A rapidly evolving local restaurant landscape has not slowed down Chez Zee American Bistro, an Austin mainstay that staff says still thrives 26 years after opening.
Growing up around her family’s eatery, Sarah Bown said she watched customers regularly return because they appreciated certain touches that helped separate Chez Zee from the competition. Perhaps most importantly, Bown, the daughter of Chez Zee owner Sharon Watkins, said she shares in that enthusiasm for the food.
“I love the brunch, lunch and dinner—they’re all really great,” she said. “I haven’t got sick of the food in 26 years, so I think that’s saying something.”
Her mother still takes a hands-on approach in the kitchen, Bown said, focusing on quality control and improving recipes. The family also gains support from its 50-plus employees, including Operations Manager John Wyssmann, who has been with Chez Zee for nearly 10 years. Wyssmann said the restaurant embraces the basics, such as fresh vegetables and meat as well as made-in-house pasta and baked goods.
“When you’ve been here as long as we have, almost every menu item has a story behind it,” Wyssmann said.
Restaurant Manager Madison Pilkington said Chez Zee benefits indirectly from Austin’s growth, with the restaurant, once deemed a part of North Austin, now considered more centrally located for patrons citywide.
“We can’t rest on our laurels,” Bown said. “We work harder than everyone else to make sure customers are happy every time they come in. As long as we do that, we’re going to be fine.”
Specialty meals
The menu items at Chez Zee American Bistro range from regional-inspired favorites, such as the pecan-crusted salmon, to the more unique, including a jalapeno cornbread stuffed chicken. Many menu items are gluten-free or can be converted into a vegan or vegetarian dish, according to Sarah Bown, daughter of longtime owner Sharon Watkins, who opened the restaurant in 1989.
Stay cool this summer
Happy hour takes place from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the bar and courtyard areas. The happy hour menu includes food for $6 or less, $5 cocktails, $4 local beers, $3 frozen drinks and $2 off all wines by the glass. During the weekend Chez Zee also offers a Grille Menu complete with appetizers, sandwiches, salads and casual entrees. The restaurant also serves brunch menu until 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Saving the best for last
Perhaps known best for its desserts, Chez Zee spares no detail each day when baking its numerous pies and cakes. The Lemon Rosemary Cake remains the most popular, according to management, although there are always new options for patrons to try. For example, during July the restaurant is serving its own variation of peach galette topped with homemade peach ice cream as part of Go Texan month, a statewide initiative to promote made-in-Texas goods and food. The Chez Zee team also spent a week concocting a banana cream pie in anticipation of ABC late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel visiting Austin earlier this year.
