For 37 years, Chez Zee American Bistro has been woven into the fabric of Austin's celebrations, from birthdays and anniversaries to Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas gatherings. This holiday season, the locally owned restaurant is once again offering its annual Pies & Sides Holiday Catering menu, promising "Everything But the Turkey!" and inviting Austinites to bring a piece of Chez Zee home. The significance of this announcement lies not just in the availability of holiday food, but in the enduring bond between a restaurant and its community—a relationship that has made Chez Zee a staple of Austin's holiday traditions for nearly four decades.
Founded by Sharon Watkins in 1989, Chez Zee is known for its welcoming atmosphere, memorable desserts, and great variety, with everything made from scratch. Over the decades, its cakes, pies, and signature dishes have become traditions, with families returning year after year for the favorites they love. Last holiday season alone, more than 1,000 Austin family tables featured at least one Chez Zee dessert or side dish—a testament to the restaurant's enduring place in the community. "When we opened Chez Zee 37 years ago, I never imagined how many family celebrations we would become part of," Watkins said. "It's wonderful to know that something made in our kitchen might be the pie a family looks forward to every Thanksgiving or the cake they share every Christmas. We're grateful that Austin has invited us to be part of those traditions."
The holiday menu features more than 30 varieties of whole cakes, pies, and cheesecakes, all prepared from scratch in-house. Traditional favorites include Pumpkin Praline Pie, Apple Pie with Streusel Topping, Bourbon Pecan Pie, Italian Cream Cake, Carrot Cake, Pumpkin Cheesecake, and Chocolate Decadence Cake. Signature creations include the Lemon Rosemary Cake, Apple Cranberry Pie, Coconut Tres Leches Cake, Strawberry Palooza Cake, Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cheesecake, and Maida's Cake, a gluten-free favorite. This year's offerings also include eye-catching creations such as a Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake with a decorative chocolate lattice, a White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake with Grand Marnier, an Orange Chiffon Cake, and a Traditional Yule Log Cake. Other seasonal favorites include the Andes Chocolate Crème de Menthe Cheesecake, nicknamed "The Grinch," along with gluten-free options like Maida's Cake and Mocha Fudge Torte.
For families who want to spend less time cooking and more time together, the menu goes well beyond dessert. Scratch-made sides combine Southern comfort food with Austin personality, including Jalapeño Cornbread Stuffing, Sweet Potato Pudding, Macaroni & Cheese, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Creamed Spinach. Other selections range from Roasted Maple Carrots and Parmesan Risotto to Brussels Sprouts with Asian Dressing, Southern Pecan Gravy, and Cranberry Chutney. The extensive menu also includes charcuterie boards, quiches, salads, appetizers, and breakfast specialties like Chez Zee's signature Crème Brulée French Toast, available to prepare and enjoy at home.
Part of what makes Chez Zee special is the remarkable continuity of its kitchen team. Executive Chef Vicente Jaramillo, Sous Chef Javier Aviles, Assistant Kitchen Manager Jose Guerrero, and Bakery Manager Carlos Guerrero are among the dedicated professionals whose talent and commitment help make Chez Zee an Austin favorite. Their skill, dedication, and consistency are an essential part of the restaurant's success, continuing the tradition of preparing food in-house, from scratch, without relying on frozen or commercially prepared dishes. It's a commitment that has helped make Chez Zee a place where generations of customers can return and find the familiar flavors they remember.
For those with friends or family living in Austin, Chez Zee also offers a thoughtful way to send a little local love from afar. Out-of-town family members, former Austinites, and friends can purchase cakes, pies, and other favorites for loved ones to pick up at the restaurant. Pie gift vouchers are also available, allowing recipients to arrange pickup at their convenience. For holiday gift-giving, Chez Zee is offering a special promotion: purchase $100 in gift cards and receive a $20 gift card for yourself. Holiday orders must be placed by Monday, November 23, at 5 p.m. for Thanksgiving and by Monday, December 21, at 5 p.m. for Christmas, with pickup at the restaurant. Orders may be placed online at www.chez-zee.com, by phone, or in person.
