Review: Karat Bar and Bistro – Wichita Falls

Karat Cafe and Bistro
Karat Cafe and Bistro
Karat Cafe and Bistro
Karat Cafe and Bistro

Karat Bar and Bistro opened in December 2017. I was intrigued by the addition of the restaurant to downtown Wichita Falls.

Karat Cafe and Bistro
Wichita Falls Farmers Market
Karat Cafe and Bistro
Magnolia Building Wichita Falls

This place had a lot of windows, much like 8th street coffee house. On an atypically cold day, the temperature inside was perfect. 

Karat Cafe and Bistro
Karat Cafe and Bistro Seating

I entered from Ohio Avenue and made my way to the bar/hostess stand.  The bar was to the back.

Karat Cafe and Bistro
Karat Cafe and Bistro Seating
Karat Cafe and Bistro
Karat Cafe and Bistro Bar
Karat Cafe and Bistro
Karat Cafe and Bistro Bar

I was informed that I could sit anywhere and that the waitress would soon be with me. I could not help but notice the old jewelry store mural.

Karat Cafe and Bistro
Used to be a Zales

 Menus were soon provided.

Karat Cafe and Bistro
Karat Cafe and Bistro Menu
Karat Cafe and Bistro
Karat Cafe and Bistro Menu

After a short wait, my drink order was taken. I ordered a diamond old fashioned and water. The old fashioned was ok.

Karat Cafe and Bistro
Old Fashioned

As I was finishing my old fashioned, the waitress, came back to take my shared plate order. I went with the duck confit tamale. 😮 

Karat Cafe and Bistro
Karat Cafe and Bistro Duck Confit Tamale

The massa was dry and flavorless, but the duck and peach purée were delicious!  The peach salsa was a little spicy, but not overbearing. For my main, I ordered the shrimp and grits. It was ok. The collard greens flavor overwhelmed the entire the dish. To make matters worse, the shrimp were bland, almost as if they were recently thawed.

Karat Cafe and Bistro
Karat Cafe and Bistro Shrimp and Grits
Karat Cafe and Bistro
Karat Cafe and Bistro Shrimp and Grits

I HAD to order a Forbidden Apple to try to wash it down…it did not help.

Karat Cafe and Bistro
Karat Cafe and Bistro Forbidden Apple

My friend ordered the steak au poivre and Caesars salad. The salad was not good at all. The lettuce was not fresh. I encouraged my friend to send it back. To make matters worse, the waitress grabbed the whole plate of salad and did not ask why it was not finished. The steak was good, although over cooked, but my friend enjoyed it. 

Karat Cafe and Bistro
Karat Cafe and Bistro Caesar’s Salad
Karat Cafe and Bistro
Karat Cafe and Bistro Steak Au Poivre

Final Word 

My first visit to Karat was underwhelming. The duck and peach purée were the highlights of my visit. The Caesars salad and shrimp and grits left a lot to be desired. I want to give the place another try, but I do not know if it is worth it. 

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