If you’re also a fan of a good ghost story and a delicious plate of Tandoori Chicken, Clay Pit has both. We can’t stop thinking about their curried mussels and insanely cool history!
Updated August 2025
Clay Pit Contemporary Indian Cuisine
Located inside one of the oldest buildings in Austin, Clay Pit offers a cozy dining room with natural light, preserved stone walls and contemporary Indian Cuisine. They even have a unique private wine cellar dining room, perfect for intimate celebrations and private dinners, all in the heart of downtown just a few blocks from the Capitol.
HOUSED IN A HAUNTED GENERAL STORE
The history behind the historic Bertram Building is fascinating! The building operated as a general store, residence and saloon in the 19th-century, and it sits on top of underground tunnels that led to brothels. It’s said that a young boy who died in the building, as well as a woman, haunts the space to this day. Some have even captured the face of a woman in videos and photos taken in the restaurant!
SPECIALTIES OF THE HOUSE
Named Best Indian Restaurant in Austin 2024 by the Austin Chronicle, Clay Pit serves up everything from beloved Indian classics to creative twists on street food favorites, and it truly is all delicious! We enjoyed:
🥟 Dahi Puri: semolina puffs filled w/ potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, mint & tamarind chutneys
🦪 Curried Mussels: fresh mussels soaked in a garlic & red wine sauce
🍲 Goat Curry (Halal Meat): slow-cooked bone-in goat served in onion, tomato & spices
🍡 Tandoori Kebabs: 3 clay oven roasted meats including malai chicken, chicken tikedar, & boti (lamb)
🌶️ Jalapeño & Cream Cheese Naan: fluffy naan stuffed with jalapeño peppers & cream cheese!
LOCATION + HOURS
Drop by and check out this haunted restaurant for yourself and indulge in some delicious Indian food! They are open Monday to Thursday, 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday, 11am to 10pm, and Sunday from 3pm to 9pm!
