Stone’s Steakhouse

Made our first visit to Stone’s Steakhouse in Marble Falls last night. Our server Fernanda, who was excellent, informed us that they’ve only been open for six weeks. We were interested and looked forward to upscale dining in MF, which is essentially nonexistent out here. They’ve done the best they can do to create a fine dining experience in a space that’s a breakfast and lunch focused, TexMex themed interior. Black linen tablecloths, votive candles and jazz music overhead is a good start but there’s only so much you can do with the existing decor and furniture. Kudos on the effort! The restaurant was about 1/3 full but it was Halloween so many potential patrons may have been otherwise occupied. Fernanda let us know they have been very busy and this was not their typical Friday. We started with an Old Fashioned for me and a glass of Cabernet for my wife. Fernanda stressed their mixologist was very good and my Old Fashioned was excellent! The wine list is very limited but my expectation is that this will evolve and grow over time. We shared a bruschetta which lacked needed seasoning. We had to salt and pepper it to make it more palatable. Also, Stone’s adheres to the gluten free focus that parent restaurant Madelyn’s maintains so the baguette doesn’t hold up like a standard, gluten laden one does. Since my daughter eats GF, we were used to this but for those who don’t know, this can be a disappointment. Bottom line, they need to add more seasoning in the preparation and remind patrons of the GF commitment. For our entrees, my wife had the 8oz filet, medium rare, and I had the 12oz sirloin, medium. Both were perfectly cooked to our request, were flavorful and actually felt larger than advertised. We also got the balsamic Brussels sprouts and sautéed mushrooms. Like the bruschetta, the Brussels sprouts lacked needed seasoning. We again had to salt and pepper them to make them more palatable. The mushrooms were done very well, had appropriate seasoning and were expertly prepared. Beyond the flavor issues with the side dish, it was also a smaller portion. Given the “Austin-like” prices, I would have liked to see a healthier portion. When all was said and done, our bill for the food listed here plus one cocktail and two glasses of wine, was $177 before the tip. We had reviewed the menu in advance and so we knew it would be pricey, so not complaining about the bill, but improving the seasoning and making some additions to the wine list will make the experience feel more “worth it”. Lastly, the staff at Stone’s is genuine when they say they want feedback and suggestions. Fernanda told us from the jump that she wanted direct feedback and suggestions at the conclusion of the meal. TBH, we didn’t offer suggestions on the food, choosing rather to use this review. But we did offer a suggestion of adding some live music, even if only acoustical piano or guitar playing, to enhance the atmosphere. We’re excited about this place! We want it to succeed. Some easy amendments will go a long way! We’ll let them continue to work out the kinks and will be back in the not too distant future.

Pretty average overall. Below average really. And if compared to true prime steak houses as another reviewer commented, it’s not even in the same stratosphere. The filets were ok. Temp was off but they fixed it. The ribeyes however were grainy and tough with no marbling at all. The Brussel sprouts were basically raw. They claim they are al dente. The sweet potatoes also very undercooked. The Mac n cheese seemed like box product with some bread crumbs. They noted it’s “not great” because it’s gluten free. I giggled at the acknowledgment. Total tab for 4 was over $500 with one bottle of wine (I’ll abstain on expanding on the wine glasses). Some (most) chose to ignore all sides as they were basically just inedible. The filets passed the test but both ribeyes were both taken home to hopefully salvage into stew or something. They admitted it was still soft opening but they have a lot of work to do. Marble needs prime for sure but this isn’t it. Not yet at least. Not even close. Literally went to chic fil a drive through afterward. I wish them well. Tough business for sure. Hopefully they get it together and I’ll give them another shot when they do.