There’s been a remarkable rise in new food and beverage businesses in Lockhart’s downtown business district - with exciting spots like Commerce Cafe, Old Pal Texas Tavern, Little Trouble, Best Little Wine & Books, and Barbs B Q all emerging since the start of the pandemic - and trends show no sign of slowing.įor years, Travis Tober, the owner of Nickel City in East Austin, liked to bring his out-of-town bartender pals on day trips to Lockhart, where they could get a “real ‘small town Texas’ experience” complete with top-notch barbecue. Due to rising costs in Texas’s large cities (*cough* Austin *cough*), people reevaluating their priorities during the pandemic, and the allure of a small town with serious charm, Lockhart is growing in size and its food scene is following suit. Known as the “ barbecue capital of Texas,” the superlative feels well-earned given that Lockhart is home to decades-old staples like Kreuz Market (which opened in 1900), the Original Black’s BBQ (1932), and Smitty’s Market (1948).īut, in recent years, Lockhart has proven that it doesn’t want to rest on its smokehouse laurels. Central Texas is considered an iconic barbecue destination for good reason, but when it comes to specific communities upholding all things smoked meats, the town of Lockhart - located just 30 miles from Austin - commands particular respect.