The Hill Country Restaurants

The Hill Country is an extension of the great eating opportunities—the amazing Tex-Mex and barbecue—of San Antonio and Austin, with the addition of heavy German influences. Fredericksburg certainly corners the market for relatively authentic German fare, but Boerne, Comfort, New Braunfels, and everywhere in between serve decent schnitzel and wurst. Barbecue bests are spread all over: the Salt Lick in Driftwood, Cooper's in Llano, and Cooper's in Mason (it's not a chain; they just happen to have the same name), and Rudy's Country Store in a number of locations between Austin and San Antonio, and in Leon Springs.

On the Hill Country backroads you're not going to get a whole lot of haute cuisine delivered by celebrity chefs, but you'd be surprised at some of the fine dining experiences you can have here. Two upscale restaurants to try in Fredericksburg are August E's and Rebecca's Table.

Most places are casual in the Hill Country. You may want to don your Sunday best for a few places, but you really don't need to. Boots and jeans are formal enough for the average restaurant, especially for men. You'll see plenty of local women wearing "country-chic" clothing, such as embroidered, tailored blazers, or swishy broomstick skirts—with boots, of course. In the summer heat you'll see many patrons wearing just about anything that keeps them cool.

Don't expect to dine too late into the evenings. With the exception of a few live-music bars and venues, most restaurants and cafés are finished serving by 9 or 10, especially during the week.

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  • 1. Mamacita's

    $$

    In Kerrville, Mamacita's is as much a tradition as Frito pie at high-school football games. Though billed as "authentic" Mexican food, it's more along the lines of standard Tex-Mex fare and about as straightforward as you can get.

    215 Junction Hwy., Kerrville, Texas, 78028, USA
    830-895–2441

    Known For

    • Great Tex-Mex dishes
    • Good for groups
    • Family-friendly atmosphere
  • 2. Rails

    $$

    Just off the railroad tracks in Kerrville is a cheery café with cream timber siding and red trim. Built in 1915, the house once served as a train depot but has been transformed into a fantastic little restaurant offering a variety of homemade soups, salads, and hearty entrées. Daily lunch and dinner specials vary. Look for the spicy grilled-shrimp tostada with creamy chipotle sauce and the grilled venison burger.

    615 E. Schreiner St., Kerrville, Texas, 78028, USA
    830-257–3877

    Known For

    • Historic setting
    • Daily specials
    • Venison burger

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 3. The Cowboy Steak House

    $$

    With a name like the Cowboy Steak House, you pretty much know what to expect. Western paintings and the smoke-stained limestone hearth of the wood-burning fire create a homey life-on-the-ranch feel. Grilled on an open mesquite fire, the steaks are excellent, especially the not-so-petit filet mignon wrapped with a crispy strip of bacon. Not a fan of red meat? Not to worry, the grilled salmon is exceptionally fresh and flavorful. All entrées come with the standard baked potato or a sweet potato topped with cinnamon and brown sugar.

    416 Main St., Kerrville, Texas, 78028, USA
    830-896–5688

    Known For

    • Serious ranch vibes
    • Live-fire cooking
    • Excellent steaks

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch. Closed Sun.
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

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