Caroline

American restaurant · Congress Ave District

Caroline

American restaurant · Congress Ave District

2

621 Congress Ave. Suite 101, Austin, TX 78701

Photos

Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null
Caroline by null

Highlights

Deviled eggs, brunch, cocktails, craft beer, wine in modern surroundings  

Featured in Eater
Placeholder

621 Congress Ave. Suite 101, Austin, TX 78701 Get directions

carolinerestaurant.com
@carolinerestaurant

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

621 Congress Ave. Suite 101, Austin, TX 78701 Get directions

+1 512 982 6766
carolinerestaurant.com
@carolinerestaurant

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

Features

wifi
payment credit card
reservations

Last updated

Aug 7, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater

Essential Vegetarian Restaurant Opening Second Location in Round Rock - Eater Austin

"Bumble announced “BumbleSpots” — places to meet up that Bumble has approved for safety. The first approved locations in Austin are Caroline Restaurant." - Erin Russell

https://austin.eater.com/2018/11/9/18071710/swad-indian-vegetarian-restaurant-open-round-rock
View Postcard for Caroline
@eater

Interactive Doughnut Museum Coming to Downtown Austin - Eater Austin

"Tickets include doughnuts from several Austin bakeries, including Caroline." - Erin Russell

https://austin.eater.com/2018/8/6/17657234/museum-of-donuts-refinery-austin-jane-ko
View Postcard for Caroline

gordon devoss

Google
We had an ultra good breakfast here on a Saturday morning. No wait (but fairly busy), good seating inside. The inside dining area is well decorated and had a house music playing in the background. Good service, fun menu, good drinks in a nice atmosphere. We got the deviled egg plate....it was go good. I could have eaten a dozen....the cinnamon roll was pretty wild too. It kinda had a croissant vibe going on. We got waffles and pancakes with fruit for the kids. Standard stuff, the boys crushed it. I got the ham/cheddar omelette with heirloom tomatoes, my wife got the breakfast chicken enchiladas. Both were really good. We had a few cocktails, and a coffee. Thoroughly enjoyed the food and the experience.

Su Myat Shein

Google
I recently visited Caroline for brunch and had a mixed experience. The food was excellent — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. We were excited to try a few of the more unique menu items and weren’t disappointed on that front. However, the service left something to be desired. While the host was efficient in getting us seated, our server, Anna Maria, was noticeably rude. Any time we asked a question or made a request, we were met with attitude and short responses. One specific disappointment was regarding the marshmallow latte. We had seen pictures online of the marshmallows being toasted, but when we asked about it, Anna Maria abruptly told us they don’t do that. Later, another staff member came by and kindly explained that the torch used for toasting was broken — a completely understandable issue, and something we would have appreciated hearing upfront rather than being dismissed. Overall, the food alone makes this place worth considering, but I hope the service improves. A little courtesy goes a long way in creating a positive dining experience.

Shelby Jeter

Google
Ana Maria was our waitress and she was outstanding! She was very attentive and so so nice. She took the time to talk to us about things to do in Austin and a delicious coffee spot. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was great. We will be back! Thanks Ana!

İlhan MERCAN

Google
This place deserves 5 stars! Good food and cocktails at affordable prices! Every other day, they have different discounts on different items. When we were there, tacos were for three dollars! Also, they had a good deal for one of their cocktails! It’s in the middle of the city, and they have a very nice terrace to chill on! Definitely and highly recommended!

Anna Giovacchini

Google
Checked out Caroline in Austin after seeing it had over 12,000 reviews — and honestly, it absolutely lived up to the hype. Our family tried the Green Goddess Salad with Chicken, Wild Mushroom Bolognese, Chicken Enchiladas, Ahi Poke Tacos, and the Baked Chicken Wings, and everything was delicious. Super fresh, great flavors, and the vibe of the place was awesome too. Chiru (sp?) was our server and he was great! Definitely worth a visit if you're in town — highly recommend!

Jason Abdalla

Google
Incredible dinner through and through. The service level was very high detail, and the server helped provide great explanations to help us choose our dishes. The menu is wide ranging and has something for everyone, and everything on it is very well executed. Would definitely go back again especially for the Mushroom Bolognese (add steak!)

Axel

Google
Fair prices and good service! I really liked the burger—a lot better than I expected. The place can get pretty busy, and getting to the restroom was kind of a hassle. Also, heads up: they don’t have hand sanitizer available for customers, so bring your own. One of the waiters was really nice—I wish I could remember his name to give him a shoutout. Overall, a solid spot!

Delcina Calderon

Google
The food is 10/10 - highly recommend!! Mushroom bolognese is phenomenal!! Burrata was extra bussy tonight . Hanna was to sweet and so attentive!

Jacque T.

Yelp
Our experience here was so much better than we ever expected. Alexis was our server and she went above and beyond, had great recommendations, and kept us smiling. Not going to lie, the deviled eggs were the star of the show. I've never had a deviled egg like this one and it blew me away. The enchiladas were also amazing. Definitely going to come back!!
google avatar

Macey M.

Yelp
Ambiance: Upscale eatery in downtown Austin perfect for any occasion, lunch, or dinner! I went here with a friend to celebrate her birthday - the staff was friendly & service was fast. Their quinoa bowl is literally the best quinoa bowl I've ever had (and I used to be 100% vegan so I've had some quinoa bowls in my life!). I get it nearly every time I'm visiting Austin. Highly recommend ordering it! They have several vegan/vegetarian options as well as a diverse menu for all flavors & preferences. Great wine list & cocktails. The deviled eggs were amazing and their strawberry cake for dessert hit the spot. I highly recommend Caroline - good pricing & ambiance!
google avatar

Chantelle L.

Yelp
Noah was fantastic! He helped make our bachelorette very happy! Everything was great and we want to come back again! Thank you Noah!
google avatar

Kiara N.

Yelp
Caroline was a last-minute decision for our Monday morning brunch, and it turned out to be a great one. We arrived around 10:30 and quickly got a table outside. The temperature hadn't quite hit 90 yet, but with the fans and a gentle breeze, it was comfortable and relaxing. The atmosphere was super cute, though I will say the only downside was that the bathrooms are located upstairs. Their menu offered a variety of fresh juices that I couldn't pass up. I ordered a lean green juice, which was refreshing, and for my meal, I opted for the huevos rancheros with scrambled eggs, on the recommendation of our waitress. I hadn't been considering it at first, but I'm glad I did--it was delicious. Overall, it was a great brunch spot, and I'm already looking forward to returning, maybe for a different dish or one of their tempting pastries.
google avatar

Craig P.

Yelp
Overall: 8/10 Food: 8/10 Service: 9/10 Ambiance: 9/10 Value: 8/10 A really good, nice, friendly place. Food is fresh and tasty. The Caesar could use a bit more dressing. The inside is modern and quaint. Love the music mix. Brunch was fun! Super popular place so plan accordingly during high times.
google avatar

Dara T.

Yelp
I went here for a happy hour work event and everything was good. Everything was great from the service to the ambiance and food. The waiters are very attentive to our groups and did rounds of rotation to make sure our drinks were not running low and always asked us if we wanted more drinks. We had tacos for catering and it came with churro and quite a few sides. The space we had was upstairs and semi outdoor. It was like a terrace and the bar was right outside. The drinks were delicious!
google avatar

Briana V.

Yelp
Ambiance at this place is pretty cool. It feels upscale. The lighting inside is dim so going for brunch felt a little confusing lol. We food wasn't bad however I don't think that it was worth the price tag. The pancakes were delicious but overall the rest of our food was lacking in flavor. As much as I'd like to give it another chance, I probably won't because of the price.
google avatar

Ramin A.

Yelp
We dropped in here on a Saturday night for a birthday dinner with no reservation. Long story, don't judge me! We were seated promptly. It has a fun high energy atmosphere. The service was great. For cocktails we had the Dirty Martini, IPA beer, Paramount Paloma. Except for the Martini, first never bring out a martini in a regular glass, the cocktails were decent. For our appetizers we ordered the Caesar salad (2/10) , Grilled Shishito Peppers (9/10), Roasted sweet corn dip (8/10) and the Burrata (10/10). For mains we ordered the Enchilada (7/10), Mahi Al Pastor (6/10) and Green Goddess Salad with Chicken (2/10). Overall it was a fun place to visit but the food is bland and non inspirational.
google avatar

Daniele A.

Yelp
Was here this afternoon noon with my daughter. We both had the corn Benedict, so good! Perfect poached egg and the perfect amount of spice! Excellent cocktails and the upstairs patio is incredible. Superb service! Will make this a regular spot when I come back to Austin.
google avatar

Trevor L.

Yelp
Was here visiting a friend at the Aloft hotel and had the option of finding food within the hotel or elsewhere. The restaurant decor and vibe seemed welcoming and my speed so we decided to eat here. Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable about the dishes which were great. Drinks were just as good and good energy all around.
google avatar

Britney L.

Yelp
This place is known for their brunch but I came for a friend's birthday dinner. Fair pricing. The menu isn't that big for dinner, but I enjoyed all the dishes I got. My favorite was the lemon pepper wings. The breading and seasoning for the wings was sooo good. The wings were big and juicy. Afterwards, we went upstairs to their rooftop bar which was fun. Planning to come back to try their brunch menu!
google avatar

Sunil R.

Yelp
I was here for dinner with a large group and we had an ok time. I tried to be good and got the grilled chicken and salad...probably my only decent meal on this trip. The rest was sheer gluttony! The food and service was on the slower side. A friend in the party who had some dietary restrictions got his order messed up multiple times which was disappointing.
google avatar

Holly S.

Yelp
What a cool spot with something for everyone! A friend and I were waiting for the Joe Pera show at the paramount and stumbled upon this gem. As you come up the front, there is a nice little outdoor area to eat. This area was already full. So we opted for the bar. The inside was very interesting with a friendly and cozy bar to the left and a dining area with plenty of seating to the right. Straight forward was a beautiful coffee counter with all types of goodies. The toasted marshmallow latte looked promising. We ended up with a banana and bourbon type concoction and a mock mule or dry mule I believe they call it. Delicious! The bartenders were fast and doing some tricks behind the counter. They had a great sense of humor as well. We got a show before our show. I had a blast and will definitely be back soon.
google avatar

Bethany A.

Yelp
I dropped into Caroline on a Saturday afternoon and pleased to be seated immediately, even without reservations! I can't remember the last time that happened in Austin. Environment: The restaurant is massive! They have a huge outdoor patio on the ground level and tons of indoor seating. I didn't get a chance to explore, but there's also a coffee shop section and rooftop patio. Food: They serve many classic breakfast items, such as Huevos Rancheros, Pancakes, and Biscuits & Gravy. Prices sit around $16-23. Prices seemed fair based on serving sizes and given the downtown location. I opted for simple pancakes. They were really tasty! Fluffy, sweet, and warm! My friend ordered the Enchiladas and enjoyed them! What wasn't great?: While walking into the restaurant, there was a noticeable and unpleasant odor. I was able to sit near the kitchen (they had a huge open section so you could see people moving about) and it was a bit distracting to see all the flies moving around. At my table, I kept having to swat away little gnats and things. It wasn't pleasant. Definitely a noticeable downside. All in all, I enjoyed my experience. I hope they can figure out a solution for the bugs. It definitely made we worry about cleanliness.
google avatar

Patty C.

Yelp
The waiter was fantastic and the food was so good I forgot to take pics of them all. The deviled eggs, goat cheese, corn and burrata were delicious apps to share. All of the entries looked fantastic and tasted even better than they looked. The desserts were insanely delish!!! Would definitely come back.
google avatar

Mahima U.

Yelp
A cozy place with delicious food and refreshing drinks. Tried their burrata, street corn dip, pancakes, and mimosa...ALL THINGS DELICIOUS and FRESH!! Definitely coming back for more. Staff is very sweet and friendly. You got to park in a garage nearby.
google avatar

Arielle B.

Yelp
I enjoyed a great late brunch at Caroline in Austin, open from 7 AM to 4 PM. The downstairs dining area is casual, while the rooftop is likely more "Instagram-worthy," I opted to eat inside due to a torrential downpour during my visit. The service was excellent, with our server providing attentive and friendly service. The food was fantastic, especially the ahi tuna poke tacos, deviled eggs, and green chili & chicken enchiladas. A great spot for a satisfying meal!
google avatar

Reiley H.

Yelp
This place is a great stop for brunch. The chicken enchiladas were very flavorful and delicious. I did wish that it came with a side. It feels wrong to eat enchiladas without rice and beans! The roasted street corn dip was a good appetizer to munch on while waiting for the food. They had a great variety of fresh juices. I got the melon juice and it was very refreshing.
google avatar

Ike S.

Yelp
Stopped for a quick bite before going to see Janet Jackson. The place was buzzing with a few patron but wasn't loud. The street view from our table was great for people watching. The service was quick and our server made recommendations after hearing what our plan was. The food was better than we expected. We ordered a few things to share. The spicy deviled eggs and the chicken schnitzel were the main stars. We would definitely get then again. The Caesar salad was just ok. For drinks we had watermelon margaritas and the apricot spritzer. The first spritzer was horribly mixed but surprisingly she ordered another one and realized the first drink was not what it should've been. The margaritas and "real" spritzer were good. We plan on being in the area again soon and will try other menu items.
google avatar

Joanna M.

Yelp
There is metered parking in front. They have inside and patio seating. We went in early on a Saturday am and it was quiet so we got seated right away. Our waiter was a little MIA so the host came and got our drink and food order. The marshmallow latte is pretty and presents well but there isn't a lot of flavor. The breakfast is good but the bacon is thin and could have been a couple more slices when you see the large portion of potatoes. The gluten free toast was good. I do like the way the potatoes are prepared. It is quiet, open and more modern feel to the restaurant.
google avatar

Kristin S.

Yelp
Appetizer: Spicy Deviled Eggs were sooo yummy and the favorite of the dishes we tried Crab and artichoke dip was a close second favorite and would recommend oven baked chicken wings weren't anyone's favorite and tasted like it was coated in BBQ flavored potato chips Main entree: Green Chile and chicken enchiladas were very yummy and the two of us that ordered this enjoyed it! Lobster bucatini was just ok. The pasta was cooked very well, and my husband would order it again, but felt that it was just "mundane." Dessert Gooey butter cake was SPECTACULAR and a MUST TRY! It tasted like a deconstructed sugar cookie and everyone enjoyed it so much that we wish we hadn't ordered the other options. Peanut butter pie was also good, but not the best dessert option we had Blueberry cobbler was not worth it. It was bland and had more blueberry than "cobbler" and missing more of the baked batter to it. Drinks: Mr. boulevardier was sweet and the perfect option for someone who likes a sweeter bourbon drink option. I enjoyed it! Espresso martini was very good as well.
google avatar

Pallavi P.

Yelp
A restaurant serving modern American food located in the Aloft hotel. Went here for dinner after work and we were seated promptly. We ordered drinks and appetizers to start off. The burrata was okay, but not the best I've had, the shishito peppers were good, served with a delicious dipping sauce, ahi poke tiny tacos where each taco was a bite - delicious but a tiny portion. My entree was a wild mushroom rigatoni which tasted heavy on the cheese and salt. Checking into Yelp got us a complimentary corn dip served with nachos which was decent. The food was meh overall, and the service was okay. Waters weren't refilled, but they were good about getting us more drinks. The small plates crowd the table, and we had to stack these and hand them over to a passing waiter to create some space, which was not ideal. Overall, given the vibrant food scene in Austin, I don't think I would be coming here again.
google avatar

De'Andrea T.

Yelp
Quick to seat you. Waffles were cold Chicken was hot but hard to chew. Syrup was very watery Nice ambiance but new chefs are needed asap. Cinnamon roll was ok. Nothing to brag about for $7.
google avatar

Ang F.

Yelp
Brunch gets busy, so be prepared! Fun ambiance and location allows the opportunity to explore downtown Austin pretty easily. I ordered the Biscuits and Gravy with a side poached egg. Met expectations well, but wasn't too extravagant or different from other similar options in town.
google avatar

Michelle E.

Yelp
Overall, Caroline was a great option for grabbing a bite to eat before catching a show at The Paramount Theatre next door... the food was tasty, the service was great, and the ambiance was exactly what we wanted. It's a little pricey for the portion size but that's pretty standard for downtown Austin. We walked in at 5:15 pm on a Friday night without a reservation and there was no wait for a party of 3. We were offered a choice between indoor and outdoor seating... we chose outdoor so we could people watch (which didn't disappoint... again, you're in downtown Austin). SERVICE - Our waitress (I believe her name was Tatiana) was great! She was attentive and made sure we had everything we needed, including frequent water refills. She had a pleasant attitude and was very friendly! PRICING - The total was $77.76 after tax and before tip for 3 entrees... I think it's overpriced for the portion size you get but I will say the food quality was great and it's pretty standard for a downtown restaurant. FAST FACTS: * Reservations - available through OpenTable * Parking - paid garages and metered street parking nearby but plan ahead * Moët Mondays - special discounts for Moët by the glass and bottle on Mondays * Happy Hour - Monday through Friday from 3-7 pm ($7 select cocktails, $7 select wines, $4 canned beers, & $8 select appetizers) * Uncorked Thursdays - 50% off select bottles of wine MAHI AL PASTOR (8/10) - I really enjoyed this dish! You get the al pastor flavors with just a touch of heat but the dish is pretty light overall with the fish and veggies. The mahi was cooked well... it looked to be around 5-6 ounces. The hominy, tomatoes, onions, and pineapple paired nicely with the sauce... you just don't get a ton. WILD MUSHROOM BOLOGNESE (6.5/10) - My father in law said this dish was good but nothing extraordinary. You have the option to add proteins for an extra cost, but it's vegetarian otherwise. He finished the plate very quickly which means it was good but he definitely wish he had a larger portion. GREEN CHILI & CHICKEN ENCHILADAS (8/10) - My husband said the enchiladas were tasty overall! He really enjoyed all the cheese on top and the yogurt crema on the side paired with the green chili nicely. His main complaint was the portion size... it looks big until you dive in and realize that there are just two small enchiladas hiding under the deceptively large pile of cheese. My biggest complaints are with the portion sizes, menu offerings, and bathroom location. I feel like the menu is kind of all over the place... they have pasta dishes but also Mexican offerings and schnitzel so it's a little confusing because there isn't much cohesion. They should supply you with a map to get to the bathrooms because it was a HIKE... I had to stop along the way and ask for help because I ended up in a random room with two unmarked doors after taking the stairs. Overall, it was a good meal! I wouldn't be in a rush to come back because nothing really stood out but would dine here again if I didn't have many other options.
google avatar

Juliana L.

Yelp
The place was amazing! We opted for outdoor seating due to my dog, but next time I'll try to aim for indoors without my furry companion! The waiter was exceptionally friendly, and the food was simply delightful. I ordered the wild mushroom bolognese, and I polished off every last bite! Despite not being a big fan of mushrooms, I was pleasantly surprised by the texture and flavor of this dish - it was really good! However, I do suggest sitting indoors for a more enjoyable experience due to the outdoor surroundings of Caroline. Unfortunately, we smelled cigarettes most of the time, which was rather off-putting. But it's important to note that this is not Caroline's fault! Overall, this is one of the brunch places I highly recommend visiting if you're ever in the downtown area!
google avatar

Harry B.

Yelp
Had lunch here yesterday. Was good. Taco app was super small but not bad. The veggie mushroom pasta was good. The vegan chili quinoa was good. Service. Was great. Food selection looked great. And the coffee and bakery stuff looked awesome. Coming back.
google avatar

Shawn N.

Yelp
Service was a 5 We had Dawn the night after the Austin Marathon. Couldn't ask for a better waitress. She was clearly at the end of a long shift but all smiles and pep. Wonderful waitress, one of the best I've ever had. Ambience and Value I'm putting at 4. It's a nice place. Full stop. They have the Feng shui down. I wish I didn't get the grilled Mahi addition to my green goddess salad, it was cooked well but very oily and the seasoning was missing. Food for me was a 3.5. At first the chicken wings seem bland, but they have a Szechuan like afterburn. Real nice pepper mix on there. The added texture of the panko like gratin coating on them was nice, but possibly unnecessary? My salad wasn't prepped very well with some very fibrous stems remaining on the kale. I understand what kale is supposed to be texture wise but soke of the stems were still a quarter inch thick making it very difficult to chew. The salad was presented beautifully and compliments to the chef for the plantings tonight. I wish I didn't add the piece of Mahi for 11 bucks. If you insist on a protein with your salad, I'd go for steak or chicken. I just didn't see the value for a bland piece of white fish. I won't harp on it longer, I would absolutely eat here again to try more of the food because a salad and wings are no way to really judge a menu. We definitely will be back.
google avatar

Nora R.

Yelp
We visited here on a Saturday night with a group of 5 and were seated promptly. It was lively and crowded. Our waitress arrived shortly after with waters. The appetizers were good but the entrees were just average. For entrees, we ordered the enchiladas, mahi al pastor, green goddess salad and Caesar salads as well as a few appetizers. The chicken in the green goddess salad was severely under seasoned and hard to chew. The service was OK. Overall, the experience was subpar for the price point.
google avatar

Bobby D.

Yelp
Caroline's has quickly become my go-to spot for dinner in downtown Austin, especially when I'm out with friends before heading to the comedy show next door. This New American restaurant offers a fantastic dining experience that keeps us coming back. One of the highlights of Caroline's is the rooftop lounge. The views are absolutely spectacular, providing a stunning backdrop to our evenings. It's the perfect place to relax with a drink and take in the vibrant downtown atmosphere. The food at Caroline's is consistently solid. The menu offers a variety of well-crafted dishes that cater to different tastes. Everything I've tried has been flavorful and satisfying, from the appetizers to the mains. The presentation is also top-notch, making each dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. The atmosphere at Caroline's is both chic and comfortable, making it an ideal spot for a casual yet upscale dining experience. The staff are friendly and attentive, adding to the overall positive vibe of the place. In summary, Caroline's is a fantastic choice for a night out in downtown Austin. The rooftop lounge and spectacular views, combined with solid food and excellent service, make it a must-visit. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy a great meal before catching a comedy show next door!
google avatar

Michelle M.

Yelp
I usually don't have high hopes for hotel restaurants, yet Caroline surprised me! Before we even got to ordering our meal, I love that our server, Aaron, was incredibly cordial with our talkative child and managed conversation with them between all the interactions. This usually never happens at restaurants, so we were already impressed. It was also a busy ACL Weekend, so even more bonus points awarded! My child's meal was quickly ordered and delivered as waffles with a side of berries. My child could not stop eating any berries placed on the table. They also liked the waffle, yet played with them more than they ate them. My husband and I wanted to try them since they smelled SO GOOD, yet you know as a parent not to sample food that's been played with if you value avoiding an upset stomach. Now, the Brunch Burger. It's been a long time since a burger has left me thoroughly satisfied. This burger did just that! Be warned - this is a messy, runny, delicious burger, and I recommend usually a fork and knife to gather up each bite. The potatoes were good, yet dip them in the juices that flow from the burger. As for the yogurt and berries with granola, it was fine, yet I really wanted a bite of that played with waffle that had noted of vanilla in the air. I'll come back for that waffle, and that burger, in a future visit to ATX.
google avatar

Sean S.

Yelp
Rating: (4/5)A Rooftop Oasis with a Side of Sports and Games! I recently visited Upstairs at Caroline, a downtown Austin rooftop bar and grill, and the experience was memorable, to say the least. If you're into patio games and want a casual yet vibrant atmosphere, this spot should be on your radar. The Space: The rooftop setting provides a fantastic view of downtown Austin, and the layout is spacious enough to not feel cramped. The atmosphere is lively but not obnoxious--just the right balance for a weekend outing or even a casual weeknight drink. Games: The giant Jenga and Corn Hole games were great fun and a huge draw for my group. It's not every day that you get to play life-size board games while sipping on cocktails! Food & Drinks: The food is what you would expect from a bar and grill--good, but not mind-blowing. The drinks, however, were a different story. Their signature cocktails are inventive and well-balanced. Definitely try one of their seasonal concoctions if you're in the mood for something unique. TVs & Sports: What I especially liked was the abundance of TVs. We didn't have to fight for a good angle to watch the game, which is a common issue in many sports bars. Service: Staff was friendly and attentive, but could be a bit quicker given that the place wasn't overly crowded. Overall, Upstairs at Caroline delivers on multiple fronts: games, drinks, and a good time. It's not a 5-star dining experience, but it doesn't aim to be. If you're looking for a fun outing with friends in downtown Austin, it's worth a visit.
google avatar

Valerie S.

Yelp
My sisters came to visit for a weekend and we met up at Caroline. Despite living in the Austin area for over a decade, I'd never been there. It's a very typical trendy place inside, representative of what a lot of dining in Austin has become. I ordered the burger with some avocado added. It was honestly the blandest, most flavorless burger I've ever had. Completely unseasoned meat. It overcame the flavor of the bun, the cheese, sauce and avocado. At $22 (with the avo added) to say I was disappointed is an understatement. Just pure, unimagined blah. The fries had salt. I should've put them in the burger lol. The general consensus about the food everyone ordered was it was "ok". I believe some pasta was had and dish with braised ribs. I don't like to send food back so I didn't, but every time I think about that burger I wish I had. Their sangria was delicious. Their Moscow mules were delicious. The upstairs bar was cute and fun. The service was ok. It wasn't busy and our server didn't hover, checked in a few times. Nothing bad happened, it was just...fine. I had also valeted at the Aloft hotel that Caroline is attached to and while the restaurant validates, you have to pay any extra time to the hotel check in which is actually on the second floor. The valet (somewhat rudely) informed me that I was over time and had to pay the overage which for an hour was $20. I asked if I could pay him and he said "go in and pay" and walked off, also ignoring a couple who had clearly been standing there a while waiting for their car and his attention. Took a while to get my car back, but they were shorthanded so it was understandable. Just the whole process isn't clear to customers so the confusion probably makes their jobs harder. So a bland burger, two great drinks and valet was about $70. Not sure I'd give it another shot.
google avatar

Cristian T.

Yelp
The food, ambiance, and service were outstanding! I highly recommend the enchiladas and huevos rancheros. Just a heads-up, the portion of huevos rancheros is on the smaller side, so if you're really hungry, you might want to try something else. Also, sitting outside gives you a beautiful view of the streets of Austin. It's a great spot to enjoy a meal!
google avatar

Quinn H.

Yelp
A group of 4 of us had brunch here on a Saturday morning and we loved it! We couldn't get a reservation so we just tried our luck with walking in and we were able to get a table quickly! The food was delicious and the coffee was too.
google avatar

Kassilynn T.

Yelp
I've been wanting to check this place out for a while and I wasn't impressed. The ambiance is peaceful and nice along with great decor. Even our waiter was great. He gave recommendations and made sure to check in on us frequently. However, I wasn't a fan of the bathroom being on the second floor. I had to walk across the entire restaurant and take an elevator just to use the bathroom. I get it's attached to a hotel but a bathroom on the main restaurant floor would be a better fit. The wings we had for our appetizer were prob the best thing. My chicken entree was not delightful and the chicken was undercooked when I got to the center. I'm not sure if I would give this place a second chance. Maybe for drinks I did enjoy mine.
google avatar

Michelle D.

Yelp
Cozy dim light inside. Slow service. We got seated and waited 10-15 min for a server to come greet us. Took 20-25 min for our food to come out. Enchiladas brother said it was good. The green sauce isn't spicy just sour though: 8/10 Egg Benedict: cute plating, small portion, egg unseasoned, but it was still good: 7.5/10. Good breakfast place, but slow service. Recommend? Sure it's pretty affordable.
google avatar

Elaine C.

Yelp
Came here hoping to eat brunch but none of the brunch dishes were available when we went but oh wells. I got the chicken enchiladas and a coffee and it was good. Nothing too insanely good where I was like I need to come back ASAP. Service was good though. The vibe there is also very nice too so can't complain about that. I just thought the food was mid. My friends who were there agreed as well.
google avatar

Sydni L.

Yelp
The deviled eggs are amazing. The bolognese is AMAZING the mahi tacos are good but nothing special. Kelly was our server and she was so sweet and accommodating. Patio was so comfy and the weather was great.
google avatar

Pardis S.

Yelp
Caroline has a unique set up where the restaurant is downstairs and while you wait for food, you can go and wait upstairs at their cute rooftop! I got a cocktail upstairs, and by the time that the table was ready, I headed downstairs to eat brunch. I ordered chicken & waffles and it was absolutely delightful. The chicken was crispy and delicious, and the waffle was not too soft, it was also a perfect crunch. My only critique is that the menu did not have a lot of options. I typically do not order chicken and waffles for brunch, but it was the only thing that appealed to me. Overall I had a great experience with my friends at Caroline!
google avatar

Arun D.

Yelp
Had an amazing dining experience at Caroline in Austin. The ambiance was perfect for both a casual lunch and a sophisticated dinner. Each dish was a delightful display of culinary craftsmanship - the pasta, for example was cooked al dente, coated in a silky, savory sauce with the right touch of herbs. The service was attentive without being intrusive, and the well-crafted drinks were the cherry on top of a memorable meal. Can't wait to come back!
google avatar

Susan B.

Yelp
Check out this spot for brunch in the heart of downtown. Food was flavorful and great presentation. Bartender Thor was attentive and entertaining for 9:00am in the morning. I love it!!
google avatar

Angel C.

Yelp
Did the restaurant week menu, it was a good time! Everything tasted nice, but the hot chocolate cake was delish! It had a perfect balance of warm, melty chocolate and cool cream. Drinks are also yummy. :) The most eventful part of the experience was looking for the bathroom though. Maybe don't go on a full bladder.
google avatar

Suliman S.

Yelp
We came for a bro's brunch on Sunday afternoon after the cap 10k. The wait staff was friendly and promptly booked us a table last minute for 30 minutes. We enjoyed the cocktail lounge above drinking some tequila sunrises. The waiter seemed overwhelmed and not enough people were there to accommodate. We observed, waited, and finally ordered drinks and classic brunch items (chicken and waffles, omelette, and eggs Benedict). The cocktails arrived and I barely remember the taste because it reminded me of a traditional less than satisfying dive bar Vodka/Cranberry. When the food arrived, there was hardly anything on the plates. My eyes were literally shedding a tear. I knew then I was going to be hungry for awhile. I ate my food in a couple of bites and it did have flavor. It was unique however the plate for brunch had nothing on it. I think in this place based on previous reviews I need to be careful with what I order. I will revisit.
google avatar

Travis C.

Yelp
This was my first time eating at Caroline's and it was great! I went with the Breakfast Burrito which was flavorful and a hearty portion! The salsa had a little kick to it which I always welcome! The potato's needed a little salt but nothing to complain about. It's a really busy restaurant but has a modern vibe to it. Service was great! I usually eat at Upstairs at Caroline but we decided to enjoy the full entrees! Make your way there. It's worth the hype!
google avatar

Stephanie W.

Yelp
This place is great if for no reason other than the vibes! It's quite upscale, right in the middle of downtown on Congress and 7th with a nice, intimate, low light vibe. I had the wagyu burger ($20), it was good but not the best burger I've ever had. My mom had the green chili enchiladas ($19) -- same review. I also had a Paloma which was great, tasted like a classic Paloma ( $14). Overall it is pricey-ish but pretty standard for a downtown restaurant. The service was good though, both the hostess and the waiter were great. Overall solid 4/5 stars; if I wanted the good vibes again I would probably go to upstairs at Caroline (the fun bar upstairs) rather than having dinner here again but if you're hungry and want a nice place downtown with decent-ish prices this place is just fine. Can't beat the location for sure if you're having a night out~
google avatar

Aileen H.

Yelp
This restaurant is located on the 1st floor of the aloft and Element hotel. The ambiance is lively and casual. We ordered two salads, the Green Goddess and the Caroline with grilled chicken for an extra $6. The salad was refreshing and a good meal. Our server was friendly, However, she forgot our drink. She did apologize profusely. The menu is somewhat limited. I would recommend coming here only if you see something you liked on the menu. Otherwise, I would recommend going somewhere else.
google avatar

Lauren W.

Yelp
Cute spot for a lunch in the middle of the day, located under the Aloft hotel. They do have a bakery / coffee area and lunch started around 11am. Overall, the food was mediocre- wasn't expecting more than cafe food - which it was a little better than that and we got to enjoy a free queso dip for checking in. Nothing extravagant, flavors were ok and the salmon in the salad we ordered was ok. Our server was nice and quick.
google avatar

Khan S.

Yelp
Caroline is a charming spot that delivers on all fronts. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed meal. The food is delightful--flavorful and well-crafted. The service is friendly and efficient, making the overall experience enjoyable. Definitely worth a visit!