The Early Word on Downtown Southern Progressive Newcomer Fixe

Upscale Southern resturant Fixe finally opened on Christmas Eve last month in the downtown IBC Building. Helmed by Keith House and James Robert, the restaurant’s menu takes a progressive look at southern cuisine, including a dedicated grits section. Read on for the early word.

The food — Overall, the fare impressed most people. Chowhounder lixlix thought the restaurant has "some solid and inventive dishes at a very very reasonable pricepoint," and called the crispy beef tendons "the most interesting dish in Austin I've had in 2014." Yelper Jahnavi S. was enamored with her meal: "Each dish is delicately planned, and you can tell. Each bite was mouth watering and bursting with flavor." Yelper Alan P. loved every bite, especially dessert, which he described as "adventurous," and that the red beans and rice were a "complete surprise." While Chowhounder chrisdds98 enjoyed the lobster and crawfish pot pie, quail grits, and boudin, he thought the biscuits were just "fine" and the fried chicken "mediocre."

The ambiance — The Southern charm of the restaurant appealed to Yelper Jessica C. who said, "It definitely seemed warm, cozy and inviting which was what you would expect from a "southern-inspired" restaurant."

The service — The staff is completely on top of their game. Yelper Tim S. explained, "The greeters were warm and welcoming just like the Southern atmosphere set up with the ambience." He continued to compliment his server: "She knew the food and all the different flavors extremely well. Julie answered every question we asked and never steered us wrong." On the other hand, Yelper Dawn G. thought the servers were too observant: "The wait person was too attentive and hovered around so much that at one time she interjected herself into our conversation."

The decor — The massive open interior of the restaurant was overwhelming pleasing. Yelper Jessica C. also loved the indoor patio setup: "It was very charming and did almost feel like we were sitting outside on a patio with a pergola covered in lights, just minus the freezing outdoor temps." Yelper Brad T. enjoyed the views of the open kitchen, which "allows those who wish to be near the action see damn near everything that is happening. You may even hear someone get reamed out in the kitchen...the kind of stuff I like to see."