3 Best Restaurants in Kerrville, The Hill Country

In Kerrville, Mamacita's is as much a tradition as Frito pie at high-school football games. Though billed as "authentic" Mexican food, it's more along the lines of standard Tex-Mex fare and about as straightforward as you can get.

Just off the railroad tracks in Kerrville is a cheery café with cream timber siding and red trim. Built in 1915, the house once served as a train depot but has been transformed into a fantastic little restaurant offering a variety of homemade soups, salads, and hearty entrées. Daily lunch and dinner specials vary. Look for the spicy grilled-shrimp tostada with creamy chipotle sauce and the grilled venison burger.

With a name like the Cowboy Steak House, you pretty much know what to expect. Western paintings and the smoke-stained limestone hearth of the wood-burning fire create a homey life-on-the-ranch feel. Grilled on an open mesquite fire, the steaks are excellent, especially the not-so-petit filet mignon wrapped with a crispy strip of bacon. Not a fan of red meat? Not to worry, the grilled salmon is exceptionally fresh and flavorful. All entrées come with the standard baked potato or a sweet potato topped with cinnamon and brown sugar.