4 Best Bars in Lockhart, The Hill Country

From the owners of Austin's popular Nickel City comes the Texas tavern Old Pal Bar. Much like its predecessor, Old Pal gives off vintage dive vibes, but it has an incredible whiskey selection and a well-curated cocktail program. You'll reach peak Texan status when you enjoy a frozen Dr Pepper alongside a beer-can chicken or Frito pie. Come hungry because this is better than your average bar food, and the fried chicken and jojos (seasoned potato wedges) are not to be missed. More nights than not you'll find live music or karaoke on stage and end up staying much longer than planned—just like you would at the home of an old pal.

Take a load off on the back patio, order food from a menu of burgers, hand-battered appetizers, and sauces made from scratch daily (all dishes made with high-quality ingredients and local produce), and sip by the pint or pitcher. It'll be time well-spent, especially if you catch a local singer-songwriter's set.

This women-owned bar was started to bring together the things the three partners love the most: beer, art, music, and spending time with friends. True to its name, this is an "art bar," where the activities are just as important as the drinks, featuring a schedule full of game nights, live music, crafting workshops, book club meetings, and more. In addition to beer and wine, they offer a menu of innovative cocktails, and nonalcoholic specialty drinks.

Situated in an 1896 building just off the historic courthouse square, the PEARL looks like it could be the set for a Western movie. Locals and visitors alike flock here for the small-town Texas vibes and hospitality, craft cocktails, and the dance floor, where you can dance the Texas Two-Step. There's often live music on the small back stage and, if you're lucky, it might just be a well-known blues legend, which has been known to happen from time to time.