Where to Eat Wimberley
*great outdoor seating and views
Creekhouse Kitchen and Bar is a popular dining establishment in Wimberley, Texas. The restaurant overlooks Cypress Creek and is surrounded by large cypress trees, offering visitors a vibrant, appealing setting.
The venue features live music on the weekends, creating the perfect environment for a lively atmosphere.
What to Order:
Appetizers – Wimbo Nachos are great for sharing
Salads – Wimburrito Bowl, and add a protein such as grilled chicken
Sandwiches – Creekhouse Burger is great with the Truffle Parmesan Fries
Tacos – All the tacos are great, but the Pastor Street Tacos with the Pineapple Pico is our favorite.
Dessert – Bananas Foster Bread Pudding – YUM!
*local hot spot
Wimberley Cafe is a charming southern diner known for its warm, inviting atmosphere. The cafe is a favorite among locals due to its friendly service and quality food, and a great gathering spot with the locals and visitors.
What to Order:
The Breakfast menu is extensive and everything is made to order and delicious. Pro Tip: Call ahead on the weekends to get your place in line.
The daily lunch specials are always delicious and a great value, such as Meatloaf on Mondays and the Catfish on Fridays
For dinner the Chicken Fried Chicken or the Pecan or Parmesan Crusted Chicken plates are our faorites
Sides – We love both the Balsamic-Pecan Brussels and the Salt & Pepper Brussels
*guest favorite
The Leaning Pear is a highly regarded restaurant, known for its unique and well-crafted dishes inspired by the Texas Hill Country. The ambiance combines rustic and modern elements, with light and airy interior, decorated with large windows that showcase the surrounding nature.
The Leaning Pear stands out for its delicious food, beautiful setting, and welcoming service, making it a must-visit spot in Wimberley, Texas.
What to Order:
Drinks: They have several great wine and local beer choices, but we can’t pass up the iced tea that has a bit of a tropical flavor
Salads – All of the salads are good, but the Panzanella Salad with the added grilled chicken in the summer is the best salad ever, and is what I always order even if it is not on the menu.
Pizza: The wood fired pizza ovens make any pizza choice a win, but our favorites are the Pattoli and the Blanco
Sandwiches: Corned Beef Reuben and BBLT are our favorite hot sandwiches; The Roasted Poblano Pimento Cheese and the Herbed Chicken salad are the best cold sandwiches.
Entrees: The Chicken & Grits and the Crab Cake are our favorites.
Pro Tip: Always ask about the dinner specials, and check the chalk-board for the Daily Soups
*cool vibe w/ great views
Known for its inviting outdoor dining experience, Chill’s on the Creek boasts a beautiful patio that is dog-friendly, making it an excellent place for families and friends. Many patrons highly appreciate the consistent exceptional quality of the food and friendly staff, making it a favored choice for locals and visitors.
***Local secret-some of the best live music in Wimberley***
What to Order:
Appetizers and Salads: Many great choices, but the Boudin Balls, the Gumbo, the Wings and the Fried Pickles seem to be the favorites of the locals
Sandwiches: The Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and The Turkey Club
Tacos: Fish Tacos and Southwest Chicken Tacos
*A Best Kept Secret in Wimberley
Dos Olivos emphasizes a blend of Spanish culinary traditions and Texas charm, offering a curated selection of gourmet foods, wines, and beers. Their mission is to connect customers with top producers of quality products, creating unique dining experiences. Overall, Dos Olivos aims to deliver authentic culinary experiences that celebrate both local and Texas culture and international gourmet traditions.
***Small menu, restaurant located in market***
What to Order:
Quick Fix Menu Favorites: Caesar Salad & Turkey Sandwich
Shareables: Lots of choices, but the Chicken Karaage is my personal favorite
Entree Favorite: Brisket Burger
*gourmet dining
Hildee’s on the Square offers an elevated dining experience with a focus on American and farm-to-table cuisine. Aiming to create a welcoming atmosphere that blends quality dining with a touch of Texas, Hildee’s on the Square is a must visit in Wimberley, Texas.
What to Order:
Lunch Favorites: Chicken Parmesan, and Artichoke & Spinach Melt and Steak & Onion Sandwiches all come with house made chips.
Their new location on the Square is beautiful, and we look forward to trying their dinner menu soon.
*hometown comfort food
Offering a blend of traditional Italian cuisine and delicious New-York style pizza, Marco’s Italian creates a culinary experience like no other and offers an extensive menu. Marco’s is known for their friendly, attentive service and is praised frequently for the staff’s willingness to accommodate guest’s wants and needs to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
What to Order:
Pizza – we love their thin crust pizza’s especially the Supreme Pizza
Lunch – Check out their great lunch specials such as sandwich and mixed green salad or soup and salad.
Entree Favorites – Lasagna, Baked Eggplant and Chicken Parmigiana
Where to Eat Driftwood
*best BBQ around
Saltlick BBQ is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience authentic Texas barbeque. This restaurant boasts a rich history, dating back to 1967 that makes it what it is today. With options for family-style dining and a BYOB policy, visitors can relax and savor their meals while enjoying live music on the patio, enhancing the overall experience.
What to Order:
Really hungry: Go for the Family Style all you can eat brisket, sausage, pork ribs, potato salad, coleslaw and beans.
Regular Plates: The Brisket is great, but I usually order the turkey and Pork Rib combo plate. The sides are fabulous, and I usually ask to hold the beans and give me extra coleslaw. Also the sauces are the best of any BBQ joint around.
Sunday Special: If you are there on Sunday, the Baby Back Ribs are fabulous.
Pro-Tip: Go for lunch or early dinner to avoid a wait. If you do have a wait, have their freshly squeezed lemonade or walk over to the Salt Lick Cellars for drinks.
*most popular, best margarita’s, burgers, and pizza!
First opened as a gas station and convenience store in the 1980s, Hays City Store has come a long way throughout the year, now operating as a full-service restaurant and bar—and is a HOT SPOT. With a menu featuring scratch-made Texas comfort food, handcrafted cocktails, and local beer, spirits, and wine, Hays City Store has something for everyone.
***Mostly outdoor seating. Regular Live Music, and one of our favorites***
What to Order:
The Margaritas are fabulous, but the Mexican Martini is the best. Ask for two glasses to share with a friend. The Old Fashioneds are big hits with Lynn and his buddies. They also have daily drink specials throughout the week. The iced tea is always fresh and tasty.
Appetizers: We usually share the chips and queso when we are dining with friends. Even though the smoked wings are shown as an Appetizer, Lynn often orders these as his main course.
Salads: All of the salads are so fresh they taste as if they have just picked the lettuce and veggies from the garden. The Greek Salad is my new favorite, and I usually add the grilled chicken and make it my main course.
Burgers: The burgers are the best in the area, but my favorite is the bacon-jam burger. The fries are delicious, but I often order the side salad in place of the fries.
Pizza: All of the pizzas are great and are made fresh in the pizza oven. The Diablo is Lynn’s favorite, but it is a little too spicy for me (maybe because he asks for extra jalapenos).
Entrees: The menu is extensive, but our favorites are the Chicken Fried Chicken and the Grilled Salmon.
Dessert: We rarely save room for dessert, but when celebrating with friends we like to share the Key Lime Pie or the Triple Chocolate Brownie.
*guest favorite, gourmet Italian
Located on the grounds of the Duchman Family Winery, it goes without saying that Trattoria Lisina features a beautiful, unique dining experience in the Texas Hill Country. The connection to Duchman Family Winery enhances the experience, as guests can pair their meals with a selection of fine wines from both Italy and local Texas vineyards. Visitors can enjoy their meals in a charming Tuscan-inspired setting, complete with stunning views of the vineyard and surrounding hills.
What to Order:
Appetizers and Salads: We like to share the delicious Insalata Di Asparagi to save room for the main course.
Pasta: Lynn often chooses the Lasagna and I like the Taglierini which is a thin pasta with sauteed scallops, shrimp and spinach tossed in a lemon butter.
Entree: Always check the specials. Lynn will often order the wild game when available or the Pork Chops. I may choose the fresh fish special or the roasted chicken and rosemary roasted potatoes or the grilled chicken topped with goat cheese, medallions, roasted tomatoes, lemon butter and basil.
Sides: The Entrees are all served with great sides, but the Crispy Brussel Sprouts are fabulous.
Dessert: Ask about their daily specials of homemade Italian ice cream and sorbets. They are always yummy. We also recently tried the Amaretti Cookies with coffee, and they were so delectable it inspired me to begin making them at home especially for our Gluten-free guests. I have gotten close, but mine aren’t quite as delicious.
Where to Eat Dripping Springs
*greatest atmosphere
Visiting Tillie’s at Camp Lucy offers a special dining experience, featured through a culinary menu crafted to combine what’s familiar with innovative international flavors, creating a new set of rules for cuisine in Central Texas. Housed in a beautifully reconstructed Vietnamese town hall, the restaurant features an eclectic decor filled with international antiques and art, creating a visually captivating atmosphere for each and every visitor.
***Beautiful country drive from the Inn at Sunset Mill Ranch. Secret, go for lunch.***
What to Order:
Lunch: Every sandwich on the lunch menu is delicious. Our favorites are the Smoked Porkloian Chiblano and the Prosciutto & Burrata Sandwich. Both were the best sandwiches we have ever enjoyed from anywhere.
Where to Eat San Marcos
* outdoor casual upscale dining
Situated at the “gateway to Hill Country” since 1978, Palmer’s features a menu boasting signature margaritas, infamous Mexican martinis, and classic cocktails with regional cuisine from New Mexico to New Orleans. Known as a stand-out dining destination, Palmer’s provides an upscale, yet casual atmosphere, fitting the wants and needs of guests and making it a must-visit destination.
What to Order:
Lunch: Served 11:30-3:00 on Fridays only, the salads and sandwiches are great for lighter fare. They also have the Palmer’s Specialty dishes if you are hungry. Our favorites are the Shrimp and Grits or the Local Chicken in the lemon caper cream.
Sunday Brunch served 10:00-2:00 offers both breakfast and lunch dishes. Favorites are the Eggs Benedict and Texas French Toast
Dinner: We usually get a small house salad and share the Crispie Brie appetizer with friends. For the main course the Springtown Chicken and Grilled Pork Chops are our favorites. You might want to save room for dessert as they are all delicious!
Pro-Tip: Sit outside in their beautiful garden area when the weather permits.
