By Erica H.
Okay, so maybe Boerne (population 10,000) isn't currently in your list of Top Ten Dream Destinations or even Top One Hundred Dream Destinations or, likely, Cities You've Ever Heard Of. But trust me when I say that you could find yourself in much worse spots than the Texas Hill Country in the month of October. With its mild fall weather, local wineries, quaint main streets and predominantly German heritage, the area offers a number of pleasant daytrips from Austin or San Antonio. Boerne is among these, a little slice of Oktoberfest and a smaller alternative to popular spots such as Fredericksburg. Some of us appreciate the cozy feel of a small-town atmosphere! Some of us also, ahem, have in-laws there.
Right: you caught me. My time spent is Boerne is not 100% optional. But it has given me a chance to suss out some pleasant places to take in refreshment while taking advantage of free grandparent babysitting.
1. The Dodging Duck Brewhaus and Restaurant. This brewery opened shortly before my husband and I started dating, and I'm not saying it alone has kept us together, but it hasn't done us any harm. It's always nice to sit on the patio with a pint (or a sampler!) and dip everything I can get my hands on into their cranberry mustard.
It's not all bar food, though! If you're feeling a little less indulgent, you can always get a veggie sandwich. With a side of veggies. (To go with your beer sampler.)
2. Bear Moon Bakery and Cafe. Here's how popular this restaurant is: we went for a late lunch this weekend, and the place was completely packed. At 3:00 pm on a Sunday. They ran out of cauliflower soup while we were there! And here's the reason: it's delicious. Grab a pastry and coffee or sit down for a beer and a sandwich. I went for one of the Oktoberfest specials--a bratwurst and kraut with tomato jam and a side of cauliflower soup (sorry other patrons, too slow) and was happy as a clam.
3. Broken Stone Pizza Co. The order-in option. A cut above chain deliveries, and they offer local cheesecake to boot.
4. Fancy fare: my mother-in-law recommends Cypress Grille for nicer dining in-town, and Welfare Cafe a few miles out.
5. My in-laws also like an Italian restaurant that they cannot remember the name of. (Sorry.)
6. And finally, check out PO PO if you want to see where my husband washed dishes in high school.
We lived in San Antonio when I was growing up, but we stabled my horse in Boerne so I was out there every day. I miss it, such a pretty little town! There was this cheap little hole in the wall Mexican place we ate at all the time, and I can't for the life of me remember the name. Margarita something?
Posted by: Kate | October 15, 2012 at 02:09 PM
It's always nice to sit on the patio with a pint (or a sampler!) and dip everything I can get my hands on into their cranberry mustard.
Posted by: Parker Britt | October 16, 2012 at 02:36 AM
As a Boerne native (though I don't visit as often as I should anymore), I recommend the Boerne Vistro - German and Italian food. Bumdoodler's is great for sandwiches and cheesecake. And Bear Moon Bakery is where I worked off and on as a teenager; can't recommend it enough - the owner is an amazing chef and a family friend.
Posted by: Erin | October 22, 2012 at 12:29 PM
The little hole-in-the-wall Mexican place Kate mentioned now has a number of competitors. There was a restaurant named Margarita's, but it is now El Rio. Other similar restaurants include Mague's, Lorinita's, Yoli's, and Mama Lisita's, to name a few. Rumor has it that Little Gretel's does a great brunch, but I haven't been there yet. It is just hard to beat Bear Moon Bakery!
Posted by: Martha | October 22, 2012 at 09:00 PM