For relaxing weekends in the country, Houstonians often visit Washington County – only an hour’s drive away – for the perfect place to enjoy beautiful scenery, fun events, stunning sunsets – and great dining. There are far too many interesting places to eat in Washington County to list them all, but we present five great ones to get you started. And while you’re here for food and fun, please come pay us a visit at Gates Ranch where you’ll discover exclusive ranch living like no other place in Texas.
Bevers Kitchen in Chappel Hill
If you’re in the mood for some authentic, home style cooking, you must visit Bevers Kitchen and Alejandra’s Pie Factory, located in downtown Chappel Hill. Bevers Kitchen offers a vast selection of meals ranging from beef, seafood, chicken, turkey and a fantastic Mexican buffet. Save room for dessert with a slice of homemade pie, each baked from Alejandra’s special recipes.
Address: 5162 Main Street, Chappell Hill, Texas 77426
Phone: (979) 836-4178
Hours: Mondays through Thursdays: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Sundays.
Ernie’s – An American Bistro in Brenham
Located in the heart of historic downtown Brenham, Ernie’s has a warm, small-town atmosphere and features classic personalized service. From fish tacos to beef tenderloin, the variety of Ernie’s menu is sure to please everyone. After your meal, escape to Ernie’s Bar, an elegant and beautifully decorated establishment located in the historic Navratil building just steps from the Washington County Courthouse on the square.
Address:103 South Baylor, Brenham, Texas
Phone: (979) 836-7545
Hours: Sundays: 11 a.m.-2 pm. Closed on Mondays. Tuesdays: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Thursdays: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Fridays: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Saturdays: 12-9 p.m. Reservations accepted.
R Place in Washington on the Brazos, Texas
Barbecue lovers, put R Place on your list. Nothing fancy here, just darn good Texas barbecue including sliced beef, sausage and ribs with a cold beer or glass of wine. Desserts include peach cobbler with ice cream, bread pudding with butter rum sauce, and a rich “to die for” flourless chocolate cake. In addition, R Place offers a special seasonal dinner menu on Saturday night with live, local music.
Address: 23254 FM 1155 East, Washington, Texas
Phone: (936) 878-1925
Hours: Open Fridays at 11 a.m. Saturdays, open at 11 a.m. with a special dinner starting at 6 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Volare Italian Restaurant
www.volareitalianrestaurant.com
Uniquely different, Volare Italian Restaurant attracts diners from near and far. Rooted in the warm flavors of the Matera countryside, Chef Silvio DiGennaro’s dishes are infused with international flavors to create distinctive tastes. Volare’s menu features fresh and flavorful dishes to satisfy even the most discerning palates. An extensive wine list completes any dining experience. A native of Matera, Italy, Silvio was a chef at upscale restaurants in Italy and later in Houston before relocating to Washington County.
Address: 102 South Ross Street, Brenham, Texas
Phone: (972) 836-1514
Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays: 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Reservations accepted.
The Inn at Dos Brisas
The only Forbes five-star restaurant in Texas is The Inn at Dos Brisas, located between Chappell Hill and Gates Ranch, where cuisine is made from ingredients cultivated on their own organic farmland. Recognized with the Relais & Châteaux distinction of fine dining, the restaurant offers menus that blend French cuisine with Texas ingredients and an infusion of Asian minimalist technique. Dos Brisas’ impeccable service and 7,000-bottle wine cellar has earned them a “Best of Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator magazine. The intimate dining room’s elegant Spanish country manor décor adds a touch of romance to every meal.
Address: Please visit website for directions and instructions: www.dosbrisas.com/restaurant
Phone: (979) 277-7750
Hours: Daily lunch, 12-2 p.m. Daily dinner, 6-8:30 p.m. (last seating.) Sunday brunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
During your next visit to Washington County, we invite you to visit Gates Ranch, a 1,500-acre community of exclusive, private ranch estates. We’ve sold 70% of the farms in phases one and two (560 out of 800 acres), so we encourage you to visit us soon. For more information or to schedule your personal tour of Gates Ranch, please call Cyndee Smith with Oldham Goodwin Group at 713-816-3407 or visit www.gatesranchtx.com.
