This was my first time visiting The Gramercy since we recently moved to Lakeway. It's been on our…read moreradar for quite some time, and with my brother in town, we decided to give it a try on a Tuesday night.
It was quite busy when we arrived, which immediately set a good mood. The energy inside was great, the decor is beautiful, and the whole space gives off 1920s Great Gatsby vibes. The bar scene looked lively, and plenty of guests seemed to be enjoying themselves.
We were offered seating on one of the couches near the entrance but chose a more private table instead. Our server was pleasant and kind, though he appeared new. A few small things were missed. Our appetizer plates sat on the table for about 15 to 20 minutes before being cleared, and fresh utensils were not brought out.
The wait time for drinks, appetizers, and our main courses was quite long. It felt like we were there close to two hours, with about 30 to 45 minutes between each course. I arrived starving, and unfortunately the long waits made me cranky and impatient and started to affect my appetite.
When our drinks finally arrived, I ordered the seasonal apple cider margarita. I was hoping it would be festive and delicious, but it turned out to be very tangy and bitter and not quite the cozy, fall-inspired drink I had expected. My husband and brother did enjoy their drinks, though.
The pork belly appetizer, which came highly recommended, was a mixed experience. I would give it a 10 out of 10 for flavor but a 5 out of 10 for texture. The burnt end was extremely tough to cut through, even with effort, and my knife was not strong enough. While it did taste good, it was not the most tender pork belly I have had. I have had versions that truly melt in your mouth, and this one was much chewier.
The fried shrimp appetizer was a solid 7 out of 10. It tasted good, but it did not stand out or wow me. The presentation set higher expectations for the flavor than what came through, and the sauce did not feel particularly unique.
For my entree, I ordered the hamburger. It was good and well prepared, but nothing especially memorable, just a solid, classic burger. My brother ordered the fish sandwich and absolutely loved his.
We had the chance to speak with the owner, who was very kind and friendly. He is clearly passionate about his restaurant and genuinely wants to continue making it better, which I truly appreciate. I am glad we finally made it in to try The Gramercy.
Overall, I would be willing to come back. I think it would be a great spot for weekday drinks, appetizers, or brunch, especially during a busy work week. And I love that it is open late until 12 a.m., which is not very common in Lakeway.