While there are kolaches to be found east of Austin (hello, Hruska’s and Weikel’s), opt for the one-two-three punch of the best kolaches found in West, Texas with Czech Stop, Slovacek's (just across the street) and the nearby Gerik's Ole Czech Bakery (also known for its cinnamon rolls).
Distance from Austin: approximately one hour and 45 minutes

Killeen is known for its strong Korean community (military base Fort Hood is nearby), which means the city’s Korean restaurants are top notch. Try Korean Kitchen, which dishes out kimbap, bulgogi, soft tofu stew, and all sorts of banchan.
Distance from Austin: approximately one hour and 15 minutes

For Korean and barbecue, head to Temple, Texas for Pit Stop Bar-B-Q, where owner Kim Dunn whips up brisket, ribs, bulgogi, kimchi, and jambalaya with ease from the small restaurant.
Distance from Austin: approximately one hour and 20 minutes

The longtime College Station Texas A&M campus bar, aka the Chicken, is home to burgers, chicken strips, dominoes, and beer for Aggies and everyone else.
Distance from Austin: approximately two hours

The longtime charming Marble Falls restaurant is also known for its pie obsession, so much so that it hosts a pie happy hour with slices of apple, cherry, all the way to German chocolate and lemon meringue. Plus, it has a solid breakfast menu, boasting of pancakes and Texas toast.
Driving distance from Austin: approximately an hour drive

The Lexington barbecue spot is the domain of pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz. Snow’s was named as the best barbecue joint of the state, and rightly so, serving out brisket, chicken, pork steaks, and more. It opens only on Saturday mornings, which makes it the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Wander down to the Lexington Livestock Market to watch the cattle auction, too.
Distance from Austin: approximately one hour

Apis cares about its food (so much so, it strives to become Austin’s Blue Hill Stone Barns, with a fully vertical farm), and it shows with its fare. Indulge and linger over the prix fixe or casual bar menu, showcasing the best of what Apis can do, from house-aged and cured meats, fresh scallops, to honey combs (though entry is a bit confusing). While you’re out there, it’s worth checking out its casual counterpart, Pizzeria Sorellina, right next door.
Distance from Austin: approximately 40 minutes

For German fare, opt for Otto’s in Fredericksburg, where dinner and Sunday brunch includes an array of meats, from schnitzels to wursts and a notable version of the BLT with foie gras, along with hearty bread, all of which pair well with its beer and wine list.
Distance from Austin: approximately one hour and 30 minutes

Although Austin is still without its branch of the Texas pie mecca, but fans of the dessert can head to the original location of the shop out in antiquing haven Round Top. Not only does it make damn good pie, it also turns out a mean steak and rack of lamb. Round up a few friends and get the pie sampler, which comes with four different slices topped with an unholy amount of vanilla ice cream.
Driving distance from Austin: approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes

It’s all about Hill Country cuisine with the Wimberley at the comforting and cozy with ever-fresh takes on sandwiches, pizzas, and entrees for lunch, brunch, and dinner and plenty of outdoor space overlooking the creek to properly digest any meal before hitting the road again.
Distance from Austin: approximately 50 minutes

While there isn’t much food beyond snacks and drinks, Gruene Hall, considered one of Texas' oldest dance halls, is still worth the trip. The Gruene honky tonk has hosted big country acts from Kyle Lovett to Kacey Musgraves to Rosanne Cash to BB King have all performed. Maybe you’ll luck into a special performance by Willie Nelson. Look out for gospel brunches, with food served by the nearby Gristmill River Restaurant.
Distance from Austin: approximately 46 minutes