Chez Zee American Bistro

5406 Balcones Dr, Austin, TX 78731, United States
+1 512-454-2666
$$$ Restaurant
(2490 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Welcome to Chez Zee American Bistro, a charming gastronomic retreat nestled in the heart of Austin at 5406 Balcones Dr. Known for its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant is an oasis for food lovers seeking a delightful American dining experience.

Chez Zee specializes in a unique blend of American comfort food with a Southwestern twist. The menu is thoughtfully crafted, offering a variety of delicious options that cater to both hearty appetites and lighter fare. Start your meal with the Aztec Corn and Shrimp Chowder, where sweet corn and tender shrimp swim in a rich, savory broth, perfectly accented with crunchy tortilla strips. For something lighter, the Chicken And Hummus dish, featuring grilled chicken paired with traditional hummus and fresh mixed greens, promises to delight your taste buds.

When it comes to breakfast or brunch, their omelette selection shines. Indulge in the decadent Old Bay Crabmeat Omelette, filled with sweet crabmeat, roasted red peppers, and Monterey Jack cheese. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it a must-try for seafood lovers. Or go for the Fresh Spinach and Mushroom Omelette, where savory sautéed spinach and mushrooms are served alongside zesty salsa.

The restaurant isn’t just about the food; it’s about the experience. The cozy atmosphere, enhanced by friendly and attentive service, makes it a perfect spot for both casual dining and special occasions. As one customer, Tiny P, beautifully noted, it’s the “little moments” that create a wonderful experience here. Reservations are recommended, as Chez Zee is a beloved icon in the Austin community, often abuzz with energy.

And let’s not forget the desserts – Chez Zee excels in this department! Their Chocolate Decadence Cake has garnered rave reviews for its richness, while the gingerbread pudding is a festive treat that surprises with its moist texture and warm spices, proving to be a delightful finish to any meal.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a cozy lunch with friends, Chez Zee American Bistro offers an exceptional dining experience that leaves a lasting impression. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning a return visit before you even finish dessert!

In summary, give yourself the gift of a culinary adventure at Chez Zee. You’ll not only nourish your body with delicious food but also your spirit with warm hospitality. Book a table today at +1 512-454-2666 and get ready to savor every moment!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has fireplace
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Has great wine list
Has live music
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Serves organic dishes
Has private dining room
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts cheques
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
On-site parking
Valet parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

2490 Reviews
Mel Lei

05 Sep 2025

Rainbow trout was like butter and the mashed potatoes were prefect with texture and flavor. Both flat iron steak and fries were slightly underdone. The fries flavor was still great. Tried 5 different desserts The sampler, the chocolate decadence, and the ginger bread pudding. All amazing! Couldn’t taste the raspberry in the chocolate cake. The ginger bread pudding was more a ginger cake with a thin glaze than a bread pudding. Still so good on both accounts. Hummus was good Music was amazing!!!

Nicholas Cancelliere

29 Aug 2025

A great place, an Austin icon. Usually it is pretty busy. I would recommend a reservation. The food is all good, especially their bread and desserts. The wait staff was very friendly and accommodating.

Hope Carr

20 Aug 2025

I came with a good friend for lunch and it was perfect. It’s a cute setup and our server Russell was attentive, kind, and knowledgeable about the menu. I had mentioned I am pregnant and they had great drink recommendations, and they were sweet enough to write a cute note on my to-go box. The food was also delicious. Will definitely be back!

Tiny P

14 Jul 2025

Great place for special occasions. Cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and great food. It's all the little moments that add up to a wonderful experience!

Cindy Alvarez

09 Jul 2025

As a serious foodie I am not into frou frou food. However, Chez Zee is a Lenten pilgrim's sustaining fast. I had the broiled Salmon on mushrooms and spinach. The broth was so good that I ordered bread to clean my plate. Salmon was tender and I did not use my knife. I found three tiny bones that never entered my mouth because the salmon opened as soon as the fork touched it. Fast service with a delightful smiling Texas air. Parking is tight because fellow Texans enjoy great cuisine too. Must do Sunday Brunch because the pancakes will be dreamy. For dessert I brought home the LAST ST. PADDY'S GUINNESS CUPCAKE! The boyo was moist and I didn't need coffee. Chez Zee exemplifies the art of mighty fine cooking. Sunday is around the corner!

Christopher Leonard

08 Jul 2025

Fantastic experience! We got the smoked pork chop with sweet potato mash and garlic green beans along with the seafood pasta special. Probably one of the best pork chops I've ever had and was cooked perfectly. The cucumber jalapeño margaritas were also very good. Finished it off with the chocolate decadence cake fir desert...so good. Highly recommend

Adrian Narvaez

24 Jun 2025

My (now wife) and I love this place. We first went years ago and loved the food and character of the space. We came back and it was still so great that we ended up also having our wedding rehearsal dinner here. This place holds a special place in our hearts and I hope after reading this, you will come by and try it! They regularly also have a live performer during dinner service.

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