For 90 years, The Original Black’s Barbecue has served more than 50 million guests in Lockhart, a town that is long considered to be the barbecue capital of Texas. The five-generation family maintains their tradition of Texas-style barbecue and southern hospitality to this day. Enjoy lunch or dinner with delicious slow-smoked barbecue and if you’re feeling peachy, add cobbler to accompany your order.

Chefs and co-owners Sarah Heard and Nathan Lemley, of Austin’s Foreign and Domestic, opened Commerce Cafe in 2020, creating a comfortable and cozy space that offers up mouth-watering meals made from seasonal and local ingredients. Complete your entertaining night out with live music at Commerce Hall, an event space housed just upstairs of the café!

Searching for uncommon vintage garments? Magic Mirror Vintage is your one-stop-shop for buying, selling and trading off-the-beaten path items from all eras. For shoppers looking for incredible clothing, accessories and gift ideas, this is a dream locale.

Dr. Eugene Clark Library is the oldest continuously operating library in Texas, abounding with a remarkable collection of books for readers to enjoy. The library’s mission is to create an environment for people of all ages to pursue fulfillment and discover a love for reading. This is an ideal spot for families to spend an afternoon as the library offers programming specifically designed for children and teens.

Pop by and meet many Lockhart neighbors at Chaparral Coffee, located in the town’s Historic Downtown Square. If you’re looking for a laidback space to sit back and relax with a delicious iced latte, this is the spot. Chaparral Coffee also carries teas and kombucha on draft for the non-coffee drinkers and delectable hot plates for breakfast and lunch.

Nestled deep in the trees of Caldwell County is the beautiful Lockhart State Park. Located within driving distance of Austin, this is an ideal day-trip destination for golf, swimming, hiking and camping. Take in the gorgeous waterfall flowing over a dam and relax underneath a sky of Texas stars at night in this amazing outdoor space.

The first meat market in Lockhart was purchased in 1900 by Charles Kreuz Sr., thus becoming Kreuz Market, which still remains a landmark destination in town. With a deep local legacy and more than a century of flavor behind it, Kreuz Market brings the smoke with top-quality meat that is simply seasoned and smoked to perfection. Starting every day at 10:30 a.m., guests are invited to enjoy this delicious barbecue and sausage in a casual cafeteria-like setting.

With a playful and intimate ambience and a unique selection of food and drinks, Little Trouble is a hidden gem located inside the basement of a historic downtown Lockhart building. Get into a little trouble with cocktails like the 66 Electra and Armadillo Sour, then follow it up with a meal of the 2 Bone Pork Chop or Pork Schnitzel Sandwich.

Sit back, grab a snack and watch a performance at the Gaslight-Baker Theatre, a nonprofit community organization and historic theater all in one. The venue itself has served as a movie theater and performing arts theater since its founding in 1920. Today, the Gaslight Baker Theatre organization offers spring break camp, a number of summer camps and adult education workshops, on top of their seasonal performances and shows.

Calling all fabulous and unique shoppers! Wendy R Bookery & Gifts is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. As an indie bookstore with trinkets galore, this gift shop is a hometown favorite with an amazing variety of items and a warm and inviting staff. The store often hosts book signings, inviting readers to find their new favorite book with every visit.

Three words: Famous. Banana. Pudding. Home to the most decadent dessert in all of Lockhart, The Culinary Room is a grocery store, bakery and specialty food shop where visitors can indulge in chef-prepared meals, grab-and-go items and gourmet goods. Stop in to grab a delicious meal or inquire about catering for your next event.

Lockhart Arts & Craft is a neighborhood bar that serves classic cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages in a space where everyone belongs. Owned by three best friends, this women-run business serves as the town’s living room thanks to a variety of classes, meet-ups, trivia nights and other community events.

With an expansive history in downtown Lockhart, Smitty’s Market is an acclaimed barbecue spot offering meats fresh from the smoker in a no-frills space. The family-owned eatery has expanded over the years, but remains a local favorite. And if you’d rather cook a meal at home, Smitty’s has a fresh meat department with take-home options.

Loop & Lil’s Pizza is this town’s go-to family-style pizzeria serving up delicious hand-tossed pizzas, hot sandwiches and a full bar. Although the kitchen closes at 10 p.m., the bar stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, making Loop & Lil’s a weekend hotspot for catching up with friends over drinks and a great pie.

La Cantera Mexican Restaurant is a family-owned and operated establishment, offering homemade and authentic Mexican food with delicious drinks. Happy hour is held from 3 to 5 p.m., and there’s a special every day. On Taco Tuesday, diners can order two-item breakfast tacos for just 99 cents, and for Thursday lunch, try a Flautas Plate for only $6.99.

Ellison House is the answer for those looking for a place to rest their heads over a weekend getaway. Stay in rustic-chic rooms in a laid-back setting complete with a kitchen, lounge and porch. The hotel is located in a quiet neighborhood within walking distance from downtown Lockhart, making it both an inviting environment and practical place to stay for a relaxing trip. Plus, it’s a great event space for weddings, retreats, photoshoots and more!

Chisholm Trail BBQ is where the locals eat. With a combined three decades of pitmaster experience, their barbecue is recognizable, compelling diners to return for a meal time after time. Chisholm Trail offers daily specials, worldwide shipping and catering for special events.

Located on Lockhart Square, this corner beer joint and Texas tavern serves classic house-made food items like fried chicken, drop biscuits, smash burgers and more. With honky tonk music on the regular and “the coldest beer in Texas” on tap, travelers should stop in at Old Pal Bar for a true Lockhart experience.