5 Best Bars in The Hill Country, Texas

Craft cocktails are the focus at this friendly, stylish lounge set in a renovated house tucked off Fredericksburg's main strip. Go easy with a Paloma or French Blonde—Taylor Swift's favorite cocktail—or go out on a limb and try one of the owner's 100 bourbons, a broad range of whiskeys, or classic cocktails with a twist. Don't overlook the small but mighty food menu, which features bites like "Texas Tapas" (fried artichokes, filet tips) and bar classics such as poutine and stuffed jalapeño peppers. Mains include pan-seared salmon, hefty cheeseburgers, and a wicked penne alla vodka. A great place to hang out, enjoy a great cocktail or a few, and fill your belly.

What really puts Gruene on the Hill Country map is legendary Gruene Hall, known as the oldest continuously operating dance hall in the entire state of Texas. Many famous musicians owe their success to performances on this fabled stage, including Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Jerry Lee Lewis, and The Chicks. A trip to Gruene isn't complete without a turn on the old hardwood floors of Gruene Hall.

This saloon and dance hall, made famous by the hit song crooned by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, was originally built by German settlers as a town hall, eventually growing into a post office, general store, blacksmith shop, and dance hall. In 1970, it was sold to a local humorist (and self-proclaimed “mayor of Luckenbach”) who turned the entire space into a music venue. Within a decade, the site was attracting musicians from all over to play against its rustic walls plastered with historic signs and relics. These days, Luckenbach features three stages with a full calendar of live music performances, a beer garden, a saloon and dance hall, a kitchen serving barbecue and burgers, and a food truck. Photo opportunities abound, and there’s even a general store stocked with a wide variety of souvenirs. It’s an essential stop for any fan of country music, and Texas history.

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.

It's not just a cute name, this bar is actually home to llamas and donkeys who roam the 35 acres and visit with guests who are seated in the modern-rustic outdoor beer and wine garden. You might not always experience a visit from a llama, but at least you can be guaranteed a beautiful Hill Country view, incredible sunsets, and a fun time with friends playing yard games while sampling craft brews made in Texas.