A must stop if you are traveling between Houston and Austin on Hwy 71. I'm usually a Bucees guy, but this place specializes in something that the beaver doesn't. Kolaches! Arguably one of the greatest foods ever invented. Atleast in my world. How can you go wrong with bread filled with sweet or savory fillings? Hruska's is about halfway between Houston and Austin and a perfect rest stop to fill up on gas, use the clean facilities, grab a snack or indulge in their amazing baked goods. They are steeped in history and have been around for decades passing along the family recipes. It's obviously improved structurally over the years from a country store and looks like a modern gas station now. It's always pretty busy every time I have stopped in, but they are a well oiled machine and keep the masses moving with excellent customer service. They have all your gas station essentials like snacks and beverages. What sets them apart is their bakery. Here, they label their kolaches as the traditional fruit filled variety. I like them, but they are never my first choice. I love the ones with meat inside. Here, they label these as pigs in a blanket. They have a large variety of both. I usually go for a regular sausage and cheese, but over here, they sell a delicious pan sausage kind. On top of all their sweet and savory baked goods, they also sell burgers on the grill. Their burgers have made it to the Texas Monthly Top 50 burger spots. I have yet to try it. Overall, this is an always stop place for me. I highly recommend stopping here to stretch your legs and enjoy a delicious pastry while you're at it. I will definitely be back. read more

Great half way stop between Houston and Austin. Friendly gas stop / local bakery with a Texas Southern Hospitality vibe. Gas prices were reasonable for being directly off 71 and service was friendly. Plenty of snacking choices with a local bakery with signature kolaches and Danish. Worth a look !! read more

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Best kolaches and klobásníks here. Come early to get the flavors you want. Best hamburger? Eh - definitely wouldn't say it's award-winning worthy, but it's cheap and filling. Bun is soft and the meat was not dry... just missing the proper seasonings. Hruska's doesn't serve fries, so I'd go to McDonalds for fries to make the meal more complete. read more

The Philly cheesesteak sandwich was amazing! The items they sell their were different from other places and very, very nice read more

What an absolute gem of a stop! I wasn't expecting much from a store next to a gas station, but this place completely surprised me. The shop itself is spotless, bright, and welcoming, with tables where you can sit and actually enjoy your food instead of rushing back to the car. The coffee selection is huge, with plenty of drinks on tap, and the shelves are stocked with all kinds of snacks and groceries. But what really makes this place stand out is the bakery, every pastry looks like a piece of art, and they taste even better. I tried the sausage and sauerkraut pastry and it was incredible, truly something special you won't find anywhere else. The bread is also fresh and delicious, the kind you want to take home and keep for later. On top of all that, the staff is so warm and welcoming, they're happy to explain the options and even recommend their favorites, which made the experience feel really personal. This is hands down the best store by a gas station I've ever seen, and honestly, I'd go out of my way to stop here again. If you're anywhere nearby, do yourself a favor and try their baked goods you won't regret it read more

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Place was clean and staff was friendly. I do prefer these kolaches over the one down the Rd. Will say they have to work on their boudain roll cus it was lacking flavor like bad bad. Also filling was very little so it was more bread than anything. read more

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The best stop between Houston and Austin in Ellinger, TX. Clean bathrooms, good service, extensive variety of kolaches and other baked goods. read more

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The burgers are good but the kolaches and cinnamon rolls are even better! Worth the stop.

Everyone working was very kind. I ordered the tuna sandwich with a few substitutions and they easily accommodated! However the sandwich was pretty difficult to eat there were just a lot of toppings and food in there. I would still recommend! read more

Food is amazing!! Stopped in on a whim! Thank goodness we did. Hidden Gem in Elinger, TX!!!

Such a quirky little place to stop on your road trip through Texas! We've stopped here a few times over the past several years and it's definitely worth stopping at least once to take in the scenery! They have all kinds of random novelty things for sale in this place - it's quite entertaining. They have relatively clean restrooms which is why we continue to choose to stop here. Keep that in mind as it's not always easy to find a clean restroom while driving long distances through Texas! read more

This is a MUST-STOP if you are traveling on Highway 71 between Austin and Houston. I'm Czech and I am a kolache snob; these are some of the best kolaches and klobasneks in the State (yes, there is a difference. Kolaches are open faced with a sweet / fruit filling; klobasneks have meat). The apple, blueberry, lemon, and poppy seed are kolache staples but you absolutely have to have the strawberry/cream cheese or cherry/cream cheese kolaches. If you're going down the klobasnek path, go with the pan sausage/jalapeno/cheese or boudin. This is also a convenience store with lots of great road trip snacks and candy that I haven't seen since I was a kid. It really feels like walking back in time (in a good way) when you stop at Hruskas. read more

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Is the bathroom as big or tidy as their bucktoothed competitor? No. But the food? Insane. Yes, big monied competitors have sign urging you to put off stopping. Don't listen. The selection of pastries, both sweet and savory is unbeatable. The best kolaches and klobasnikys I have ever had. The flavor, amazing, the selection insane. And the service is always super friendly. A must stop on road trips from Houston to Austin. read more

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Wonderful. I like Hruska's and it's recommended for anyone traveling from Houston to Austin or vice versa. They have a nice selection of pastries and kolaches. read more

The burger was just okay. The bun was cold. It would have been better toasted. Wish they had fries.

Been here multiple times to try their bakery. The kolaches without fail are terrible. I can't tell if it's the stale bread or the nonexistent cheese. If you ever travel up north on I-35, there is a way better spot called Czech Stop. Hruska's does have clean restrooms and a rooster roaming around the gas pumps read more

Best burger between Houston and Austin! So easy to call ahead and pick it up on the way.

This is a great gas station to stop at on the way to Houston! It's right off the main road and easy to get to. Lots of things to choose from inside the store as well. And the staff is very friendly! Prices are reasonable too. I'll be back again at some point on another road trip. Their kolaches also look very good based on some of the other reviews! Well done Hruska's team! read more

Definitely better than Buccees ! This is our go to stop when coming out to the hill country! It's not too busy, you can always get a spot at the gas pump, and the kolaches are amazing ! Usually I'd rate it 5 stars but this time they seemed to be renovating or reorganizing. Half the gas options were not available and the store was a but sparse. That being said it's still worth the stop! Come earlier in the day if possible to have more kolache options (we stopped at about 5pm and they were pretty much out of everything). They also have a lot of their own branded snacks plus the usual gas station options. All the staff here are always very chipper and upbeat which is nice too read more

Hruska's - Bakeries Near Me - Ellinger, Texas

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Hruška's is an absolute must on the way to Austin from Houston. Not only are the kolaches amazing but they also carry a large selection of portable electronics and knick knacks. On our way we naturally stopped for the kolaches. I opted for the spinach feta one that I always get and it was so good this time that I can't ever remember it being this tasty. Five stars just for that. Staff is also very helpful. My car charger stopped working mid drive and they were able to help me find the last cord that was in the store. Clean restrooms so that's always a plus. Almost ended up buying a small collection of lotions and sweet nothings because they were seasonal and all smelled so good. People swear by the jalapeño sausage kolache so if you're into that go for it. read more

It's a good tourist attraction in the area! Great spot to stop at! Their kolaches are yum yum read more

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Always need to stop here on our drive to Austin. Love their homemade bakery items. Plenty of parking out front. Friendly staff. Worth a visit. read more

Great little stop between Houston and Austin. It's what you'd expect - lots of snacks, country knock knacks and prices to match. Clean restrooms, ample selection and chickens running around outside. Just be careful and watch your kids - it's literally a few yards from the highway. read more

Hruska's - Hruska's, chickens included! - Bakeries Near Me - Ellinger, Texas

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The service could improve , poor costumer service in the kitchen employees have an attitude that makes you not ever want to come back

We are Snowbirds here in Texas. This is one of my favorite places to get cinnamon rolls! The rolls are made fresh on sight. It's not just about the frosting it's about the sweet bread and baked goodness. The store is very clean, good coffee station. Bathrooms are clean and stocked with Burt's Bees lotion and soap. read more

Stopped here on the drive home from Houston to Austin. I came hoping this would be my Houston equivalent to Czech Stop for the drive to/from Dallas, while it didn't quite live up to that expectation, I will definitely be returning on future drives. Their layout reminded me a lot of Slovacek's setup across from Czech Stop, large store convenience/apparel store in addition to the bakery area, which also has a lot of non-kolache options. The pan sausage sounded like their speciality on the savory side, so I went for one of those with jalapenos and cheese. I also went for a boudin kolache and a poppy seed one from the sweet side. I thought the savory ones were okay, the bread quality wasn't spectacular and kind of reminded me of dinner rolls with how dense they were. The pan sausage/jalapeno one was quite spicy, was hoping for a bit more balance with the cheese. The boudin one was very rice heavy and pretty light on flavor by comparison. In the future I'll definitely be opting for different ones on the savory side to see if I like some of the other options better. On the sweet side I had an open poppy seed kolache and thought it was fantastic! The bread was much fluffier and the filling was just the right level of rich and sweet. Based on the volume of sweet options it seems to be their speciality. If they were in the vicinity of a stronger competitor I'd probably give them 3 stars, but the utility of being a solid stop on what is an otherwise fairly barren drive nudges them up for me. read more

Hruska's - Bakeries Near Me - Ellinger, Texas

‍ We stopped here on our way to Lakeway, TX. Passed this place & have not stopped before. We bought: breakfast item: kolaches, croissant sandwich with bacon & sausage. The kolaches were very delicious. Lastly the cinnamon roll was soooooo yummy! Don't forget a fork. Definitely we will be back & the service was friendly & quick. read more

Good food! Quick service! Close to my home.can fill up with gas while I wait! Clean bathrooms if you are.intstrsted.

April 22, 2023 Stopped in (with the rest of the world! LOL!) for snacks, RR and gas via my trip back home to Galveston This place has been around forever, has a great variety of snacks, bakery with kolaches, homemade salsa's, pickled veggies, sauces, etc I bought 4 kolaches-2 pan sausage, 2 link; I've had better. I bought some salsa; it's good with a slight kick but, it's not one I'd buy again. The store clerk over-charged me by 2 kolaches which I didn't notice until I got home; called and spoke to Martha (very helpful) who gave me her cell number to show her proof I was overcharged She referred me to Angie on Monday and gave me the owners information too, if need be That's the kind of employee you want in payroll read more

Hruska's - Pan sausage patty and pan sausage link kolache --- meh, I've had better. Salsa is tasty- slight kick - Bakeries Near Me - Ellinger, Texas

Convenient and clean road trip stop between Houston and Austin, huge variety of convenience and snack items in addition to the bakery, kolaches and sandwiches. Not the average quick shop accompanying a gas station. Staff friendly and seemed happy to work there as well. Would definitely return. read more

Being a Californian, this was the 2nd time ever that I tried kolaches. Was on a road trip from Houston to Austin... So luckily got to try Hruska's! People were raving to me about it. I'm no kolaches expert, but I can tell you I thoroughly enjoyed them. Hruska's staff were really efficient with the long line of people. I ended up ordering two boxes of kolaches, and brought them to where I was going in Austin. If you're on the road in these parts, you must try and enjoy! read more

Hruska's - Chickens in the parking lot! - Bakeries Near Me - Ellinger, Texas

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I was on the way to Austin from Houston. My coworker recommended I stop here. Since I was hosting a morning soccer watch party the next day, it was perfect timing. The pan sausage kolaches were excellent. And the ones with jalapeño were phenomenal. And everyone in the store was very helpful and friendly. read more

Hruska's - Bakeries Near Me - Ellinger, Texas

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I can't remember why this service station is as popular as it is. Whatever the reason is could be because this is one of many upcoming gas stations that are unnecessarily expensive. Think back to the days when you would stop for gas and get a snack for the road to hold you over without spending an arm and leg on the products. Seems like a distant memory, doesn't it? The few times I do stop here to get gas or use the restroom, occasionally I'll pick up something to munch on for the travels to and from Austin. I've increasingly started to notice how pricey the snacks are. Even the assorted condiments made in-house were up there in the price range. I get that they are homemade, but I don't remember traditional made-from-scratch being that over-the-top costly. Chips, candy, nuts, popsicles, drinks, and cakes are much more expensive than the average hole-in-the-wall service station. I stopped to get a mangonada popsicle and a bag of chips, it cost me $6. The store is clean without any lingering debris, but the outside of the store could use some work. There were two hens and baby chicks roaming near the front door. The chicks were cute, but I feared for their safety as they could easily be killed by an oncoming vehicle. Anyways, it serves it purpose for gas, but usually, most of the pumps are full. I can't say much about anything else. read more

Double meat cheeseburger was AMAZING! Friendly and traditional service. Technology was surprisingly modern, nothing broken down, and they take contactless payment. I'd definitely visit again! read more

First of all, the Double-Meat Cheeseburgers are to DIE for! They are thick, juicy and made to order! Fast checkout, friendly folks, and a spot to get Chevron Gasoline. EVERYTHING in the bakery is fresh & delicious! And this is the perfect spot on your way to Houston or Austin! And the ambiance is cozy, but it's busy! And I would have to say, this is better than Buc-ees in Katy & in Luling! (This store is more personal.) read more

Anyone who's driven along highway 71 knows the best halfway stop between Austin and Houston is Hruška's. I grew up with fond memories of this place and talk about it all the time with my friends any time we make plans to go to Houston! The absolute best pastries, kolaches, and bakery items, a large store with plenty of other goods, clean bathrooms, and good old southern hospitality service...this isn't your regular gas station stop. My absolute favorite pastry item are the (cream cheese) puffs, but the regular cream cheese-based kolaches and the ham and cheese kolaches are amazing, also! The cinnamon rolls are gigantic, and the muffins are moist. I always get 3-4 items to eat for breakfast because it's so incredible. My perfect halfway stop for road-trips - everyone must experience the magic that happens here! read more

Hruska's - Cream cheese puff - Bakeries Near Me - Ellinger, Texas

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I've only eaten breakfast type foods at Hruska's; awesome kolaches from the fruit items to the unusual sausage and cabbage. My preferred stop between Austin and Houston; even after Buc-ee's set up a store in Bastrop. Another reason only breakfasts was I was usually gunning for a high end restaurant in H-town. But, I never forgot they were recognized on Texas Monthy's 2009 best burgers in Texas. Number 42 if I recall correctly. Work trip again lined up perfectly with a late lunch stop and I'm ordering a cheeseburger at the counter. I guess the only complaint is no fries/onion rings offered. Instead, you get chip options from the convenience store side. A few minutes later I'm unwrapping a glorious treat. I order two cheeses; I never do that! Heck, even the tomatoes appeared locally grown. Mayo, onion, pickle being my other topping choices. Damn fine burger; tasted better than #42! read more

Hruska's - #42 on Texas Monthly's 2009 Best Burger list. Cheeseburger (Jalapeño Jack & American) with Mayo, Tomato, Onion, and Pickle - Bakeries Near Me - Ellinger, Texas

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Simple small town food stop and gas station, but the hot breakfast food hits the spot! Had to find a place for breakfast when visiting nearby baseball park, Hruska's kolaches hit the spot! read more

Cool stop on way home from Austin to Htown. Reminiscent of a mini-buckles with gas stations that give you a quick stop in and out. Their signature danishes looked good and next stop to Austin will definitely pick some up. Parking; easy In and out; easy Convenience:very Food: will try next time read more

Hruska's - Bakeries Near Me - Ellinger, Texas

Loved the place!!! Visiting from out of state... stopped by for some coffee and treats and will say this is definite must-visit place. Its a convenience store with coffee and an amazing bakery selling fresh kolaches (the sweet ones - I would describe as warm bread with jam fresh out of the oven). So many flavors of sweet and savory kolaches made fresh and lined up in the bakery shelves. You can mix and match to get a pack of six - exactly what we did and finished it all up in few minutes. YUMMY read more

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