Restaurants

Lake Travis Area Food and Drink

Perhaps Lake Travis folks stay active because there is so much yummy food to try! From typical fare (Tex-Mex) to the more unique (food trailer scene), there usually is something new or "coming soon" to try in this growing community. A healthy mindset means there are always various good-for-you options: organic, farm to table, and locally-grown, to name a few.

New grocery store options continue to offer the good stuff and local breweries are making their mark in everything from new establishments to tours and tap rooms. Specialty coffee shops and any number of local bakeries means your palette doesn't have to travel far for variety.

Check out our write-ups of Lake Travis area restaurants, breweries, and features of local dining and favorite happy hour spots. Between good eats and kid-friendly environments, as well as a good deal here and there, you're not likely to be short on inspiration.

Jester King Brewery: The Farmhouse Style of Brewing Beer

Written by Mandy Spivey | April 8, 2014

In the past five years in Central Texas, the craft beer scene has experienced unexpected growth in a number of ways. More than a dozen breweries have opened within a short driving distance of Lake Travis, giving you a reason to take a picturesque day trip out to the hills.

And with the new change in state law in 2013, breweries are now able to file for the proper permits and licenses to become a brewpub, which essentially allows them to sell their creative concoctions directly to you to consume on site and to take home. This is good news for many breweries that already hosted tasting rooms and tours.

Just on the edge of Hays County, on a small section of unincorporated farmland in Austin sits Jester King Brewery. Brewing out of an old machine shop that was transported to the 220-acre farm that it sits on today, and sharing five of those acres with neighbor Stanley’s Farmhouse Pizza, is one of Texas’ most creative artisanal brewpubs in the state.

Cho Sushi: Japanese Fusion in Steiner Ranch and Lakeway

Written by Todd Hower | April 4, 2014

It was back in early 2007 when some of the first commercial development in Steiner Ranch was completed. A small bakery and coffee shop that went by the name of Delicato was one of the first restaurants to occupy the many spaces that made up Vista Ridge at Steiner Ranch.

Many of the original occupants struggled to connect with Steiner Ranch residents. Who remembers Tutto Gusto?

It was tough timing as the economy slowed and business owners faced the challenges from competition as more development moved into the area. Selling really expensive coffee and gelato proved to be a business model that wouldn’t be successful enough to pay the rent. It wasn’t long until the doors of Delicato permanently closed.

The timing couldn’t have been better for two brothers with a vision of bringing their own style of comfort food to the Lake Travis area.

Where to Find the Best Burgers in Lake Travis

Written by Cathy Hale | April 2, 2014

There’s one thing we can definitely say about Lake Travis residents. You love your burgers!

When we inquired about who makes the best burger in Lake Travis, we got more than 80 comments, votes and suggestions on our Facebook Page.

Based on your feedback and our taste buds, we’re pleased to list your best bets for scoring a mouthwatering hamburger in Lake Travis.

Real Ale Brewing Company: Some of the Best Craft Beers in Texas

Written by Mandy Spivey | March 25, 2014

Some days you just have to feel so lucky to be living in the Lake Travis area. The Texas Hill Country, which is so close it might as well be considered in your own backyard, is home to some of the newest and also some of the most established beer breweries in the state.

One of the local favorites among these is Real Ale Brewing Company, which is just a short one hour drive to Blanco, out in the beautiful Hill Country. It’s hard to imagine that just 45 miles West of Austin, RABC is making and supplying Texans with some of their favorite beers, such as Fireman’s 4, Lost Gold IPA and Devil’s Backbone.

Take the picturesque drive down Hamilton Pool Rd. and out to 290 West as you venture on your quest for fresh brews and get a taste of the true beauty the Hill Country has to offer. Texas wildflowers bloom roadside as you pass miles of private ranch land on a trip out to RABC.

Cafe Blue: Fresh Seafood in Lake Travis

Written by Todd Hower | March 18, 2014

This is one of those places that I would usually save for a date night, but after a family day of shoe shopping at the Hill Country Galleria and a craving for oysters, it was decided (by the adults) that we were going to have a family date night at Cafe Blue.

I called to see if there was a wait and even though it was a busy Saturday night, they were able to have a table ready for us within 20 minutes. So we wrapped up our shoe shopping at Dick’s Sporting Goods and headed over to Cafe Blue.

Our kids seemed to be getting into what my daughter calls her food mood (which is not a mood you want to be around). As we were deciding on an adult beverage, our server was very keen to recognize the situation. He brought out a loaf of warm bread with butter to take care of our “starving” children and asked if they could get something started for the kids.

The etch-a-sketch on the backside of the kids menu kept them occupied until the food arrived. Because I didn’t think of Cafe Blue as a family-friendly restaurant, it was all unexpected — but extremely refreshing.

Restaurants

Lake Travis Area Food and Drink

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