Went to explore a new cocktail lounge that opened in a historic home at the corner of West 10th and West Ave. Evidently it used to be a law office.
They graciously gave me a tour and I learned eventually there’s going to be a fine dining restaurant called Maven and a mahjong parlor on the upper floors. The staff I met are pretty experienced coming from stints at Here Nor There, Jeffrey’s, and Bacalar.
Prélude is the cocktail bar and lounge open as the first phase. Seating is in four of the first floor rooms. I didn’t have a reservation, walked up on their first Saturday night open and got a small table in the corner of what feels like a living room. It’s pretty intimate and the side rooms looked smaller.
Recognized some of the art pieces from the West Chelsea Collective that are displayed around the home and integrated at the bar.
I got three of the signature cocktails: Strawberry & Coconut made with tequila & Pinot Grigio, a Melon & Matcha made with mezcal & melloncello, and finished with Chili Morita & chocolate – a pretty fantastic take on a spicy Mezcal/Teauila Old Fashioned.
I liked them all, potent and tasty with some pretty intriguing ingredients. Spent $64 + TT for the three drinks. It’s a splurge but not far out of line from other upscale bar & restaurants.
I already had dinner so I didn’t try the Canapés. Table next to me had a few, I guess you can’t go wrong with “chicken nuggets” and oysters.
I’d come back for a fancy date or consider it for special occasion, especially once the restaurant gets going. The back patio is nice and large and the upper floors have a good view, I’m sure they’ll have some killer private events there. I suppose there’s a mahjong scene in Austin to cater to? 🀄️🤔
by BarStar787