Good Eats in Dallas-Austin Corridor

[austineater]

I am driving from Dallas to Austin over the weekend. Any suggestions for good eats in places like Salado, Temple, Waco, Georgetown?

[massman]

Do the BBQ at Schoeps in Belton...take the Central Ave. exit and go about quarter mile, its on the right. Better than most, IMHO! I stopped at a very good Mexican spot for breakfast just last Sat. in Waco...west side of I35 at the Loop 340 exit on the northside of the city. Go south on the west side...between the Hampton and some other motel..something like Taqueria #8!!! Small metal building, but it was very good. Huge breakfast taco and great migas..otherwise WACO is still a food waste land. That bistro is 1440 Washington. Was there for New Years EVE...OK, but tough service that nite.

[hhhill]

I would stay on 35 and drive as fast as you can and then eat in Dallas....other than the snack in West, you are not going to find great food after eating in Austin until you get to Dallas....unless you want a greasy burger at Georgo's in Waco...Drive safe, Mike

[Phaneric]

Salado has a great full course meal at the Stagecoach Inn...just make sure you go Sundays as they put their best menu out that day. Their Strawberry Kiss dessert is a real treat. Also, West has many good resturants...czech food is more than just kolaches!

[MPH]

Phaneric,

What Czech food do you recommend in West? I'd love to know more.

I'm usually too full from barbecue and turkey sandwiches to actually eat a full meal there, so I just pick up kolaches to go. Perhaps l’ll plan ahead next time.

MPH

[Greg Spence]

I'd strongly recommend that you detour 15 minutes and go to Louis Mueller's in Taylor. It is, without a doubt, some of the best barbecue in the state. I especially love the brisket.

[MPH]

Louie Mueller's is a great suggestion.

There are several kolache options to choose from in the town of West: I often hit a few places (Kaska's, Ole Czech Smokehouse, Kolacek's). Plus, I believe the Turkey Shop Smokin’ Cafe is once again selling their delicious turkey plates and sandwiches. They might be closed on Tuesdays; you can call (254-580-9644) to check their hours. The Turkey Shop is located at exit 358 off I-35, about 20 miles north of Waco.

You might consider taking 281 instead of I-35, which would open up different chow options in Spicewood and Marble Falls. With a slight detour, you could also hit Llano (Coopers Old Time Pit Barbeque) and/or Dublin (for Dr. Pepper still sweetened only with sugar).

I wish I were making the drive this weekend. This thread is making me hungry.

[Jim Washburn]

Dublin Dr Pepper is available in other towns nearby, e.g., Hico, Hamilton, etc. It is mighty good Dr Pepper.

Jim

[Kent Wang]

How much slower is taking 281? I suppose it's quite scenic?

[Dallas Alice]

I think 281 adds about 30-45 minutes to the trip (but on busy holiday weekends is actually faster). It's much more scenic, and there are some good places to stop and eat along the way, or not far off the route, as already noted. In addition to what others have mentioned, I would add that there's a good barbeque place right on 281 in Lampasas, Roadhouse Barbeque.

If you go down 35, there's a pretty good Vietnamese place in Waco. I don't recall the name, but it's in a strip shopping center on South University Parks, just east of 35. Also in Waco is a good bistro on Washington whose name is its address (something like 1410).

[Mike C. Miller]

Louie Mueller's is absolutely the best BBQ in the world -- not just Texas. (Of course, being the best BBQ in Texas should, by definition, be the best BBQ in the world, but I digress.) Seriously, you cannot go wrong going to Louie's. Be sure to order the sausage in addition to the brisket. The sausage is made on premises and is to die for.

http://www.louiemuellerbarbeque.com/

One other recommendation. In Elm Mott, just north of Waco on I-35, there is a fairly large, locally owner, family run steak house that' pretty good -- Heitmiller's Steakhouse. Not like Louie's or anything, but a decent meal.

[donnaaries]

Try a kolache from the Czech Bakery in West, about 20 miles north of Waco. Not really a meal except maybe breakfast, but makes for a good snack.

[air]

Definitely second that. Czech Stop has good sandwiches too!