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    The Laurel Tree

    4.8 (54 reviews)
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    The Laurel Tree Photos

    THE LAUREL TREE ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - The Laurel Tree

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    Nice interior
    Lowell O.

    We had a very special meal here for my big birthday weekend. It was a prix fixe menu of excellent food at a great price. The wait staff was top notch. The owner came out and introduced herself. We were able to walk the grounds and see the gypsy wagon and greenhouse. They also have a tree house dining experience for whomever manages to reserve it in advance (it's a popular option). I was impressed with how they've decorated the place so I took a few pictures. I'll also post a picture of the menu, though that changes every week. It's byob, so we brought wine and they provided corkage service. But they also offered peach iced tea and a nice cup of coffee Half of us got the quail and the other half got the striped bass. Both were very good. Veggies were perfectly al dente. The bread was fresh. The stuffed banana peppers came from their garden. The salad dressing was homemade. The dessert was a housemade cookie a la mode. And we all left quite full and very glad for the experience.

    fixed menu
    Vanessa L.

    We were staying in Hondo for the weekend and asked our host for recommendations. She let us know about Laurel Tree and helped us with the reservation. We were very delighted when we drove in and saw the awesome exterior but were even more enchanted when we walked in and saw the unique ambiance. Each dinner is a set 5 course meal, with 2 options for the main course. My boyfriend and I decided to order one of each choice so we could try both options. Everything was great! The lemon artichoke heart soup was creamy and savory. The lemon mashed potatoes had a tart kick unlike anything I had ever tried. And the pecan toffee tartlette with whipped topping was to die for. We were able to enjoy a nice dinner and walk around and see the collection of artifacts on the property. Highly recommend this place for anyone near the area!

    Corn cake, whipped cream with caramel sauce and carmel corns.
    Judy B.

    We celebrated our 27 years again last night at the Laurel Tree. The place was beautiful with a nice fire roaring. We recognized several locals and got to catch up with Laurel. Our dinner was fabulous and a nice slow pace. We brought a bottle of sparkling wine to enjoy with our appetizer mushroom cheese tart. Very nice small bite. Next up was a creamy curry cauliflower soup followed by a citrus mixed green salad. All wonderful. We then opened a delightful red blend from Dotson-Cervantes to go with our main courses. (Just love BYOB places) The wife of course had the lamb chops. She loves lamb chops. I had the fish with crab and artichokes. Both very good. Coffee and a caramel corn cake made for a good ending. Such a nice place to have a long, satisfying meal. Such great service, everyone welcoming and nice. Worth the drive even if you don't live in Utopia.

    Treehouse
    Monica U.

    Delightful meal, lovely environment, terrific staff! Chose this restaurant to celebrate a birthday while in the area hiking. What a treat! The food was amazing! It's a 5 course prix fixe menu that changes every week. The chef/owner Laurel greeted every table and made us feel so welcome. It's a lovely property and we were invited to walk about prior to our meal. They don't turn tables -- your reserved table is yours all evening, so you can take your time and truly enjoy the evening. Each course was delicious! Laurel clearly has a passion for all she does! Our server was very attentive and sweet! We will certainly return. Oh -- it's BYOB so stop by a local winery and bring something yummy!

    Lady cream peas with cilantro and scallions with corn bread muffin
    Daniel M.

    I've been wanting to dine at this restaurant for some time! I was finally fortunate to get a reservation for Saturday at lunch. We planned on spending the weekend in San Antonio and it's about 1 1/2 hours to Utopia We got there early, so to kill some time we drove to Garner State Park. The views are fantastic going there in the Hill Country! We got back in time, entered and we were greeted by Mrs. Waters. Wonderful lady, and we talked a bit while she seated us! They are only open on Saturday for two meals that day only. The menu is fixed and like some of the best restaurants in Paris, you have a choice of two main options and lunch is a four course meal. The evening meal is 5 courses. The name Laurel Tree is a unique name and the chef/owner is Laurel Waters. The interior design is wonderful and in back of the restaurant they have a huge oak with a tree house you can rent for a private meal. Just amazing! You find out Laurel was trained in France and worked under three great French Michelin ranked chefs! She learned her craft exceedingly well and I feel has bested them with her own spin! The food reminds us slightly like what we've had in Paris, but what is amazing is, she puts a local spin using many things available in her area! The appetizer started with an edamame hummus over a crispy won ton and a strawberry with a delicate balsamic glaze. What a great start! The next course was a Lady cream peas with cilantro and scallions with a Wonder cornbread muffin. The soup was so delicate with the perfect amount of cilantro and scallions. My vocabulary is too limited in how good it really is. The main course, you had a choice. My Wife likes lighter fare while I enjoy something with more seasoning, so---she went with the lightly breaded tilapia filet with artichoke hearts, capers and lemon butter! My choice was the jumbo sweet pepper stuffed with cumin beef with roasted tomatoes, sweet onion and cheddar Jack cheese! Both had roasted garlic mashed potatoes(a favorite) ! Also mixed greens with watermelon feta cheese and a champagne vinaigrette! Oh Lord it was wonderful!!!! The fish, my Wife chose was perfect for her, my sweet pepper was the perfect choice for me! The little subtle flavors I can taste are just amazing! The last was desert with a Heath Bar almond cookie with fresh peaches, ice cream and mint flowers. Oh so sinfully good! The wait staff was impeccable, the atmosphere is magical and I can't wait to go again! You can tell the whole experience is a labor of love! We know the menu changes from week to week. I promise you a meal you will always remember and cherish! We got there very early and in 30 minutes every table was full! While I know Utopia may be off many peoples Radar, but if you know your in the area, we were in San Antonio, make a reservation well in advance! You won't be disappointed!!! A foot note, I rarely give 5 stars, Laurel Tree is one of three!

    a dessert with berries and blueberries
    Ariel Z.

    Came here today and all I can say is WOW. Everything was outstanding. The food was delicious and melted in your mouth. Service was great. The best part is the treehouse and decorations!

    Bonni Diane P.

    Fabulous dinner/lunch spot. When the weather is nice reservations fill up FAST!! It is definitely worth it though.

    Claudiana C.

    My mom and I visited The Laurel Tree, it was about an hours drive and totally worth it. We arrived early and walked around the property, there are fun things to see at every corner. Upon entering the restaurant we were greeted warmly and sat right away. Our server, as well as others were very friendly, stopping to chat while making sure we had everything we needed. Our food was delicious from the first course to the last. We enjoyed every bite. The portions are enough to fill you up but the flavor had us wanting more. Laurel came by our table and spoke with us for a little while, her talent in the kitchen is fantastic. We can't wait to go back and reserve the tree house for our next visit.

    Beautiful stained glass in the Treehouse
    Juliana H.

    Made reservations 2 months in advance for a retirement celebration and just to get together in an elegant setting with friends. My 2nd visit and was looking forward to introducing The Laurel Tree to my friends. We arrived at 11:25 for lunch (6 of us), and much to our unparalleled surprise, we were invited to dine IN THE TREEHOUSE! Wow! Just the best. What a great experience - the staff was superb, the food: Most Excellent, The Tree House...priceless. Strolling the grounds between courses, the splendor and serenity. Did I mention that Laurel (her own bad self!) came to visit with us? The day couldn't have been better (unless I win the lottery). We'll definitely be back! Love it.

    The front of The Laurel Tree

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    10 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    Photo of Kim M.
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    10 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Great place, wonderful decor. Wish it was open more days. You will have to try out dinner in the new Tree House it pretty amazing.

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    9 years ago

    Amazing food and great atmosphere! Highly recommend. Only open Saturdays; make a reservation!

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    13 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Adorable and delicious! Fabulous service and beautifully decorated. Take your own wine. Stay and wander the grounds.

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    12 years ago

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    Simon Bros. Mercantile & Cafe - Loaded Scramble

    Simon Bros. Mercantile & Cafe

    4.9(55 reviews)
    69.1 mi
    $

    This little spot is actually so nice for a drop in if you want brunch food. We stopped here to eat…read morewhile on a road trip since it was one of the only sit down places I could find in the area that had things like eggs, bacon and pancakes etc - and we were not disappointed! I had a plate of French toast, my dad had a breakfast burrito, and my mom had pancakes and a side of eggs and bacon. The prices were all very reasonable, and our waitress was very attentive and sweet. There are absolutely immaculate bathrooms inside as well, which are between the shop and restaurant part of the building. Tons of parking outside too, it's a dirt lot.

    Road Tripping to NM and this was our first stop out of town and what find it was...Ever come across…read morea place when you pull up and are like really?....Its these spots you need to stop...these are the great finds that many miss. Nestled in what Im assuming is a feed yard it has a small store with the kitchen/dining area located in the back. Super friendly service from the Cook/waitress/hostess....Few locals hanging out...always a good sign....Food took a bit to come out, but we were in No hurry...Food was Hot and fresh...Wife had the 2 Egg Plate with Bacon and Taters and I had the loaded Scramble....Everything was fantastic......and was exactly what we need for the hundreds of miles ahead of us.

    Photos
    Simon Bros. Mercantile & Cafe - Interior

    Interior

    Simon Bros. Mercantile & Cafe - Basic 2 Egg Plate with Bacon and Taters

    Basic 2 Egg Plate with Bacon and Taters

    Simon Bros. Mercantile & Cafe - Super clean bathrooms!

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    Super clean bathrooms!

    Octane Coffee & Tea Haus - My study buddy

    Octane Coffee & Tea Haus

    4.9(21 reviews)
    40.1 mi
    $$

    Great service and products. Ample seating and right across from great shopping. Get your coffee…read moreand go!

    If you're anything like me, I've been through Castroville and into Hondo, and in both towns I've…read morehad the same thought: "This town needs a good coffee shop". Hondo...forget it. But if you're in or around Castroville - I'd tell you to go to Octane Coffee. Found them on Yelp this morning. They are tough to find. As a matter of fact, when I pulled up to their current location I literally said aloud in my car..."Is this a joke? - this is a winery." But after a short investigation, I did indeed find good coffee. I spent about an hour hanging out with the owner and his mother. We were the only ones in the place. They were both incredibly friendly. The Hazelnut latte I ordered was just hot enough, had four shots in it, and was very good. Plus - they had wifi :) I even bought a bag of coffee the owner recommended. I was sorry to hear the story about their current location, though. Seems they used to be "downtown Castroville", but the landlord kept raising their rent, and he could only roast his coffee beans during certain times, etc. Sad when local business are pushed out for almighty dollar.... Anyway - They moved to this current location, which, I'll be honest, is not the most convenient - but it gives the owner a chance to do his deal! Wishing them all the best! Will go back if I'm in the area...

    Photos
    Octane Coffee & Tea Haus - Interior

    Interior

    Octane Coffee & Tea Haus - Entrance - coffee banners :)

    Entrance - coffee banners :)

    Octane Coffee & Tea Haus - "Caffeine Awaits!"

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    "Caffeine Awaits!"

    Silver Creek - Interior seating  3/2024

    Silver Creek

    4.9(24 reviews)
    29.9 mi

    I revisited and took a friend with me : ) This time we…read morestayed for lunch and had to try their coffees and well known sandwiches. We were greeted by the same friendly employee when I visited the prior week, and she gave us each a stamp punch card - after so many you get a freebie coffee. FYI they also serve smoothies, not posted yet, and they can make them dairy free! My friend and I shared a Rueben sandwich and chicken salad croissant. Great flavors, but for me the Rueben shined! Lots of flavor. $1 more. My decaf latte with oat milk ($2 extra) and sugar free Belgian cookie syrup was nice. The price for the oat milk was steep, I don't think I've ever paid that much extra. I may skip it next time and go for the caffeine free teas. I ordered a hippie bar and honey glazed pecans to go. I really enjoyed the hippie bar- peanut butter, gluten free oats, chia, seeds, and dried cranberries. Lots of seating inside. There's a conference room- free of charge for ministry meetings and a mic area up front. The owner stopped by our table and greeted us, I just love supporting this local fam owned business. Oh and when we visited the women's restroom... I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful sky ceiling and bird sounds. So soothing and relaxing... I felt like I was transported to a gorgeous serene garden. Big smile on my face!

    Loved the country music playing in the dinner! I'll definitely shoot by again! Service was fast and…read morefriendly.

    Photos
    Silver Creek - Interior  3/2024

    Interior 3/2024

    Silver Creek - Hot Vanilla Latte, 20oz

    Hot Vanilla Latte, 20oz

    Silver Creek - Exterior front entrance 3/2024

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    Exterior front entrance 3/2024

    The Laurel Tree - salad - Updated May 2026

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