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New restaurant offers Texas cuisine, Gulf Coast seafood and rare whiskeys to Hays County
Submitted
Whiskey Ridge, the new restaurant concept from the team behind Austin favorites Cover 2 and Cover 3, opened its doors to the public on Monday, Nov. 11., in Driftwood.
The restaurant brings together the best elements of Texas dining: locally sourced ingredients, time-honored cooking traditions and true hospitality, all served against the backdrop of stunning Hill Country views. The restaurant is located in Driftwood, at the corner of FM 150 and FM 3237, across from the Hays City Store.
'We're thrilled to finally welcome guests to Whiskey Ridge,' said owner Doug Young. 'We've created a space that celebrates everything we love about Texas, from the food and spirits to the warm hospitality and gorgeous Hill Country terrain. Our team has poured their heart into making this a special destination for both locals and visitors.'
The 6,000-squarefoot restaurant will serve as a destination for elevated Texas cuisine, Gulf Coast seafood and an extensive collection of rare and small-batch whiskeys.
Chef Steve Warner is heading up the culinary program, bringing his experience from notable restaurants, including ATX Cocina, Bulevar and J Carvers. Signature menu items include a Chicken Fried Ribeye made with hand-cut aged R-C Ranch wagyu and topped with scratch-made gravy; Braised Beef Short Rib with jalapeño cheese grits finished with a molasses guajillo glaze; and a Double Trouble Wagyu Burger with double wagyu patties, American cheese, applewood smoked bacon, sweet onion, bread & butter pickles and a horseradish dijonaise. For those seeking lighter fare, the restaurant will offer fresh salads and an impressive selection of Gulf Coast seafood dishes, including broiled oysters and various chilled and raw bar items like Yellowfin Tuna Tartare Tostadas and Jumbo Gulf Shrimp Cocktail.
The restaurant's extensive beverage program, led by industry veteran Jimmy Joe Zumwalt who brings over 35 years of experience to the role, features rare bourbons, small-batch whiskeys and creative cocktails highlighting Texas spirits such as a Frozen Old Fashioned (Still Austin bourbon, Angostura bitters, black cherry) and the Ridge Over Troubled Waters (High West double rye whiskey, Grand Marnier, Averna Amaro, Foro Rosso Vermouth Di Torino, bitters, coffee). Other Texascentric cocktails sure to become favorites include the Hill Country Hospitality with Socorro Reposado tequila, prickly pear, Jalisco 1562 Orange Liqueur, pineapple and lime, and the refreshing Front Porch Spritz with Aperol, 21 Seeds Valencia Orange Tequila, orange juice and prosecco.
The restaurant's design embraces its Hill Country setting with an open-concept layout that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces. Local materials, including Texas limestone and custom Swift River pecan wood tables, complement the space's Texas- centric artwork and hand-painted murals. A sweeping covered porch offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, creating an ideal setting for sunset dining.
Private dining options include The Ranger Room, which accommodates up to 40 guests for a seated dinner, and up to 70 guests for a cocktailstyle reception, perfect for special occasions and corporate gatherings.
Whiskey Ridge will be open for dinner service from 3 PM to 11 PM seven days a week. They will be announcing lunch and weekend brunch hours soon. For more information about Whiskey Ridge, please visit whiskeyridgetx. com or follow them on social media @WhiskeyRidgeDriftwood.tx.
