Bastrop County has a range of options when it comes to locally owned eateries—each with its own unique story. Here’s a look at those featured in 2024.

Stem and Stone

Linda and Craig Cheatham opened Stem & Stone Kitchen and Bar in late 2019. In 2024, the Cheathams began offering speed-scratch food, which blends ready-made and fresh ingredients, including housemade sauces, dressings, smoked meats and more. The team also partners with other Bastrop restaurant owners to increase their local offerings.Neighbor's Kitchen and Yard

Tom and Lori Dickey opened Neighbor’s Kitchen and Yard in 2018. Nestled along the Colorado River, the kid-friendly indoor and outdoor space offers specialty and made-to-order pizzas, drinks, sandwiches and more, with regular live performances.
Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard offers specialty and made-to-order pizzas, drinks, sandwiches and more, with regular live music. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)
Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard offers specialty and made-to-order pizzas, drinks, sandwiches and more, with regular live music. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)


The Sunshine Chef


Hannah and David Houck launched The Sunshine Chef at Smithville's Sunday Market in the summer of 2023. Shortly after, The Sunshine Chef began offering food at Smithville Cofee House & General Store at 108 NE Second St., Smithville. In January, the Houcks added curbside pickup options out of The Sunshine Chef’s commercial kitchen. The menu offers a range of artisan lunches, baked goods, prepared family meals and catering services.
Hannah Houck helms the kitchen at The Sunshine Chef. (Courtesy The Sunshine Chef)
Hannah Houck helms the kitchen at The Sunshine Chef. (Courtesy The Sunshine Chef)


The Bearded Baking Company

Wesley Dills and his husband, Adam Lloyd, opened The Bearded Baking Company in 2023 by offering specially ordered and ready-made baked goods at their spot in downtown Bastrop. Since then, the team unveiled a full sweet and savory menu, featuring burgers, sandwiches, brunch options, local fresh-pressed juices and more. Dills and Lloyd also host monthly, family-style meals; however, attendees must RSVP.
The Beaded Baking Company offers baked goods, burgers, sandwiches, brunch options, local fresh-pressed juices and more. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)
The Beaded Baking Company offers baked goods, burgers, sandwiches, brunch options, local fresh-pressed juices and more. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)


Leo’s Italian Grill


Leo and Michelle Gaertner opened the family-friendly restaurant in 2019, featuring homemade Italian cuisine and country meals. Covering the walls inside the restaurant are photos resembling family portraits featuring customers.
The restaurant features family recipes and dishes dedicated to Gaertner’s family, including granny’s lasagna pie ($13.50).
The restaurant features family recipes and dishes dedicated to Gaertner’s family, including granny’s lasagna pie ($13.50).


Smoked Love

Thomas Witte started the Charitable business Smoked Love BBQ opened his food truck at the Chestnut Grove Food Court in 2023. The menu ranges from classic barbecue to specialty dishes, vegetarian plates and more, as well as pulled pork pup treats for free to furry friends. Proceeds from the business go toward local organizations, such as the Children’s Advocacy Center.
In addition to its daily sales, Smoked Love BBQ offers catering services for events. (Courtesy Smoked Love BBQ)
In addition to its daily sales, Smoked Love BBQ offers catering services for events. (Courtesy Smoked Love BBQ)


Comfort Cafe


Teri and Rosie Lopez opened Smithville’s pay-what-you-can Comfort Cafe in 2010 to help fund their local nonprofit recovery program, SerenityStar Ranch, which works to help those healing from addiction. Known for its breakfasts, which include options such as specialty omelets, gourmet eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles and more, Comfort Cafe also offers smash burgers, hot and cold sandwiches, desserts and coffees.
Comfort Cafe is located at 111 1st St. NW, Smithville. (Courtesy Comfort Cafe)
Comfort Cafe is located at 111 1st St. NW, Smithville. (Courtesy Comfort Cafe)


Neon Bean

U.S. Army Veteran Sydni Smith opened Neon Bean in 2023 and closed this fall. The team offered a variety of coffees, teas, smoothies and snacks. Smith said serious buyers can message her on the company's Instagram.
Veteran Sydni Smith, owner of Neon Bean, created the drive-thru coffee kiosk to foster her passion for service and coffee. (Courtesy Neon Bean)
Veteran Sydni Smith, owner of Neon Bean, created the drive-thru coffee kiosk to foster her passion for service and coffee. (Courtesy Neon Bean)


Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Company


With a 14-foot-tall squirrel statue and a wide array of options for pecan enthusiasts, Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Company attracts customers from far and wide while maintaining a personal connection with locals in the Cedar Creek community. Co-owner Jennifer Wammack has been involved in the company since her parents first started selling pecans from their orchard about 45 years ago. The shop sells three different varieties of pecans and 20 different flavors including honey glazed, pecan brittle, Mesquite barbecue and jalapeño. Additionally, the shop is well-known for its pecan pies which come in four different options.
The business sells in-shell pecans, cracked pecans, pecan halves and pecan pieces. (Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Company)
Berdoll's sells in-shell pecans, cracked pecans, pecan halves and pecan pieces. (Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Company)