One of the best parts of staying at these resorts is checking out the different restaurants. While each resort has a slight variation, there is a pretty standard combination of a fancy steakhouse, a sports bar, a poolside grill, and at least one family-friendly restaurant. The family-friendly spot can get crowded at prime times so you may want to go ahead and get a reservation when you book your room. We hope this list gives you a better idea of what to expect at each restaurant so you compare the resorts and pick the one that’s best for you and your family!
| JW | HC | LP | LW | GT | WR | HB | SL | LC | |
| American | x | x | x | x | x | x | |||
| Texan/ Southern | x | x | x | x | x | ||||
| Italian | x | x | |||||||
| Tex-Mex | x | x | x | ||||||
| Sports Bar | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | ||
| Steak House | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Poolside Bar | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Cocktail Bar | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | ||
| Golf Grill/ Bar | x | x | x | ||||||
| Coffee Shop | x | x | x | x | x |
JW Marriott (JW), Hyatt Hill Country (HC), Hyatt Lost Pines (LP), Lakeway Resort and Spa (LW), Gaylord Texan (GT), The Woodlands Resort (WR), Horseshoe Bay (HB), San Luis (SL), La Cantera (LC)
Best Texas Resorts for Restaurants
1. JW Marriott San Antonio– San Antonio, Texas
1. Cibolo Moon
Tex-Mex inspired, Casual, Open breakfast (6:30 – 11am), lunch (11am – 2pm), and dinner (5 – 10pm).
This is the most family friendly of the resort’s restaurants. Portions are large and foods is delicious! They have a BBQ buffet that you conveniently walk past on the way to your table or you can order from the menu. The Chicken Fried Steak literally hangs off the plate and the Filet Mignon is quite possibly the best steak I’ve ever had!
2. Crooked Branch
Cocktail Bar also offering small plates/snacks. Casual atmosphere, open breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
A great place to grab a drink while waiting for your table at Cibolo Moon. Enjoy live music in the evening or grab a rocking chair by the fireplace on the large outdoor patio. There is a big lawn where kids can run around as well. You receive 2 vouchers for free house drinks provided when you check in, pop them in your wallet so you don’t forget them!
3. 18 Oaks
Steakhouse, Seafood, Brunch. Smart Casual Attire. Open Breakfast (Sat 7- 11am), Lunch (11am-2pm), Happy Hour (2-6pm), and DInner (Mon-Sat 5-10pm, Sun 5-9pm)
Delicious steaks and tasty sides ordered à la carte. Dress is smart casual. Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Located on the opposite side of the resort from the pool and other restaurants, so check the map!
4. High Velocity
Sports Bar. Casual. Open for lunch and dinner
Sports bar with ample TVs to catch the game and outdoor patio seating available too. With two dozen draft beers to choose from and flights available as well it’s gonna be your best bet for beer at the resort. Expect standard sports bar fare with a creative spin such as the pickle fried chicken sandwich…. yes, please!
5. Replenish Spa Bistro.
Spa Restaurant, atmosphere is relaxed casual, open for lunch only.
Inside the spa so bringing little kids is not cool. Freshly grown garden-to-table organic options and smoothies available or opt to be fancy and order wine with your relaxation.
6. Rivertop Grill.
Poolside Grill, Dress is poolside casual, Open for lunch, dinner and (our favorite) afternoon snacks.
You can order from a poolside waiter or place your order at the bar then take a few trips around the lazy river while you wait!
7. Starbucks.
Coffeehouse (duh), Open for breakfast.
Lines can get very long in the morning. Note: there are 2 lines – one for coffee only that is much shorter and a longer one for full service.
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2. Hyatt Regency Hill Country – San Antonio, Texas
1. Antlers Lodge
Upscale Texan fare, Dress code is resort wear, Open for dinner only.
The token steakhouse with a Texan flare. Offerings include steaks, fish, and Texas wild game. Some of the more exotic menu items include venison meatballs, antelope carpaccio, wild boar pozole, and spice rubbed elk.
2. Springhouse Café
American, Dress is casual, Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
This is the most family-friendly option for dinner on the resort and great for a large group. Known for their buffets, everyone is sure to find something they enjoy. Disclaimer: the breakfast buffet with omelet station will have you going back for seconds, or even thirds… hey, it’s a vacation, right?
3. Charlie’s Long Bar
Sports bar, Casual, Open 3pm-12am daily (21+ after 9pm).
This is a saloon-themed bar that serves the resort’s most extensive beer selection and cocktails. There are a few TVs for watching sports but it’s not the main focus. If you’re looking for a big game here, I’d recommend arriving early to get a good seat. Food is available but leaves something to be desired. Plan to eat elsewhere then grab a drink and a game of shuffleboard or darts here. Bonus: shelled peanuts served with drinks.
4. Papa Ed’s Pool Bar and Grill
Poolside grill, Poolside casual, Open seasonally.
There are poolside waiters available or you can order at the bar. The menu includes typical poolside grill fare such as apps, salads, and sandwiches/wraps. They have a decent kids menu that should appease even your pickiest little eaters. Think: PBJ, hot dog, and chicken tenders. Kids slushies are available too… colorful tongue and lips included!
5. Vince’s Watering Hole
Poolside grill, Poolside casual, Open seasonally.
Expect standard poolside grill options along with a full bar. Vince’s is on the opposite side of the water park area from Papa Ed’s, near the Edge Falls surfing area. I love how this resort is making sure you don’t have to stray too far from the pool to grab a bite or a drink!
6. Cactus Oak Bar
Golf course grill, Open for lunch daily
Offering a full bar along with sandwiches, salads, and burgers. It’s open early on weekends (6am) with breakfast tacos and grab-and-go options for those hitting the green early. Located across from the Hill Country Hyatt Golf Club Pro Shop on the south end of the resort.
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3. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines – Bastrop, Texas
1. Stories Fine Dining
Upscale steakhouse, Dress is resort casual, Open for dinner only.
Steaks are good and can be personalized with a selection of sauces or enhancements (think: black truffle Wagyu butter or gorgonzola garlic crown). The food is good, but the atmosphere is pretty plain. My husband was a big fan of the lobster bisque starter. Located upstairs from Sheller’s Barrelhouse Bar.
2. Firewheel Café
Texan/Southern, Casual, Open for breakfast and dinner.
This cafe is very family friendly and would also be good for a group. Food for both breakfast and dinner is set up buffet style with something for everyone.
3. Old Buck’s Place
Poolside grill, Poolside casual, Open seasonal hours.
Order from poolside waiters or there are a few tables near the centrally located bar. It offers a nice selection of tropical mixed and frozen drinks, beers, and wine, along with salads and a selection of burgers (beef, turkey, or veggie). A kids menu is available as well. Our toddler enjoyed living his best life noshing mac and cheese poolside on our last trip here. Poolside service is a bit slow but the wait is actually relaxing, given the surroundings. Gratuity is automatically included, and if billed to your room, you don’t have to wait to close your tab which is obviously great for dealing with impatient little kids.
4. Sheller’s Barrelhouse Bar
Sports Bar, Casual, Open lunch and dinner including late night (12am or 1am).
Pretty good selection of local microbrews and cocktails to pair with Texan-inspired pub fare. The smoked and braised prime rib tacos served build-your-own style and burger were delicious, while the shiner bock queso was decent but nothing to write home about… disclaimer: I am a self-proclaimed queso aficionado. However, the best thing about this place is the large outdoor patio and fire pit. Grab a drink (ask for plastic if you plan to take it outside) and relax in a rocking chair around the communal fire pit for a relaxing end to your day… don’t forget to look up at the stars!
5. Major Neighbors Grill
Golf grill, Open for lunch (1-3pm) and bar is open until 5pm but call ahead in the winter as hours change seasonally.
Menu options include pizza, burgers, and salads.
6. McDade’s Emporium and Ice Cream Saloon.
Ice Cream and snacks. They also set up a quick grab-and-go stand with breakfast tacos, pastries, muffins, fruit, coffee and juice in the hallway outside of the Emporium weekend mornings. The tacos are really good and nice to enjoy in a rocking chair on the large back porch or on a bench by the playground while your tots get their wiggles out.
7. Tiny’s Range House.
Grab-and-go snacks, beer, wine, and liquor as well as cigars. Located near holes one and ten. Full bar service is available from carts on the course as well.
8. Scribe’s Club
Library-style lounge, 21+ only.
A small, country club-esque setting with a genteel ambiance that makes you want to sip scotch while reading something scholarly.
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4. Lakeway Resort and Spa – Lake Travis, Texas
1. TR Restaurant Bar and Lounge
American with seasonal menu items overlooking beautiful Lake Travis. Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner with daily happy hour. Has an extensive menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and steak. In true Texas fashion, you can order smoked brisket in breakfast tacos, lasagna, or pasta — depending on what time of day you’re dining!
2. The Back Porch Lobby Bar
Drinks (beer, wine, and cocktails) served while you relax in rocking chairs on a covered balcony overlooking Lake Travis. Great place to enjoy the sunset! There is also a grab-and-go breakfast bar on weekends.
3. Sensory Direct.
Basically room service from TR Restaurant with the service and delivery fee included. Late night pizza til 1am on weekends.
4. Sunset Pool Bar and Grill
Swim up bar, poolside bar and grill open for lunch and dinner daily 11am- 9pm.
5. Gaylord Texan Resort – Grapevine, Texas
1. Riverwalk Cantina
Tex-Mex, Casual, Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The breakfast buffet is extensive and delicious or you can order from the menu. Lunch and dinner options are Tex-Mex staples with an emphasis on the “Tex” such as smoked brisket tacos, short rib flautas, and the Texan chorizo burger to name a few. Full bar is available including tequila flights, which are always a good idea – right?… right? It is located in the riverwalk atrium where you can dine “outdoor” on a tiered patio overlooking the manmade river with koi fish swimming by — entertaining for kids and parents alike!
2. Texan Station Sports Bar and Grill
Sports bar, Casual atmosphere, Open lunch and dinner.
This is the sports bar of sports bars! There is literally a wall of TVs and several rows of recliners as well as tables. The recliners are first come, first serve but see the hostess for tables. If there is a big game (think: Super Bowl, World Series or NBA Finals) you want to make a reservation or arrive early as others will be glued to the TVs until the game is over. The nachos are delicious and will keep you full for days.
3. Old Hickory Steakhouse
Steakhouse, Casual attire, Open for dinner only.
Cozy restaurant serving classic steaks and sides with a few unexpected starters like Spanish octopus, house made charcuterie, and a chilled seafood tower including Maine lobster, shrimp, oyster, and king crab.
4. Glass Cactus
Nightclub, casual.
Enjoy live music over shareable plates and street tacos. Happy hour 8-9pm with half-priced apps and drink specials as well. Not super family friendly but would be good for a group of adults. It is separate from the rest of the resort past the parking garage.
5. Mission Plaza Marketplace.
Grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, and snacks. Beer and wine available in the afternoon/ evening.
This is a fast and easy option for hot breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and coffee to start your day. A few tables are available overlooking the lone star atrium with a giant fountain that little kids will enjoy watching.
6. Paradise Springs Waterpark
Poolside grill, Casual, Open Memorial Day to Labor Day when the water park is open.
Enjoy salads, sandwiches, or burgers poolside in between trips around the lazy river. Kids menu available offering hot dogs, grilled cheese, or chicken tenders served with fries. You can order from poolside waiters or directly from the bar. Side note: Kona Ice is available at the water park as well but can not be charged to the room so you may want to pack some cash or a credit card.
7. The Cocoa Bean.
Coffee house, Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Serving Starbucks coffee and grab-and-go snacks, sandwiches, and breakfast options. Lines can be long in the morning as everyone is feening for their morning lattes. If just basic coffee will do, I recommend going to Mission Plaza Marketplace to dodge the crowd.
8. Zeppole
Italian, Casual dress, Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Festive atmosphere under cafe lights in the hill country atrium. The pizza is good but the pasta is better. I especially enjoyed the Ragu alla bolognese. Breakfast buffet offered that includes seemingly everything, including a chocolate fountain that is sure to please the kiddos and keep them bouncing off the walls!
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6. The Woodlands Resort – The Woodlands, Texas
1. The Woodlands Dining Room
A casual restaurant open for breakfast and lunch
Offering an extensive breakfast buffet as well personalized items like omelets. The breakfast buffet will run your $22 for adults and $12 for children, while the lunch buffet is $2 more per person.
2. Robard’s Steakhouse
A steakhouse with a trendy, upscale setting open for dinner.
The menu offers a variety of steak and seafood options including fun starters like crab claws and mediterranean octopus.
3. Cool Water Cafe
Poolside cafe offering a wide selection of American food.
Whether you’re craving a salad, sandwich, fish tacos, or quesadilla you can find it here. There is a kids menu with a selection of toddler-friendly items as well as an extensive cocktail menu offering both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options. Just be sure to save room for dessert at the Sweet Spot Ice Cream Parlour next to the cafe.
4. The Bistro
American, Casual atmosphere, Open for lunch and dinner and a decent bar open til midnight.
You can enjoy anything from marinated olives to flatbreads and burgers. This is also where you’ll find the most extensive beer selection as well as wine, bourbon, and single malt scotch.
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7. Horseshoe Bay Resort– Lake LBJ, Texas
1. Lantana Restaurant & Bar
American cuisine in a casual setting, open for breakfast lunch, and dinner.
This “hill country-inspired” menu offers a mouthwatering breakfast menu and dinner items such as sweet tea brined chicken and a brisket pizza. The bar is open til midnight.
2. Yacht Club Dining
Upscale American cuisine on the waterfront, open for lunch and dinner daily. Dress code enforced for dinner.
3. Y Bar
Upscale bar at the yacht club, dress code enforced.
4. Slick Rock Grill & Bar
Golf Grill & Bar, Casual, Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Extensive menu of savory sandwiches, wraps, salads on the Slick Rock Golf Course.
5. Cap Rock Cabana
Grab-and-go, Casual, Open breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Offering Breakfast tacos, sandwiches, burgers and more for the Apple Rock and Ram Rock golf courses.
6. Whitewater 360 Sports Club
Sports bar, Casual, Open for lunch and dinner.
Catch the game while enjoying a fancy hot dog or buffalo chicken salad. Just be sure to save room for some pizookie (pizza + cookie). Wash it all down with a beer, wine, or craft cocktail!
7. Cafe Del Sol
Poolside cafe, Poolside Casual, Open lunch and dinner.
Nosh on salad, sandwich or pizza while sipping on a refreshing frozen drink poolside (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available) or choose from a selection of enticing cocktails… prickly pear sangria? Yes, please.
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8. San Luis Resort – Galveston Island, Texas
1. The Steakhouse
Steakhouse, Resort Casual, Open Tuesday – Saturday 6-10pm, Reservations recommended.
Dine on an upscale selection of steak or seafood including local gulf snapper accompanied by a mouthwatering selection of sides. Has been named one of the top ten steakhouses in Texas.
2. Grotto
Italian, open Monday & Wednesday – Sun 4-10pm.
Enjoy a selection of housemade pastas, pizza, or opt for an entree of veal, chicken, or seafood. There’s a decent happy hour M-F from 4-7pm with drink discounts, $5 apps, and $8 pizzas.
3. Blake’s Bistro
American, Casual, Open Sunday- Thursday 6:30am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 6:30am – 10pm
Breakfast menu offers classic selections, regional selections like the cajun seafood omelet, and decadent options like the banana fosters (pan)cakes served with vanilla ice cream (not joking). Lunch/Dinner menu offers a wide variety of classic apps (think: loaded fries, nachos), salads, oversized sandwiches (example: The “One Pound” Rueben), and burgers. Casual, family-friendly sports bar vibe.
4. Cup + Cone
Coffee/Dessert, Casual, Open Sunday- Thursday 6:30am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 6:30am – 10pm.
Start your day with coffee and end it with gelato, or maybe the other way around… vacation, right?
5. San Luis Bar
Bar, Casual, Open Sun-Thurs 5pm-12am, Fri -Sat 5pm – 2am.
Grab a drink before dinner or enjoy some live music after. Located next to the steakhouse. Bar snacks available.
6. H2O Pool Bar and Lounge
Poolside Bar, Poolside casual.
Offers a variety of tropical-themed cocktails including traditional, frozen, and “skinny” options. Sip on your frozen bellini at the swim up bar or poolside lounge, both with beach views!
7. Rainforest Cafe
American, Casual, Sun-Thurs 11am – 9:30pm, Fri 11am – 10pm, Sat 11am – 11pm
The jungle-themed chain you know and love. Across the street from the hotel but on the resort property.
8. Landry’s Seafood
Seafood, Casual, Open Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Sat-Sun 11am-11pm.
Classic steak and seafood options with an incredible beach view. Enjoy outdoor seating and happy hour. Across the street from the hotel but on the resort property.
9. IHOP
American, Casual, Open 24 hours.
Another great classic with something for everyone with an affordable price tag. Across the street from the hotel but on the resort property.
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9. La Cantera Resort – San Antonio, Texas
1. Signature
Seafood/Steak, Upscale, Open for Sunday Brunch (10:30am – 2pm) and Dinner (T-F 4:30-10pm, Sat 5:30-10pm, Sun 5:30-9pm). Happy Hour Tues-Fri 4:30-6.
This is the resident upscale restaurant (see: pricey, plate will run your $40-50) offering a variety of rich dishes sure to please. Nosh on some escargot while you ponder whether to order beef tenderloin, seared sea scallops, or roasted rack of lamb.
2. Sweet Fire Kitchen
American, Casual, Open Mon – Sat for Breakfast (7am – 11am), Lunch (11am), Dinner (5- 10pm). Sunday Brunch 9am – 2pm.
Locally sourced American cuisine with impressive vegetarian options. The breakfast menu gives you a variety of tasty options from egg dishes and waffles to salads and sandwiches. The dinner menu offers a flavorful selection of southern-inspired cuisine (think: fried deviled eggs & chicken on a stick) as well as brick oven pizzas and grill offerings (think: beef, pork, and even cauliflower steaks for those vegetarians in the back).
3. Primero Cantina
Tex-Mex, Casual, Open Breakfast (Sun 7-11am), Lunch (daily 11am-5pm), and Dinner (daily 5pm-11pm).
Classic tex-mex offering like tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and guac (duh).
4. Sire Bar
Lobby Bar, Casual, Bar Snacks Sun- Fri 4pm-1am & Sat 2pm-1am.
King Ranch-inspired bar with impressive selection of whiskey – bourbon, rye, scotch, Canadian, Japanese, and even Taiwanese. They also have wine, beer (draught and bottled), sherry, port, brandy, and cognac. Can’t decide? Try a flight.
5. Bocado
Lobby Bar Snacks, Casual. Open daily 4pm-11pm.
Charcuterie and macaroons are on the menu because, why not? Enjoy while sipping on a cocktail at Sire Bar.
6. Topaz
Poolside Grill (Adult Pool), Poolside Casual, Open Seasonally.
Best described as upscale poolside fare available at the adults-only pool. Options include crab & lobster cakes, seared ahi salad, and lobster grilled cheese.
7. Vista Grille
Poolside Grill, Poolside Casual, Open Seasonally.
The poolside grill for everyone else. Dine on chicken strips, salads, and wraps. There is also a kid’s menu, full bar, and Dippin’ Dots (yes, those Dippin’ Dots).
8. Henrietta’s Market
Market. Open Daily (Sun-Thurs 6am-9pm, Fri & Sat 6am-10pm).
“Old-fashioned” market with vittles and (overpriced) items you may have forgotten at home. Grab-n-go food items and snacks for any time of day, ice cream, and a barista for when the in room Keurig just doesn’t cut it.
9. Grille 254
Sports Bar/Golf Grill, Casual. Open Breakfast (Tues-Sun 6:30-11am), Lunch (daily 11am-5pm), Happy Hour (3-7pm), Dinner (daily 5-11pm).
You don’t have to be a golf fan to love this place. Located at the Resort Course clubhouse, this golfside grill has enough TVs to ensure you won’t miss a game for any sports fans. Expect classic offerings like salads, sandwiches, burgers, and even loaded fries along with a full bar and 24 beers on tap.
10. Quenche Juicery
Spa restaurant, open daily 8am – 8pm.
Offering a variety of fresh juices, bowls, salads, and drinks. A little refresher with your refreshers.
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