The Bistro at Blanco River soon to be Rustica — Restaurant in Blanco

My spouse and I opted to explore this hidden gem on our way to our stay for our Labor Day weekend. We were looking for an establishment that was approximately halfway the distance and this restaurant appeared to meet our needs. Our initial experience was nothing less than absolutely stupendous. The overwhelm friendliness and care that each, and every server showed to us made us feel like we were in a quaint, hometown diner. The food was by far the best quality of the experience. One could immediately tell that they used only the freshest products and the chef had a notable versatility and exceptional expertise, in each of the meals we tried. Having been exceedingly satisfied on our trip up, we opted to again attend the restaurant on our return trip home. We were no less amazed at the quality of food and service. We had an opportunity to speak and meet with Tina who is the owner who shared with us their history and their future visions and plans for the restaurant. Both her and Matt (spouse and chef) have worked exceptionally well together in creating a small town, five star dining experience, which makes one feel like they've got back in time when care and consideration of the customer was always supreme. If you're looking for a restaurant with a staff, that cares, food that will entice you and an ambience that cannot help anyone but relax and feel right at home, we recommend this one. As a point of reference, Tina informed us that they would be doing some major renovation in the next couple of weeks and will be expanding their menu and facilities to meet the demands of their customers. The new restaurants name will be "Rustica" and should be formally in place by the middle of...

Heard the buzz about The Ranch: Smokehouse Deli, so last weekend the boys and I headed out for a peaceful Hill Country drive out to Blanco for lunch.

There are sandwiches, salads, tacos and more to choose from. We started with chips and queso, which was served with a side of guacamole. You all know some quesos are better than others and theirs was really good!

The big kid ordered an Italian Hoagie, which was as big as his head. (If you’ve seen his hair lately then you know that means HUGE!) The little one ordered the Brisket Mini Tacos. I wasn’t sure he would eat the slaw served on top of the 4 plentiful tacos but he devoured all of it. The tacos are served with chips and queso but since we’d ordered some for an appetizer there was no problem at all with subbing another side.

I ordered the Brisket Wedge Salad. The portion size was perfect, the brisket was tasty and the lettuce was fresh. What I remember most though was the delicious buttermilk dressing and the creamy blue cheese crumbles. I’d order that salad again in a heartbeat! I also wanted to try the Broccoli-Cauliflower Mash (I heard another patron raving about it when we walked in) and it was so good!! It was healthy comfort food. So delish.

Both kids said they’d love to eat there again, so we hope to get out there again before baseball season starts. Tip Check their social media for current hours. Also they’re BYOB, so don’t look for them to serve alcohol.

Great food made by a friendly couple who loves what they do in the community they’re serving. Go check out The Ranch:...

1/2 dozen Blue Point Oysters on the Half Shell, with accompanying fresh lemon and 2 sauces, were great appetizer topping a bed of ice. Oysters were 1-2 bites each, so a nice size. Bistro Shrimp for dinner was excellent….large, tender shrimp in very tasty lemon butter sauce, 4 to an order. Size of the shrimp and the sauce made 4 quite filling as the entree with the accompanying pasta served to the side. Dessert was Blueberry Flapjack…reminiscent of Tres Leche cake, and a strawberry glaze drizzled over with fresh strawberries topping the big slice. Food was freshly prepared and delicious, nicely served and service excellent. We especially enjoyed sitting outside on the deck late afternoon. The Swirl Margaritas were lovely with a slice of fresh lime on the rim. One last thing that we all liked….a large glass bottle , capped, of cold water and SMALL glasses that you could actually wrap your hand around and serve yourself, were appreciated….unlike some restaurants that you need 2 hands to hold the glass. One person in our party of 4 had the Hamburger with Brie and Bacon with waffle Fries….very good and beef patty cooked perfectly, juicy and delicious. Only open as The Bistro for 2 weeks , and they hit all the right notes for ambience, food, friendly casual service and pleasant outside dining on a late Friday afternoon…4PM till about 5:30. Nice to have all...