- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Somnio's Café - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Restaurants Vegetarian American (New), Vegetarian [Edit]
1807 S 1st StAustin, TX 78704
Neighborhoods: 78704 (South Austin), So-Fi (S. 1st St. District), Bouldin Creek
(512) 442-2500
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
151 reviews for Somnio's Café
Review Highlights
"i am always happy with the orange pork tacos."
(in 19 reviews)
"Delicious local grown food plus BYOB."
(in 43 reviews)
"Sweet potato fries were super crispy and yum."
(in 13 reviews)
Loading...
151 reviews in English
-
Review from Alexandra R.
Austin, TX
8/21/2011
love local produce
creamer peas at Somnios
best I ever ate
This sad haiku above serves to commemorate Somnio's, one of South Austin's finest cafes serving fresh, organic, locally grown food. I loved the homey, bed-and-breakfast feel of the tiny dining room, and even the teeny parking lot. I am so sad this location closed and hope they find a new spot to serve food. -
Review from Abby K.
Austin, TX
6/25/2011
I really like the cafe itself and the food, but I wish I hadn't been treated like I was doing something wrong bringing in a local deal coupon...
Pros:
- Really cute place, love that they use local and organic ingredients
- Delicious hummus - fresh made and a perfect appetizer (seriously - order it. comes with amazing feta too!)
- Good tacos - I still don't really know what the fritter tacos were (something mushroomy), but I ate them!
- Nice area
- Very homey
- Other menu items sounded delicious too!
Cons:
- Not a big deal, but the smallest serving of salsa ever with the chips! I think I used it all on one chip! :-P
But the actual con here, and why I didn't rate it higher (I'd have given 4 stars for the awesome organic localness and food quality), is that I heard about the restaurant through ScoutMob, which offers deals on local restaurants. I had discovered a few restaurants with it before, and each time it offered 50% off the total price as a one-time thing with a limit of how much you can save (as in please don't buy out the whole place!)
Anyway, I went to use the deal at the end of the meal, and I was told it was only 50% off of one entree, but that was very clearly not what the deal said. I politely explained this to the waitress, but she/ the restaurant refused to honor the coupon as it was written. Another woman, who I thought might be the owner, somewhat rudely asked me what the problem was and made me feel like I was trying to rip them off when I was seriously just reading what the deal said.
Honestly, it would have been maybe a $6 difference as it was just lunch with a friend, but it seems like very poor customer service to reject a deal they signed on to, when the point of such deal services (like groupon, scoutmob, etc.) is to attract new customers (I had never heard of them before the deal) and ideally get them to come back.
Overall: Go there for the local organic faire and for sure get the hummus. Don't bring your ScoutMob app. -
Review from Lori L.
Austin, TX
THE place for flavored teas and hand-pressed coffee!
Wonderful blend of meat and veggie/vegan options. Local, fresh, organic, friendly. Tiny place with table seating for 28 and bar seating for 8. BYOB. Plenty of outside seating for when the weather is nice. -
Review from Morgan R.
Austin, TX
7/1/2011
Just had my first visit at Somnio's. I was really looking forward to lunch there after reading the Yelp reviews and I was not disappointed. I'm always on the lookout for healthy local spots near my house. I got the hummus wrap; that was one of the specials for today, came with soup or salad ($8). I really like that they let you pick ANY salad on the menu for the side... not just a regular house or caeser like most joints.
I really liked it and will be back to try out the Dinner menu for sure!! -
Review from Sarah S.
San Francisco, CA
6/7/2011 1 photo
This is a cute place that's a bit tucked away on South First. Bouldin Creek is usually my go to place in this area, but I decided to try something new and I'm glad I did. The cafe has a very nice ambiance and is nice for a casual lunch or a cozy dinner.
This is one of those awesome places that is good for carnivores, vegans, vegetarians, gluten free diners, etc. Everyone can eat together in harmony. Apparently the sides/soups rotates and there are different specials, so today I ordered two seared quinoa cakes. I was happy to learn that my meal came with a salad and soup. The salad was an extremely nice salad with garbanzo beans, beets, and quality dressing...it could have been an entree if it was larger. The soup was pureed tomato and eggplant. All of this for only $12!
Also, the server was very nice and knowledgeable about ingredients which is good for vegans/people with food allergies. I definitely will be back here. -
Review from John R.
Austin, TX
Updated - 2/8/2011
Somnio's, you and I have a complicated history. A mix of great food, blah food, great service, and terrible service. Rarely did the great pair up with the great. It was more good food and bad service or blah dishes and terrible service.
As a stop on the Austin Eats Food Tours, I'm ready to wipe the slate and start over. One small bite is responsible. My one small request: please add the butternut squash and fennel ravioli to your permanent menu. It'd be a fantastic addition to a menu that has some items that are ready to be retired.Listed in: My Austin Experience.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
7/18/2010
I've been to Somnio's a number times since my initial visit. While never quite as good, I can't not… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jade F.
Austin, TX
5/29/2011
Somnio's Cafe is the perfect example of how a local economy and a local business can work hand in hand to create a beautiful, self sustaining product.
Whats to say about ALL Local seasonal produce specials every night and Local meat or vegan products delicately designed into a phenomenally tasting dinner special every night. They differ on a few days depending on availability, but, honestly, with the Organic selection they offer on their daily menu, who should care. My goal is to continue going there trying something new each time. I'll keep it fresh as long as they continue to.
South Austin has a slew of vegan aimed restaurants, and this one bypasses all of them by way of menu and product quality. It's so nice to have this and Bouldin Creek next to each other, considering their great attention to food quality and Austin-Local mindset. If more businesses who were as popular or more popular than these two would retain their ideals on a sustainable local economy and not some "Ben e. keith" generated menu we might have more touches of magic and some actual REAL food coming out of our lush central Texas Local agro-business.
Keep up the phenomenal work Somnio's and keep those products Fresh! Thanks!!! -
Review from Shanna P.
10/28/2010
I wanted to update my review after a couple of years of seeing Somnio's improve. I wasn't sure about this place at all initially, but they've really grown on me in the last two years since they opened. It's become one of my comfortable neighborhood go-to spots. The food's gotten better, and the service has gotten better, friendlier, and quicker, too.
I like that it's local and organic, and I can feel good about eating there and get in some servings of yummy veggies. I am a fan of their Bud salad and their vegetable side dishes are tasty. I just had the squash and peppers, and it had a delicious curry kick. I usually end up getting the pork medallions, but their specials are very good, too.
I also like that it's BYOB, so we can bring a couple beers, ciders, or a bottle of wine and kick back and relax while we wait for our meal, and still get out for a reasonable price.
I'm glad Somnio's has gotten better and stuck around the neighborhood. -
Review from Gayathri B.
Austin, TX
4/11/2011
Cute little cafe on South 1st street. The food is organic and local - can't get better than that.
Very Vegan and Vegetarian friendly but has enough dishes to satisfy the meat eaters too!
We had the shitake dumplings as an appetizer - my fav. dish of the night! Was Yum!
The Golden beets and chickpea salad was really delicious too. The dressing didn't have too much of a flavor though. I would have preffered a balsamic or maybe sweetish dressing instead.
For the main dish, we shared the stuffed portabella cap. The mushroom was stuffed with the seasonal veggies of the day - which was mainly sweet potato. I think this would be better with some savory veggies as the sweet potato was too over powering. It was good none the less. It came with a soup and a salad. The soup of the day was a avocado cream of broccoli - not a fan. And for the greens we got sauteed kale! Kale is always yum! :D
Overall experience - was great! The food tasted fresh and healthy! And the service was really nice. The cafe is small - so not a place to go for larger groups. -
Review from seela m.
Austin, TX
2/24/2011
This place is cute, friendly and tasty. I sat at the counter and was not pressured about ordering or questioned while I took for-eh-ver to read the menu and decide. I like that.
I got the Nynavae's Tacos ($8) which were lovely, crunchy, mushroom fritters popped into a tortilla with cabbage and a bit of roasted pepper sauce...just a bit, which was good because it was sweet. The blue corn chips looked delicious, but they were dusty and salty. The salsa had a bit too much sugar in it for me, but the tacos were huge and I was pretty too to mind.
I did not bring beer or wine, but I will next time, for there will be a next time and a time after that and perhaps many more times...
PROs:
-While I waited for my food, the server brought me some magazines and a cookbook, just as I was thinking, "I should have brought a book."
-Cute, clean diner vibe.
CONs:
-savory dishes tend to have a sweet slant. Not so great if you're trying to avoid sugar or if you're a die-hard savory fan.
-It could stand to have dimmer or moodier lighting in the evening. Lamps, perhaps? -
Review from Jim L.
11/18/2010
Definitely down with the whole local farms, vegan leaning, groovified iced teas thing. I started with an iced green tea that had a light flower back to it - very addictive and caffeine free! The special soup last night was autumn squash and ended up being rich, delicate, yet spicy, and with no cream. Lovin the calorie savings here.
My entree was another appetizer - typical for me. Their hummus plate was quite lovely and very typical - what you'd expect of a good hummus.
While one friend had delightful shittake pot stickers with a rich gingery sauce, another friend had the special risotto which was not to his liking. We were never asked about the fact that the whole plate came back to the bus tub full.
This is often how we eat at our house, so Somino's could be my new living room. Can I bring my dogs? -
Review from Alejandra J.
Berkeley, CA
9/6/2011
I am on a road trip and want a good meal once in a while. Somnio's was the perfect place. Delicious, healthy, and with a homey feel.
-
Review from Concerned I.
Austin, TX
9/15/2011
We love Somnio's and are so sad to see them close. What a fantastic place for Austin, Texas!!! They really did care about the food and drinks they served. They put sooo much love into it all. Somnio's you will be missed. It was one of my favorite Austin food joints. They served all great products, not even artificial sweetners until the end..don't know what was up with that. To one of the reviews below, who goes to a place like this and orders diet coke???? Peace Love Thanks
-
Review from Amy S.
Austin, TX
2/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Quite delicious food, I must say! But the venue didn't really suit me.
Creative menu and great for vegans and vegetarians (but they do offer scrumptious meat, also). Ingredients also locally sourced. My meal was very tasty!
I was looking for a place to energize and inspire me, though. And although the orange pork tacos certainly got me fired up, the quiet, crunchy atmosphere had the reverse effect. Kind of like eating at a friend's grandmother's house...very homey but a little drab and not at all like visiting your own Granny.
I would recommend take out here, for sure though!!! -
Review from Sophie Y.
Austin, TX
10/19/2010
My experience with the menu is limited because I found what I love and I always get the same thing...Nynavae's Tacos. I don't know if I spelled that correctly but they are the mushroom tacos and this vegetarian thinks they are delish.
The salads are also fantastic.
I love the fact that they use really care about their ingredients and support local farmers/ranchers.
The variety of iced teas (also local) is great and they are happy to refill as often as necessary. -
Review from W F.
Austin, TX
2/19/2011
Pros:
- Great service
- Cool, small place gives the sensation of having found something really unique
- Lots of selection for weird diets (gluten free, vegetarian, etc.)
Cons:
- Food and coffee were ok. Didn't really care for the vermicelli bowl they came up with: sauce was too heavy.
The parking lot is quite small so you will want to try parking around the corner. -
Review from Jessica M.
Austin, TX
9/20/2010
My feelings are conflicted when it comes to Somnio's.
On the one hand, it's BYOB, which is fantastic. Seriously, it's amazing.
On the other hand, I wasn't overly impressed, but I don't really know who to blame.
Let me explain.
We go to dinner here Saturday night, the place is small and cute, though it is very brightly lit for a dinner atmosphere. We break out our wine, and are very happy that we don't have to wait for a wine list or for the server to bring it for us, it's a good feeling.
Our server comes by quickly to greet us, and we order the dumplings appetizer... and they're sold out. Which makes me very sad, because that's really the only one I wanted to try. I also noticed they ran out of a few other specials while we there, so this seems to be the norm.
Moving on, we decide to order salads instead, and then find out they're included in our dinner entree! How great is that! This was a pleasant surprise, and I was happy again. My boyfriend and I both got the Sissy Salad, with avocados and apples, and I thought it was a delicious yet different salad. My boyfriend thought it was too sweet and didn't have enough nuts, so I suppose it depends on your taste.
We both ordered pasta for dinner, I got the pesto sauce with chicken, my bf got the marinara sauce with ground bison. It doesn't really tell you what kind of pasta it is, so I don't know if it varies, or if it's always spaghetti. Personally, if you're going to showcase a homemade pasta, I don't know why you would pick spaghetti, but whatever.
Both of the pasta dishes were OK. Honestly, they didn't have much flavor. Ok, they didn't really have any flavor at all, but I really wanted pasta and they gave me that so I couldn't be too mad.
This also plays into what I said at the beginning, about how I don't know who to blame, because the pasta is from Pasta & Co, I don't know if the sauces are, so if the sauces are, I would say this is a negative reflection of Pasta & Co, but if Somnio's makes the sauces then it's actually a reflection of the restaurant. Who knows!
What I do know is that we will be returning to try other dishes, though the pasta was just OK, and the service was just OK (there's only two girls that work the entire restaurant), dinner was only $25! Which is grand. And, their other dishes could be better, hopefully next time when I go I can try them, and there won't be anything sold out.Listed in: Baller on a Budget
-
Review from Tracey V.
Austin, TX
10/22/2010
I am sad to have to pronounce it average, because there is really some potential to be excellent here.
This cozy cafe has a lot going for it, but it's got some kinks to work out yet.
The fabulous:
1.) The coffee is wonderfully aromatic and so smoooooooooooooth.
2.) The pork tacos are juicy, bursting with citrus goodness and completely crave worthy.
3.) Our server was attentive and sincerely seemed to care about our dining experience. She was so cute and nice that we wanted to tell her everything was super even though a lot of it was not so great.
Outside of the tacos and coffee, the other menu items sampled were kind of forgettable and a let down. In fact, I struggle to remember what else we consumed because we were so indifferent to it. The meatloaf sandwich had me drooling when I read about it on the menu, but was a thick, mealy slab of blah in person (or in bovine.) The blue tortilla chips served with the tacos were more tough than they were crunchy. Things that were supposed to be served hot were served a little closer to lukewarm.
Further, if sharing is caring...it seemed such a shame that the food was plated so sloppily given the attention to detail evident in the selection of the meats and produce.
I'll be following other Yelpers reviews on this place, because I'd like to give it a shot if they can work out the kinks. -
Review from Brittany L.
Austin, TX
11/15/2010
AMAZING. I mean, the place is BYOB....uses organic ingredients..with a very creative/unique menu to boot.
I went this past Saturday for a dinner with friends. Most all of us enjoyed the Sissy salad as a starter. It was delicious. A creamy blend of avocados, jalapenos and apples upon a bed of greens. This was topped with a garlic vinaigrette. So refreshing, and the flavors/textures worked very well together. For a main dish, I went with the panko encrusted eggplant medallions. Very unique, and also very tasty. Most of the table ordered either the eggplant parmesan (lots of "ooohs and aaahs" during dinner from them). We had a large party and were seated quickly, and service was spectacular. I can't wait to go again and try something different. -
Review from Paul B.
Austin, TX
1/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hmmm. We must have gone on an off night. The hummus was tasteless, our salads came like 15 minutes AFTER the entrees. My wife's green curry bison heart stew was good, but my bleu cheese stuffed bison burger was SO over cooked the cheese it was supposedly stuffed with had vaporized, and all I could taste was charred burger. The Ginger turnips I ordered we luke warm at best.
I mean the place only has like 9 tables - it shouldn't be that hard to keep up with our order.
On the plus side they did comp the burger, and the chef/owner was very apologetic. -
Review from Carly B.
10/19/2010
Our first meal on our recent trip to Austin and hands down my favorite. Thanks yelp!
The boyfriend and I were staying on South Congress so this little restaurant wasn't too far of a walk from our motel (unless you take into account our liquor-finding adventure so we could take advantage of the BYOB).
The cafe is really small and has about 6-8 tables and small bar area. Luckily there was one ready for us. Immediately, my gaze went to the specials board proclaiming that "Crazy Crispy Eggplant Medallions" were a special. You had me at "eggplant" but "crazy and crispy" thrown in? Sold.
The special was actually a version of their regular pork entree and it came with a small salad and side. I chose the sissy salad and squash and peppers (way tastier than they sound with a little spice thrown in). Boyfriend went for bison meatloaf and their corn and peas side...way better in person than on paper as well. I don't know where their corn and peas come from, but they weren't the bland, mushy ones that invoke repressed childhood memories.
The entree was awesome. The eggplant was super tender with lots of crunch from the panko breading and was drizzled with something orange and some sriracha. It's on top of fried soba noodles and a bed of greens, making this dish not only tasty, but texturally pleasing too.
We brought in wine and were immediately presented with the set-up to get it open and drink it up. They charge $4, but the wine was only $9 so $13 is considerably less than what we'd spend on a bottle of wine at any other restaurant. With wine and dinner, the total was about $45 minus tip. AWESOME considering the deliciousness and quality of the food. A great little place! -
Review from Allison J.
Austin, TX
4/6/2010
I am tired of Austin's veggie/organic scene being comprised of mediocre, bland, expensive porridge. I was told that the vegetarian friendly restaurants in Houston have very high standards and if this restaurant were there, it would probably go out of business in an instant.
I took a chance on this place due to the high rating, but when only one item on the menu, pork tacos, is raved about that's got to say only one thing. The rest of the menu is not to be desired.
It took the waitress an hour to explain the changes on the menu and that half the items on the menu were not available.
I ordered a small salad that came with chickpeas and a vinaigrette dressing. Although drenched in dressing it was decent but it was more of a two dollar salad for the number of 2 ingredients. The other item I ordered was a $9 HALF a fried avocado. An item mentioned on other yelp reviews. It was served with a few tortilla chips and a small side of pickled shaved cabbage and salsa. For $9. Let's focus on the avocado. I was surprised to find indescribable items tucked inside my avocado, ask me what it was and I have no clue!
My question, do these folks know what a spice/s is, how to use one and that it is ok to use. And not to mention salt. I know bland does not equal vegetarian but they're doing a good job of representing lack there of.
Ok 3 last details to harp on. The potato fries were actually pretty good. But I was not happy about the price. The service was pretty poor and the waitress did not know how to split a check. And third and leaving on a better note: use your Go Local card if you dare go here, you will receive a free drink with your meal. -
Review from Sarah N.
Austin, TX
10/18/2010
Could this little Austin gem be any cuter?
Somnio's Cafe is one of those spots that makes me so happy to be living and dining here in Austin. The restaurant is a little house complete with porch, pretty porch lights, and potted plants. Inside, there are 8 or so tables and seating at a bar. It's BYOB but I didn't know that when I went...
We ordered several small dishes so we could sample a few of the more popular items. I tried the hummus which was served with perfectly toasted pita slices. I think you can get crudites with it too but they weren't on the menu.
I ordered the Sissy Salad which had a refreshing combination of green apples and avocado. I also tried the orange pork tacos which were delicious but not very orangey in color or flavor.
My friend ordered the noodle bowl with tofu. The flavor was good, a mild peanut/ curry sauce, and the tofu nice and crispy. The noodles were overcooked and pretty soggy.
We split a dessert of white chocolate bread pudding. With caramel and cinnamon all over it, it was difficult to pick up on white chocolate but overall it was very satisfying. -
Review from Stephanie H.
Austin, TX
5/20/2010
Stumbled onto this place after a yoga class with some friends, and was pleased to find it was located behind my house and that you could bring in bottles of wine. This may have caused me to like it even more, but they also serve delicious fresh food - my favorite.
Cute little dining area that feels like a cozy dining room of your friends house. This makes it difficult for large groups, but when 10 of us came on a Thursday night without calling ahead, the waitress 'almost' gladly moved three tables to accommodate us. :-)
Somnio's uses local, seasonal produce, which may frustrate some customers who really, really wanted that sweet potato in July, but really, it's better for you this way. Their salads are fantastic! Some of the dishes are just a little bland, but they all taste so fresh, you can't complain.
Prices are very reasonable; they serve good portions. For dinner I had the stuffed portobello that came with a salad and a side for $12. Awesome! Their selection is limited but changes with the seasons (yay!). If you're worried about finding something you like, take a peek at the menu online before arriving.
Service is average. $2/person will be applied for BYOB (waived if $5 setup purchased). No big deal.
Delicious local grown food plus BYOB? Definitely. -
Review from Michelle C.
Austin, TX
1/4/2010
I'm not worthy.
In my world, Somnio's is that really sweet guy who gets good grades and trips over himself opening doors for you...you know you SHOULD like him, but instead you find your eyes darting past him to that guy in the leather jacket who doesn't know you from Eve (and oh, does he ever know Eve) and who eats...foie...gras...
Somnio's uses local, organic, seasonal ingredients and their resume of collaborators reads like a foodie's dream: Thunderheart Bison; Greenling produce; all-natural, hormone-free, grass-fed pork and beef from Richardson Farm; pastured chicken from Dewberry Hills Farm; even their olive oil is from Texas Olive Ranch. They name menu items after their dogs and like horses and sunsets and walks on the beach...what's not to like?
What's not to like is...the food. I've been twice, now, and try as I might, I just can't get my heart to pitter patter over Somnio's. The orange pork tacos were dry, and the Texas Meatloaf (made with bison) was so bland that I ended up smothering it in Tabasco sauce. The sweet potato fries were heavily battered, overcooked to the point of being nearly burnt, and so strongly flavored that they completely overpowered the roasted pepper tahini sauce they were served with. And the hummus was dry and almost chalky, as if lacking in the olive oil department.
I love the philosophy behind Somnio's, and I wish I felt differently, but sustainable ingredients alone cannot sustain my taste buds. -
Review from Stephen F.
Austin, TX
5/26/2010
Not a bad little place, but a little less soul than I was expecting.
Cool looking outdoor area, but when we went it was beginning to rain so went instead for the inside. Walking in, you'll find a cozy little dining area that's quiet but still easy to chat in.
Starting out, we ordered the Seasonal Fries which is described as "fresh local veggies coated with a light batter and served with a roasted pepper tahini sauce" In my mind, and that of my date's we were thinking of several different veggies lightly battered and fried....instead we got a heap of sweet potato fries that were lightly sea-salted with a tasteless batter and tahini sauce...well, the garnish coleslaw they threw on the side was good. Would not order again.
Moving on, I ordered the cheese steak with sliced beef and a Aunt Nadine side salad while my date ordered the railey's tacos with goat cheese.
Food arrives and it's just not much to talk about. The railey's tacos are seasonal sautéed veggies in a tortilla served with chips and salsa...maybe I don't eat black corn chips as much as I used to, but I swear they were stale, the tacos were nothing special. The tacos are better described as a glob of veggies seasoned/cooked with little thought and topped with a wad of cheese that looked more like a dookie of cream cheese than goat cheese...no joke, I thought someone pinched a white loaf on these bad boys at first look.
My side was better. You could taste that the meat was high-quality. Nothing you could eat with a spoon, but still very tender. the onions were ok, there was cheese and good bread, but nothing seemed to work together. You had quality components, but they didn't make much of a memorable sandwich. Eating meat in a place that tries to cater so much to veggie eaters can sometimes make a meat eater feel left-out similar to how a veggie eater can feel left out at a steakhouse...there may be something you can eat...but it's probably not that well thought out for you. This wasn't that bad, but I'd definitely go back to try something different like the bison meatloaf or the pulled pork taco...I don't see myself having any late-night cravings for that sandwich any time soon.
The one thing that stood out in our meal was the Aunt Nadine salad. Beets, big wild berries, arugala and fresh veggies. Simple, fresh, and hard to mess up.
As the check comes we stayed under 30, but were surprised to see a $4.00 fee for using a bottle opener. That seems a bit unwelcoming. I've been to plenty of places that were BYOB...most of the time it's a testament to added value an establishment offers, here that feeling is lost to an easy bit of mark-up.
Overall, I'd go back but with some major changes. The kitchen didn't do anything to impress me, but the salad came out great so I'd stick to that. Priced fairly well, great sounding menu, but needs to work on execution. -
Review from Hoa N.
6/29/2009 ROTD 10/1/2009
This will sound dirty but it's actually the opposite: LOCAL MEAT.
Somnio's is a supporter of local farmers--including meat: poultry, pork and egg farmers.
I came for the first time earlier this month. Came back two more times, dazzled.
It's a simple place: pretty decor, a bar area, fresh flowers, a pretty blue ceiling. Nice sunlight. Friendly service.
But what THRILLS me is the big list of local farms it serves-- NOT lip-serves--serves!
For example, the chicken salad sandwich features chicken from Dewberry Farms -- for a chicken salad sandwich! This is quite exceptional-- these birds are raised on grass, a part of a hand-crafted class of agriculture. Like the Richardson pork that they feature.
Their menu prices are completely amazing considering the quality of the products and ingredients they serve.
Seriously. I buy all my meat grass raised, all my produce local and/or organic; it is really expensive-- and a value I won't compromise.
When I see a business following the same model, I just can't help but marvel at the integrity. They could charge more. They could feature factory farmed meat like every other restaurant. But they don't.
I can eat pork--in a restaurant! The orange/beer marinade in the pork taco is lovely. Choices include Milagra corn tortilla or CM flour.
The crusted tenderloin was a bit on the too-fried side for me (the fried udon noodles tipped it, even though the presentation and texture were interesting and avant-garde). My family enjoyed the mushroom dumplings (including a picky 5 year old) and the salads are as I would make in my kitchen--IF I weren't so lazy--I enjoyed the Sissy and the one with apples/pecans.
One night was a bit oppressive in the oppressive everlasting drought of 2009--we took the last seat--the table by the kitchen window. It was clear on that night that the place was having some cooling issues. We noticed it also a bit at brunch one Sunday (also during record heat). They said, when asked, that they were addressing the AC with the landlord (and gosh I feel really bad for the cook-staff: hope it cools off in there soon!!!!!).
Speaking of brunch last Sunday--LOVE the brunch! I can enjoy migas made with eggs from hens that have scratched and run around on grass: content chickens give rich-yolked nutrition-dense eggs. The sausage patty was moist and flavorful (and also local--yay truly "good" meat!).
The kids liked the buckwheat pancakes and I liked that they were served organic orange juice.
Please note that Somnio's might not be compatible with all kids--it's small and uninteresting to the younger set. Turns out that mine have high tolerance for boredom. Because we drag them to alot of poetry readings.
Bring your own Prosecco, your wine, your beer, your whiskey*--they can set you up if you mix your stuff.. No corkage.
*These are real life examples of what has been responsibly enjoyed with meals at Somnio's. Your experiences will vary.Listed in: Omnivore's Delight
-
Review from Jennie C.
Austin, TX
I passed by this place on my way to Sugar Mama's tonight, and I'd thought I'd give it a try. Somino's is organic, BYOB, and open a supporter of Eat Local. I was really surprised that it hadn't been reviewed before as it is in a pretty busy section of town. The hours for lunch were 11-2, and dinner was 5- something. Since I arrived at Sugar Mama's around 3:30pm, hung out with the cashier and used the neighbor's unsecured wifi.
I ordered the panko-crusted pork medallions served on a carrot and arugula salad with garlic mashed potatoes and a bowl of carrot ginger soup (vegan) for $11. Many of the items here are vegetarian or can be converted to vegan. I got the soup in a to-go box for Nick over at Sugar Mama's. He hadn't been to Simino's before and wanted to try something. I had a little taste of it, and he says that it's pretty good as far as they go. Gingery and mild, with a very "superfoodie" feel.
My panko-crusted pork medallions were awesome. Crispy on the outside, thin sliced on the inside. They were drizzled with a red pepper tahini sauce and some other red spicy stuff. YUMMY! Very nice. The garlic mashed potatoes were also good. They were what you expected them to be. Not great, but not bad.
I'd go again if I felt the need to eat something healthful right before a healthy dosing of cupcakes. Also, I overheard the waitress say that almost everyone there plays the guitar. When closing time draws near, they start jamming out. Check it out, and bring some wine while you're at it. I recommend a slightly sweet (to go with their sweet potato fries and carrot ginger soup) or spicy red (for the panko-crusted tenderloins or the stuffed portabella) or a white (for their salads) to go with their menu.Listed in: BYOB, Bring your own Buzz!
-
Review from sarah d.
New York, NY
8/5/2008
After eating at this restaurant, I decided I wanted to marry a chef.
The owner is brilliant. Shitake mushroom dumplings were incredibly divine. Breaded and fried avocado filled with mushrooms and pecans? Yes, please. Squash tacos? Not as good as the appetizers, but when you get to this level of greatness, who's really comparing? I like Kid A more than Amnesiac but they're still fucking Radiohead. And this restaurant is Radiohead. Except a restaurant. And only open 5 days a week for dinner exclusively.
I didn't have any, but it looks like their house-made iced tea is also awesome. And frankly, everything else on the menu looks pretty awesome, too. Go there now. It's beyond belief. -
Review from Jefe R.
San Francisco, CA
9/24/2009
Somnio's is one of a whole new breed of restaurant that I am, whether I like it or not, going to have to get much more comfortable with. I have, for those who don't know me, become permanently attached to a lovely young woman with but one flaw that I can see. She does not eat meat.
I know. It's weird.
So, now I have to constantly try and find places to take her when she's in the land of slaughtered and barbecued cow flesh (shes from Cali, and not in Austin as often as I would like) that are designed for herbivores. Thankfully, Austin is a good city for that, even if it is the Captiol of Texas, and Somnio's is extremely vegetarian friendly, a bit hippy-dippy, but cozy and lovely with just enough meat on the menu to keep a dedicated carnivore like myself happy. We had a very lovely meal here not too long ago, and while the place is a little crowded even with only 7-8 tables, its comfortable enough to feel at home in. I wouldn't want to plan a giant celebration here by any means, but if you are trying to win the heart of a tree-hugging, macro-psychotic veggie-hound, (Hi, Baby! I love ya!) then this is a great little intimate date spot. -
Review from James Y.
Austin, TX
8/2/2008
Here's what I don't get about the Austin restaurant scene...people are looking for fresh, local & organic, but then balk when they see high prices. It's called paying for what you get, people. Well, fortunately there's a place on S. 1st street where you can get fresh, local, organic AND affordable all in one stop.
I first came across Somnio's on an amble down S. 1st to check on the status of a new bakery that is being built out down that way. Well, I run across a sandwich board with a menu taped on it. This is the kind of restaurant sign that I wouldn't really pay much attention to when driving in a car, so I stop and 'smell the roses', so to speak. The menu looked small, but terrific, but unfortunately I had already eaten dinner. So I take a pic on the cell phone for posterity. Fast forward to the weekend, and some friends and I are facing the ages-old debate of where we want to eat dinner. The same old tired suggestions come out, but then I remember the picture on my phone, fire up the interwebs and show them the menu on their website. We hop in the futuremobile and are there in a jiffy.
I must admit, at first glance it looked very frightening, in that there were not many cars there and barely any sign of life inside. But once we stepped in, we got the royal treatment. The place is beautiful inside, with a combination of rustic farmhouse colors, a lighted marble bar and some lovely art on the walls. The two guys there were very friendly, and really wanted to make sure that we had a great dining experience. They pointed out the BYOB policy, which we didn't take advantage of on this trip but most assuredly will on a return. Then we got down to brass tacks and started in on the menu.
The menu, like I mentioned before, is small. Very small. But I'd rather go to a restaurant that does a handful of things right than a restaurant that has an expansive menu yet can't even execute on a grilled cheese. Well, my friends & I decide to start with the stuffed avocado and the dumplings for appetizers. I think avocado was sent here by the devil, and don't touch the stuff. However, the shitake dumplings were outstanding. Very yummy, with a nice texture and good dipping sauce. The avocado was supposedly very good, according to my compatriots.
For my entree, I tucked in to some squash tacos on corn tortillas. Squash is still very much in season here in Austin, so I decided that would be the good pick of the day. While there are a few meat options on the menu, much of the menu leans veggie. One friend had the same dish as I (only with gringo tortillas), and the other enjoyed the mushroom tacos. I must say, the mushroom tacos looked the best, with mushroom fritters wrapped in flour tortillas with a little asian slaw on the side. My squash tacos were delicious, but there's just something impressive about a fried thinamajig wrapped in a tortilla (wrapped in a chicago deep dish pizza, then wrapped in a blueberry pancake, dipped in batter and deep fried until it's golden brown. Thanks, Taco Town!).
OK, there is an omission on the menu: I didn't see desserts. I know when I like going out to eat, I enjoy a good dessert to finish a meal with friends. Until I see desserts on the menu, I will assume a BYOD policy, as well.
This place is the kind of restaurant I always wind up finding, but then despite it's awesomeness people just don't visit. I say give it a try. It's a quiet little intimate atmosphere to dine in, in my own neighborhood. Perhaps I'm just being selfish, but I really want this place to remain open to add to my list of mainstays that I can walk to... -
Review from Jessica S.
Austin, TX
10/24/2009
Holy crap, this place is cute!
Somehow I didn't realize this was one of those places who uses local goods. Tastes like Austin! We started with hummus. It was delicious, and the feta on top did NOT taste like the stuff you buy in the store--in a good way.
Wanted to try the salsa, too. Had a lot of chili powder in it. Not the best salsa ever, but still good.
I had a hard time deciding and ended up with the green curry. It has two peppers by it, but did not find it spicy at all. It was very tasty and the leftovers the next day made my lunch pals jealous. I got to try a few bites of the Sissy Salad--very interesting, tasty combination of flavors. I tried a bite of my friend's bison meatloaf and it was very good.
It's a super cute place and I will for sure come back.
Also, as I told my friend when I came back to the table, "the cutest bathroom in south Austin."Listed in: When you gotta go, you gotta…
-
Review from Mollie E.
Austin, TX
7/25/2011
Somnios is a neighborhood gem! It is a quaint, cozy little spot that serves fresh dishes that will please both veggie lovers and meat eaters alike. The atmosphere tends to be on the quieter side, good for small groups and pairs, not so good for loud kids. The menu changes daily and it is veggie and meat-eater friendly. They always have fantastic fresh iced tea options or you can bring your own wine or beer (for a corking fee- $3 last time I went). I always leave this place full and I'm continually surprised by the decent price after eating a substantial amount of food. I pretty much always leave this place happy :)
-
Review from Karen C.
Austin, TX
7/25/2011
The BF and I are always on the lookout for local restaurants close to home and Somnio's fit the bill. That fact paired with the reviews I read on Yelp were enough to get us there. Sad to say, the experience we had there will not be bringing us back.
1. We got a lot of attitude from the hostess about the drinks we asked about ordering - I asked for soda water and the BF asked for a diet Coke. From the eye roll and sneer, you would have thought we were asking for the blood of her first born. They don't carry anything but Izze soda and since those aren't sugar-free, we went with plain water. I had no idea if they had anything else to offer since we weren't informed of any alternatives to what we had asked for (other than the Izze sodas).
2. Unbeknownst to us, everything is made from scratch and takes a long time to prepare so we waited about 45-50 minutes from the time we ordered until our food arrived (I'm assuming they harvested the veggies and slaughtered the meat on the spot because I still can't figure out why it would take so long). They served the BF first and I didn't get my food for another 5 minutes. I find this annoying. One person has to sit there waiting to eat while his or her food gets cold or can sit there and eat in front of the other person while he or she waits for his or her food to arrive. Just serve the table together and solve that problem.
3. The BF got the goat burger which was actually quite tasty. He had no complaints about his meal except for the time it took to prepare. I was not so lucky. I ordered the pork scallopini and roasted potatoes on the side (also came with a salad of greens and peaches which was good). The pork itself was fatty and full of gristle. The potatoes were swimming in grease (I'm not sure if they were roasted and then covered in oil or if they were pan-fried and mislabled on the menu as *roasted* potatoes). Both the pork and the potatoes were tasteless. I almost never add salt to my food, but had to with this dish because it was utterly without flavor.
4. (the final straw!) A few bites into my meal, the pork scallopini slid across the grease filled plate to reveal to me a hair on the plate. A short curly hair that belonged to neither my BF nor myself and could have only come from the kitchen or the waitstaff. That was it for me. I stopped eating and waited for someone to check in on us. When the hostess did, I informed her about the hair. Instead of apologizing, she just said, "Wow! Do you want something else?". Next, our server came over and asked if I wanted something else. Still no apology. Finally, when they brought the bill (with that entree removed from the bill, thankfully...since no one had mentioned taking it off the bill, I fully expected them to charge me for it), the hostess finally told us thank you and squeaked out an "I'm sorry" as we paid the bill. I understand it's completely uncomfortable to have a customer find a hair in their food and being that the restaurant is small and intimate, I'm sure they didn't want to broadcast this fact. However, an apology the moment you are made aware of something like this would have made me feel better about the whole situation.
We did tip the server 20% on the original bill because, let's face it, waiting on tables is hard work and it wasn't her fault my meal was gross.
Needless to say, we won't be going back to Somnio's. -
Review from Anna G.
Austin, TX
3/20/2009
Rezrie wants to go eat at a vegan place for her burfday? Whaaaa? But ya know, it's her day, not mine, so I comply. I have heard it's good but the vegan thing...it frightens me. "It ok, Anna, I think they have some pork," she says. Phew.
We sat in the tiny and homey dining area and it felt like we are guests in someone's home. We were a bit unsure whether to order at the counter or sit down. Our waiter instructed us to pick a table, and as we started perusing the menu and specials, we realized it was going to be hard to decide because everything looked so wonderful.
Since it was St Patrick's Day, we selected the corned beef & cabbage, complimented with an excellent green Irish soda bread with raisins (I've been wanting more ever since), as well as a tasty raw beet/cabbage salad, collard greens, shitake mushroom pot stickers and panko-encrusted pork (my favorite, of course). Everything was yummy and clearly had just been made to order and we both felt satisfied but not over full.
Somnio's was healthy, but did not lack flavor (and I am someone who puts butter at the top of her food pyramid). It's very much what Eastside Café purports to be - local ingredients and basic food cooked well - but twice as good (Eastside Café seems scared of seasoning their food) for half the price. Maybe vegans are onto something after all...Listed in: Where I Chomp
-
Review from Cotton F.
Austin, TX
Updated - 9/26/2008
Got some exposure to a more crowded Somnio this week... Don't recommend it when crowded... the food quality wasn't compromised, but the wait after ordering was longer than most people would be happy about.
Official opening next week and lunch hours will be added... Maybe the extra practice will speed things up at dinner time.
Grand Opening info: SAT, OCTOBER 4, 2008 noon-10pm
"In conjunction with the South First Art Walk (benefiting the Capital Area Food Bank), we will have musical performers and artisans in the backyard, as well as creative activity centers for all to enjoy. "1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/29/2008
BYOB... Had breaded medallions of eggplant with salad(sissy) and Hatch chile mashed potato's... was… Read more »
-
-
Review from Brian S.
Austin, TX
8/7/2008 1 Check-in Here
I was personally recommended this place by James Y, and decided to give it a shot last night with a few friends.
It is a nice walking distance from all of our dwellings, so I threw a delicious and economical bottle of 2002 Rioja in a bag and walked on down.
Yes, this place would be easy to miss and never see in a car. As would many businesses situated in little hidden cottages in the Bouldin neighborhood. I like that atmosphere a lot, though. Quite opposite, in a way, of the flashy signs of SoCo.
We walk in, and are welcomed to a quaint little place, and a smiling woman behind a dry bar. (Hence the BYOB). The bar is rather big for the place, especially for not serving alcohol. Personally, I hope they always keep the BYOB policy, regardless of liquor-license knighting status.
Every table had brought wine. Now this is how dining should be done!
Between 4 people, we had ordered all but 3 items on the menu. We even had a secret item that wasn't on the menu (baba ghanoush) that our neighboring table magically had delivered to them. We were offered a sample as well. It was ok, but evident why it wasn't on the menu just yet.
The appetizers were quite good. I had some interesting tacos that tasted like nothing from Mexico. But they were unique and I enjoyed them regardless. Vegetarian options were the majority of the menu, which I liked. My omnivorous friends were able to take advantage of the meat dishes, as well.
Being in business for such a short amount of time, they have a bit of room for improvement - but I have few complaints.
*Update* - This is now one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants. It is cozy inside, and the food is quite delicious and beautifully served. Once inside, you feel you could talk to an adjacent table of random people without feeling all weird about it. And, the staff doesn't seem to mind the wind blowing down 2 glasses from the window ledge, or a table breaking 2 wine glasses. It started to sound like a Greek restaurant entrance inside, but was all good fun.
Now, to pick out the bottle of wine to accompany my next visit... -
Review from Devon W.
Austin, TX
8/12/2009
My belly is full, my tastebuds are delirious, and my heart is happy.
The boyfriend and I decided to go to Somnio's for dinner tonight. We'd been once before, on our first date around this time last year. We were satisfied and in love then, and thankfully, the experience hasn't changed in the least.
Somnio's (named for the owner's beautiful boxer that we had the pleasure of seeing a photograph of, and has sadly passed on), is a wonderful little place that one could easily overlook. Located in a teeny house off South First, just a bit down from Freddie's, it's not pretentious in any way, though with the food they serve they'd have every right to be.
Tonight we started with the shitake mushroom pot stickers and shared a "Bud" salad. The pot stickers had an amazing texture and really started off the meal well. The Bud Salad, which feaured beets, leafy greens, garbonzo beans and pecans with a honey soy dressing (I believe) was a nice refreshing prelude to what was to come.
Having forgone Maudie's to come to Somnio's my boyfriend and I both ordered tacos as our main dish. Mine were the infamous orange pork tacos....and all I can say is "yum"....sweet, succulent pork, cheese and greens all on a flour tortilla ( but you got your choice ). Very very satisfying. Though if I could change one little thing, it would be to have a cheese with a bit more bite to it...this one was just a touch on the bland side, and something just a little more pronounced would have contradicted the sweetness of the pork and created heaven in my mouth.
The dude ordered (and no, I don't hang with Jeff Bridges) ...I can't recall their name...but it was panco battered shitake mushrooms with a spicy, crunchy slaw and some kind of orange-colored, but not flavored, sauce. Equally "yum". We traded taco for taco as they came two to a plate and I pretty much licked mine clean. My boyfriend even commented that he hadn't seen me eat that much ever (though I'm sure I have)!!
We couldn't bring ourselves to do dessert, but I bet it would've been fantastic. And since the place is BYOB, we brought in our own bottle of vino, shared it and this made the evening even more eclectic. Plus, it keeps the bill reasonable. I think we only ended up spending around 35 clams for the whole shebang. And in my book, with that quality, I should OWE them more money.
Everything's fresh, usually locally grown or produced and there are numerous options, easily identified on the menu thanks to the nifty icons, for you non-meat, non-dairy, non-wheat eatin' folk out there.
Truly a South Austin icon...I'm not waiting another year to go back to Somnio's. You betcha.Listed in: 'Hood Haunts
-
Review from Phyllis K.
Austin, TX
8/23/2008
We were very hesitant about this place. It's hard to spot, and the lettering on the building is atrocious. But we soon discovered that what this restaurant lacks in outward appearance, which is basically everything, it makes up for, and then some, with its cozy interior, friendly staff, and good eats.
The interior is simplistically chic, a few tables and chairs, and a bar, that is adorned only with a vase of flowers and a photo of who I think is the owner, and his dog. ( No liquor license yet, but the place is BYOB!)
The menu is small and focused (and VERY veggie friendly :)), which I always take a good sign, and is dependent on what locally-grown and organic produce is freshest. As such, it can vary seasonally, and even monthly. They also offer a daily special for sides, dessert, and on this particular dining experience, a soba noodle and bean sprout salad w/ fried okra. Pretty intense sounding, and also pretty delicious.
As our mains, we ordered the Orange Pork tacos and the Green Chile Cheese steak w/ the "bud" salad side, and beet greens. Pretty amazing stuff. The tacos came with some incredible peach salsa and were flavorful, filling, and surprisingly light. The cheese steak definitely not a cheese steak in the traditional sense, but was still a yummy. stewed mix of veggies and beef. And the 'bud" salad, my god, chickpeas and beets with greens and some type of ambrosia-like, nectar-of-the-gods dressing, that was sweet and smokey.
And though we perhaps, over-satiated ourselves, the food was so healthy and fresh that I was still elated, despite being uncomfortably stuffed! Only one other thing has given me that joy, and that's love, too true.
I will be back, and will bring others! -
Review from Bernadette D.
Austin, TX
4/12/2009
I always pass this place on my way to work and I was curious about Somnio's Cafe. I decided to hang out with my friend from work and try out the place.
It's a small place and it was really intimate. It wasn't crowded at all on a Saturday night. The menu is really small and I wish they would add more items to the menu. The food is great and healthy. I had the shittake dumplings which was really good. The service was awesome.
I ordered Portobello Mushrooms with Yellow Curry Mash Potatoes and that took longer than my friends Sweet Potato Risotto. It was ironic because she got her food first.
But no matter. I will come back to this place again.
