The Local Guide
Our little black book for the Hill Country — the tried-and-true spots we send y'all to.
We get asked all the time where to eat, where to sip, and where to wander. So here it is — the places we actually love, all within an easy drive of the ranch. Reserve ahead where you can; the good ones fill up.
i. Where to Eat
From white-tablecloth evenings to easy family dinners — all a short drive from your door.
Dress It Up
Tillie's at Camp Lucy
Dripping Springs · New American, global · $$$$ · ~15 min · Special Occasion
Our top pick for a night to remember. Set inside a reassembled 19th-century Vietnamese town hall on the Camp Lucy resort grounds, it's genuinely breathtaking — chandeliers, carved beams, a seasonal menu that borrows from Italy, Japan, India and beyond. Reserve well ahead.
Trattoria Lisina
Driftwood · Italian · $$$ · ~15 min · Romantic
Country-style Italian at the Duchman Family Winery, and it feels like stepping into Tuscany. Handmade pasta, an all-Italian wine list, and a courtyard overlooking the vineyard that's unbeatable at golden hour. Ask about the lasagna and the gnocchi.
Keep It Easy
Cousin Louie's
Dripping Springs · Italian-American · $$–$$$ · ~12 min · Family-Friendly
A warm, mid-century-styled red-sauce joint in Belterra Village — think checkered floors and Ciola family recipes going back to 1949. Handmade pasta, chicken parm, pork chop Milanese. Great for groups and kids without feeling like a compromise.
Hays City Store
Driftwood · Burgers & pub fare · $$ · ~15 min · Casual
A restored 1908 general store turned neighborhood gastro-pub, with a big shaded patio and live music on weekends. Terrific burgers and a laid-back Hill Country feel — the kind of place you settle into for an afternoon.
The Salt Lick BBQ
Driftwood · Texas BBQ · $$ · ~18 min · Texas Classic
You can't visit the Hill Country and skip the barbecue. This one's an institution — open-pit brisket and sausage, family-style platters, and it's cash-only and BYOB, so plan ahead. Iconic for a reason.
ii. Your Morning Coffee
You'll find a bag of our house coffee waiting for you in the kitchen — but if you want to venture out, here's where the locals go.
Greater Goods Roasting
Our house coffee · Austin roastery · In Your Kitchen
This is the coffee we stock at the ranch and the one we drink ourselves — a beloved Austin roaster with beautifully sourced, small-batch beans. Everything you need to brew a great cup is in the kitchen. Help yourself.
Lucky Lab Coffee
Dripping Springs · ~5 min · Opens 6 AM · Closest & Easiest
Just up the road on RR 12 and the closest spot for a quick morning run. Friendly service, solid espresso, and good breakfast bites. If you want a coffee in hand before a hike or a lake day, this is your stop.
Mazama Coffee Co.
Downtown Dripping Springs · ~10 min · Local Gem
A family-run roastery and micro-bakery in the historic downtown district, roasting in small batches right on site. Cozy inside, lovely patio, fresh pastries — everyone falls in love with this place. Worth lingering over a second cup.
iii. Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries
Dripping Springs is the heart of the Hill Country beverage trail. Here's where we send everyone.
Wineries
William Chris Vineyards
Hye · Texas wine · ~40 min · Worth the Drive
Our absolute favorite, and worth the extra time in the car. A leader in 100% Texas-grown wine, set on a gorgeous property with a farmhouse tasting experience. Reserve a tasting ahead — this is the one to build a day around.
Bell Springs Winery
Dripping Springs · ~12 min · Close & Easy
Right in the neighborhood, with a scenic patio, live music, and a relaxed vibe. Perfect if you want the winery experience without the longer drive. They've also got a brewing side if your group is split between wine and beer.
Lost Draw
Johnson City · ~30 min · Worth the Drive
Another beautiful one out toward Johnson City, now part of the William Chris family. Award-winning 100% Texas wine poured in an intimate tasting room set on nine acres of vineyard, with live music, vineyard views, and a lovely courtyard. Pairs perfectly with a William Chris day.
Hawk's Shadow Estate Winery
Dripping Springs · ~20 min · Hidden Gem
A family-owned, veteran-owned estate tucked into the hills northwest of town, known for a limestone barrel cellar dug right into the rock and small-batch wines in old-world styles. Commanding views, generous charcuterie boards, and it's dog-friendly. Ask about the cellar tour — it's a memorable one.
Breweries & Distilleries
Jester King Brewery
Dripping Springs · ~12 min · Iconic
The crown jewel — a 165-acre farmhouse brewery famous for wild ales and spontaneously fermented beers. Wood-fired pizza, goats, picnic tables, and rolling views. Dog-friendly and endlessly photogenic. A must even if you're not a big beer drinker.
12 Fox Beer Co.
Dripping Springs · ~10 min · Local Favorite
Veteran-owned and delightfully off the beaten path, focused on clean, traditional European-style beers. A big beer garden, rotating food trucks, and live music make it an easy hangout for families and beer lovers alike.
Desert Door Distillery
Driftwood · ~15 min · Something Different
Texas sotol — a spirit distilled from a native desert plant you won't find many places. A striking tasting room, craft cocktails, and a great fire-pit patio. A fun stop for anyone who wants to try something they can't get back home.
iv. On the Water
Both Lake Austin and Lake Travis are about 30 minutes from the ranch, and there's no better way to spend a hot Texas afternoon than out on the water with the whole crew. Rent a boat or pontoon, pack a cooler, and post up at a lakeside spot for lunch. Lake Travis has the classic swim-and-cliff-jump energy (Devil's Cove, Hippie Hollow); Lake Austin is calmer and great for paddleboarding and an easy cruise. Just say the word if y'all want help lining up a rental.
v. Trails & the Outdoors
The Hill Country's best hiking and swimming holes are practically in the backyard. A heads-up: the popular preserves require reservations, so book online before you go.
Pedernales Falls State Park
~35 min · Reservations required · Big Views
Dramatic tiered limestone falls along the Pedernales River, with everything from an easy half-mile stroll to longer loops around 5–6 miles. Wading and swimming downstream, shady trails, and classic Hill Country scenery. Reserve your day-use pass online ahead of time.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
~20 min · Reservations required · Bucket List
A jaw-dropping jade-green grotto beneath a 50-foot waterfall — one of the most photographed spots in Texas. A short quarter-mile hike gets you down to it. Swimming depends on conditions and isn't guaranteed, and reservations are required every day, so book your morning or afternoon slot online early. Note: no dogs here.
Milton Reimers Ranch Park
~20 min · No reservation needed · Underrated Gem
Right next to Hamilton Pool and, in our opinion, criminally underrated. Miles of trails, river beaches for swimming, world-class rock climbing, and mountain biking. No reservation needed, dogs welcome on leash, and a modest per-person fee. Pair it with Hamilton Pool for a discount on the second park.
Jacob's Well Natural Area
Wimberley · ~25 min · Reservations required to swim · Iconic Swim
A mesmerizing artesian spring and one of Texas's most famous swimming holes. The surrounding natural area has lovely, easy trails even if you're not swimming. Swim slots are reserved and seasonal, so check availability before you set out.
vi. Private In-Home Experiences
Some of the most memorable stays happen without ever leaving the ranch. Bring the experience to you — just let us know and we'll help coordinate.
Private Chefs
Chef Crusco
Private chef · in-home dining · Host Favorite
A wonderful private-chef experience right in the ranch kitchen — a custom menu tailored to your group, beautifully prepared and served, with none of the cooking or cleanup. Perfect for a special-occasion dinner, a welcome night, or simply treating the whole crew.
Happy Cooking ATX
Private chef & catering · Groups
Another favorite for in-home dining, great for groups and gatherings. They'll build a menu around your tastes and handle everything start to finish, so you can relax and enjoy the evening together.
In-Home Wine Tastings
Kasama Tastings
Private sommelier-led tasting · kasamatastings.com · Guided Tasting
They specialize in private, in-home wine tastings and come directly to the ranch with a certified sommelier, the wines, and everything needed for a fun, guided experience. Optional charcuterie pairings available — a lovely way to spend an evening in.
VinoCadre
Personalized tasting · vinocadre.com · Customizable
A highly rated option offering personalized, sommelier-led tastings at the home, customized around your group's preferences. You really can't go wrong — pick whichever style suits your crew.
vii. Wellness at the Ranch
Want to slow down and unwind right here on the property? We can arrange private sessions that come to you. Just let us know and we'll help set it up.
Private Yoga
In-home · one-on-one or group · By Arrangement
There are wonderful local instructors who will come to the ranch for a private session — poolside, on the lawn, or indoors — tailored to your group and experience level, from a gentle restorative flow to something more energizing. A beautiful way to start a morning together. Reach out and we'll connect you.
Sound Bath & Meditation
In-home · deeply restorative · By Arrangement
Lie back while crystal singing bowls wash over you — it's the ultimate reset, and a favorite for bachelorette groups, girls' weekends, and anyone craving some calm. It can be paired with yoga or enjoyed on its own, indoors or under the stars.
viii. Venturing into Austin
If y'all want a night in the city, it's about 40 minutes in. These are a few of our own favorites.
Clark's Oyster Bar
Clarksville · Seafood · $$$$ · Chic
One of the chicest tables in Austin and one of the toughest reservations for good reason. East Coast-inspired coastal cooking — fresh oysters, a legendary burger, cold seafood platters. Small, buzzy, and worth planning around.
Sammie's Italian
Downtown · Italian-American · $$$ · Lively
A retro, red-sauce Italian-American spot with a glamorous, high-energy downtown room. Perfect for a fun night out with a group — classic dishes done beautifully, great cocktails, and a scene worth dressing up for.
Jeffrey's
Clarksville · American fine dining · $$$$ · Special Occasion
An Austin institution since 1975 and the city's grande-dame special-occasion restaurant. Dry-aged steaks, an enormous wine list, tableside touches, and impeccable service. If Clark's is the see-and-be-seen pick, this is the classic celebration.
Uchi
South Lamar · Japanese / sushi · $$$$ · Destination Sushi
Chef Tyson Cole's nationally acclaimed Japanese restaurant — inventive sushi and small plates that put Austin on the culinary map. If your group loves great sushi, this is the reservation to chase.
Staying Local Tonight
Don't feel like the drive into the city? Downtown Dripping Springs has a fun little scene of its own.
Hudson's on Mercer
Downtown Dripping Springs · ~10 min · Live Music
A friendly neighborhood bar with live, local music and real small-town Hill Country charm — the kind of place that feels like family. Come for a local beer, pub bites, and an easy night out close to home.
The Barber Shop
Downtown Dripping Springs · ~10 min · Beer Garden
A relaxed Hill Country beer-garden vibe with a great patio — perfect for a laid-back afternoon or evening drink with the group. Easygoing, local, and always a good time.
Grawlix
Downtown Dripping Springs · ~10 min · Cocktails
A cool speakeasy-style cocktail lounge with pool tables, craft cocktails, Belgian beers, and a well-curated wine list. The most elevated of the downtown bars — a fun spot to end the night.
ix. Good to Know
The practical stuff — where to stock up, grab a bottle, or find something special. Everything here is a quick drive.
H-E-B
598 E Hwy 290 · ~12 min · Open 6 AM–11 PM daily · Groceries
The nearest full grocery store and a Texas institution in its own right — a genuinely great one, with fresh produce, a big prepared-foods section, and everything you'll need to stock the kitchen for your stay.
Epicure Market
333 W Hwy 290 · ~12 min · Chic Grocer
If you'd rather shop like a local tastemaker, this is the spot — a specialty gourmet market in town with elevated provisions, cheeses, and the kind of finds that make an easy dinner-in feel special. Perfect for pulling together a charcuterie spread or a nice bottle to bring back to the ranch.
Spec's
Off Hwy 290, near Lucky Lab · ~5 min · Mon–Sat · Wine & Spirits
The nearest liquor store, just five minutes away by Lucky Lab. Texas's beloved wine-and-spirits chain with a deep selection and good prices — grab a bottle for the evening or something to toast with out by the pool. Closed Sundays, so plan for the weekend.
A Few Quick Distances
Downtown Dripping Springs · ~10 min • Lake Austin / Lake Travis · ~30 min • Downtown Austin & the airport · ~40 min • Wineries, breweries & most restaurants · 10–20 min.
Cell service is generally good out here, but if you ever need anything at all during your stay, we're only a text away.
Enjoy every minute, y'all.
Anything you can't find here, just reach out — we're always happy to point you to something special.
— Jason & Danielle, Deep Eddy Ranch