Bakehouse

After 33 years, the Bake House has shuttered its doors. Strange Brew bought it to expand their mega-​music complex. Their final brunch was on Sunday, June 15^th. They sold the establishment for $ 1,000,000. The new restaurant will be a 24-​hour diner. I’ve heard very few complaints about the Bake House closing its doors. Most people seem ecstatic about getting something new in that spot. Guess we’ll have to wait to see if newer is better. Looking forward to it!
Rumor is: they will keep the crazy globe lighting…

It’s official. The Bakehouse’s last day of business is June 15, 2014. The owner is retiring and Strangebrew will be taking over the space for a 24-​hr café.

I love coming to this place. It’s a place that I can actually walk to, they have a bar with German beers and they have these amazing sausage rolls!!!
It’s a guilty pleasure to stop there after a long day or breakfast.
I’ve had breakfast there… Good
Lunch… Good
Burgers… Great!
German food… Great!

For what you pay, the Bakehouse does a good job. I had the beef stroganoff on rice with sweet potato fries as my side, while my wife had the pork loin schnitzel. We liked what we ate, though it wasn’t the best version of either food we’d ever had. The server was attentive to just the right degree, which was also pleasant.
For a total of four adults and two kids who left feeling full and content, the tab was under $ 70, including two beers and an appetizer. On the whole, the Bakehouse seems like a solid place for neighborhood-​joint fare with a twist that yields a few regional cuisines, and has some fun German beer options on tap.

Wow! This restaurant is a MUST TRY… but, sssh! It’s our new secret best restaurant place so don’t tell anyone!
A good friend recommended we try this place because it had the BEST chicken fried steak he had ever had. I’m so glad we did.
On reading the menu, you might wonder how a restaurant can keep all the fresh ingredients in stock — from South Austin Wellington, to curries, to the most amazing chicken pot pie I have ever seen, to Mexican dishes, to prime rib and steaks. This restaurant has it all!
It is nestled off Manchaca in south Austin between Ben White/​71 and Stassney. Be careful — if you blink, you’ll miss it. The restaurant itself is not over-​bearing — it is set back in between a strip mall and laundry-​mat. Not what you might think, right?! That’s why it’s OUR new secret place to go!
When I say the menu is extensive and the food, across all categories, is exquisite, I’m not kidding. This really is a place to check out. Believe it or not, the restaurant has been at this location since 1983!
The service was great, the beer selections are fab (happy hours too!), and the menu options are beyond what you would expect for a location off Manchaca. If you are north of south Austin, this place is well worth the drive.
We will definitely be going back to this place OFTEN, but SHHHH!!! It is our secret!

Sounds like south-​austin funky, feeeeels like barf.
The people who like this place are insane, and I can only assume that the bakehouse is the first restaurant they’ve been to.
This place doesn’t just need a makeover, it needs to be gutted completely. The food is on the low side of mediocre, and the atmosphere is downright off-​putting. Half the wait-​staff is stoned, and the bar (!!) looks like it might be the saddest place in 5 square miles.
If you are considering coming here, keep in mind that there are so many amazing restaurants in this town, and life is short. Do the math.

So our server Jessica, was awesome, nice and helpful. We couldn’t decide between breakfast or lunch at our table so we had it all. Pizza omelette was nice with homestlye potato and fruit. the liver, bacon and onions was awesome! not many will try liver and onions anymore but it was sooo good. and then the Chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes. well? it was pretty. the gravy was perfect and the mashed potatoes were chunky and good. the CFS? well it was the Spiciest I have had. it had a nice flavor but it was HOT. Now I like spicy I was raised a Texas girl but when u are not expecting spicy it can be a bit much. a little warning on the menu would have been nice. otherwise it was good. Had the sausage chowder too. wow that was good as were the mini muffins with Honey. overall a great experience and I would love to try the burger I read about. oh and the bacon? Amazing…

I hate that Unilocal «buries» my previous reviews every time I write an Update, but I MUST write one anyway (but please read previous ones too, please, for complete overview by this writer).
Overall rating: still FOUR Stars, but the Burgers: FIVE STARS!
BEST BURGER IN TOWN!
(imho)
I’ve been coming here for a long time, but I’m sort of a «one-​trick pony», in that I have a «fave» at every restaurant I patronize. And in many cases, I don’t vary from what I already know I like (you can only eat ONCE per visit, unless you’re Rob Balen, and I’m big ENOUGH already).
Since The Bakehouse has «fancier» fare, I’ve never really thought of it as «the» place I’d go for a Burger; after all, there’s a perfectly good Dairy Queen, right down the street, and a GOOD one at that. THAT’S the «Burger Joint» around this ‘hood, right?
Well, halfway right, DQ does a decent burger, WAY better than any other fast food place around, and the same can be said for the other DQ’s in Austin. They are a cut above BK, «DacaMo» and the rest; thank you Warren Buffett. Dem Buffet’s know their Cheeseburgers, be it Warren or Jimmy!
But The Bakehouse Burger is in a different class altogether (though not necessarily in price, just quality): Patty thick enough to be done like a good steak: NOT well-​done, but still pink in the middle. Relax, it’s OK, it’s NOT Pork or Poultry. Or get it well-​done, if you must; they’ll cook it however you want (just suggesting). Whatever variety of burger you get, you’re gonna get the same tasty, expertly cooked patty; now it’s just a question of whatcha want on it.
In the Burger category, so far I’ve had the Bacon /​Swiss; and Bacon /​Swiss /​Avacado /​Mushroom Burger. I didn’t intend to have the latter, but my waitress must’ve been distracted and mis-​heard «Avacado» where I said «Bacon» (they DO sound alike, right? [hehe]). So she brought the correct ingredients for no additional charge. I’m good with that.
The BACON here needs to be spelled with ALL CAPS, cuz it’s so THICK! I’ve never seen thicker bacon! Of course, thick is nothing if it’s not tasty, but it’s also mouth-​watering.
Look at the pic’s: fresh veggies, served open-​faced; almost too pretty to eat… almost.
So try a burger, but please read my other previous (BURIED) reviews to get the idea: The Bakehouse starts with Burgers, but there’s so much more on the menu that you could easily do what I did, and overlook them in favor of more «sophisticated» fare. All that stuff is wonderful too, but they OUT-​DO the «burger only» establishments, and offer so much more!
Again, still staying with 4 Stars overall, but BURGERS GET FIVE!
I don’t find myself «Hop-​ping» down the street to another place as much as I used to (if ya get my drift). Forget being trendy; a BETTER burger is more important!
Just please don’t start calling the South Manchaca area «So Ma». And WHY do folks think adding «So» to everything makes it cooler?
Just try The Bakehouse once, and you may find yourself there again… and again…
larrythediner
l

I think this is a place where you would bring your parents, or grandparents, or finicky eaters. There’s something for everyone on the menu. L-​Dubs’ UYE was a smash, by the way. I ‘m just not crazy about their food. Their tortilla soup is decent, they use dark meat and I like that. The sausage chowder is filling and rich. I don’t think I can eat more than a cup of the stuff. The beef stroganoff is some scary looking shit right there. It’s also heavy on the salt. My house salad was swimming in dressing, so you might want to ask for your dressing on the side. Staff is super friendly and hell, they make a good mimosa.

I’m Not A Muffin Man!
Had it not been for Larry «L DUBS» W. inviting me down for brunch one day, I never would have gone to this joint. Driving around looking for new places to grub out, while sounding awesome, is not something I have time to do. Besides, I get 14 MPG in the city! L Dubs sent me a message one day, asking if I would be interested in meeting somewhere so we could get to know one another. I suggested brunch somewhere on a Sunday. He shot back with the Bakehouse. I looked them up, and, even though they have mixed reviews, I wanted to try them.
It is places like this, and, Threadgills on N. Lamar, that scream; «Hey! I’ve been in Austin a long time!». These are the places that tug on the, «I wanna hang out with you all day», strings of socializing. The Bakehouse pulls you in. With it’s dog friendly patio, full bar, and, «Global» menu, you are apt to find a little soul pleasing peace. When I first went to BH, I saw this old hippy looking dude running around the parking lot popping pictures. I knew immediately it must be L DUBS! I approached him, and, the rest is history!
I have only sampled on the breakfast menu when I have gone here. They make some good thick cut bacon, but, get a little greasy on the fried eggs. Having said that, they were freaking delicious, because it was just the right amount of buttery grease. Perfect hangover eggs! I’ve also sampled the biscuits and gravy. Gotta give them a MEH! If you are looking for biscuits and gravy, this ain’t where it’s at. Shoot over to Dan’s. Most recently I attended L DUBS’ UYE here. I had the Otto Omelet, which consisted of something having to do with Germany, sausage, ham (I think, sorry can’t remember), onions and cheese, and three eggs. That was hands down one of the best omelets I’ve had! I wanted to drown it in Tabasco, but, I made myself eat it as it was served, so I could really taste it.
These guys also have a good variety of starters, salads, soups, lunch and supper items along with desserts. With my breakfast, I was given two mini blueberry muffins. These muffins and other desserts, are made fresh. I offered my muffins to L DUBS. He refused to take my muffins, as he had his own. He insisted that I eat my muffins, and, I exclaimed; «L DUBS I’m not a muffin man!». He kept insisting I give it a go. He told me that I would be impressed with the taste. The freshness and texture, he said, were sure to surprise me. Well, since he invited me to brunch, I felt obligated to indulge in muffin diNing. I looked at said muffin, hesitated, licked my lips, opened real wide, extended my tongue, and, diVed in! That was the sweetest and most fresh muffin I have ever gotten down on. Still, though, I must proclaim, I am no muffin man!
The Bakehouse is a sure winner for chilling out, enjoying some tasty food, company, and, drinks. They have a full bar, but, the service can be a bit slooow. Last time I was in there, I went to the bar, and, got to watch the BT chop up two limes, and, have conversation with two other coworkers, all the while never acknowledging me! This, I did not like, and, one of the other patrons saw it all go down and they rolled their eyes. I hope, for them, that this is not normal service. BT got no tip from me. With the above being said, I went four stars on these guys because of the atmosphere, food choices, full bar, and, dog friendly patio along with good waiter/​waitress service at the table. I will most definitely go back. Got a hankering to try those pork shanks and jaegerschnitzel!

When I entertain visiting company, brunch is pretty much always expected. This gives me a problem, because the usual brunching fare is packed between 11 and 3 on the weekends with 30+ minute waits. I don’t want to take my guests out for brunch only to lead to them staring in the windows like a dickensian waif well before they can be seated.
And it wasn’t until this weekend that I realized that making the trips all over town to scope out the shortest possible lines is kind of foolish, when there’s a great spot right here on the south side, a short bike ride from home.
I’ve passed by Bakehouse numerous times before, and even stopped in once to grab beers with a friend. But I just never figured out that this place serves a great breakfast as well. I had an omelet, and it was enormous-​too much for one sitting, which is rare since being raised by wolves, I’ve always been taught to eat everything on the plate in case the winter months bring a shortage of food.
And if it’s not for brunch-there’s a full bar with an excellent sampling of beers. The memory there is a bit hazy, and I remember saying I’d swing back more often, then utterly failing to do so.
Next time, I suppose I should check out the titular baked goods.

This place feels like what would happen if Mel’s Diner had a lovechild with a re-​purposed old Taco Bell. and hired Gerardus Mercator as a decorator.
When about 20 Unilocalers descend on Bakehouse at the same time, you would think that would be a recipe for disaster. But our orders got placed efficiently, food was delivered relatively quickly, coffee and sodas got refilled (usually without us needing to ask), our waitress guessed on how we’d like to split the checks without us having to beg her to do so, and the cost was very reasonable. And many empty plates made their way back to the kitchen.
There were somewhat upscale menu choices that surprised me given the location. I saw what looked like a lamb shank at the next table, and many great looking Eggs Benedict (with the usual Canadian bacon, or the «Bakehouse» option with a sausage patty). I saw a beautiful large bowl of oatmeal with raisins (all the portions here will definitely not leave you hungry). And the cook at the egg station seemed to really have their stuff down. I wasn’t in love with my burger (hence not five-​star), and I could have used a smaller side-​of-​sweet-​potato-​fries option. But the way even the daintiest of Unilocalers downed their food convinced me that I just need to order towards their strengths (i.e. breakfast) next time.
Good olé Neil M. hit the nail on the head. As a Northie, I would never have even heard of this place if not for Larry W. hosting a UYE here. But with my sis-​in-​law living not too far down Manchaca from here, I see us coming back, especially with her pooch on the pup-​friendly patio, which was quite a draw on this 70-​something degree January Sunday…
4 stars.

The PRODIGAL son.
Dearest Bakehouse, we have returned and you welcomed us with open arms. It has been over a decade since we have stepped over your threshold and we’re glad to be back.
Bakehouse was a South Austin trend setter back in the day when the chain restaurants were just a gleam in their eyes. They’ve seen it all and then some so we’re glad to «rediscover» you Bakehouse. Breakfast this morning was awesome the service was attentive. We can’t wait to see what the evening is like.
Here’s whats new… they have a KICK ASS BAR and I for one can’t wait and return like Dora the Explorer to see what’s-what.

Bake House has been around forever. I know lots of locals from South Austin who often talk about going to eat here growing up with their parents. My first impression of going to bake house was being shocked at how large the menu is.
The South Austin wellington would torment Gordon Ramsay and send him into an hour long chain of colorful expletives. I’m not even sure what they were going for with the sauce they put on the wellington but it didn’t taste anything like a gravy.
I think most of the customers here just happen to be from the neighborhood near the restaurant and are too lazy to go get better food or went to eat here as children with their parents and just keep coming back.
The food is so boring, I’m sure this place is great if you have a child who isn’t an adventurous eater who wants to try have frozen fried chicken strips for every meal.
If I ever go back I will probably give the greasy spoon breakfast items a chance. I figure it would be hard for them to screw that up, but I would stay as far away from any of the nicer sounding dinner entrée’s as they are not classy enough to deliver.

Plentiful parking, cozy booths, breakfast til 3 and alcohol starts at 7 (that’s AM, and 10 on Sundays). My kinda place. I was so excited about my Bakehouse Benedict (swap out the Canadian Bacon for American breakfast sausage patties) I forgot to take a picture for Unilocal!No fear, I will be back soon. Maybe if I be real good, Santa will bring me some of those baked treats I saw in the case for only $ 1.25 each!

Bakehouse is a nice local spot with a different take on grub. I have never had anything other than breakfast, but it is a popular place for us Southies needing to recover and fill up before killing ourselves again on the weekend. Everyone is usually happy with their order.
I love their biscuits and gravy as an app. From there it is always hard to decide. Pancakes are delicious, french toast is on point, but I love the Bakehouse Eggs Benedict. Poached Eggs with a delightful hollandaise stacked on top of sausage and home fries. Can you say YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
I will say sometimes they are slow and parts of your plate will not be the warmest. Those would be the only things I think they need to improve. The options are great, price is good, people are nice, and I will keep coming.

My friend said Bakehouse was so hipster that even hipsters don’t know about it. Bakehouse can’t be that big of an Austin secret, because almost 200 Unilocalers have reviewed this little diner in South Austin. But it is certainly one of the best places to go for a weekend breakfast or brunch without having to endure long waits for a table — something I hate.
I like this classic Austin diner. I’m a bakehouse fan. Why? It’s easy on the wallet. The servers are friendly and efficient. And the food is solid. I had huevos rancheros; two eggs served over easy as I like them, covered in a flavorful texmex salsa and cheese over two corn tortillas, with refried beans on the side. The biscuit and gravy was a little disappointing; the biscuit more solid than soft and fluffy, and the gravy bland. But hey, I’m Australian, so what do I know about biscuits and gravy. My husband loved his omelet, and our friends both had pancakes which they said were pretty good.
Check it out!

Um the BEST pancakes ever! I know Austin has a few other locations that claim best pancake. However I must disagree, I think the cakes at the Bakehouse are the best in the area. I’ve been here a few times and the staff is really friendly and courteous. Food is great and delicious. It sits off the roadway just a bit and is nestled in-​between a couple of other businesses so you may pass it if you don’t pay attention.
They have something for everyone on their menu. Definitely a must on your Austin bucket list.

I’ve been driving past this place for years. Nothing about it ever appealed to me for some reason and I’ve always just kept on trucking. I think a big part of that was I couldn’t judge what kind of food I would get, what the inside must look like, anything really, from the look of the building. And I never got the metal globe on the roof. Merp. But then throughout the holidays I kept noticing their marquee that read «Happy Hollandaise!» and a.) thought that was goshdarn clever and b.) was now assured that they can whip up an eggs benedict dish — something I crave and hunt down and prey on like a ravenous human who likes eggs benedict.
Today whilst playing the «Whadaya wanna eat?» «I dunno, whada yoooou wanna eat?» «I don’t care… whatever yoooou wanna eat…» game, Bakehouse popped into my head, saving lives and ending that potentially endless loop of indecision.
My overall takeaway is that this place is like Grandma is cooking for you and let Grandpa do the decorating.
They’ve got an expansive menu, and an entire menu dedicated to breakfast /​brunch items — everybody loves this. Getting to order breakfast any time of the day is a treat.
But I was in the mood for more filling fare, I went with the Beef Wellington. That was the 3d star, the saving grace of this visit. We’ll come back to that shortly.
We got the guac appetizer. Guac is tricky. It needs to be made with perfectly ripe avocados, made fresh and have a decent amount of citrus in it to keep it from browning. Ours had good flavor but was already browning. I, like anyone else, eat frist with my eyes, so regardless of the good flavor, had trouble eating it since it wasn’t as fresh as I’d have liked.
Their bread is amazing, to die for, perfect, wonderful… and all that good stuff. I’d order loaves of it to go… I should do that. Okay, I’m gonna do that.
Mini-​Me had chicken strips (SHOCKERING) and I now realize how badly I need to vary her restaurant diet. Sheesh. She’s noshing on the leftovers now and seems pretty happy.
The gentleman had the breakfast plate — fried eggs, toast, side of tatoes. Cleaned the plate.
Okay, my Beef Wellington was really really good. The flavor was great, it was filling, a perfect little portion. The breading was cooked perfectly (I always worry about it being doughy or mushy) The sauce and mushrooms were flavorful. It was just a great dish. The baked tater I got on the side is calling my name now, I was too full to touch it at the restaurant.
Service was nice. The missing two stars are due to cleanliness. I’d like it if the floors were cleaner and the seats were wiped down (they do wipe the tables) when a party leaves. But in the casual, diner atmosphere, I wasn’t put out by any thing and really did enjoy myself. My server was very sweet and did a good job.
I’m not going to talk about the dinner salad because I’m just not. This is not the place to order salads, I’ll leave it at that.
They have some hearty dishes on the menu that I want to try and the French toast that walked past me blew me a kiss and gave me its phone number, so I’ll be calling on it next time. Sexy French toast. I’ll be back for breakfast and brunch food… and probably to check out the quaint little bar at some point.

Atmosphere and Cleanliness: Its easy to see that this place has been around a while, very nice BUT a little messy. It did get swept up as we ate.
Service: Another trip with our grand daughter and it was a great on at that… waitress was quick to grab a high chair… Brandy did a great job.
Food: Wife had the chicken fried steak… was the second for her so far on this adventure, beating out Hills Café on flavor and size… fries were GOOD. I had the Bake house breast of chicken… chicken breast was moist and packed full of flavor and the rice was very good… this was new direction for me in food, and I liked it… Sophie had a side of mashed taters, that she gobbled down… Everything tasted fresh and home cooked.
Worth the Adventure: Oh Yea… with the menu variety, we look forward to try something new next time.