Taco Bell perpetuated general American Obesity by desensitizing denizens to the "Fourth Meal" concept. The Roaring Fork contributed to my bulging waistline by allowing me to indulge in a classy fourth-meal...because for some reason, I felt that a second dinner served by a snobby pseudo-attentive waiter over a clothed table under sexily dimmed lights could not possibly have counted as extra calories. I was wrong. What was supposed to have been a late-night snack of savory, jalapeño mini-cornbread muffins, as moist and buttery as my Auntie Mae Jo's (if I had a Texan Auntie Mae Jo), turned into a feast of Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon and a Spinach Chicken Waldorf Salad. Though my white mid-western father usually requests his salmon "well done" (thanks to my prompting and utter dismay), the Roaring Fork presented a light pink fish covered in succulent, sticky teriyaki BBQ that retained as much moisture as any medium salmon would have. The Chicken Waldorf Salad I spooned away from my mother offered a texture-flavor mecca combining the slightly tart crunch of green apples, the creaminess of perfectly ripe avocados, the vague saltiness of veritable parmesan cheese, and the slight sweetness of dates. So much for just munching on a few too many cornbread muffins - I had to go and eat my parents' dinners as well. Oops. read more

I have come here many times and am surprised that I haven't made a review yet. I've come here for work dinners and also on dates and birthday dinners. Also, I have come here during restaurant week. I love this place. First of all, the ambiance is wonderful. It's casual and inviting yet upscale and modern. If I had a lake house, I would want it to look something like this. It's industrial...but comfortable. The back of the restaurant is open to the large pond so you get the nice backdrop. Every so often, they'll open the floor to ceiling windows/doors so you can get full exposure to the pond. Possibly good only once a bird flew into the restaurant... The service has always been great. I think the waitstaff have all been courteous, attentive, and respectful during all of my instances here. They have excellent well rehearsed menu offerings and always have a good recommendation or two. The food. Is great. I've had a lot of things here. The Green Chile pork stew with hot buttered tortillas is a winner. Write home about it, you won't regret it. I have also had their barbacoa plate. Very similar to what you'd find in a barbacoa taco from Chipotle (honestly, that was where my first thought went when I ordered it). Very filling and very tasty. The Pork Chop with bacon was delicious and the corn/vegetable salad that accompanied it was well made and perfect. They have street corn as a side dish...that's been cut off the cobb so instead of feeling like a heathen while eating it, you can feel refined while personally satisfying your inner fat kid (it's loaded with butter and mayo, I'm sure...that's been melted into this little cast iron pot with the corn). Desserts also are winners. I've had the pineapple upside down cornmeal cake, creme brulee, the pecan pie, the huckleberry cheesecake...yeah, they're all good. They don't disappoint. I lean towards anything other than the creme brulee though. The sugar is too bruleed...to the point of being bitter. Sad. I guess that's one bad thing. As a final note, the White Sangria...is amazing. Order it. If you're a a girl or guy who likes sweet but not too sweet, crisp, refreshing, and things with cherries in it...order it. Such a pleasant way to carry on through the meal. I HATE wine but love sangria. How unfortunate for me because I still haven't figured out how to make a good sangria! read more

This review is for the Roaring Fork before they got a new chef. I haven't been since the new chef came on board. That being said, I've never had a bad dish here. My favorite dish of all time was a seared ahi-tuna steak served on top of the most unbelievable lobster enchiladas. It was a special that night and I've never seen it again, and I want to. Wow. In addition to the wonderful happy hour that everyone has described, I've found that the sides can make a meal themselves (this looks like it might have changed a little on the new menu though). And the Big Ass Burger? Wow. That's good eatin'. Those fries are some of the best in Austin. The price can't be beat at happy hour, as everyone here has noted. I've always had wonderful service and amazing food at the Roaring Fork. And you know, I think I've only sat in the restaurant once? I'm not sure on that, but I think it's true. I almost always sit in the bar. I've never had to wait by doing that. read more

Had the braised short ribs. It's so good!! They give you a knife and fork but all you really need is a spoon (compliment) read more

Roaring Fork - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

The service was good. Friendly staff. In terms of non-alcoholic beverages, they are somewhat limited. For example, soda is the organic type, so if you are hoping for the traditional type you might be disappointed. While the burgers received good reviews here I did nothing they were anything above and beyond what you would expect at other restaurants. read more

I can't believe I didn't finish this review sooner!! Ohhhhh my goodnesss! Roaring Fork was seriously Delicious!!!! We had dinner here one night while visiting in Austin; and this was hands down one of the best meals I have ever had! We started with the queso with was delish! Obviously no one was dieting tonight! I ordered a drink with Ginger ale in it. I wish I could remember what it was called now. But it was great as well! Most of our party ordered the Ribeyes they were brushed with truffle oil and had sea salt on them. One person ordered the Carnitas, and one just ordered the Green Chili Mac & Cheese. We also all ordered sides to share. We got: mashed potatoes, asparagus, and another order of the Green Chili Mac & Cheese and we added bacon to it. Seriously. I have almost no words for this meal. It was amazing. It was one of those meals that when the food comes people basically stop talking. The steak was to die for, the mashed potatoes were great, but the green chili mac and cheese with bacon totally stole the show for the sides. Wow. Our service was great all throughout our meal we never once went without anything we needed. I can't say one negative thing about this place. If I'm ever back in Austin I will definitely be looking this place up again. read more

I took my bestie here for his birfday on a recommendation from a client. It was fabulous! We had great drinks and an awesome green chilie pork and cheese appetizer thingy and it was AMAZING! I ordered the swordfish and it was DELISH. My friend had a filet of beef and it was FANTASTIC! I really like the green chilie Mac n cheese! Spicy and gooey. read more

Roaring Fork - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

If you feel like being little fancy then this is a great place to stop by. The food is good as well as the service. The place is cozy and it's great for people watching too if you are sitting in th bar area. Stop upstairs on your way out at the Stephen F. Austin Hotel for a martini and view of the walking pedestrians. read more

I visit the Roaring Fork for some dessert and coffee. I had my mind on their bread pudding, which was highly recommended by a friend. When it arrived at the table, it was just what I wanted. It was a hot huckleberry bread pudding with huckleberry and crème anglaise and served with vanilla bean ice cream. It had slightly crunchy chunks of bread on the top with a soft bottom. The pudding was warm and the sauce was not overpowering; the two made a perfect marriage. In my opinion, I would have left out the ice cream, for this bread pudding needed nothing else to make it impressive. On that note, I appreciate the very small serving of the vanilla bean ice cream. I gave it four stars because the waiter seemed to be in a rush. He brought the check without asking if we wanted something else, which we did. After we ordered coffee, he brought us the check once again and, after the transaction, he was no where to be seen. I guess one cup of coffee was enough for that particular occasion... read more

Within hours of posting my original review, I received a Yelp message from the Director of Marketing at Roaring Fork. She apologized for my negative experience and asked for my information so the General Manager could contact me. I had a call today from the GM. He asked me what happened and was very sincerely apologetic. It turns out that the person I thought was an outside host for the restaurant, was actually a valet for the hotel nearby. I don't know if I missed the sign or if it wasn't clearly marked, but that explanation clarified things for me. The GM invited me back to Roaring Fork and asked for my address to send a letter. Additionally, I received another voicemail this afternoon from another manager. Overall I am very impressed with their follow up and sincere concern about my experience. I will chalk this experience up to a random occurrence. I hope to visit Roaring Fork on my next Austin trip. read more

I went here on a business dinner with some hot shot old school Texas types that were entertaining to no end, and after their loud conversations help clear the meek neighboring tables out of the room, we had a shit-kickin', snake-stompin' good time. The hostesses were beyond helpful and beyond awesome lookin.' Know that's not important, but it never hurts. Our server was a bit overwhelmed by the big Texas personalities, so he took our orders and ran screaming, so there was no overwhelming presence (which, Mister X, I'm with you...hate that) Food was delicious and perfect, my crab cakes were heart stopping and a great combo with the margaritas. They shake the margaritas at the table, nice. The huckleberry "swirl" is an enterprising take, but doesn't quite work as it filters out the tequila too much. Happy hours are fun here and food is RELATIVELY cheap..the Ahi Tuna Tartare Taquitos are a deal at $5.75 (every appetizer is half off) as is the Green Chile Pork Stew at $4.50. Lunch hours are tight, they won't seat you until 11:30. Doesn't work for an early lunch. Valet is almost a must at dinner time. The best part of the Stephen F Austin hotel... read more

Great restaurant, The burger ordered was cooked to perfection. Definitely try out the Chicken Waldorf Salad you won't be disappointed, best salad I've ever had. read more

Two words... HAPPY HOUR! $5 huckleberry margaritas, $2 beers... The big ass burger is the bomb! Just sayin.... The green chile pork is amazing. Crab cakes are sooooo good. Definitely worth the price! I can't wait to come back for happy hour! read more

This place definitely has its own flare. It's pretty dim & perfect for a romantic dinner. The wait wasn't long considering it was a Saturday night at 9 when we dined; 15-20 mins for a table of 4. Our waiter was very helpful & knew his stuff pretty well. Very impressive! - Queso Con Puerco (5/5): Mmmm! It was so creamy & cheesy. There are chunks of meat? I think. I don't know, but whatever it was, it was GOOD. We quickly ran out of chips so we asked for another batch. Lol that's how mmm mmm mmm it was. - Kettle of a Green Chile Pork (5/5): Another good cheesy & sharable appetizer! Although it is under appetizers, this can be eaten as a small entree. The pork was amazing with ooey gooey cheese just hanging on to every chunk. Omg yessss. It does come with these fluffy, buttery, heavenly flour tortillas that are to die for. Have self control because it does comes out piping hot! - Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin (5/5): It's recommended to be cooked to "medium" but I asked for medium rare. It was seasoned & cooked perfectly. It was very tender & the bacon gave me a juicy slap. It comes with Mexican street corn & cheesy grits! Make sure every bite consist of every component - sweet with a kick, cheesy, juicy & meaty just all in one bite. - Big Ass Burger (4/5): Seriously, a big ass burger that even my lovey couldn't finish HALF. It's a classic burger with its classic burger topping posse plus poblano peppers. The best part about this entree for me were the CRISPY FRIES. Yes, the side dish was the main dish. It was so crispy & it stayed crispy throughout the whole entire meal. - Green Chile Mac & Cheese (4/5): This was just plain good. To me, I think it's a challenge to keep mac & cheese creamy & cheesy. Hehe, but they did a great job! Just thinking about this really makes me want to take a trip to Austin. I will be back! read more

Roaring Fork - Kettle of Green Chile Pork & Chips & Queso - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

We went here for happy hour last night with a couple friends before catching a double feature at the Paramount. We had really low expectations but were pleasantly surprised by how good everything was. The drink deals weren't that impressive, but still better than paying downtown prices. Our table shared the guac and the mixed greens salad; both had nice portions and tasted pretty fresh. We split the B.A. Burger and--hallelujah--it actually came out medium rare, and was juicy with a ton of toppings. A bit difficult to eat though. Our server was awesome and we had a really good time. I don't think we'd ever be back for the full menu in the restaurant itself (a bit too stuffy for our tastes), but we'll definitely be back for HH next time we need a place to go before a show. read more

I love the Roaring Fork. We chose to come here when we were on a time restriction because we know they're consistent. This experience began with us walking into the restaurant. The hostess was speaking with a co worker and did not greet us. They continued their conversation for 30-45 seconds. Then Emmy turns to us and says, "Can I help you?" No smile. No cheery tone. More like "what do you want" tone. So I looked at her and said, "yes I would like a table for 2." She begins to tell me how it's almost 8:45 [side note: it's 8:36 at this time] and it would be a 45 minute wait. Now like most people I am totally confused as to what in the roaring fork does that have to do with anything?? Almost 8:45 at 8:36?!? No she wasn't talking out loud no she wasn't trying to calculate wait time. She just really didn't seem to want us there. Thankfully a gentleman walked up that, I'm assuming was management. He cut her off and told us there was a table for 2 in the bar area that was serving the full menu. We accepted. She walked by numerous times seating other tables and just glared at me, it was strange. The meal was great. Our waiter was fabulous. We left and the same manager told us goodnight and thank you while Emmy glanced up but when she saw it was us she quickly looked back down. I'm calling there now because I don't want to cause a scene.... And we're on a time crunch ;-). Yes she made them lose 2 whole stars. Hostesses should be hospitable, welcoming, and show you that they want your business. Oh and the valets at the Intercontinental are amazing!! read more

YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! Overview: I'm a Houston native (keep that in mind) Pretty stinkin awesome from the beginning to end Connected to a hotel Not exactly casual (listed as casual on yelp) awesome food awesome waitress awesome company This may be the shortest review from me ... like ever. Ordered the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin with Mexican street corn and mashed potatoes ........ OMG. Pork was cooked PERFECTLY at medium ... tasted like a million bucks and something I would order within the city in NY like BLT Prime or something. On point. Friends had the "big ass burger", that was awesome in their opinion, also asked the waitress if the fries could be seasoned with cajun seasoning .. they did it and that literally was some kick ass french fries even NOLA couldn't replicate. I'm being serious. So on point. Service was great. I would love to come back at any time. read more

My husband and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary here while we were visiting Austin for the F1 race. Restaurant has the romantic feel created by the high private booths and the lighting. We were taken to our table which was reserved with a card wishing us a happy first anniversary (nice touch). Server was great about explaining the menu and the specials. We ere given a complimentary appetizer as well. Food was good, my husband especially loved the corn side dish. It was a nice way to spend our first anniversary, and if we are ever in Austin again this restaurant is definitely on our list to revisit. read more

Since Restaurant Week is just about over, my co-worker and I decided to go someplace fun for lunch. We recruited another downtown worker friend and headed to Roaring Fork. The restaurant was somewhat busy, it being around 12:30, but we got sat right away. They gave us regular menus and that was it - I had to ask our waiter for the Restaurant Week menus. That really irked me - like they were trying to hide their participation in hopes of getting people to spend more money. Every other place we've been to this week has either had them prominently displayed on the table or handed them out with the regular menu. Anyway. Two of us got the specials; co-worker ordered Rotisserie chicken off the main menu. It took a little longer than I would like for apps to come out, but no problem, they were kind of busy. We finish our appetizer, plates are cleared, and then...our waiter comes out to tell my friend they're out of chicken. Uh, what? Seriously, every chicken dish on the menu was not available. How do you run out of a staple food like that less than TWO HOURS after you open for business? And why on earth did it take them almost 45 minutes to come out and tell us? My disappointed friend ordered the carnitas and they must have had a chef on standby because they came out quickly. Unfortunately, this is about the point our waiter disappeared. We finished eating and waited for the check. And waited. And waited. Finally he came over and asked if we wanted dessert. No, just the check. Oh, great, he has to go get it, he didn't bother to bring it with him. Waiting. Waiting. Check comes, we put our credit cards in, but like a shadow in the night, the waiter has vanished. Waiting. Waiting. He finally comes back, grabs the check, and then will not leave us alone. Do we want more drinks? No, we're good. Are we sure there's nothing else he can get for us? Yes, a job application, because seriously, if I don't get back to work soon, I'm going to get fired. After slightly less time than it will take the sun to implode and plunge all of earth into darkness, we were ready to leave. Overall the experience outweighed the fact the food was good and I doubt I would ever have the time in a day to go back. read more

I went back to Roaring Fork recently for the first time in many months, and was reminded of how much I like their happy hour. Whitney F. and I crushed some tuna tartare and a couple of glasses of wine, and were quite satiated by the time we left. The bartenders were friendly and attentive, and while Roaring Fork is not cheap, it's not awful at happy hour prices. I've been several times for business lunches as well, and have always been happy with the experience. It's upscale enough to take a client, but not so much that you get that uncomfortable "surrounded by suits" feeling (a la Sullivan's lunch, which is ALL men, ALL suits ALL the time). read more

The only man wearing a cowboy hat within a fifty-mile radius of downtown Austin sat down with us and started eating our food. Okay, I sort of encouraged him. I didn't want to seem impolite after he slid into our booth. He wanted to show me the official "Texas Greeting" which somehow involved being taken to a private hallway...and probably dry humped within an inch of my life. I declined. Who wants to be taken to a dark hallway? The fondue is deeeelish. Your dipping objects are squash, bread and lamb chops. Yes, lamb chops. I don't normally like my meat smothered in cheese, but they made a nice duo. The jalapeno mac & cheese was pretty good...from what we tasted anyway. The drunken cowboy was double dipping - that little hat wearing, dry humping f*cker. The fish tacos were forgettable. We were one of their last tables, so the service started to slack an eensy, weensy bit. After a certain time, they hand valet parking duties over to the adjoining Hotel Inter-Continental. If you get stuck behind a wedding party like we did, you might have a long wait before you see your car again. Overall, a great hangout. read more

Ever see someone from the suburbs driving a Leased low-end BMW? They were probably driving to or from Roaring Fork. A place for people who know nothing about fine dining to eat. Went with a group of friends and every waitress/server/host we had was just trying to shill food and drink. It's one thing to make a recommendation for a chef's special, it's quite another when EVERY thing you order is followed with a question of "did you want to try the XXX too?" or "Only a glass of our $14 red we're selling for $60? Get the whole bottle". To top it off the server at the end of the dinner gratted the table (which I'm fine with). I paid cash and she just didn't bother bringing my change back (I paid $200 on a $165 meal... and you don't bring me back my change?). So she tipped herself another $35. This place is where people who eat Johnny Carino's every weekend go when they want to feel fancy. AVOID read more

Roaring Fork (both locations in Austin actually) is one of my top happy hour places. They have a great wine list, decent beer selection (keeping it local with some Fireman's 4) wonderful appetizers and amazing dinner options. Last night I dined at the Congress location for dinner and ordered the Tartare of Pacific Ahi Tuna. It was an amazing blend of tuna, mango avocado with panini toast on the side. If you love sushi or tuna taretare I highly recommend Roaring Forks. If you LOVE mac n cheese you must try their Green Chili Mac and Cheese, arguably the best mac n cheese in town next to Apothecary's. Another tasty option is the Green Chili Pork and the Cedar Planked Salmon. Roaring Fork is great for date nights and a good meeting place for happy hour. read more

Ok I really want to give this place 5 stars for the food, but I have to knock it down because of the disgusting amount of gum underneath all of their tables. Also, we had to send back no fewer than 3 plates because they were coated in old food. read more

I've eaten at Roaring Fork few times before but never got a chance to write a review. Today, I went back for their fabulous happy hour selections (all day Sunday and Monday) and ordered the Fondue Lamb, Green Chile Stew, and Caesar Salad. Caesar is pretty much standard fare but Green Chile Stew is spot on every time. Silky stew with chunks of tender meat that goes so well with the complements of soft, chewy homemade tortilla. Mmm... so good. Rrrr... Never had anyone that disliked it. The lamb fondue is quite fantastic too. Three slices of rack of lamb complemented by walnut bread and toasted pumkin chunks ready to be dipped in a savory, cheesy racquellete (sp?) with sprinkles of fiery red pepper flakes. The lamb is good but the toasted bread and pumpkin is so much better. I've had the full dining experience before and is definitely worth the money. Even better if you're taking clients out in this lovely cowboy/southwestern american restaurant located at the Intercontinental Hotel. Service is punctual with friendly staff that's not overbearing. All in all, belly is satisfied and without regretting to leave a fat tip. read more

I visited the Roaring Fork for an early dinner with my hubs, parents and two kids aged 9 and 8. Fab meal - I will be back! Pros First and foremost, I'd like to thank the chef, waitstaff, support staff, the napkins and the menu printers for the Mexican street corn. I didn't order it but ate it off everyone's plates. Perfect combo of sweet, salty, tart and crunchy. Cornbread to start - very tasty Braised ribs with horseradish mash and tomato jam - tender and again a fabulous combo of flavor and texture. Very well balanced. Bacon wrapped tenderloin - tasted this off other's plates. Tender and flavorful. Corn was awesome. Half chicken - great proportion for the price. Not overcooked like I find chicken usually is. In walking distance to many other bars and restaurants. Romantic lighting makes this an ideal date spot Food came quickly and drinks were quickly refilled Cons Only con is our waiter wasn't as patient as he could have been with making recommendations for lagers for my Dad and seemed a bit irritated by the kiddos (who were very well behaved and making an extra effort to be polite). Luckily, his Olympic level forced smiles weren't enough to ruin the awesome meal. read more

Meh. Great atmosphere. Not a whole lot of menu options. Food was just okay. We had seared tuna, a bone-in filet, 8oz boneless filet and a burger. The only meal that got a thumbs up was the 8 oz filet. Burger was dry and flavorless, tuna was cold in the center (asked for warm throughout), and bone-in was overpriced, small and lacked any kind of memorable punch. The sides were just okay as well. The service was mediocre. Pretty disappointed overall. read more

I have a special place in my heart for the bar at the Roaring Fork. When it first opened this was a regular meeting place for me and my best friend. Usually, we split the "Big Ass" burger. It's as big as it sounds, and the fries are delicious! Not your typical bar menu, but an eclectic southwest sampling, at very reasonable prices. My new favorite menu item is the fondue pot with lamb chops. Pair that with a glass of wine and you have a happy girl! This is definitely high on my list of happy hour spots, as most of this menu is under $10. The interior is very warm and cozy making it a great place to hang out during our short winters here. The staff has always been great to me and chats me up while I wait for my dining companion. The last time I was there I was sitting at the bar with my laptop finishing up some work while I waited for my boyfriend. The bartender came over and told me she felt bad that I was still working while others were enjoying happy hour, so she poured my glass of wine a little higher :) I would highly recommend this place to out-of-towners traveling alone, especially if you are staying at the Stephen F. Austin, because you won't be without a friend for long. read more

The food was spectacular and the portions were heaping! All of the staff was friendly and we will definitely be back! The waiter checked often, kept our drinks full, and the manager was very interactive! The spit roasted chicken was tender and on a bed of stuffing! It was like a thanksgiving feast. The burger was well worth the price. It was cooked to order and a large patty. We also got the mashed potatoes, which I didn't taste, and the green Chile Mac n cheese. The Mac n cheese was probably the best Mac and cheese I've ever had - maybe taking second behind a Steven star version of lobster Mac n cheese, but definitely up there. The creme brûlée and apple pie a la mode were so good that I nearly had to lick the plate even though I was busting out of my seams. We'll be back! read more

We got the burger on happy hour, and it was HUGE - and delicious. I was able to split it with my dad and I still couldn't finish it! I highly recommend their happy hour and their salmon as well. Service was great, too! read more

Great restaurant in a wonderful location downtown. I ordered the fish tacos which were light and fresh! The star of the night was my husbands burger that he ordered! The burger was perfect and I had a little food envy! Would go back if I came back in town! read more

Roaring Fork - Fish tacos - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

Though it doesn't have a sophisticated name, the Big Ass burger is a pretty classy thing in an upscale atmosphere. We were impressed with the burger. We shared it. It just tasted of good quality ingredients. The meat was flavorful and juicy, the bacon, thick, yet crisp. The sharp cheddar cheese, dill pickle and onion added crunch and tang and the brioche bun, a bit of sweetness. My only criticism is that the bun, despite its nice flavor, falls apart. We went during happy hour, so our 3/4 lb burger and fries were half off. The service was great. We will be back - the rest of the menu also looks quite good. read more

If you're looking for a BIGG ASS all real meat burger in downtown ATX, RF is definitely one of my top 3 places. One caveat though, DO NOT tell your waiter/waitress to cook the meat "as rare as you can get away with". My steak tartar was pretty good though. While most places really char well done, here, you get what you ask for. But after finishing literally half the burger, I was ready to be rolled out the door back to my office. I felt like the blueberry chick from Willy Wonka. Their lunch menu it's too bad either. I've gone three times now and have nothing to complain about. Food portions were perfect, and each visit was under 15 dollars. Now, given that this restaurant is downtown, I can't speak for their dinner menu. Expect to $$$$$ Can't speak for the bar or happy hour either. Overall: Not your everyday lunch place, but great for lunch meetings or birthday lunch with someone special :). Oops, guess I gave my first visit away. read more

It was our last night in town and the Mrs. finds the Roaring Fork. I was really not in the mood for anything fancy or upscale, but I have to admit I am glad we came. Started off with the chips and guac. Super fresh and more than 2 people can handle. She went with fish, per her norm, she really liked it. After a short convo with the waiter, it was decided I was gnna go with the Burg. I know I know...Burger in this upscale really nice place? That is what I was thinking all the way til he delivered it to the table. WOW! That is really all that needs to be said. Ground Steaks turned into the perfect masterpiece. Everything about it was perfect. Bun, Bacon, Cheese, Pickles, all perfect. One of the Better Burgs I have ever had. Anyone who knows me knows that I have had more than my fair share! Big thumbs up and Thanks to the waiter who helped me with that decision. Next time I am in town I am sure to return to your establishment! read more

This is probably the BEST food I have ever eaten from salads to desserts we had it all so glad we were able to get a table in the bar because I would of not wanted to miss a meal like this... We spent 2 days in Austin and ate here 3 times never have we raved about food so much...Treat yourself and give it a try you won't be disappointed. read more

See all

People there are just plain nice and when you do go for happy hour it is the place. I have been going there for quite some time and the food has never let me down. Not your place if you are on a budget for lunch or dinner but if money is not an object, then by all means get your self over there. Located in the InterContinental. Beef Jerky is the last thing I am going to say about this place. If you have not had some, get some. It is the beef! read more

For this month's Burger Club, we visited Roaring Fork. This may seem like an odd choice as it's not exactly a burger joint and there's only one burger on the menu (hey, it made deciding what to order easy!)...but what a burger it is. Yes, the Big Ass Burger lives up to its name. At 12 ounces, that's a lot of beef, folks. Add cheese and bacon and the usual condiments on top, and you've got one Big Ass Burger. I split mine with someone (I'm only a masochist when it comes to dating) and ate all six ounces, plus approximately 476 delicious crispy fries. Tip: Happy hour prices are good all day on Mondays. I got half a burger and a citrus mojito for $9.50. Not bad, not bad. read more

Context: I stopped by here on a weekend getaway. This is my review from a single visit. We arrived here during happy hour. This is a hotel restaurant/bar. The high Yelp ratings and proximity to the Omni hotel attracted us. One of the happy specials was a discount on the Big Ass Burger, so we both ordered one. This is one of those places where you order the sides a la carte, separate from the entree*. We decided to try the Seasonal Vegetables - Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Red Onions - and the Green Chile Mac n Cheese. We also tried some Mojitos, which had a happy hour special price. * - If you are on a tight budget and really want to eat here, you may want to just swing by during happy hour and get a Big Ass Burger on its own. Big Ass Burger: Excellent. I don't think either of us added any condiments. It was great as is. Seasonal Vegetables - Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Red Onions: Excellent, even better than we had imagined Green Chile Mac n Cheese - Disappointing. Although I love regular old mac 'n chese, it should be noted that I am weary of all of the restaurants offering "high end" mac 'n cheese dishes. Dear chefs, mac 'n cheese can only be so good, please use your skills making more imaginative, healthy, and nutritious creations. Mojito: Very well made. Seriously. I realize these things are not rocket science, but they are made poorly so often that a good one really catches you by surprise. read more

RF is a wintry staple for us for the past several years. Tonight we enjoyed the Monday night app special ($4 off all apps, $1 off all drinks and some deal on margs but I forget the exact deal). I really enjoyed their smoked salmon, it was a perfect size to share and make up for a light dinner. We also shared the fish tacos and their VERY good mixed greens salad which has cranberries, goat cheese and delicious candied walnuts atop mixed greens with a cranberry vinaigrette. Very festive! the waitstaff is nice and they have really nice handtowels in the bathroom. Now that last comment will certainly have you lining up to get ASAP. read more

My grandmother used to tell me that I'd been a prima donna since the moment I emerged from the womb. As a child, I would attempt to convince complete strangers that I was really a Vanderbilt inadvertently switched at birth, refuse to eat with plastic flatware, and proudly declare to anyone who would listen that my idea of camping was a 2 star hotel. Although my allegiance toward 4+ star hotel accommodations continues to this day, I cannot say the same for their restaurants, most of which are overpriced and undergood. Fortunately, the Intercontinental's Roaring Fork is a welcomed deviation from the norm - the food is well-conceived, the prices are appropriate, and the servers are reasonably competent. Food: Roaring Fork is a local chain that specializes in American Continental fare with a Southwestern flair. Menu options included everything from slow roasted pork shoulder carnitas to roasted half chicken with corn bread stuffing. During my visit, I opted for the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin with Mexican street corn and green chili mac & cheese, all of which was flavorful, expertly plated, and generously portioned. Although I opted to forego dessert, the restaurant does offer several enticing selections, including huckleberry cheesecake, mexican vanilla creme brûlée, and pecan pie. Service: The host was a little bit of piss and a whole lot of vinegar - however, the waitress resurrected the service bar and was friendly and attentive throughout the meal. My only complaint is that she readily agreed to a side substitution for my entree without acknowledging that there would be an added charge. This irked me more on principle than cost - as far as I'm concerned, the staff has an obligation to relay any added cost if it's not already noted somewhere on the menu. Atmosphere: Casually sophisticated. The main dining room features hardwood floors and linen tablecloths, while the bar area is more casual. The clientele is an amalgam of hotel guests and locals, most of whom are middle-aged to older. There is no outdoor seating. Cost: Moderately priced. Dinner appetizers are $8-$14, salads are $8-$13, entrees are $14-$25, sides are $5-$7, and desserts are $6. Other: Dinner is served daily at 5PM, while lunch is served on weekdays beginning at 11AM. Roaring Fork is physically located on the first floor of the Intercontinental Austin, but the restaurant has its own entrance on Congress Ave. Valet parking is available for $5. Reservations can be made online via OpenTable. read more