Prélude, the latest venture from Executive Chef Mathew Peters, recently opened its doors in West Central Austin, offering a fresh approach to the cocktail lounge experience. Set in a renovated historic home at 707 W. 10th St., the venue combines respect for its architectural origins with a modern interior design, catering to those looking for a sophisticated yet comfortable setting.
The lounge is organized into four distinct rooms, each offering a unique atmosphere, alongside a spacious backyard that features lounge seating and views of downtown Austin—perfect for enjoying early evening drinks and snacks. Prélude operates under the culinary direction of Chef Peters, the first American winner of the Bocuse d’Or in 2017, who brings his expertise to the table with a menu focused on elevated small bites.
“Prélude will be the introduction for what is to come from my team and the house,” says Chef
Peters, “Guests will get to taste elevated bites from my chef team while getting to enjoy playful
cocktails from some of the best bartenders in town. We wanted to take Austin along for the
journey as we evolve the space and begin construction in 2025 for my fine dining concept,
Maven, which will be located on the second floor."
Highlights from the menu include dishes like Sweet Pea Croquettes with Iberico Ham and Meyer Lemon, and Citrus Cured Hamachi with Sesame "Cornet."
The bar, led by Dragan Milivojević, features a curated selection of spirits and a rotating menu of seasonal cocktails, ensuring a new experience with each visit.
Prélude is open Tuesday through Wednesday from 5 PM to 11 PM, and Thursday through Saturday from 5 PM to 1 AM. The venue also hosts private events, offering a unique space for special occasions. Reservations can be made through the Prélude website at prelude-austin.com or on OpenTable.
For those interested in a refined yet approachable night out, Prélude offers a combination of culinary and artistic flair, setting a new standard for cocktail lounges in Austin. Follow Prélude on Instagram at @preludeaustin to keep up with the latest news and events. Prélude invites you to experience the future of dining and entertainment in Austin.