Hill Country Galleria

Chisos Grill: Changing Things Up at the New Location

Written by Phillip Paquette | April 6, 2016

With the move to the west end of the Hill Country Galleria near Whole Foods, the fine folks behind Chisos Grill saw the opportunity to change up the menu and setting of the southwestern flair restaurant.

“I felt like we needed to make a step up. The one thing I heard from guests is they wanted something to keep them from going to downtown on a regular basis. Between this and Cafe Blue, we give them a more trendy upscale environment without having to go to the Domain or South Congress,” said Chad Jones, Chisos Co-owner and Executive Chef.

Chad also said they were eyeing the old Zinger’s Grill location for a while. It wasn’t long after the announcement of Hill Country Galleria Improvements for 2016 that the offer was made to make room for H&M and move Chisos to a more centralized dining area.

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.

Hill Country Galleria Weather Forecast for Saturday: Snow!

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | December 18, 2013

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Ok, so we live in Austin where it snows once every, oh, 10 years or so? Lucky for us, there is an exception right here in the Lake Travis area. The Hill Country Galleria brings real snow for residents and visitors to enjoy during the month of December. This weekend there’s one more opportunity to build a snowman or snow angel.

Saturday, December 21^st, from noon to 4pm, the street in front of the Bee Cave Public Library will be covered in a blanket of white snow. There is no admission fee – just dress the part and show up for the fun! It’s the perfect opportunity to toss a few snowballs at your kids. And aren’t we all looking for that?

7th Annual Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival at Hill Country Galleria

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | November 20, 2013

Thursday, November 21^st officially kicks off the holiday season at the Hill Country Galleria. The seventh annual tree lighting event begins at 6pm and includes festivities for the entire family. There will be face painting, holiday carolers, fireworks and a visit from Old Saint Nick himself! Santa is scheduled to arrive at 7pm.

Jazz band The Vintage 15 will set the festive mood and CW Austin star Taylor Ellison will emcee the event. It promises to be a night of celebration and a great way to get the whole family in the holiday spirit.

Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town

Also, if you don’t get a chance to tell Santa what’s on your wish list Thursday night you’re still in luck. Santa will be back for a meet and greet by the holiday tree this weekend. Bring the kids (pets are welcome, too) to visit and take a photo with the jolly old man. Just make sure to bring your own camera, as there is no photographer on site.

Schmidt Family Barbecue Now Open in Bee Cave

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | October 29, 2013

It’s open! The highly anticipated Schmidt Family Barbecue finally opened its doors in Bee Cave this week. For fans of both Kruez Market and Smitty’s Market in Lockhart this is cause for major celebration.

There’s a long, interesting backstory about how Schmidt Family Barbecue came to land at Hwy 71 and Bee Cave Road. If you’re not familiar with the infamous Lockhart “barbefeud” here’s a cliff notes version: The first restaurant originated from Kruez Market, a local meat market and grocery store in Lockhart in the early 1900s. Years later, longtime employee Edgar “Smitty” Schmidt purchased it from the Kruez family. He successfully ran the restaurant until he retired and sold it to his sons in 1984. In 1999, Edgar’s son Rick moved the market to a new location about a quarter mile up the road. Shortly thereafter, Edgar’s daughter Nina Schmidt Sells opened Smitty’s Market in the old location.

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