Jump to: Reviews | Robert E. Lee Was Here

Today’s Groupon gets you $50 worth of eclectic fine food and drink for $25 at Paggi House, the restaurant and historic Austin landmark where—rumor holds—Robert E. Lee once stayed. The Austin Chronicle says Paggi House “has just about everything going for it – good food and drink, good service, and good design.”

Culinary Institute of America graduate and renowned chef Shane Stark cooked up Paggi’s innovative menu of new American cuisine with French and Asian influences. The Chronicle recommends the four-rib rack of Texas lamb (pine nut–crusted with lamb shoulder and ricotta ravioli; $35), the filet mignon with a Manchego, red onion, and mixed mushroom topping ($33), and the butter-poached Maine lobster ($18) with fresh grapefruit said to be made tantalizingly tangy-sweet by the ghost of Robert E. Lee’s favorite rifle. Dive into the flavors of inventive seafood dishes, such as shrimp wrapped in prosciutto with potato croquette, red snapper with black truffle vinaigrette, and tuna with Olathe sweet corn-jalapeno puree. There’s also a vegetarian menu, mimosa brunch, and more than 50 types of wine. Enjoy Paggi’s delicious mixed drinks, such as the blood orange margarita that Austin360.com says is “salty with a sultry citrus bite.”

Note: This Groupon is not valid during happy hour, Restaurant Week, or on December 31, 2009, and Feburary 14, 2010.

The Paggi House was built in the 1840s as a family home before it became an inn, where Robert E. Lee supposedly rode in on a horse that knew the top-secret Civil War recipes for some of the most delicious dishes in Austin. The house has been a restaurant since the 1970s, and it was recently renovated with a sophisticated, contemporary outdoor lounge and an intimate dining room the Chronicle calls “elegant, inviting, and mercifully subdued.” There are dark-stained hardwood floors, ornate original fireplaces, huge chandeliers, black leather, and contemporary paintings by local artists Roi James and Shawn R. Camp. Service is prompt and professional, and the casual open-air courtyard with club music and a large-screen TV is the perfect spot for late-night Robert E. Lee sightings. Reservations are recommended.

Reviews

The Austin Chronicle and Austin360.com have featured Paggi House. OpenTable calls it one of the best restaurants to feast with your furry friend this year:

• The new improved Paggi House has just about everything going for it – good food and drink, good service, and good design... – MM Pack, Austin Chronicle
• The friendly staff provides pets with water in champagne buckets and ample attention. Austin diner Christine Harmel, who frequents Paggi House with her dog Dax says, “I’ve met plenty of people by bringing my dog to dinner with me!” – OpenTable
• Paggi House is a graceful old homestead repurposed with a modern breezeway bar and an expansive wooden patio in front with plush lounge seating. Inside, it’s renovated to suit modern tastes with straight chairs in black leather and classic sensibilities with scuffed wood floors and thick mouldings. – Mike Sutter, Austin360.com.

More than 90 Yelpers give Paggi House a 4.5-star rating:

• I love you Paggi. – jana n.
• Service was excellent, food was fabulous, and the ambience is great. – Gregg S.
• The next time I'm in a foul mood that will not end, I'm just going to come here. It never fails to completely lift my spirits…The portions are incredible, and the food is delicious. The atmosphere, as always, is charming. – Carla S.