Dining Delights
The Texan Café in Hutto hosts a delectable “pie happy hour” from 3-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, giving diners the chance to sample pies that have garnered attention across the country. Enjoy the blue plate special or select from a wide variety of home cooking options, but leave room for a slice of one of 20 or more different pies made fresh daily. The Texan Café is at 207 East St. in Hutto. For more information, call (512) 846-2885 or visit online at www.texancafe.net.
Louie Mueller Barbecue opened in Taylor in 1949 and has been gaining national attention ever since, bringing home state and national awards awards and being featured in magazines, newspapers, movies and television shows. Everything is made fresh daily so come early because when it is gone, it’s gone. Whether you want brisket, sausage, ribs, pork, chicken or turkey – plain, on a sandwich or baked potato – Louie Mueller’s can satisfy any barbecue appetite. Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere while you savor the great barbecue. Louie Mueller is located at 206 W. Second Street in Taylor. For more information, call (512) 352-6206 or go online to www.louiemuellerbarbecue.com.
Vencil Mares has been making his signature barbecue at Taylor Café since 1949. He began with his specialty sausage, but he also serves brisket, turkey, chicken, ribs and sides. Taylor Café has won numerous awards and been included in many publications through the years as the legend continues to grow. The atmosphere in Taylor Café is much as it was more than 50 years ago and makes it a wonderful stop for great barbecue in Taylor, located at 101 North Main St. in Taylor. For more information, call (512) 352-8475
The Monument Café, true to its name, has become a landmark dining destination in Georgetown. It first opened in 1995 and has drawn visitors from all over ever since. The location is new, closer to downtown, but the breakfast, lunch and dinner variety made with the freshest ingredients is still the same. The menu is complete with something for every appetite and the 1920s to 1940s diner atmosphere makes it a memorable experience. The Monument Café is located at 500 South Austin Ave. in Georgetown. For more information, call (512) 930-9586 or visit online at www.themonumentcafe.com.
Locals and visitors alike have been lining up for some hot, fresh Round Rock Donuts since 1926. The bakery boats all kinds of donuts, cakes, cookies and treats, but it is the famous yellow Round Rock Donut that everyone must try. These donuts have been recognized statewide and nationally as some of the best around. The line begins forming each day at 4 a.m. at 106 W. Liberty in Round Rock. For more information, call (512) 255-3629 or visit online at www.roundrockdonuts.com.
Shop Around
Downtown Taylor
Take an afternoon stroll around Taylor’s distinctive historic downtown that is home to a variety of retail shops and restaurants. Find everyday items and unique treasures at the antique, gift and resale shops located throughout the extensive downtown area. Follow U.S. Highway 79 into Taylor and turn on Main Street. More information and a list of shops are available at www.taylorchamber.org or by calling (512) 365-8485.
Downtown Hutto
Shop and dine along Hutto’s historic East Street. Shop for unique gift items and organic gourmet foods at shops before enjoying some of the best Mexican and American dishes and desserts in the area. Turn north off of U.S. Highway 79 on East Street in Hutto. For details, contact the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce, (512) 759-4400.
Georgetown Square
Bargain hunters, antique lovers and shoppers with discriminating taste will find an eclectic mix of boutiques and specialty stores in Georgetown’s historic downtown square shopping district. Find treasures amid a plethora of artisan crafted wares and vintage treasures. For a list of shops or other details, go to http://visit.georgetown.org or call (800) 436-8696.
Wolf Ranch Town Center
Located at the southwest corner of I-35 and Highway 29 in Georgetown, Wolf Ranch is a 664,000 sq. ft. outdoor shopping complex with 10 anchor stores and more than 40 specialty retail shops and restaurants. Visit www.wolfranchmall.com or call (512) 930-8008 for details.
Round Rock Outlets
The Round Rock Premium Outlets shopping center offers 120 designer and name-brand outlet stores as well as a 14-screen movie theater. Hours for the mall are: Mon. through Sat. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From I-35, Exit 257 Westinghouse Rd., Round Rock. For more information, visit www.premium outlets.com/roundrock or call (512) 863-6688.
La Frontera
More than 50 top stores and restaurants are conveniently located at the La Frontera Village shopping center located on the northwest corner of the I-35 and SH-45 intersection in Round Rock. Offering everything from best-selling books to chic fashion, La Frontera is a shopping paradise that includes nearby Vintage Plaza, a pedestrian-friendly beautifully landscaped retail experience. Details available at www.la-frontera.com.
IKEA
The popular Swedish company features modern, functional and environmentally friendly home furnishings. The IKEA in Round Rock presents 50 different room settings, three complete homes, a supervised children’s play area and a 250-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties and American dishes. Exit I-35 at Westinghouse Road to reach the store. Hours are: Mon. through Sat. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find out more at www.ikea.com or by calling (512) 828-4532.
