Restaurants near Hays

“Had the great fortune of coming across the pastry zone looking for a local baker for my wife’s birthday cake and it was phenomenal! Cannot recommend them highly enough. Super kind people and the cake was amazing.”

“Incredible. The drinks and food were insane. The broccoli dish we had was the best thing I've had in a long time. The service was also outstanding. Super pleased with our experience!”

“I would like to respectfully start with; I’ve been to Uchi multiple times over the years and will never forget my first experience (which will always be the best in my mind.) That being said — tonight might have been the closest to first I’ve ever had. Chance, our server was attentive, knowledgeable, easy going, brought some of the best plates when we asked “bring us what you like/anything you think we missed” literally 12/10 would recommend. Ask for Chance, he knows his shiiiiiiii* and made our night absolutely amazing and something we will never forget!”

“Kudos to our bartender Danny for creating such a great visit to The Carpenter Hotel and even better mocktail options. I had the “Her Name is Claudia” mocktail using a local mixer and it was amazing!”

“Our waiter and manager really went over the top and took care of us on a small situation we had. I couldn't ask for better service. Thank you all for your hospitality and professionalism.”

“It was absolutely delicious”

“This is a small, cosy restaurant with a fusion of Mediterranean and Indian flavours using local, seasonal ingredients from Texas. The restaurant offers a four-course prix fixe menu with sophisticated and creative food (Time Out Worldwide) (The Texas Tasty).”

“The brisket was ridiculously tender, seasoned just right, and you don’t even need sauce (but the sauce is still good). Portions are generous, the sides actually hit(that mac and cheese??). Not cheap, but 100% worth it.”

“I reserved online for my daughter’s birthday and got into town an hour earlier and they still were able to accommodate us. At the table with the menus was a birthday card with a really nice and meaningful note on the inside. Staff, drinks, and food were amazing! Definitely recommend checking this place out.”

“Great place! If you don’t order the cannoli, you are missing out!”

“Great staff, beautiful lounge and very clean. Great date spot”

“Very good breakfast sandwich, would not have expected it to work but it’s fantastic. I will certainly try to work this into my Austin visits from now on. You know you’re in Austin: sitting at a picnic table next to a guy with a man-bun, hydroflask full of coffee, working at his laptop, likely for hours. Not sure I”d want that yummy grape jelly on my keyboard but whatever.”

“Great Food and awesome ambiance.”

“My wife and I visited last Wednesday on our vacation from Minnesota. The brisket was great, the barbacoa was the best I've ever had anywhere. The onion rings were amazing and I don't personally care for onion rings. The jalapeno cheese chorizo was outstanding. As good as all those were the beef ribs were the best most perfect bite of food I've ever had... But what really stood out is the amazing staff from Evan greeting us as we walked in the door to everyone that we met so helpful kind and cheerful! Having worked in the service industry for most of my life it's always a joy to be treated so well!”

“great place to eat vegan!”

“A great spot and fun atmosphere.”

“Weekend getaway in Austin, went here for lunch.

Ambience - located in an alley, can be a little confusing to find. Walk into an alley bar, go through a door, walk through a small seating area, around the corner to the kitchen where you wait in line to order and get your food. Can be fun if you like hustle and bustle. Energetic atmosphere, everybody working fast getting customers their food. No table service, you order, you wait for your food, you try to find a place to sit.

Food - very tasty, we order 3 different ones just to try out the variety between the two of us, along with a side of chips and salsa. The salsa is outstanding…probably the best flavor I’ve had in a long time. Our tacos were steak, chicken, and pork, all on homemade tortillas. Very fresh tasting and tasty, but the meat was chopped fine, tough to hold together while you eat without it falling out the ends.

Enjoyed the lively atmosphere and great quick lunch.

Would I go there again…yes

Would I recommend…yes.”

“An experience…..a must go to in Austin.”

“Always delicious, service is friendly and helpful. The wings and fries are always perfect.”

“We visited Moonshine Bar & Grill this weekend, and I can honestly say it exceeded every expectation. From the moment the food arrived, it was clear we were in for something special—chef’s kiss doesn’t even begin to cover it! Every dish was perfectly prepared, full of flavor, and clearly made with care and excellence. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the service was attentive, and the overall experience was simply top-tier. This is the kind of place that reminds you why great food and great hospitality matter. 10 out of 10— We will absolutely be recommending Moonshine Bar & Grill and can’t wait to return! 🍽️✨”

“This is my new favorite beverage bar on the trail. The attention to detail is insane. Handmade, crafted, natural, and beautiful drinks. Yes, that is a pineapple slushy topped mocktail with a raspberry rosemary twist. The drinks are a large portion too. The smoothy was very filling and just sweet enough so that every fruit shined. This is not your average food truck. Everything this duo does is well thought out and passionate! See y'all soon as this is now a must stop for meeeee!”

“Everything I had from plain veggies to specialty tolls was packed w/ flavor! Grace was my server & she was amazing! Very knowledgeable, passionate, & perfect service! If you tip well, ask for Grace (:”

“Food was excellent & the atmosphere was very warm & cozy.”

“Wow! This place is soooo good. The first time I went I tried the Mission Burger and it was amazing. Since then I’ve tried the steak sandwich, bbq brisket, and mac & cheese and all are delicious. You would never guess everything is plant based. Keep up the great work and please open a restaurant near Grant Park!”

“Delicious BBQ! Great ambiance and service!”

“Highly recommend as this is truly the ultimate culinary experience! Not only that but Chef Saine is adds a personable touch to the service and is also super entertaining. TJ does phenomenal recommending drinks with the dishes. Truly a unique experience.”

“I enjoy going there all the time. The service and food is great. My kids enjoy it when I treat them there.”

“My wife and I visited Austin (Barton Creek Area) which is amazing by itself. We were headed back to Dallas and wanted breakfast. There were lots of choices but this place stood out. OMG I’m glad we went. Got on the waitlist and it went quick. The staff at the greet stand were nice and friendly but when we got to table, it went up a notch!!
STEPHANIE WAS AMAZING!! Now don’t let her occasional “hell yeah” fool you for something bad. It is her affectionate way for letting you know that “something is good and a great option!” She was wonderful and so was the food. I got chicken and waffles and wife got breakfast quesadillas. This will be a familiar place in our stops when we visit that area. That STEPHANIE. Keep shining 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾”

“grubb best hot sauce around”