Worth the Weekend
You’ll come to Lockhart for the historic barbecue, but you’ll stay for the live music, fun events, and laid-back vibe.
You’ll come to Lockhart for the historic barbecue, but you’ll stay for the live music, fun events, and laid-back vibe.
Long synonymous with barbecue in the Lone Star State, the City of Lockhart’s contribution to Texas ’cue was recognized officially by the Texas Legislature in 2003, when lawmakers designated Lockhart as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas.”
And now, as a newly minted “Music Friendly Texas Certified Community,” Lockhart also pulses with live music, from dive bars to upscale venues. For more live music, take the whole family to Courthouse Nights, an outdoor music series held every third Friday from April to August at the Caldwell County Courthouse Lawn.
Just 30 minutes south of Austin, artists, musicians, and chefs have begun to call Lockhart home, enriching the already vibrant culture of the town. The city’s special First Fridays offer locals and visitors alike a monthly celebration when downtown businesses host special events, stay open late, and offer free food and beverages plus discounts, enticing the community to come out for a good time. Whether for a day or a weekend, come explore art galleries, sip craft cocktails, and wander through streets lined with stunning historic architecture and small-town charm.
Beyond its barbecue accolades, the city also offers Texas history, art and culture, live music, and even a growing film production scene. It hosted filming for the popular Yellowstone prequel 1923, featuring Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford, who shot scenes in the historic downtown stretch, which stood in for 1920s Fort Worth. Perhaps all of this is why Smithsonian Magazine crowned the town of 17,000 residents “one of the best small towns in the U.S.” this year!
The history of barbecue in Lockhart goes as far back as we can trace the history of barbecue anywhere in Texas, and the legacies of the fine joints in Lockhart continue to this day. There are seven barbecue restaurants in this picturesque town. Together, they estimate that more than 5,000 people visit their establishments each week!
Lockhart barbecue history began in 1875, when Jesse Swearingen opened a meat market in town. The meat market was purchased by Charles Kreuz in 1900 for $200 and was renamed Kreuz Market. Still operating today, it is Lockhart’s oldest BBQ joint, smoking meat the same way for 150 years.
Black’s Barbecue Lockhart is famous for being the oldest joint in Texas owned by the same family. Four generations of Blacks have operated the pits since 1932. Black’s is renowned for its smoked beef ribs.
Run by the family of Lockhart barbecue legend Edgar A. “Smitty” Schmidt, Smitty’s Market is housed in the original location of Kreuz Market and uses the same pit Smitty smoked on since he bought the place in 1948, after working for the Kreuz Family since he was about 13.
Billed as “where the locals eat,” Lockhart Chisholm Trail Bar-BQ opened in 1978 and serves a delightful assortment of meats. Another local “can’t miss” spot is Riley’s Pit BBQ, where pitmaster Riley Salas has been in the BBQ business since he sold firewood to various joints as a teen. Check out the BBQ Meatloaf Special, served on Wednesdays.
Lockhart’s barbecue present is just as exciting as its storied past.
With locations established in Austin and Dallas, Terry Black’s Barbecue Lockhart opened here in 2022, and is run by the Terry Black family, who are, of course, part of the famous Black BBQ family of Lockhart.
If you’re in town on a Saturday or Sunday, snag a spot in line at Barbs B Q, which was recently named a Texas Monthly Top 50 Barbecue joint. The newest member of this BBQ-lovin’ town was also recently awarded a Bib Gourmand recognition in Texas’s new MICHELIN Guide.
Beyond barbecue, Lockhart is rapidly becoming known for its bustling cultural and shopping scene, as well as its food and drink offerings.
Just off the square, follow the neon sign pointing down some stairs, where you’ll find Little Trouble, with its speakeasy vibe. The scratch kitchen specializes in casual fine dining and check out the craft cocktail menu. On weekends, head upstairs for brunch at the new Charlotte’s!
Market Street Café and Market offers breakfast, lunch, and brunch in a casual setting. On the menu, look for inventive and unexpected dishes, like the Fruity Pebbles Waffle and the Blackberry Lime Curd French Toast. Plus, a once-monthly Indian food buffet.
Three words: Famous. Banana. Pudding. Home to the most decadent dessert in all of Lockhart, The Culinary Room is a grocery store, bakery, and specialty food shop where visitors can indulge in chef-prepared meals, grab-and-go items, and gourmet goods.
Commerce Café is a family-friendly restaurant run by Sarah Heard and Nathan Lemley, chefs and co-owners. They offer good food, using meat and produce grown and raised “as close to us as possible.” Try a popover, chicken-fried steak, or the daily cheesecake.
The shops around the historic town square in Lockhart offer everything from vintage goods to cool novelty items, and the galleries have something for every art-lover.
Commerce Gallery showcases contemporary visual art with rotating exhibitions from Texas’s most celebrated contemporary artists. Check out artist-in-residence Christopher St. Leger.
Housed in a former pharmacy, Get Lucky Gallery features art, curated goods, and handmade homewares, including pillows, ceramics, and vases, as well as other unique offerings from local and regional artists.
Nestled in the heart of downtown, discover Artisan House, where husband-wife Leigha and Ryan Struthers handcraft sustainable soy wax candles, mini diffusers, wax melts, and fragrant room sprays using non-toxic, eco-friendly ingredients. Check out the Smells Like Lockhart BBQ candle.
Don’t miss Cult of Happy, a shop and gallery, which exists to offer visitors art, apparel, and gifts just beyond its “Sorry we’re open” sign on the door.
Thorn and Bred Mercantile is a cozy oasis where lush plants co-exist with coffee and house-made goodies, including breakfast tacos, focaccia plates, cakes, cookies, and more. Discover the “beats and beans” morning DJ set and coffee event that takes place every second Saturday.
Lockhart City Park offers expansive green space with a beautiful pond. At nearby Lockhart State Park, you can hike, bike, swim, and play golf. Head indoors to the Dr. Eugene Clark Library, the oldest continuously operating library in the state of Texas.
Known for its charming pond, home to happy ducks, Lockhart City Park is the recommended spot for picnics under the trees, fishing, or just relaxing. More energetic visitors enjoy the nine-hole disc golf course that’s open year-round.
Just off the square, take a step back in time at the Dr. Eugene Clark Library, the oldest continuously operating library in the state. It’s still housed in its original 1899 building—complete with beautiful stained-glass windows and ornate iron spiral staircases.
Visitors who have a little extra time will want to check out Lockhart State Park. The park offers camping, hiking, biking, a pool in the summer, and even has a golf course.
Antique charm and modern sensibility—you’ll find a variety of cool options when it comes to overnight stays in Lockhart.
Gambrell House offers Southern charm in a Greek Revival home and holds 12 guests in three bedrooms.
Across the street you’ll find the Rosenwasser Guesthouse, once home to a prominent Lockhart family, now offering visitors a cozy place to stay.
Within walking distance of the square, Birdie House is an old-school bed and breakfast with four guest rooms, housed in a stunning 1898 home, and featuring a heated salt-water pool.
Enjoy original art, a great record collection, and the best view in town of Lockhart’s historic courthouse at the two-bedroom, one-bath Brock House. Walk to all of Lockhart’s local favorites!