just the beginning
Elevated cocktail bar from Bocuse d’Or winner pours into downtown Austin
A new cocktail bar from an award-winning chef is coming to the West Sixth Street area of downtown. Set in a historic home on West 10th Street, Préludewill open on Thursday, May 2.
The concept comes from Chef Mathew Peters, the first (and thus far only) American to win the prestigious biennial Bocuse d'Or (2017) – a biennial world chef championship that takes place in Lyon, France.
The award-winning food looks the part.Photo courtesy of Prélude
True to its name, the new cocktail bar and lounge will act as a preview of a full-service restaurant coming in 2025 from Peters, whose background includes experience under Alain Ducasse in New York City and Thomas Keller at his three Michelin starred restaurant, Per Se.
After bringing home the Bocuse d’Or in 2017, Peters and his wife Lorin moved to Austin to design their own space. He settled on the historic home at 707 West 10th as the future site for his flagship restaurant, Maven, with Prélude serving as a foretaste in the meantime.
This home may be historic, but the details are decidedly modern.Photo courtesy of Prélude
“Prélude will be the introduction for what is to come from my team and the house,” shares Peters via release. “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. While Maven is being designed, guests will get to enjoy all levels of the home, whether for reservations or private events.”
Menu highlights at Prélude will include sweet pea croquettes (Iberico ham, Meyer lemon, and labneh); chicken “nuggets” (hot sauce, whipped dill creme fraiche, seasonal pickles); masa gougeres (guajillo pepper, finger lime, coriander blooms); and much more. Each plate is designed to complement seasonal signature cocktails from the bar team led by Dragan Milivojević.
Prélude is not shy about its dramatic aesthetic.Photo courtesy of Prélude
Harnessing the historic home’s charm and elegance, Prélude's interior will reflect a modern and sophisticated aesthetic with a sleek, luxurious design. Each of the four first-floor rooms will have its own vibe, featuring a curated collection of art from West Chelsea Contemporary littered throughout the entire space.
Outside, a large back lawn will offer elegant (and thankfully shaded) lounge seating with downtown views, while guests looking for a private experience can book rooms for groups up to 10 on the second floor. Majhong players will love the third floor’s private room for 4-12 guests.
Starting Thursday, May 2, will open for cocktails Prélude will be open for cocktails and small bites service five days a week: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-11 pm, and Thursdays through Saturdays from 5 pm to 1 am. Reservations are available through the Prélude website and on OpenTable. Booking for private events is open through the end of 2024.