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24 Diner
Categories: Restaurants Diners Restaurants American (New) Diners, American (New) [Edit]
600 N Lamar BlvdAustin, TX 78703
Neighborhoods: Clarksville, Downtown
(512) 472-5400
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Jessica L. said: "Ok, I'm giving The Frisco a 5 star review, not because it's the most stellar food i've ever tasted, but I am fighting against all the negative reviews I'm seeing posted, and am a bit disappointed by how hard they have been bashed. I…" read more »
630 reviews for 24 Diner
Review Highlights
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"The chicken and waffles are top notch." In 158 reviews -
"Waffles and roasted banana and brown sugar milkshake." In 9 reviews -
"...date decided on the Bacon Gorgonzola burger, which looked..." In 19 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
630 reviews in English
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Review from Gregory B.
Austin, TX
5/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
I came here after work late at night (but not too late). Sparse with people I had good attention from the kind wait staff. This is a hybrid of a diner with finer food ingredients making more gourmet styles of American diner classics. The menu is more limited than other diners in Austin which also includes IHOP/Dennys but the ingredients make up for the lack of choice. I had the pulled chicken salad with my option of adding a over easy egg onto it. The pulled chicken salad included nice mixed greens, goat cheese, avocado, arugula, and a tomato based vinaigrette all inside a baguette bread. The size of the sandwich is smaller than I expected for the 10-11 price that is on the menu. That should have been expected on my part being it using finer ingredients. For more of a sandwich at a cost of 3 dollars less I would go somewhere like Magnolia or Kerby Lane Cafe. I had more of my side of fries than the sandwich which where nice thick and well seasoned hand cut fries. I could barley finish them. Accompanying my meal was ice tea for almost the price of 3 dollars. Ice tea are becoming expensive around town no matter where you go.
The restaurant prides itself in its variety of micro brew drafts which includes Fireman's #4 and support of local farms which is advertised within the menu and on the wall. The pop art/modern decor is a nice touch to the ingredients and the types of food in this fusion of American Diner dining.
My main complaint was a tad higher price and a lack of the amount of my sandwich but the food was very good and tasty. The pulled chicken beats out any taste of chicken I have had recently around town. Open 24 hours you can get something to please. FYI: Why is there no omelet on the menu? -
Review from Christopher N.
Houston, TX
5/7/2012
NO WAY.
$13 for the worst burger ever. Still raw, completely flavorless, and no spread or sauce?! I've never had to salt OR ketchup a burger in my life until now. They also don't have ranch. Instead, I was given a "buttermilk" sauce which was actually a white vinaigrette soup. SICK.
On top of this, I'm pretty sure my waitress was clinically insane. I don't know what her deal was, but I didn't understand a damn thing she said. I did play along and laugh whenever she did, which was all the time, because I'm a nice guy that wouldn't want a crazy person's voodoo curse in his shitty overpriced food. -
Review from Pat F.
San Marcos, TX
5/4/2012
I'd like to review the food at 24 Diner, but I didn't stay there long enough to find out. My husband and I were in the neighborhood at lunch time and stopped in for a meal. I liked the techno-chic decor, but the decorators did nothing to dampen the level of sound. The place is really LOUD and it is impossible to hold a normal conversation without shouting when it is full of other customers. We paid for our drinks and cancelled the food order when we realized that the ambience was ruining our appetites.
If I go to a pricey restaurant, especially one that other reviewers have raved about, I would like to enjoy my meal without shouting at my companion and coming out the place a nervous wreck from all the NOISE. -
Review from Bryan T.
Austin, TX
5/24/2012
Good meal for late at night...The wait was almost too much for it to be worth it.
We were told that it would take about 20 minutes and it turned into almost 45 minutes to get a seat.
The only reason we stayed was because it was the only decent place open for food since it was after midnight. I ended up getting a seat and ordered the potatoes and egg plate with ham and other toppings. It was one of the best meals I could ever remember having.... but I think that I enjoyed it so much because I was starving at that point.
I will be back but I think that I will try to come at a better time next time.. -
Review from Sylvia H.
5/18/2012
So I had to pick up may pal from the airport at midnight so I looked on yelp to see what was open 24 hours after reading the reviews I know I needed to stay away from the burgers and fries. We didn't eat much but had the Belgium homemade waffles and oatmeal and tea. A total old lady meal I must say the waffle was good it was topped with honey butter and the oatmeal was nice and fluffy. Since we were there till almost 2am it was not too noisy. I didn't rate it higher because of the tuti I got from the waiter but hey where else was suppose to go. I think we got safe items off the menu to begin with so if I come here again it's probably because I'm hung over or the friend I just picked up from the airport at midnight needs some grub lol.
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Review from Mychelle S.
Cedar Park, TX
5/20/2012
This is a great new place, the menu is awesome, everything is super fresh, they even do Farm to Table. We had the 24 hash, pork chop which I was told was the best ever and the same kudos to the chicken and waffles! You have to try if!
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Review from Sharon T.
Ah, 24 diner, my review of you is quite torn as I feel like my experience tends toward a 3.5 stars-- maybe even better than 3.5 but really not quite 4.
My friend and I got the farm-to-table bruschetta that had pecans, cheese, and marmalade on it, and I must have really just bit into a burnt pecan my very first bite because it tasted awfully bitter for the first half, and I couldn't help but ask my friend if she wanted mine because she really loved it with the marmalade.
I had to try their chicken and waffles since they're all anyone raves about--they were pretty delicious despite my great dislike for the thin syrup (with a hint of rum in it?). I felt like it was a unique touch, but not nearly as hearty enough as regular maple and thus not the best it could be for me, personally. It did taste really good as leftovers the next day, though. My friend did get the sweet potato hash and that was very tasty, with the eggs baked in the hash.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere despite that it was a tad freezing and was drawn in by the rep that everyone adores 24 diner, but I felt maybe a bit disappointed because I was expecting it to be utterly spectacular. I also felt like the prices were a bit lofty for a diner, but I understand the whole modern-hip, slightly upscale diner feel they're going for. Our waiter was super nice and very polite, and it was definitely a bumpin' place to be, so I'd definitely be willing to try it again to try some other things on the menu. -
Review from r b.
Austin, TX
5/23/2012
Just ate at 24 diner for first time. It was ok. Ordered the 24 hash as it was a speciality. Ordered the small but was charged for a large. Dish was massively greasy. A pool of grease on the bottom of the plate, almost uneatable. The hashbrowns were done well but the peppers were nonexistent, eggs undercooked and although I ordered sausage it had both sausage and bacon. The wait staff was friendly and the atmosphere was decent but doubt I will return, $9 for bad hashbrowns makes this a place to skip.
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Review from Sydney T.
5/1/2012
I have a confession - I'm a follower. There are a few people on Yelp whose opinions I actively seek out. If they've reviewed a place I generally think two things: 1) (S)he's right! and 2) well there's no need for me to review that place, because (s)he's covered all my sentiments.
Not so with 24 Diner!
Say what you will - I really like this place. I love that they use local ingredients. The food is fresh, different, and yes, a bit spendy. But hey, that's what makes it special! If I wanted a waffle dipped in margarine I'd go to Waffle House. I save my 24 Diner trips for when friends come in from out of town and insist that we go downtown. Then I have something to look forward to whilst being dragged around WF/6th street/Anthropologie. -
Review from Sarah J.
4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Hands down the best diner I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. I use the term diner loosely, however. Besides being open 24 hours a day and serving 'diner' food in a typical diner setting, this place is a legit food destination. Their chef is professionally trained and sources local and organic food as much as possible. They even have a full gluten free menu. As they say on their website, it's a 'finer diner.'
We shared the bacon avocado burger served on ac hallah bun with smokey aioli and a side of mac and cheese. In hindsight, I wish we didn't share because I wanted everything to myself. The burger was super flavorful with a hint of spice. The avocado added a lovely creamy texture that balanced the heat very nicely. The mac and cheese takes over the number 2 spot from Lincoln in DC as one of the best mac and cheeses I have tried to date (number 1 being Hanks Oyster Bar in Alexandria, VA). SUPER creamy, cheesey goodness. I heard good things about the chicken and waffles plate, the deviled eggs and the fried egg sandwich (although it was comically large, especially considering that my friend eating it weighs less than 100 pounds and it looked absolutely ginormous in her hands).
The service was stellar. We weren't the easiest group...there were about 12 of us and 3/4 of us were three sheets to the wind. However, our server was super friendly and gracious nonetheless (he's probably used to it), and even offered to give us all separate checks, which probably saved us an hour plus of painful math.Listed in: Yummies with My Honey, Locavore, Texas Hold Em', Mooooo
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Review from Dorrie D.
Austin, TX
5/16/2012
This place does an odd, fancy version of traditional diner and comfort food. In my opinion, it doesn't work out well. The burgers all have some sort of aioli on them, which makes the buns and veggies very soggy. Meat was dry and crumbly. Chili cheese fries weren't half bad, but the chili uses chunks of beef rather than ground chuck, so the result is a thinner, more beef-stew than chili concoction. Plus, the waitress seemed grumpy anytime we asked for a drink refill or anything.
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Review from Tracy B.
4/4/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I meet my accountability group here for breakfast once a month and we all really love the attentive service and well prepared breakfast. I always get the fabulous veggie breakfast patty, cooked "crispy" with a poached egg and a nice splash of Cholula hot sauce. The veggie patties are so tasty and savory and have beets in them which are so good for you. We've also had the fritattas which are big enough for two to share and are cheesy and fluffy. As you can tell, I like savory stuff. But for those of you with a sweet tooth, the waffles are perfect. They're even better if you get them with a piece of crispy fried chicken breast on top of them. If only I had a higher metabolism I would order the chicken and waffles every time. So good!
When I come here for lunch I love the daily local farmers plate which is stockpiled with tasty local veggies prepared to be mouthwatering and satisfying. The veggie burger is good, but a little hefty and I'm not a fan of the sundried tomatoes they put on it. The lamb burger however is outstanding and enormous, so I suggest sharing it with an app such as their PEI mussels which come served in a nice and spicy paprika broth. -
Review from Scott N.
Chicago, IL
5/19/2012
Was there on a Sunday morning and was somewhat busy but it wasn't an excuse for how poorly it was handled. We had a party of 4 and were told our wait would be 30 minutes. Well, it ended up being an hour and 15 minutes. Several tables were seated ahead of us. Granted, none were 4 tops but some were larger and several were 2 tops where they could've put two tables together to seat us. Host and host assistant (maybe it was an internship???) didn't have a clue. As for the food, pretty good, not great. Our server was very good and was on top of drink refills, making sure things were ok, etc. Will I be back, probably not.
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Review from Jonathan L.
New York, NY
4/12/2012
It gets busy after the bars close and we had to wait a while. This is cruel and unusual punishment in my books since I had to smell / see what everyone was eating!
Get the chicken and waffles and attack it with both the hot sauce and syrup. It sounds weird but you will not regret it. Unless you haven't eaten in days, the small size will be plenty of food. -
Review from Allison Y.
Austin, TX
5/10/2012
3-stars = A-OK.
My boyfriend and I visited 24 Diner for a Monday lunch. It was not crowded at all, much to my liking. He ordered the chicken and waffles. I ordered the waffle sandwich - $10.95. A sandwich with waffles instead of bread. Inside: a fried egg made to order, 2 slices of bacon, pan breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese. Skillet fries on the side.
Pros:
-Very chill, casual atmosphere. Modern, sleek diner look inside.
-Good service
-The chicken and waffles looked good (too bad I didn't get it!)
-Liked the skillet fries. They were cubed smaller than I expected and fried with a nice crunch on the outside but soft on the inside. They were also fried with chopped green onions well salted (not too much, not too little). I was pleased.
Cons:
-$10.95 felt pricey for the quality and amount of food. I did not feel full afterwards, even just for lunch.
-My waffles were soggy and not to my liking (I like more crisp on the outside)
-Ordered my fried egg over-medium and ate one that was more over-well. I wished that my egg could have been a little runny!
-Overall, dishes are on the pricey side. Expect to pay at least $10-$15 if you want to be full! (And come on, burgers for $14?!)
The chicken and waffles looked much more filling than my order and the waffle was crispier. Maybe next time I'll try that and see! The pork belly sandwich also sounds like it would be delicious (too bad it's $15.95...) Not really a place for a poor college student like me. -
Review from Alex L.
Austin, TX
4/28/2012
I've only eaten here drunk and only had chicken and waffles. It was pretty decent. Why the 3 stars? Well, if I'm drunk and thought the food was just meh instead of freaking fantastic...then I can't image what it's like when I'm cold sober.
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Review from John W.
Ottawa Hills, OH
3/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
I don't understand how this place has a 3.5 star average. Maybe I've just had great luck when I'm there, but I find this place amazing, just for the waffle sandwich alone. Food and wine (or maybe it was Bon appetit) did a great mention of this place as one of the best diners, and I have to agree with them. The service is attentive, helpful, and friendly, but never overbearing. So stop in, have some breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and give it a try. Heck, come in anytime but their cleaning time (at 1 am
Wednesday) and you can be rebellious and eat breakfast any time you want, and also enjoy a cocktail at 7am if you'd like. Not that I've ever done that. Nope, never. -
Review from Mark F.
Austin, TX
Updated - 5/6/2012
This is a continuation of my review from 5/7/11... Try as we might to like this place, the waitstaff sabotages our visit more often than not. The last time we attempted to have a meal at the 24 Diner, a completely vapid, uncaring and obviously unhappy hostess showed us to a high top table. We patiently waited for someone to acknowledge us, but no such luck. After a 15 minute wait or so the table next to us was cleared, a couple seated and they were waited on immediately!!! What's up with that kind of service? We mentioned it to the hostess as we left, without ordering, and her reaction was just a blank look. She could not have cared less. Neither can we, any longer. I agree with many of the other criticisms, it is noisy, very pricey for what you get and the service is abysmal.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/7/2011
Three stars, with reservations.
Most of the time the food and service are quite good, but on our… Read more »
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Review from Ted S.
Austin, TX
4/3/2012
Last night our friends took us to the North Coast Beer Dinner at 24 Diner. It was outstanding! My wife and I know nothing about beer but we know what we like and this dinner with its five courses and perfectly matched beers has opened up a whole new world for us. We will now begin to learn about fine beers thanks to this dinner!
The food that was paired with the beer? Foie Gras Sausage, PEI Mussels & Little Neck Clams, Duck Confit Ragu, Chocolate-Rubbed South Texas Antelope and Goat Cheese Panna Cotta.....All of them were delicious, all well cooked and all with a special twist....The homemade citrus marmalade with the sausage, the addition of cardamom with the Mussels & Clams and the Honey Lavender Crumble with the best Panna Cotta we've ever had.....
The orchestration of the evening was done well. Everyone was served in a timely fashion and the evening was well paced. The servings were just the right size and so were the glasses of beer!
We will be going back to 24 Diner to try their regular menu sometime in the very near future! -
Review from Kelly K.
Austin, TX
2/17/2012
I have been wanting to visit 24 diner for a while, especially after many recommendations from friends and rooting for Chef Andrew on Top Chef Texas (the one episode & last chance kitchen).
I finally had my chance last night, a pit stop after an extended happy hour with work peeps where I didn't eat. I wanted dinner, boyfriend wanted a cocktail - I thought 24 diner was the perfect spot.
We were seated in a back section of the restaurant with 4 booths, which I didn't mind initially. I didn't need to be up front with everyone else.
I ordered a veggie burger with mac and cheese as my side, BF had just a small salad. I had a fireman's, he ordered some specialty cocktail that mixed vodka with lemonade and beer hops.
Boyfriend is a big beer drinker. He brews his own beer, favorite beer type is IPA, so he loves hops. This drink was too hoppy for him and he had to cut it with water.
He said the only think remarkable about the salad were the craisins (hah) and the shelled pistachios that made him feel like the "king of the castle."
The veggie burger was great. It didn't try to imitate a beef burger so the texture was a little loose but I really enjoyed it, that was until I tried the mac and cheese. Holy. Onion. The mac had onion pieces in it and I swear at least five tablespoons of onion powder. Now, I love onion. I cook with it almost every day, eat it raw on sandwiches but holy bejeesus, that mac blew out my tastebuds and I could no longer taste anything else. I made a note of it to the waitress, who said 'Ok, I'll let him know." Since there was 80% of the side left, I expected her to offer an alternate, which she didn't. Though to be fair I wouldn't have been able to taste anything after the assault by onion.
Ambience wise, like I said the "back room" was fine.. until some of the staff decided they needed to leave the side door open. Nothing like trying to eat and getting overwhelmed with smoke. I saw about 5 staff members smoking outside that door as we left... A general rule for me is that if I'm not sitting outside and I'm paying $40 for a veggie burger, bad mac, side salad, beer and a cocktail, I shouldn't have to experience someone's smoke break.
I'm giving this place 2 stars solely for their veggie burger. -
Review from Dan K.
Updated - 2/28/2012
I've now been to 24 diner three times. All three times have been great. I'm upgrading 24 from a "SOLID SERVING" to a "MUST GO!"
New items to talk about: The BURGER and SHAKE are both EXCELLENT. The meat is a glorious sized mound of meat with a good char and juicy center, "meating" (hah!) my preferred bun-to-meat ratio pretty much spot on. The toppings are fresh and plentiful. This time I had the Gorgonzola bacon burger.. Mmmmm. The toasted Challah roll is like the icing on the top.
I'd be surprised if 24 wasn't at least nominated fro best burger in Austin for next year's citywide whatever list that the local rag puts out.
Their fries are made of *gasp* actual potato! Cut fries instead of battered; thumbs up. But wait! You can also get the charred bitter greens with bacon (yum) or their Brussels sprouts. (yum, yum).
The Brussels sprouts will make you want to go back in time and slap the taste out of your childhood self. Sauteed and then roasted, packed with flavor and not overcooked.
What are you waiting for? Get thee to 24!
*Note: 24 isn't huge and there is typically a wait, but good things are worth waiting for, right? I suggest flexing your dining schedule to 8.30 or going for an early dinner on a popular evening. I was able to stroll in without a wait on a Monday evening right at 8.00. I suggest you do the same.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/6/2012
Yum yum yummos.
Starting off with the chili cheese fries. We were amazed with the pile of slow… Read more »
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Review from Regina C.
Travis, TX
4/12/2012
This place was quite awful.
The service was pretty lethargic.
We came here with high hopes for the apparently infamous Chicken & Waffles which are apparently ridiculously awful Chicken & Waffles! The quality of the chicken was low-grade and the batter itself was not savory nor crispy. The waffle itself was nothing stellar. This was quite the disappointment.
We did have a Peanut Butter & Chocolate milkshake which was pretty good. But we won't be coming back again.
Peace! -
Review from Max R.
Austin, TX
3/7/2012
Ive frequented 24 Diner a number of times. A native New Yorker Transplanted to Austin I have been to my fair share of diners. Ive gone to 24 Diner about 4 times now and have noticed some patterns.
Food:
For the most part the food is of good quality. Certainly for a typical diner that stays open 24 hours a day this holds true. Of course this convenience is reflected in the price of the food items as menu items are on the pricier side for diners (in my experience and in the locality). I have tried the shakes, burgers, pork, mac n cheese, breakfast options (hash), cheese plate, and Blackened Tuna. The guests that I have been with have often heralded the mac n cheese and the hash as having a unique excellence attributed to this place.
My chief complaint was the Blackened Tuna. Beware of this dish. I am an avid seafood lover but the blackened tuna was dry and tasted like rubber it had too much pepper and was one of the few times in my life where I honestly wanted to send the dish back to the kitchen. The date that I was with also spit out the tuna and said I should send it back.
This is a singular instance and should be taken as such, i never ordered that tuna again. All the other items I have ordered ranged from average to above average quality.
I very much appreciate the modern feel to the Diner. It doesn't feel like a "diner". The first time I was here was for a cheese pairing event hosted by Antonelli's which was a success. 24 Diner did a great job hosting the event.
Service:
The reason for the 3/5 score is largely due to the service. Each time that I have gone to 24 Diner my service was poor. Interestingly enough 2 of the 4 times I was here I asked the server when they started working at the location and each replied that it was their first day on the job. There was quite a delay to get a server to offer drinks, to take orders, to bring the check. I had to enlist help on one occasion to get the attention of a waiter. The server was kind and smiled but did not tend to our table even at a expected "normal level". The poor service was consistent regardless of the time I had dined here. The last time I was here the first-day-on the job waiter was working the self described "graveyard shift"
Conclusion:
I would and likely will find myself amongst the guests at this 24 Diner again. A late night eatery that feels fancier and more modern than one might anticipate from a traditional diner. I recommend this location for events hosted here and for late night dining. 10pm on specifically. The menu is highlighted by the mac n cheese, hash, and shakes. -
Review from Tori M.
2/20/2012
After the Austin Marathon, the hubs and I needed some grub! We were already parked downtown and didn't feel like searching for parking again, so we made the trek over to 6th and Lamar to try out 24 Diner.
I don't know if I was hungry from being outside all morning, or if it was just that special time of the month where I literally inhale all food in sight, but this place was incredible!
We started with adult beverages (of course), which included mimosas and bloody marys. The champagne to orange juice ratio in the mimosas was definitely on the side of "get smashed," as they had that special clear tint to them. The bloody marys were also delicious in that 24 Diner makes their own custom bloody mary mix, which is super thick, spicy and sour! They top the bloody marys with pickled local vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, garlic and brussels sprouts! Yum!
Food-wise, I ordered the waffle breakfast, which includes their own yeast-risen waffles, local eggs, and your choice of ham, bacon or sausage (I chose the veggie sausage). The waffle did not disappoint, as it is dense, doughy, yeasty and, when covered with their Vermont maple syrup, is practically an orgasm in your mouth. The eggs were eggs, and the veggie sausage actually tasted like real sausage, but with the yummy flavors such as black beans, flaxseed, and pumpkin seed! I also don't feel as guilty about cramming waffles down my throat because I'm eating "vegetables," too.
I definitely will be back. I hear their happy hour is M-F 7am-7pm!?!? Winning. -
Review from Umeko V.
Round Rock, TX
2/12/2012 11 Check-ins Here
I have dreams about his place. Waffle Dreams. Yum.
I love the coffee here, too, and the staff have always been top notch. I tried their vegetarian breakfast sausage my last visit and was impressed. My friends always get the chicken and waffles, and I have never heard anyone complain. Oh, and give the mac and cheese a try! You won't be disappointed.Listed in: Where's Umeko?
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Review from Michael K.
Mountain Home, ID
4/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
The 24 Diner has a nice atmosphere with a clean retro modern look. The place was busy during dinner-hour, so the service was a little slow, but staff was very friendly. The bathroom was clean as well. I had the Chicken and Waffles...instead of mixed pieces of fried chicken, they fried boneless breaded chicken breast. I've had chicken and waffles at other places, and the 24 Diner's Chick&Waff offers a hearty-sized plate with a decent taste. I'm not sure what kind of batter they use, but there was a wierd-yeasty after taste from each bite of the waffle. I'd like to try the pork chop plate next time.
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Review from Lauren B.
Well, by now everyone knows 24 Diner for their amazing chicken & waffles, topped with that brown sugar butter - pretty much the cherry on that carb sundae. I on the other hand decided to ask the hostess & waiter for their favorite dishes and was surprised when they both said the meatloaf was amazing so I decided to order that with a side of mac & cheese.
The meatloaf was better than I expected, crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside with a kick. The mac & cheese is my favorite side dish - super cheesy baked goodness. I haven't been able to make it all the way to dessert because the portions are large but the milkshakes at the table next to mine looked delish!
The place has a great feel but if you are only 2 people, I can assure you that you will be sitting verrrry close to the table next to you. Can be awkward, can be fun?
I'll be back & this time I need to make sure to save room for a peanut butter & chocolate milkshake!Listed in: b-b-b-BRUNCH
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Review from Errol M.
I may be missing something obvious here, but I kind of thought this place was great. On a Sunday night at 10pm, there was easy parking, easy seating, and simply wonderful service. Apparently everyone who works at 24 Diner is named Kris, Chris, and Christopher.
The coffee was great. So was the veggie burger. And the veggie hash. And the veggie sausage. And the waffle. And the fruit cup, of all things. Incidentally, if you're doing vegetarian here, you need to like beets. Not for the taste, but to understand why all your food is red.
If you have a choice, ask to sit in either the middle section, the bar, or in the front booths facing Lamar. The rows of two-tops alongside the walls are really cramped and close together, especially if lots of food or cheap cologne next to you is involved. Don't piss off the hostess and get stuck in one those booths next to the bathrooms.
Speaking of being pissed, I've been here twice before, and each time it was closed. I'm not sure why. I guess the third time is the charm. And this applies only with hip and cool downtown restaurants, not marriages. No charge for the advice.Listed in: "Breakfast - The Most…
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Review from Noelle W.
Austin, TX
4/16/2012
Went here for breakfast with friends. I was super excited to try a few things, but I was a little disappointed. The French toast was only two pieces of thick, dry bread with cream cheese and strawberries on top. Not what I would have garnished it with, but even the syrup I drowned it in didn't soften it up. The waffle special was carmelized apple. The waffle tasted overcooked and the apple concoction was almost too tart to enjoy. It was missing something. Service wasn't bad. I may have impossibly high standards for breakfast diners, but it IS the most important meal of the day.
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Review from Noelle D.
1/18/2012 6 Check-ins Here
Maybe it's because I usually find myself visiting this place in the afterglow of a great lecture and book signing at Bookpeople or a particularly self-indulgent trip to Anthropologie and/or Lush. Maybe I'm still distracted by the idea that I can get actual non-Denny's/Ihop/Waffle House food after midnight. After only three years in Austin this is still a novelty.
Maybe (most likely) it's the french 24 or the 24 diner press cocktails that I have such a weakness for and, strangely, the roasted brussels sprouts. But I do love 24 diner.
Sometimes the crowd seems just a little entitled. There can be a lot of slouchy hats and painfully thin girls. How do they eat and drink at places like this and stay so thin? But the food generally gets to the table within twenty minutes and I've never had anything that's made me regret the (relatively steep) price. And people seem to love those chicken and waffles.
The farm to table menu is on a board over the bar that's not easy to see from most tables and the server may or may not be able to remember what's on it. To me that's the menu to read. The real appeal of 24 diner is the around-the-clock access to a fresh menu of farm-to table-food. Yes, Kerbey Lane has the same concept but (as great as it is!) the menu doesn't seem as fluid and current as 24.
I usually prefer the appetizers over the mains at this place, and the other night the corn fritters were a great choice. I don't remember ever eating the mac and cheese which means I've never ordered it (very unlikely) or it wasn't memorable (more likely).
I know this place isn't everyone's cup of tea. And I'm willing to believe my affection for it has something to do with the Bermuda quadrangle of inequity I personally experience at the corner of lamar and 6th street where I get swept up in some kind of consumer high and everything tastes like gold.
And honestly I have no idea what it is about the 24 diner brussels sprouts that appeal to me. I've made them at home that came out almost as nicely as they do here. But I'm always, always happy to have a side of them to munch on.Listed in: Cocktails
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Review from Sara B.
1/24/2012
I have a serious weakness for sweet and salty things, so I can't resist the temptation to order chicken and waffles when I find it on a menu. 24 Diner's offering was excellent. The BF and I split a full order (you can order the "small," which is half the size for 3 dollars less), and we couldn't even finish half of it. The waffle is HUGE and comes with 4 pieces of fried chicken. The waffle is incredible, and I loved the chicken too. Next time, though, I think we'll split the small and order a side or an appetizer.
We went on Saturday night; predictably, they were on a wait. My complaint about the wait is simply that the design of the restaurant doesn't really create a space for people to hang out before they are seated. We ended up being pushed out into the dining room. But whatevs, the food was worth it. -
Review from Trent Z.
4/8/2012
It's been awhile since I ate there, and I'm just now getting around to rating it. This place is delicious! I had the chicken and waffles with sugar butter that was so good! My date had either the Egg Salad Sandwich or the 24 hash. It may also have been some kind of omelet. I can't remember which, mostly likely because I was too focused on being impressive at the time. I do remember it looked very delicious. It's also next door to Amy's Ice Cream, so you can scoot on over after your meal for some delicious ice cream :)
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Review from denise m.
12/30/2011
We slid in and got a booth with only about a 10 minute wait. Nice!
I had the fried egg sandwich on roll with bacon, it was delish! It came with home style hash brown potatoes. My husband had the 24 Hash (I think that's what it was called), which was the same hash brown potatoes but with bacon, sausage and other stuff all added to it, and 2 fried eggs on top. His came with choice of toast. He liked it a lot.
The energy is nice, lots of activity, service was friendly although the food took a little longer than it should have to come out. Since we weren't starving, it wasn't a problem. I think I have an internal restaurant clock developed from years of eating out. You don't really keep track of time but somehow an alarm goes off in your head when it's taking longer than it should for your food to show up.
I like that there's a good 24 hour place to eat in Austin. There are not many options, unless you like Denny's, Jim's or IHOP. I welcome this upscale option for those times when you want something with a little more ambiance. -
Review from John W.
Austin, TX
1/7/2012
First of all, let me say that if you're not gluten-free, you can probably regard this as a 3.5-star review instead of the 2 stars that I gave 24 Diner.
Secondly, it's worth noting that 24 Diner does have a gluten-free menu, with a fairly large array of options, and for that they should be commended.
However, my experience on my most recent visit to 24 Diner left me somewhat disgusted.
My friend and I both ordered the rotisserie chicken -- mine off the gf menu, and with substitutions to remove dairy as well. They were really nice about the substitutions.
Unfortunately, the bacon-greens had a few stray pieces of macaroni in them. I know what you're thinking. "Oh, god, not macaroni!" But to a gluten-intolerant or Celiac individual, it feels a little like kissing your next two days (at least) goodbye.
My friend's chicken arrived severely undercooked, and so they had to take it back and cook her a new one. They didn't seem pleased about this.
Mine was somewhat undercooked, but oddly only in the drumstick -- the breast was perfect, and delicious.
The manager took over for our waiter at some point, which was nice; and she generously didn't charge us for our meals, and offered to bring me a new veggie side. My only complaint about her behavior was the response I received to my concerns about the presence of macaroni in my food.
She said something like, "Sir, the risk you take when eating in a restaurant is that there may be contamination from gluten-containing products."
I tried to explain to her that the risk gluten-intolerant individuals take is usually that someone touches bread and then the plate itself -- not that several whole pieces of macaroni find their way into your explicitly-gluten-free dish. She seemed to think I was trying to extract additional concessions from her.
Again, I think it's wonderful that the 24 Diner has a "gluten-free" menu. But what's the point if you end up spending the entire weekend ill?
My only other complaint is that the waiter didn't know what foods contained dairy -- but more importantly, that he didn't immediately go find out; we had to ask him to go ask the chef. This seems like a no-brainer, but it's all-too-common in restaurants. I don't expect it at the 24 Diner price-point, however.
I can't say I'll be going to 24 again, at least until I know they've dealt with their macaroni issues. -
Review from Kristin T.
Houston, TX
5/11/2012
Good coffee (although, i don't know if it was $2.95 good). And good service as well, but those waffles are terrible. My husband and I both ordered the waffle breakfast (comes with eggs and a meat). The eggs were nice and fluffy, and my ham was amazing, but the waffles ruined the entire experience. I still can't get that disgusting taste out of my mouth. The butter they put on top is weird and sickly sweet. The waffles themselves had a bizarre sweet and tangy flavor to them. I couldn't even mask it with syrup. Honestly, even if they had been good, the $11 price tag still would have been hard to swallow. Definitely won't be returning.
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Review from Chris D.
Austin, TX
Updated - 4/9/2012
I'm up-dating my rating. I had breakfast here this morning 04/09/12, and the service from Leigh and breakfast were great. Much better than the first time I was here. The eggs were cooked perfectly to order. The service was great and Leigh is one of the best; very attentive. The only negative is that the music is still too loud. Mornings are generally a time when people like me are thinking about the day or trying to have a conversation or read the paper or work on their computers. The decible level continues to be too loud.
I am going to recommend this downtown restaurant for the early crowd who enjoy a nice breakfast before 8 a.m.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/6/2010
This place has a long way to go before it's going to be considered an average rated restaurant. I… Read more »
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Review from Jennie K.
1/7/2012
So far, so good. A 24 hr place with a good variety of foods, beer, wines, and liquor. I had the mussels as a late night snack and the broth was definitely heavier (I think it was made with sherry instead of white wine?) but still tasty and properly cooked.
Apparently the waffle sandwich is the way to go, a little sweet and a little savory. We were in luck that we were the first of a rather large wave of diners who walked in around 10p on Saturday night...and only had to wait 5 minutes.
The service is diner-paced - slow and relaxed. It happens, come here at the end of the night, not at the beginning of one. The decor was very austin-weird in a modern nice sort of way. I will be visiting you again :) -
Review from Maxine C.
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
I don't work "normal" hours, so I don't do anything at a "normal" time. My boyfriend, however, does work "normal" hours...but for some reason, we have a similar life schedule.
We went here on our first date, actually! I think that was the first time I'd been there despite seeing it a few times and wanting to go. I had the veggie burger. It was yummy and huge and I couldn't eat it daintily if I tried. Luckily, I had no intention of coming off dainty to this fella. I didn't even realize it was a date until he footed the bill and I was like, huh...what is happening!?
Since then, we've been back many times because it's 1-good and 2-open. The waffles are some of the best I've ever had. The brown sugar butter they throw on it is the most amazing thing I've ever had. I don't even use the syrup because that damned butter is all those yeasty waffles need!
I guess the worst thing about this place is trying to figure out what I want because everything always sounds really good. I first try to decide if I want breakfast or not. Then I have to narrow down the veggie choices or the meaty options. The server usually comes back about three times before I've decided. Sorry servers, but thanks for being awesome!
It is home to one of my favorite meals--a giant plate of fries and a pint o' beer. Thank you for bringing me a bottle of ketchup. Yum. -
Review from Jj J.
Round Rock, TX
4/3/2012
Went here for lunch today. Overpriced? Check. Nothing special on the food either. Ordered the patty melt and fries. It tasted like someone dipped a flavorless burger in a bowl of french onion soup and then slapped some toast on it. Fries were wilty-"fresh cut" doesn't fry well unless you know what you're doing. Service was good-that's about it. If you want to drop nearly $20 on an average burger, tasteless "fries" and an ice tea for $2.50 this place is for you. If not, you're much better off just about anywhere else. Only other bright spot is there was a great beer selection and big screen TVs with sports on and some decent music playing. IF I ever grace this place with my presence again I'll stick to the beer on tap.
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Review from Carolyn S.
Irvine, CA
Okay, so I admit that I hadn't cared to check out 24 Diner until Chef Andrew Curren started to grace the pages of "Best of" Lists in the last year, and really, it was his presence on Top Chef that finally scooted me out the door to find out what the buzz was all about.
Not surprisingly, the wait was around 45 minutes on a Friday night. The place was packed, with a line wrapped around the corner. Not a problem, since the diner is in a diverse little strip center, so there was plenty of diversions. When our turn arrived, we were promptly greeted by a super-cool and friendly waitress, who definitely took good care of us the rest of the night.
The special of the day was a pork belly sandwich topped with Asian slaw (served kind of po-boy style), and since I'm a sucker for pork belly, I immediately placed an order for it, along with a side of Roasted Brussels Sprouts tossed with Walnuts. First bite of the sandwich: so juicy and crunchy and pickled and delicious. The baguette was toasted completely right, and the contrast of the texture and flavors of the Asian slaw with the fried pork belly was perfect. However, by the third bite, my mouth and stomach started to disagree with proceeding any further. The pork was entirely too greasy. In fact, I slightly pressed down on the sandwich, and a geyser of oil sprung forth onto my plate.
I faced the toughest choice a foodie could face: continue eating a delicious meal and risk immediate intestinal consequence, or waste the food for sake of preserving the dignity of surrounding patrons in diner.
I ended up giving the sandwich to my husband. Win-win, right?
The rest of the meal was quite tasty, although it did seem like the theme for each dish was "lots o' oil!" (but okay, I get it, I get it! It's a diner!). I'm already a fan of Brussels Sprouts, and Chef Drew just made me love them more. My husband ordered the Bacon Gorgonzola Burger with a side of Mac and Cheese. Both were comfort food at its finest!
Of course, we couldn't leave without trying a Roasted Banana and Brown Sugar milkshake! It was like having a portable Banana Fosters. I had a hard time sharing.
Overall, a very enjoyable meal, though be prepared to bring a sponge (or bread) to soak up all the oil.
