Theresa Proctor Cameron
+5
My husband and I happened to see Garbo's food trailer parked outside of a strip center in Wells Branch today. Lucky for us, Garbo's has a restaurant that we did not know about! The atmosphere was exactly what we were looking for - a nice, quiet, yet casual restaurant with excellent seafood! Our waitress (who's name escapes us but is listed as lunch server on our receipt) greeted us at the door, gave us the option to either sit in the restaurant or in the bar area. We sat in the restaurant and she took the time to explain the specials of the day to us. We chose to start off with a dozen oysters, 4 each of three types (Firelake, Sunberry, and Blue Point) and our waitress explained each type to us, and they were delicious. I am not an oyster fan like my husband, but I tried them and was pleasantly surprised! The restaurant serves various wines, cocktails, beers, and local beers on tap – I enjoyed Austin's Live Oak Brewing Company's Oaktoberfest, a seasonal beer and it was good. For our lunch meals, my husband ordered the Fish and Chips with vinegar, and tartar sauces, and I ordered the Seared Scallops with pureed butternut squash, crunchy brussel sprouts, and bacon. My husband swears he cannot ever find good fish and chips in Austin, but Garbo's hit it spot on with him! The battered cod was excellent and fried just right as was the chips – no sogginess or over-battering here. I was in heaven with my seared scallops as they were cooked exactly as I prefer them – soft on the inside, lightly seared on the outside, with no gumminess or fishy taste. The blend of flavors of the scallops with the crispy brussel sprouts, sweet butternut puree, and delicate bacon bits was to die for. Heaven, for sure. We were so quiet during our meal because we were enjoying each bite slowly and purposefully. Our waitress tempted us with dessert and it was well worth it and topped off our lunch perfectly. I ordered a pecan pie with chocolate drizzle over the top – perfect! No overwhelmingly sweet and the right proportion of sweetness, pecans, chocolate, a couple of dollops of homemade whipped cream and a light crust. Not at all surprised that Garbo's pastry chef used to work for New York's Magnolia Bakery.
We were very pleased to find Garbo's restaurant and finally get to experience their well-known food around Austin... and not have to run after their trailer! We were equally impressed to visit with Heidi Garbo, owner and operator, too. We cannot wait to come back – probably next weekend! :)
I am a wedding/event planner based out of the DC Metro Area. I made it a point to stop by Garbo's while in Austin, and try their famous Lobster Roll (I had the Connecticut roll). ABSOLUTELY SCRUMPTIOUSLY DELICIOUS! The lobster was fresh and fit perfectly in a fresh made roll. It was served with fresh fries and pickled vegetables. I am not a fries person, yet all of them! For dessert I had the Key Lime Pie. It was the perfect combination of sweetness and tartness! The entire meal was worth breaking my no carbs & no sugars regime!
It was a great experience! The ambiance and space was clean, open and welcoming. The staff exerted a high level of customer service. My waiter was Andres - what a gentleman! I also had the pleasure of meeting Heidi the owner. We had corresponded over email a few weeks back. She took the time to meet me and welcome me. I stayed past closing time and observed how thorough the staff was at cleaning the entire place. I am a certified food handler (come in handy when dealing with caterers) and a wedding/planner with an OCD personality. I was impressed! The entire staff was all hands on deck even Heidi's son! Perfect space, atmosphere and delicious food> Ideal for special occasions and even for an intimate Rehearsal Dinner and/or outdoor wedding that wants a seafood truck. Truly recommend it. It will be my "must stop" EVERY TIME I visit Austin!
Kristi Millett Grenier
+5
Being a Maine transplant here in Texas I'm super excited to know I can get a real Maine lobster roll. The food is fresh, high quality and the staff is amazing... recently visited on Mother's Day and had a terrific meal, my daughter got the "taste of Maine" lobster, crab and shrimp roll... my new favorite item on their menu... love this place!!!!!
Amazing place !! My wife found this place while we were at Emma Metropolitan Park & decided to stop there on our way back to DFW ( Denton ) She wanted Lobster roll Connecticut way & I was sold on the Lobster grilled cheese w/tomato soup & it was Greatttt!!!! I'll be back for the Fish N Chips & everything else they have there . That little ice cream truck parked outside is your dessert !!
Amazing as well .
Garbo’s is a taste of home. Samantha is wonderful and my father and I love to come over and enjoy a Maine Lobster Roll. The occasional shipment of longneck clams is also a treat- mmmm, steamahs!
Another New England transplant here, and another raving review . . . We came here for the lobster rolls, but we'll come back for them and so much more. Beautiful, simple atmosphere. Everything we tasted was excellent, from the kids' grilled cheese to fish-n-chips to dessert. The lobster rolls brought us right back to New England-Hands down, awesome. Thank you to the Heidi, and the very friendly staff!
The lobster roll is the BEST.... We had the Lobster Mac & Cheese was the best, server was great, family is great, our favorite place to go.
First time at Garbo's. I'm from the northeast... so when I saw this place had northeast style seafood I was quick to dive in. The restaurant is clean and welcoming. I don't know if they always play the old school jams. But they were playing today. Were talking 60's pop type stuff. Reminded me of being on the beach as a kid. The food didn't disappoint either. Check it out!
I'm a former chef from New England so I know a great lobster roll when I taste one... Wow, this place nailed it! Flavor, quality, presentation, decor, and hospitality are all on point, I'll certainly be back.
Celeste Marie Gonzalez
+5
Lobster rolls and lobster bisque amazing! The atmosphere was wonderful and the people who work there are so sweet! Thank you!
Virginia Holcombe Jackson
+5
I have loved everything I have tried at Garbo's! I especially liked the scallop roll, Brussels sprouts, and the pumpkin whoopie pie! The staff is great and I love the atmosphere.
Only the best Grilled Cheese EVERRR! Plus the service was so amazing, the were so nice and welcoming!
The owner has done an outstanding job creating a very cute atmosphere. The food is unlike anything you can find in the area. Every single thing I have tried on the menu there so far has been delicious. I can't wait to try it all!! The servers are way above par to boot. It's for sure my new favorite restaurant.
This place is AMAZING. The food was excellent and affordable, the staff was knowledgeable and kind, and the venue is really comfortable. We will certainly be back!
Went to Garbos for the first time. I ordered a salad 🥗 which contained strawberries, apple shrimp kale, feta cheese, pecans. The salad was absolutely delicious and fresh. The interior of the restaurant is absolutely beautifully designed. The atmosphere is calming and a great place to eat. They have an outside patio where there is an area for kids to play connect 4. At the end of the meal you can order ice cream on a sheet of paper with a pencil. The ice cream was delicious as well
I love sitting out on the patio when it’s this nice out! I enjoyed an early dinner here and was pleasantly surprised by the $3 oyster special they had going on. My partner and I shared the following:
Fish and chips: 5/5 Dare I say these are the best fish and chips I’ve had in austin? Honestly though, I love how the fish is lightly battered and so flaky! It’s also perfectly seasoned and a very generous portion. On Tuesdays, this plate goes for $14!
Connecticut lobster roll: 5/5 Buttery goodness. I loved the toasted roll and the fresh lobster! This is pretty filling. We didn’t love the jalapeño Cole slaw unfortunately as it was a bit bland.
Raw Oysters: 5/5 These oysters were huge and so so fresh! I also really appreciate how cleanly each oyster is prepared and you won’t get little shell bits in there.
Frozen lemonade: 5/5 Super refreshing and the perfect sweetness!
We were craving oysters for a long time and decided to have them at Garbo's which was relatively near from where we were at the moment.
It is a nice place with plenty of tables to sit, either inside or outside.
About the food, the lobster sandwich and the fried shirmps we ok. What took the show were the oysters which were REALLY GOOD!
If you go there, the oysters are a must to have.
In my opinion it is a little bit pricey but it is also a good option to try some seafood and more importantly, the OYSTERS!!
Great food, wonderful relaxed atmosphere! Nice kids play area outside. It was a little limited for our almost 3 year old, but she still had a really good time and it let us relax a little. Portions were smaller than expected, but food quality was great. Portions were probably closer to what they SHOULD be compared to what we’re used to getting.
Both the Maine and Connecticut lobster rolls are incredible. The French fries are a good side but I cannot get enough of the jalapeño slaw. The lobster mozzarella sticks are TO DIE FOR! Come hungry so you can enjoy a cocktail and then some ice cream for dessert. Don't walk, RUN.
$$$ - This is now our favorite seafood restaurant! 2nd time going to Garbo’s with no reservation. Each time didn’t wait more than 15min to be seated and this was over the weekend. Started with a couple of Bloody Mary’s, xtra spicy. Connecticut roll and Maine roll equally delicious! Served on a crunchy buttery roll with a good size portion of lobster. The side of jalapeño slaw has a super light jalapeño taste, right amount of mayo with a nice crunch. As an appetizer ordered the Brussels sprouts. Nice n crunchy and not overly sweet topped with crispy shallots. Everything was nicely presented. Be ready to throw down some big bucks but worth it!
They offer delightful seafood dishes. We definitely had the best Lobster roll away from Maine. A delicious combination of succulent lobster meat, perfectly toasted buns, and a nice blend of seasonings, making it a must-try for seafood enthusiasts. The restaurant's inviting atmosphere and attentive service further enhances the dining experiences. Loved how they tried to set up the coastal Lobster traps theme for their restaurant design and look. Would definitely visit again.
Best seafood restaurant in Austin with reasonable pricing for the high quality food they serve. The food here is AMAZING!!! I had the fish basket during their Tuesday special. So good!! The customer service is great and the atmosphere is so charming, relaxing and clean. I feel like I’m visiting my extended family on the East Coast and I love it! Also, the story behind this company is enlightening and encouraging. I love supporting our local businesses while seeing them thrive and give back to the community. You won’t regret coming to Garbo’s and will keep coming back for more!
My wife is from Simsbury Connecticut. The first time I had a real lobster roll was up there visiting her family. This place was amazing! I live 3 1/2 hours away and will be coming back regularly! The lobster and shrimp cheesesticks are to die for! Don’t change a thing!!
Look I am going to keep it 100. This is a in pinch lobster roll stop. Prefer mine from the truck at The Pinic but when you further up north this is the move. The food is great but the price makes this not an everyday meal event.
Delicious!! I can never choose a roll.. you have to try them both. Fries are awesome, and so is the jalepeno slaw. Best cheesesticks ever.. everything is so good.
The food was delicious, and there’s a large menu for draft beers, and the vibe of the restaurant was very cute. There is an ice cream truck connected to the patio, but I was too full to get any. I’ll definitely be coming back.
New favorite place for clam chowder in Austin. It was perfectly creamy and tasty. I think it had bacon bits on top and those added a little bit of crunch.
Lobster rolls were good but not great. They came with a generous portion of fries.
Burger was pretty standard.
The service was really quick and friendly. I did show up without a reservation on a Saturday evening and the wait was about 30 min for a table of three. They had a cozy seated waiting area so that was a nice touch.
I've passed by this place for over a year, finally decided to stop in, the inside looks much better than I was expecting! The lobster grilled cheese was phenomenal, so was the Brussel sprouts! The fish and chips could have used a bit more flavor but the rest of our food items were great!
Had a decent time, sat indoors and received attentive customer service from staff! Food was fair, but lacked flavor. I’d definitely recommend intensifying the flavor of your food with their hot sauce! I’d buy a pack of that hot sauce in stores if I could! I ordered a fish burrito but I remember feeling underwhelmed after tasting the Mozzarella & Lobster sticks, as well. When I return, I’d try an item from the ‘Specials’ menu instead.
Our new favorite seafood spot. The dining room is beautiful. The staff were attentive and team oriented, everyone was trying to help! The oysters we selected were divine. We split the calamari and spicy crab roll. Can't wait to go back for the caviar and chips!
It is good! The lobster bisque was really good but a small cup for $16 is a little too much if it is not a white cloth table service. Bowl was $24!. Anyway - it is good seafood. I had the Connecticut lobster roll, crispy, well presented, just the right amount of spices. The place is beautifully decorated for the holidays but the salon is one of a diner feel. Nothing wrong with that, just the prices are on a different dimension... I would recommend you try it at least once!
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