Prelude

This is just the beginning

What makes it fun

Prelude is just that, it's only the beginning. Housed on the first floor of a historic home on West 10th Street, Prelude is an alluring cocktail bar that welcomes you and your love to come in and enjoy the ambiance, craft cocktails, and elevated canapes for a perfect date night. Whether you find yourself cozied up on one of the luxurious couches or outside enjoying the perfectly manicured "backyard" you are sure to have a great night at Prelude.

Google Reviews

Prelude

4.9

Based on 12 reviews

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Farhad Ahmadi Koutalan

03:53 19 May 24

Walking into Prelude Cocktail Bar was a delightful experience. The interior design, with its stylish decoration and captivating art pieces, created a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff were not only friendly but also fashionable and attentive. I started with their cocktails, sampling the Chili Morita, Carrot and Hops signature drinks. While they weren’t the best cocktails I’ve ever had, they were enjoyable and beautifully presented. For appetizers, I tried almost everything on the menu and particularly loved the Sweet Peas, hamachi tacos, and chicken nuggets. We sat inside, but a quick glance at the outdoor area suggested it had a nice vibe too. I’ll definitely be back to explore it further. The service was commendable, especially given they had only been open for a few weeks. Prelude Cocktail Bar is a must-visit in Austin and a fantastic spot to spend time with special people.

Greg S

02:08 17 May 24

In the words of the popular song, “Oh my, good lord, someone pour me up a double”. Prelude is so much more than simply a venue for the anticipation of Maven that its name suggests.

From the moment you enter, the space is beautifully curated, with both local and international artwork adorning the walls, and more importantly the impeccable welcome from the staff.

The drinks: wow, you simply cannot go wrong. We have a list of the best options in Austin for martinis, old fashioneds, etc but these were immediately usurped. Every single drink, whether one of their curated cocktails, updated classics, or something custom-made, were utterly sublime. Special shout outs to both the dry gin martini and dirty vodka martini, as well as their twist on a French 75.

The food: every single bite was just wonderful. It felt like we were the judging panel on a series of Top Chef. Bite after flawless bite came, with special shoutouts to the iberico ham (better than anything we’ve had in Spain) that came with the pea croquettes and the caviar (enjoy this separately to the nuggets it comes with, to really savor the flavor of both things).

The overview: Chef Matt Peters shows very clearly his pedigree at some of the nations best restaurants; and bar manager Dragan’s cocktails show why he has won so very many awards.

The verdict: book a table. Drink the phenomenal drinks. Eat some, most, or (as we did) all of the menu. And savor what is still to come, once Maven opens upstairs some time in 2025.

Special shout out to Slim, who truly went above & beyond to make our experience that bit more luxurious.

Brad Beskin

02:40 11 May 24

Outstanding. Gorgeous setting for cocktails and small bites. Delightful staff. Inspired cocktails and world-class bites. Gorgeous backyard and patio. Exquisite interior spaces. Can’t wait to go back.

Chris P

00:29 10 May 24

A rare perfect 5 star in every category. We were blown away by the service, food, cocktails and location (what a gorgeous building!). Honestly not a single even mildly critical thing to say! Every sip, every bite and every moment was perfect.

Taylor Grant

13:37 19 Apr 24

What an awesome spot to have in Austin. Got to attend a sneak peek party, and the vibes were spot on. Beautiful, moody decor, delicious drinks, and incredible bites. Perfect spot for a fancy date night or a happy hour. Can't wait for it to officially open!