Bastrop’s dining scene isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about places that feel like secrets, whether they’ve been here for decades or just opened last month. And whether these spots honor Texas’s rich culinary roots or simply exist because locals love to eat well, it doesn’t matter—we’re still going to seek them out. Here are the best restaurants in Bastrop, ranked.
Fitties BBQ
$ | (512) 303-6808 | WEBSITE
Typically, a visit to Fitties BBQ in Bastrop means being hunched over a heaping plate of their smoked brisket—but pause and take in the scene. Spread out under the Texas sun are simple picnic tables shaded by large oak trees. While some of the barbecue sauces can be a touch too sweet for certain palates, the house signature sauce strikes that perfect balance between smoky and savory. This spot also serves as a solid casual lunch destination when you’re craving honest barbecue without any fuss.
We’d just recommend bringing bug spray—the flies get active quickly.
602 Brewing Company
$ | (512) 321-3577 | WEBSITE
While most folks at 602 Brewing Company are enjoying their hand-breaded Chicken Fried Chicken in the spacious main dining room, there’s a charming outside patio where you should head after your meal. We love every last one of these beers, like the house brews that pair perfectly with the scratch kitchen menu—and are consistently satisfying.
And then there’s one of the best cocktails in Bastrop: the Sazerac, a classic New Orleans-style drink that tastes like what a jazz musician would order after a long night of performing in the French Quarter. While the beer and food are 602’s clear highlight, it would be a shame to come here and not also grab some of their perfectly cooked 602 Shrimp and Grits with that tasty sausage.
Bastrop Beer Company
$ | (512) 549-3722 | WEBSITE
Don’t come to this retro arcade-themed spot expecting groundbreaking brews. Instead, come for a good time and nostalgic novelty in the form of glowing pinball machines, classic arcade cabinets, and enough pool cues to recreate a scene from The Hustler. You’ll sit among comfortable booths under neon beer signs and sip from a selection of over 75 options. Those include common picks like Miller Lite for around $5 and big complex stouts that might run you $8 or $9.
While the beers here most likely keep local hop farmers in business, they all taste like reliable stuff from a neighborhood hangout. The friendly staff, including Julianna and Adrianna, keep things running smoothly as you bring your own food, play some games, or join in community activities like bingo. It’s a laid-back, kid-friendly environment where the arcade tokens and karaoke mic passes are the real currency of fun.
Roadhouse Bastrop
$ | (512) 321-1803 | WEBSITE
It doesn’t matter that finding a parking spot at Roadhouse Bastrop sometimes involves circling the lot a couple of times—this popular spot is worth the momentary inconvenience. Once you’re inside, you can bask in the warm, rustic glow and dig into burgers that are just as satisfying as they are delicious, like the jalapeño cream cheese burger with its perfect kick of spice, or the avocado burger that goes down smooth with its creamy texture.
If you’re celebrating something, like a family outing or discovering this place for the first time, you may even want to split an order of sweet potato fries. Use Roadhouse Bastrop for casual dinners or friend hangs that start relaxed and stay that way, just like the kid- and pet-friendly atmosphere.
Chinese Dragon
$ | (512) 985-5419 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a slightly unconventional location, Chinese Dragon is a Bastrop gem that we want to visit again and again. It looks like somebody carefully curated an Asian art gallery to decorate this place with intricate wood carvings and inspiring artwork on the walls—but somehow it all feels perfectly welcoming. The menu offers generous portions and involves things like shrimp spring rolls and many different takes on Kung Pao chicken.
And the attentive staff will happily accommodate special dietary needs while keeping drinks refilled.
Jasmine’s Thai Café
$ | (209) 918-6531 | WEBSITE
By day, Jasmine’s Thai Café is a quiet Bastrop spot where you can read a book from the wall shelves and eat pineapple cashew fried rice in the same meal. But step inside and you’ll find a dining room known for its cozy, intimate atmosphere—a.k.a. Jasmine’s signature charm. The unique no-music, book-lined surroundings make the space feel like a hushed library crossed with a neighborhood kitchen in the best way possible.
There are $14 sampler platters piled with fresh pork egg rolls alongside crunchy cashew-topped rice bowls, Jazzy Samplers that taste like a tour of Thailand, and some of the most authentic Thai dishes in town—like mild yet flavorful curries, steaming hot appetizers, and a pineapple cashew fried rice that can do no wrong.
Taqueria 95
$ | (512) 629-8410 | WEBSITE
Taqueria 95 has a vibe that couldn’t be more different than the typical bustling Tex-Mex joints you find scattered around Bastrop. This spot is cool and clean, and you’ll receive a basket of complimentary homemade corn tortillas. Grab a seat and order a birria that comes with a side of green salsa meant to personally customize how much heat you like. Or, leave your taco order totally up to the staff—it’ll probably be the only time you’ll ever get prescribed gorditas.
Tough Cookie Bakery
$ | (512) 629-6936 | WEBSITE
This charming bakery oasis from the same folks behind the historic Main Street vibe is located in a quaint older building that captures the small town charm. This delightful spot has classic treats like a $6 root beer float, and a variety of desserts worth exploring. Want a vegan cookie with gluten-free flour and chocolate chips? They’ve got it. Savory biscuits and gravy with homemade sausage and peppered gravy? You’ve come to the right bakery case.
The only catch is that weekend morning lines can take a while, so arrive early for the best selection.
Philly Cheesesteak Corner
$ | (512) 321-2233 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a strip mall in Bastrop is Philly Cheesesteak Corner. It’s not exactly hidden—there’s a steady stream of regulars coming through the door, and anyone driving by has likely seen the glowing sign at least a dozen times in the past hour. The inside is straight out of a classic sandwich shop, with worn vinyl booths, fluorescent lighting, and more Formica surfaces than a 1970s diner.
While it feels like a grease-stained apron could appear at any second, this place is really just filled with hungry construction workers, families with kids, and locals who come solely for a satisfying cheesesteak with their $8.50 sandwich and fries. Use this place regularly for a quick lunch, or to impress any out-of-towner who has a deep love for authentic Philly flavors.
Arby’s
$ | (737) 881-8009 | WEBSITE
Despite the fact that you may find the air conditioning a bit spotty at Arby’s, the food is actually quite good. You can find much better roast beef sandwiches at other Bastrop spots like local diners and barbecue joints. But we can’t argue that this fast-food restaurant checks some boxes. It has a modern and clean look complete with friendly staff who remember regular orders. It has accurate orders, great prices, and more Beef and Cheddars than you can shake a curly fry at.
If you’re into satisfying meals, we can recommend one visit just to check out the Big Roast Beef sandwich and some meals absolutely packed with flavor.
Piney Creek Chop House
$$$ | (512) 321-2135 | WEBSITE
There’s a good chance you’ve wandered past this vintage building after browsing the art galleries downtown. At this chop house, unlike many fine dining spots that just have steaks and a few sides (if you’re lucky), Piney Creek Chop House said, “not on our watch.” Alongside their legendary martinis, they serve excellent dishes like double cut lamb chops, crab macaroni and cheese, and a vegetarian creamed spinach.
Just note that the front room is dark and intimate, and you can’t get a table without planning ahead. Plus, they’re strict with happy hour—don’t expect those $5 martinis even a minute after 7 pm.
Paw Paws Catfish House
$ | (512) 321-9800 | WEBSITE
A simple roadside sign points you toward this welcoming restaurant with a friendly atmosphere. There’s lots of natural light and casual seating, a bustling counter up front, and checkered tablecloths creating a homey look like most other catfish houses (banana pudding on every table, notwithstanding).
But dishes like crispy fried deviled eggs and perfectly cooked catfish-shrimp combo baskets are well-executed, and with slim pickings for satisfying spots in Bastrop, this place stands out by default.
