News

Head to this Hill Country restaurant for Texas meats, Gulf Coast seafood and small-batch bourbon

Whiskey Ridge is where good eats meet Texas hospitality.

Kayla Hui
Written by
Kayla Hui
Texas and Southern USA Editor
Whiskey Ridge's broiled oysters
Courtesy Kayla Hui | | Whiskey Ridge's broiled oysters
Advertising

Dripping Springs might not be the first place that comes to mind for great food, but don’t sleep on its growing restaurant scene. Case in point: Whiskey Ridge, a restaurant specializing in locally sourced meat, Gulf Coast seafood and an impressive selection of whiskey and distilled spirits. Since opening in late 2024, it has been making waves in the Hill Country food scene. I made the 40-minute drive from Austin to see what all the buzz was about—here’s my honest review. 

After a warm “welcome home” from the staff, I was seated at a table with a mix of banquette-style seating and loose chairs. We kicked off the evening with several appetizers: hot queso and chips, which leaned a little salty; a rich Texas gumbo and my favorite, the Gulf Coast oysters, broiled in herb butter, finely cut jalapeños and bread crumbs. 

Our server Kef, who also happens to be Buffalo Trace certified, recommended we try some bourbons. He brought out Weller CYPB, a light, citrusy pour with smooth caramel notes and spiced apple undertones, followed by Heaven Hill Grain To Glass, which featured hints of oak, caramel and toasted almonds. But the real standout? A pour of Pappy Van Winkle, aged over 20 years at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort. With only limited quantities produced each year, Pappy Van Winkle is notoriously hard to find, and few restaurants carry it. If you’re a bourbon drinker, Whiskey Ridge offers pours, but be prepared to splurge. 

Assortment of bourbons from Whiskey Ridge
Courtesy Kayla HuiAssortment of bourbons from Whiskey Ridge

After appetizers and drinks, we moved on to the mains. When at Whiskey Ridge, red meat is the way to go. The beef, sourced from a local ranch in Bailey’s Prairie, Texas, is cut in-house daily and grilled over live oak, which imparts a subtle smokiness and ensures an even sear. Our center-cut steak didn’t disappoint; it was juicy, perfectly charred and full of flavor. 

Whiskey Ridge's broiled oysters
Courtesy Kayla HuiWhiskey Ridge's broiled oysters

We also sampled a few other dishes, including a creamy mac and cheese, bacon-wrapped jumbo shrimp engulfed in a chipotle glaze and a yellowfin tuna steak topped with avocado salsa and tortilla chips. Everything arrived in generous portions, and by the time dessert was offered, I was already stuffed. But as any dessert lover knows, there’s always room for something sweet, even if you’re only taking a few bites. We made room for a house-made blackberry cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the perfect way to end the night. 

Blackberry cobbler
Courtesy Kayla HuiBlackberry cobbler

Whiskey Ridge has a cozy yet modern-industrial aesthetic, with layered metal pendant lighting, dark wooden tables and leather seating that set the mood for date night, friend gatherings or family dinners. There’s also an enclosed outdoor seating area with fireplaces and blankets to enjoy a few drinks and appetizers on a crisp evening. 

If you’re looking for a warm, inviting spot to indulge in Gulf Coast bites, meat-forward entrees and small-batch bourbons, Whiskey Ridge delivers. Here, “welcome home” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a feeling you’ll carry with you long after you leave. 

You may also like
You may also like
Advertising