, paired with great food is always a win. There was a pianist playing in the background, and the service was perfect. My favorite part was the warm croissants with strawberry jam mixed with butter. Soooooo good. Can't wait to return!

Great Food

By AR1350 |

Love the food here. It was a Friday but not very many folks were there for lunch. We had wonderful service and the food was good as well. I had the Zee Burger and took half of my meal home with me. The noodle dishes that our group had looked wonderful and everyone enjoyed their meals. Unfortunately we were seated under the AC unit and by the end of our meal, we were ready to defrost outside. It also was a bit difficult to carry on a conversation when it was running. As I mentioned there weren't a lot of folks there so there was other locations to seat us - we did make a reservation so they were aware ahead of time of our group. We'll definitely go again, but will make certain we're seated in a different location.

Brunch spot and baked treats are excellent.

By Julie F |

Had brunch here and it was great. Had the crème brûlée French toast and it was excellent. Nice choice of mimosas also. The croissants and butter are fantastic. We also got treats to go which were divine! Really unique decor that makes it more fun. Service was excellent.

Excellent food, service and atmosphere

By cas250 |

Chez Zee has wonderful food, excellent service, and a whimsical atmosphere. It’s one of my favorite places in Austin. They have a special cake (lemon rosemary) for anyone celebrating a birthday and decorate the table and put up a “Happy Birthday” sign on the table. (Fortunately, they forgo singing the song.) Chez Zee has an excellent brunch and is known for its desserts.

Out of town guests

By Charles M |

We were entertaining out of town guest for our upcoming wedding. Our criteria was excellent food, fine ambiance, great service and a menu that could satisfy any and all palates. Chex Zee was the obvious choice.

Fabulous last minute dinner decision!

By Janiy |

Absolutely delicious superbly cooked dinner! Great service! Loved the jazz pianist. Will definitely recommend to family and friends.

Still Amazing!

By 515sheris |

It's been about 10 years since I last ate at Chez Zee. Everything about this place is charming, elegant & outstanding! Food was excellent...great portions. Desserts were to die for! Had enough to take home to enjoy the next day. GREAT intimate date place. We arrived right at 5pm without a reservation but were seated immediately. All of the staff was courteous and said "hello" to us as we walked in.

Very filling with lots of options

By Jessica O |

Some Texan friends brought me here for brunch. We found it so difficult to choose what to eat as there are so many good options! There are sweet and savoury options. We ate smoked salmon benedict, crab cake benedict and crab meat quesadillas. We then followed this with Orange Chiffon Cake. The portions were a great size. Everything tasted good. It is a bit pricey but filling. The cake options are incredible.

Good Place for Sunday Brunch!!

By Dean C |

They have a nice menu selection for Weekend Brunch. I had the Shrimp n Grits. It was not too spicy which is often the case at some restaurants. The bowl of bacon is an interesting appetizer one could share with the whole table. The mimosas were pretty good, however a bit pricey.

Drinks and Dessert

By luvplayacar |

This is my "go to" place for a great cocktail or a great dessert! I love to pop in late at night and spot the local celebs that love to dine here as well. Excellent cocktail menu. Amazing desserts to eat there or order for your BIG event - think Mother's Day, Graduation... You and your guests will be so happy! Bon Appetit!

The Perfect Brunch

By homeowner E |

I've heard about this place for ages but since we live on the opposite side of town, it took a while to finally make it here for brunch one Saturday while out shopping for vintage pieces. It can be a hard decision because there are so many wonderful things to choose from but I talked to the waiter (super helpful) and he helped me decide on the Breakfast in Bed French Toast (thick slice challah bread stuffed with pecans, fresh strawberries, bananas, blueberries and honey) and my hubby opted for the Buttermilk Pancake Platter (which he later came to regret after seeing how amazing the french toast was). Their brunch beverages looked amazing though we chose to abstain and you could probably gain 5 lbs. by just looking in the dessert case. There was plenty of parking available when we were there and the inside is huge (and kitschy cool) so they can accommodate large parties and crowds. We will absolutely be going back . . . and it's probably a good thing we don't live closer or I'd be 20 lbs. heavier from eating there all the time!

Go!!

By Nancy L |

Go!! Very cool place. Julio our server was fantastic! They even serve Murphy Goods. The food was good! Try the chicken fried steak. True comfort food. GF people - they have lots of yummy choices for you. And if the desserts! The coconut tres leche cake - oh wow! Cannot wait to go back.

Birthday Dinner w Friends

By Marianne R |

I love this place. Love love love it. It's great for any occasion. The atmosphere is so festive and the food NEVER disappoints. I ordered Sharon's pasta with grilled chicken. Beware - you cannot stop eating it. It's angel hair pasta that's buttery and creamy laced with a hint of garlic and topped with grilled chicken (or shrimp if you want). It is deadly but soooo delicious! And the desserts are fantastic too! My one and only complaint is that, in the main dining room, it gets loud. Not only did we have to contend with a large party of people in the center of the room who were really loud as their dinner and drinks progressed, but the piano player was playing at the same time, and we could barely hear each other at our little table of four. If you want a quieter table make sure you request it when they seat you. And most importantly - make reservations!! They book up in advance for every occasion and they get crowded for weekend brunch and dinners so just make a reservation online asap - it's super easy and you won't be disappointed!

JUST AWFUL!

By Michael P |

Had a wonderful waitress (Jessica) but the Manager (Joe) was simply terrible! He was terse, obviously not at all concerned with seeing his customers happy! The server dumped HOT aujus (for the prime rib) into our friend's lap, reaching OVER him to serve to his wife... The Manager, Joe, expressed no concern, offhandedly offered soda and never returned to even check if he was burned! A simple desert comp or offer to clean his pants might have gone a long way towards making a bad situation better. The shame of it was that the food was great but we just couldn't enjoy it😰

Weekday dinner

By juanb0b |

Went here with friends for dinner. I had the chicken fried steak. Absolutely one of the best anywhere. Great service and atmosphere. Friends had nothing but praise for their dishes. Outstanding!

French toast

By a-travelin-foodie |

Came for the French toast - had the challah bread French toast - this was pretty good; not the best ever, not the worst. Everyone else in the place seemed to be having crème brulee French toast, but it looked way too sweet for us. Crab cakes benedict was a unique idea, but was just ok; nicely poached eggs, though. We had reservations and got in right away when we arrived early - however, we did have to put down a credit card when we made the reservation - not very fond of that. The interior is cozy despite the large size. Free valet parking.

Long time Austin Leader Still Very Good!

By dwgibbs |

This place has been providing excellent food and fine service to Austin for many years, which says something right there about maintaining quality! I had dinner there last night and was pleased to find their standards are as high as ever. I had an entree of Flat Iron Steak w/ Truffle Potatoes and Roasted Brussell Sprouts. The steak was properly cooked and was tasty, as were the sprouts. The "Truffle Potatoes" didn't do much for the meal. They actually lacked flavor, with no truffle taste at all. (I know truffles or truffle oil can easily be overpowering, but.....). The potatoes did, however, disproportionately out-weigh the meat portion, which consisted of only four small but tasty steak slices. So overall flavor was good, but maybe potion sizes need to be considered by the manager. My wife had the Salmon served atop Quinoa, which she reported to be very good. We'd both recommend it and look forward to coming back. P.S. Parking is limited and some spots difficult to maneuver.

Wonderful happy hour

By Llamma2 |

We sat outside on the patio, had drinks and appetizers. The fish tacos are great. We really loved the chips and queso and the quesadillas. The relatives we were with also raved about the desserts. We definitely need to go back to try out more food.

Hidden gem that could use some polish

By M C |

I really wish I was writing a better review. This place is a hidden gem. My boyfriend and I discovered it in January and quickly became fans. We drive over a hour to get here. The food is great and they have amazing bartenders and waiters. On our third visit we encountered two hostess. One was a little older and very kind. The other one was younger and really surprised us. I went to the podium and asked to put our name on the list. We were advised they were full and couldn’t take us. I asked the older hostess if we could see if there were seats at the bar and she said it was ok. We go to the bar and ask about seats and he leta us sit at a table in the bar. The younger hostess walked up to us after 5 minutes and told us we couldn’t sit there. We were shocked and asked why not if the bartender said it was ok. He passed her and she spoke with him and walked off. We didn’t receive and apology or anything. We would never go into a restaurant and sit ourselves. Being confronted over seating that we were given was humiliating. We usually schedule reservations but we went on a whim. It sucks when customer service overrides the food and other great staff members. We deserved the same respect we gave.

Chez Zee for Me

By jbm22017 |

This was a great evening with an intimate and casual atmosphere. The drinks were so good we ordered a second round. We had a cup of the corn and shrimp bisque along with steamed mussels for appetizers. We all had fish - blackened Halibut and pan seared trout with the perfect touch of spices. For dessert, apple pie and orange chiffon cake. Service was above expectations. Highly recommend.

A hidden away spot that has been here for 30 years

By 1234texas |

We blundered across this restaurant trying to avoid the horrific "Austin Rush Hour" traffic (note to visitors, the evening rush hour is from 3 to 7--plan your day around it). We stopped to get off the road, and have some dinner instead of fighting the traffic on MoPac. Good choice for us! The restaurant is really a little "funky" in terms of decor on the outside and inside. It feels very dated, but then it has been here a long time. It is not easy to see the signage from the street and the entrance is hidden with Trumpet Vines growing over the neon sign. The parking lot is off the street and has many spaces to handle the venue crowds--there is a separate area for events. The place needs to be updated for it to be a "4" in our rating system, but it is interesting..... The food is good and the menu (Italian) very large. Service is excellent and friendly/helpful. We were early and the crowd had not gathered, but there was ample help available to deal with a large dinner crowd. We will keep this one in mind for the next time we are in the area.

Good food, atmosphere could use editing.

By katmcw85 |

My family has eaten here for special occasions for years. The food is really good. However, the atmosphere has slipped a little. It has probably been 12 years since I had last eaten here, and I was surprised to see a makeshift gift shop set up in the entry. The outside entry is kitschy with various funky art items and lots of greenery. Very inviting. Inside, we were seated at a table along the back wall. Our seating included a bench for 2 which was not too comfortable. We were there for brunch, and there was live piano music. The music was well-executed but too loud. It was amplified and piped in throughout the restaurant, making it front and center vs. background music. Around us, on every wall hung artwork for sale. There were twinkle lights and things hanging from the ceiling, which I enjoyed. Our food was really great. From migas to creme brûlée French toast, it was all very tasty! The only thing that made our visit not as enjoyable as we hoped was the too-loud music. We were there for a special occasion on a Sunday, and we really couldn't visit due to the loud music and people at other table shouting to be heard over the music. I would also recommend that the restaurant bring in a designer to "edit" the decor and seating. It has become a bit junky. I would lose the gifts and showcase the beautiful dessert case as the star! The food is so good, you don't need that other stuff! I would definitely return for the food, but probably not if I wanted to have a conversation.

Average but cute lunch spot

By USCKaboom |

Came to Chez Zee for lunch. They have a valet and the parking was packed. However it was easy to get a table for two outside. The crab cakes were disappointing. The queso was good. We each got the soup and salad. The side salad was very large. The soup was the bisque and was just okay.

Outstanding, highly recommended

By GSSATLANTA |

We had a 35 person business meeting at Chez Zee. Food, service and atmosphere were exceptional. For more than 20 years the owner has carefully monitored food quality, preparation and service. This was my first visit - next time I am in Austin I am looking forward to returning.

Fun and Good

By 287wb |

Chez Zee is a great place to enjoy good food and cocktails. Love their steak salad and breakfast offerings. Nice little bar to enjoy a quiet happy hour. Nice outdoor seating. Fun and attentive staff. Cheers!

Great Saturday Brunch

By Mike C |

This is a great place for a Saturday brunch. All items at our table were great but my favorite was eggs Sardou. Poached eggs on top of artichoke bottoms with Hollandaise...Yum!

Very eclectic

By Macree |

Delightful setting in the midst of Austin. Worth the traffic horror to get there. Four of us had dinner and were not disappointed.. Two had pasta, one had fish cooked to perfection and I had the lobster stuffed shrimp on beets, most unusual and delectable. We all had scrumptious desserts - sticky toffee pudding, chocolate cake and husband and I shared cranberry apple galette . You must check out the dessert table for its variety. Rose wine was reasonable and deliciously dry. Staff friendly and efficient.

Nostalgic return to one of our favorite Austin restaurants

By Paula B |

We moved away from Austin a year ago but returned to spend our wedding anniversary there. One of our favorite all time Austin restaurants is Chez Zee so that is where we decided to have our anniversary meal. Everything was great! Prior to moving away from Austin, we had been going to Chez Zee for 20 plus years. After all this time, the menu has stayed wonderfully consistent. Both my husband and I ordered our favorite dishes and of course we topped off our meal by sharing a gigantic slice of raspberry chocolate cheesecake and our own cappuccinos (which our waiter made himself). Chez Zee has such a wonderful vibe and the wait staff are first rate!

Great Food

By cyncyd |

Pecan crusted chicken is excellent and the lemon rosemary cake is a must! A fun atmosphere with a great staff.

Very enjoyable.

By Jeff V |

Fun place, lot of charm. Great food for a good price. Rainbow trout with asparagus and potatoes was under 20. Service was excellent. Felt like they wanted us there too! Will ne returning.

Quaint and delicious!

By Janet W |

Sunday brunch was great, awesome menu selections. Enjoyed the atmosphere, man playing the piano was wonderful background music. Their specialty creme brulee french toast was ultra rich, I recommend only getting the single slice. We shared the one slice between 4 as an "appetizer". The Breakfast in Bread was huge and had so much delicious fruit in between 2 slices of traditional French Toast - it was amazing. The honey kissed ham and cheese omelet was also delicious. The pear mimosa was tasty but the peach bellini was the best!

Such a Treat

By Wendy S |

Brunch was simply fabulous. We went on a Saturday morning and there were plenty of tables, but we reserved on Open Table. Often parking is an issue, but we had no problem when we arrived just before 10AM. They brought a basket of warm croissants w/strawberry butter. There were brunch cocktails. Two of us had Crab Cake Benedict, which was outstanding. One has migas and said they were great. One had the American Breakfast and substituted fruit for potatoes with no problems. Great service. It's a bit of a surge (calories & pocketbook) but it was well worth it.

Charming and yummy

By CoastWhisperer |

The atmosphere is festive, and the food is great. French fare meets southern food. I've never had anything I didn't like here.

Great food and ambient atmosphere.

By Nar Kali |

Great food and ambient atmosphere. The pizza very tasty. Staff polite. Clean and inviting in an exciting neighborhood

Chez Zee - North Austin - Delicious!!

By Suzy B |

From the hostess, server, food, ambience - would rate all outstanding! The food’s preparation was fantastic - we left nothing on our plates!! We ordered drinks, appetizers, main plates and desserts. We went two nights in a row! I can’t wait to get back to Austin to return again! It’s a must try restaurant!!

Fabulous!

By Laura R |

Met some friends here for brunch and amazing food and mimosas. Staff was great and menu had some tough choices...so we all had to share. Every plate was incredible!

It is ALL Good

By HBCU96 |

We decided to try a new place for brunch during my recent visit to Austin. I ordered the Pear Mimosa, which also had a splash of Vodka and it was delish! My main dish was the Crab Benedict and it did not disappoint. I would absolutely come back for more. Our waiter was Al. He was very courteous and attentive to our needs throught our dinning experience.

Mom's 77th birthday celebration

By Susan W |

We enjoyed returning to Chez Zee for my mother's 77th birthday celebration on Sunday brunch. It's nice to have a seated/served brunch, rather than buffet (her medical condition doesn't allow her to eat from buffets). Creme brulee fench toast never disappoints! The atmosphere is charming, and the pianist is a nice accompaniment.

DONT GO HERE UNLESS YOU LIKE MEDIOCRE FOOD AND GETTING TO PAY A LOT FOR IT.

By hungry-chief |

Really not good. Overpriced marginal food, accompanied by mediocre service. Met old friends for dinner and was dismayed by item after item. Manager not very cordial or courteous. Piano player was so loud, made conversation difficult. Had tortilla soup, OK but not good, salad that tasted bad, coffee that was burnt. Restaurant has a high opinion of itself, but that is not justified.

Fabulous Friday Night Dinner Spot

By Julie N |

We went on a Friday night a little later than usual and it was so fun. There was a special to choose your martini with a side of truffle fries that made it feel like the weekend was getting started. We had the charcuterie and my teens loved the mocktails. We wanted to try lots of things so ordered the Chicken Gorgonzola pizza, and steak au poivre , sliced for sharing with a Belaire Hotel salad - everything was delicious- they really have something for all tastes - and there were so many desserts going by to other tables we could not resist. We ordered the dessert sampler with three slices of different cakes to share. Service was outstanding and the manager was very friendly. We felt like special guests and will definitely be back!! Saw a sign for live music coming up and might make a date night of it.

Great Brunch

By Keith H |

This is a fun place with delicious food. We had Sunday brunch, which was a bit crowded but so reservations are a good idea. My spinach and mushroom omelette was great.

Nice Place

By Helen V |

I've eaten here a few times and the food is always good. However, the prices are a bit high and there is always an upcharge for substitutions or an additional plate if my husband and I share a plate. We share plates in a lot of restaurants because they just serve too much food and we really don't eat the leftovers either.

Great for couples or family

By Great Pyrenees Lover |

Nice restaurant for family outings. Excellent food, wonderful salads and epic deserts. Good service, easy parking, fun and vibrant decor. Love it, repeat customer.

Rehearsal Dinner!

By Jeanne B |

We held the rehearsal dinner for our son's wedding in the "Gallery" of Chez Zee, and it was wonderful. Absolutely delicious food, superb service, we had 66 guests, and everything was handled to perfection. Would highly recommend holding an event at Chez Zee, or just go enjoy a great meal in the restaurant. Famous for their desserts too.

Do you have a sweet tooth?

By Seungmahn |

If you have a sweet tooth, this is a really good for you. Good cake and family party. Latte is nice match with a sweet cake. Merry Christmas!

Quirky, fun atmosphere & delicious food!

By LH55 |

My daughter brought me here several years ago for brunch and we now return every time I'm in town. I love the crab omelet and their migas, but have started working my way thru the extensive eggs bennie offerings and highly recommend Will's Lobster Benedict- mmmmm!

Great place for brunch!

By EffieMew123 |

I came here with my mom for brunch one Saturday morning. First note, I would definitely recommend making reservations (we did), because I heard the hostess on the phone with someone trying to get a place that morning and she said the wait would be at least 45 minutes. With our reservation though, we were seated within 5 minutes. Our server (Justin) was really great, he made jokes with us and was very attentive even though it seemed like he had a lot of tables to wait and it was particularly busy that day. The only "issue" I had is as a student I wish the prices were a little lower, granted I think they're pretty typical for a nice brunch place! I ordered the lobster benedict, and my mom got the Chez burger which our server said was his favorite thing to get there. The food was EXCELLENT. Good sized portions, and just really delicious. We also ordered a couple of cake slices to go because their bakery items are famous, including a slice of the lemon rosemary cake and the italian cream cake. They were a little small for their prices ($10/slice), but they were soooooo delicious. It may be a better deal to just buy a whole cake, if you're willing to go for that (I think the whole cakes are like $40-50, but that's just what I think I remember seeing on the menu, could be wrong). Overall, I was happy with the service, the food, and the quirky atmosphere! Would definitely eat here again, and recommend this brunch expeirence to anyone.

Over-Priced and Disappointing

By DSNAustin |

Having had a reasonably good experience at dinner, we tried Chez Zee for brunch. What a disappointment! We had the Portobello Eggs Benedict and Eggs Benedict with Salmon. The poached eggs for each order were filled with water and the salmon was cold. The spicy Bloody Mary was not very spicy and filled with salad. The coffee was okay. But for $56, not worth it. We will not be back for brunch! (By the way, the service was excellent.)

American Brunch at its best!

By CoolKay |

This is the second time I have been here and both times were delicious. The cream brûlée French toast is to die for - crunchy on the outside and moist and tender inside. The regular French toast platter, made with challah bread is amazing as well. I sampled two different eggs Benedict, polenta and crab cakes. Both were good but I liked the crab cake better possibly because it was a bit spicier. Even though we were all full we took dessert to go - butterscotch pudding and carrot cake. The serving of carrot cake alone would easily feed four. Loved this local place and I will definitely return on future trips to Austin!

Great service, OK food

By scottimprov |

I've been to this restaurant several times and every time I've had a great server who was friendly, knowledgeable and had a sense of humor (which always makes the dining experience better for me personally). They engage with the table and never make me feel rushed. That said I find the food to be average to slightly above average. The quantity is excellent and I never leave hungry, but compared to other restaurants I can only rate this food as "OK" and nothing to brag about. Don't get me wrong, the food is good, tastes great and all but it is not "special". For a good, filling meal Chez Zee is a good choice though.

Nice Decor & Good Food

By MsVic |

Had breakfast here and it was excellent! Decor of restaurant is very funky & comfortably Fun. Our server was very attentive and our food came out in a very timely manner. Everything was fresh and tasted great. The croissants were exceptional- warm, soft and freshly baked! Lots of free parking available on site. Would definitely be back!

Fun with great ambiance

By KRISTI S |

Theientry walk way with the twinkling lights, charming wall water fall, and little quirky big chair outside on the patio brings a smile. The interior is matched with mismatched furniture, colorful wall art and warm ambiance that will make you, a group of friends, visitor or a romantic evening enjoyable. The Happy Hour offers wonderful cocktails, chilled wine or beer, with a decent menu offering of delights sure to please any palate. Stop by this charming little gem. You will be glad you did!

Nice atmosphere, good food

By USAwalkers |

The menu is awesome. Nice atmosphere with guitarist. We were 10 people for a graduation party. The service was a bit slow, but the food was nicely presented and tasty. I had the ahi tuna (rare), and it was delicious. The reservation was for 7:00 p.m. I was a bit put off by staff cleaning the room while we were still eating our meals and before dessert was served. I can understand preparing tables, but vacuuming was a bit much.

Don't miss out!

By ftrdds |

I ate here as part of a large group. The service was excellent from offering drink recommendations to answering queries about the menu. I ordered the steak which was prepared properly and the lady next to me had rainbow trout which she said was really good. I would go here again Tomorrow.

Local fave

By farleiii |

Amazing brunch. One of the best dessert selections in the city. The angel hair is great. Their signature creme brûlée French toast is fantastic. Great to go with a group. Their patio is very nice when weather permits. Great house salad. The portobello plate is great. Hard to go wrong here.

A Lovely Surprise!

By Joel G |

My fiance and I ate at Chez Zee. The pecan-crusted salmon was cooked to perfection and the Godiva Tres Leche cake was superb. The ambience was wonderful and stylish, making this place a great Austin icon. Overall, my fiance and I were surprised at how great this restaurant is for the price. The service was slow but manager was attentive, making sure that our needs were met. Chez Zee is definitely a class act.

Ain't No Way It's a "Chez"

By Cantab |

First off, let's get one thing straight: Chez Zee is to fine (french?) dining as hamburger is to filet mignon. The basic premise of this establishment is to turn tables - there was even a guy with earphones who kept coming around to our table every 120 seconds to see how fast we were eating. I'm not making this up! When we sat down at our table, our waitress greeted us and we ordered a bottle of not so inexpensive wine. Bad idea because we also said we were ready to order. She took our order and lickety split our appetizer arrived. No more than 90 seconds. Much too fast under gracious dining standards. No wine. We soon got our main course while still slurping our soup. No wine yet. Finally it arrived, but we turned it back. While all this was going on, bus boys decided that the best place to put their cleanup trays was right next to our table. We had a ringside view of lots of dirty dishes. The food was yugh - Zee flank steak and Zee truffled fries were cold (and both were tough). My wife's lemon chicken was Zee peets. One good note. A management rep came up and apologized for the no show wine and offered us a complimentary glass of chardonnay. However, this place is pretentious and faux french and the food is ordinaire (french for "blah"). Because of the ever watchful guy with the earphones, we did not wear out our welcome at Zee. In at 7:15; soup by 7:20; main course soon thereafter; dessert and out on the street in short order (which is how this restaurant should bill itself!

Amazing experience

By srakoczy |

Not only was the food phenomenal, but the service was far more spectacular. Jesse our server was attentive, well mannered and by far the best server I have ever had EVER! Thank you jesse!

went there for a group lunch on weekend

By foodiemom141 |

Went there for a group lunch on the weekend and was supposed to be in a private room. what we were in is not something i would consider private at all - since there was no door - just thin curtains and then some shabby looking room dividers to keep us apart from another large party. we tried to do speeches and you couldn't hear ANYTHING. we were squished in the room like sardines and the poor wait staff was having such a hard time serving everyone. at one point, the waitress just passed a basket of forks around for everyone to take one because she couldn't physically reach everyone. it was a shortened menu and the food was good- but nothing great. I think my fave thing was the bread service - ha! Very fun and cool atmosphere (outside of our "private" room) and the staff was nice but the food just didn't blow me away. The french toast did look amazing though!

Gourmet Food Appealing To Everyone

By Doron B |

My family and I eat here frequently; and everyone loves it. From the bread and olive oil they bring you first, through the appetizers, salads, soups, and entrees everything is unusually tasty and seems to appeal to diverse personalities who don't always like the same restaurants. I eagerly await the privilege of my next meal.

Great food and something different

By 639russellp |

My work colleague took me here and I was pleasantly surprised. A very relaxing and informal atmosphere and smiling faces at reception. The lunch menu was a great mix of options. I had the tequila lime chicken which came with rice and a generous portion of veggies. It left just enough room for the fresh fruit barvarian 😀dessert. Chez Zee is worth a visit if you want to try something differenr

Going Downhill

By Wendy S |

Not nearly as good as it used to be. When I made our reservation I asked for a quiet table because one of us has hearing problems, but about halfway through our meal they sat a large family near us, which made things rather miserable. Since the place wasn't even half full they could've easy seated us or the big family in another spot. I had crab cake Benedict, but it was more breadcrums than crab, and they poached egg wasn't cooked so it made everything soggy. The potatoes were ok. The coffee was good but if we're paying this much I expect the cream in a creamer instead of a teaspoon full in plastic single use containers you'd find in convenience stores (not classy / not eco friendly). They did give my mom a complimentary piece of cake for her birthday, which was nice.

great place

By Wendy K |

I really love this place. I meet a group of ladies here who are friendly and political. I had the mimosa there which i really liked. The bread is great and so is the jam. I really like their pasta linguini with marinara sauce and vegetable. Greg, the server there is wonderful. He always knows that I like extra cheese on the pasta.The only thing I wish is that they did not have peppers in their meatloaf.

Brunch Specialists

By Ramón |

Great place for brunch with friends. Get early because it gets crowded. The food is good. The service is also good.

PERFECT New Year Celebration

By Tym2Pla |

We are always apprehensive regarding restaurant plans on Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve. The expectations and crowds usually cause us to regret spending the money and time. However, this was the perfect way to celebrate. Amazing service, excellent food (filet mignon / lobster/ sea bass), wine, drinks, and desserts (best Cream Brule in Austin) Our party of six adults agreed we will be making this a new holiday tradition. We love Chez Zee and usually visit for the spectacular brunch and lunch - I'm so thankful we decided to wrap up 2015 at this great Austin restaurant.

POPULAR, ALWAYS CROWDED WITH GOOD FOOD

By fergrimes-7 |

Parking here is the main problem for this popular restaurant with good food, great bakery and good service. It is often a scene for celebrations and groups and seems always crowded. The service is accommodating and friendly. Tables are close together and it can be noisy, tables in the back are quieter.The varied menu offerings can suit every taste. Portions are ample and sandwiches are large. The pecan chicken is particularly good as are a variety of salads and cakes. Go early.

An Austin institution for 25 years

By BJH709 |

Chez Zee has a large menu with a variety of foods for lunch, dinner and brunch. Every meal I have eaten has been delicious. The atmosphere is warm and cozy with tiny lights throughout. The service is excellent and they accept reservations. They have a beautiful dessert counter with desserts that are irresistible. I also enjoy their special olive oil, which is sold as well.

Lovely spot for a casual bridal brunch

By mhanley254 |

We held a casual family bridal brunch here and it was a great choice. We had 14 people, and I'm not sure I'd try to do many more. Considering how chaotic our group was, our waiter did a good job. Though I always wonder why restaurants leave their waitstaff alone to handle a full section along with a group like this. When he did finally take our food order (it took a while, but it was kind of understandable because we took a while to trickle in), he was efficient and got our food out in a reasonable amount of time. My mimosa was good. I tend to like less orange juice in it than most places use, and Chex Zee came as close as anyone has outside my house. I ordered the chicken and waffles and wasn't wowed. The waffle was decent but the chicken wasn't great. It didn't have much flavor and seemed a little over peppered. It was crispy which was nice. But the syrup was not good. The pecans in it were great. Otherwise I didn't taste it. It was watery and runny and didn't add anything. That said, I managed a bite of my aunt's shrimp and grits and it was great. Another aunt's croissant was yummy. So I think I just misordered. The decor is great. Funky and casual and fun. It works for bridal brunches, casual date night, family meals, you name it.

Local American bistro with a lot of ambience

By DuttaTx |

4 of us went for a lunch and had a great food and good coffee. Only negative was they had one private event in their special room and another office party in the front part of the restaurant. We had to wait at least 10/15 minutes for the valet. We did not reserve a table so had to wait at least 20 minutes to be seated. Since we were already there we did not wanted to go to another restaurant. Food was worth the wait. I had the crabcake sandwich with sweet potatoe fries and was delicious. One had the classic club, and another lighter fare menu of hummus, grilled chicken etc. portions were huge had to take them home. They have a very good happy hour with good prices for both drinks and heavy appetizer. We live close by so go there for happy hour a lot. Service is great and in the evening live piano. It adds to the ambience. Local arts are displayed in all walls. Hope the keep the Austin weird feel of the place.

One of the best deserts ever

By techsn |

Trust me. If if you like desert, this is a must stop. EggNog cake, Cranberry bread pudding. Unbelievable!!

Kiss on the Piano!

By stephinitelyme |

Sunday's are my favorite at Chez Zee. Go a little earlier than your normal brunch time to avoid the lines. I belly up to the bar - which gives a great vantage point of the preserved 80s decor and all the patrons. They have an exciting list of benedicts. And if gluten is really your thing, order a side of the carrot cake French toast! If you're lucky the Elvis-like gent will play classic rock-n-roll tunes on the piano. Found myself belting out "Beth!" while sipping my delicious Bloody Mary. Good stuff just north of downtown.

Awesome Brunch

By kimw824 |

We were looking for a Sunday brunch location after a relaxing spa morning and Chez Zee was a great choice. It was really crowded but we were seated just a few minutes after our reservation time. Our waitress was really attentive even though she had several large parties. She was really helpful in making recommendations and the pace of service was excellent. The breakfast tacos were delicious and the mix your own mimosas were great. Wonderful weekend brunch choice!

Nice evening-cozy restaurant

By Sara W |

Very cozy restaurant. There was a piano player and food was delicious— good variety of choices. The fried pickle appetizer was excellent

Best brunch in Austin

By rickybob |

I know. There are many excellent brunch restaurants in Austin. But Chez Zee consistently serves the most consistently excellent brunches. My southern crab cake Benedict substitutes a crab cake for the muffin with a poached egg and hollandaise. Really really yummy. My wife's egg beaters veggie omelette with restaurant made salsa on the side rocked. The side potatoes are lightly baked on Thursday and then flash fried for brunch. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Beautiful environment with terrific piano music. Go here!

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

By Kathy H |

We were here for my nephew's wedding rehearsal dinner. The room was separated from the restaurant, was a great size, was decorated with lots of tiny clear lights (which made it look romantic) and had its own restroom (not used by anyone except our party). The waitstaff was very helpful and went out of their way to accommodate or special requests. The food was served buffet style. We had a chicken dish that was stuffed with cornbread dressing and pork tenderloin with a sauce. For vegetables we had green beans with almonds, mixed fresh vegetables and mashed potatoes and a fresh green salad. For dessert we had small squares of chocolate raspberry and/or lemon cakes.

Always Consistently Good

By Kyllito |

I have been coming to Chez Zee for fifteen years. It is always good, consistent and busy. Even for a weekday lunch, I get there early to avoid the rush. It is busiest on special holidays like Mother's Day, birthdays, and brunch. I get something different every time. Best of all, try to same room for dessert or take a huge slice of cake home to share with family.

worn and tired

By SibylleR2010 |

Sorry, but I was utterly underwhelmed when I visited this normally pretty dependable and steady winner Chez Zee for lunch the other day. Service, cleanliness and food quality was below their normal standard and when I had sent my lunch back as it was cold, they just popped it into the microwave overcooking the fish.The ladies room-oh boy! So nut sure what is going on but hope they clean up the "mess".

Not just for dessert

By The Other Jim H |

Famous as the go to place for late night dessert after a show, the restaurant is also good for other meal times. Our large group descended on it for brunch on Sunday and were not disappointed. I couldn't resist the crab cake benedict, a twist on eggs benedict. Instead of an English muffin as a base, the nicely poached egg sits atop a crab cake, with both slathered with delightful hollandaise sauce. As crab cakes, I thought they could get by with less bread crumbs and more crab, but as a base for the eggs, they were just right. One downside of brunch is that after eating the creme brulee French toast as an opener, you don't really need another dessert.

Family Evening Dessert

By horizonseeker2016 |

Longtime Austin favorite. Prompt and smiling service. Austin ambiance beginning with covered veranda entrance sparkling at night with projected revolving lights. Dessert menu was mighty and delivered on expectations.

Massive Disappointment

By Manarola3 |

I’ve eaten here for many years and usually order their Bacon Cheddar quiche. It was reliably a generous slice of creamy- bacon -crunchy decadence. Not yesterday! What first arrived was a meager triangle with burned crust top and bottom. When I pointed out to the waiter that it was burned, he removed it. It took a while, but finally a new slice of quiche arrived. The crust wasn’t burned but it was obviously the cheap frozen variety you can buy in the supermarket. The. quiche was not creamy and had no taste of cheddar cheese. Most surprising was that it had chunks of ham instead of bacon. It didn’t taste horrible, but it was very ordinary and not what was on the menu, much less what I ordered. I didn’t want to make a scene so I ate it. But I pointed out to the waiter and my companions the chunks of ham and we debated whether it was some different kind of bacon. It seemed like the restaurant had run out of the quiche I ordered and they substituted something else instead of just letting me order something else...seems odd. But whatever it was, it was a massive disappointment! I don’t think I will ever return to Chez Zee.

Great place for breakfast!

By Melissa U |

I had the Chala French Bread Platter. The eggs, potatoes, and bacon were excellent!!! Very filling, good quality and service and the price was reasonable. If you go on a Sunday, get there before 10 AM as it does get busy with people arriving after church. Chez Zee is French-American Hybrid with a little Tex-Mex on the side. It skillfully manages the cultural cuisine variations blending them seamlessly. Really enjoyed the meal.

Quality American Food with Professional Service

By Walter T |

Southwestern bistro with a varied menu and good value. Brunch was hopping. The Aztec corn and shrimp bisque was outstanding. Ditto the blueberry bleu salad and goat cheese and avocado omelet. Diego at the bar was competent and knowledgeable. Definitely a come back to place.

True Austin

By Andrew G. Steele |

What a great spot! Spent Sunday brunch here on business and really enjoyed it. The interior is totally funky and has a true Austin feel. I was happily surprised to see someone playing the piano in the dining area, too. I had the fried avocado Benedict which was fantastic. I wish it were warmer out because there’s some cool outdoor seating too. Definitely not to be missed.

Always a good choice for lunch in Austin

By Susan W |

I dined with a client for lunch. The menu is very good and varied. I had the Blueberry Bleu Salad with pecan crusted chicken, which was delicious and a very large serving. I took home part to enjoy for dinner later that evening. I love the atmosphere. It is cute and has a neighborhood vibe.

Dependable, not fancy, always has something good.

By Eileenthepainter |

The latest and greatest will not be here, nor the fanciest or cleverest, but it's home cooking, very dependable, moderate prices, good desserts (which they are known for) and sometimes it's so popular that folks wait in lines out the door under the porch roof. Colored lights hang from the ceiling, and yes, there are some plastic flowers, but it has attracted Austin for years singly and in groups. Old reliable. Wine selections, varied menu but no Asian-fusion or the like.

Can't decide if it's the ambiance or the food... This place is great

By Chelsea K |

I think my favorite part of Chez Zee is the exterior ambiance, twinkly lights and mismatched furniture really make it comfortable. Breakfast is incredible!

Great Eats!

By MiamiLouH |

Very good food in the mid price range. Had dinner with the family and an old friend. Portions were large and the desserts excellent

Run - don't walk away!

By Kirstie K |

The place is fun - but could use a good cleaning! The service was a nightmare from the second we were seated. The server was absolutely clueless. Prefered petting the dogs at the nearby tables than doing her job. Only hope she washed her hands????She had to come back to be reminded of our drink order and took our food order. Asked our friend 4 times what french toast dish he wanted as she wasn't familiar with the one he ordered. He had to show her on the menu. 20 mins later came back to say the kitchen had screwed up our order and was remaking it but could we remind her of what we ordered. The food finally came. I ordered the Shrimp and grits - awful. A slop of poorly cooked shrimp on tasteless grits covered in italian marinara sauce and doused with thickly shredded cheddar cheese. Really? Did the cook even read the meal's description. My husband's eggs benedict sardou was passable at best - but considering my meal and our friend's the best of the 3 but that's set from a very low standard. Our friend's Traditional Challah French Toast was an embarrassment, 2 slabs of battered & grilled bread sliding on a greasy plate covered in powdered sugar - not a garnish or a wipe of the plate. The server never returned to ask if everything was ok or if we needed another drink. Our friend did ask a nearby server for a coffee refill and it never came. The bill came and we were charged for double of everything. The server corrected the bills and then gave us our separate checks, then proceeded to mix up the credit cards and checks and had to re-do the charges. My husband sought out the manager who fixed the problem but was far from gracious or apologetic. Clearly this place is old and tired and doesn't care anymore! BIG thumbs down for what could have been a pleasant brunch.

Great Brunch

By Becky B |

Sunday brunches are not uncommon...However, if you wake up on a Saturday and want a sweet brunch option...try out Chee Zee American Bistro. Not only is there a lot of variety on the menu, but the place is quirky...Austin Style! Don't see what you want on the menu, just order a la carte....I did and it made for a perfect selection. Try it you won't be disappointed.

Delightfully Austin and Very Good Food

By 2013Bill |

We had a very enjoyable, relaxing and tasty lunch with friends at Chez Zee. There is a nice variety of foods on the menu .. something for everyone. I had a quiche which was light, fluffy and very tasty. Two people in our party had meatloaf which they both enjoyed. Our server was friendly and gave us lots of time to talk and visit with our friends. They are known for their desserts -- so be aware that they are large in size and very good. They Austin musical community has an on-going partnership with Chez Zee so there are frequent musical events hosted there.

Very good meal; excellent waiter!

By NancyS2 |

Robert was our waiter--pretty awesome guy with a sense of humor. He was very efficient, and make sure we had plenty beverages. The New Orleans Pecan breaded chicken was superb!

Amazing!

By kdh0581 |

Everything was buttery and delicious! Food was correct and came out fast. Smiling faces from all the wait staff. Fast and friendly valet and it's even complementary.

Always good

By mr_larry_smith |

In the past I was a regular at Chez Zee. I’m not sure why I had not been there in so long. The venue, menu and service are all excellent. Those are important but for me the food is how I normally select a restaurant and the food is excellent here.

A great brunch alternative

By Edward W |

We came here after going to another Austin restaurant for brunch. Chez Zee does take reservations for larger parties and could accommodate our party of 7. Great little patio with fans and misters. Still hot in Austin by 10:30 but a nice vine covered patio eating area. Service was good and they have an extensive menu. Only negative was that a couple of the entree egg dishes came a little undercooked. Maybe just the Sunday morning crush but enough to drop the rating a notch. Overall a nice experience with some minor glitches. The Pearmosa drinks were a hit though.

Still an amazing brunch

By TMB_Texan |

Great food, wonderful service, wide variety, tasty cocktails, manageable noise level....If you want to have a nice brunch with people you want to have a conversation with, Chez Zee is top of the list. It isn't inexpensive, but you can taste the quality. And the croissants, and the various eggs Benedict, and the desserts.... Take my advice: pick a weekend and go before 3. My only note is that those of us who have a hard time sitting on unupholstered seats need to plan accordingly to come to Chez Zee. The good news is that if you can do it, it's totally worth it.

Fabulous desserts ... Let Them Eat Cake!

By CharlieinTexas |

The cakes at this restaurant are always fantastically fresh, moist, and tasty. Recently had the chocolate cake. Yes, please. And also had the lemon rosemary and carrot cake. Yum! Great dessert place, with a great dinner menu too!

Friendly and eclectic.

By dogstargems |

Although the restaurant is usually filled with locals, the staff always seems to be relaxed and friendly and efficient. After a particularly stressful day, popping in here for a burger takes all of that away.

Concierge recommended!

By Barbara H |

Our front desk guy at the Residence Inn suggested this restaurant and we were not disappointed! From the cozy ambiance to the piano music to the fine food, our experience was relaxing and delicious.

Perfect Valentines Day!

By Grace S |

We loved our meal here, although we were a bit confused by the "chicken beignets" appetizer that was basically just chicken strips with honey mustard dipping sauce, everything else was delicious. We ended up asking for the appetizer to be boxed up and stuck with the bread which was delicious. The Surf and Turf special was amazing and the desserts left us with a sugar high that lasted the rest of the night. The music and decorations were perfect and we loved our Valentines celebration.

Food good, service slow and angry

By BobandDenise1979 |

Great mushroom and bacon cheeseburger with loaded kettle fries (blue cheese added)—but the service was super slow. When I went up to the waitperson and said we were still waiting on our second cups of coffee, she slammed the cups on our table. Weird. No excuse for that at all. I didn’t like the piped music, everything was 1975-1980 overplayed radio songs, catchy to cloying to annoying as hell. Other than that, a good place with lots of choices, parking lot.

My husband and I love Chez Zee!

By pflady |

My husband and I frequently have late-night dinners here. The food is delicious at Chez Zee - an extensive and eclectic menu. Even better are their desserts - not some cheesecake or carrot cake that they got out of a box and thawed out. In addition to nightly desserts, their dessert menu is pages long - both classic and inventive choices. The dessert servings are HUGE and not only do my husband and I share dessert, there is often some left to take home.The service is impeccable and the ambiance is delightful. You have to go at Christmas or Valentine's when the decor is especially gorgeous. Although it is not particularly a children's restaurant, I frequently see families with children there - and I bet the promise of dessert is sufficient to encourage good behavior. Occasionally there is live music.

great breakfast

By Peoria1 |

Went with family and had the "Commodore" sausage eggs Benedict. Have a very extensive and well rounded menu for breakfast and lunch . Portions are very nice Food is well done. Definately get the croissants with their homemade spread

Sunday Brunch with the Girls

By MissPriss96 |

Some friends and I gathered at Chez Zee for Sunday brunch and a gift exchange. We made reservations for a party of 7 and they had no issue with accommodating. We arrived at 11:05 and the parking lot was PACKED! Thank goodness they had complimentary valet parking. Dropping off the car was a breeze but a few in our party had to wait upwards of 30 minutes to retrieve their vehicles after our gathering. The service was on par with expectations and the food was ok. The menu has quite a few options so you shouldn't have an issue finding something that suits you. Prices are middle of the road for breakfast. The fresh croissants and strawberry butter were a hit. Everyone in our party seemed to be ok with their food choices. I was a bit bummed because my Honey-Kissed Ham Omelet came swimming in some sort of "juice", but I made it through. I would go again to give them another shot, but would definitely order something different. One piece of advice - get there early and pack your patience if you go for Sunday brunch. Oh- and hats off to the piano player! He was jamming the entire time we were there. Loved it!

Loud and more like Chilis.

By Amy J |

It is a nice casual spot. I loved my salad, but the tuna was old and very dry. Our waitress was sweet and made great recommendations. I wish we had enjoyed it more as this was a precious night out with hubby.

Excellent brunch

By Jenny A |

The creme brulee french toast is a definite highlight. Service is very friendly. Can get busy so making a reservation

Charming and colorful

By Patricia M |

I went there for lunch with a friend. We both had the same vegetarian plate that consists of vegetable, sliced tomatoes, black beans, rice, and a side dish of kale. Excellent. Great place to come and have lunch. Get there early or make reservations as it is a very popular place during lunch. Will come again.

A really poor experience!

By Gary C |

Service was outstanding, but the food was not any where as good as it used to be. The cream brûlée French toast used to be great! They used to start with a loaf of halla bread sliced and marinated in the vanilla cream mixture.Now I get 4 sticks that I couldn’t eat. We threw away 2 of them. We have read good reviews and we can’t understand what they were thinking. The crossisant’s were still great! We have to remove this from our list and not recommend it at all!

Food was OK

By jon762 |

I came for dinner and must admit I was not sure how things went. There appeared to be a disconnect between the wait staff and the kitchen. For example, some one in my party ordered a salad with chicken and without cranberries. The salad came with cranberries and without the chicken. (The restaurant realized the mistake and gave the diner the correct salad packed up to go for the next day's lunch). Desserts are delicious. We ordered 3 for a table of 7, and all had enough. Portion sizes were generous and it could easily be shared.

Excellent happy hour

By Llamma2 |

They have a good variety of entrees for happy hour, as well as good priced drinks. I liked the fish tacos, and the chips and queso. They atmosphere is good, and there is a guy playing the piano. If you prefer a regular meal, the prime rib was excellent. There is seating outside and inside. The service was good. This is a neighborhood sort of place. There is free parking, but there is also valet service on busy nights.

Always top notch food and service, with very little smiles..

By TxMarineVet |

I have dined somewhere from 10-15 times at this restaurant. It is a great place in terms of ambiance, food and product. We had the popcorn shrimp and crab cakes as an appetizer at the bar while enjoying some great piano music. On Saturday nights, make sure you try the Smoked Prime Rib, it is nothing short of smoky prime rib greatness! Our bartender was busy yet very professional and conversed and checked with us. The food runner was smiling from ear to ear and very pleasant. As a 20+ year restaurant veteran, whenever I see a staff that isn't smiling, it is usually a tell-tale sign of how they are being treated... There was one hostess (pretty and very skinny) who seemed to be more dismayed that she was working and just didn't seem happy. Your hosts are the very first face a customer sees, and that can leave you with a great feeling or not so great at what you are about to experience in the restaurant. This place has to great of service and product to not have a smiling host at the front door greeting your lifeblood!!

Quick service, great burgers and salads

By wvlivingston |

We ate lunch. Even though fairly crowded, the service was very quick. Our server was very friendly, Our table had various salads and a burger. The burger was generous enough in size that 3 of us sampled it, with all agreeing it was an excellent burger. Parking is very tight, but they have complimentary valet -- so only cost is the tip.

Outstanding food and service!

By rich_and_laurie |

My family of 6 visited for brunch before the Nutcracker. Everything we ate (Dad’s tacos, multiple Benedicts - including crab cake, salmon and Eggs Sardou and omelettes) were fabulous! The mimosas (pear, oj and lemon pomegranate) were also terrific. Service by Chris was perfect. We had a wonderful brunch and would love to come back soon. I highly recommend.

Always Good!

By Marion M |

Whether it's the Creme Broulet French toast (with sauce) or good old biscuits and gravy, we have never had a bad meal here. In fact, toughest thing is getting reservations and/or parking. All of the menu appears home grown, nothing frozen, just good ole Texas breakfast food. Don't miss this place, you will be sorry.

Warm and cozy with delicious food

By Ahmed M |

Very nice and warm place. We celebrated a family event there and everyone was very nice and welcoming. We ordered 4 different meals and everyone liked their food, which is rare for us. The food was served in a timely manner and was hot and delicious.

Dinner

By Trawin M |

I was disappointed in this place. The decor and atmosphere are kitschy and fun. But that did not make up for the food. Vegetables were over cooked. The monk fish had no flavor. Pecan chicken was below average. Waitperson was not helpful Overpriced.

Perfect Anniversary Dinner

By J&JTravel |

This spot was recommended to us by an Austin local, and after checking the reviews, we made a reservation for our anniversary dinner. Our table was decorated complete with a Happy Anniversary sign- they definitely know how to make a celebration special! We both had a difficult time choosing our entree because it all sounded amazing. We were so pleased with our choices. Delicious and perfectly prepared. Then we were handed the two page dessert menu, another hard decision! We chose to go with the sampler and did not regret it. The coco leches cake and lemon rosemary are incredible!! We also enjoyed the piano player in the background. It was just loud enough for some ambiance, but didn't interfere with conversation. We LOVED our dinner here. Highly recommend!

Great variety and fabulous desserts!

By bmccormack362 |

I was with a group of 8 people for a business dinner. The seating was a little cramped, but still ok. They have a great selection of signature cocktails - I had the lemon cucumber martini and it was excellent! We shared several appetizers at the table but my favorite was the spinach artichoke dip with house made tortilla chips. Very good. I had the beef tenderloin and it was cooked as I requested and was VERY tender and flavorful. The desserts really are to die for. We shared a selection around the table and all were super good. Favorites would be the key lime pie, the creme brulee and the coconut cake. The only unfortunate part of our evening was the service. The waiter was slow in responding to our requests and really didn't engage with us at all. Still, I would recommend.

Wonderful lunch

By Wally B |

Fresh Tuna delivered daily and prepared wonderfully seared. High quality, beautiful presented, great tasting Tuna salad. The other three in our group enjoyed their fine entrees also. Prompt, professional, friendly service. Fantastically fresh and delicious desserts. Mimosas were great, margueritas a little weak but very tasty. We enjoyed our fist visit and will definitely go back.