Your next getaway is in your own backyard! The Hill Country’s vast views of the sprawling Texas skies and rolling hills offer the perfect scenic destination for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a weekend trip, there are plenty of must-visit shops, restaurants, and chic hotels. Here, the Goodtaste guide to the Hill Country!
Where to Stay
HoneyTree Farm, Fredericksburg
For something out of the ordinary, these amazing luxury treehouses in Fredericksburg are just 10 minutes away from Main Street! Featuring cozy bedrooms, a kitchen, full bathroom, and some with incredible outdoor soaking tubs, you’ll have all the amenities you need, plus a unique place to stay.
The Kendall, Boerne
If you’re looking for a historic stay, The Kendall is both a Texas and a national landmark, as well as a prime example of the Southern Colonial style of the Texas Hill Country. With 34 uniquely and elegantly designed rooms, experience Boerne from a place that is embedded in the local culture and history.
Camp Lucy, Dripping Springs
Just outside of Austin’s city limits, this luxurious resort-style lodging is hidden in the Hill Country. Don’t let the “camp” in the name fool you. At Camp Lucy, you’ll enjoy plush boutique accommodations, including upscale dining and a resort pool, as well as camp classic activities such as archery, hatchet throwing, fishing, hiking, and alpaca feeding.
Where to Eat
Cabernet Grill, Fredericksburg
For an unforgettable dining experience, be sure to add award-winning Cabernet Grill to your list when touring Texas Hill Country. Owners and chefs Ross and Mariana Burtwell have created a rustic and romantic ambiance to show off their specialties, such as Phyllo-Wrapped Goat Cheese, Pan-Seared Gulf Flounder with Blue Crab and Crawfish, and certified Angus beef steaks. A wine director will help you select the perfect pairing for your meal from the stellar cellar stocked with one of the best selections of Texas wines in the state.
Backyard Bistro, Pipe Creek
Blink and you might miss one of the most unique fine-dining experiences we’ve encountered! Backyard Bistro in Pipe Creek serves some tremendous dishes in a tiny country kitchen, using only the freshest ingredients available. The chef is another big draw: a former big-city dweller from Detroit who has quietly made a good home (and reputation) in this charming small town.
The Original Black’s Barbecue, Multiple Locations
With a handful of restaurants throughout the Hill Country, The Original Black’s Barbecue is headquartered in Lockhart, the barbecue capital of Texas. Chow down on giant beef ribs, spicy jalapeño sausage, and some of the most tender, heavenly slices of brisket you’ll ever taste. Passed down through four generations, this BBQ mecca has been open since 1932.
Alamo Springs Café, Fredericksburg
This tiny spot serves up massive, juicy burgers and was voted one of the very best hamburger spots in all of the Lone Star State by Texas Monthly magazine! Plus, it boasts a phenomenal bat cave nearby with a STUNNING sight to be seen when those creepy creatures take flight.
Grape Juice, Kerrville
Is it a bar, a restaurant, or a wine shop? It’s all three! Head to the banks of the Guadalupe River in Kerrville to a little café called Grape Juice. This spot pours and sells premium bottles of wine as the kitchen whips up inventive dishes like “Crackeroni”—a cheesy macaroni dish with spicy coleslaw, glazed quail, queso fresco, and “Sri-ranchy,” an addictive sauce of sriracha-spiked housemade ranch.
Hill & Vine, Fredericksburg
You’ll be mesmerized by the over-the-top presentation of every plate, like the Smoked Carnitas Nachos, which just might be the best nachos ever, and Cilantro Pesto Pasta, topped with edible flowers! Texas wines and spirits make up the “Vine” portion of the name here, with crafty cocktails like the refreshing Snake in My Boot.
Myron’s Prime Steakhouse, New Braunfels
One of the state’s best steak joints can be found in a cozy 1920s movie theater in New Braunfels. At Myron’s Prime Steakhouse, epic sides like the Creamy Jalapeño Mac and Cheese share the stage with juicy, prime steaks and fresh seafood.
Rathskeller, Fredericksburg
We’re going underground for a gourmet feast at Rathskeller, a one-of-a-kind basement bistro nestled beneath an old stone hospital in Fredericksburg. Rathskeller boasts bites to please everyone, like a giant ribeye, a tender bone-in pork chop with smoked jalapeño cherry sauce, and a killer one-pan chicken artichoke dish. Make sure to try the decadent peach bread pudding with a buttery caramel sauce and homemade whipped cream. It’s worth every calorie!
Vaudeville Bistro, Fredericksburg
Vaudeville Bistro is in a renovated three-story Victorian landmark that has everything imaginable under one roof: a gourmet marketplace, retail showroom, supper club, art gallery, and wine shop. After enjoying the French-inspired dishes like braised chicken with grilled zucchini or fresh garden greens with a lemon Dijon vinaigrette, peruse the shop for eclectic furniture, home décor, jewelry, and more!
To check out more of our Hill Country restaurant picks, see the list here!
Where to Drink
4R Ranch Vineyards and Winery, Muenster
The Cabernet Sauvignon at 4R Ranch really stands out, with notes of dark red fruit, subtle oak, and a smooth tannic finish. It pairs perfectly with a burger or grilled steak. ($38)
Arché Winery and Vineyard, Saint Jo
Arché’s Texas Rosé is a blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache Noir. With a lovely pale hue, notes of peach, grapefruit, rose petal, and honeydew are just a few of the aroma’s that stand out. ($28)
Becker Vineyards, Fredericksburg
Becker Vineyards has many amazing wines to choose from, but its Chardonnay Reserve is a big winner. This wine won a Double Gold at the 2022 Lonestar International Wine Competition and was on VINEPAIR’s list of “The 30 Best Chardonnays of 2023.” On the palate, you’ll get Meyer lemons, tropical and white fruit, pears, and toasted vanilla. ($30)
Bending Branch Winery, Comfort
Make a stop in Comfort, Texas, at Bending Branch Winery for its “organically focused operation” with the signature grape: Tannat. This red grape is known for its heart-health benefits. The Texas Tannat is THE wine Bending Branch is known for. You’ll taste notes of black cherry, vanilla, tobacco, and a smoky finish. ($30)
Brennan Vineyards, Comanche
Brennan Vineyards is known for its Super Nero, a nice sipping wine with aromas of cherries, bramble berries, leather, tobacco, cedar, cinnamon, and vanilla bean, which finishes with rich and creamy notes of toasted hazelnuts. ($40)
Calais Winery, Hye
Narra Vineyards is a superstar! One of our favorites, the 2019 Cuvée de l’Exposition, is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 34 months in new French oak barrels. The wine offers aromas of spearmint, fresh dough, and coffee, followed by ripe blackberry, red currant, and stewed meat. The palate boasts sumptuous notes of cherry jam, candied orange peel, roasted red bell pepper, fresh mint, and clove. This full-bodied wine features bright acidity and elegant tannins. It’s a little on the pricey side, but worth every penny. ($63)
Eden Hill Vineyard, Celina
This family-run boutique winery located in Celina makes all of its wine from Texas grapes, including Tempranillo grown in their vineyards. Their Divine White Wine is a blend of grapes picked on the same day from different vineyards across Texas. The 2021 offers flavors of citrus, lemon, and honeysuckle. It’s perfect on a hot summer day. ($25)
Fall Creek Vineyards, Driftwood & Tow
Fall Creek’s Merlot Rosé Vintner’s Selection Texas Hill Country 2021 is a beautiful, vibrant, salmon-colored Rosé that packs a punch of peach, watermelon, and strawberry. Don’t worry, it’s not sweet. The fruitiness is complemented by spirited acidity. ($22)
Kuhlman Cellars, Stonewall
At Kuhlman Cellars, the 2021 Calcaria is one of their most popular white wines. It’s textured on the palate with refreshing fruit and a core of acidity. Enjoy with seafood, chicken Alfredo, and charcuterie. ($28)
Pedernales Cellars, Stonewall
Cool off at Pedernales Cellars with the Texas High Plains Vermentino. This Italian white wine varietal offers aromas of lemon, orange blossom, fresh green herbs, and a hint of minerality. On the creamy palate, you’ll find peach and lime. A balanced acidity makes this wine easy to pair and easy to drink. ($30)
Spicewood Vineyards, Spicewood
Family-owned handcrafted wines from the Texas Hill Country, Spicewood Vineyards was first planted in 1992 and has now grown to 22 acres. They have many different varieties growing, with an emphasis on Spanish and Portuguese grapes. Go for the 2019 Cabernet Claret, featuring aromas of cocoa powder and figs with flavors of cherries jubilee and blueberries. ($29)
William Chris Vineyards, Hye
You’ll feel good about drinking this wine from William Chris Vineyards! The Wanderer Series Relief Project, featuring a new wine benefiting the Texas hospitality industry, was created in collaboration with Master Sommelier Craig Collins. The red blend features 95% Cinsault and 5% Mourvedre from the Texas High Plains. 100% of the profits from the sale of the 2019 red blend go to the Southern Smoke Foundation to aid Texas restaurant industry workers in need.
Love the show! My bride of 34 years and I love learning about all the great places to eat in our part of Texas!
Many thanks and blessings!
Always such great suggestions Tanji!
xoxox,
Brenda