From family-owned restaurants serving up authentic cuisine to farm-to-fork favorites made from local ingredients, Round Rock offers high-quality dishes made by high-quality people. Explore Round Rock’s booming dining scene and find your favorite spots in this friendly city.
Smoked To Perfection Texas BBQ
If you are visiting the Lone Star State, delicious Texas barbecue is likely on your mind. Voted #1 barbecue spot in the readers’ poll, Round Rock’s Liberty Barbecue is cooking the best BBQ in town. Sink your teeth into favorites like brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and sausage smoked to perfection. In comparison with other barbecue joints where you wait in a long line to get your fix, Liberty invites visitors to take a seat indoors and enjoy an upscale dining experience. Sip on smoke-infused cocktails while you enjoy live music and unique menu items like bbq flatbreads and deviled eggs topped with bacon bourbon jam.
Authentic Italian Cuisine That Will Make You Say “buonissimo!” (very good!)
Experience a taste of Italy thanks to the authentic Italian cuisine found in Round Rock. Grab a table at Palermo or Gino’s Italian for a dining experience straight out of Europe. Palermo chef and owner, Antonio “Tony” Ginertonio, is serving some of the freshest Italian food you can find in the city. Savor handmade pasta with a sauce of your choice or artisanal pizza, “pizza ala piedra.” You can also enjoy authentic-Italian cuisine made from family recipes at Gino’s Italian. Chef and Owner Angelo (Gino) Minardi immigrated from Gela, Sicily in 1953 and has graced the Round Rock community with his delicious dishes since 1993. This family-owned and operated restaurant features Italian food favorites like pasta, pizza, and tiramisu. Gino uses fresh ingredients to prepare his signature sauces every day, and his nephew makes fresh dough and bread for the recipes. Buon appetito!
Mexican and Tex-Mex Favorites With a Twist
If you have a craving for a delicious enchilada with a side of chips and salsa, Round Rock’s Mexican restaurants are sure to satisfy. La Cocina offers a twist on traditional Mexican restaurant menus by offering Italian-inspired dishes. The menu is inspired by owner Ismael Diaz’s 20 years of working at an upscale Italian restaurant. Order favorites like Carne Asada and, if you are wanting something Italian, an Italian Enchilada for a unique dining experience. Recuerdos is a family-owned Tex-Mex spot that you don’t want to miss on your trip to Round Rock! They are known for their famous enchiladas, Texas-sized breakfast tacos, and welcoming atmosphere.
Upscale Bites
Located in a 1940s historic bungalow, Urban Eat.Drink has all of the ingredients for a hip Central Texas restaurant. This upscale-casual spot serves a tasty brunch with items like Banana Bread French Toast, as well as an impressive lunch and dinner. Menu highlights include the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich, Mahi-Mahi Tacos, and the Pecan Smoked Porked Chop. Sip on a craft beer on the outdoor patio space, or enjoy a signature cocktail on the Urban Rooftop bar. The bar is located right by the restaurant and offers cocktails, live music, and city views. Cheers to an ideal dining experience in Round Rock!
Cajun Cuisine
Dreaming of a traditional crawfish boil in Central Texas? Stop by Round Rock’s Louisiana Longhorn Cafe for Cajun cuisine this side of the Sabine River. Louisiana natives Melinda and Ray Overstreet are serving traditional Cajun food with an attitude, as they like to say. In fact, the recipes are borrowed from Louisiana family and friends, so you can rest assured the dishes are authentic. Make sure to try one of the most popular menu items in town, the catfish etouffee, along with all the Louisiana favorites like gumbo and crawfish. If you are looking for more Cajun-style cooking in Round Rock, check out Smokey Creek Cajun Bar & Grill.
Famous Round Rock Sweets
No matter how full you are, there is always room for dessert at Round Rock Donuts. Located in the heart of downtown, Round Rock Donuts has been serving the community and visitors since 1926. Your entire crew can enjoy a 14-inch Texas-size donut that is sure to make for a sweet photo op. If you still need to curb your sweet tooth, explore some of the other local Round Rock bakeries in town.
To discover all of the tasty eateries Round Rock has to offer, feast your eyes on our dining page.