Hudson’s on the Bend

November 18, 2008

My wife’s birthday was this past Thursday and we always drive past Hudson’s on the Bend and she always remarks that we have never been there. Well this past Thursday I corrected that. I was very skeptical going in thinking that what is the big deal… how can a forty to fifty dollar a plate place be that much better than other places we eat at. Well I was wrong… dead wrong. We first ordered the crab cake appetizer and it was very light and the flavor combinations were amazing. We also loved the pumpkin bread they brought out. They treated us with a small appetizer courtesy of the chef that was very good. Dinner for me was the strip steak and for her was pork chops with venison stuffing. While I did not like the Polenta Fries, everything in my meal and my wife’s were perfect otherwise. We also got a free small dessert box to go along with two fifteen dollar gift certificates to come back. Have other people been there and had a similar experience or did I get lucky?

Drunken Goat

If you didn’t get the smoked Elk backstrap, you missed out. That was awesome.
Hudson’s Fan

Hudson’s is my favorite restaurant in Austin. My wife and I go several times a year. We’d go more often, but it is pricey. I have never had anything less than an outstanding meal there. We always take friends and family from out of town. If you really want a treat, do one of the cooking school/brunches. They are so much fun, and not really that much more expensive than dinner and drinks.

I am on there email list, and the $15 gift certificates is a promotion they are doing right now. Everyone who dines should get one. As far as the ‘free’ appetizer and dessert, that is standard. If you haven’t been to this place yet, put it at the top of your list for the next special occasion.

Also, second Drunken Goat on the Elk.
Stmbtsprgs

Hudson’s is one of the best restaurants in Texas, not just Austin. I wish it were less expensive so we could go there more often, but I am afraid it is a “you get what you pay for” situation and this one is worth every penny. It is an experience that will be remembered.

I also have to say my favorite single dish is the Elk and the best dish for first-timers is the mixed game grill.
Victoria

It is hands down the best restaurant in austin , except for Uchi. Although, I did not get any free coupons and we will def. go back.
Tom

Hear, hear on the Elk backstrap! – That is one tasty plate. Excellent restaurant.
JA

I have never tried this place. I too just drive by and notice it but have seen the chef on many television shows. I think coupons/incentives are a great way to get new people into the restaurant.

Does elk taste like regular beef steak? I’ve never had anything like it.
Anonymous

We went in September, food was amazing!
Tom

I think the elk has a bigger game flavor than beef but not overbearingly so. The backstrap is very tender and is great if you want to try something a little different but not go as far as the ostrich!
Two Apples

Hudson’s has always provided outstanding food and great service in a low-key environment. Highly recommended.
Kim

I’m surprised to see so many positive reviews for Hudson’s. Their food is novel and well-prepared, and I would encourage the curious to give them a try, but I wouldn’t recommend them for a special occasion. My experience with the service there has been average to poor, including a callous handling of a billing error (they charged us for wine from another table) when we had an international business guest.

Perhaps things have improved in the last couple years. My husband and I eventually stopped going in favor of safer bets. For that much money, we don’t want to worry about inconsistency. We’ve also never received complimentary dishes (or in the case of the billing error, an apology). I’m hoping from reading your comments that my own experiences have been flukes, or maybe poor past management which has since been corrected.
Brian Byrne

I’d say that anyone that lives this close to Hudsons and hasn’t eaten there is missing out on one of the great aspects of our neighbourhood. I’ve eaten here several times and have been extremely impressed on all occasions. It *is* pricey – which definitely makes it a special occasions thing for me – which actually makes it more of a treat!