The Wayback Cafe and Cottages is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the simple things in life. Designed with natural beauty and genuine hospitality in mind, this gorgeous getaway in the Texas Hill Country is the perfect go-to destination for creating cherished memories with loved ones or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved break.
The Wayback offers incredible farm-to-table cuisine, cozy cottages for overnight stays, and a stunning setting for private events. Owners Vicki Bly and Sydney Sue opened their doors in January 2019 with the intention of running a small coffee shop. However, their concept later evolved into a casual boutique hotel that celebrates the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Situated just 15 minutes away from downtown Austin, The Wayback is the best of both worlds: you can enjoy all the perks of city life nearby while also enjoying the tranquility of nature.
“I grew up in West Texas with a love for family, animals and the beauty and freedom of wide-open spaces” said Vicki Bly, co-owner of The Wayback Cafe and Cottages. Having lived in Austin since 1988, she fell in love with Austin’s natural beauty. “It is important to us that our Hill Country landscape be preserved, and that people have a gathering place where they feel a connection with the beautiful surroundings of nature.” After successfully owning and operating a small bed and breakfast, The Bremond House in downtown Austin, developing the concept of the Wayback came naturally.
In 2014, she partnered with her daughter, Sydney Sue, after purchasing 3 acres of land between Bee Cave Road and the Barton Creek Preserve. “I immediately fell in love with The Wayback when we purchased the land in 2014,” Sydney reflected, “There was a beautifully stacked rock wall in the back of the property hidden between trees and a brush. When I noticed something so old and special to the land, I knew it had a past but a whole new story to tell."
The dream of creating a space for gathering, relaxation and enjoyment with a good meal has certainly grown to fruition. "We chose the name “The Wayback” because we want this to be a place where people sense they can take a break from the fast pace of living in a city, where they can enjoy a good meal, sit under the oak trees and be with friends and family,” shared Vicki.
The menu, curated by executive chef Scot Loranc and sous chef Ron Matty, rotates seasonally in recognition of the gradual changes in the local harvest season. For example, the latest seasonal menu listed starters like a Seared Tuna with charred pineapple, black garlic Sumiso, kimchi hot sauce, and sambal cucumbers. A definite recommendation is the Housemade Fettuccine with Grilled Shrimp plus Kalamata and Castelvetrano olives, radicchio, arugula, lemon zest, sun dried tomatoes, parsley and parmesan; it is amazingly fresh and its colorful and flavorful texture bursts with every bite. In addition to the delicious food the wines are organic, beers are local, and the cocktails are fun. Whatever choice you make, you’re sure to be left with a smile. In Bly’s words, “The Wayback for me is a place for people to experience something that cannot be found in everyday life. I see people happy here and that is what makes all of this worth it.”
After enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area and the delicious food from chefs Loranc and Matty, you can take that well deserved break and unwind in the beautiful and cozy cottages set among the oak trees. Whatever the reason for your visit, you’re sure to find your way back to The Wayback.
The Wayback is located at 9601 Bee Cave Rd, Austin, Texas 78733. Be sure to follow The Wayback on Instagram at @thewaybackaustin and learn more by visiting waybackaustin.com.
