Out in the Texas Hill Country, between US 290 and RR 12, there’s a road that has an unusually high concentration of breweries, distilleries, bakeries, and other social gathering spots. Fitzhugh Road is certainly worth the drive from Austin,
I have a lot still to cover for this blog, but for now, check out Treaty Oak Distilling and Abby Jane Bakeshop.
Next up, I’ll be heading to Fitzhugh Brewing, Revolution Spirits, Jester King, and more!
Treaty Oak Distilling
Treaty Oak Distilling is a craft distillery that really cares about what they’re doing beyond the end product they are creating. They’re a unique group of people working together for a common goal. Treaty Oak works to understand how things were done historically and creates new products with that history in mind. They want to be disruptive in the market, but also be ever-conscious of the history behind the spirits they’re working with.
The Cocktail Lab “is a unique space on the Treaty Oak property that marries the art of science, nature and the Treaty Oak unbound spirit. Patrons can expect an elevated cocktail experience unlike any other. A thoughtfully curated cocktail menu, classic hip-hop jams, and a natural sensory experience await.” The drinks from the lab are pretty crazy. They’re torching things, smoking things, sifting things… it’s amazing to watch. These cocktails are definitely several steps above whatever you’d find at your neighborhood bar.
Sign up to take a tour, listen to some live music, enjoy the hill country views, and then park yourself at the Rickhouse Bar. It’s a large, covered space with cocktails on tap.
I’m unsure if there is still food at Treaty Oak! I know Alice’s Restaurant has closed and the space is now being used for private events. I have to assume there is SOMETHING to eat out there, but I can’t be certain.
Abby Jane Bakeshop + Barton Springs Mill
It’s hard to find fresher baked goods than those at Abby Jane Bakeshop. You can actually look through a huge window into the Barton Springs Mill – where Abby Jane sources all their flour. They’re in the same building!
Abby Jane Bakeshop has a regular menu of breads, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and coffees. I’m talking cakes and scones and brownies and MORE! I tried a sampling of their pastries and liked the chocolate mint cookie the best. It’s like a big, soft Thin Mint. Super delicious. And while I didn’t get any this visit, you bet I’ll be back for some of their cake! Finally, I sliced up some of their Big Country sourdough loaf this morning and it was wonderful! I topped mine with a little butter and peanut butter – divine.
If you’re visiting later in the day and need something a little more hearty than pastries, Abby Jane Bakeshop is also serving up some tasty pizzas! I tried their wood-fired meaty pizza and it was wonderful! They have a few beers on tap as well. The addition of draft beers and lunch items makes this an easy place to hang out at.
At Barton Springs Mill, the crops come straight from the combine to their door, where they clean and bag whole berries in one-ton totes (those huge blue-ish bags). Then, they mill on-demand for their wholesale customers, retailers, online customers, and Farmers’ markets – including Abby Jane.
You can actually tour the mill yourself and see the two Osttiroler mills and talented millers making your flour! Tours are $25 and you have to sign up online in advance.
