Heading to the Texas Hill Country? Here are the best places to eat in Wimberley

If you haven’t visited the charming hamlet of Wimberley (40 miles southwest of Austin) in a few years, you likely wouldn’t recognize the dining and drinking scene there today.

A town which once had no stop lights and just a handful of restaurants is now home to more than a dozen options for dining and drinking. The scene is growing, and with it come greater strains on natural resources and increased auto traffic and housing costs. But the quality new hospitality options that have accompanied the changes are welcomed by this food lover.

The town, which my parents first visited in the 1950s, and where my family has had a house for almost 30 years, is still my favorite in Texas, my spiritual home. And it keeps getting tastier without losing its soul.

Below are the best options for dining and drinking in Wimberley, whether you’re headed there for a day trip or staying in one of the resorts, camps, inns or AirBnB rentals that now proliferate the area. I also included at the bottom a list of favorite dishes from this critic who has spent countless days and nights in Wimberley over the last 49 years.

Blanco Brew

Named after the river that runs through town, this community gathering space is primarily a coffee shop, but you can also get fresh sandwiches, salads, grab-and-go meals and smoothies, along with housemade pastries and (my weakness) cake pops. A farmers market pops up behind the shop Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 14200 RR 12. 512-842-3400, blancobrew.com .

Chill’s on the Creek

Bar food favorites (Buffalo chicken sandwich), seafood (from gumbo to blackened mahi) and country classics (chicken fried steak) are the centerpieces of this restaurant that sits on the bank of Cypress Creek. 14004 RR 12. 512-847-6060, chillsonthecreek.com .

Community Pizza & Beer Garden

The husband-and-wife team of Michael and Morgan Mekuly opened the restaurant and bar just steps from the main town square in 2018. The restaurant, which serves supple, charred pies with toppings ranging from pepperoni to confit garlic and hot honey, has become a hub of the scene, with adults sipping cold beers and children of all ages climbing on the adventure netting and playground equipment in the outdoor courtyard. The owners plan to open Tex-Mex restaurant Nada Mucho across the street in the months ahead. 111 Old Kyle Road, #330. 512-858-6756, communitybeergarden.com .

Creekhouse Kitchen & Bar

This restaurant which spills out from its bar through large, garage-style doors to an expansive patio overlooking Cypress Creek is one of the hospitality scene’s most recent entries and one of its best. There are healthy, smartly composed bowls with flavor combinations that pull from the Mexican and Mediterranean playbooks, salads like roasted and pickled beets that don’t feel like vegetarian lip service, and great sandwiches, a chicken-breast-bacon-and-brie offering among them. The owners plan to open Tex-Mex BBQ restaurant Neon Armadillo at the Junction (where RR 12 and FM 32 meet) in 2025. 14015 RR 12. 512-722-3394, creekhousewtx.com .

Hildee’s

Houston chef Ryan Hildebrand moved to the Hill Country a few years back, and though he and his partners shuttered their original restaurant located on the edge of town, Hildee’s found new life just off the Wimberley Square. And a fancier life, at that. The vibe at the new spot blends rich art deco elements with upmarket Hill Country flare and flavor. There’s still a very good burger made with tomato jam, but there are also more refined options like scallops and polenta and grilled bavette served with salsa macha. 13900 RR 12. 512-222-9904, hildees.com.

Jobell Cafe & Bistro

If you’re entering town from Austin (the north), Jobell will be the first restaurant you see. Tucked back from the road amidst a small grove of trees, it’s worth the stop. The restaurant from New York City transplant David Bober celebrates its 10th anniversary this year (which is like 20 years in a city with a more robust dining scene), and it owes its longevity to mannered service and big bistro flavors delivered in dishes like smoked duck breast, roasted bone marrow, and grain-stuffed acorn squash. 16920 RR 12. 512-847-5700, jobellcafe.com .

JP’s Wimberley BBQ

Justin Pearson has a long history in the Central Texas barbecue business. His grandfather, Floyd Wilhelm, once owned Chisholm Trail in Lockhart, and he has operated San Marcos BBQ since 2014. He opened his eponymous joint with similar branding to his San Marcos restaurant earlier this year in Wimberley, at a River Road address that has been home to an array of restaurants (from Tex-Mex to barbecue to a fish fry) over the last decade. In addition to his popular brisket and pepper-and-cheese stuffed pork-and-beef sausages, you’ll also find smashburgers at the new addition to the Wimberley barbecue scene. 500 River Road. Instagram.com/wimberleybbq .

Kelly’s Hill Country BBQ

Kelly Evers closed his Creekside Cookers on River Road during the pandemic and moved his operation into a trailer with less space but better visibility on RR 12. The former school teacher and coach is right at home in the smaller operation, which is how he got his start a decade ago, and it shows with tender brisket and pork ribs, and the best turkey sandwiches in the Hill Country. Weekends feature chicken wings and pork belly specials that are well complemented by the apple-pecan cole slaw. 14306 Ranch Rd 12. 512-947-1609, khcbbq.com .

Leaning Pear

Rachel and Matthew Buchanan are as responsible as anyone in town for helping create the modern Wimberley food scene. The married couple opened their original restaurant (which still exists on the same 11-acre family property as the current Pear) in 2007, bringing fresh, seasonal flavors and craftsmanship to colorful salads, craveable sandwiches (the corned beef Reuben may be the town’s most iconic dish) and Hill Country-inspired entrees like chicken and grits. The move from the 19th century building to the tall, light-filled modern space brought more guests, but the attention to detail in the kitchen and the cheery service remain. 111 River Road, #110. 512-847-7327, leaningpear.com .

The Let Go

There was a time when you used to have to join restaurants like private clubs in order to drink alcohol in Wimberley. Those days are long gone, but you can sit and reminisce about them in the open-air space directly across from the town square while enjoying a cocktail and a pretty dang good cheeseburger. While you’re at it, cheers owners Michael and Morgan Mekuly, who are also responsible for the good food and vibes at Community Pizza & Beer Garden and the forthcoming Tex-Mex restaurant Nada Mucho. 13904 RR 12. theletgobar.com .

Longleaf Craft Kitchen and Bar

If you’re looking for a cocktail, this restaurant, named for the longleaf pines that color and support the inside of the building, is one of your best bets. You’ll also find upmarket Hill Country dishes like mushroom-and-apple-stuffed quail with bourbon-glazed Brussels sprouts, a sauteed pork chop, and chicken liver mousse. 314 Wimberley Square. 512-842-3044, longleafwimberley.com .

Marco’s

Tucked back from the Square, this long-running Italian restaurant serves red sauce classics like chicken Parmesan and spaghetti and meatballs. 303 Wimberley Square. 512-847-0742, marcoswimberley.com .

Oldies Burgers & More

While the straight-ahead burger is a good call at this casual spot, you can also order an array of intense creations, like the Elvis, made with peanut butter, bacon and mayonnaise. And you’ll also find country treats here, like hush puppies, corn nuggets and hot dogs, that are harder to find elsewhere in town. 411 FM 2325. 512-842-3363, oldieswimberley.com .

Roughhouse Brewing

The address says San Marcos, but this natural-minded brewery in an expansive pastoral setting is located just 7 miles from the Wimberley Square. The hearty pressed sourdough sandwiches, like a pastrami and swiss or roast beef and American cheese, go great with one of the brewery's cave-aged beers made with local yeasts. 680 Oakwood Loop. 512-667-7000, roughhousebrewing.com .

The Shady Llama

Located on the northern edge of town, this expansive, tiered outdoor space with Hill Country views offers yard games for kids and adults, ample seating, a bar with a solid Central Texas-centric tap selection and TVs with the games on, and yes, llamas (and donkeys). The on-site food truck features a small selection of sandwiches and snacks. 18325 RR 12. 512-539-7407, theshadyllama.com .

Shamrock Tacos

As its name indicates, this taqueria is located inside the Diamond Shamrock gas station across from the (lovely and unobtrusive) H-E-B, and it serves the best tacos in town. The menu is massive and includes tacos ranging from basic breakfast builds to maximalist creations like a taco with a pork chop, grilled peppers, onions and queso. Order online to avoid the line. 14410 RR 12. 512-847-5951, shamrocktacos.net .

Wimberley Cafe

Chicken fried steaks and pancakes that are served all day. What more do you need from a country cafe located in the heart of town? 101 Wimberley Square. 512-847-3333, wimberleycafe.com .

Wimberley Inn

The bar at the charming revamped Inn features the best cocktail menu in town, a strong roster of Central Texas brews and a dinner menu that includes everything from pulled pork tacos to spaghetti and meatballs. Weekend brunch is a country affair, with biscuits and gravy, hash and grits, and peaches and cream French toast. 200 RM 3237, 512-847-3750, wimberleyinn.com .

My favorite dishes in Wimberley:

Community Pizza & Beer Garden: Illuminati pizza, with confit garlic, mozzarella, soppressata, sausage, gorgonzola, hot honey and serrano peppers

Creekhouse Kitchen & Bar: Yardbird sandwich (chicken breast, bacon and brie) and WTX Power Bowl (spinach, quinoa, roasted chickpeas and sweet potatoes, marinated cucumbers and onions, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, Greek vinaigrette and dill tzatziki sauce) with chicken.

Hildee’s: I’ve only had the cheeseburger at the new iteration, so that is my default answer, though I am excited to try the steaks here.

Jobell Bistro & Cafe: Smoked duck breast with its seasonal set up.

Kelly’s Hill Country BBQ: Texan Turkey Sandwich with arugula, pickled onions and Alabama white sauce; and brisket.

Leaning Pear: Corned beef Rueben, Southern Clucker Sandwich (fried chicken with pimento cheese and Alabama white sauce) and Leaning Pear house salad (pear, spiced pecans, goat cheese and shallot vinaigrette) with an added crab cake.

The Let Go: Double cheeseburger and fries.

Longleaf Craft Kitchen + Bar: Mushroom-and-apple-stuffed quail with maple-bourbon-glazed Brussels sprouts.

Shamrock Tacos: Texan Taco (fajita, grilled peppers, onions, pepper Jack queso and potatoes).

Wimberley Inn: Lemon blueberry ricotta pancakes.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Heading to the Texas Hill Country? Here are the best places to eat in Wimberley