9 Best Restaurants in Boerne, The Hill Country

Set in a restored 19th-century dining room, this charming spot showcases elevated Southern cuisine created by chef Mark Bohanan (of San Antonio's Bohanan's steak house fame). Decadent dishes like eggnog-battered sweet-roll French toast and a bourbon-battered ham Monte Cristo with huckleberry jam make this a perfect special-occasion brunch spot, and the creamy-but-light milk punch shouldn't be missed either. In fact, the cocktails are some of the best in town, with a focus on the "classics with a twist" Bohanan's is known for. A seasonal fresh fruit Tom Collins is perfect alongside the jumbo crab cake served on a fried green tomato, or let your server guide you through the extensive whiskey and wine lists for a pairing to match your cheeseburger topped with fire-roasted pimiento cheese. All the perfectly grilled steaks come with a flaky buttermilk biscuit, but be sure to save room for dessert, too: the sweet potato crème brûlée with pecan shortbread and orange segments is a dream with a glass of port.

Dining alongside Cibolo Creek in this historic house while listening to the rhythmic turn of a water mill is a treat. The upscale restaurant offers a nice array of steaks, fresh seafood, and wild game. Highlights are the blue-crab fingers lightly sautéed with lemon and wine and the soul-warming and hearty beef-potato soup.

On weekends you may find a line out the door at this town favorite known for its extensive breakfast buffet with eggs, fruit, and fresh-baked muffins, pastries, and breads. Most patrons brave the long counter line for cinnamon rolls, which are as big as a Frisbee. The breakfast crowd arrives early for one of the few inside tables, and locals swarm here for lunch as well.

This veteran-owned and -operated Tex-Mex barbecue kitchen is a favorite among locals for its heaping trays of mesquite-smoked chicken, beef fajitas, and pulled pork served in tacos or by the pound. Also not to be missed are the generous loaded nachos, massive enchiladas, and succulent birria tacos.

Come for the inventive, delicious food and stay for the extensive wine menu at the Cypress Grille on Main Street. From the small bistro tables in the front of the narrow wine bar, you can sip a glass of wine and nibble on crisp crab cakes while watching the passersby. Wood-fired proteins have their own dedicated section of the menu here, from Steak Diane (topped with a creamy mushroom-Madeira pan sauce) to smoked tandoori chicken thighs, but don't overlook the salads, which are sizable and each with its own intrigue. The Texas Cobb, for example, has spicy grilled shrimp and slices of grapefruit, while the Caesar delights with both Stilton and Grana Padano cheeses.

At this cozy café tucked in a historic home near Cibolo Creek, chef-owner Denise Mazal specializes in central European cuisine, with selections from Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic and a particular focus on German fare. Try the kasseler rippchen, a smoked-in-house center-cut pork chop served with fresh horseradish sauce and toasted almonds, or the Bavarian meat loaf (half lamb, half beef) with mashed potatoes and mushroom sauce. And don’t even consider leaving without ordering a side of German potato pancakes, griddled to order and topped with braised red cabbage. You’ll also want to save room for the namesake Gretel’s apple strudel with Chantilly cream or the Hansel’s Kisses, meringue filled with coffee cream and rolled in roasted almonds.

You might rub your eyes when you first walk into this landmark country café, which boasts over 21,000 collector plates lining the walls and ceiling. When it first opened in 1929, Prohibition was still in full swing and countless bootleggers would sell moonshine in the parking lot, but now people come for the perfect fried chicken, chicken-fried steak, and onion rings. The fried frogs' legs—yes, frogs' legs—are really good, too. And by all means, save room for a warm brownie sundae for dessert.

Natural light floods the brick-laden interior of this renovated 1920s industrial space, setting the scene for thoughtful and elevated casual cuisine. Start with an order of pulled pork poutine for the table before moving on to one of their many diverse offerings: towering sandwiches served with house-made chips, wood-fired pizza (try the spinach, bacon, and Brie with balsamic), or entrées like Akaushi New York strip and Shrimp creole. There are even a few unexpected options for sushi. Richter Tavern is also known for their cocktails, which are listed as "regular" or "diesel," so if you're stopping in for lunch, clear the rest of the day's calendar if you can.

This quirky bistro and coffeeshop serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch in a 19th-century building, with a connected retail shop selling clothing, housewares, and gift items. Choose from a classic breakfast plate or croissant sandwich, or step up your morning with French toast sliders or chicken-fried steak Benedict. If you're on the go, pop in for a coffee and one of their fresh-baked, homemade pastries for the road. Lunch options include a variety of sandwiches and salads, plus grab-and-go lunch boxes you can take on your next Hill Country adventure.