Bill’s Oyster Review - Downtown Austin - Austin - The Infatuation
"You can probably guess at least one of the specialties at Bill’s Oyster on W. 3rd Street. Outside of the obvious, there’s a small raw-bar menu, two seafood towers, three types of caviar, and a few hot plates like crab cakes and fried grouper fingers. On paper, it’s a New Orleans-inspired spot, though the East Coast oysters that pile up on the narrow dining room’s snug tables go a long way toward fulfilling any Cape Cod fantasies. That extends to the tuna tartare, shrimp cocktail, and mozzarella sticks topped with caviar and vodka creme fraiche. Bill’s sits somewhere between a fancy downtown restaurant and an after-work hangout. Despite all the deluxe seafood, it’s a fairly casual experience with prices that match the extravagant Downtown rent. A TV near the bar shows sports to a noisy crowd of older millennials in yoga pants who stopped in for a bite after Pilates, but sitting around at the bar to watch the game will set you back $7 per Pacifico. This is more a place to head for a quick Happy Hour or snack than for a special occasion, but it’s satisfying as long as you’re OK spending a few extra dollars on the experience. Food Rundown photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Tuna Tartare Bill’s changes the preparation seasonally, but our most recent visit combined big chunks of tuna with fresh watermelon and serrano, all tossed in a cherry-blossom vinaigrette. This is one of our favorite tuna tartares in town—if you see this, order it. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Scallop Ceviche Scallops and fresh pineapple get finely minced and tossed in a rich and creamy leche de tigre sauce and punched up with some Kaffir lime. The scallops are soft and buttery, but the tiny pieces of pineapple add texture and acidity. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Clams Michelada Instead of adding a little clam juice to a michelada, Bill’s flips it by adding a little michelada mix to some freshly shucked clams. They’re refreshing, especially in the summer months. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Oysters The star of the show and what you’re here for. Bill’s offers about a half-dozen varieties on any given day, usually from the East Coast, and they don’t disappoint. Tell your server what you like or just let them surprise you. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Bill's Burger The patties have a nice crust, with a warm, pink center. They’re prepared well, though they could use a little more salt to balance out all the richness. It’s a solid burger—and the fries are great—but there are better options." - Nicolai McCrary
