The Water Trough Reviews

Awesome place. Staff very professional and polite they go the extra mile! Food and drinks are great and priced very well! Will return

Fun place to hang out while you are at Lone Star Court. Unique food items and drinks are OK- a little expensive and not a lot of booze in them. Live music on the weekends.

During our first visit to Austin, we stayed at the Lone Star Court north of the city. The Water Trough is part of the hotel and looks and feels like a friendly lodge. Roaring fire in the fireplace, outdoor patio overlooking the pool. Alcohol and a limited menu, live music Weds-Sat, low-key and happy. Loved hanging out here.

Winnie was an absolute star: helpful, friendly and attentive without being cloying. The food was not bad either 😉

Super cute hotel and grounds. Hit up the complimentary breakfast bar and was greeted by warm biscuits and a warm smile. Winnie was delightful! I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in Austin.

The brisket plate was shockingly good. Flavorful brisket, well seasoned fries and charred brussel sprouts which were a nice side instead of the usual slaw. It was a great recommendation from our bartender Sam who was great handling the entire place on her own and still chatting with everyone. Not our intention but we ended up staying until closing just because we were having such a good time hanging out.

Good food, Good Music, Good times! We visited the Water Trough during our stay at Lone Star Court Hotel. Loved it and would go back again.

We always eat breakfast here when we stay. Some hotel breakfasts just aren't worth eating, but not this one. The menu rotates daily and offers items you don't usually see. Also, the atmosphere is inviting, so you want to sit and sip your coffee for a while. We have also grabbed a quick lunch here before and it was really good. I would definitely recommend it. Also, the specialty drinks at the bar are tasty and refreshing.

Great atmosphere, great food and excellent staff. Tay will take care of you! The brisket nachos are fantastic as is the rest of the menu.

Had a couple of late night meals here on recent visit/stay at Lone Star. Typical bar/pub type fare-southwest spin of course-but very good. We had a problem with one of our meals-the nachos came out cold. I asked nicely if they could throw them under the broiler to warm em' up and our wait person was just so cool about it. Came back piping hot and they took it off our bill. I told him that wasn't necessary but he insisted. Classy move and brought us back again. They have breakfast there in the morning and WINNIE absolutely rocks it! She was so awesome. My hubby was looking for cowboy boots and I thought I'd ask a local-Winnie directed us to Cavender's. Boots bought and he still loves them Winnie! Just really nice folks work here and that makes it a very cool place to go. The entertainment was great on Friday/Saturday nights-our room was right across from the Trough so I sat outside in my rocker listening.

It is so nice to see and hear so much life and energy return to one of our favorite places! A post COVID trip showed just how much people are ready to return to some normalcy. And... as for at least the last 10 years... Winnie at The Water Trough is the warmest reason of all to visit. Treat your karma to some positive vibes and tell her, "hi!" She's the best.

Staying at the Lone Star Court our first experience was breakfast. It was delicious and Winnie was amazing. Then that evening we had a drink and listened to the live entertainment. The next night we had drinks and apps (the veggie taco was delicious) and we played games and I beat my husband at Sorry twice! Nice way to end the evening. Really nice place.

Great place to relax, dine, and listen to music. The atmosphere if relaxing and fun- just depends on your mood.

Great place to stay!! Not your normal hotel. More relaxing!! Great for shopping and walking and eating!! We rode the bikes they have one day and had a blast. The free breakfast was delicious. And the lady who waited on us was the sweetest. Winnie... she was so eager to help with whatever we needed. I would go back just to see her again!!!❤️

We had drinks several nights here while listening to the live music. But, our last night in Austin, after a full day out in town, we didn't want to go far for dinner. What a surprise to sit poolside with a nice glass of Texas tempranillo and some delicious chili cheese fries!

Very nice steps away from the Domain and Lone star hotel. Food was hot and fresh and served very quickly.

Only improvement we would suggest...did not get the best bartending service. Not always open and bartender seemed bothered when we tried to get a cocktail or service. Slow.

Breakfast at the Water Trough was very good. EGgs and Bacon, Biscuits and Gravy. Plenty of Bagels, Cereal etc. My server Winnie was very freindly and even remembered a special request from my first day during my revisit.

Few hotels offer a common area that is actually as comfortable and laid-back as The Water Trough at Lone Star Court. Add the live music and entertainment and it's the best place to be in Austin!

Had a few cocktails here during happy hour. They were good and a good value. Also had a free hot breakfast for hotel guests that was delicious and a large step up from other hotel's "continental breakfasts". Also had live music at night, beautiful seating areas with fire pits and board games. Definitely ads value to the hotel.

Good food and good service. Wennie was awesome!!! I came in and looked lost. With her help, I was wrapped up and ready to head back to my room with food for a hungry family. 5⭐️ Wennie!

Have to say it's fair you find a hotel bar which offers good quality bar food at a reasonable price - this place does - the brisket tacos are lovely and the burger was first class. My colleague had shrimp cocktail and said it was amazingly fresh. The choice of draft beer is also good and again reasonable price for hotel bar. It's nice to be able to sit out and look at the pool and soak up the plentiful Austin sunshine.

House specialty drinks were delicious and the lodge-like feel was relaxing. Try the CHILL COWBOY...you won't be disappointed.

awesome happy hour! friendly staff! live music on the weekend! very retro atmosphere with garage doors that open, fireplace, and fire pit outside. located right next to pool.

The complimentary breakfast was ON POINT! The eggs were real eggs not that powdered stuff and each day was a different selection of hot foods--even biscuits and gravy!

Appetizers are good. Small Bar Has adequate tables and a nice fire place if your staying there in Dec. or Jan.

Went here for a couple HHs during my stay at Lone Star Court. The first night was the middle of HH and there was only one bartender. He was stressed out trying to keep up. The next night there were two bartenders and one in training, so I think they are working on it. HH prices are really good. We also had food here for the first time - the quesadillas were top-notch; however they cook / grill the chicken first gives them great flavor and then the quesadilla itself if grilled to perfection. The brisket tacos (2 per serving) were tasty, but not very large. I highly recommend the quesadillas. They have live music just about every night. Even on hot evenings they have the large garage doors open until about 10pm so you can sit at the tables out on the patio and enjoy the outside and music and still get a blast of cold air from inside.

Very cool atmosphere, great drinks and great music! Loved that it opened up be an indoor/outdoor environment!

I can't say enough about the staff at the Water Trough. They were friendly, but not toon chatty. Attentive without hovering... Just perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed the warm greeting and smile from Winnie during the breakfast rush and Sam(??) early Saturday evening.

This was our first and certainly not our last time coming here. We have family living in the community and we’re visiting from out of town. We picked this place on my mother’s recommendation and we’re not disappointed. The food was phenomenal but the staff and management made it shine. The wait staff were professional, kind and attentive. We were able to meet the manager who was near by and he introduced himself, asked if we needed anything and really took this from a good to a great evening. We were celebrating a big family event and when they heard our big news, they congratulated us and were so warm and welcoming. It made it the perfect place to celebrate and be with family. There was beautiful live music, fireplaces all over and the food was great. Couldn’t ask for a better night out Shout out to the Manager Bobby and his whole staff, both front of house and back of house! That chicken fried steak was what I was looking for!

Spent four days in Austin on business. The breakfast at the Lone Star Hotel was great... Winnie the server was awesome, she always made sure you were taken care of.

Great music! Live bands vary by night but always great! Nice atmosphere. Super friendly people. Great way to just chill at the end of the day!

I had a wonderful experience eating breakfast the morning after partying until late. Winnie greeted me with a kind, warm and genuine smile and made me feel very welcome. She was quick to take my order and provided helpful advice on their omelette selection. I was eating by myself and enjoyed chatting with her as she would come by to check on me. The food was delicous and Winnie made the meal very enjoyable setting a cheerful tone for my day.

This open air atmosphere was very clean. We had drinks here, and breakfast. The drinks were good, lots of cocktail options. Happy hour was til 8, which I loved. The bartender went out of his way to try to make a flavored mojito. The breakfast was continental, really standard, but well stocked and tasty.

During our meeting, we enjoyed Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in the Water Trough. Each meal was unique and so very delicious! Not one complaint from any of our guests!

The Water Trough, It has a great atmosphere, great live music and some of the nicest and fun bartenders in Austin. I love every time I am here. the bartender, Tay, was really nice and helpful not only by mixing delicious drinks but recommending awesome places to go in Austin.

Cocktails and craft beer. Both were delicious, service was great, food was very good. We had the jalapeno poppers and the cornbread. Bar service only, no waiters by the pool but it is very easy to go in and get a refill. Mask required when walking around or going inside.

I visited the Water Trough a couple times while staying at the attached Lone Star Court. Decent selection of alcohol, great country-lodge feeling room with high ceiling and massive fireplace in the middle of the room. Friendly bartenders (as expected) kept up with the orders and were helpful for tourists from out of town. While it is on the "outskirts" of The Domain, it is particularly suited for a kick-off to an evening out in The Domain, and then if staying at the Lone Star Court, perfect for a nightcap. I will return on future stays at Lone Star Court.

The hotel had a really good band playing in the hotel bar. We had some cocktails, sat by a fire pit and listened to music.

I hate to leave a bad review. However, the one evening we intended to eat at the Water Trough (we were staying at the Lone Star Court, attached), was a dismal failure. I think there was one waiter in charge who was busy - he seemed to grab another guy nearby to help us. I looked a the menu, that night's special was "Texan Chicken." Asked what that was and his reply was, "I have no idea." the person seemingly in charge shoved a menu at this incompetent person showing "Texan Chicken." Again - what is that? "I have no idea." With that we said see you later and left. Sure did not impress! We did not patronize the Water Trough while we stayed at the motel.

Texas décor, a roaring fireplace, and patio with fire pits next to the pool at Lone Star Court. Great bar with happy hour and good food!

Winnie was amazing!!!! Sweet as molasses. Truly a great host. Will be back tomorrow morning to see that smiling face! Great food too!!!

It's anything but, we enjoyed the location and all it has to offer with plenty of choices for food. Everything was delicious.

This is pretty much your regular bar food with a bit less fried included. It was small portions, but good food. The service was excellent!

We were staying at the lone star court and spent one evening having tacos and drinks at The water Trough. The food was very tasty and the service was excellent. We sat out on a covered porched which was very relaxing. We enjoyed ourselves very much.

Cute little bar in the lone star court hotel, enjoyed drinks and the music there. Staff are friendly and drink selection and food options are good to

Stayed for 4 nights for a corp offsite - loved this watering hole! Great atmosphere Good prices and bar menu. Live local music starting Wed nights thru weekend - bartenders took great care of our team!

Get place to have a drink and a bit to eat. Live music was way too loud one night but the next time the guy was acoustic and amazing.

At first breakfast seemed like it was going to be a let down in the great city of breakfast tacos. The Lone Star Court only featured Biscuits and Gravy bar. But Yolanda sympathetically listened to my complaints and made me chilaquiles instead! Breakfast saved! The food was so good I forgot to take a picture of it. Then Yolanda asked what I wanted for the rest of the week so I could enjoy something more authentic. I haven’t had such thoughtful, professional service at the Four Seasons! Brava Yolanda!

We dined here on New Year's Eve and, though the service was pretty slow -- it was PACKED -- we really enjoyed the food once it arrived. I had a bacon burger with fries that was delicious. My one negative note is that we had a vegetarian in our party and there was really only one dish that suited him, though he did seem to enjoy it.

We ate breakfast at the Water Trough this morning. It was absolutely wonderful! Winnie exemplified outstanding customer service. She was so sweet, welcoming, and on top of things. We will definitely be back!

One of the best "Continental" breakfasts I have ever enjoyed. Freshly cooked eggs, bacon, sausage were available for the entire breakfast time. The fresh fruit at the yogurt bar was a far cry better than other hotels that provide pre packages cups of processed yogurt. A variety of pastries, bagels, and cereals as well as fresh fruit juices and freshly brewed coffee were always available. in addition, the service was great and the service providers were courteous, and extremely accommodating, going out of their way to make our experience enjoyable. .

The breakfast buffet was incredible. Everything was fresh and delicious. Eggs, bacon, sausage, yummy biscuits and gravy, pastries, fresh fruits and Excellent coffee. Winnie and her staff were great. They were so friendly and made sure everything was perfect. She even surprised us with a special request.

My family and I loved coming here for breakfast during our stay! The food was so good (I'm not even a fan of eggs but I went back for seconds), the atmosphere was great, and the staff makes you feel like your eating with family. Yevonne was wonderful to us and so sweet to our daughter! We are looking forward to coming back!

I got stranded at LSC last week away from my phone charger and Yolanda and Lourdes hunted around to find one only to offer my their own personal charger for a couple hours so I could get back to "normalcy." Oh - and I love the biscuit breakfast bar too. :D

It was convenient to eat breakfast here. The breakfast was wonderful and had a lot of selection each morning we were there. Winnie was very hospitable at each visit!! You should've seen her running to help a guest that was coughing, with a cup of water. The bartenders during the day and night were on point as well!!! Live music was great too!!

Good solid breakfast, convenient to the room while we were staying at the Lone Star Court hotel. The food wasn’t anything fancy, but it was well done. I wouldn’t drive across town for it, but if I was staying nearby I’d definitely return. The service was very good and fast!

Great chili!!!! Enjoyed it on the patio while a live band played. There was a fire pit and fountain, very tranquil and took the chill off. Great evening with my hubby!

Great patio, great music and great vibes. Tay and Kylie treat you like rock stars. Enjoy the fire outside and/or the fire place inside. It's a hotel bar, but a fun hang out for locals also

We had 2 wonderful breakfasts here while Staying at The Lone Star Court. Both David and Winnie were exceptional in their service which was matched by their warmth and welcoming hospitality. The food was delicious and fresh with a highlight being the Texas shaped waffle. The decor was rustic and fitted in the with vibe of hotel itself. The fireplace made it warm and cosy on the slightly chilly Austin March mornings. A definite must for anyone staying at The Lone Star Court.

The bartenders are great...they are friendly and courteous and make the ambiance fun! As soon as the bar manager arrived, their demeanor changed. "Service" Managers should lead by example...especially in a bar!

Samira was such a great server. We came in during the middle of the day and she took great care of us. She is a delight

Especially with good weather and the ability to sit outside between the pool and 'barn' the bar sits in - perfect ambience. Solo singer / guitarist playing just inside and the music pouring out across the property. Just a great experience completely different than a regular business hotel we all have to deal with. Good drinks, decent prices ($7 V+S) lighthearted evening. Fun.

Good selection of local drinks and a simple but satisfying mix of food, what more can you ask for in a place for a relaxing evening. The live music and outdoor fire lit/warmed seating is a nice touch as well.

After a day of meetings, we went to the Water Trough to watch the live band have some drinks and just relax. Inside there are many tables, some long picnic style tables, many seats at the bar and couches around the fireplace. The restaurant/bar has large garage style doors that open to the outside if the weather is good. Outside, there are more table and a pavilion with picnic tables. Also a couple of fire pits close by to sit around. A very fun and also relaxing place to hang out.

Apart of a hotel. Nice happy hour and they provide games, The seating could be better but its right across from The Domain.

What a wonderful breakfast feast we had here while staying at the Lone Star Court hotel. The Tex-Mex style eggs changed daily, as did the other main dish. Couldn't get enough... Friendly staff and great service.

Even during the bustling, busy week of SXSW, Winnie made us feel at home with her warmness and kindness. It was a full house during the morning rush and she was taking care of all the tables on her own.

Perfect week at a perfect hotel! Great food morning and evening with great entertainment. The most pleasant staff who couldn't be more helpful and willing. Lovely surroundings and would definitely recommend!!

Great drinks and ambience very strong and creative Friendly bartender, Tay Food is good as well I will be back tomorrow night

Holy moly, if that's the only thing you have when you stop in, it'll be worth your time. Add on one of the awesome libations from the bar, saddle up and play some Monopoly, listen to some live music, go sit by the fire or by the pool. This place has it all. And it's at the mall, all right.

We stayed T Lone Star Court for a few days and had breakfast every day. The wait staff was friendly and made sure we had everything we needed (especially Winnie). They served eggs, bacon, an assortment of breads, cereals and yogurts and fruits. The coffee was good. We appreciated that they serve breakfast until 11 because my grown children sleep later. After breakfast I just sat in the leather chair and read until my kids got up.

The Water Trough was great the service was good and so what the food. Great Continental breakfast and happy hour is always fun

The breakfast is delicious and plentiful. Winnie gave great service. Beer and food in the evening is good too.

I Loved the live music and the drinks were great! I didn't try the food but it looked good! Staff was attentive and efficient.

The Water Trough is awesome!! Great breakfast, Winnie & Yevinne are so welcoming & eager to serve. They are an incredible addition to The Lone Star Court!!!

Had the continental breakfast during our recent stay at Lone Star Court. Good food, good atmosphere, strong coffee. Recommended. Get up early and get the eggs before they are gone.

Stayed for the night at the Lone Star Court on a road trip through Austin to Houston, real treat to stay at this retro 4 star hotel. The Water Trough on site was a welcome place to get a late dinner. The included Continental Breakfast was a good start to the day it was nice to have the option of a made to order menu as well. Wennie was very gracious to take our order for a their cowboy omelet even as we were close to closing time for breakfast. The omelet was beautifully prepared, tender, light and fluffy. Carlos came out of the kitchen to check on how we liked the omelet he had prepared it and wanted to know our opinion. We appreciated his attentiveness and encouraged his enthusiasm. The omelet was excellent. We loved the atmosphere of the Lone Star Court and the Water Trough... unfortunately, a cold front came through overnight dropping temperatures from almost 80 to 38 degrees by breakfast time and the barnlike structure of the Water Trough was very chilly. Offsetting the chill was the warm and smell of wood burning fireplace in the middle of the room. Overall loved it! Hope to return soon!

Ate here before heading out bar hopping in the domain and enjoyed the drinks. Had the brisket nachos to eat--not incredible but not terrible. Easy to much on with drinks, but would have been less thrilled if we had come specifically to eat. Drinks I would give a 4-5, food a 3.

Great local bar as part of Lone Star Court. Helpful and fun staff. They have taken the time to include a variety of local beers. Enjoy.

Great ambience (indoor/outdoor fireplaces, good layout and furnishings..), wonderfully cheerful and responsive breakfast service by Winnie, excellent evening bartender, reasonable prices. Nice!

I pretty much stay exclusively at Lone Star Court when visiting Austin. So conveniently located and The Water Trough is one of the better features of the hotel. Good HH specials, live bands Wednesday - Saturday starting at 7pm (I think). Decent simple breakfast spread with bacon; scrambled eggs; biscuits and gravy; assorted fruit; drinks; etc. Breakfast service spearheaded by Winnie is really perfect - she is always friendly and remembers me each time I stay, fetches me ice for Iced Tea, just always helpful. I really like staying here and The Water Trough. I highly encourage a visit.

We didn't care much for the service at night but breakfast was great. Food was good and the Service was very welcoming.

There was a fire blazing in the middle of the room, and I sat away from the door, but this Idaho girl still had to keep her coat on. The music was fun, and the friendly bartender waited on my table. I had the Jalapeno mac-n-cheese and the brussel sprouts. Both were very good, and generous servings. If I'd been hungry still, I would have loved to try their bread pudding dessert!

I had a pulled pork burger which was to die for. The beers on tap are great and in general its a nice hotel bar to go to one night.

Live music in the evenings, good bar tenders, and even the $5 Happy House house wines are good. Fun spot to sit out by the pool or enjoy the cool air conditioning indoors.

I highly recommend Wilma, due to her compassion,urgency and desire to help. She went out of her way to get me the correct Almond milk to help me comply with my dietary needs.

Great drinks. Nice atmosphere. And the oysters weren't bad either. Gotta try the Texas tea there. You can also bring in food from their food trucks located on the premises.

Best combination of quality, comfort and affordability for a hotel pub I've experienced. Great pub-style lunch and dinner options and a full bar with good on-tap selections as well as helpful and friendly staff.

Thanks for the great hospitality and the super yuumy drinks and delicious food. My girl LOVED the fried pickles and I had the BLT and they even modified it for me and it was the BEST Grilled cheese BLP(pickles) EVER

The complimentary buffet Continental breakfast may seem like the business travelers most boring wake up meal. But here at the Lone Star Court in Austin, Domain, You receive heartwarming hospitality along with fresh fruit, oatmeal, and biscuits and gravy (the latter only if you haven't already put on enough weight from the incredible food in Austin). Each morning I was greeted with the bright smile and contagious energy of Ms. Winnie, the breakfast attendant. She is an asset to Lone Star Court! If she can ever find a way to bottle that gracious hospitality, she could sell it and become a wealthy woman. The Lone Star Court itself is a delightful place to stay with retro chic, live music, outdoor fireplaces and Adirondack chairs to lean back and look at the Texas Stars as you plan your next trip back.

Everyone here is so welcoming! We checked into the Lone Star Court and decided to eat here since our booking included a per diem meal credit. We enjoyed everything we ordered (the pulled chicken sliders are worth it), and it was really great to know we only had to walk around the pool to get back to our room.