EAT: 10 Fabulous Restaurants in the Texas Hill Country
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The Leaning Pear in Wimberley
The Leaning Pear is owned by Rachel and Matthew Buchanan, two Aggies who spent time in Perugia in Italy before returning to the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park to earn his degree in Culinary Arts. They moved to Wimberley in the Texas Hill Country to fulfill their dream of opening their own restaurant. Try their wood-fired pizza, chicken and grits, delicious crab cakes and the Hill Country Cobb Salad. The Leaning Pear has quickly become one of the most popular restaurants in the Texas Hill Country.
111 River Road, #110, Wimberley, Texas
Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood
In a state that prides itself on great BBQ, Salt Lick is one of the top BBQ joints in Texas. Just 30 minutes southwest of Austin in the tiny town of Driftwood, Salt Lick BBQ is king of hill country BBQ. Since 1967, the Roberts family has slow cooked mouth watering BBQ for thousands and thousands of satisfied customers. One favorite is Thurmans Choice, a plate combination of Brisket, Pork Ribs, and Sausage served with beans, potato salad, and coleslaw.
18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, Texas
The Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar in New Braunfels
With a scenic location overlooking the Guadalupe River, The Gristmill in New Braunfels is an icon on the hill country food scene. Steaks, burgers, and popular South Texas fare such as chicken fried steak, fried catfish, a selection of fresh homemade sandwiches, and tomatillo chicken. Complete your meal with one of their famous desserts like Fudge pie, strawberry shortcake, and their signature Jack Daniel’s Pecan Pie at The Gristmill, one of the most popular restaurants in the Texas Hill Country.
1287 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, Texas
Cabernet Grill in Fredericksburg
The Cabernet Grill in Fredericksburg is casual upscale dining at its best. Start with an order of the Texas Twinkies,
bacon wrapped jalapenos stuffed with beer sausage and redneck cheddar served with jezebel dip. Follow with the Tejas Mixed Grill, which consists of Oak Smoked Dry Rubbed Five Ounce Strip Steak, Jalapeno Quail, and Oak Smoked Pork Tenderloin Medallion. Or how about the Lobster Topped Chicken Fried Ribeye, topped with Green Chile Cream Gravy. Find out for yourself why the Cabenet Grill is one of the top restaurants in the Texas Hill Country
2805 South State Highway 16, Fredericksburg, Texas
Jobells in Wimberley
David Bober was a construction supervisor in New York when he came to visit his brother in the Texas Hill Country. He and his wife fell in love with the area, and they moved to Wimberley. David used his construction skills to renovate an old building on the north side of town, and opened the fabulous Jobells. Casual yet elegant, locals and tourists alike enjoy the friendly, warm atmosphere along with the fantastic food and drink at Jobells.
16920 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, Texas
Vaudeville in Fredericksburg
Downtown on Main Street in Fredericksburg you will find Vaudeville, home to some of the best cooking in Fredericksburg. A wonderful French Bistro Cafe in the basement of the historic building. Before or after dinner, enjoy the shops and art galleries on the floors above. Fabulous quiche, fried chicken, cornbread, Or for more upscale dining visit the V Supper Club, where Chef Jordan Muraglia creates culinary masterpieces using only the freshest local ingredients. The romantic courtyard and decor is the setting for a most memorable dining experience.
230 East Main Street, Fredericksburg, Texas
Hye Market in tiny Hye near Fredericksburg
Located in an old post office on Highway 290 in the little town of Hye, the Hye Market is the perfect place to grab a bite when visiting the Texas Hill Country. Try the Hye Hummus, the Roasted Pecan Salad, the Jason Special, or the Whatever sandwich. Pair up your main with a side of Sweet Potato Salad with In-house Cured Bacon. Choose from the homemade Berry Tarts or the Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie with Fudge Layer. Join the friendly folks in this old historic building and share Texas Food, Texas Beer, and Texas Wines, all served with Texas Smiles.
10261 W. Hwy 290, Hye, Texas
Bluebonnet Cafe in Marble Falls
Since 1929, the Bluebonnet Cafe in Marble Falls is where family and friends have gathered to share good food and good times. With an All Day Breakfast and a great lineup of home cooked comfort food, The Bluebonnet Cafe has earned its stripes over its long history. Chicken fried steak, pot roast, fresh salads, sandwiches, and its legendary all day breakfast keep friendly hungry locals and tourists coming back for more. And don’t forget to finish off with a piece of their famous homemade pie. Don’t miss out on the Bluebonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, one of the best restaurants in the Texas Hill Country.
211 US Hwy 281, Marble Falls, Texas
Redbud Cafe in Blanco
The Redbud Cafe is a delightful gathering place for locals and visitors directly across the street from the Williamson County Courthouse. With its wide variety of menu options from burgers, salads, and sandwiches, there is something for everyone. Visit on the weekends for lively art and fantastic live music. It’s always a good time on the square, and the Redbud Cafe is one of the best restaurants in the Texas Hill Country for a tasty break.
410 4th Street, Blanco, Texas
Gennarro's Trattoria in Canyon Lake
Gennarro’s Trattoria is a local favorite for those craving an authentic Italian meal. Just south of Canyon Lake on Startz Road, come in for some of the best Chicken Alfredo, Eggplant Parmigiana, Mozzarella Caprese and other Italian classics in the area. For a pleasant, affordable surprise, try the $10 lunch special.
10018 Startz Rd, Canyon Lake, Texas
Scott Kendall is the Founder, Editor, and frequent contributor to PlayStayEat. He is a former Navy Officer, teacher and tennis coach who is an avid traveler and writer. Scott has traveled extensively throughout the United States and overseas to Italy, France, England, Croatia, Slovenia, and others. In addition to his contributions to PlayStayEat, much of his published work can be seen at scottkendalltravels.com.