San Antonio is a true haven for foodies, but sometimes we get the itch to hit the highway.
It’s easy to work up a big hunger or thirst getting lost in the beauty of the Texas Hill Country landscape, so keep these classic dining and drinking spots in mind next time you’re on the road. Hell, some are good enough to be destinations all in themselves.
Lost Maples Cafe
384 Main St., Utopia, (830) 966-2221, lostmaplescafe.com.
Located on Main Street in the Hill Country town of Utopia, Lost Maples Cafe is a must for those on a weekend getaway. From mind-blowing lamb sliders to the best chocolate meringue on this side of the Mississippi, you definitely won’t be disappointed.
Texas Pride BBQ
2980 E Loop 1604 S, Adkins, (210) 649-3730, texaspridebbq.net.
Texas Pride BBQ has the fix for your fried fish and barbecue cravings. If nothing else, be sure to try their famous peach cobbler while there — you won’t be sorry.
Krause’s Cafe and Biergarten
148 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels, (830) 625-2807, krausescafe.com.
Leave it to New Braunfels to do biergartens right. Whether you want Texas brews or German booze, you’ll be able to choose from dozens of ales. This spot also offers authentic German style brats and pretzels. The drive is totally worth it.
2tarts Bakery
139 N Castell “Sweet” 300, New Braunfels, (830) 387-4606, 2tarts.com.
Those with a sweet tooth will love 2tarts, even if on a gluten-free diet! This spot offers a full range of dessert delicacies and plenty of cold and hot beverage options to pair them with.
Tiny Schnitzel Haus
6150 State Hwy 16 S, Pipe Creek, (830) 688-7202, tinyschnitzelhaus.com.
Going all out classic on your trip to the Hill Country? Stop to grab a schnitzel at the Tiny Schnitzel Haus. And why stop there? Sausages, pretzels and other German dishes, including spaetzle and currywurst are also available at this Pipe Creek favorite. If the food isn’t enough to satisfy your love for German fare, you can grab a T-shirt to tell the world.
11th Street Cowboy Bar & Grill
307 11th St, Bandera, (830) 796-4849, 11thstcowboybar.com.
If you’re feeling like a true Texan, throw on your cowboy hat and battered Wranglers, and swing over to 11th Street Cowboy Bar and Grill. Drop by the back of main street in the world’s Cowboy Capital to sip on good beer and two-step out on their patio during frequent live concerts.
Sunny’s All Day Brunch and Bar
518 River Road, Boerne, (830) 266-0498, sunnysbrunch.com.
In the heart of Boerne, Sunny’s Brunch offers brunch fixin’s all day, every day. They offer endless options, from bruschetta to eight different types of crepes. You’ll want to sit in their brightly-decorated building or gorgeous patios for hours – and try everything on that menu
Credit: Facebook / Kreuz Market
Kreuz Market
619 N Colorado Street, Lockhart, (512) 398-2361, kreuzmarket.com.
Kreuz’s barbecue stands on its own with meats being made up of 85% beef and 15% pork. No sauce or forks offered, so that’s how you know the meats are going to be lit.
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
1125 State Highway 337 Loop, New Braunfels, (830) 627-0627, coopersbbq.com.
Cooper’s offer 13 kinds of meat, so you know this is a spot every Texan should visit at least once. You can also munch on a variety of side dishes, including mac ‘n’ cheese, cole slaw, potato salad and hot cobbler.
Hermann Sons Steak House
577 US Highway 90 East, Hondo, (830) 426-2220, hermannsonssteakhouse.com.
This family-owned steakhouse provides indoor and outdoor dining, so you’ll be able to enjoy the fresh air out in Hondo. Plus, the restaurant has a full bar and music entertainment to complete your dining experience.
Haby’s Alsatian Bakery
207 Old US Highway 90 West, Castroville, (830) 538-2118, habysbakery.com.
Haby’s provides a large selection of freshly made cakes, pastries and bread, both traditional bakery treats and those from the Alsace region in France. Swing by to get your sugar-fill with doughnuts, honey buns, cinnamon rolls and so much more.
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar
1287 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, (830) 625-0684, gristmillrestaurant.com.
Looking to dine by the River Grove? The Gristmill allows you to choose from indoor and outdoor dining views of the river. And it has a full bar, as if you weren’t already sold.
Southside Market and Barbecue
1212 Highway 290 W, Elgin, (512) 281-4650, southsidemarket.com.
Choose to order family-style with meats by the half pound, or order your own plate. Just split the brisket baked potato with a friend if you know what’s good for you.
Black’s Barbecue
215 N. Main Street, Lockhart, (512) 398-2712, blacksbbq.com.
Black’s Barbecue applies generations of barbecue knowledge to cook up brisket, sausage, turkey, beef ribs, chopped beef and pork ribs. You’ve got to go for all the flavors, like jalapeño sausage and sweet cream corn.
The Dodging Duck Brewhaus & Restaurant
402 River Road, Boerne, (830) 248-3825, dodgingduck.com.
If you like beer (and we know you do), know that you’ve got a friend in the folks at Dodging Duck. This country brewpub is known for its house beers, which it pairs with comfort food inspired by the world. Oh, and there’s also a patio where you can see a pond full of ducks. Enjoy, y’all.
The Salt Lick BBQ
18300 FM 1826, Driftwood, (512) 858-4959, saltlickbbq.com.
Looking for live music to enjoy with your barbecue? The Salt Lick allows you to BYOB for the show and meal, just remember to bring cash.
Valeria
109 Waterview Parkway, Suite 105, Boerne, (830) 331-1393, valeriarestaurant.com.
With lunch specials and pizza combinations like these, you’ll be heading out to Boerne on the regular. Although a little pricey, you can’t go wrong with the shrimp Valeria. If you’re feeling a little more traditional, share the sausage and roasted red pepper pizza with the table.
Comfort Pizza
802 High Street, Comfort, (830) 995-5959, facebook.com/ComfortPizza.
One size fits all at this walk-up pizzeria. All pizzas are 14 inches and can be customized with toppings like opa’s smoked sausage, chévre, capicola citterio and even a freshly cracked whole egg.
Darkside Pizza
25 Truss Drive, Boerne, (830) 336-2207, darksidebrickovenpizza.com.
Feeling like you need a break from the cuisine in the German hill country? This pizza joint will transport you a land of ’80s movie nostalgia. The pies are great, but so’s the collection of props from movies including Star Wars, Jaws, The Terminator and E.T. gathered to decorate the venture.
The Leaning Pear
111 River Road #110, Wimberley, (512) 847-7327, leaningpear.com.
On River Road overlooking the lush greenery, this hill-country inspired cuisine will make you feel right at home. This family-owned restaurant offers brunch, lunch and dinner, where you can try their pizzas, sandwiches or classic Southern style entrées. Get your chicken with waffles or grits, and try one of their housemade cocktails. It’s a true pear-a-dise.