Disclaimer: My trip was hosted by Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau during a Geiger & Associates press trip. All photos are mine.
In Fredericksburg, Texas, chefs at fine dining restaurants prepare menus using regionally sourced ingredients to create artfully plated meals that impress diners. Known for more than 60 wineries, the Hill Country town’s vineyards supply restaurants with varieties to pair with the chefs’ creations perfectly.
These reservation-worthy restaurants serve high-end cuisine with a dash of finery. If you’re interested in a cooking demonstration or hands-on cooking class, you’re also in luck.
Fredericksburg, Texas: Unforgettable Dining Experiences You Can’t Pass Up
Cabernet Grill: Texas-Inspired Fare
Indulge in a chef-prepared meal uniquely paired with a Texas wine at Cabernet Grill (2805 S. State Highway 16), where gourmet dining has generated rave reviews since 2002.
Chef and Owner Ross Burtwell’s menu includes a robust list of starters ranging from fork and knife salads to bacon-wrapped jalapeños, aka Texas Twinkies.
The dinner menu includes certified Angus beef steaks, field fowl, pork, and seafood entrees. For diners seeking a comforting meal prepared Texas-style, Bacon Wrapped Grilled Texas Quail is stuffed with pulled pork, cream cheese, and candied jalapeños with smoked strawberry glaze. It pairs exceptionally well with Ron Yates Tempranillo, one of over 30 wines served by the glass. And they know wine. Wine Enthusiast recognized Cabernet Grill as one of America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants.
Seafood dishes using shrimp, flounder, and salmon offer heart-healthy menu options at dinnertime, while Lobster-Topped Chicken Fried Ribeye or Grilled Pork Tenderloin Medallions please indulgent eaters.
PRO TIP: Reserve a room at Cotton Gin Village, a rustic but refined on-site lodging facility – also available for reservations.
Vaudeville Bistro: Sophisticated Fine Dining
Vaudeville Bistro (230 E. Main Street) is where diners reserve a table to experience Chef Jordan Muraglia’s dinner fare that exceeds expectations. Like the definition of “vaudeville,” the menu selections are like a song and dance of flavor. And its interior complete with wood elements and leather furniture creates a comforting yet sophisticated aesthetic.
Caviar with créme fraîche, a cup of seafood-based soup, or shareable plates like charcuterie boards serve as starters. Duck confit, braised beef, grilled rack of lamb, and yellowfin tuna are featured entrees. For diners who prefer handheld pizza, their menu of artisanal pizzas includes pies made with high-end ingredients such as black truffles and spiced lamb.
PRO TIP: Lunch-goers should ask about daily specials unless they prefer to dine on one of their many gourmet sandwiches or a vegan power bowl. And if dessert is necessary, an assortment of macarons or s’mores are irresistible.
Alla Campagna: Chef-Led Italian Menu
Alla Campagna (342 W. Main Street), one of the newest reservation-worthy restaurants on the culinary scene, transports diners to Europe with cuisine characteristic of Italy led by Chef Adrian Cruz.
Guests who reserve a patio table can savor antipasti plates with a glass of sparkling wine surrounded by Tuscan-like stone walls and the sound of a hand-chiseled water fountain.
Diners can expect hearty portions of homemade pasta served under bolognese, gremolata, or ragu. Pollo con Capperi arrives at the table with a nest of bucatini pasta topped with succulent chicken breast, capers, anchovies, and pine nuts. And yes, they serve pizza, tiramisu, and gelato reminiscent of the kind you’d expect to find in Italy.
PRO TIP: Alla Campagna also serves lunch, distinguishing itself from some of the reservation-required Fredericksburg restaurants.
Otto’s: German-Inspired Farm-To-Table Meals
Another Fredericksburg restaurant, Otto’s (316 E. Austin Street) continues the tradition of fine dining using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, but their menu focuses on interpretations of Germanic and Austrian cuisine.
Klopse, an authentic German meatball appetizer, is served with caper gravy and beet jam. Mustard, mushrooms, and root vegetables make appearances in other appetizers.
At dinnertime, Chef Adam Yoho’s entreés featuring braised short ribs, schnitzel, trout, and bratwurst dominate the menu. Chicken Paprikash, Duck Schnitzel, and Vegetable Strudel demonstrate Chef Adama Yoho’s talents. The bistro’s Cambozola Cheesecake plated with a river of crème anglaise delights.
PRO TIP: The German bistro’s intimate setting requires reservations, especially for private dining events. Sunday Brunch guests are encouraged to do the same.
Fischer & Wieser: Cooking School with Class
Perhaps you’re seeking a more immersive fine dining experience? Fischer & Wieser Culinary Adventure Cooking School (1405 US-87 South) teaches the art of crafting dishes with farm-to-table ingredients and how to entertain guests. The multi-generational, family-owned business is a brand name with condiments and sauces finding their way to dining tables everywhere.
After the meal is prepared, students indulge in elevated fare at a beautifully decorated family-style dining room table. At private cooking classes of eight people or more, you can choose the menu and pace or select from existing menus.
If a group would prefer a cooking demonstration or private dinner rather than a hands-on class, interested parties can indicate their choice using an online request form submitted three weeks in advance. Eight menu selections range from French Bistro to Spanish Tapas.
More Things to Do and See in Fredericksburg
Award-winning restaurants, an almost endless winery trail, boutiques, and picture-worthy lodging make the town visit-worthy. After a first-time visit, you may not want to leave. Use my travel advice for more things to do and see Fredericksburg, Texas: A First-Timer’s Guide to Texas Hill Country Charm.
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One wouldn’t expect to discover authentic Cajun and Creole food served in Missouri, but then they haven’t dined at 
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BONUS: Read the rest of my list of favorite spots in Olathe 
Get your steps in by shopping downtown before heading back to Mill Properties, where 
At dinnertime, bring friends to 
BONUS: Uncover endless adventures in Bonner Springs 
Cocktail enthusiasts should make a reservation at 
BONUS: While you’re in town, use this 
For lunch, soup and sandwiches like the Gobble-Gobble or the Roast Beef Explosion are popular choices at 
Pasta fans will feel at home dinging at 
BONUS: Discover more things to do and see in historic Leavenworth 
There is a reason they refer to the town as “Manhappening,” a sensibility you come to understand quickly.
From dining and cocktail lounges to exploring the outdoors and touring museums, there is more than enough to do. Choose your fun using my 
I typically order a Combo Plate (Pick 2) for lunch or dinner; however, the Wood-Fired Grilled Salmon Salad and Smoked Brisket Nachos are calling my name. If you have room for dessert, a mega-sized slice of carrot cake is a shareable treat.
BONUS: I haven’t written a travel post about Overland Park yet. In the meantime, enjoy 
Kids of all ages will appreciate watching oy trains overhead deliver food to each table at 
BONUS: Spending the weekend in Shawnee? Use my 
Are you looking for a Kansas City suburb that didn’t make this list? It’s on my dining bucket list. Stay tuned for more foodie adventures on my 
Getting hungry from exploring the outdoors? Stacy’s Restaurant serves an authentic diner breakfast menu, Highwind Brewing Company serves craft beer and menu items from three on-site restaurants, and Bella’s Italian Restaurant knows how to make customers happy with pasta entrees baked to perfection.
I recommend planning ahead for a well-spent trip to the college town. You’ll walk away with fond memories and plans to return.
Explore the Kansas Museum of History, Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site, tour the Kansas Statehouse, and shop eclectic stores in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District. Take a break for lunch at The Pennant or choose upscale dining and cocktails at The Weather Room.
Located between Topeka and Lawrence, the quaint town is home to a friendly community that welcomes tourists interested in learning about its impact on American history. In addition to historical buildings and tours, travelers will appreciate the downtown area for its charming small businesses. Enjoy breakfast at Aunt Netters Cafe before exploring the area, and leave time to sip wine at Empty Nester’s Winery.
Touring the KU campus offers visitors a chance to fall in love with its many attractions. Whether you’re a sports fan or love touring historical museums, I know you’ll find your experience on campus to be a positive one. For dining options, I recommend Johnny’s Tavern North to devour scratch-made pizza by the slice, and 715 Restaurant for an unmatched upscale dining experience that will exceed your expectations.
The tucked-away town near Kansas City offers visitors incredible downtown shopping. Coffee shops are often a place for the community to gather and enjoy an espresso, and Third Space Coffee fits the bill. Other attractions, such as Moon Marble Company, The Fuel House, and Quentin’s BBQ, guarantee a good time. Treat yourself to an ice cream float atthe Old Mill Ice Cream Shop or end the evening with a cocktail at Ten & Two Coffee Bar.
The city touts the phrase “good starts here,” and now I understand why. From its incredible attractions to exquisite dining options, it is worthy of an overnight visit when in the Kansas City area. The award-winning town deserves the accolades it gets.
Located between Fort Leavenworth and Kansas City, the location was the first city of Kansas established in 1854. History runs deep in this part of the state. You’ll appreciate its historic homes, dynamic eateries (enjoy pasta at Luigi’s 418 & Mario’s Pizzeria & Gelato), and a vibrant downtown shopping scene. The buildings’ architecture is stunning.
I dined on crave-worthy Mexican food by visiting taquieras on the Visit Kansas City Kansas Taco Trail. If there is one thing Kansas City does best, it’s barbecue. Take your place in line at Slap’s BBQ in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood.
Even though I don’t exercise much (she inspires me to get moving!), Jennifer and I share quite a bit. We’re native Wichitans, and our pride for the city runs deep. We both appreciate making the most of each day and seeking adventure in everyday life. It’s that inner spirit that drives us to make life more delightful.
Did we inspire you to explore the city? Wichita is nestled between two rivers and linked by several bike trails. Building your own adventure and finding your favorite fuel around town is easy and fun.
So, how could you spend your time in Corning? Whether you’ve only got an hour or an entire weekend, there is so much to explore! (Scheduled Market Street entertainment depends on the season so be sure to check with the Corning’s Gaffer District 
