Prelude

We sat at the bar. I got the elderflower mocktail that was delicious. All of the food that we got was delicious and creative. Food:Hamachi crudo - delicious Beef tartare - delicious Oysters - good; no cocktail sauceChicken nuggets - very goodRock shrimp - favorite of the night; the sauce was delicious and came with a nice thick bread that sopped up all the sauce

This bar/lounge had been on my list for a while, and I finally had the chance to visit after stopping by West Contemporary--some of their art is featured on the walls of Prelude. From the outside, it looks like a house, and we initially approached thinking it was one. Inside, the space is divided into separate rooms, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere.While the ambiance is nice, I found the drinks and food overpriced. Cocktails are over $20, and they use cubed ice that fills most of the glass so like how much liquid are you even getting? I opted for a non-alcoholic drink, which was tasty and $5 less than the cocktails. We tried their chicken nuggets and potato funnel cake dish, both of which were good but it's like $18 for 6 nuggets. It's a cozy spot to catch up with friends before or after dinner, but the servers check in frequently, almost as if they're nudging you to order more or settle the bill. Glad I got to experience it, but it's not a go-to for me.

I've visited Prélude three times now, starting about six weeks after they opened, and each visit has offered something unique. Helmed by Matthew Peters, known for his work at the three-Michelin-starred Per Se and French Laundry, Prélude focuses on French canapés and cocktails, and it's truly a feast for the senses.I'll admit, I didn't have much experience with French canapés before dining here, and I'd never even heard of Gougères. But after being introduced to these delightful cheese puffs at Prélude, I've become a devoted fan. Their execution here is flawless: airy, flavorful, and indulgent in the best way.On the cocktail front, I've worked my way through a variety of their creative concoctions: Chili & Chocolate, Quatro Negroni, Carrot & Oat, Apples & Elderflower (a refreshing non-alcoholic option), Pines & Miso, and Carrot & Hazel. During my first visit, after chatting with the server about my preferences, I was lucky enough to be brought a Wasabi Penicillin: a cocktail they were experimenting with that hasn't yet made it to the menu. It was bold, balanced, and completely unforgettable. Much to my disappointment, I wasn't able to order it during my second visit.The Maître d' always treats me like royalty here, which adds a touch of elegance to the experience and makes me feel genuinely valued as a guest.My second visit was marred by inattentive service, and the music was distractingly loud, making it difficult to hold a conversation. Thankfully, the ambiance at Prélude always makes up for it. If you were lucky enough to experience the Here Nor There pop-up back in February 2023, you'll recognize the stunning space: breathtaking chandeliers, warm fireplaces, French pocket doors, unique wallpaper, sumptuous curtains, and luxurious finishes that transport you far from the bustle of the city.The exterior is just as enchanting as the interior. The glowing tree and gas sconces out front create a romantic and elegant atmosphere, and they double as the perfect backdrop for selfies.Prélude offers an elevated escape and a chance to sample truly inspired drinks and bites. I'll certainly be back if only to try whatever new cocktail experiment they're working on next.

My friend took me here for my must try before leaving Austin. We ordered some delicious cocktails and some food.They can accommodate dairy/gluten free for some small bite requests.I love the aesthetics of the place. It was a house that they made into a cocktail lounge. You can have an intimate evening and enjoy a good drink while here.

Prelude is a gem in the heart of the city offering an unforgettable cocktail experience. We were seated in the backyard where there was a bunch of cozy seating areas on turf. The atmosphere was a vibe, and the music was so good!The cocktail menu was really unique; I had the Champagne Margarita which was great. The Espresso Martini that I tasted was also delicious. One of the employees was incredibly generous and brought us tequila shots simply as an act of hospitality. Overall, this is a great spot and would visit again!

Prelude is a gorgeous, intimate spot for a drink in downtown Austin. Would recommend for a date night.

Great bar and atmosphere. The indoor bar is very unique and interesting. The back patio is large with good lighting, music and comfortable furniture. Drinks were great with a wide selection of choices. Only thing that needs work is the service. Great people but need to be more attentive to guests. Had to flag down our waiter multiple times to get service. That said would still definitely recommend

The ambiance here is so cozy with different rooms and an outside patio. The staff and management are warm and very welcoming. Art adorns the walls with some very striking pieces. There is a mahjong parlour upstairs but we didn't an opportunity to see it. The drinks are so well crafted and the canapés were delicious. As is the name - this is definitely a prelude of what is to come. I think the actual restaurant is going to be a strong contender for a Michelin when the ratings come to Texas.

Ambiance: A very cute spot tucked away along 10th St. with an awesome night ambiance. Cozy corners make it perfect for after-dinner drinks.Service: Jacob, our server, was a delightful character who added to the experience.Experience: I'm glad I tried this place--it's a charming spot for a nightcap. However, it was quite a hike from our dinner at BOA. While I enjoyed it, I'm not sure I'll be back soon as there are more convenient options closer to dining spots.Overall: Love the idea of Prelude and glad they're around, but proximity to other venues might make it a less frequent stop for me.

I was very excited to try this new spot! It's tucked away on W 10th, there is some street parking right around the restaurant. It's a gorgeous old house. The cocktails were a bit sweet for my liking but delicious. We ended up drinking wine instead. This is definitely not a dinner spot, just a spot to grab expensive drinks and tiny delicious apps. We tried the chicken nuggets (interesting but nothing special to me), salmon and rice (delicious), and the Jamon over falafel (good but really just falafel...)I'd come back again for a drink with a visitor but that's probably it until the menu expands more.