Los Vaqueros Cafe & Grill, Kyle, TX, 12/28/24

building – 804 W Center St, Kyle, TX 78640
Los Vaqueros Cafe and Grill serves Tex-Mex food in an old house with a large patio for additional seating.  They serve breakfast all day but the large menu offers tons of options.  The servers were friendly but spoke limited English.  A pair of longtime Kyle residents opened the place in 2017 in the space formerly occupied by El Pueblito.  It was modeled after a bar and grill that one of the couples owns in Sequin, TX.  Los Vaqueros means “the cowboys” and these 2 couples certainly had courage with only one of them having background in restaurant ownership.  They make much in-house and also sell some long-cooked items to go.  They are open every day with reasonable prices and acceptable Tex-Mex.  We enjoyed a breakfast there with family and you will too.

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Epicure Restaurant and Bar, Dripping Springs, TX., 11/23/22

exterior – Clocktower Shopping Center, 1025 Cannon Dr Ste 105, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Epicure Market is a tiny spot in a most unlikely location, where you’d never expect to find fine food and wine at a good price point.  Executive Chef Julio Llop turns out some fabulous foods to pair with the huge selection of wine put together by Wine Curator Jerry Gray.  They call it global cuisine but I call it really tasty as they use the finest quality meats and cheeses and locally sourced organic produce and proteins when possible.  Chef, with the help of Gray makes everything from scratch in their kitchen.  There are not many tables but a few chairs at the bar counter add to the options, however, reservations would be in order.  The walls are lined with wines and other items for purchase, with lowered lighting and excellent service.  It is a cozy atmosphere and it felt like I’d known Jerry forever, he’s that friendly, as was Kristine our terrific server.  It did help that we went with another couple that live in the area and frequent the place, but the vibe is to make the guest feel indulged, especially about eating and drinking.  If you are anywhere nearby or want to make a hill country trip, put this place on your agenda. Continue reading

Jack Allen’s Kitchen, Austin, 11/21/15

Exterior
Exterior

What a fun surprise this place was! A large place that’s been open around five and a half years. Jack Allen has a several restaurants around Austin, TX and this one seemed to attract families as well as folks of all ages. The waiter was most helpful in making our selections.

bar
bar
Interior
Interior

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