4 Best Restaurants in Llano, The Hill Country

At this tiny little bakery housed in an old building, the enchanting aroma of fresh-baked pies and pastries envelops you the second you walk in the door. The question of what to order then immediately overwhelms you as you scour the glass cases showcasing pies, sweet and savory kolaches, and cookies. The German-style sweet pretzel and the cream cheese–poppy seed kolach are great choices. Of course, the jalapeño, cheese, and sausage kolaches and cinnamon rolls are amazing as well, but you'll have to get there before the hunters, fishers, and early travelers do; they go fast.

This Texas legend is serious about barbecue, and it expects no less from its clientele. The menu is literally what's on display in the open pits that greet you at the entrance: pick your meat from brisket, sausage, smoked turkey, ribs, or whatever else they have on hand for the day and step in line for the typical barbecue sides that include coleslaw, potato salad, and plenty of doughy, white bread. Park your tray where you can find a seat at one of the long picnic tables in- or outside, but not before grabbing a few pickles, onions, and a bowl of beans from the serve-yourself condiment bar.

Originally the National Bank of Llano, built in 1891, this stately manor later served as the family home to N.J. Badu, a French immigrant who studied the mineralogy of the Llano Basin. In recent years, the Badu House has been tastefully transformed into a restaurant focusing on local cuisine. If you like wild game, don't miss the grilled Bandera quail. Beneath the skin the meat is tender, and the accompanying chipotle and honey glaze gives the dish a nice kick. The back patio has live music on weekends.

If Cooper's is the big-name barbecue spot in town, Tumlinsons is the understated gem that the locals love. Order by the pound and load up a tray of meat or choose a simple platter combination to enjoy in the pared down dining room.