There is no place like home, and for me there is no place like my hometown of Fredericksburg, TX! Growing up in this tiny German town was a dream. A German Stars Hollow, if you will. It’s a quintessential small town where you know everyone and everyone knows you. I know or have some connection to almost every business owner in town, which I love because it makes me feel very important when I tell people I know the owner of such and such — ;). With a population right under 12,000, and tucked in the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, it really was the perfect place to grow up. My family lived there for almost 20 years and while we are no longer there, it will always be home. I always try to go several times a year just to check in, eat at my favorite places, and feel the warmth of home.
Now, in the last 10 years, Fredericksburg has become much more of a tourist destination than ever before. It’s a great place for families, wine lovers, bloggers, bachelorettes and more. It is a wonderful place for a weekend trip and as a native/forever local, I feel that it is my duty to give you a guide!
FOOD
Breakfast
If you are looking for a true Fredericksburg staple to start the day off, look no further. The Old German Bakery (once called “George’s” back in the good ol days) is the best place in town for breakfast. I grew up eating the German pancakes, they are light, fluffy, and served with lemon and powdered sugar — YUM. You will find The Old German Bakery in the perfect location, right on Main St., the perfect area to walk off your breakfast.
2. Emma + Ollie
A little off the beaten path of Main St., Emma + Ollie is a must-stop spot while in Fredericksburg. Owned and operated by chef Rebecca Rather, there is truly nothing on this menu that will disappoint. Go for breakfast or go for lunch, either way you will be glad you made the stop. Be warned though, it is a very popular spot and more often than not there will be a wait. They do not take reservations so get there early and be prepared to wait. Promise it is worth it!
3. Sunset Grill
If you’re looking for a true “local’s spot” this is it. But be warned, the food is so good you may want to hit this place up twice while in town!! The Huevos Rancheros are delicious and the Carmelized Banana French Toast will make your mouth water. Sunset Grill almost always has a wait, so make sure to check the website before going and join the waitlist!
Lunch
Woerner Warehouse, or as locals call it, “Woerners”, is one of my all time favorite spots. Every time I am in town I always try and make time for their Pesto Chicken Pizza. The portions are big and perfect for splitting, and you will want to leave room for dessert here. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, both lunch or dessert! The key lime pie is my personal favorite, along with their ginormous cookies!
If you are looking for a genuine town staple, here you go! The Fredericksburg Brewery is a classic Fredericksburg spot. When my parents moved our family to Fredericksburg back in 1995, this was the first place we ate and even when we go back to visit we love to make a stop here! Classic German cuisine and award winning beer, this is a great place to spend an afternoon. Plus back in 2012, Ryan Gosling was spotted here!
3. Vaudeville
One of the poshest places in town, going to this locals favorite spot can make you feel like you’ve been transported to New York — in the best way. Upstairs you will find a gorgeous shop, perfectly set up for you to peruse while you wait for your table. Vaudeville does require reservations and you will want to make them as soon as you can to ensure that the list does not fill up. It is a great spot for lunch or dinner located right in the middle of Main Street.
4. Clear River
Clear River is a Fredericksburg staple. I spent many afternoons after school, many off campus lunches, and birthday parties here growing up! It is owned by family friends, and when I think of Fredericksburg, I think of Clear River! They are known for their amazing baked goods and ice cream, making it a perfect stop for an afternoon pick me up! My favorite item on their menu is the iced sugar cookie — truly I dream about these cookies. Their Mexican vanilla ice cream is insanely good! You truly cannot go wrong with anything on the menu.
Hill and Vine is new on the Fredericksburg dining scene and quickly it has become a town favorite! Just perusing their menu makes my mouth water! As far as ambiance and delectable dishes go, this place is a winner. I’d recommend the sausage and cheese board to start, and if you go at happy hour, try the “Snake In My Boot” cocktail for the perfect taste of Texas. All of their dishes are fantastic so no stress that you will pick the wrong dish!
Dinner
Located right on Main, Hondo’s is the best place in town to sit back with a cold margarita and listen to live music. Named after Hondo Crouch, Hondo’s is well known in town as being a watering hole for both locals and tourists! Word to the wise, their burger will change your life, and that paired with their Mayor’s Margarita! But be warned, their margaritas are TALL and STRONG!
Be prepared for one of the best burgers you will ever have. Just the drive there alone is worth it! You’ll be driving through the backroads of the hill country, where you are sure to see fun Texas wildlife like deer and cows (my personal favorite). Known for having the “Best Burger in Texas”, combined with a cold beer on a summer day, this is a must see spot!
Hill Top Cafe is a Texas Hill Country legend as far as restaurants and incredible atmosphere go. Started in 1980 by musician couple Brenda and Johnny Nicholas, this spot combines several of my favorite things: creative delicious dishes paired with live music and an atmosphere with unforgettable character. It is located about 10 miles north of Fredericksburg and it is a smaller venue so prepare before you go! If you’re going for dinner I recommend the crab cakes or the shrimp mytilini!
Granite House describes their food as “quality but not fussy…with a New Orleans flair” which I LOVE. Sign me up for a night here connecting with friends over their southern fried green beans paired with the Tennessee hot chicken and their “Texas Maragtini”. Granite House is a happening and popular spot in town so be sure to get on the waitlist on the website before going!
5. Otto’s
Started in July 2013 by local couple Evelyn and John Washburne, Otto’s has truly made a name for itself as a Fredericksburg staple. Serving authentic yet incredibly creative German dishes, the menu is seasonal so you are sure to try something new each time. If you are a wine or foreign beer connoisseur, then Otto’s will be your heaven. Their extensive wine and beer list cover wine and beer from all over the globe!
Wineries
1. Pontotoc Vineyard Weingarten
All I can say about Pontotoc is this: get the sangria and thank me later. On a hot summer day or even in the dead of fall, the sangria at Pontotoc is my favorite in the whole world. Even including the places I’ve been to in Barcelona! It is located on Main St. but can easily be missed if you aren’t looking! Stop here for happy hour and then walk down the block to Hondo’s for dinner!
Signor was an accidental find one weekend while I was visiting home, and ever since I love to try and stop each time I’m in town. Tucked away off of 290, you will feel like you have landed in the Italian countryside. The people are incredibly friendly, the wine is divine, and the surroundings are stunning/perfect for photos!
Not only does Becker have their vineyard right outside of town off of 290, but if you can’t make it to the property, they also have a wonderful tasting room right in town on Main St. Becker Vineyards holds a special place in my heart because it was one of the first wineries in the area, becoming a local favorite, and it is where I had my high school prom, haha! Make sure to grab your glass of wine and walk around the gorgeous property that showcases the beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
My hometown is one of my favorite places in the world! If you visit please let me know, I hope you have the best time!
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