Serenade reimagines a classic brasserie through a Lone Star lens, creating one of Austin’s most central and relaxed dining destinations. Welcome to a place where the allure of French oak meets the draw of Texas smoke. Featuring locally-sourced dishes for all day dining, Serenade offers elevated comfort food in a setting that is both approachable and tranquil. Serenade is led by Chef Johnny Ray Stinebaugh, with menu development overseen by W Austin’s Executive Chef Manuel Rodriguez. Located on the ground floor of W Austin, Serenade spans an inviting indoor-outdoor and day-to-evening space. Private dining spaces abound, including a glass-enclosed wine room, while the open air courtyard features natural Texan flora and additional seating.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 200 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 542-3600
Website: https://www.serenadeaustin.com/
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Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
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Reviews
First, the positives. The service was great. Our server and the host were very kind, attentive, and accommodating. They did their jobs well and were the only redeeming part of the experience.
Unfortunately, the food was awful. Not just disappointing, but bad. If this meal were free, I would maybe give it a four out of ten. Paying hundreds of dollars made it feel insulting.
We ordered a medium Wagyu tenderloin. It came out blue rare, nowhere close to medium. We sent it back and somehow it came back still rare and barely improved. I do not understand how a chef can miss a steak temperature twice and still send it out.
I ordered the lamb chops. They were also undercooked, poorly seasoned, and had almost no sear. The beans that came with them were mushy and clearly overcooked, possibly canned. Ironically, the beans were one of the better parts of the plate.
The oysters were fishy and oddly pre dressed. I prefer to dress my own oysters, and if oysters taste fishy, something is wrong.
The lobster bisque was awful. I genuinely do not know how you mess up lobster bisque, but they managed to do it.
The salmon was decent, maybe slightly fishy, but that is me reaching to find something neutral.
Dessert was another low point. The cheesecake was terrible. The crust tasted stale, the filling was bland and poorly textured, and it honestly felt like something a child could make at home. The red velvet wafer on the bottom was dry and unpleasant. Completely unacceptable for a restaurant at this price point.
The only genuinely good thing the entire night was the sourdough bread and butter, which I strongly suspect was sourced from another bakery.
To make matters worse, we were charged for a wine pairing that we never received, and it was not clearly listed on the menu, despite me noting it in the reservation.
Bottom line, great service cannot save food this bad, especially when the meal costs hundreds of dollars. A Valentine’s dinner at this price should not feel like a kitchen that cannot cook proteins correctly or execute basic dishes. I would not return and I would not recommend this place for a special occasion.
Note: picture was taken after it was sent back a second time.
Paloma was good
Steak was good
Fries were really good
Mustard béarnaise was fire
Our server Tad was kind and attentive.
Gluten free options for shared plates, entrees and desserts.
Writing the review before desert but, it will probably be good.
Update: crème brûlée was great
We started with the whipped chèvre spread—possibly the best goat cheese I’ve ever had. It was perfectly balanced between tangy and savory, with a delightful crunch. We even saved the last bits to pair with our entrees! The Bacon Jam Gougères were the ultimate French/Texas fusion—flaky, savory, and absolutely indulgent.
For entrees, the duck confit was cooked to perfection, and the sea bass had an unexpected twist that elevated it to the next level. Both were amazing and highly recommend.
Just when we thought it couldn’t get better, we ended with the pecan pie-inspired éclair. Imagine all the richness of pecan pie reimagined in a light, airy pastry—it was pure genius and the perfect sweet finish to an extraordinary meal.
The ambiance was warm and inviting, the service flawless, and the menu’s creativity unmatched. Whether you’re celebrating or just treating yourself, this place delivers an unforgettable experience.
We can’t wait to come back and explore more of this incredible menu. Props to the chef of this fantastic addition to the Austin restaurant scene.