From craft coffee to Thai comfort food to a chicken-fried ribeye with a twist, the Hill Country is brimming with flavors that feel both adventurous and homey. Here’s a taste of three local favorites worth savoring.
The Henry Coffee
Back in August, my coworkers and I took a much-needed caffeine break at The Henry Coffee, tucked away at Nutty Brown Road and RM-1826. What we thought would be a quick pick-me-up turned into an experience that was equal parts educational, daring, and delicious. By the end, we all agreed: The Henry serves some of the best coffee we’ve had in ages.
The owner, Ash Meredith, shared the story behind The Henry Coffee, and somehow it made every sip taste even better. Did you know Australia’s coffee culture began with Italian immigrants? I didn’t either! Ash named the shop after his great-grandfather, Henry, who not only called Ash his best friend but also instilled in him a tireless work ethic and a love for community. With Henry’s encouragement, Ash pursued his dream. Ten years later, rooted in faith and “keeping Jesus at the center of it all,” that dream is now a reality here in Dripping Springs.
Ash also explained that Australian coffee culture is “not just about the great quality of the beans, but also about the community, making friends, and doing life.” The Henry Coffee’s menu reflects those roots, and I happily let Ash recommend something new. I ordered the iced “Austin Magic” with almond milk, and it blew me away with its natural smoothness and sweetness—no syrup needed! I learned that the secret is in the pull: Only the first half of the espresso shot is used, reducing bitterness and highlighting the coffee’s natural sweetness. This Melbourne-born style, called a “magic,” uses double ristretto shots with just five ounces of milk for a perfectly balanced drink.
Dripping Springs is lucky to welcome The Henry Coffee at the beginning of its journey. Ash and his wife, Stephanie, have big dreams for the shop: “We can’t wait to see it unfold,” he shares. The feeling is mutual, Ash. We’re glad you’re here.
TheHenryCoffee.com | @thehenrycoffee
Spoon & Fork
With locations in Frisco, McKinney, and Kyle, we’re incredibly lucky to have expertly crafted Thai cuisine right here in Dripping Springs. Located in Belterra Village, Spoon & Fork has quickly become a favorite among Thai food enthusiasts … and for good reason.
I’ve tried a variety of their entrées, and after hearing countless friends, neighbors, and coworkers share their own “must-order” dishes, narrowing it down to just one favorite felt nearly impossible. That said, I always recommend starting with the chicken satay skewers. The chicken, marinated in a coconut turmeric blend, is grilled to perfection and served with a homemade peanut sauce alongside a fresh cucumber and red onion vinaigrette.
For the main course, two standouts rise to the top: the Panang Salmon Avocado and the Pad Thai (with shrimp or chicken). The salmon is pan-seared and nestled in a panang curry and coconut milk sauce, finished with bell peppers, avocado, and sticky white rice. And if Pad Thai is your go-to, Spoon & Fork’s version is as authentic as they come. The balance of sauce to noodles is spot on, and I always order mine with a little extra spice. The generous portions mean there’s often enough to take home, and somehow the leftovers taste even better the next day.
If you can save room for dessert, don’t miss the black rice pudding. Creamy, lightly sweet, and deeply satisfying, it’s the perfect finale to a memorable meal.
What makes Spoon & Fork particularly special, though, is how it manages to bring the vibrant, comforting flavors of Thailand into the heart of the Hill Country. It’s the kind of restaurant that feels just as fitting for a quick weekday dinner as it does for a lingering weekend outing with friends. Whether you’re already a Thai food devotee or trying it for the first time, Spoon & Fork delivers a taste of something both exciting and familiar, right in our own backyard.
SpoonAndForkKitchen.com | @spoonandforkkitchen
Whiskey Ridge
If you’re searching for a rustic-yet-modern spot that feels warm and inviting the moment you walk in, look no further than Whiskey Ridge in Driftwood. Within minutes of being seated, we were greeted by operating partner Jimmy Zumwalt, whose genuine, down-to-earth hospitality made us feel like old friends.
Zumwalt was born and raised as a rancher just down the road from Whiskey Ridge, and his easy charm paired perfectly with my first cocktail of the night—the aptly named “Hill Country Hospitality.” Crafted with reposado tequila, prickly pear, orange liqueur, pineapple, and lime, it was refreshing, bright, and beautifully finished with a dehydrated pineapple slice and black sea salt—a winner in my book.
For round two, I tried the “Texas Wildflower,” an exotic mix of Desert Door Pollinator, blanco tequila, St. Germain, honey, and lemon, shaken frothy and topped with a sprinkle of bee pollen. It was, quite literally, un-BEE-lievably good. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)
Zumwalt also shared what makes Whiskey Ridge so unique, from its self-sustaining water system to the thoughtful planning of every plant and detail on the property. But the real star of the night was the chicken-fried ribeye. This indulgence starts with a Wagyu ribeye coated in a crispy spiced batter that somehow turns out perfect every time. The dish is crowned with “white” gravy, though it’s not white at all. The chefs cleverly enrich it with, as Zumwalt puts it, “some of its love”: drippings from their guajillo- and pasilla-braised short ribs, giving it a deeper color and layers of smoky, savory flavor. After one bite, we were definitely feeling it.
Whiskey Ridge may be a newer addition to the Hill Country, but the care and heart behind every detail make it feel like it’s been here forever. Driftwood just gained a new treasure, and one that already feels like home.
WhiskeyRidgeTX.com | @whiskeyridge.tx