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    The Driftwood Bistro

    3.4 (17 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Driftwood Estate Bistro
    Heather W.

    Food and service was great! They have limited hours so definitely check to make sure they are open. Enjoy a nice meal and then walk over to the tasting room for a glass of wine. This is a great casual spot for dog & wine lovers.

    Stuffed avocado
    Robert M.

    First, the Driftwood Bistro is on the grounds of Driftwood Estates winery, just off RR 12 south of Dripping Springs. There are several things to be said about that. First, be prepared for the rough, rocky driveway up the hill to the grounds. Once on top, though, the vista is splendid, especially as the sunset rolls across the hills beyond and the flats below. The grounds are lovely and spacious and pleasing. It is an exceedingly pleasing setting. Beyond that, the Bistro is on one side of the hilltop and the wine house on the other. The Bistro doesn't have a liquor license, so you have to walk across the grounds to get a glass or bottle to go with your meal. An inconvenience. Their wines are middle of the road, and the selection of wines by the glass are very limited as far as whites go. The Bistro has a pretty experimental and ambitious menu, with creative choices and options. We had the Caribbean Shrimp and Rice and the Open-faced Stuffed Avocado. The avocado dish was superb, with the featured avocado just the right level of ripeness, tender grilled chicken and a picante that was dynamite. The salsa Fresca and crema helped create a very satisfying entre. The flavors both blended and contrasted with each other. A very nice choice of a cool dish for a summer evening. The shrimp dish, on the other hand, was disappointing. It was tepid, to start with. And the shrimp had a very fishy flavor. The sautéed squash was credible, but overall it was disappointing. Service was cordial. Lexi,our server, was very warm and welcoming and attentive. It was not her fault that the shrimp wasn't the proper temperature The Bistro gets a 'maybe' on this visit, with hopes that they will improve on speed out of the kitchen and address that glitchy separation of wine bar and restaurant. The place has much going for it, and, if they can up their game, it will be a killer destination.

    We also had their vegetable hummus dish. They also have a winery next door, amazing views. Great people - great service.
    Anuj P.

    We also had their vegetable hummus dish. They also have a winery next door, amazing views. Great people - great service. We have been coming here when the weather is good and you enjoy the atmosphere and endless country views. We have tried their appetizers as well, very fresh and wonderful. We definitely suggest everyone

    Veggie Hummus Plate and Fried Pickles
    Makenzie S.

    This place was wonderful! Obviously if you are enjoying the wine and the view how could it not be good but i was extremely impressed with the food here. Incredibly diverse menu so anyone can find something they'll like. The veggie plate is great and I loved the Thai noodles, both great on a warm day. That was my first time out to driftwood but the good atmosphere and delicious food has me wanting to come back out. Service was also great. Our waitress was super kind and taking care of all of the tables, so I highly recommend getting a bottle of wine next door before ordering because it could take a minute but we didn't mind at all!

    Views and table
    Claude D.

    Went to fixed menu night - service was great as was the atmosphere- views - all food was just OK because it was only like warm vs hot - they need to figure that out

    Ribeye Quesadilla
    Mary B.

    Nice place for lunch overlooking hill country at Driftwood Estates. The ribeye quesadilla was great. Waitress was so friendly and efficient. Buy your wine at the Winery & walk over to the Bistro for a great outdoor lunch with awesome views. (They can't sell wine at the Bistro).

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    Ask the Community - The Driftwood Bistro

    Review Highlights - The Driftwood Bistro

    I've been a member of the wine club here roughly two years now, but yet have I had the pleasure of joining them for the "Sunset Dinner"!

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    Wimberley Valley Winery - Don't miss your chance to try Chef John's seasonal favorite - Frito pie!

    Wimberley Valley Winery

    4.2(237 reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$

    We had an amazing time at this little winery. The service was great. Our kids enjoyed playing…read morearound the grounds while we did a couple of tastings. Their Christmas Cuvée? Was delicious. Definitely coming back!

    Parking - plenty and a private lot. But a bit off road (lol don't bring a low car unless you get…read morelucky with paved parking). Service - we have been here about 4-5 times, but service has never been too great or too friendly. The bar on the beer side is always pleasant but the tasting bar side always has a bit of a tiny rude vibe - and I don't mention it ever but I'm in the wine industry and we don't see this normally. Also tonight we were asked to move to a different table as they didn't prepare for a Harry Potter event ahead of time just as we settled in after a rough day (and our young pup finally chilled out). It felt we were being pushed out and the other table was by the window/door that was glass so I was cold. My senior mom was cold after we had found a great spot that was warm for her. Live music tonight was also quite off - I wouldn't suggest this place anymore. I'm not sure if in the last year it has gone down hill but it's no longer worth the drive for a mediocre experience. They gave many potential beautiful spaces but they don't utilize them, nor update them, so the vibe is just outdated. No music on the speakers can be heard when there isn't live music. So sorry to not write the best review here but it's honest.

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    Wimberley Valley Winery - Decoration in the winery.

    Decoration in the winery.

    Wimberley Valley Winery - Wood-fired Pizzas & wine

    Wood-fired Pizzas & wine

    Wimberley Valley Winery - Sweet Blush. So yummy!

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    Sweet Blush. So yummy!

    Trattoria Lisina - Taglierine all Portofino. Very, very good.

    Trattoria Lisina

    4.2(938 reviews)
    4.4 mi
    $$$

    I'm awarding 5 stars for our two recent visits. But, there's a point I'd like to make. Yes, this is…read morea dining destination and prices are commensurate with the experience. For most pasta dishes, I'd hit Mandola's in Austin. Save about $10 an entree and some gas money. A few weeks ago I didn't want to venture too far off the ranch. Wife and I ended up at Lisina on Saturday. Calamari to start was crisp and not chewy. Caesar salad followed and was a nice example of the dish. Lisina is also a little skimpy on offering bread refills. We finished with drinks and the panna cotta. Just over $100 for this experience. WELL, the next day I needed to take mom out for her anniversary. Dad has long passed but I always try to do something special. Sunday highlights forthcoming. This time with mom and Rooster along we started with the carpaccio. The presentation really wowed because it looks like red plate until you realize all that color is shaved tenderloin. White plate underneath! The greens, parmesan, and aioli was one of the best I've had. Mom went for the gnocchi; Rooster goes for the Mezzaluna ravioli. This is now Rooster's fave restaurant. I went back to the appetizers section and selected the crab cake. Zero complaints on these dishes. Don't forget mom's wine. Gelato and cake to finish the meal. I think I've dined here once since my 2009 review. Yup, steak pics still accounted for on Yelp. Trattoria Lisina is still going strong in Driftwood. Expect $$$$, this meal was almost $300. Good food ain't cheap folks.

    We love this place for a special occasion dinner. But, recently the food just didn't seem to live…read moreup to the hype or price. The ribeye was so dry and tough. Cooked to a medium rare you would think it would juicy and tender. What a disappointment.

    Photos
    Trattoria Lisina - Seating and wine wrack in the background

    Seating and wine wrack in the background

    Trattoria Lisina - Veal Scallopini

    Veal Scallopini

    Trattoria Lisina - Interior at entrance area

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    Interior at entrance area

    Driftwood Estate Winery - Our award-winning Dry Rosé ~

    Driftwood Estate Winery

    3.4(392 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Exploring Austin's Hill Country was one of the best decisions we made when visiting friends in…read moreTexas. There was not enough time to go on a wine tour, so I had to figure out which winery to visit. I wasn't familiar with the area and randomly chose Driftwood Estates, which was a surprising highlight of the weekend! Was this real life?! Was I dreaming?! Standing on top of the hill, I was in deep admiration of the panoramic, gorgeous, and breathtaking views! It made me forget about busy city life and I only wanted to appreciate the beauty of nature and all its glory on such a perfect day (while sipping on a glass of wine)! I really did feel like I was in another world - filled with serenity, solitude and relaxation! We did a tasting and enjoyed the reds, which were more on the dry side, but I didn't mind because I prefer dry red wines. I definitely recommend the Sangiovese and Alamo Red. The bar area was a little crowded that day, so we didn't get to interact too much with the staff to learn more about their other wine offerings. There is a store next to the bar area. You can buy cute wine themed souvenirs for family and friends back home. They also have a small cafe - you can get some light bites and head outside, find your perfect cozy spot, and enjoy those breathtaking views! (Caution: There is plenty of parking at the winery, but please be careful and drive slow because of the bumpy gravel road).

    As an Austin Tour Guide I take people out to the Hill Country all the time for wine, beer,…read moredistillery tastings, and barbecue. I've got my favorites and I generally stick with them. Occasionally I'll stop into a new (to me) place and see what they have to offer. On a recent trip, the clients requested Driftwood Estate Winery because they had read a review and wanted to try it. Personally, I am not a fan of their wine but I made a reservation for the 6 of them at 11am and we drove out there on a quiet Thursday. There was only one other car in the parking lot. We walked along the path to the main entrance, admiring the views of the Hill Country from their beautiful and expansive patio. When we approached the desk, one of the more enthusiastic women in our group said, "We're here to taste some wine!" An exceedingly unfriendly elderly lady who looked like the most miserable person on the planet, scowled, "You need a reservation! You can't just come here without a reservation!" (Really? And there's only 1 other car in the parking lot?) Everybody was a little surprised by her attitude and there was a brief uncomfortable pause before I stepped in and assured her that the group had a reservation and gave her the name. They were whisked off to a table by another woman as the first woman muttered something unpleasant under her breath. Long story short-- my guests were less than impressed (with the greeting, the tasting room and the wine) and I can assure Driftwood Vineyards that they've lost at least a couple thousand dollars in any future business from my company. If they haven't already noticed, new wineries are thick on the ground in Driftwood/Dripping Springs. Driftwood Estates is a hard pass. My guests enjoy Fall Creek and Bell Springs much much more.

    Photos
    Driftwood Estate Winery - A selection of the many varietals that we make!

    A selection of the many varietals that we make!

    Driftwood Estate Winery - Wine by the glass.

    Wine by the glass.

    Driftwood Estate Winery - Become a wine club member today, and get our wine shipped directly to your door!

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    Become a wine club member today, and get our wine shipped directly to your door!

    The Driftwood Bistro - seafood - Updated May 2026

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