Get to Know the Hill Country: Places to Eat

Hello and welcome to the second part of our Get to Know the Hill Country series!  Today, we thought it would be great to discuss some of our absolute favorite places to enjoy delicious food.  Let's be honest, we all love food.  Every single one of us.  Especially me.  Even if you're a health-nut, you recognize the value of great ingredients and unique flavors (I am tempted to use the term "flavor profile" here because I hear it all of the time on cooking shows and I think it might make me sound more intelligent and knowledgeable about food, but I'll be honest, I'm certainly not an expert and unless you are a professional, using the term "flavor profile" is ridiculous).  The following places meet my criteria for good eats (tastes good, looks good, smells good) and I highly recommend you checking them out and partaking.  Heck, bring a friend, bring the kids, bring the parents- this allows for stealing off of plates and getting a real bang for your buck when trying somewhere new.

I think it's a given that all people like Mexican food.  If you don't, you're likely strange or you've never experienced the awesomeness that is a Mexican Martini (just sayin').  In the past, we've highlighted the super delicious Mama Chole's, right here in Leakey, but we would be wronging the public if we failed to mention them again.  This spot is a family favorite.  There's good food, kind people and most especially, no one cares if you're loud.  This is key for my family.  Keep in mind that Leakey is a dry county, so sadly there are no margaritas, but hey... that's what heading back to the ranch is for.  Be sure to check it out.

On my drive to Leakey from Austin, Fredericksburg has always been a natural stopping place.  It's a beautiful town with lots of great restaurants and bars, live music, museums and shopping.  Sure the trip is really only about two and a half hours, but who doesn't like having the option of stopping mid-way through for some seriously amazing food to snack on?  At breakfast time, Rather Sweet is the place to be.  If we're being honest, we stop here really at any time of day.  Their cinnamon rolls might be the most amazing thing I've ever experienced.  They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and use only organic and high-quality, local ingredients.  It's no surprise then that Rather Sweet was featured in Food and Wine Magazine's "5 Weekend Escapes: The Texas Hill Country" as well as many other nationally known publications.  If you don't have time to stop in for a full meal, just stop in for a little treat to take on the way.  Their bakery is amazing!

Another personal favorite which has developed something of a cult-following among family and friends is The Peach Tree Cafe in Fredericksburg.  What can I say about The Peach Tree?  I have it programmed into my phone so I can call about fifteen minutes out and grab something to go when I'm in a hurry.  I will even get something hours before it's time to eat and save it for later, when I've reached my final destination.  Yes, it is that good.  My personal favorite is the Super Good For You sandwich, a vegeterian creation far better than any other I have tasted in my lifetime.  And I've tasted a lot.  The key factor to this sandwich's success is the Super Good For You Bread, a whole-grain bread with all kinds of goodies inside, including cranberries, various nuts and seeds.  It is quite simply amazing!  And healthy, to boot!  If you enjoy it as much as I do, you can always take a loaf with you on your way out, as they always have frozen loafs available for sale.  I also highly recommend the sandwich platter, which contains three miniature versions of The Peach Tree's best sandwiches- jalapeno pimento cheese (my favorite), chicken salad and tuna salad.  You really can't go wrong.  Their teas and soups are always fabulous and vary every day, just like their lunch specials.  You can enjoy all of this in a truly beautiful, peaceful and quaint setting- an old, colonial home (pictured above).  Keep in mind that the restaurant is only open from 11 am until 2:30 every day except for Saturdays, when they are open until 3 pm.  On your way out or if you find yourself waiting for a table (I've never waited longer than ten minutes), be sure to check out their store which features cookbooks, kitchen and home items and some really great snacks to take with you.

These are only three of the many restaurants I love.  Next week, I'll  be sure to feature a few more.  Hopefully, you'll get the chance to check out all of these amazing places.  We'd also love to hear your recommendations as well.  Where are your favorite places to eat?  What do you like to eat there?  I'm especially looking for some great suggestions on fried chicken, so send 'em my way!  Happy eats!

3 Comments

Tags: Places to Eat, Texas Hill Country