If you’re hungry for something new, consider the following options. This list is not comprehensive.

Taxolote brings Northern Mexican dishes with a twist to Bastrop

Owner Jose Gerardo Cavazos opened the truck at Community Gardens in January, specializing in tacos made with steak and bone marrow, nopalitos quesadillas, and more. Sides include charro beans, Mexican potatoes, queso and other options.

  • Opened Jan. 10
  • 1067 Hwy. 71, Bastrop
  • Instagram: taxolote

Abbey’s Tavern & Grill offers locally sourced comfort food in Smithville

Local couple Chef Ephriam "EZ" Martinez and Amber Rinker opened the doors to Abbey's Tavern & Grill—named after their daughter—on March 21.

Specializing in locally sourced comfort food, the eatery is located on Smithville's main drag and can seat up to 70 people.

Abbey's Tavern & Grill offers a range of sandwiches like a smoked turkey with barbecue, a beef banh mi and the el cubano. (Courtesy Abbey's Tavern & Grill)
Abbey's Tavern & Grill offers a range of sandwiches, such as smoked turkey with barbecue, a beef banh mi and the el cubano. (Courtesy Abbey's Tavern & Grill)

Tough Cookie Bakery offers variety of vegan, vegetarian food at new Main Street spot



Owners Chris and Jennie McEwan relocated the locally owned cafe, bakery and coffee shop from its former spot near Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard to Main Street in March.

All of Tough Cookie’s food options are vegan or vegetarian, with many gluten-free options as well. In addition to savory, Tough Cookie offers sweets from pastries to cookies, ice cream and floats.

In addition to savory, Tough Cookie offers sweets from pastries to cookies, ice cream and floats. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)
In addition to savory, Tough Cookie offers sweets from pastries to cookies, ice cream and floats. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)

Bastrop's Radiant Juice + Smoothie Bar gets new owner, location

Bastrop's first whole-food juice and smoothie bar has found a new home and owner in 2024.

Using whole fruits and vegetables, new owner DeLacey Martin offers a variety of nourishing food options, including fresh, cold-pressed juices; made-to-order superfood smoothies and smoothie bowls; chia seed parfaits; and sustainably made snacks.

Radiant Juice + Smoothie Bar offers a variety of smoothie bowls, including the Tropical Chillout, featuring fruits and berries, bee pollen, ashwagandha, coconut flakes and more. (Courtesy Radiant Juice + Smoothie Bar)
Radiant Juice + Smoothie Bar offers a variety of smoothie bowls, including the Tropical Chillout, featuring fruits and berries, bee pollen, ashwagandha, coconut flakes and more. (Courtesy Radiant Juice + Smoothie Bar)

The Sunshine Chef expands options for artisan lunches, baked goods with Bastrop curbside



The Sunshine Chef owners Hannah and David Houck recently added curbside options at their commercial kitchen in the former Producer’s Market for customers to pick up artisan, Texas-inspired food from artisan lunches to baked goods, prepared family meals and more. The Sunshine Chef can also be found at Smithville Coffee House & General Store at 108 NE Second St., Smithville.

  • Expanded Jan. 17
  • 977 Hwy. 71, Bastrop; 108 NE Second St., Smithville
  • Facebook: thesunshinechef
The Sunshine Chef offers fresh-made wraps as part of its lunch options. (Courtesy The Sunshine Chef)
The Sunshine Chef offers fresh-made wraps as part of its lunch options. (Courtesy The Sunshine Chef)