North By Northwest

The food was mediocre at best, overpriced as well. The meal was overcooked. Service was decent. As for the brewery, I wasn't really impressed with the beer. Their light pilsner tasted like Keystone and water. I wouldn't recommend it.

Pros: None
Cons: Food, Beer, Wait time

I recently dined at North by Northwest and had a fantastic dining experience. Upon arrival, the atmosphere in the bar was energetic and immediately a place you felt like you wanted to bring your friends. Dinner was delicious. The Bacon-wrapped Scallops were prepared perfectly, the field green salad was as tasty as it always is, and the beef tenderloin was one of the best steaks I have ever had. The food however is not the only plus for North by Northwest. Their beer is also something to look forward to! They have several different kinds to choose from and a couple even change every month so you could never get tired of drinking there. Overall, my fiance and I are very impressed and would recommend visiting this place whenever you get a chance!!

Pros: Attentive servers, great food, GREAT beer

I'm from Ca but before Austin I did 7 years in Portland, OR. Was very much looking forward to a "taste of home" last summer when we were homesick and new transplants to Tx.
Food, sub-standard. Just not great quality. They had some funny names so at least the menu was NW like but the decor and actualy taste. Meh, not so great.
I mean they did nail down the mediocre to poor service that Portland has...well they weren't that bad but the food was just not that good. Went a second round to make sure, 2 strikes and you are out.

Wish is was better. I think what they need is Totchos. Oh yeah tater tots (prevalent in NW) and nachos - a place in Portland's Sellword sdistrict makes them - think tots with all the fixings of nachoes (real cheese not the velveta). Now that would make this place awesome right there.

My wife and I have been going to NXNW since they opened during the DotCom hype. We have always loved the place and even with the constantly expanding and changing menu this local brew pub has preserved what it is all about and what Austin is all about. North by Northwest is a new take on Northwestern cuisine and the combination of food beer and a fairly extensive wine list (for a micro brewery) make this place special.
As we have been there so often I would run out of space to describe all the delicious food my wife and I had at this place, or colleges and customers I have taken for Lunch and/or Dinner. I think the biggest secret about this place is chef George....the guys is PHENOMENAL! As I said for the last 5+ years the food is very consistent and always excellent.
For Lunch I would recommend the rib special on Monday (divine) the best you can get. I have only had the same quality and taste once in a very upscale restaurant in Chicago that was almost as good.
Any time of the day: The Burger! It is (at least for me) the BEST BURGER IN TOWN (yes, I have been to Casino El Camino, Dirty's and even the West Lynn Nau's Pharmacy)... this one for me beets them all!
For Dinner: The Filet is excellent, try to change the order to have it with the blue cheese scallop potatoes...wonderful. The Duck is great and very inexpensive.
Appetizers: The Calamari (great to share), the Cornbread (if you are not allergic against goat cheese) can also be a lighter meal, the Artichokes are very nice and the Crab Cakes......(I think are George's speciality)

Aaahhh for get the recommendations, try anything you want and I promise you it will be good!

Now combine this with some of the best beer in town (I'm from Germany and lived in the UK so beer is a big deal for me), try the DuckabishAmber, the Black-beer, I especially love the sour beers the brew master puts together (not something for everyone, but if you like it you... oh you will have to ask for it as well).

Pros: Food, beer and wine selection, ambience, value -- short everything!
Cons: Parking can be tricky -- but heh that shows you this place is very popular

I love NXNW! It has fabulous food and a unique menu. They have a cozy, but chic decor and a fabulous patio. The patio is covered in lush grenery and white christmas lights. You can even catch music out on the patio from time to time. I hear the beer menu is great, but I'm not much of a beer drinker, so I couldn't tell you for sure. If you want to go somewhere for a memorable date or just to gather with friends on the patio. This is a great pick.

Pros: Patio & Music, decor, food
Cons: it can be loud