Clark’s Oyster Bar – Austin, TX

Clark’s Oyster Bar – Austin, TX

08.13.18
Trips

You can’t win them all, can you? It’s a little bit funny but before this trip, I don’t think I quite realized what a huge difference service can make in a restaurant experience. Perhaps it is because the majority of service is relatively neutral and not memorable, or perhaps it is because I had experiences to such opposite extremes during my time in Austin. Whatever the case may be, the service at Clark’s is a stellar example of how NOT to provide hospitality.

The place is cute as can be and the food was good overall, but all of that was eclipsed by the sullen disinterested waitstaff. From the moment we sat down, I had the impression that we were somehow imposing on them by being there. Honestly, the service was so bad that now in hindsight, it makes me laugh every single time I think of it. When Mike Pence introduced RFRA legislation here in Indiana to help legalize discrimination, businesses in Indy countered with signs saying, “We like you here.” I keep thinking Clark’s needs the opposite sign: “We do not like you here.”

While I don’t aim to provide negative reviews, I do want to be honest. I think I’m a reasonable customer who is relatively easy to please. That said, Clark’s Oyster Bar doesn’t deserve a dime of your money or a second of your time if they can’t provide even decent hospitality to their clientele. Spend your money elsewhere.

Clark's Oyster Bar

1200 W 6th St
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 297-2525
website

Cute exterior
Cute interior as well
Patiently waiting
Yes, there were oysters
Pretty special lemonade
Seriously, LOVED the decor
Oh, what about the food?
Fun patio space
01/08
Cute exterior

In the case of Clark’s, it’s too bad you can’t judge a book by its cover. If the vibe were anything like the bright and happy exterior, it would have been a great experience. ‘Twas not to be.

Cute interior as well

But looks aren’t everything.

Patiently waiting

For anyone to acknowledge us.

Yes, there were oysters

Did the waitstaff explain any of their many varieties or offer suggestions? Absolutely not. Manage your expectations, Annie.

Pretty special lemonade

Caroline can have a good time just about anywhere, especially if there is a “special drink” (AKA something other than water) she is allowed to have.

Seriously, LOVED the decor

I was pretty smitten with the decor. Love the lighting and the cool, calm vibe.

Oh, what about the food?

The food was actually pretty good! Andrew had this beautiful lobster roll and it was tasty. Caroline had linguine with clam sauce which was insanely rich but admittedly delicious. I had steamed mussels and clams and loved that as well.

All things considered, I can cook all of these things just as well myself. If I was in Austin looking for good seafood, didn’t feel like cooking, and wanted to be glared at by servers, I would totally eat at Clark’s again.

Fun patio space

I can imagine sitting out on the patio with some chilled rosé with the misters on and having a lovely evening, provided I wasn’t bothering the front of house staff with my existence.

View as a List
  • Cute exterior
    Cute exterior

    In the case of Clark’s, it’s too bad you can’t judge a book by its cover. If the vibe were anything like the bright and happy exterior, it would have been a great experience. ‘Twas not to be.

  • Cute interior as well
    Cute interior as well

    But looks aren’t everything.

  • Patiently waiting
    Patiently waiting

    For anyone to acknowledge us.

  • Yes, there were oysters
    Yes, there were oysters

    Did the waitstaff explain any of their many varieties or offer suggestions? Absolutely not. Manage your expectations, Annie.

  • Pretty special lemonade
    Pretty special lemonade

    Caroline can have a good time just about anywhere, especially if there is a “special drink” (AKA something other than water) she is allowed to have.

  • Seriously, LOVED the decor
    Seriously, LOVED the decor

    I was pretty smitten with the decor. Love the lighting and the cool, calm vibe.

  • Oh, what about the food?
    Oh, what about the food?

    The food was actually pretty good! Andrew had this beautiful lobster roll and it was tasty. Caroline had linguine with clam sauce which was insanely rich but admittedly delicious. I had steamed mussels and clams and loved that as well.

    All things considered, I can cook all of these things just as well myself. If I was in Austin looking for good seafood, didn’t feel like cooking, and wanted to be glared at by servers, I would totally eat at Clark’s again.

  • Fun patio space
    Fun patio space

    I can imagine sitting out on the patio with some chilled rosé with the misters on and having a lovely evening, provided I wasn’t bothering the front of house staff with my existence.

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