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.

Chi-Town Eatery: Hot Dog Heaven in Lake Travis

Written by Cathy Hale | March 10, 2014

It doesn’t matter if you’re eight or 80, everybody loves a great hot dog. If you’ve got a craving for a delicious hot dog, there’s a place in Lake Travis that has the cure for you. Stop by Chi-Town, the Chicago Style Eatery, and get ready for a menu full of one-of-a-kind dogs! Let’s just say, there are over a dozen hot dogs and there’s a special bacon-wrapped supplemental menu. (Yes, that just happened.)

This colorful red and yellow establishment is located at 2101 Ranch Road 620, . Perhaps you’ve driven by and seen and thought, “hey, that looks good!” Well, you’d be correct. In fact, more than a few celebs have stopped by Chi-Town to get their grub on, so if you haven’t been yet, make a point to stop next time. Preferably with a grumbling, hungry stomach.

Lake Travis Area Excursion: BBQ Heaven at Smitty's Market in Lockhart

Written by Mandy Spivey | March 4, 2014

Everyone has a favorite barbecue joint. In Austin, I’ve encountered countless heated debates centered on the topic of Austin’s best smoked meats. Living in Central Texas has its fair share of perks, but I would have to include the outstanding history and heritage of the area’s BBQ restaurants to be one of the best.

If you want to talk to a barbecue purist, there are many schools of thought regarding which pits do the best job. People around these parts take their meats seriously, and when you have towns like Lockhart (officially known as the Barbecue Capital of Texas), Taylor, Luling or the tiny town of Lexington, you have your pick of smoky meats to choose from.

Jack Allen's Kitchen: Oak Hill or Round Rock … it's worth the drive

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | February 14, 2014

Last weekend my husband had a birthday and he got to pick the restaurant. No surprise, he opted for Jack Allen’s Kitchen in Oak Hill. We both love that place and visit any chance we get. If you’ve never been I highly recommend it. Jack Allen’s has plenty of good things going for it.

First off, the food is delicious and locally sourced. Their tagline “Local in Source. Texan in Spirit” says a lot. Jack Allen’s gets most of its ingredients from farms right here in the state. They work hard to build relationships with and support local purveyors, and their commitment to fresh ingredients makes a difference. The dishes are interesting, delicious and not the same old, same old stuff you find everywhere. Each evening they offer a special in addition to their regular menu. They also have plenty of local wines and spirits, and start each meal with a small, complimentary appetizer of pimiento cheese and flatbread crackers. Tasty stuff.

Hayley Cakes & Cookies: Scrumptious Food Art

Written by Mandy Spivey | February 4, 2014

Everyone loves a good dessert. The buttery, chocolaty goodness that makes a warm cookie so welcoming, the first bite into a red velvet cupcake. There’s nothing like a good sugar spike to start the day, or keep it going. I don’t like to admit it very often, but when my sweet tooth strikes, sometimes a trip to the bakery is the only way to get my sugar fix.

Welcome to Hayley Cakes & Cookies, formally Rise and Shine Bakery off 2222 in front of the River Place neighborhood. Area residents have patronized the eatery for over 7 years, which closed its doors for extensive remodeling beginning Dec. 24.

The formal re-opening was January 2, and in addition to the fresh feel of the look, new owner Hayley Callaway introduced an updated menu, adding several popular sweets to those already available. Lunch at Hayley’s still consists of light sandwiches and salads. And of course, there will be cookies. Lots and lots of cookies.

Infamous Brewing Company Tap Room: A Saturday in Pictures

Written by Mandy Spivey | January 29, 2014

I can’t say enough good things about beer. Benjamin Franklin once said, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” I have a feeling he knew the value of a good ale.

This Saturday I set out with my camera in tow to partake in the festivities happening at Infamous Brewing Company out on Hudson Bend. Saturday their tap room was open for Lake Travis residents to sample their newest brews, as well as a few favorites, such as the bestseller, the Hijack Cream Ale.

Restaurants

Lake Travis Area Food and Drink

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