La Piscina

"Friends and I showed up(some of us had already had food at an earlier bday reservation) around 5:30 and originally were denied a table by the hostesses. Over 1/2 the restaurant was empty and all the manager was able to do is sit us and serve us food in to-go containers until 6 because there was a supposed reservation. Our server Emily was indifferent, bartenders and everyone kept staring at us as if we were from another planet. We got given the check right at 6:00 pm and were denied a second round of drinks. The restaurant was not busy at all and we were given the poorest quality of service. When we requested our check, they said they could not split checks so one person ended up paying everything and overspending because they don't have the program needed to split checks. They also charge their customers for their staff healthcare instead of owners of business paying for it. Never going back!!"

"This is without a doubt, my favorite restaurant to come to for special occasions. My boyfriend and I come each year for Valentines Day and my birthday. The patio is our favorite place to sit because the views and atmosphere are so lovely. the chips and salsa are heavenly, I love how thick and crispy the chips are. Our favorite dishes are the chicken fajitas (which are big enough to share) and the lobster quesadilla, both of which are mouth watering! We have had the steak fajitas and the bacon wrapped shrimp as well which we enjoy. Don’t forget about the churros!! My favorite dessert! It is a lot of food for both of us, but everything taste so amazing that we finish it all!"

"I wanted to love this place but it just didn't meet our expectations, especially with the price tag. I gave it a 4 because I'm not as critical as my husband who probably would have given it a 2. My husband and I had our reservation at 5:30 on a Friday evening in early January on their beautiful warm quiet porch, but we arrived 13 minutes late (our fault, and I'm grateful they have that generous policy). I apologized and the hostess said "well we have a 15 minute late policy, but that's okay this time". Slightly rude I thought, but also we weren't quite at the 15 minute mark yet ...? Then we're seated and our waiter comes over and happily says "Welcome, Mrs. Lindley!" looking directly at me, and starts talking to me without acknowledging my husband sitting right next to me the whole time. We thought that was rather odd. The rest of the evening he seemed just a bit odd with anything to do with my husband, but perhaps we were reading into things after the first little incident. The chips, red salsa, and green avocado salsa with thick tortilla chips were delicious, queso fundido was fine, and the first margarita I ordered was pretty good. The second margarita was so strong, I had a hard time finishing it, I felt like I was drinking straight liquor. So much for consistent pouring. For our meals we got the lobster quesadilla and al pastor lambchops (I believe?). They were good-ish but I think the fajitas might be a better choice. Nothing outstanding in my opinion. Then they charge you some sort of employee wellness surcharge (3-4%)? On top of tax and tip? My husband did NOT like that... why are WE paying that fee and what is it? So unfortunately that left us with a sour taste in our mouth. Cool atmosphere, nice views of the Austin Central Library area, but not so great food/drinks or customer service."

"Finding authentic, fresh Tex-Mex in Austin can be a challenge, but La Piscina at the Proper Hotel delivers an incredible fajita experience worthy of five stars. From the sizzling plates to the hand-shaken margaritas, everything about my meal at La Piscina wowed my tastebuds. The fajitas alone are worth a special visit. Perfectly marinated and grilled skirt steak, chicken and veggies arrived at our table still sizzling loudly on a steaming cast iron plate. The meat was so tender and flavorful, enhanced by the smoky char. We could even hear the meat cooking at neighboring tables - the best kind of dinner music! And everything that accompanied the fajitas impressed too. The fresh chips and salsa started the meal off right with the ideal balance of crispness and flavor. And our jalapeño margaritas, made meticulously tableside, were vibrant, smooth and dangerously drinkable. The elegant, modern atmosphere is an ideal backdrop, whether dining on the breezy patio or in the stylish dining room. And the waitstaff provided friendly, prompt service with an authentic warmth. For mind-blowing fajitas and perfect hospitality, La Piscina scores top marks. The care and skill that goes into the execution here makes for an incredible dining experience that truly celebrates the flavors of Mexico. I'll be back again and again."

"Overall it was a good experience - beautiful space, great food, nice ambiance. The staff was attentive however we did have an order mixup, hence the 4 stars instead of 5 stars. Along with drinks, appetizers, other entrees- we ordered 2 brunch fajitas ($32) which comes with eggs/hash browns. When we didn’t receive our eggs/hash browns we asked about it and our server said “you ordered the brunch fajitas”. I agreed, and said it comes with eggs/hash browns. She then states she entered the fajitas meal for us. Then asked us if we want to PLACE AN ORDER for eggs and hash browns. Very disappointed because I had been raving about the brunch fajitas with eggs but instead got charged for the fajita meal ($46 steak, $34 chicken) and then would have to place 2 orders of eggs/hash browns. The “proper” (pun intended) thing that should have happened once she realized she entered the wrong order, was bring us 2 orders of eggs/hash browns at no additional charge. Outside of this, everyone enjoyed their food. But when you are paying $250 for 4 people, you expect to receive what you ordered and not because the server entered the wrong order."