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The Texas Hill Country is the region’s hub for fresh, local food, artisan wine, and beer. Restaurateurs take care to source home-grown and seasonal ingredients, and many create rotating menus from this philosophy. Dishes can be hearty Texas fare to ephemeral, elegant cuisine – and often, some fare is both.
Though Barons Creek Vineyards is not a restaurant, we do serve pizzas, hummus plates, and charcuterie boards, hand-selected in the same spirit of Fredericksburg foodie-ism.
We’ve curated a list of our picks (in no particular order) for the best restaurants in hill country. Fredericksburg’s German roots, Texas pride, and passion for fresh, local ingredients runs beneath all of these as a powerful culinary undercurrent, coupling elegant, artisan fare with characteristic Texas warmth and solidity.
1. Hill & Vine
- 210 S Adams St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Downtown Fredericksburg off of S. Adams St and Creek St
Taking no reservations or call-aheads “unless you’re George Strait,” and with cocktails like Snake in my Boot and Texas 2 Step, Hill and Vine embodies solid Texas fare with modern finesse.
Patrons can relax in one of the front porch rocking chairs, or enjoy a cocktail from Das Bar Bus, a 1972 Type 2 Volkswagen microbus styled as a bar for their spacious outdoor seating area. On Thursdays through Saturdays, you can sit under the glow of the string lights and enjoy live music there.
The main restaurant features a world of home-grown, curated Texas-style eats, with an extensive selection of Texas craft beer, wine, and themed cocktails. Hill & Vine seats up to groups of 8, with private dining available for groups of up to 17. There is parking on-site or at the nearby city lot, by the courthouse.
2. Altstadt Brewery
- 6120 East, US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- 10 min from downtown on HWY 290 – across the road from Barons Creek Vineyards
If you’re looking for an award-winning, authentic German craft beer and food, Altstadt Brewery is the quintessential German experience for you. The brewery grounds look and feel like a little slice of Bavaria, complete with an outdoor biergarten and Grand hall hosting live music Saturday and Sunday.
Altstadt is deeply connected to the German roots of Fredericksburg, from its hearty German fare to, most importantly, its German-inspired beers, which adhere to the reinheitsgebot, or German Beer Purity Law of 1516.
You can also just stop in to the tap room for a bite and one of their tap-room exclusive beers, or snag happy hour on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3-6pm. Tours of the brewery and grounds are any day of the week at 4pm for up to 20 people. The rathskellar, or basement bar, and Grand Hall can be reserved for private events.There is even a free tractor museum on-site.
3. Cabernet Grill
- 2805 S State Hwy 16, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Close to the Gillespie County Airport, 10 minutes southwest of historic downtown Fredericksburg
Cabernet Grill has been lauded among the top ten restaurants in the USA. Its menu and entire operation is an elegant unity of hearty Texas fare and upscale cuisine. The restaurant is family-owned and operated by chef Ross Burtwell, formerly of Cascabel restaurant in San Antonio.
Guests can enjoy upscale eats in a romantic, rustic-chic setting of warm wood and farmhouse-style lighting. They also have a world-class wine list under the direction of Elizabeth Rodriguez, a student of Karen MacNiel, the author of the renowned Wine Bible. Their Texas hospitality is situated in the Cotton Gin Village among cabins and cottages available for a romantic, rustic Hill Country getaway.
Walk-ins are welcome at the Grill, but reservations are recommended.
4. Otto’s German Bistro
- 316 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Located in historic downtown Fredericksburg at E Austin St and N Washington St
Located in historic downtown Fredericksburg, Otto’s German Bistro continues the long tradition of German heritage in the area with its farm-to-table, organic, and sustainable menu in a cheerful, upscale environment.
A more intimate and upscale option in the main downtown area, the bistro features a seasonal menu of German-inspired fare, such as a classic mushroom strudel with crispy phyllo and local wild mushrooms. Germanic and Austrian wine, artisan beer, and craft cocktails also enliven the scene.
Otto’s accepts limited reservations, preferring walk-ins and groups no larger than 8 people. Private dining events can be arranged upon request.
5. Pasta Bella
- 103 S Llano St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Off E Main St & S Llano St
In a city steeped in German cuisine and culture, both locals and visitors frequent Pasta Bella for homemade pasta, pizza, and desserts.
The red, cheerful facade and colorful interior boasts Texas-sized portions of staple Italian food, beer and wine. Lunch specials are a must-try, and low-carb and gluten-free options are readily available. Catering is available for larger events.
6. Vaudeville
- 230 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Heart of historic DT Fredericksburg off Main St
Caviar and creme brulee – the modern, elevated vibe of Vaudeville in a nutshell.
Walking past their stone outdoor courtyard and fire pit reveals a warm, chic interior. The restaurant features offerings such as seafood gratin to start, braised Akaushi beef for a main, and to finish, homemade desserts like an artisan chocolate pot to finish.
Besides the bistro and its offerings of Kaluga caviar, patrons can enjoy the gourmet market, art gallery, or luxury retail showroom. Reservations can be made 48 hours in advance, with a fixed menu for groups of 5 or more on Fridays and Saturdays.
For long-term enjoyment, Vaudeville offers a wine club with quarterly releases as well as the V Supper Club, an exclusive dinner membership with regular hosted events.
7. Backwoods BBQ
- 7152, 320 FM2093, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Off highway 16 going toward the airport on Friendship lane
There is nothing more Texas than quality BBQ – and Backwoods BBQ is among Hill Country’s best.
The culinary dream of owner-operator Michael Zavala, this family-owned restaurant lives for tender, seasoned brisket, chicken, and pork and beef ribs – and a rich selection of in-house desserts, all at a reasonable price.
Come early, as Backwoods quickly sells out of their precious smoked meats. As one reviewer said, you can find this spot by the wonderful smell! They are closed Monday and Tuesday.
8. August E’s
- 203 E San Antonio St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Next to West End Pizza Co. on E. San Antonio Street & S. Llano St
August E’s serves a range of experience, from casual drinks during their 4-6pm happy hour to a romantic, classy evening, as well as a range of cuisine, from seafood and steak to sushi. Underlying all is a curated experience built with local and seasonal ingredients.
From signature crab cakes, creamy lobster bisque, stuffed quail, to seared filet mignon and decadent foie gras, their seasonally-inspired menu does not disappoint. In-house sommelier Luis Richard ensure that guests enjoy a select list of both old and new world wines, and quality imported and local craft beers.
Reservations are recommended, walk-ins are welcome. To reserve for more than 8, kindly email the restaurant in advance. August E’s also hosts culinary events for reservation only, such as the upcoming German and Austrian Wine Dinner on January 17, featuring five courses of paired food and wine.
9. West End Pizza Co.
- 207 E San Antonio St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- One block from Main St on E San Antonio St
As much part of the heart of Fredericksburg as it is close to Main St (only a block away), West End Pizza Co. touts fresh ingredients and homemade dough with their signature brick-oven fired pizzas.
Since 2009, this family-owned Fredericksburg favorite has welcomed visitors and locals alike, accepting waitlist reservations online or via queue in-person. Their large patio bar, outdoor picnic tables, and spacious game room are family- and group-friendly, perfect for parties or events.
Each employee is considered a “Pizza artist” and each pie a work of art. There are even gluten-fee pies available, made with the same care and flavor as their standard pizzas. You can catch happy hour on Fridays and Saturdays, and live music Friday through Sunday.
10. Sage Restaurant and Lounge
- 241 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Off Main St by E. Austin St, across the road from the National Museum of the Pacific War
Sage serves eclectic American cuisine in a sultry lounge-style atmosphere, reminiscent of a modern chateau or European-style retreat.
The menu features the stars of culinary world, from caviar to tomahawk steak dinner for two. For groups of 8-14 a bespoke menu is pre-fixed, and for 5-7 people a $25 deposit is required for reservation (reservations are recommended).
There are multiple spaces to relax and enjoy a cocktail, from the dining room to the courtyard, to the champagne patio; anything from drinks with friends to a reserved, private dinner is possible.
Private event reservations up to 250 people, featuring custom menu options, are offered in advance for the ultimate experience. Sister restaurants and B&Bs are also available in association with this location.
Unique culinary events run constantly, such as a cocktail or pairing class this month. Closed on Sundays.
11. Woerner’s Warehouse
- 305 S Lincoln St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Two blocks off Main St by Barons Creek
The historic Woerner Feed Store used to supply the agricultural needs of old Fredericksburg; today, the space feeds locals, a favorite spot for baked goods and comfort fare – now the aptly named Woerner’s Warehouse.
Reminiscent of the agricultural backbone of Texas, Woerner’s is adorned with antiques both for purchase and admiration only. Typical fare includes homemade, sweet stuffed croissants with a cappuccino from their full espresso bar, and for lunch, the “Woerner Works” pizza, sprinkled with pepperoni, salami, onion, olives, artichokes, and mozzarella over a scratch tomato base.
Their catering service can accommodate custom food requests, and a wide range of events from a birthday party to a wedding reception. Stop by Monday – Saturday from 9-3pm.
12. Hill Country Herb Garden Restaurant
- 405 Whitney St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Heading west from Fredericksburg, off Whitney St, on a secluded, quiet plot
A trip to Fredericksburg wouldn’t be complete without a time of quiet relaxation, and Hill Country Herb Garden Restaurant offers just that.
Fresh American style plates, all with local ingredients and an herbal twist are this location’s signature. With an ever changing menu based on seasonal availability, it’s quite literally a unique experience with each visit.
The restaurant sits in a charming complex adorned with 14 newly refurbished, modern cottages available for a cozy stay. A day spa and outdoor event area with picnic tables crown the experience with a perfect balance of relaxation and excitement options.
Guests can also enjoy the garden wine bar with a herb-themed cocktail like Yellow Rose of Texas, as well as a unique herbal smoothie and juice selection. Open Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday for brunch, and Friday-Saturday for dinner also.