6 Local Insider Tips For Your Visit to Lockhart, Texas
Here’s All You Want To Know About The Gem Known As Lockhart, Texas
Lockhart, Texas will hold a special place in my heart, and not just because of that face that this is where I live. It's where friends live and a town where small businesses thrive. It offers live music, delicious food, charming accommodations, and other features I can't wait to share with you.
There are hundreds of tiny towns in Central Texas, from Austin down to San Antonio. But where a large city like Austin or San Antonio might offer more variety of charm, Lockhart offers quality over quantity.
We have stunning accommodations in town and on the outskirts, and Lockhart is the site of real Texas history you won't want to miss!
So let's dive into the charm of Lockhart, Texas!
Where is Lockhart, Texas?
Not too far from the Austin airport, Lockhart, Texas is about thirty minutes South of Downtown Austin and East of San Marcos.
It's a quintessential central Texas town, the kind that is almost 'Blink and You Miss It,' but offers more than the average small town. For those visiting Lockhart, they're always looking for things to do.
And I can't wait to share some of my favorites!
The “Barbecue Capital of Texas — The BBQ in Lockhart, Texas
If there's one thing Texans know about Lockhart, it's the barbecue capital of this huge state. Which is really saying something, considering that Texans love their BBQ. If you're visiting Lockhart to eat the BBQ, then these six popular BBQ restuarants should be the first on your list!
Terry Black's Barbecue Lockhart
Only a couple minutes from Downtown Lockhart, Terry Black's is the kind of place where the lines start early and only get longer as the day passes by. It's arguably one of the more infamous options and there are a lot of people that will argue it offers the best BBQ.
Location: 900 N Colorado St, Lockhart, TX 78644
Kreuz Market
Kreuz Market is also another popular spot in Lockhart, Texas. It's in a great location, at the center of town. With a cafeteria-like setting, people will literally drive up from San Antonio for a taste from Kreuz's!
Location: 619 N Colorado St, Lockhart, TX 78644
Lockhart Chisholm Trail BBQ
Right down the street from Terry's and Kreuz Market, the Lockhart Chisholm Trail BBQ joint holds a 4.3 on Google and serves not just infamous BBQ, but also offers a plethora of sides that will make your mouth water.
Located: 1323 S Colorado St, Lockhart, TX 78644
Black's Barbecue Lockhart
Black's Barbecue has been around since 1932, founded in Lockhart and have had millions from all over the world come to this humble town for a chance to nosh on their BBQ. There's real history at this spot and it's a quick trip from the city of Austin.
Located: 215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644
Riley's Pit BBQ
When you walk up to Riley's Pit BBQ, you might just pause a second. The exterior is humble, but don't worry—it's delicious.
Plus, the food served here is reasonably priced ($10.25 for a plate of brisket) and multiple side dishes that are sure to make your Lockhart BBQ tour even more memorable.
Located: 1326 S Colorado St, Lockhart, TX 78644
Smitty's Market
Voted the best BBQ in Lockhart multiple times, Smitty's Market has been a town staple since the '30s. Unsurprisingly, due to that long history, it's also won best brisket in Caldwell County! When you buy BBQ from Smitty's, you're also biting into history itself.
Location: 208 S Commerce St, Lockhart, TX 78644
My Favorite Spots
As I mentioned before, Lockhart is my home. And as such, this city has some of my favorite spots in Texas. There are so many things to see in the town, as Lockhart offers a variety of shops and things to see.
Antique Shops
If you've been to any small town in Texas, you know antique shops in Lockhart are charming and full of exciting finds. You can visit town square and pick from lots of humble shops ready to introduce you to slices of history.
Baker Street Theater
Baker Street Theater is home to Lockhart entertainment. With an infamous stage showing stories year-round, Baker Street Theater is one of my favorite haunts. Recently, I saw the 9 to 5 musical and adored every second of it!
Old Pal
The Old Pal bar is one of the best taverns in Texas, offering house-made food to go with a cold pint or two. It's no-frills, but with drool-worthy bites that are perfect after spending the day at the Lockhart State Park or visiting local fishing holes.
Dr. Eugene Clark Library
The oldest continuously operating library in the great State of Texas, the Dr. Eugene Clark Library offers absolutely stunning architecture. Built in the 1800s, you can feel the historic vibes from the moment you step through the door!
Chaparral Coffee
There's a lot to love about the town of Lockhart, but Chaparral Coffee is one of the cutest parts of the small city. It's intimate and is even a mini-restaurant, offering breakfast noshes and evening bites. It's the perfect place to bring your family while sipping on some delicious coffee.
Good Things Grocery
Also owned by the same people running Chaparral Coffee, Good Things Grocery is the kind of grocery shop that leaves the monstrosities of HEB or Walmart in the dust. It offers speciality groceries, with an emphasis on local suppliers, catering to the locals of Lockhart.
Mr. Brown's Pet Shop
Brand new to the town of Lockhart, Mr. Brown’s Pet Shop is actually owned by my friend, Jamee, who knows you love your fur babies as much as she does! Inspired by her love of animals, she opened this business to provide the town much-needed pet supplies!
The Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches
Definitely a more unique kind of museum, the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches is covered from wall to wall with antique and vintage timepieces. They also dedicate their time and talents to restoring clocks.
Visit the Caldwell County Jail Museum
Probably one of the prettiest jails, the Caldwell County Jail Museum is a quick walk from popular barbecue spots and offers a tour of the original jail. Don't worry, there isn't anyone locked up here!
Spend a Day at Lockhart State Park
Located South of Lockhart town center, this is a perfect weekend getaway activity. Locals and visitors alike enjoy this state park.
A quick jaunt from your local hotel, you can come see stunning trees, rivers, and hiking trails while the weather is nice or to work off the food you just ate from the BBQ spots!
Thanks to my annual park pass, I take my dogs Humphrey and Belle at least three times a week because it’s so lovely here!
Places to Stay in Lockhart, Texas
The Lone Star State is enormous. As such, you're probably going to want to stay at one of the hotels in Lockhart. Of course, there are bigger chains available like the Best Western Lockhart hotel, but I want to share the more charming spots to spend the night.
While I'm not aware of the price each spot will have, I promise you'll be ecstatic to discover some places to stay in Lockhart only the locals know about.
Ellison House
A luxury restored farmhouse, the Ellison House offers quaint suites and even hosts events for the perfect small town charm.
Each room has its own unique style with modern comfortability. If you're visiting from the city of Austin or just want a spot for a luxurious weekend getaway, the Ellison House is perfect.
Lockhart Inn
This zero-frills inn offers reasonable prices, with free WiFi and free self-parking. It also has a colorful patio perfect to relax and have a meal.
Son's Blue River Camp
If glamping is your thing, you're going to love this spot to spend a night in Lockhart. It is easily one of the more unique places to stay and nothing like the other Lockhart hotels. It's located right off the river, with riverside cabanas and glamping cabins with air conditioning.
Skip searching for a hotel with a swimming pool—Son's Blue River Camp is perfection for an outdoorsy weekend staycation.
Wahwahtaysee Resort
Wahwahtaysee Resort is a little South of Lockhart, Texas. Unlike the other properties I've mentioned, Wahwahtaysee Resort is dedicated to offering the feel of a luxurious place to stay with South African safari tent designs.
It also offers breakfast (not included) and even a yummy mimosa package.
Final Thoughts
When anyone is starting their search for things to do in Lockhart, a lot of websites miss out on the real heart of the city. It's the tiny pieces of personality only locals know about, which is why I love sharing some of my favorite restaurants and about the local state park that always makes my heart happy.
So go out there and enjoy some of the best that Lockhart has to offer!