Three cheers
Popular Thai restaurant sways into West Lake Hills with new location
Austin’s New Waterloo is looking to prove the old adage that good things come in threes. On November 30, the hospitality group, known for such concepts as La Condesa, Otoko, and Il Bruto, announced on opening of the third location of contemporary Thai restaurant Sway on December 5.
In opening the new outpost, located at 3437 Bee Caves Rd. in West Lake Hills, the team was inspired by a Thai phrase meaning “same same but different.” According to a release, chef de cuisine Billy Sciacca and corporate executive chef Charles Schlienger kept the menu identical to the South First Street and Domain Northside locations, with innovative takes on Southeast Asian dishes like tom kha gai, satay, and curry.
The interior has much the same feel as the other locales. Once again working with architect Michael Hsu, the design team carried over signature touches like monumental rattan lighting and square community tables. The “different” comes from several site-specific features.
Chief among them is a covered rooftop bar that can be uses as a private event space. Lined with cushy bench seating and sculptural cocktail tables, the area offers a sweeping view of the downtown skyline. On days the bar is not reserved, the deck will serve a condensed savory menu, beer, wine, sake, and cocktails.
The downstairs bar also has a new feel. According to design director Melanie Raines, the look is “bright and white, with open shelving and Thai accessories,” a counterpoint to the darker wood-clad bars at the other location.
The new Sway will be open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, with a weekday happy hour between 3-6 pm. The restaurant will also be the first bar in West Lake Hills to offer late-night hours, which will undoubtedly make it popular for those wanting a night on the town without the hassle of MoPac.