Texas Hill Country Guidebook
Food scene
The local food scene features a lot of German cuisine, Texas comfort food and Tex-Mex options. Many restaurants feature Texas wines, beers and spirits.
This delightful place has it all...a casual restaurant with great food, a garden center, a music venue and a gift shop. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and offer beer and wine. Wednesday night is Steak Night and Friday is Catfish Friday. Don't miss their fried green tomatoes and their homemade desserts.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Ridge Marketplace
13439 S Ranch Rd 783This delightful place has it all...a casual restaurant with great food, a garden center, a music venue and a gift shop. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and offer beer and wine. Wednesday night is Steak Night and Friday is Catfish Friday. Don't miss their fried green tomatoes and their homemade desserts.
This place is excellent for lunch or dinner. They have a spacious shaded patio and the building itself is a cool old train depot. They have a varied menu and they make their own cakes and desserts at their bakery next door.
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rails A Cafe At the Depot
615 E Schreiner StThis place is excellent for lunch or dinner. They have a spacious shaded patio and the building itself is a cool old train depot. They have a varied menu and they make their own cakes and desserts at their bakery next door.
This place is in a really weird-looking building, but go through to the back and you can dine overlooking the beautiful Guadalupe River. Don't miss this restaurant's excellent curries or their coconut ice cream and sticky rice. (But skip the Chinese-American dishes...meh.)
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Thai O'cha
417 Water StThis place is in a really weird-looking building, but go through to the back and you can dine overlooking the beautiful Guadalupe River. Don't miss this restaurant's excellent curries or their coconut ice cream and sticky rice. (But skip the Chinese-American dishes...meh.)
Hilda's is a solid Tex-Mex restaurant with a full bar. As their name implies, they make their own tortillas and tortilla chips, so you know the food is good. They are open Mon-Sat for breakfast, lunch and dinner (closed on Sundays).
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hilda's Tortillas
149 FM2093Hilda's is a solid Tex-Mex restaurant with a full bar. As their name implies, they make their own tortillas and tortilla chips, so you know the food is good. They are open Mon-Sat for breakfast, lunch and dinner (closed on Sundays).
Billy Gene's is a good choice if you want tasty Texas-style comfort food in a casual environment.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Billy Gene's Restaurant
1489 Junction HwyBilly Gene's is a good choice if you want tasty Texas-style comfort food in a casual environment.
Mary's Tacos is the premier destination for breakfast tacos IN THE WORLD. Not kidding! They make their own tortillas every morning and are generous with the fillings. Absolutely delicious; don't miss it.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mary's Tacos
1616 BroadwayMary's Tacos is the premier destination for breakfast tacos IN THE WORLD. Not kidding! They make their own tortillas every morning and are generous with the fillings. Absolutely delicious; don't miss it.
Casual bistro with interesting upscale German food. Do not pass up the Flammkuchen appetizer!
137 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Otto's German Bistro
316 E Austin StCasual bistro with interesting upscale German food. Do not pass up the Flammkuchen appetizer!
Casual dining venue with great indoor and outdoor spaces. They have a full bar and an eclectic menu of small plates, salad, sandwiches and entrees. The roadside fried pies are oh-so-good.
43 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hill & Vine
210 South Adams StreetCasual dining venue with great indoor and outdoor spaces. They have a full bar and an eclectic menu of small plates, salad, sandwiches and entrees. The roadside fried pies are oh-so-good.
While I think this place is a little bit pricey for barbecue, there is no doubt that Backwoods is quite good. Be sure to try the pork ribs!
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Backwoods BBQ
320 FM2093While I think this place is a little bit pricey for barbecue, there is no doubt that Backwoods is quite good. Be sure to try the pork ribs!
Tasty pub fare, comfort food, and German and Tex-Mex specialties can be had at this casual downtown restaurant. They feature in-house craft beers that vary seasonally, as well as local wines.
56 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fredericksburg Brewing Company
245 E Main StTasty pub fare, comfort food, and German and Tex-Mex specialties can be had at this casual downtown restaurant. They feature in-house craft beers that vary seasonally, as well as local wines.
Old school bar/bistro with beautiful seafood dishes. Sunday brunch offerings include their lobster eggs Benedict.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Martini's Seafood House
107 North Adams StreetOld school bar/bistro with beautiful seafood dishes. Sunday brunch offerings include their lobster eggs Benedict.
The Lakehouse
1655 Junction HwyWaterside family-style restaurant that is popular with locals. Try their catfish.
Casual but slightly upscale dining venue with charming grounds. They feature a menu primarily of steaks and seafood and a large number of Texas wines. Be sure to have a reservation.
81 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant
2805 S State Hwy 16Casual but slightly upscale dining venue with charming grounds. They feature a menu primarily of steaks and seafood and a large number of Texas wines. Be sure to have a reservation.
Burgers, BBQ and Tex-Mex fare can be enjoyed indoors or on their large patio. Listen to live music as you sip an ice-cold drink under the live oaks.
180 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hondo's On Main
312 W Main StBurgers, BBQ and Tex-Mex fare can be enjoyed indoors or on their large patio. Listen to live music as you sip an ice-cold drink under the live oaks.
This is a great place for lunch or brunch. Their burgers are exceptional, and they have excellent Sunday brunch offerings like smoked salmon benedict.
86 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sunset Grill
902 S Adams StThis is a great place for lunch or brunch. Their burgers are exceptional, and they have excellent Sunday brunch offerings like smoked salmon benedict.
This homey cafe--now named Texas Sunrise-- serves breakfast and lunch (breakfast served all day) until 2 p.m., and is a great place to relax after shopping in downtown Fredericksburg or visiting the Nimitz Museum. Highly recommend the crab melt and their excellent french fries. They also serve beer, wine and liquor.
Squeeze In
105 S Adams StThis homey cafe--now named Texas Sunrise-- serves breakfast and lunch (breakfast served all day) until 2 p.m., and is a great place to relax after shopping in downtown Fredericksburg or visiting the Nimitz Museum. Highly recommend the crab melt and their excellent french fries. They also serve beer, wine and liquor.
This quirky little spot in downtown Kerrville is a fun place to grab a glass or bottle of wine and enjoy some of their decadent comfort food options like their "crack"eroni & cheese, BBQ pulled pork nachos or tacos.
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Grape Juice
623 Water StThis quirky little spot in downtown Kerrville is a fun place to grab a glass or bottle of wine and enjoy some of their decadent comfort food options like their "crack"eroni & cheese, BBQ pulled pork nachos or tacos.
This is a friendly casual restaurant and brewery in the heart of Johnson City. Try one of the seasonal beer offerings with their varied menu of Texas comfort food favorites.
69 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pecan Street Brewing
106 E Pecan DrThis is a friendly casual restaurant and brewery in the heart of Johnson City. Try one of the seasonal beer offerings with their varied menu of Texas comfort food favorites.
Narrow Path is a lovely hill country setting for a wine tasting. They have some interesting Texas wines that can be paired with rustic breads, cheese and more. The tasting room offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Narrow Path Winery and Vineyard
6331 S Ranch Rd 1623Narrow Path is a lovely hill country setting for a wine tasting. They have some interesting Texas wines that can be paired with rustic breads, cheese and more. The tasting room offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.
This is a great place for outdoor dining or just drinks and starters. Highly recommend the fried oyster & artichoke appetizer and the shrimp & grits. They offer reasonably priced bottles of wine and interesting cocktails.
Granite House Lounge
This is a great place for outdoor dining or just drinks and starters. Highly recommend the fried oyster & artichoke appetizer and the shrimp & grits. They offer reasonably priced bottles of wine and interesting cocktails.
Folks, you have not had gelato until you have tried OroBianco's gelato made from water buffalo milk. Simply stunning! They also make cheeses and sausages. You can visit them in Stonewall or at their original shop in Blanco.
OroBianco Italian Creamery - Stonewall
Folks, you have not had gelato until you have tried OroBianco's gelato made from water buffalo milk. Simply stunning! They also make cheeses and sausages. You can visit them in Stonewall or at their original shop in Blanco.
Excellent dining indoors or on their patio. I highly recommend the grilled quail and chocolate cognac torte. Great service and truly delicious food.
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Navajo Grill
803 E Main StExcellent dining indoors or on their patio. I highly recommend the grilled quail and chocolate cognac torte. Great service and truly delicious food.
An unassuming spot under a historic limestone building in downtown Fredericksburg. Great brunch menu with a lot of options.
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rathskeller
260 E Main StAn unassuming spot under a historic limestone building in downtown Fredericksburg. Great brunch menu with a lot of options.
Stop by this food truck (open 4-9 every day) for some tasty pizza and a really excellent (if pricy) Caesar salad.
PROMETHEUS PIZZA
Stop by this food truck (open 4-9 every day) for some tasty pizza and a really excellent (if pricy) Caesar salad.
Stylish new downtown restaurant with charming decor and very good (if a little spendy) northern Italian cuisine.
Alla Campagna
Stylish new downtown restaurant with charming decor and very good (if a little spendy) northern Italian cuisine.
City/town information
Fredericksburg is utterly charming with its German heritage, historic limestone buildings and great shops. There are a lot of seasonal and holiday events to enjoy, as well as the Nimitz Museum and many wine tasting rooms.
463 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is utterly charming with its German heritage, historic limestone buildings and great shops. There are a lot of seasonal and holiday events to enjoy, as well as the Nimitz Museum and many wine tasting rooms.
Kerrville is a pretty town situated on the Guadalupe River. The city boasts great public parks with river access, like Louise Hays Park where you can rent a kayak or canoe. Kerrville is home to Schreiner University and has an acclaimed performing arts center.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kerrville
Kerrville is a pretty town situated on the Guadalupe River. The city boasts great public parks with river access, like Louise Hays Park where you can rent a kayak or canoe. Kerrville is home to Schreiner University and has an acclaimed performing arts center.
Johnson City has a quaint Texas-style downtown with some shops and restaurants. The Pecan Street Brewing Company is great for lunch, dinner or just a cold craft beer. Ronnie's BBQ is exceptional. The town has a spectacular holiday lights display every year.
62 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Johnson City
Johnson City has a quaint Texas-style downtown with some shops and restaurants. The Pecan Street Brewing Company is great for lunch, dinner or just a cold craft beer. Ronnie's BBQ is exceptional. The town has a spectacular holiday lights display every year.
Comfort has a quaint downtown with antique shops, boutiques, wine tasting rooms and a couple of good lunch options.
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Comfort
Comfort has a quaint downtown with antique shops, boutiques, wine tasting rooms and a couple of good lunch options.
Wineries
This is a nice wine tasting room with a variety of reds, whites and rosés. They frequently have music on the weekends on their patio...a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lost Draw Cellars
113 E Park StThis is a nice wine tasting room with a variety of reds, whites and rosés. They frequently have music on the weekends on their patio...a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
Definitely one of the better wineries in the hill country. Stop by for a tasting or bring a picnic and enjoy their lovely grounds with a bottle of Becker wine.
115 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Becker Vineyards
464 Becker Farms RdDefinitely one of the better wineries in the hill country. Stop by for a tasting or bring a picnic and enjoy their lovely grounds with a bottle of Becker wine.
Good quality Texas wines and magnificent views. Bring a picnic and purchase a bottle to enjoy on their grounds.
38 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pedernales Cellars
2916 Upper Albert RdGood quality Texas wines and magnificent views. Bring a picnic and purchase a bottle to enjoy on their grounds.
Hilmy Cellars produces some good Texas wines including tempranillo and albariño. They have a nice back patio to enjoy a tasting or a glass of wine.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hilmy Cellars - Vineyards, Winery & Tasting Room
12346 US-290Hilmy Cellars produces some good Texas wines including tempranillo and albariño. They have a nice back patio to enjoy a tasting or a glass of wine.
Slate Theory has some good-quality Texas wines, most notably their reds. The property has an expansive lounge area, with seating both indoors and out.
Slate Theory Winery
Slate Theory has some good-quality Texas wines, most notably their reds. The property has an expansive lounge area, with seating both indoors and out.
Andreucci features good quality Italian wines with a focus on Tuscany. They have a pleasant tasting room and frequently host multi-course wine dinners, Italy trips and other events.
Andreucci WineRoom
401 E Main StAndreucci features good quality Italian wines with a focus on Tuscany. They have a pleasant tasting room and frequently host multi-course wine dinners, Italy trips and other events.
Messina Hof is one of the oldest wineries in the Texas hill country, and a great place to visit for some wine tasting. They have a broad selection of reds, whites and rosés, both dry and sweet, to suit a wide range of tastes. They also offer some accompaniments like cheese and charcuterie boards. It is recommended that you make a reservation for a weekend visit.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Messina Hof Hill Country
9996 US-290Messina Hof is one of the oldest wineries in the Texas hill country, and a great place to visit for some wine tasting. They have a broad selection of reds, whites and rosés, both dry and sweet, to suit a wide range of tastes. They also offer some accompaniments like cheese and charcuterie boards. It is recommended that you make a reservation for a weekend visit.
Stop into Safari Winery and try their South American and South African wines in a game lodge-style environment. They have a nice back patio as well and usually have live music on weekends.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Safari Winery
U.S. 290Stop into Safari Winery and try their South American and South African wines in a game lodge-style environment. They have a nice back patio as well and usually have live music on weekends.
An excellent winery producing some of the region's better wines. Situated in rural Comfort TX, they also have a tasting room in downtown Comfort and make regular appearances at the Pearl Farmer's Market in San Antonio.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bending Branch Winery
142 Lindner Branch RdAn excellent winery producing some of the region's better wines. Situated in rural Comfort TX, they also have a tasting room in downtown Comfort and make regular appearances at the Pearl Farmer's Market in San Antonio.
A spacious lawn with pretty views plus high quality Texas wines make this winery/venue a top pick for area visitors. If you like robust and earthy but smooth reds, try their 'Hunter's Blend'.
86 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
William Chris Vineyards
10352 US-290A spacious lawn with pretty views plus high quality Texas wines make this winery/venue a top pick for area visitors. If you like robust and earthy but smooth reds, try their 'Hunter's Blend'.
This casual and unassuming winery crafts some high-quality wines, especially their reds (Tempranillo and Sangiovese recommended). Friendly staff.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ron Yates Wines
This casual and unassuming winery crafts some high-quality wines, especially their reds (Tempranillo and Sangiovese recommended). Friendly staff.
Sightseeing
This is a large and lovely park right on the Guadalupe River in Kerrville. You can access the river for swimming, kayaking or canoeing, and there is usually someone there renting kayaks and canoes. Lots of places to picnic, plus long trails that wind along the river.
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Louise Hays
202 Thompson DrThis is a large and lovely park right on the Guadalupe River in Kerrville. You can access the river for swimming, kayaking or canoeing, and there is usually someone there renting kayaks and canoes. Lots of places to picnic, plus long trails that wind along the river.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a nice place for a hike or a picnic. The enormous pink granite dome offers long views from the top. Reservations for Enchanted Rock State Natural Area typically book quickly, especially on weekends, holidays and in the spring season. It is strongly encouraged to reserve a day pass prior to traveling to the park. Check the Texas Parks & Wildlife Reservation System for an available slot.
301 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Enchanted Rock Summit
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a nice place for a hike or a picnic. The enormous pink granite dome offers long views from the top. Reservations for Enchanted Rock State Natural Area typically book quickly, especially on weekends, holidays and in the spring season. It is strongly encouraged to reserve a day pass prior to traveling to the park. Check the Texas Parks & Wildlife Reservation System for an available slot.
Hmm...how to describe Luckenbach, that unassuming crossroads that inspired the famous Waylon Jennings song? "Everybody's somebody in Luckenbach, Texas." This tiny unincorporated community is a legendary music mecca, and on any given day you are likely to find a picker's circle or dancehall concert. There is a general store and a saloon, so grab an ice-cold beer and enjoy the laid-back vibe.
177 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Luckenbach
Hmm...how to describe Luckenbach, that unassuming crossroads that inspired the famous Waylon Jennings song? "Everybody's somebody in Luckenbach, Texas." This tiny unincorporated community is a legendary music mecca, and on any given day you are likely to find a picker's circle or dancehall concert. There is a general store and a saloon, so grab an ice-cold beer and enjoy the laid-back vibe.
Wildseed Farms is the country's largest working wildflower farm, and in season you can view some of Texas' magnificent bluebonnets, winecup, paintbrush and more. You can also do a little shopping, have a snack and do some wine tasting while there.
77 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wildseed Farms
100 Legacy DrWildseed Farms is the country's largest working wildflower farm, and in season you can view some of Texas' magnificent bluebonnets, winecup, paintbrush and more. You can also do a little shopping, have a snack and do some wine tasting while there.
This is a small but very nice museum featuring Texas and other western artists and artifacts. It features a great section for kids that focuses on pioneer life. The docents are more than happy to talk with you about the exhibits and show you around.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museum of Western Art
1550 Bandera HwyThis is a small but very nice museum featuring Texas and other western artists and artifacts. It features a great section for kids that focuses on pioneer life. The docents are more than happy to talk with you about the exhibits and show you around.
Located on the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, the Riverside Nature Center is a neat place to get some inside info on Texas wildlife, trees, paleontology and more. You can access the river trails behind the nature center, too.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Riverside Nature Center Association
150 Francisco Lemos StLocated on the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, the Riverside Nature Center is a neat place to get some inside info on Texas wildlife, trees, paleontology and more. You can access the river trails behind the nature center, too.
Distilleries
Garrison produces some interesting Texas-made bourbons, and they offer a fun tour by appointment (free for military). They also serve food and drinks in an appealingly rustic outdoor setting.
62 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Garrison Brothers Distillery
1827 Hye-Albert RdGarrison produces some interesting Texas-made bourbons, and they offer a fun tour by appointment (free for military). They also serve food and drinks in an appealingly rustic outdoor setting.
Breweries
Altstadt is a large brewery/restaurant with something for everyone. They have a large back hall with traditional German music on weekends, and a smaller dining room and cafe in front. Try their craft beers or local wines and enjoy some tasty traditional German food or light bites. The property also has a small vintage tractor museum that you can tour for free.
62 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Altstadt Brewery
U.S. 290Altstadt is a large brewery/restaurant with something for everyone. They have a large back hall with traditional German music on weekends, and a smaller dining room and cafe in front. Try their craft beers or local wines and enjoy some tasty traditional German food or light bites. The property also has a small vintage tractor museum that you can tour for free.
This is a fun craft brewery with great beers like their McConauhaze IPA. Friendly folks and a cool place to hang out.
107 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Twisted X Brewing Company
23455 FM150 WThis is a fun craft brewery with great beers like their McConauhaze IPA. Friendly folks and a cool place to hang out.