Round Top is a quaint town of 90 people located right between Austin and Houston. You can find the ‘Round Top City Limit, Pop. 90’ sign sold in just about any shop during the famous ‘Antique Week’. For the past few years the town has become the weekend getaway of choice for residents of Texas’ major cities. I’m lucky enough to have roots in Round Top. Generations of my family have been born and raised in one of Texas’ most beautiful small towns. We even have a little road named for us (props if you can find Schmidt Ln. please send me a pic). So take it from someone who has seen the town grow over the course of 20+ years, this is your ultimate weekend guide to Round Top Texas.

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Where To Stay

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At No Fixed Addresses we only advertise small and locally owned hospitality providers so rest assured you can have confidence that every dollar you spend goes back to the local economy. Our top picks include:

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Farmstead Round Top: Farmstead is a boutique hotel that offers stunning views of the picturesque country landscape the area is known for and a prime location for antique shopping. Guests have the opportunity to stay in modern farmhouse style cabins dating back to the 1800s, or their own private cottage. Judy, Farmstead’s owner, is a Round Top local with expert knowledge on all things the town and surrounding antique fair have to offer.

Rancho Pillow: Rancho Pillow can only be described as an artist’s paradise. The hotel, which was originally a family compound acquired by the owner in 2006, is brimming with Latin-American folk art touches and bright colors from floor to ceiling. The ranch has 4 separate guesthouses and a teepee that can be reserved.

Round Top’s Little Colony: Staying at Round Top’s Little Colony feels like taking a step back in time. The innkeepers, Mary Kay and Bobby, have renovated a 17th century cabin into two separate guest rooms. The most impressive thing however, is how they’ve managed to preserve the original woodwork and charm of the cabin. Better yet, all of the furniture was commissioned by a local craftsman and replicates what would have been typical of the 1800’s.

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Where to Eat

Local Roots Round Top: Serving up scrumptious lunchtime eats in a small cafe setting. The restaurant feels like a mad hatter tea party with a dash of Southern charm. Every piece of decor has been meticulously handpicked and designed by the owner, and let me tell you, it’s a feast for the eyes… not to mention the palette. This place has one of the most DELICIOUS chicken salads I’ve ever tasted and they get major bonus points for making their bread in-house. Be sure to wash it all down with a refreshing raspberry lemonade. Oh! And don’t forget to grab one of their giant ding dongs for the drive home! Yes… you read that right…. A giant ding dong.

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The Stone Cellar: Head over to the Stone Cellar for a laid back atmosphere in a renovated barn with a wraparound porch. If you’re looking for a quick lunch or somewhere with live music and a view, this is the place for you. They boast 25 beers on tap, an equally impressive wine selection, and specialize in thin crust pizzas. I highly recommend the cordon-bleu pizza!
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Royers Round Top Cafe: No visit to Round Top would be complete without a trip to Royers. The tiny 40-seat cafe has made itself into a Texas staple. They specialize in contemporary Southern comfort food. So think your grandma's cooking with a twist. There’s no doubt that their food can stand it’s own but the major draw is the pies. They’re what have catapulted Royers into culinary stardom. My personal favorites are the Texas trash and Ann’s Pecan pies.

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Pro-tip: if you’re interested in grabbing a slice of pie and don’t want to wait in line for a seat at Royers, walk over to Royers Pie Haven in Hinkel Square to avoid the wait at their main restaurant.

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Feed and FIrewater: As the name suggests, you won’t be disappointed with their cocktail selection. Feed and Firewater is the perfect stop for dinner after a full day of antique shopping. I suggest the seafood pasta with grilled shrimp, mussels, and jumbo lump crab.

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Prost Wine Bar: Prost is Round Top’s signature wine bar located in one of the town's oldest and most historic buildings. Find a spot on their patio to enjoy an afternoon glass of wine or hand-selected charcuterie board.

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Where to shop

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Of course antique shopping is a must for your weekend trip to Round Top. After all, it’s what the town is known for! Here are my must see places for your weekend Trip.

Market Hill: Market Hill is one of the most popular destinations for antique lovers. You can find a number of vendors each with their own unique style. Walking through the massive venue you can find antiques and imports from all over the world, independent artists, hand-crafted furniture, and even a restaurant! I didn’t get the opportunity to eat here but based off of the aromas drifting through the halls, it’s on my to-do list next time I return.

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Pro Tip: This is the only air conditioned venue I visited during the Antique Fair so take a break from the afternoon Texas heat and stop into Market Hill for some shopping and lunch!

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Marburger Farm: This is a must see if you’re in town for the Antique Festival. The Farm opens its doors twice a year to over 300 vendors from around the United States and abroad. You can easily spend a full day here grazing through the aisles of antiques, collectibles, and home decor. It’s so popular that they even host “Marberger Weekend”.

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Upcoming show dates for this year are

• October 26-30th, 2021
• March 29th -April 2nd, 2022

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Recycling The Past: Recycling the Past takes all things of old and puts them in the limelight. You can find practically anything here, including an up-cycled airplane just in case you’re in the market for one of those. The Ballroom, which doubles as an event space, is made from a plethora of recyclables including tin from an old barn roof and wood from antique bed frames.

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Bombshell Betty Shop: This shop was everything I’ve ever needed. You can find handmade leather belts, boots, purses, and a variety of eclectic jewelry. Betty is the owner and curator of all the wonderful items in this glorious little shop. She’s traveled from coast to coast through the years to bring to us her magical finds. Be sure to stop in and say hello, she’s an absolute gem.

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Round Top is a special place.  In recent years it’s gone from having three main restaurants and a tiny grocery/feed store to the tourist destination it is today. Nonetheless, it’s resilient and has miraculously been able to preserve it’s small town charm and keep out large commercialization. When visiting I urge you to stay with local providers, and support the local restaurants and shops. The guide above is your first stop to doing so.