Texas Hill Country Guidebook

Jess
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 locals recommend
The Ridge Marketplace
13439 S Ranch Rd 783
22 locals recommend
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.
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 locals recommend
Rails A Cafe At the Depot
615 E Schreiner St
33 locals recommend
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.
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 locals recommend
Thai O'cha
417 Water St
18 locals recommend
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.)
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 locals recommend
Hilda's Tortillas
149 FM2093
19 locals recommend
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).
Billy Gene's is a good choice if you want tasty Texas-style comfort food in a casual environment.
20 locals recommend
Billy Gene's Restaurant
1489 Junction Hwy
20 locals recommend
Billy 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 locals recommend
Mary's Tacos
1616 Broadway
13 locals recommend
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.
Casual bistro with interesting upscale German food. Do not pass up the Flammkuchen appetizer!
137 locals recommend
Otto's German Bistro
316 E Austin St
137 locals recommend
Casual 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 locals recommend
Hill & Vine
210 South Adams Street
43 locals recommend
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.
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 locals recommend
Backwoods BBQ
320 FM2093
18 locals recommend
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!
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 locals recommend
Fredericksburg Brewing Company
245 E Main St
56 locals recommend
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.
Old school bar/bistro with beautiful seafood dishes. Sunday brunch offerings include their lobster eggs Benedict.
21 locals recommend
Martini's Seafood House
107 North Adams Street
21 locals recommend
Old school bar/bistro with beautiful seafood dishes. Sunday brunch offerings include their lobster eggs Benedict.
Waterside family-style restaurant that is popular with locals. Try their catfish.
The Lakehouse
1655 Junction Hwy
Waterside 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 locals recommend
Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant
2805 S State Hwy 16
81 locals recommend
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.
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 locals recommend
Hondo's On Main
312 W Main St
180 locals recommend
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.
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 locals recommend
Sunset Grill
902 S Adams St
86 locals recommend
This 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 St
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.
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 locals recommend
Grape Juice
623 Water St
55 locals recommend
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.
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 locals recommend
Pecan Street Brewing
106 E Pecan Dr
69 locals recommend
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.
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 locals recommend
Narrow Path Winery and Vineyard
6331 S Ranch Rd 1623
26 locals recommend
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.
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 locals recommend
Navajo Grill
803 E Main St
35 locals recommend
Excellent 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 locals recommend
Rathskeller
260 E Main St
29 locals recommend
An 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 locals recommend
Fredericksburg
463 locals recommend
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 locals recommend
Kerrville
22 locals recommend
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 locals recommend
Johnson City
62 locals recommend
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 locals recommend
Comfort
37 locals recommend
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 locals recommend
Lost Draw Cellars
113 E Park St
41 locals recommend
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.
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 locals recommend
Becker Vineyards
464 Becker Farms Rd
115 locals recommend
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.
Good quality Texas wines and magnificent views. Bring a picnic and purchase a bottle to enjoy on their grounds.
38 locals recommend
Pedernales Cellars
2916 Upper Albert Rd
38 locals recommend
Good 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 locals recommend
Hilmy Cellars - Vineyards, Winery & Tasting Room
12346 US-290
25 locals recommend
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.
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 St
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.
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 locals recommend
Messina Hof Hill Country
9996 US-290
17 locals recommend
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.
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 locals recommend
Safari Winery
U.S. 290
12 locals recommend
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.
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 locals recommend
Bending Branch Winery
142 Lindner Branch Rd
28 locals recommend
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.
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 locals recommend
William Chris Vineyards
10352 US-290
86 locals recommend
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'.
This casual and unassuming winery crafts some high-quality wines, especially their reds (Tempranillo and Sangiovese recommended). Friendly staff.
10 locals recommend
Ron Yates Wines
10 locals recommend
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 locals recommend
Louise Hays Park
202 Thompson Dr
42 locals recommend
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.
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 locals recommend
Enchanted Rock Summit
301 locals recommend
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 locals recommend
Luckenbach
177 locals recommend
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 locals recommend
Wildseed Farms
100 Legacy Dr
77 locals recommend
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.
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 locals recommend
Museum of Western Art
1550 Bandera Hwy
36 locals recommend
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.
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 locals recommend
Riverside Nature Center Association
150 Francisco Lemos St
11 locals recommend
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.

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 locals recommend
Garrison Brothers Distillery
1827 Hye-Albert Rd
62 locals recommend
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.

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 locals recommend
Altstadt Brewery
U.S. 290
62 locals recommend
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.
This is a fun craft brewery with great beers like their McConauhaze IPA. Friendly folks and a cool place to hang out.
107 locals recommend
Twisted X Brewing Company
23455 FM150 W
107 locals recommend
This is a fun craft brewery with great beers like their McConauhaze IPA. Friendly folks and a cool place to hang out.