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    The Laurel Tree

    4.8 (55 reviews)
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    The Laurel Tree Photos

    THE LAUREL TREE ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - The Laurel Tree

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    Nice interior
    Lowell O.

    We had a very special meal here for my big birthday weekend. It was a prix fixe menu of excellent food at a great price. The wait staff was top notch. The owner came out and introduced herself. We were able to walk the grounds and see the gypsy wagon and greenhouse. They also have a tree house dining experience for whomever manages to reserve it in advance (it's a popular option). I was impressed with how they've decorated the place so I took a few pictures. I'll also post a picture of the menu, though that changes every week. It's byob, so we brought wine and they provided corkage service. But they also offered peach iced tea and a nice cup of coffee Half of us got the quail and the other half got the striped bass. Both were very good. Veggies were perfectly al dente. The bread was fresh. The stuffed banana peppers came from their garden. The salad dressing was homemade. The dessert was a housemade cookie a la mode. And we all left quite full and very glad for the experience.

    Brenda N.

    We had another fabulous lunch at Laurel Tree - had a few new items - the lemon artichoke soup was amazing! We all enjoyed the chicken divan and the salmon. The dessert was amazing as usual! This was maybe the 7th visit for us and it's always a treat. The poppies were just starting to bloom!

    fixed menu
    Vanessa L.

    We were staying in Hondo for the weekend and asked our host for recommendations. She let us know about Laurel Tree and helped us with the reservation. We were very delighted when we drove in and saw the awesome exterior but were even more enchanted when we walked in and saw the unique ambiance. Each dinner is a set 5 course meal, with 2 options for the main course. My boyfriend and I decided to order one of each choice so we could try both options. Everything was great! The lemon artichoke heart soup was creamy and savory. The lemon mashed potatoes had a tart kick unlike anything I had ever tried. And the pecan toffee tartlette with whipped topping was to die for. We were able to enjoy a nice dinner and walk around and see the collection of artifacts on the property. Highly recommend this place for anyone near the area!

    Corn cake, whipped cream with caramel sauce and carmel corns.
    Judy B.

    We celebrated our 27 years again last night at the Laurel Tree. The place was beautiful with a nice fire roaring. We recognized several locals and got to catch up with Laurel. Our dinner was fabulous and a nice slow pace. We brought a bottle of sparkling wine to enjoy with our appetizer mushroom cheese tart. Very nice small bite. Next up was a creamy curry cauliflower soup followed by a citrus mixed green salad. All wonderful. We then opened a delightful red blend from Dotson-Cervantes to go with our main courses. (Just love BYOB places) The wife of course had the lamb chops. She loves lamb chops. I had the fish with crab and artichokes. Both very good. Coffee and a caramel corn cake made for a good ending. Such a nice place to have a long, satisfying meal. Such great service, everyone welcoming and nice. Worth the drive even if you don't live in Utopia.

    Treehouse
    Monica U.

    Delightful meal, lovely environment, terrific staff! Chose this restaurant to celebrate a birthday while in the area hiking. What a treat! The food was amazing! It's a 5 course prix fixe menu that changes every week. The chef/owner Laurel greeted every table and made us feel so welcome. It's a lovely property and we were invited to walk about prior to our meal. They don't turn tables -- your reserved table is yours all evening, so you can take your time and truly enjoy the evening. Each course was delicious! Laurel clearly has a passion for all she does! Our server was very attentive and sweet! We will certainly return. Oh -- it's BYOB so stop by a local winery and bring something yummy!

    Lady cream peas with cilantro and scallions with corn bread muffin
    Daniel M.

    I've been wanting to dine at this restaurant for some time! I was finally fortunate to get a reservation for Saturday at lunch. We planned on spending the weekend in San Antonio and it's about 1 1/2 hours to Utopia We got there early, so to kill some time we drove to Garner State Park. The views are fantastic going there in the Hill Country! We got back in time, entered and we were greeted by Mrs. Waters. Wonderful lady, and we talked a bit while she seated us! They are only open on Saturday for two meals that day only. The menu is fixed and like some of the best restaurants in Paris, you have a choice of two main options and lunch is a four course meal. The evening meal is 5 courses. The name Laurel Tree is a unique name and the chef/owner is Laurel Waters. The interior design is wonderful and in back of the restaurant they have a huge oak with a tree house you can rent for a private meal. Just amazing! You find out Laurel was trained in France and worked under three great French Michelin ranked chefs! She learned her craft exceedingly well and I feel has bested them with her own spin! The food reminds us slightly like what we've had in Paris, but what is amazing is, she puts a local spin using many things available in her area! The appetizer started with an edamame hummus over a crispy won ton and a strawberry with a delicate balsamic glaze. What a great start! The next course was a Lady cream peas with cilantro and scallions with a Wonder cornbread muffin. The soup was so delicate with the perfect amount of cilantro and scallions. My vocabulary is too limited in how good it really is. The main course, you had a choice. My Wife likes lighter fare while I enjoy something with more seasoning, so---she went with the lightly breaded tilapia filet with artichoke hearts, capers and lemon butter! My choice was the jumbo sweet pepper stuffed with cumin beef with roasted tomatoes, sweet onion and cheddar Jack cheese! Both had roasted garlic mashed potatoes(a favorite) ! Also mixed greens with watermelon feta cheese and a champagne vinaigrette! Oh Lord it was wonderful!!!! The fish, my Wife chose was perfect for her, my sweet pepper was the perfect choice for me! The little subtle flavors I can taste are just amazing! The last was desert with a Heath Bar almond cookie with fresh peaches, ice cream and mint flowers. Oh so sinfully good! The wait staff was impeccable, the atmosphere is magical and I can't wait to go again! You can tell the whole experience is a labor of love! We know the menu changes from week to week. I promise you a meal you will always remember and cherish! We got there very early and in 30 minutes every table was full! While I know Utopia may be off many peoples Radar, but if you know your in the area, we were in San Antonio, make a reservation well in advance! You won't be disappointed!!! A foot note, I rarely give 5 stars, Laurel Tree is one of three!

    a dessert with berries and blueberries
    Ariel Z.

    Came here today and all I can say is WOW. Everything was outstanding. The food was delicious and melted in your mouth. Service was great. The best part is the treehouse and decorations!

    Bonni Diane P.

    Fabulous dinner/lunch spot. When the weather is nice reservations fill up FAST!! It is definitely worth it though.

    Claudiana C.

    My mom and I visited The Laurel Tree, it was about an hours drive and totally worth it. We arrived early and walked around the property, there are fun things to see at every corner. Upon entering the restaurant we were greeted warmly and sat right away. Our server, as well as others were very friendly, stopping to chat while making sure we had everything we needed. Our food was delicious from the first course to the last. We enjoyed every bite. The portions are enough to fill you up but the flavor had us wanting more. Laurel came by our table and spoke with us for a little while, her talent in the kitchen is fantastic. We can't wait to go back and reserve the tree house for our next visit.

    Beautiful stained glass in the Treehouse
    Juliana H.

    Made reservations 2 months in advance for a retirement celebration and just to get together in an elegant setting with friends. My 2nd visit and was looking forward to introducing The Laurel Tree to my friends. We arrived at 11:25 for lunch (6 of us), and much to our unparalleled surprise, we were invited to dine IN THE TREEHOUSE! Wow! Just the best. What a great experience - the staff was superb, the food: Most Excellent, The Tree House...priceless. Strolling the grounds between courses, the splendor and serenity. Did I mention that Laurel (her own bad self!) came to visit with us? The day couldn't have been better (unless I win the lottery). We'll definitely be back! Love it.

    The front of The Laurel Tree

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    9 years ago

    Great place, wonderful decor. Wish it was open more days. You will have to try out dinner in the new Tree House it pretty amazing.

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    10 years ago

    Amazing food and great atmosphere! Highly recommend. Only open Saturdays; make a reservation!

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    14 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Adorable and delicious! Fabulous service and beautifully decorated. Take your own wine. Stay and wander the grounds.

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    12 years ago

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    Nury's On Main - Seafood Stack

    Nury's On Main

    4.2(289 reviews)
    60.5 mi
    $$

    Took a trip to Austin to visit my daughter. We went to visit a winery in a little town…read moreFredericksburg, not too far away. There were a lot of cute little shops and places to eat. Lots of families and people walking around with their pets. Very pet friendly community. We stopped in here to grab a bite to eat. We had some very good chips and salsa. I had some shrimp tacos and as you can see they were loaded with toppings. Very tasty. The service was good and we got our food pretty fast. You will probably end up parking away from the main street and then strolling through the shops and restaurants.

    I genuinely wanted to like Nurys on Main. I really did. Hope springs eternal, especially in…read moreFredericksburg, where good food is usually a sure bet. Unfortunately, this experience felt less like a restaurant opening and more like a dress rehearsal no one stopped. First problem: location confusion. We went to what turned out to be their second spot--which, crucially, was not called Nurys on the sign. Same ownership, new space, old identity crisis. Walking in felt like entering a building that hadn't yet decided what it wanted to be when it grew up. The lingering aroma? A strange duet of fish, antiseptic, and industrial cleaning agents. Not hunger-inducing. More "urgent care with a fryer." There was no one there, which made sense--it was between brunch and lunch--but somehow the wait for food felt disproportionately long for what arrived. What arrived, sadly, was mediocrity wearing a Tex-Mex costume. They seemed to be aiming for Tex-Mex but landed somewhere closer to Tex-Flex--stretching flavors thin until they snapped. The barbacoa was fatty in a way that suggested less "slow-cooked tradition" and more "glistening regret." It didn't taste authentic, or even especially intentional. Just heavy. The guacamole--perhaps the most unforgivable offense--was bad. Guacamole is avocados, salt, lime, and love. That's it. This had none of the above. The waitstaff wasn't rude, exactly--just possessed by the clear energy of people who would prefer you to finish quickly so they could resume their real lives. Hospitality should feel like an invitation, not a countdown. Now, maybe the original Nurys is wonderful. I hope it is. But if that's the case, why open a second location only to phone it in? Expansion should mean excellence multiplied, not care divided. There are too many good places in Fredericksburg doing things right to settle for something half-hearted. This one wasn't terrible--it was worse. It was forgettable. And that's the real disappointment.

    Photos
    Nury's On Main - Fish and Chips

    Fish and Chips

    Nury's On Main - Coconut Shrimp

    Coconut Shrimp

    Nury's On Main - Classic Chicken Salad

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    Classic Chicken Salad

    Brick's River Cafe

    Brick's River Cafe

    3.7(187 reviews)
    27.9 mi
    $$

    This restaurant is located in an odd location behind a motel in Bandera. I got the chicken club…read moresandwich, which I really enjoyed. The Texas toast was fragrant, and the flavours of the sandwich blended very well together. My cousin got the fried catfish platter, which didn't have much of a flavour, but he said that means it's a river catfish. He is a catfish connoisseur and liked it. The jalapeno hush puppies that came with it were excellent. However, the coleslaw had a very odd flavour, and neither of us liked it. It tasted acrid to me. I didn't really like the fries because of the seasoning, but I still had a few. The server initially gave my cousin water instead of the sweet tea that he ordered. They served us our water and sweet tea in mason jars, which looked very nice, but the water was not pleasing to my taste buds as it tasted like unfiltered tap water.

    We brought out of town family to Bandera and have always had good food at Bricks, so chose it for…read morelunch. Everyone enjoyed their meals! I had a mushroom swiss burger and onion rings with ranch...so yummy. Cons and the reason for the 3 stars...There weren't any clean tables and the menus were dirty...we saw that there was only one guy seating, getting drinks and serving. I'm guessing he was also the cook, because it took an hour and a half to get our food. Another guy showed up near the end of our meal and was helping take orders. They were obviously short staffed, but I was proud of the guys...they were hustling.

    Photos
    Brick's River Cafe
    Brick's River Cafe
    Brick's River Cafe - Menu 1

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    Menu 1

    Vaudeville - Quinoa salad

    Vaudeville

    4.3(998 reviews)
    60.5 mi
    $$

    What a lovely place! The restaurant is full of charm, and the food was simply amazing. We enjoyed…read moreevery minute and will definitely be back.

    First time at Vaudeville. We were walking by and saw that the daily special was Buttermilk Fried…read moreChicken, we are always looking for good fried bone-in fried chicken, so we went downstairs to give it a try. Vibe is euro-bistro and the staff is perfectly attentive. Prices are high, but honestly aligned to the quality of the food, at least the dishes we had were worth the prices. Food: Buttermilk Fried Chicken, with Onion/Bacon flash fried collard greens, whipped potatoes and house gravy and Jalapeno Cornbread for $32 Reuben on Marble Rye for $24 16oz Stella Artois for $10 We agreed that the fried chicken (5/5) was the best we could remember having. Whipped potatoes (5/5) were light, fluffy and perfect taste/texture. The gravy was like brown butter (5/5). The collard greens (5/5) were flash fried and if you've never had them like this, it's like eating collard green potato chips. Cornbread (3/4) was a bit too delicate and sweet for our taste. You couldn't pick it up without it falling apart. The Ruben (3/5). My wife loves a good Ruben sandwich. This one had the makings of a good one, but they use a Thousand Island sauce (too much of it) on the sandwich, and it hides the flavor of the meat. Next time we would ask for the sandwich without the TI sauce, see if that improves the rating. The sandwich came with house made potato chips (5/5), a small house salad with vinaigrette (5/5) and a large, pickled cucumber. I know, that's a pickle, but these are cucumbers that have gone maybe a third of the way through the process, so the cucumber taste is really prevalent. Lastly, we had the Creme Brulé (3/5) for dessert. It was nice, but the custard was coffee and caramel flavored, and we prefer the standard custard look and flavor. The caramel should come from the top layer, not the custard. The top layer was a bit too thick as well. We liked it, just didn't love it. Overall, quality food, service and vibe with prices that are aligned to more special occasions than everyday eating out. We'll be back to try the Monday Crawfish Etoufee and the Tuesday Duck Confit daily specials...look too good to pass up.

    Photos
    Vaudeville - Downstairs dining room

    Downstairs dining room

    Vaudeville - Beef Carpaccio

    Beef Carpaccio

    Vaudeville - View as you walk in

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    View as you walk in

    The Laurel Tree - salad - Updated August 2026

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