10 Best Restaurants in The Hill Country, Texas

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The Hill Country is an extension of the great eating opportunities—the amazing Tex-Mex and barbecue—of San Antonio and Austin, with the addition of heavy German influences. Fredericksburg certainly corners the market for relatively authentic German fare, but Boerne, Comfort, New Braunfels, and everywhere in between serve decent schnitzel and wurst. Barbecue bests are spread all over: the Salt Lick in Driftwood, Cooper's in Llano, and Cooper's in Mason (it's not a chain; they just happen to have the same name), and Rudy's Country Store in a number of locations between Austin and San Antonio, and in Leon Springs.

On the Hill Country backroads you're not going to get a whole lot of haute cuisine delivered by celebrity chefs, but you'd be surprised at some of the fine dining experiences you can have here. Two upscale restaurants to try in Fredericksburg are August E's and Rebecca's Table.

Most places are casual in the Hill Country. You may want to don your Sunday best for a few places, but you really don't need to. Boots and jeans are formal enough for the average restaurant, especially for men. You'll see plenty of local women wearing "country-chic" clothing, such as embroidered, tailored blazers, or swishy broomstick skirts—with boots, of course. In the summer heat you'll see many patrons wearing just about anything that keeps them cool.

Don't expect to dine too late into the evenings. With the exception of a few live-music bars and venues, most restaurants and cafés are finished serving by 9 or 10, especially during the week.

2tarts Bakery

$

On a quiet side street, sisters April Ryan and Ashley Landerman opened this charming little bakery, filled it with sweet treats and deliciousness, and flaunted some seriously impressive baking chops and credentials. In 2023, Ashley won the Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship, after winning their Christmas Cookie Challenge in 2019. Stop by for great coffee and savory breakfast empanadas or grab a cupcake, brownie, or pie. Grab a café table out on the sidewalk, sip your brew, and watch the world go by.

139 N. Castell Ave., New Braunfels, TX, USA
830-387–4606
Known For
  • Giving back to the community
  • Gorgeously decorated cakes
  • Using family recipes and real ingredients

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Caliche Coffee

$

The coffee at this cozy little house on Main Street is amazing because they roast their own small-batch specialty beans. It's a popular breakfast stop with great pastries, muesli, parfait, and breakfast burritos. The small all-day menu is also a big draw. Try the avocado toast, green chili chicken and grits, or breakfast burrito. They also offer a nice selection of organic teas for non-coffee drinkers.

338 W. Main St., Fredericksburg, TX, USA
830-992–3536
Known For
  • Roasting their own coffee
  • Breakfast burritos
  • Organic tea selection

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Chaparral Coffee

$

More than just a coffee shop, Chaparral is truly a community hub. Owners Taylor and Austin Burge have developed the breakfast and lunch menu of the tiny space to fit the town's growing needs, and they throw DJ-fueled dance parties and other events here, too. But yes, the coffee is also stellar—in fact, it's worlds better than most of the coffee you can find anywhere else in small-town Texas.

106 E. Market St., Lockhart, TX, 78644, USA
512-668–4274
Known For
  • Some of the best coffee in Central Texas
  • Community events
  • Tasty breakfast and lunch offerings

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Chrissy's Homestyle Bakery

$

At this tiny little bakery housed in an old building, the enchanting aroma of fresh-baked pies and pastries envelops you the second you walk in the door. The question of what to order then immediately overwhelms you as you scour the glass cases showcasing pies, sweet and savory kolaches, and cookies. The German-style sweet pretzel and the cream cheese–poppy seed kolache are great choices. Of course, the jalapeño, cheese, and sausage kolaches and cinnamon rolls are amazing as well, but you'll have to get there before the hunters, fishers, and early travelers do; they go fast.

501 Bessemer Ave., Llano, TX, 78643, USA
325-247–4564
Known For
  • Excellent kolaches
  • Delicous baked goods that sell out fast
  • Historic setting
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues.

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Emma + Ollie

$$

Local baker Rebecca Rather, well-known for her now-shuttered Rather Sweet Bakery, opened this sweet breakfast and lunch spot and bakery to much acclaim. Breakfast items span from a build-your-own biscuit bar to a croissant egg sandwich, while the lunch menu exudes farm-to-table Southern comfort, with offerings like fried oyster nachos and a pimiento cheese BLT. Details like speckled enamelware and beautiful garden flowers simply add to the charm.

607 S. Washington St., Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, USA
830-383–1013
Known For
  • Farm-to-table Southern breakfast
  • Homemade baked goods
  • Adorable rustic-chic setting
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon. No dinner

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La Bergerie

$$

If you've had your fill of German food in Fredericksburg, opt for a beautiful cheese and charcuterie board from La Bergerie, an adorable European-style wine bar and market located just off the town's main strip. Relax on the patio or choose from the well-curated selection of meats, cheeses, and small-production wines to-go if you prefer to picnic somewhere in the Hill Country.

312 E. Austin St., Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, USA
830-992–3036
Known For
  • Picnic fare to-go
  • Cheese and charcuterie boards
  • Well-curated wine selection

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Mazama Coffee Co.

$

A local favorite, famous for delicious coffee and pastries—sweets and savories attract a crowd camped out at their laptops in this two-room coffeehouse, or outside on the adorable patio. Try a fruit-studded scone or croissant sandwich for breakfast, spicy vegan chickpea sandwich for lunch, and stay as long as you like.

301 W. Mercer St., Dripping Springs, TX, USA
737-200–6472
Known For
  • Vegan-friendly pastries
  • Long, quick-moving line
  • Responsibly sourced coffee

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The Pharmacy

$

Occupying a historic building that was formerly home to the Keidel Pharmacy, this modern coffeehouse serves great coffee and local pastries and a small menu of salads and sandwiches—it’s a perfect place to catch your breath during a whirlwind shopping tour of Fredericksburg. Beautiful tiled tables, original tin ceilings and wood floors, and an open, spacious feel create a relaxing environment, perfect for hanging out with a laptop, coffee and a pastry, or friends.

248 E. Main St., Fredericksburg, TX, USA
830-362–1301
Known For
  • Great coffee
  • Comfortable, historic setting
  • Knockout pastries

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Rockhaus Coffee

$

A cool, eclectic shop with new and vintage pottery, baskets, and tabletop—everything from a vintage ice cream scoop to plates emblazoned with a quirky stag imprint. There is a coffee bar up front with excellent coffee and pastries (the croissants are flaky and delicious) and a champagne bar if you need a bit of bubbly while you shop. Rockhaus is literally connected to Farmhaus Antiques, and if you continue to meander, you’ll also want to check out the Farmhaus for a beautifully curated selection of clothes, home goods, and jewelry.

Wander 'n Calf

$

This family-run coffeehouse, set in a renovated bungalow, invites you to settle in, stay awhile, and enjoy artisanal, small-batch roasted coffee and a hearty breakfast, with entrées ranging from Croque Monsieur to Spanish Tortilla. With its cozy vibe, cute decor, great coffee (pour-over, French press, espresso, or just plain drip), homemade baked goods, and tasty breakfast options, there's really no reason not to linger.

817 Front St., Comfort, TX, 78013, USA
830-428–2710
Known For
  • Wide variety of coffee and tea options
  • Homemade baked goods
  • Laid-back vibe
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner

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