TRIO

First, for the sake of transparency, I am the wife of one of the servers at Trio. But in the nearly twelve years that he has worked there, my experience of the place (in the front and behind the scenes) has been nothing less than remarkable. (And please note — this review is completely unsolicited and not influenced by anyone but me.)
From the front of the house, I’ve been continually impressed with both the quality of the food and the outstanding service. Most recently, my family came in for my mother’s birthday. They treated her like a queen. At every touch point, the team let her know she was special through their actions. From their rigorous attention to her dietary needs, to the undistracted time spent at the table, to the special additional touches, they took every opportunity to make sure she knew she was important. Maybe you could «put on» that kind of service once or twice, but to deliver that kind of overwhelmingly positive experience, you can’t fake that.
You can’t fake the genuine love of service that these professionals deliver. And as much as I would like to think it’s because I’m special, I know better — excellence is what they are passionate about and committed to providing every day at every table. How do I know that? Because after hours, when they go out, guess what they talk about? Service. (At least 50% of time.) They love providing excellent service. They have opinions about it. They hold each other to account for it. They even argue about it.
And, because I have the floor, I want to call out a few people in particular. El, our server, was impeccable. Absolutely flawless. Obviously masterful. And his partner and second server, Andrew, was warm and personable, with a distinctly perceptive presence. Matt, at the bar, created exceptional cocktails, as always. And Chef James is, I think, my favorite chef so far. His flavors and use of local produce makes for truly exquisite dishes — without fail. As a result of all this, my mother’s birthday was the best ever. You can’t ask for better than extraordinary.
But it’s the team in general I love most — this committed team of service professionals who relish in excellence. That’s my kind of crowd.

By far this restaurant is one of the best in Austin.
Exceptional interior and garden. The food is amazingly nice. Perfect place to invite friends and have a special occasion celebration.
I rate it 4 stars only because there is more to be desired from the service. Nothing wrong happened, but it needs some more class in a place like this.

TRIO Restaurant at the Four Seasons is just absolutely amazing!!! I came here for dinner for the first time on New Year’s Eve with a group of my best friends and the entire experience was just perfect — it was the best NYE dinner/​experience I’ve ever had. We had a large group of 20+ and the restaurant manager set our group up in a private room; it was classy and the space was beautifully decorated and intimate. When we arrived to the restaurant we gathered at the bar and had drinks, I highly recommend the Paloma! We were sat promptly, but not rushed, just ushered into the room when we were ready. One of the managers, Corey, welcomed us so sincerely and graciously to the restaurant (a very special touch) and introduced the wait staff, who take very good care of us as we enjoyed a delicious 6-​course dinner, presentation was beautiful too! Our checks were split and we did not have to wait for anything, they even offered to bring free chips and queso to accomodate one of our friends who didn’t like caviar. Afterwards, we went upstairs and enjoyed a fantastic and incredibly fun live band and danced the night away at the afterparty, which included a champagne toast at midnight. My group of friends are incredibly fun, a bit wild, and we were able to make the dance floor our own and even in the classy, upscale atmosphere, we were able to be cut loose and be ourselves! I cannot wait to go back to TRIO and The Four Seasons for more drinks, dinner, and live music!!! Thank you to Corey and the AWESOME staff who made our experience the best ever; we will be talking about this as the best night ever for years to come! Thank you!

Brunch review:
TRIO has been one of my favorite establishments for an upscale dining experience due to the service. Today I decided to treat my family to the brunch here since they’ve never really had a fancier meal before.
FOOD: On the menu were ribeye, raw oysters on half shell, crab claws, sushi, omlettes made to order, breakfast usuals, salad bar, ceviche, and so much more. Beverage choices include coffee (with soy milk available), freshly squeezed juice, tea, champagne, and endless mimosas. My favorite is the crab claw and the unagi sushi… The steak was a bit on the fattier side which was a shame, but still really tender and amazing. All of the steak was cooked rare to medium rare, but they cooked it further for my mother who for some reason likes her steak well done. (Can one disown her mother? No? Oh well.) My siblings loved the samosas and my mother loved the seafood and steak.
SERVICE: the service was mostly amazing with constant refills and endless smiles. The only complaint was near the end when there were at least 5 waiters around me and yet it was difficult to flag someone down to get my check. I had to wait behind while my family left to wait in the lobby.
Overall, this is a great place to wow your guests. The brunch is a great option in particular so that those you treat don’t feel compelled to get the less expensive items on the menu as everything is already covered. TRIO matched my Asian mother’s expectations and for that, I am thankful. ;)

Ha. I probably started my draft puff Trio four or five years ago. Most places I truly love, I don’t review, and Trio is no exception. I’d you can read through that series of double negatives, what I mean to say is: I heart Trio. It’s real and it’s deep.
This was the first place I ever had Grüner Veltliner, and it was a revelation and probably led to my present day wine mania. At that time, they had a master sommelier on staff, only recently having lost him. The current wine list is still great and I recently had to buy a case of a brut rose we’d had on my birthday. It’s damn good. And naturally, good wine is even better at happy hour where a good selection is available for $ 8 a glass. They also have beer and cocktails but those are not discounted at happy hour.
Right now, they are running a «Shucks it’s Wednesday» special: $ 1.50 oysters. This week, they were all PEI and divine. In addition, they have the other happy hour foods which rotate seasonally. Some seasons, it’s heavy on fried/​bread/​starch or some combination, some seasons it more protein based. Right now, I see beef, and chicken, and game, and seafood on the menu, so it’s a good time to visit.
It’s always a good time to come for full on dinner at Trio. I’ve only been a couple times but it’s a real treat. They also host various events through out the year, some in conjunction with local charities, some just special food and wine pairings. I’ve been to a few of those too when I’m feeling fancy. And brunch if you really want to treat yourself, is fab. When you come for full service, it is really full service: expect the seat to pulled out, the napkin to be placed for you, etc. Top shelf service.
Service at happy hour may not be as reliable, for instance: went last week, fabulous service at the bar and even got comped a beautiful birthday cupcake; went last night, and got very indifferent service from out waitress, but the food runner and waiters from the main dining room were more than attentive, one even replying «anything» when I asked if I could ask him for something. It was an «as you wish» moment. Well, at least in my head.

One of my favorite spots for happy hour with my friends or my husband. Great wine collection with the best price! The food is delicious too! I had the Brussels sprouts, truffle fries, ceviche and it was sooo good!
I love the patio and how quite and relaxing is. After a busy day at work, walk there and have some wine is one of my favorite things!

After googling «mixology lesson» around Austin, the Four Seasons was the only one to show up on the search! Our bachelorette group attended their EntertainU (niversity) «Mix and Mingle» event which consisted of a mixology lesson and wine tasting with mini food pairings. It was well organized, informative, and fun! The drinks were delicious, the food was tasty, and they were thoughtful to provide us with recipes, the wine list, and even a large sample of the vadouvan spice. Though our group was a tad rambuctious and not quite as wine saavy, the food director, restaurant manager, and chef weren’t sticklers to look down at us. I would highly recommend their lesson events — it was an affordable, easygoing, and enjoyable experience.

EVERYTHING YOU’D EXPECT FROM A FOUR SEASONS!!! The food selection was spectacular! From the made to order eggs Benedict to the shrimp ceviche, you will not be disappointed. Service & ambiance was top notch. We ate outside amongst the lake and beautiful greenery. They had some friendly birds out there too! Definite must every time we’re in Austin!

The food and wine are great, but the service was really top notch. They are quick and professional while not being intrusive. They’re friendly without losing the professionalism.
It’s right on the river so has a pretty nice view, but I would have preferred it not be on the ground floor. Still, the outdoor patio seating is fantastic and is a great place to go at sunset.
All in all, a great place that could barely be improved, but is a bit pricey for what one gets.

We are staying at the Four Seasons this weekend for ACL Festival. Recently purchased, I was curious if the hotel would still be amazing. Very pleased.
Started with happy hour I’m Trio. The bar got a pretty nice crowd for a Thursday. Certainly a much nicer group than The W, where we usually hang.
Wines are half off and appetizers are $ 5 off. They have a nice selections of wines by the glass and pretty good selection of bottles.
Ordered the lobster cups after reading other Unilocaler reviews. Omg yes, get the lobster cups, if nothing else! Also ordered the meatballs and fries.
We must have hung out at the bar talking to people for 3 hours. Had a fantastic time. We moved to the outside patio and it was so nice. The hotel sits on the edge of the lake and is just so pretty.
Next morning, we came down for breakfast. The wait staff is attentive and wonderful. I had the migas at the recommendation of the waiter and my husband had the pancakes (blueberry banana, ginger and oatmeal pecan). We also ordered a small French press coffee.
The migas were perfection! The pancakes were crispy on the outside, nice and soft and fluffy in the inside– so good!
Breakfast was fantastic! Sitting on the patio sipping our coffee after we ate was so nice.
I am so glad we chose the Four Seasons for ACL weekend!!!

This is the BEST brunch spot in all of Austin hands down, maybe the south. I have been several times and then ended up bringing my parents in for a special occasion they were in Austin for over the weekend.
Prime rib, sushi, eggs and chicken and waffles all in the same spot! We never wanted to leave! Mom didnt care for the iced tea (only negative and shes picky!) but Dad and I loved the coffee. And the dessert, i will do it an injustice even using words here to describe it so just go and eat brunch here asap!
Side note, we are from the country (even though I travel all over) and sometimes people may think the Four Seasons is stuffy or stiff… its totally not so dont be intimidated by the name on the door, there were people in boot, people in suits and people in flip flops and shorts. very welcoming environment!

Glad to have the opportunity to update this review. Came to dinner with some out of town colleagues and had an exceptional dining experience. The bread before the meal was unique and delicious. The potato gnocchi, creamed corn crème brûlée and ahi tuna were terrific, flavorful sides. My smoked rib eye was among the best I ever had. Service was fast, friendly and helpful.
There was a bit of a mixup with the valet– I believed it was free but ended up paying– besides this part, all the rest was exceptional. Glad I gave it another shot!

Had dinner with the wife last week on a Friday evening.
Parking: Valet only for $ 11. Pretty cheap.
Restaurant was down a flight of stairs just to the right of the bell hop desk.
Dress code: Smart casual. Saw guys in shorts to slacks with jackets. Women in shorts to sundresses. So not really sure what smart causal is.
Ambiance: Relaxing
Drinks: Under the Oaks (very little alcohol) and 512 Mai Tai (she liked it). $ 14 per in lowball glass
Raw Bar: Tower Grande. It had five large shrimp, five oysters on the half shell and ceviche. The grande is suppose to be for 2 – 3 people. I wasn’t trying to get full off of this but was expecting a tad more for $ 44. Glad we didn’t order the smaller size.
Salad: Tomato salad. It had watermelon, green tomatoes and a paste like substance. My wife said it was bland.
Main course: Porterhouse for two (36 ounces) ($ 85),
Asparagus ($ 9) and corn brûlée ($ 9). Thought the porterhouse was pretty good (not the best I have had) as well as the sides. Found the corn brûlée very sweet. That did a fantastic job of cooking the porterhouse medium. Wife also had a glass of reisling ($ 14).
Passed on dessert and coffee because we were headed to another location for that.
Wait staff: Fantastic. Very attentive.
Grand total $ 225 plus tip.
I have spent this amount for dinner at some great dining establishments in the NY/​NJ area but was not expecting to in Austin. I guess Austin is just as expensive!
I didn’t find the meal so exceptional I would eat here again but what do you expect for a restaurant in the Four Seasons hotel.
First dinner experience in Austin so this may be the norm I just don’t know it yet.
Also got to check out the 2 million bats on their nightly excursion down by the dock.
They should really add half stars to Unilocal.The Trio was not quite a 4 star for me but more than 3 stars.
Give it a try. Enjoy!

This is for their Happy Hour. During Happy Hour, it is 50% of wine and $ 5 off the bar food items. If you like cocktails and beer, don’t come to TRIO as there are no happy hour pricing for those. But if you like wine, come here! There were about 15 different selections for you to choose from.
I wanted to sit outside by the river, but it was just too hot and not that much shade was available. Only ²⁄₅ tables would have been covered by trees. Come early if you want to sit outside and be shaded!
We ended up by the bar, and the bartender quickly greeted us. He was attentive but not intrusive. Really great service :)
To eat, we got the Venison Sliders and Steak Fries. The patty for the sliders was very tender and juicy. The venison sliders were very flavorful, but a bit on the salty side for me. My boyfriend thought the salt level was fine though so it could have been my Dry Riesling increasing the saltiness. The steak fries were good, but nothing special. Really loved their truffle aioli dipping sauce, and they gave me a extra with no additional charge!

YEAH!
I’m writing this purely about the happy hour. It’s come up time and time again on «best happy hour in Austin» lists and for a very good reason. It’s in a great setting, with a great staff, for wonderful prices, and — most importantly — the food is spectacular. When I went the main highlights were the lobster cups, the fries, and the venison sliders, all of which were amazing but in hindsight I should have just gotten the lobster… about 8 orders of them and not shared them with anyone. Make that 10 orders. Maybe a few more to go too.
Very nice wine selection too!

Dear Angel of Foodie Heaven,
Thank you for TRIO. Thank you for the view of lush green trees and a tiny portion of the lake. Thank you for John, our amazing stock trader server. Thank you for the Paloma, a crisp grapefruity Tequila drink. Thank you for the IPA my hubby loved. Thank you for the wonderful watermelon gazpacho and fab caesar salad. Thank you for the smooth sauce and moist (I happen to like that word!) spare ribs that literally melted in my mouth. Thank you for the spicy cauliflower that I thought I would hate but adored! Thank your for the amazing steak fries that I will dream about for weeks. Thank you for the rich and creamy peaches and cream panna cotta along with the yummy peanut butter mousse.
And most of all, thank you for donating a portion of what we spent to APA!
Hallelujah and Amen.

Upon arriving to the Four Seasons, I wasn’t aware of the parking situation. Even having a reservation you would need to valet which is about 12 dollars. You can find parking near Café Crêpe if you don’t mind a walk.
The inside was remarkably beautiful. It was a little annoying that the restaurant was located downstairs as you had to walk down a great length of stairs.
Our waiter was very knowledgeable and aware. we were sold on the Texas Tower. This appetizer is for 4 people but we didn’t mind. This came with shrimp, oyster, ceviche, lobster, tuna tartare, king crab legs, and crab claws. This appetizer was astonishingly filling! Great price for seafood this fresh. Great place for a date or special occasion.

I love eating here, specifically for breakfast or brunch. While its expensive the food is extremely consistent and the menu has lots of options. The other thing is that on most days you feel very well cared for in terms of your wants and needs.
During the warmer months it has a great patio you can sit outside and enjoy the scenery. The wait staff is very professional and can accommodate most any request. My favorites are the Hippy Omelet (add chorizo) and the Chilaquiles. They also have some blueberry pancakes that just blow my mind.
Can’t really say enough wonderful things about this place and I know I’ll be back again soon.

Let me tell you about my wedding dinner! My husband and I came here with my parents after we were married on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at a small ceremony in our backyard. When we made the reservation, we asked for a table with a view of the sunset, and that’s what we got. When I phoned, I also asked about NA wines, and when the server came to ask us about drinks, she shared several higher-​end options, including Ariel sparkling wine, which was a pleasure to see — it’s a good one! I have been avoiding alcohol because I am expecting, and no, I DON’T want soda or O’Doul’s. (Besides, have you ever heard a pregnant lady belch? Let’s not encourage it with carbonated drinks!)
On to the food: holy crap, it was good. Crab cakes for a starter, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. For entrees, there was a lot to choose from — almost too much. I ended up going for gulf snapper, instead of steak. It was really good, but even better, my husband got the stuffed pork chop, which fortunately for him was HUGE. Although I usually can’t stand pork chops, this one was one of the best things I have ever eaten. Lucky for me, I married a wonderful man who shared with me.
One weird thing about the menu: entrees and sides are all a la carte. Since we were a larger party, we had a nice spread of vegetables, which I think are the best part of a meal. If you came here for date night, it would be pricy to get as big of a spread as a larger table would order, yanno?
Dessert seemed like an afterthought — we had our cake immediately following our nuptials in the afternoon, but they had a lot of interesting choices, and we decided to share their Amy’s mexican vanilla bonbons. Good thing, too — they’re served in a little bucket with dry ice, so they stay cold at the table AND you get to play around with the candles and CO2! Our server also gifted us a cupcake and chocolate covered strawberries.
I’m glad you read this far, because the BEST part of the whole evening was on our way out of the restaurant, when we ran into Leticia van de Putte and talked to her about her run for mayor of San Antonio! Obviously Trio attracts classy clientele.
Minus one star for the music — it was a little too teenybopper, not classy enough for the retro James Bond interior. Maybe it was just an off day for whoever was on DJ duty.

One advantage of my job is that I get to try out some great restaurants, one of those being TRIO. It’s known as being one of the better hotel restaurants in town. The back patio is absolutely beautiful. You can catch a glimpse of the lake while surrounded by flowers and lush grass (a rare occasion in our droughts). It feels fairly private and very relaxing. All I really wanted was to have a mimosa rather than a business lunch, but I’ll take what I can get.
All of the servers are attentive and friendly– quick to fill your water or ask if you want more hibiscus tea. Lunch comes with complimentary flaky, cheddar rolls with a peppery seasoning. They were sharp and savory, although the popovers that accompany dinner look even better. I had the hippie salad, which is a healthy portion of greens and microgreens with currants, chickpeas, avocado, croutons, and candied nuts. It’s an ideal lunch salad as it’s not going to put you in a food coma when you go back to your oh-​so-​exciting desk job. It’s fresh, light, and flavorful– a perfect reflection of the overall dining experience and ambiance. Whether you are staying at the Four Seasons or working downtown, TRIO is a great place to enjoy a lunch outside.