In San Marcos, on the road between San Antonio To Austin (Interstate 35), there’s a place called Herbert’s Taco Hut. The name might not sound fancy, but they serve excellent Tex-Mex food.
Believe it or not, the drive from San Antonio to Austin is surprisingly short! These cities are closer than you think, yet their vibes are totally distinct, making them feel far apart. Rush hour traffic on I35? Nightmare! But sometimes, you just can’t resist a food pit stop. Skip the chains and fast food joints. Instead, let’s dive into some awesome places to eat on this route!
Where to grab a bite on the San Antonio to Austin drive – BBQ
Even if you’re not starving, there are gems along the way that deserve a stop and a step out of the car!
Between San Antonio and Austin, you’ll hit charming historic towns like Gruene, New Braunfels, Lockhart, San Marcos, and Buda (plus a few smaller spots a bit off the main road).
Picture-perfect bakeries, legendary BBQ spots, amazing taco joints, and a world-famous pie company await! Here’s your go-to list for where to chow down on the drive from San Antonio to Austin.
The trip from San Antonio to Austin is not too long. Here are some cool places you can check out along the way:
- Gather Brewing
- Naeglin’s German Bakery
- Black’s BBQ in New Braunfels
- Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar
- Freiheit Country Store in New Braunfels
- Buc-ees
- Hat Creek Burgers
Where Should I Eat On The Drive From San Antonio To Austin?
Important note: The following restaurants, breweries, and bakeries are arranged based on their location, beginning with those nearest to San Antonio and concluding with options closer to Austin. Refer to the map above to locate a spot in your preferred area or continue reading for additional photos and detailed information about each establishment.
1. Gather Brewing
Just outside of San Antonio in Universal City, you can stop at Gather for a delicious brewpub meal before you even begin the drive! Gather Brewing is a family-owned veteran-owned Texas craft brewery that opened in 2021. They have a beautiful open layout, a large outdoor patio (great if you’re visiting with kids who need some space to get the car wiggles out), and a delicious menu.
The pub food is excellent here. They have snacky starters like a delicious German pretzel with a trio of dipping sauces (whiskey caramel, sweet onion mustard, and Gather beer cheese), spicy Korean wings, and some gorgeous crispy Brussels with balsamic and pomegranate reduction.
And then they’ve got their pizza menu of 12” pies, plenty of hand-holds like burgers and fried chicken sandwiches, and an entire section of the menu devoted to kid-friendly options.
If you’re in the middle of a drive, you probably won’t want to stop a drink very much. But if you want a taster, they offer half-pours and little tasters of their brews. Gather also offers a wide selection of non-alcoholic drinks, including house-made sodas in refreshingly fruity flavors, kombucha, and cold brew.
2. Naeglin’s German Bakery
There aren’t many Texas restaurants that have been around since the 1800s, so if you have a chance to stop at Naeglin’s German Bakery, it’s a pretty cool experience. The bakery has actually been in the exact same location since 1870! The owner and his wife and two kids lived in the apartment above the bakery.
It’s located in the downtown square area of New Braunfels, which is actually adorable. Naegelin’s is definitely a no-frills bakery, but both quality AND quantity are there!
The pastry case includes everything from Danish, kolache, and croissants to donuts, all sorts of strudels made with various fruit options, and giant sticky rolls. They sell Texas sheet cake and German chocolate cake, a huge selection of pies, homemade flour tortillas, breakfast bread and dinner loaves and burger buns, and…we’ll stop there. The list goes on and on.
Naeglin’s is a good place for a quick stop on the drive from San Antonio to Austin. It’s about 1 mile from I35 and they have a drive-thru, so you can quickly pull over, grab a cheese Danish, and get back on the road to Austin.
3. Black’s BBQ New Braunfels
If you’re driving up I35 during that awkward in-between time and you know you’re going to need to stop for a substantial meal before you get to Austin, Black’s BBQ in New Braunfels is one of your best options.
This is the original Black’s BBQ, which has been owned by the same family since 1932 and has 5 locations in central Texas. (You might also see Terry Black’s BBQ, which is owned by the same family but broke off in 2014 after some family feuds…)
Black’s BBQ started in Lockhart in 1932 and has been going strong ever since. Whether you stop by and pile your plate full of smoked brisket, ribs, sausage links, and heaps of BBQ sides like macaroni & cheese, potato salad, and Norma Jeans beans, or you just get a big order of BBQ to bring with you to your final location, you’re in for a treat. This is some of the best BBQ in Texas.
4. Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar
If you want to feel like you’re eating in a tree house, you need to check out this adorable restaurant in historic Gruene, Texas. Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar is a historic restaurant inside a renovated 1878 cotton gin. It has multiple levels of tree-shaded decks that overlook the river, and it’s seriously one of the most beautiful restaurants in Texas.
They’re famous for their onion rings, so be sure to get an order of those for the table. Beyond that, the menu is fairly self-explanatory! They have the classics you’d expect at a Texas restaurant like beef burgers, chicken fried steak, some soups and salads, and a few more upscale cuts of steak if you’re looking to splurge a bit.
5. Freiheit Country Store in New Braunfels for burger
This is a rustic, low-ceiling country store with live music, cold beer, and the BEST burgers in New Braunfels. (Seriously.) It’s been around since 1889 and it’s not slowing down. Both tourists and regular locals pack this place on any night of the week.
Freiheit Country Store
Of course, if you’re not into ⅓ pound (or half a pound!) burgers, they offer plenty of other Texas country food. Expect things like Frito chili pie, a chicken fried steak sandwich, and chicken strips, and a standard kids menu. If you need a place to get out of the car and stretch your legs while you enjoy a big Texas meal, be sure to stop by Freiheit Country Store on the drive from San Antonio to Austin.
6. Buc-ees
Does it really need an introduction?
There’s a Buc-ee’s right off the highway on the drive from San Antonio to Austin. In addition to filling up your gas tank at one of the many (many, many, many) gas filling stations, you can head inside and buy, well….just about anything.
Buc-ee’s
Grab some smoked BBQ sandwiches, some road trip candy from their colossal candy wall, soft drinks galore, or do some shopping for home goods, clothes, accessories, and a ton of other stuff you didn’t know you needed.
Read Also: Best Guide For Breathtaking Hotels In San Antonio
7. Hat Creek Burgers
There are two Hat Creek Burger locations on the drive from San Antonio to Austin: San Marcos and Buda. This popular burger chain has really good burgers, fries, and salads.
Their claim to fame among families with littles is that each location has a fenced-in playground. Parents can get a (very inexpensive) glass of wine or a can of beer to enjoy during dinner while the kids run around and burn off all that sugar they just consumed from their delicious Hat Creek milkshakes.
8. Herbert’s Taco Hut
If you’re looking for a glossy, beautifully-branded Tex Mex restaurant, this isn’t it. But if you want an old-school staple that’s been around for ages, swing by Herbert’s Taco Hut in San Marcos.
They’ve got all your classics like enchiladas, margaritas, queso, and tacos. It’s been around since 1976 (and looks like it!), so expect a charming and quirky restaurant experience.
9. Smitty’s Market
If you have some extra time on your road trip from San Antonio to Austin and you’re hoping to experience something cool, stop by Lockhart, TX! It’s not adjacent to I35, but it’s just a quick drive from the freeway. This historic Texas BBQ town is bursting with iconic smokehouses and barbecue restaurants. Smitty’s, Kreuz Market, and Black’s are three of your best options for BBQ in Lockhart.
10. Texas Pie Company
Texas Pie Company in Kyle, TX makes some incredible pies! Yes, it is a full restaurant with lunch specials each day, but the pies are where they really shine. Stop by and pick up a coconut cream pie or a Texas pecan and chocolate fudge pie to bring to your final destination in Austin. You’ll make someone happy when you show up with that pie!
11. Mud Bugs in Buda
Sure, once you make it to Buda you’re near to Austin…but if you have time to stop by Mud Bugs for some elevated cajun food, you won’t be disappointed.
This restaurant is incredible! They call themselves “elevated, not refined,” meaning the food is top-notch and beautifully prepared. Please be sure to try the Big Sexy Pasta, made with pappardelle, shrimp, lump crab, crawfish, AND andouille, all tossed in a decadent butter herb sauce.
FAQs
Where do you stop between Austin and San Antonio?
If you’re looking for a midpoint between Austin and San Antonio, Buda is a convenient stop. Situated approximately halfway between the two cities, Buda offers various amenities, restaurants, and attractions for a brief break during your journey.
What is halfway between San Antonio and Austin?
Buda is considered the halfway point between San Antonio and Austin. This city, located along Interstate 35, provides a suitable spot to take a break, refuel, or explore before continuing your journey to either destination.
How much is an Uber from San Antonio to Austin?
Uber fares between San Antonio and Austin can vary based on factors such as demand, time of day, and the type of Uber service chosen. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the cost typically ranges from $90 to $130 for a one-way trip. Please check the Uber app for real-time pricing and availability.
What is the alternative route from San Antonio to Austin?
An alternative scenic route from San Antonio to Austin is to take Highway 281 North, offering a more leisurely drive compared to the faster but busier Interstate 35. This route takes you through picturesque landscapes and charming towns, providing a different experience for those seeking a more relaxed journey between the two cities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the drive from San Antonio to Austin may be short, but it’s filled with delightful culinary experiences. From family-owned craft breweries like Gather Brewing in Universal City to historic bakeries such as Naeglin’s German Bakery in New Braunfels, each stop offers a unique flavor of Texas history and culture.
Whether savoring the original Black’s BBQ in New Braunfels or enjoying the scenic views at Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar in Gruene, the journey between these two cities is a feast for the senses.
As you continue your road trip, consider the charm of Freiheit Country Store, a rustic gem with over a century of history, or the iconic Buc-ee’s with its vast selection of road trip essentials. If you’re craving Tex-Mex nostalgia, Herbert’s Taco Hut in San Marcos beckons with its timeless appeal.
From classic burger joints like Hat Creek Burgers to the authentic barbecue experience at Smitty’s Market in Lockhart, each spot contributes to the diverse culinary tapestry of this Texas adventure. Make your journey memorable by picking up a delectable pie from Texas Pie Company or indulging in elevated Cajun cuisine at Mud Bugs in Buda.
The drive is not just a commute; it’s a gastronomic voyage through the heart of Texas, where every stop adds a flavorful chapter to your travel tale.
I’m Matthew Porter, the creative mind behind “San Antonio Vista.” I’ve been having a blast discovering all the cool things this city has to offer. At San Antonio Vista, we’re all about turning your trip into a vibrant, eye-catching adventure. Let’s make your time in San Antonio unforgettable—join me in the excitement at San Antonio Vista!
