Poodies Hilltop Roadhouse in Spicewood hosts live music every night of the week. Staff photo by Alecia Ormsby
Spanning three counties in the Texas Hill Country, charming Spicewood is situated along Texas 71 and embraces the south shores of Lake Travis.
While obvious attractions dot the highway, pockets of beauty, water activities, wineries, and more can be found farther into the town shared by Blanco, Burnet, and Travis counties.
If you stay in a bed-and-breakfast or rental home in Spicewood, you have few options for morning coffee. Yellow Dog Coffee Company near downtown is your best bet. Grab a tasty muffin or roll while you’re there.
Bluebonnets carpet Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area in Spicewood in the spring. Staff photo by Alecia Ormsby
With your morning energizer in hand, head to Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area or Pace Bend Park, both on Lake Travis, for biking, hiking, or swimming. You can rent watercraft (at Muleshoe Bend), camp out, or have a picnic.
For lunch, saunter into Sorellina Pizzeria, enjoy Tex-Mex at La Cabana Bar and Grill, or chow down on slow-cooked ribs or brisket at Opie’s BBQ.
Arrive in the early afternoon before the crowds at Krause Springs, where you can fly high on a rope swing into the cool, spring-fed water or take a nap under the shady cypress trees after a walk through the musical, butterfly gardens.
After basking in the sun, refresh yourself with a cold one or sip a glass at the nearby Frontyard Brewing or 5 Soul Wine Co., which are both on the same property and offer games and plenty of oak tree-shaded seating.
Dinnertime choices are many. The honky-tonk crowd can enjoy a burger and live music at Angel’s Icehouse. If you’d rather get cleaned up for a nice steak or delicious seafood, J5 Steakhouse is the place — it’s not too fancy. Be sure to try the firecracker shrimp!
Close out the evening at Poodies Hilltop Roadhouse, which also serves food. With live music every night, you can expect a good time and the potential to run into a music legend. Randall “Poodie” Locke, who owned the place before his death, was Willie Nelson’s stage manager for over three decades.
Spicewood isn’t too spicy, but you can count on great meals, fun times, and beautiful Hill Country views.
SHOP
The Barn at Green Acres
6038 Texas 71 West, Spicewood
A quaint boutique in the spring, summer, and fall — and packed with Christmas goodies in November and December — The Barn sits on Green Acres, an eccentric glamping site.
Hoekstra Bros. Fine Wine
9408A Texas 71 East, Spicewood
Cook a locally produced Black Angus steak on the grill at your rental in Spicewood and serve it with specialty spirits and wines, which all can be purchased at Hoekstra Bros.
Spicewood General Store
9418 Texas 71 East, Spicewood
Need ice, soda, or corn chips for a hangry teen or spouse? Spicewood General Store has that and other supplies for your stay.
EAT & DRINK
La Cabana Bar and Grill
21103 Texas 71 West, Spicewood
Enjoy Tex-Mex at its finest with the best queso and queso flameado on the east side of the Pedernales River.
The Lighthouse Restaurant and Lounge
513 Sleat Drive, Briarcliff
Dine lakeside at Lighthouse Restaurant and Lounge in Spicewood. Staff photo by Alecia Ormsby
Sit under the misters outside or enjoy the AC inside, both with beautiful views of Lake Travis. The Lighthouse offers a sumptuous menu with delightful drinks and live music twice a week.
Opie’s BBQ
9504 Texas 71 East, Spicewood
The fresh-off-the-grill ribs, brisket, sausage, and turkey breast draw crowds. Don’t miss out on the tater tot casserole, butter beans, and cobbler — equally appetizing.
Sorellina Pizzeria
23526 Texas 71 West, Spicewood
The arugula and prosciutto pizza with house-made mozzarella cheese is at the top of the menu at Sorellina Pizzeria in Spicewood. Staff photo by Alecia Ormsby
Tantalizing wood-fired pizza paired with super salads and sides will float your boat before or after a day on Lake Travis. Tap your toes or scoot your boots to live music on the weekends.
Yellow Dog Coffee Company
9807 Texas 71 East, Spicewood
Right off of the highway in “downtown” Spicewood, Yellow Dog has a drive-through so you can pick up a cup of joe, hot or iced, mocha or latte. Grab a baked good, too.
WINES AND SPIRITS
El Gaucho Winery
21301 Kathy Lane, Spicewood
Sample a flight of delicious Argentinian wines or just have a glass. A full menu accompanies the red, white, and bubbly in comfortable indoor and outdoor tasting rooms.
Frontyard Brewing
5 Soul Wine Co.
4514 Bob Wire Road, Spicewood
It’s a two-in-one visit with a brewery and a winery together at this lovely location off of Bob Wire Road. Two separate venues share the space with outdoor tables under the trees, a food trailer, pickleball courts, and cornhole boards. Occasional live music.
Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery
101 CR 409, Spicewood
A fun place to hang out while you taste the Giddy’Up vodka, HotScotch spicy butterscotch whiskey, and other Texas-style spirits. Games, a playground, a disc golf course, live music, and beautiful sunsets add to your visit.
Spicewood Vineyards
1419 CR 409, Spicewood
Known for its hospitality, Spicewood Vineyards features award-winning wines served on 32 acres in the beautiful Hill Country. It also hosts live music and events and serves as a wedding venue.
OUTDOOR FUN
Krause Springs
424 CR 404, Spicewood
Lounge in the sun, go swimming, and camp out at Krause Springs. The 115-acre property has 32 springs that feed manmade and natural pools flowing into Lake Travis.
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
2820 CR 414, Spicewood
Nearly 10 miles of fabulous hike-and-bike trails, a boat ramp and watercraft rentals, swimming, and fishing make this a popular Highland Lakes park.
Pace Bend Park
2805 Pace Bend Road North, Spicewood
Two boat ramps and three designated swimming-only coves provide plenty of water access. You can also hike or bike on 9 miles of trails along Lake Travis.
This is by no means a comprehensive list. Locals, let visitors know your favorite places to shop, dine, and drink in the comments section below.
editor@thepicayune.com
