The 8 Top Restaurants Near Hamilton Pool Preserve

From fried chicken to barbecue to juices out in the Hill Country

by Nadia Chaudhury Jun 5, 2018, 2:23pm CDT

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Hamilton Pool Preserve

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by Nadia Chaudhury Jun 5, 2018, 2:23pm CDT

Now that it’s so hot outside, it’s time to seek out the nearest watering hole. One of the Austin-area’s most popular and stunning ones is Hamilton Pool Preserve out in Dripping Springs, where the blue-green water is surrounded by rock formations and a waterfall.

There’s plenty to eat and drink before or after a swim at the pool, and even takeout options for a picnic. There’s fried chicken and cocktails from Proof & Cooper, beer and Southern Cajun fare at Family Business Brewing Co., Neapolitan pizza from Pizzeria Sorellina, and much more.

Keep in mind, reservations are required to visit the pool, which must be made online, through the end of October (it’s only required during weekends and holidays in November and December). Reservations are $11, and there is an additional $15 car fee in person that is cash-only. Reservations are available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and then again from 2 to 6 p.m.

For other Hill Country eating, there are the area’s best restaurants, barbecue, and pies, and likewise, where to refuel after tubing in Central Texas’ popular rivers.

Everything listed below is within a 30-minute drive from Hamilton Pool Preserve at 243 Hamilton Pool Road. Is a favorite Hamilton Pool Preserve-adjacent restaurant missing below? Let Eater know through the tipline or within the comments.

Pizzeria Sorellina

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Bypass fine dining restaurant Apis (pool time isn’t the occasion for it) for its casual pizzeria offshoot right next door. Much like Apis, Pizzeria Sorellina focuses on high quality, seasonal ingredients on its Neapolitan pies, like fermented and dried shiitake mushrooms, fennel, and chilis, along with its house-cured meats. For something lighter, there’s a particularly refreshing butter lettuce salad.

23526 Hwy 71 West Bldg. B, Spicewood, TX 78669

(737) 222-6061

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Its All Good BBQ

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The Spicewood barbecue restaurant offers up the expected smoked meats, from brisket, chicken, turkey, to an assortment of ribs. There are sandwiches, desserts, and particularly handy family packs. The latter boasts of two pounds of meat and two quarts of sides, perfect for snacking at the pool.

22112 Texas 71, Spicewood, TX 78669

(512) 264-1744

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Angel's Icehouse

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Angel’s Icehouse is the answer for simple and easy drinks in a fun alfresco space. On deck are beers, burgers, queso, and the requisite chicken fried steak. The icehouse often hosts live music too.

21815 TX-71, Spicewood, TX 78669

(512) 264-3777

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The Rooster

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Breakfast tacos/burritos and burgers can be found at the Spicewood food truck. The tacos and burritos are simple: think eggs, chorizo, beans, potatoes for the mornings and steak or chicken fajitas for lunch. Keep in mind it’s only open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and it’s closed on the weekends.

21521 TX-71, Spicewood, TX 78669

(424) 228-6276

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JuiceLand

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Juice is a perfect pool beverage, and luckily, JuiceLand has a Lakeway location.

2422 Ranch Rd 620 S, Austin, TX 78738

(512) 284-9044

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Verde's Mexican Parrilla

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For Mexican, look no further than Verde’s, where the spicy salsa is plentiful, to pair along with tacos, fajitas, and enchiladas. Surprisingly, the chipotle-honey glazed pork chop is a sure bet.

16018 Hamilton Pool Rd, Austin, TX 78738

(512) 263-0500

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Family Business Beer Company

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Combine beer (from the co-star of science-fiction television show Supernatural) and Southern/Cajun food, and you’ve got Family Business Brewing Co. and on-site food truck Jep’s Southern Roots. The space is meant for lingering, with a stylish taproom and expansion outdoor area.

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19510 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

(512) 829-4202

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The outdoor space at Family Business Beer Co.

Proof & Cooper

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Proof & Cooper offers up Texas bar food (hatch chili queso to fried chicken to burgers) and and cocktails like classic Old Fashioneds and passion fruit/black cherry/peach punches. Even better: there’s Sunday brunch.

18710 Hamilton Pool Rd, Austin, TX 78738

(512) 264-1014

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