Trace W Austin

I had a fantastic staycation at the W, and I must say that Trace offers an incredible brunch! The pancakes were delightful, and the staff was exceptionally frie... read more I had a fantastic staycation at the W, and I must say that Trace offers an incredible brunch! The pancakes were delightful, and the staff was exceptionally friendly. I absolutely loved their truffle popcorn—it’s delicious and pairs perfectly with wine!

I was in Austin for work and visited this restaurant with a business partner. The food was fantastic, and there was a live band that set a nice atmosphere witho... read more I was in Austin for work and visited this restaurant with a business partner. The food was fantastic, and there was a live band that set a nice atmosphere without being too loud, allowing us to have our business discussion. They also had excellent cocktail choices. The decor was impressive, and I really appreciated the indoor/outdoor concept. If I find myself in Austin again, I will definitely come back to this place.

The atmosphere was delightful, and the service truly stood out. I savored a wonderful bowl of acorn squash soup topped with toasted pepitas, along with crispy B... read more The atmosphere was delightful, and the service truly stood out. I savored a wonderful bowl of acorn squash soup topped with toasted pepitas, along with crispy Brussels sprouts glazed with apple, and a smashed potato served with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and scallions. All of this, plus a generous glass of Chardonnay, came to just $45. I’m back at the W Austin for four days, having just arrived today, and I chose to dine at Trace. I sampled the smoked shrimp with Tasso grits, which was fantastic (I even used my knife to get the last bit of grits—it would’ve been better to ask for a spoon). I also enjoyed the consistently delicious charred Brussels sprouts with apple, and I tried a cocktail called The Empress Strikes Back (or something similar). It was a refreshing blend of gin, lemon syrup, cucumber, and orange tonic.

The management really needs to tackle the staffing problem. I arrived for breakfast at 9:30 and waited over 15 minutes to be seated, even though a couple who ar... read more The management really needs to tackle the staffing problem. I arrived for breakfast at 9:30 and waited over 15 minutes to be seated, even though a couple who arrived after me was seated first. It wasn't until five minutes later that a server finally came to my table. In addition, a group at an outdoor table expressed their frustration after waiting 20 minutes for just two mimosas, and the restaurant was only about a third full at that time. Having only two waitstaff to manage the dining area, the bar, and host/ess duties is simply inadequate.

The W Hotel Austin is currently undergoing significant construction, which wasn't mentioned on Open Table. Moreover, Open Table advertised a Mother's Day buffet... read more The W Hotel Austin is currently undergoing significant construction, which wasn't mentioned on Open Table. Moreover, Open Table advertised a Mother's Day buffet, but in reality, it offered a very limited prix fixe menu. The staff were friendly and the service was good. While this issue falls on Open Table, please note that the hotel won't truly feel like a "W" for some time.