Tate Gregory and Matthew Smith, two vignerons from William Chris Vineyards in Hye, take their lunch break at Wakepoint LBJ in Kingsland. Wakepoint is a hotspot for boaters and Kingsland locals that overlooks the merging of the Colorado River, the Llano River, and Lake LBJ. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Kingsland and Granite Shoals lie along the shores of Lake LBJ and offer unrivaled lake access, good eats, and cold drinks. These small lakeside communities are sure to lure out your inner lake bum.
The Colorado River and the Llano River merge into Lake LBJ in the heart of Kingsland, and Granite Shoals boasts 19 city parks along the lakeside. You’ll build up an appetite and a thirst while you explore all that these Highland Lakes hamlets have to offer.
Start your morning with a quiet cup of coffee at Kingsland Coffee or The Place Downtown. If you’re on the go, pull into the drive-through at The Lazy Heron or The Thirsty Armadillo for a quick cup.
Swing into Lake Fun Designs if you find yourself lacking a lakeside-chic wardrobe.
After you’ve explored nearby Inks Lake State Park or Longhorn Cavern State Park, head into town and grab some lunch at Wakepoint LBJ or La Tequila Jalisco. Wakepoint has the straightforward all-American menu that you'll crave after a day on the water, and La Tequila Jalisco has arguably the best Mexican food in Kingsland.
As sunset approaches and thoughts turn to dinner and drinks, stay lakeside at Wakepoint LBJ and watch the sun sink with a cold beer from the upper deck or head to Hooper's and have an immaculate meal in the historic railroad district.
An unbeatable day on the lake deserves unbeatable bites and beverages. Make sure you don’t miss out when you choose Kingsland and Granite Shoals as your Lake LBJ getaways.
KINGSLAND COFFEE SHOPS
Kingsland Coffee
1001 Kingsland Court
A quiet coffee cafe attached to the historic Antlers Inn in Kingsland. Stop here to enjoy the shade and scenery of the old railroad district.
Lazy Heron Coffeehouse
240 RR 2900
The Lazy Heron is a lively coffee shop with indoor seating if you want to relax or a drive-through if you’re on the go.
The Thirsty Armadillo
4301 RR 1431
The Thirsty Armadillo is a small drive-through coffee shop with a surprisingly diverse selection of coffee, tea, refreshments, and health-conscious options.
The Place Downtown
1910 RR 1431 West
The Place Downtown serves sandwiches and sides along with its coffee and has a large space indoors to escape the wild weather of Texas.
KINGSLAND RESTAURANTS
Hooper's
1010 King Court
Grand Central Cafe is an upscale restaurant in the old railroad district of Kingsland. While it looks quaint, it is actually the exact house used in the filming of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre."
Wakepoint LBJ
14757 RR 1431 West
Wakepoint LBJ is more than a restaurant; it is a lake life mecca. Smokers whip up Texas barbecue while grills sizzle burgers, cold beers flow from taps upstairs, and live music plays downstairs. Boats pull in from Lake LBJ to fill up their tanks, and the cleanest convenience store in the county sells anything you’d need for a successful day on the lake.
Alfredo's
4139 RR 1431 West
This family-owned restaurant serves delicious Mexican, Tex-Mex, and American food. "Love at first bite," its website proclaims — and that's definitely true.
La Tequila Jalisco
14124 RR 1431
While La Tequila Jalisco is part of a chain of exceptional Mexican restaurants spread across Texas, that does not diminish its delicious, down-home menu. It's hard to beat margaritas, fajitas, and tortillas after a long day on the lake.
Boat Town Burger Bar
151 Melodie Lane
Boat Town Burger Bar is a laid-back lakeside hangout where you can catch live music, have a cold drink, and grab one of the best burgers in town.
Crazy Gals
3003 RR 1431 West
Crazy Gals is the essential country diner experience. All-you-can-eat catfish, award-winning chicken-fried steak, fresh-baked bread, and gigantic portion sizes. What more could you ask for?
The Potato Shack Cafe and Bakery
12345 RR 1431 at Hill Country Shops
The Potato Shack serves up comfort food at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also has a bakery. It's known for its baked potato with generous toppings, a tangy pineapple chicken salad, and a decadent banana split cheesecake. The menu includes a variety of sandwiches, burgers, salads, and much more.
KINGSLAND SHOPPING
Lake Fun Designs
1802 RR 1431
Lake Fun Designs is a one-stop shop for fashion and fun. Stop by to pick up a sundress or a patriotic pair of earrings before you head to the lake or take a Hill Country wine tour.
Kloset Deja Vu
1513 RR 1431 West
Kloset Deja Vu is an active boutique consignment shop in the heart of Kingsland. Peruse deal after deal on handpicked, quality fashion.
Hill Country Shops
12315 RR 1431
Find a collection of artisan and antique items, live music, food, and more.
GRANITE SHOALS RESTAURANTS & MORE
Nelly’s Homemade Ice Cream
1808 U.S. 281 North
Stop by Nelly’s Homemade Ice Cream for frozen treats, snacks, popsicles, fruit bars, and, of course, homemade ice cream.
El Tapatio
6924 RR 1431
If you’re passing through Granite Shoals, swing into El Tapatio for some delicious Mexican food at a great price.
La Cabana
7005 RR 1431 West
La Cabana is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a relaxed dining experience with tasty Mexican cuisine.
This is by no means a comprehensive list. So, locals, let visitors know your favorite places to shop, dine, and drink in the comments section below.
dakota@thepicayune.com
