The service was phenomenal! Our beerista was very helpful and nice…read more A great selection of Texas beers and beyond on tap to try. My husband was so excited to see that they carried the Lexington Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. It was very good! We also tried the Thirsty Planet Thirsty Goat Amber from San Marcos. Wowza! It was delicious! It was a fun place either way lots of beer options, domestic beers as well. Pinball machines, too!

Bastrop Beer Company was a good spot for us tourists to make one of our landing spots at not long…read moreafter getting off the plane. This business is more of a taphouse with lots of guest taps and lots of bottles and cans to go. Many of them are from local breweries or Texas breweries so that made this a great stop when we are hanging out in the hotel room and wanting to share a beer. It can be misleading coming to places like this that they are a brewery that makes their own beer but I saw no sign or indication of such a thing here. But since we weren't local there were plenty of brews to try that were local. I got a great Pecan Porter that was very tasty and a nice beer to unwind to despite it being a bit warm outside (which is usually when I want light beers). The place was fairly busy but Bastrop is a bit of a touristy town and the location of this place is right downtown so it makes sense. Anyway it was a good experience coming here!

I always have such good luck with distilleries and one of the more recent ones we have been to is…read moreCopper Shot Distillery that most certainly counts with this good streak. This is in the downtown area and it was a nice stroll from where we parked. We saw on Yelp that this place had a very good overall score average so we definitely made a point to get there. And it most certainly did not disappoint in the slightest. I got the Texas Honey Mule which has honeyed whiskey, lime juice and ginger beer. It was so, so good. I do love Moscow Mules anyway but the fact that they had a small menu of different ones was great to see! This drink Steve and I shared and we both enjoyed it immensely. The atmosphere is really cool with the exposed brick walls, decor and the distilling tanks. All of that and the drink had Copper Shot Distillery slide in easily with another five star review.

Very cute and chill environment. Rocking chairs outside with lots of yard games. Also a cigar…read morelounge in the back.

We had a delicious lunch. I had the 602 Alfredo. It was very flavorful and creamy. My husband had…read morethe chicken fried chicken with potatoes the green chili gravy was amazing!! We of course tried a beer or 2. We really liked the 602 Clever Gurl! Very delicious! Our server was very nice and helpful. We loved the vibe of the brewing company. We will definitely be back!

Hit up this place for a Saturday night of good food and music. 602 hit the note for both. We…read morestarted with a dirty martini, where there were choices on the vodka depending on your taste and budget. The beer selection has lots of familiar brews and some fun different ones. The bartender was great about explaining each. The dinner menu had some tried and true items, like the burger and fries. But, 602 is now leaning on its roots and culture with a mediterranean menu. Since I couldn't choose one, I decided on the mixed grill plate. Kafta, taouk, beef kabobs, hummus, tabouli and a side of garlic sauce. The burger is made with Wagu beef and was cooked perfect. It was everything it should have been. The mixed grill was nothing that I would have expected to find in Bastrop. The taste, the portions and just the offering of menu items that was not the usual that is easily found in this town. The garlic sauce was perfect to put over the meat. I did wish I had a little more and should have asked for a side. The hummus was fresh, and the portion size of that and the meal was extremely filling. The music outside was perfect after. 602 is a family run business who is true to their roots and also true to the grub that the locals look for, topped with great adult beverages!

Stopped in to grab a beer on the way home. Chatted with owner provided good information about his…read morebeer and kept the beer flowing. They had their own beer but also beer from other Texas places from line up they didn't have on tap. Smart. Example- he had porter and stout he made which we enjoyed. Also had a fellow IPA he didn't make. Good selection and like the place. Did not try the food.

Smithville Brewing Company was the very first brewery we went to after landing in Austin and…read moregetting our rental car! It was out in the open space and not in any town which gave it a nice country vibe. Upon entering we wanted some beer after our journey and we were hungry! For my beer choice I got a Cream Ale named 1845 SBC Premium Ale. This was a solid cream ale. Not as sweet as some that I have come across but refreshing and pleasant all the same. I felt like this beer truly hit the spot! It was sweet but also crisp and clean too as we were adjusting to the Texas heat. We tried a few other beers that were in the area as well or from Texas, guest taps. As I said we were hungry and we decided to get a pizza. I don't remeber really the exact name of it but it was a combination type that had peppers, mushrooms, tomato and sausage. We also split a beef sandwich. We were very hungry! But we left very satisfied and Smithville Brewing proved to be a good stop!

This place has amazing service, first of all…read more Kate was our server and she is a 10 out of 10. Very attentive and hospitable. We came in there with 13 kids and she handled our party like a boss. -- Definitely recommend requesting her if you visit! Our food was hot and delicious! The soft baked pretzels were perfectly salted and had a divine buttery flavor and soft texture. The hummus is something we're still talking about! The flavor was phenomenal! Nice and bold on the garlic & full bodied with the tahini forward flavor. And the texture was very fresh and authentic to Lebanese style. Wonderful experience!

I've been here several times. Usually after a late day at work…read more It's always filled but never full. Plenty of seating inside or on the patio (but the music can be loud). Service is efficient and nice. Full bar. Pretty good cocktails. I've really become a fan of the chicken fried chicken. Shrimp &grits is the bomb. Burgers are all pretty good as well. Prices are awesome! Unlike ATX, this place has good food, good beer, good cocktails, good people, and it doesn't break the bank!

What a delightful place to enjoy delicious appetizers, wings and pizza! Our waitress, Desiree, was…read morefantastic and in top of her game. The staff were all friendly and helpful. I even got makeup recs from one of the waitresses. If you're looking for an evening out with excellent food and family friendly atmosphere, look no further than Neighbors Kitchen and Yard!

NEIGHBORS KITCHEN & YARD -- BASTROP, TEXAS…read more It's currently approximately $197° in Texas and somehow Doug and I STILL walk into restaurants asking the same ridiculous question: "Can we sit outside?" At Neighbors Kitchen & Yard? YOU ABSOLUTELY WANT TO SIT OUTSIDE. Oh. My. Stars. Their multi-level outdoor space overlooks the Colorado River and has plenty of shade cloth, fans AND misters--which means even those of us determined to dine outdoors during the surface-of-the-sun portion of the Texas calendar can actually enjoy ourselves. Neighbors is located at The Crossing in Bastrop, which is a really cool little destination of its own with other businesses and shopping nearby. But let's get to the important stuff... BEER. CHEESE. DOGS. GREAT SERVICE. We happened to visit while they're trying out a Golden Hour special for September from 4-6 PM. Selected draft beers are $2 off, and appetizers--except wings--are also $2 off. Naturally... We considered it our responsibility to thoroughly investigate both specials. For research purposes, obviously. We tried FOUR different beers. Doug's winner was the Blonde. Mine? The BLUEBERRY BEER over ice. AWWEEEE SHITTTT. That was GOOD. Then came the food. OG Warm Cheese Dip Phenomenal. I would happily sit beside the Colorado River with that cheese dip and a beer and call it dinner. Doug ordered the Brussels sprouts. TO. DIE. FOR. Seriously, we were completely happy with everything we tried. But here's another thing that will get me every single time... They LOVE dogs. Not "we technically allow dogs." DOG FRIENDLY. Our pups were welcomed and immediately received two separate bowls of water. Little details like that tell me a lot about a place. And then there's Sadi, our server. SPECTACULAR. Friendly, attentive and one of those servers who helps turn a good outing into a place you're already talking about visiting again before you've even left. Great food. Great beer. Great specials. Fantastic service. Dogs genuinely welcomed. Beautiful Colorado River views. And an outdoor setup designed by people who apparently understand that some of us are stubborn enough to sit outside in Texas no matter WHAT. We LOVE it here. We will absolutely be back. Which brings us to... TW'S REAL PANTS RATING: -- 5 out of 5 Real Pants Would Doug and I leave the campground and put on real pants to come back? AWWEEEE SHITTTT... apparently we'd put them on in 197° weather. Neighbors didn't just earn all five pairs. They earned 'em with a river view, cold beer, warm cheese dip and water bowls for the dogs. That's how you knock our britches off. Portions were larger. We dove right in before pics.

This distillery is open from 11 to 6 on Saturdays only. We got here at 2 PM on a Saturday and it…read morewas closed with no one inside. How can you not be open just on that one weekend day when people have the time to visit? We drove all the way down from Austin to sample their wares and purchase a bottle or two. So if you plan on visiting on a Saturday, you had better call first or face the possibility of disappointment. Plan B is to visit the copper shot distillery in Bastrop.

You never know where your gonna find a distillery and or brewery these days. Yep folks, it's…read moreanother #carclublife post. The club along with friends from Dallas and San Antonio headed east after the Texas Independence Day Parade. Libation education started at Derelict Airship AKA Violet Crown Spirits just west of Bastrop. You've hear of strip mall chic? Think business park chic! Quite similar to my friends over at Desert Door in Driftwood. Matt was an excellent host explaining the history behind each of their offerings. Let's start with Absinthe. Banned for many years in the US and parts of Europe, small batch distilleries have been popping up in the US since 2007. The anise flavor is quite strong and it's recommended you cut it with water. I've heard sugar cubes are common as well. Other in house offerings include an Elderflower and Jasmine Liqueur. Girlfriend and I's personal favorite was the Jasmine and we took home a bottle to pair up with other local spirits. A top notch experience from start to finish. Our group is excited to see this company grow. See y'all soon!

I've been to Store House twice now and I can confidently say this is one of the better places I've…read moreeaten in Bastrop. My first visit was a couple weeks ago for dinner with my sister. I loved the whole experience. It's such a cute space and has that elevated feel without feeling overly fancy or uncomfortable. We started with the grilled focaccia and Watermelon on Fire, and both were excellent. The watermelon was one of those dishes that sounds a little questionable on paper but completely works once you taste it. Sweet, savory, a little spicy and really fresh. We also had the Texas quail, which was beautifully cooked and full of flavor. I had the blackberry bourbon cocktail and loved that too. What really stood out during dinner though was how personable the service was. We never felt rushed and our server actually engaged with us, which made an already good dinner feel even better. I went back this past Saturday for brunch with my sister, her husband and my fiancé. It was definitely a livelier experience with more people around, but still a really nice atmosphere for a Saturday brunch. The service was good and everything came out as expected, although it didn't have quite the same personal touch that I experienced during my first visit. Between the four of us we got to try quite a bit. The shrimp and grits were rich, buttery and seasoned really well. The smoky pork tostada was packed with flavor and the potatoes on the side were honestly some of my favorite bites on the table. The French toast and fried chicken was as good as it looked, with crispy chicken, fruit and just enough sweetness. The only thing I wasn't completely sold on was the biscuits and gravy. The gravy was brown, which threw me off because that's not what I normally expect from sausage gravy, and the biscuits were a little too dense for my preference. The flavor wasn't bad at all, it just wouldn't be my first choice the next time I go. Other than that, Store House has been a hit for me on both visits. The food feels thoughtful without trying too hard, the plates are beautiful, and the restaurant works just as well for a dinner with your sister as it does for brunch with a group. I'll definitely be back.

Cute and good …read more.. Service and atmosphere: Friendly and helpful staff members. The restaurant is quiet, quaint and well decorated. They have small bar area too. Food and drinks: Good selection in both areas. The food we ordered arrived well plated. The food tasted good, was seasoned and flavourful. The side of grits was especially tasty. The restaurant also makes its own version of ranch dressing and ketchup. It was super tasty. We didn't try any cocktails but they looked good. Pricing: $$/$ - worth the experience.

Cool little brewery off the beaten path. This places offers a food truck outside and full disc…read moregolf course. Service great, as the gentleman working offered an explanation for their selection. It was a little disappointing that they had such a limited selection at the time I visited but maybe next time they'll have more options.

Live Oak Brewing Company is one of Austin's oldest breweries, best known for traditional German and…read moreCzech style lagers, especially its hefeweizen, pilsner, and seasonal lagers using old world brewing techniques. Founded in 1997 by Chip McElroy, Live Oak was built with a simple idea "make beer for people who actually like the taste of beer." In 2015, Live Oak moved to their current location on a beautiful property along the Colorado River, opening a taproom and biergarten. One its unique features...it's off the beaten path of other breweries. Live Oak Brewing is north of the airport and backs to the Fast Park remote airport parking lot. At first glance it looks like it's a convergence of a fire station and deserted manufacturing plant. The grounds are impeccable...tall statuesque trees, lush green vegetation and an extensive outside biergarten. It feels like you are in a nature bubble. Interestingly, Live Oak Brewing has its own on site 18 hole disc golf course (different from traditional golf) located directly on the brewery's property. Live Oak Brewing's interior has the feel of a German Hofbräu...homey, spacious, and welcoming, with long communal tables that encourage conversation and human interaction. You can see directly into the brewing space, with large tanks and equipment. Also, board games are available if you choose to play. Live Oak is family friendly and dog friendly. In fact, Groot, the owner's dog, freely roams through the brewery drinking area. While I only had sips of beer (not a big beer drinker), my friends enjoyed their beers. Live Oak Brewery Company is a super fun place to hang out.

What a hidden gem! Yegua Creek is way off the beaten path, but absolutely worth the drive. The…read moreatmosphere is friendly, slow-paced, and incredibly relaxing, the kind of place where you can settle in and stay awhile. The charcuterie board was a standout it is diverse, unexpected, and definitely not your typical meat-and-cheese board. The burger was packed with flavor, and the beer selection was solid with enough variety that everyone can find something they enjoy. Good food, cold beer, friendly people, and Texas countryside...sometimes getting a little lost is worth it.

YEGUA CREEK BREWERY -- McDADE, TEXAS…read more Sometimes I plan surprises for Doug. And sometimes I absolutely NAIL IT. For Father's Day, I surprised him with a trip to Yegua Creek Brewery here in McDade. What he DIDN'T know was that they were offering a Father's Day steak dinner special... Fresh-grilled steak. AND a beer of your choice. AWWEEEE SHITTTT. Happy Father's Day, Dougie Fresh. And when I say fresh-grilled, I mean you could literally WATCH your steak being cooked. They had a young man and his helper outside working the grill, cooking those steaks right in front of everyone. There's something about standing there with a cold beer while somebody is grilling your steak that just feels right. And the food? TOP NOTCH. Steak was fantastic, beer choices were plentiful, service was great, and the prices were very reasonable. But Yegua Creek is more than just somewhere to grab a beer and some food. The whole PLACE is an experience. There's plenty of seating, room to wander around, things to look at, live music at different times, nightly specials and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. It's also very family-friendly. And DOG-friendly. There were dogs hanging out all over the place, which obviously earns bonus points in our world. Grab some food. Grab a beer. Listen to some music. Walk around. Pet somebody's dog. Stay awhile. That's our kind of place. There's also a winery at the same location. We didn't try any of the wine products on this visit, so I'm not reviewing something we didn't experience. We're professionals over here, people. Well... "Professionals" may be stretching things. We're wearing pants and keeping score. That's close enough. Would we return to Yegua Creek Brewery? ABSOLUTELY. Good food Great beer selection Reasonable prices Great service Live music Family-friendly Dogs Relaxed Texas atmosphere And now... TW'S REAL PANTS RATING: -- 4 out of 5 Real Pants Would we leave the campground and put on real pants to come back? HECK YES. Four pants proudly awarded. Cold beer, grilled steak, live music and dogs wandering around? That's worth getting dressed for.