Inside Two New Downtown Hot Spots – Serenade and Blue Room at W Austin
The newly-revamped W Austin debuts Serenade and Blue Room, blending sophisticated design, Texas-inspired cuisine and prohibition-era cocktail charm
Downtown Austin has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub, celebrated for its dynamic food, drink and entertainment spaces, with fresh offerings emerging almost weekly. Adding to the area’s appeal is Block 21, a striking 37-story mixed-use development led by the design team at BLUR Workshop, which spans an entire city block in the 2nd Street District. Home to W Austin Hotel & Residences and ACL Live at the Moody Theater, the property recently underwent a $60 million renovation, cementing its status as a premier dining and lifestyle destination.
Serenade’s a stunner
Serenade, a restaurant that opened in W Austin in late October, brings a unique twist to classic American brasserie fare with a Texas flair. The restaurant’s chic design has a luxurious yet understated vibe. The lofty ceilings, nature-inspired wall art and detailed stone mosaic are punctuated with a stunning crystal chandelier above the marble bartop.
Serenade’s airy, French garden-inspired décor complements its all-day dining experience, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Guests can enjoy the lively bar, spacious indoor seating, two private dining rooms and al fresco patio options, making it suitable for any occasion.
The menu includes elevated dishes with local touches, like Duck Confit with local root vegetables and Blue Crab Benedict with Texas Gulf crab. Chef Johnny Ray Stinebaugh is responsible for the thoughtful Texan-French fusion. He brings 14 years of culinary expertise from some of Austin’s top kitchens, like Contigo Catering and Geraldine’s at the Hotel Van Zandt. His imaginative menu will surely attract guests far beyond those staying at the hotel.
“The menu is designed around the concept of combining classic French technique and flavors with Texas smoke, ingredients and rustic look,” says Stinebaugh. “I’m approaching everything with the question, ‘How can I do more with less?’”
Blue Room’s alluring ambiance
Another recent addition to W Austin is Blue Room, a stylish, dimly-lit backroom where guests can savor craft cocktails in an intimate setting. It feels like a well-kept secret, with an ambiance that evokes the allure of the Prohibition era. The cocktails are extraordinary, crafted by skilled bartenders under moody lighting.
Look for live entertainment on Block 21
For those seeking live entertainment before or after a meal or cocktails, Block 21 is also home to Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater, which hosts approximately 100 concerts a year and serves as the home for the taping of the PBS television series, Austin City Limits. In fact, daily tours are offered for those curious to hear insider stories about Austin City Limits’ most memorable moments.
Whether you’re seeking a refined meal, an intimate cocktail experience or a lively cultural outing, Block 21 captures the spirit of Austin — dynamic, welcoming and ever-evolving. The opening of Serenade and Blue Room underscores downtown Austin’s appeal as a top destination. These new offerings blend innovation, style and local flavor, adding depth to an area rich in dining and entertainment options.
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