The Hill Country Restaurants
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Hill Country - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.
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1. Altdorf Biergarten
$$ | |This biergarten on Main Street is always buzzing, and for good reason. Choose from a wide array of craft German beer while enjoying the live...
This biergarten on Main Street is always buzzing, and for good reason. Choose from a wide array of craft German beer while enjoying the live music that happens nearly nightly. The hearty fare is also great, whether you opt for a classic schnitzel or a juicy Reuben sandwich on toasty pumpernickel.
301 W. Main St., Fredericksburg, Texas, 78624, USA830-997–7865Known For
- Traditional beer garden vibes
- Live music
- Hearty German cuisine
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner Sun. -
2. August E's
$$$$ | |In the heart of downtown Fredericksburg, August E's features a sleek Zen-like atmosphere thanks to its contemporary Asian decor. Chef-owner Leu Savanh adds a subtle...
In the heart of downtown Fredericksburg, August E's features a sleek Zen-like atmosphere thanks to its contemporary Asian decor. Chef-owner Leu Savanh adds a subtle hint of his Thai background to such dishes as the New Zealand lamb with balsamic honey-glaze and a cloudlike fillet of Hawaiian escolar pan-seared and served with a tempura-fried lobster tail, baby bok choy, and mascarpone whipped potatoes. In addition to the constantly evolving seasonal menu, a sushi menu and a fairly extensive selection of sake are also on offer.
203 E. San Antonio St., Fredericksburg, Texas, 78624, USA830-997–1585Known For
- Asian fusion
- Unique seafood creations
- Extensive sake offerings
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch -
3. Black's Barbecue
$$ | |Although Black's now has locations in Austin, New Braunfels, and San Marcos, there's nothing like a visit to the original location in Lockhart, where pitmaster...
Although Black's now has locations in Austin, New Braunfels, and San Marcos, there's nothing like a visit to the original location in Lockhart, where pitmaster Ken Black still smokes the meat just like his grandfather did in 1932. The brisket here is thick and juicy and the 9-inch beef ribs are memorable, but the sides also stand out, with less-common offerings like Mexican street corn, green beans, black-eyed peas, and extra-cheddar mac 'n' cheese.
215 N. Main St., Texas, 78644, USA512-398–2712Known For
- Massive beef ribs
- Thick juicy brisket
- Inventive sides
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4. Brick's River Cafe
$$ | |Locals and visitors alike flock to Brick's for country cooking with a view. The restaurant itself has a humble interior, but it's the patio overlooking...
Locals and visitors alike flock to Brick's for country cooking with a view. The restaurant itself has a humble interior, but it's the patio overlooking the river that wins everyone's heart. It's a great spot to start with a mason-jar drink while you wait for a table to sample the simple but well-done menu, with comforting classics like a light and crispy chicken-fried steak, homemade meatballs, and smashed potatoes.
1205 N. Main St., Bandera, Texas, 78003, USA830-796–9900Known For
- Homestyle fare
- Weekend breakfast buffet
- Beautiful river views
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5. Cabernet Grill
$$$$ | |If you want a Texas-size meal in the heart of the Hill Country, the Cabernet Grill has just what you're looking for. Chef-owner Ross Burtwell...
If you want a Texas-size meal in the heart of the Hill Country, the Cabernet Grill has just what you're looking for. Chef-owner Ross Burtwell uses a smattering of local ingredients to inspire a menu that reflects the bold flavors of the Lone Star State. Menu items range from Black Diamond buffalo enchiladas with green chili crema to sesame-seared Gulf red snapper with ginger-basil vinaigrette. The grilled jalapeño-stuffed quail is a fan favorite, as are the myriad special dinners with wine pairings that Burtwell hosts throughout the year. It should also be noted that this is the only restaurant in the state devoted exclusively to an all-Texas wine menu, giving diners a chance to truly taste Texas terroir.
2805 S. State Hwy. 16, Fredericksburg, Texas, 78624, USA830-990–5734Known For
- Wine menu with exclusively Texas wines
- Steak and seafood
- Homey interior and spacious patio
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Gristmill
$$ | |Dining at the Gristmill is as mandatory as shuffling your boots along the floors of Gruene Hall when visiting Gruene. On a sunny day, request...
Dining at the Gristmill is as mandatory as shuffling your boots along the floors of Gruene Hall when visiting Gruene. On a sunny day, request a seat on the multitiered deck that climbs the side of the cliff overlooking the Guadalupe River. Though you can find fabulous soups and salads, there's nothing quite like the Gristburger. The secret to this burger's success is the spicy chili con queso that oozes from the sides.
1287 Gruene Rd., Gruene, Texas, 78130, USA830-625–0684Known For
- Charming riverside dining
- Famous Gristburger with spicy chili con queso
- Historic setting
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7. High's Cafe & Store
$ | |This is the gathering spot in the morning for locals looking to savor a rich cup of coffee or a fully cooked breakfast. But lunch...
This is the gathering spot in the morning for locals looking to savor a rich cup of coffee or a fully cooked breakfast. But lunch is just as popular, with a daily menu of flavorful soups, salads, and sandwiches, including the "salad trio," which is a scoop of homemade chicken salad and a scoop of homemade tuna salad on a fresh field-greens salad. The creamy pimiento-cheese sandwich on nine-grain bread is easy on the mayonnaise and spicy with black pepper, while thick and garlicky hummus with crispy pita chips makes a great appetizer for sharing. Save room for a sweet treat from the dessert case of fresh baked goods, including fudge-walnut brownies, lemon cupcakes, and chewy chocolate-chip Cowboy cookies.
726 High St., Comfort, Texas, 78013, USA830-995–4995Known For
- Great coffee
- Amazing sandwiches
- Freshly baked goodies
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner -
8. Kreuz Market
$$ | |This sprawling landmark barbecue spot is another must when touring Lockhart for barbecue. Like Smitty's, this one has pits, so you can watch while you...
This sprawling landmark barbecue spot is another must when touring Lockhart for barbecue. Like Smitty's, this one has pits, so you can watch while you wait, but unlike Smitty's, they have more rules here: no sauce and no forks (so don't try asking for any!).
619 N. Colorado St., Texas, 78644, USA511-398–2361Known For
- Dry-rubbed meats smoked over post oak
- Historic building
- No barbecue sauce or forks
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9. Longleaf Craft Kitchen + Bar
$$ | |Named for the longleaf pine lining the interior of the dining room, this craft kitchen and bar lets local and seasonal ingredients drive the menu,...
Named for the longleaf pine lining the interior of the dining room, this craft kitchen and bar lets local and seasonal ingredients drive the menu, so the offerings may change, but they are always incredibly fresh and flavorful. Offerings might include dishes like Hill Country quail stuffed with mushroom and apples and served with caramelized brussels sprouts, paired perfectly with local Hye-fig cider. The wine and beer list are robust, but the cocktails, which also utilize fresh and seasonal ingredients whenever possible, are some of the best in town. Enjoying one in their garden courtyard is a must when in Wimberley.
314 Wimberley Sq., Wimberley, Texas, 78676, USA512-842–3044Known For
- Farm-to-table food program
- Garden courtyard
- Craft cocktails
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed. -
10. Old German Bakery & Restaurant
$$ | |Though it's also open for lunch, most locals flock to this family-owned restaurant for a delicious and hearty breakfast. Lacy German pancakes come with butter...
Though it's also open for lunch, most locals flock to this family-owned restaurant for a delicious and hearty breakfast. Lacy German pancakes come with butter pats, orange slices, and powdered sugar for sprinkling. Order schnitzel with eggs or skip straight to lunch and enjoy homestyle plates of sausage, kraut, and potato salad. If you don’t order a pastry with your meal, be sure to visit the bakery counter on your way out to get an apple strudel, prasselkuchen, or pretzel nut twist for the road.
225 W. Main St., Fredericksburg, Texas, 78624, USA830-997–9084Known For
- Indulgent breakfast plates
- Homemade German baked goods
- Family-friendly atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed. and Thurs. No dinner -
11. Otto's German Bistro
$$ | |At his sleek but cozy bistro, chef Henry Gutkin focuses on some of Germany’s lesser-known dishes, reimagined with creative, refreshing twists. Bavarian Frittatensuppe (crepe soup)...
At his sleek but cozy bistro, chef Henry Gutkin focuses on some of Germany’s lesser-known dishes, reimagined with creative, refreshing twists. Bavarian Frittatensuppe (crepe soup) is brightened with herbs and rainbow carrots, while the Düsseldorfer Senfrostbraten (Dusseldorf mustard roast) is elevated with Akaushi steak and an onion-mustard-cheese crust. And while there’s plenty of beer here to keep your stein full, as well as a focus on German and Austrian wines, the exceptional cocktail menu should not go unnoticed.
316 E. Austin St., Fredericksburg, Texas, 78624, USA830-307–3336Known For
- German and Austrian wine selections
- Farm-to-table dining
- Lesser-known German dishes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Sat. -
12. Pecan Street Brewing
$$ | |Locals will tell you Pecan Street Brewing is one of the area's best-kept secrets—not only for the house brews, but for the food, too. Try...
Locals will tell you Pecan Street Brewing is one of the area's best-kept secrets—not only for the house brews, but for the food, too. Try their refreshingly light-bodied No Conviction Stout (poured through a nitro tap) alongside the crispy-crusted flammkuchen topped with crème fraîche, house-smoked bacon, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese. The brewery also serves as the tiny town's neighborhood hub.
106 E. Pecan Dr., Johnson City, Texas, 78636, USA830-868–2500Known For
- Wood-fired pizzas
- Nitro stouts
- Texas craft spirits
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.–Thurs. -
13. Peggy's on the Green
$$$ | |Set in a restored 19th-century dining room, this charming spot showcases elevated Southern cuisine created by chef Mark Bohanan (of San Antonio's Bohanan's steak house...
Set in a restored 19th-century dining room, this charming spot showcases elevated Southern cuisine created by chef Mark Bohanan (of San Antonio's Bohanan's steak house fame). Decadent dishes like eggnog-battered sweet-roll French toast and a bourbon-battered ham Monte Cristo with huckleberry jam make this a perfect special-occasion brunch spot, and the creamy-but-light milk punch shouldn't be missed either. In fact, the cocktails are some of the best in town, with a focus on the "classics with a twist" Bohanan's is known for. A seasonal fresh fruit Tom Collins is perfect alongside the jumbo crab cake served on a fried green tomato, or let your server guide you through the extensive whiskey and wine lists for a pairing to match your cheeseburger topped with fire-roasted pimiento cheese. All the perfectly grilled steaks come with a flaky buttermilk biscuit, but be sure to save room for dessert, too: the sweet potato crème brûlée with pecan shortbread and orange segments is a dream with a glass of port.
128 W. Blanco St., Boerne, Texas, 78006, USA830-572–5000Known For
- Decadent brunch
- Incredible cocktails
- Historic space
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. -
14. Salt Lick BBQ
$$ | |Drawing Texans and visitors alike out to the Hill Country since 1967, at Salt Lick you can order barbecue plates a la carte, but most...
Drawing Texans and visitors alike out to the Hill Country since 1967, at Salt Lick you can order barbecue plates a la carte, but most folks opt for the family-style option, which comes with unlimited brisket, sausage, pork ribs, potato salad, coleslaw, and beans. You can BYOB or head to the adjacent Salt Lick Cellars space to purchase beer and wine made from the estate’s own fruit (including a BBQ Red designed to accompany the food).
18300 Farm to Market Rd. 1826, Driftwood, Texas, 78619, USA512-858–4959Known For
- Family-style Texas barbecue
- BYOB policy
- Fun group dining
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15. Smitty's Market
$$ | |If you're coming to Lockhart to experience its barbecue, a stop at Smitty's is an absolute must: it's still housed in the original 1948 Kreuz...
If you're coming to Lockhart to experience its barbecue, a stop at Smitty's is an absolute must: it's still housed in the original 1948 Kreuz Market, which Edgar A. "Smitty" Schmidt started (it's a long story), and you can scope out a good look at the historic building while you queue for your 'cue. The line moves quickly here as you watch their team in action cutting meat and tending the live fire, which is said to have been burning for more than a hundred years. The brisket, sausage, and turkey are not to be missed, but they also offer a decadent smoked prime rib if you're feeling fancy.
208 S. Commerce St., Texas, 78644, USA512-398–9344Known For
- Live-fire cooking
- Smoked prime rib
- Long lines that move quickly
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16. The Ausländer Restaurant and Biergarten
$$ | |With its authentic German architecture, the Ausländer draws quite a crowd for lunch and dinner. For more than 20 years, it has been one of...
With its authentic German architecture, the Ausländer draws quite a crowd for lunch and dinner. For more than 20 years, it has been one of the town's most popular beer gardens, and you're bound to find a few things to your liking—perhaps the Spicy Texas Schnitzel, a bold concoction featuring a hand-breaded pork loin cutlet smothered with Tex-Mex ranchero sauce and melted Monterey Jack cheese.
323 E. Main St., Fredericksburg, Texas, 78624, USA830-997–7714Known For
- Munich biergarten atmosphere
- Huge beer selection
- Tex-Mex and German fusion dishes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed. -
17. The Creek Restaurant
$$$$ | |Dining alongside Cibolo Creek in this historic house while listening to the rhythmic turn of a water mill is a treat. The upscale restaurant offers...
Dining alongside Cibolo Creek in this historic house while listening to the rhythmic turn of a water mill is a treat. The upscale restaurant offers a nice array of steaks, fresh seafood, and wild game. Highlights are the blue-crab fingers lightly sautéed with lemon and wine and the soul-warming and hearty beef-potato soup.
119 Staffel St., Boerne, Texas, 78006, USA830-816–2005Known For
- Creekside dining
- Blue-crab fingers
- Top-notch service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. -
18. The Salt Lick
$$ | |If you see smoke rising while driving along FM 1826, don't be alarmed. It's just a barbecue beacon calling you to the perpetually smoking pits,...
If you see smoke rising while driving along FM 1826, don't be alarmed. It's just a barbecue beacon calling you to the perpetually smoking pits, long picnic tables, and dance hall–style compound of The Salt Lick. On weekends, and particularly when the University of Texas Longhorns have a home game, this family-friendly hot spot on the edge of south Austin is tough to get into, but always worth the wait. You'll be joined by locals and travelers from miles around waiting to feast on perfectly smoked brisket, baby back ribs, vinegary German potato salad and cole slaw, and enough soft white bread to sop up a gallon of the secret sauce. Oh, and did we mention the sausage? Get some of that, too. You can order the all-you-can-eat, family-style option and share with friends. Though it may seem impossible to save room for homemade blackberry cobbler with Blue Bell homemade vanilla ice cream on top, we promise it is worth every calorie. If you're driving from the Hill Country back to the Austin airport, this makes a great lunch stop on the way.
18001 FM 1826, Driftwood, Texas, 78619, USA512-858–4959Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards -
19. Vaudeville
$$ | |This hip, modern interpretation of a European bistro also includes a retail showroom, art gallery, supper club, and wine club. The restaurant features rotating specials,...
This hip, modern interpretation of a European bistro also includes a retail showroom, art gallery, supper club, and wine club. The restaurant features rotating specials, such as lump crab curry, duck confit, and herb-roasted chicken, plus a daily menu with gourmet sandwiches (try the French dip, made with Angus prime beef), soups, salads, cheese, charcuterie, and wood-fired pizzas. For dinnertime prix-fixe menus and the Monday night supper club, expect a more elevated menu with dishes like beef carpaccio, venison tenderloin, and grilled rack of lamb.
230 E. Main St., Fredericksburg, Texas, 78624, USA830-992–3234Known For
- Gourmet sandwiches
- Monday night supper club
- On-site art gallery and retail showroom
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.–Thurs. except supper club -
20. 814: A Texas Bistro
$$$ | |Colorful, quilt-draped walls and a cool ceiling-fanned patio make this a comfortable spot no matter the weather. The menu changes with the season, but you...
Colorful, quilt-draped walls and a cool ceiling-fanned patio make this a comfortable spot no matter the weather. The menu changes with the season, but you might find an entrée such as a juicy grilled New York strip steak in a balsamic reduction or sautéed rainbow trout. The 814 Burger is a half-pound of grilled bliss.
713 High St., Comfort, Texas, 78013, USA830-995–4990Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed., Credit cards accepted
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