Craft brews, cocktails, spirits, and wine
Unique Llano County watering holes feature spirits teasing flavors like pecan, vanilla, and citrus; locally made Texas wines; craftily concocted cocktails; and even an ale named after a Llano landmark: the Red Top Jail.
Here’s where to grab a drink in towns across Llano County:
LLANO
Llano Beer Co.
105 E. Main St.
Open 4-8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 2-9 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday
Llano Beer Co. on the square serves small-batch beers brewed in house, wines, meads, and an incredible selection of craft beers—over 110 with 52 on tap. Try the Red Top Jail ale if you visit. Entertainment includes weekly trivia nights, live music, and sports on TV. The brewpub has a warm, Texas Hill Country vibe. Bring the family and the dog; everyone is welcome at Llano Beer Co.
Joe’s Bar & Grill
107 W. Main St.
Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
Enjoy the comfortable, fun atmosphere at this downtown fixture. Trivia nights, dart tournaments, and live music entertain tourists and regulars alike. Joe’s Bar & Grill has a full menu with a nice selection of food, beer, wine, and more.
LTX Mercantile & Redneck Speakeasy
809 Berry St.
Open 3-8 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday; closed Sunday-Tuesday
LTX in downtown Llano is proud of its redneck aesthetic. The self-proclaimed “worst” bar in Llano has a full drink selection and friendly atmosphere, which includes a backyard, live music, karaoke, pool, and more.
The Falls
301 Bessemer Ave.
Open 4-10 p.m. Monday & Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday, 2-11 p.m. Saturday, and 2-10 p.m. Sunday
The Falls is located just off the Llano River bridge and has a nice view of the water flowing over the dam from its backyard. The full bar features signature cocktails and a charming downhome atmosphere. Entertainment includes live music and sports on TV.
The Barrel House
101 E. Grayson St.
Open 5-9 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday & Saturday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday
Located in Llano’s Railyard District, the restaurant and full bar serves Southern cuisine and delicious cocktails, among other items. Weekly live music and warm hospitality keep people returning to The Barrel House.
KINGSLAND
Hooper’s
1010 King Court
Pub open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday & Tuesday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday, and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
You might recognize the building for Hooper’s restaurant and pub as the house of horrors from the cult classic film “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.” It was relocated from its original site to Kingsland in 1998 and has served as an inn and restaurant. The pub has a scary-good selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, including a few with a nod to its horror movie past.
The Spot at Wakepoint LBJ
14757 RR 1431 West
Open noon to 11 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday
The Spot is accessible by land or by lake (boat parking). It is a casual lakefront hangout with a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. The open-air patio bar serves it all. Entertainment includes everything from washers and cornhole tournaments to Bible fellowship. Live music performances take place down below on the large lawn by Lake LBJ.
Boat Town Burger Bar
151 Melodie Lane
Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
The Lake LBJ bar and grill offers inside or outside seating and has watercraft slips for guests arriving by boat. Enjoy a full menu and bar. Entertainment includes live music. The casual, relaxed atmosphere is great for families.
BUCHANAN DAM
Pardners Night Club
15615 Texas 29
Open 3-10 p.m. Tuesday & Sunday, 3 p.m. to midnight Wednesday & Thursday, and 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday & Saturday
The dancehall and bar features pool and dart tournaments, karaoke, and DJ music.
Reverend Jim’s Dam Pub
19605 Texas 29
Open noon to 8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, noon to 9 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday & Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday
Expect a nice view of Lake Buchanan, icehouse vibes, and an eclectic clientele: bikers, regulars, families, and everyone in between is drawn to this laidback pub. Entertainment includes live music, pool, and shuffleboard.
HORSESHOE BAY/COTTONWOOD SHORES
J’s Restaurant & Bar
200 Hi Circle North, Horseshoe Bay
Open 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
J’s Restaurant & Bar is located in the Tower at Horseshoe Bay Resort but is open to the public. The family-friendly establishment offers indoor and outdoor seating and a bar menu serving signature cocktails and domestic, premium, and draft beers. It even has a couple of zero-proof options.
Bay View Restaurant & Bar
4401 Cottonwood Drive, Cottonwood Shores
Open every day except Tuesday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Bay View is a great date night destination with seating inside and on the patio. The bar serves everything, including wines, cocktails, frozen drinks, and craft, imported, domestic, and tap beers.
Hiccups Sports Bar & Grill
4119 FM 2147, Cottonwood Shores
Open 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily
Hiccups Sports Bar & Grill is a classic, casual sports bar with a fun atmosphere. Entertainment includes pool, pinball, air hockey, and multiple TV screens for sports watching. The bar serves liquors, beers, cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic options.
CASTELL
Castell General Store
19522 Ranch Road 152 West
Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday & Saturday
This hidden, family-friendly gem is located in the tiny hamlet of Castell, just off of the Llano River. The cheery, bright yellow building reflects its vibe: warm, welcoming, and a little quirky. Entertainment includes occasional washer and cornhole tournaments, live music, and yearly events such as the Testicle Festival. Burgers and beer are what you’ll find here; barbecue is available on the weekends. The Castell General Store is worth the drive.
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