Craving bold flavors, downhome cooking, and unforgettable bites? A foodie road trip to Round Rock, Texas is your ticket to a culinary experience that combines big Texas flavor with small-town charm. Just a short drive from Austin, Round Rock is bursting with local institutions, smoky BBQ pits, family-run diners, and standout bakeries—each serving up something delicious.
Whether you’re a brisket enthusiast, donut hunter, taco aficionado, or pie lover, this guide maps out the tastiest local eats that make Round Rock a can’t-miss stop for foodies.
Why Round Rock is a Foodie’s Paradise
What makes Round Rock special isn’t just its range of flavors—it’s the authenticity behind every plate. Here, food is made with pride, recipes are passed down generations, and locals know where to point you for the best bites. From roadside diners to historic cafes, this town is packed with flavor, variety, and warm Texas hospitality.
Whether you’re doing a day trip or weekend foodie getaway, Round Rock’s dining scene delivers both comfort and creativity without the big-city lines or prices.
Must-Try Food Spots in Round Rock, Texas
1. Round Rock Donuts
No foodie trip to Round Rock is complete without a visit to this legendary bakery. Their famous yellow-orange glazed donuts are made from a proprietary yeast batter and cooked to golden perfection—and their Texas-sized donut is big enough to share (or not!).
Address: 106 W Liberty Ave, Round Rock, TX 78664
Hours: Daily, 4 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: $1–$10
Famous For: Giant glazed donuts and sweet local history
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Go early in the morning to skip the lines and enjoy fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor.
2. Salt Traders Coastal Cooking
For coastal flair in landlocked Texas, Salt Traders serves up fresh, innovative seafood dishes in a laid-back, beachy setting. Favorites include shrimp and grits, smoked fish dip, and oyster platters.
Address: 2850 N Interstate Hwy 35, Round Rock, TX 78681
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 9 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$35
Famous For: Elevated seafood and Southern-inspired flavors
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Try the happy hour specials and sit on the patio for a relaxing bite during sunset.
3. Liberty Barbecue
Located in a restored historic building downtown, Liberty Barbecue is a no-frills, flavor-first spot for Texas smoked meats and Southern sides. Brisket, ribs, house sausage, and jalapeño mac & cheese are standouts.
Address: 103 E Main St, Round Rock, TX 78664
Hours: Wed–Sun, 11 AM – sold out
Approx Cost: $12–$25
Famous For: Central Texas BBQ with a modern twist
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Arrive early—meats often sell out by late afternoon, especially on weekends.
More Local Favorites Worth the Stop
4. Palermo Pasta House
An intimate spot with a scratch-made Italian menu. Expect hand-rolled pastas, homemade sauces, and comforting classics like gnocchi and lasagna.
Address: 112 E Main St, Round Rock, TX 78664
Hours: Tue–Sun, 11 AM – 9 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$30
Famous For: Authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy setting
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: The patio is romantic in the evening—perfect for couples on a foodie date night.
5. Taco More
A hidden gem for authentic Mexican street tacos, tortas, and aguas frescas, Taco More is known for their flavorful al pastor and housemade salsas.
Address: 2011 N Mays St, Round Rock, TX 78664
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: $2–$10
Famous For: Authentic tacos and tortas at unbeatable prices
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Try the lengua or carnitas tacos, and pair with horchata for a complete street-food experience.
6. Papi’s Pies
This quaint, family-owned café is a breakfast and brunch favorite offering homemade quiches, empanadas, fresh pies, and global comfort foods.
Address: 10 Chisholm Trail Rd, Round Rock, TX 78681
Hours: Thu–Sun, 8 AM – 2 PM
Approx Cost: $8–$18
Famous For: Savory pies, Latin brunch, and cozy atmosphere
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Order a slice of coconut cream or bourbon pecan pie to-go—you’ll want it later.
Best Coffee & Sweet Stops
7. Lamppost Coffee
A modern local coffeehouse perfect for refueling between meals. Lamppost is known for creative lattes, chill ambiance, and seasonal flavor rotations.
Address: 1205 Round Rock Ave, Round Rock, TX 78681
Hours: Mon–Sat, 6:30 AM – 6 PM; Sun, 8 AM – 4 PM
Approx Cost: $4–$7
Famous For: Craft espresso drinks and a laid-back vibe
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Grab a honey lavender latte and a pastry before heading to explore downtown murals.
8. Sweet Charlie’s
Round Rock’s spot for hand-rolled ice cream, made fresh while you watch. They also offer waffles, cookies, and customizable sweet treats.
Address: 2800 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Round Rock, TX 78681
Hours: Daily, 12 PM – 9 PM
Approx Cost: $5–$10
Famous For: Thai-style rolled ice cream
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Great afternoon stop during hot summer road trips—kids love it too.
Packing Tips for a Foodie Road Trip
Insulated bag or cooler to take leftovers or sweets home
Refillable water bottle to stay hydrated between bites
Comfortable shoes for walking downtown and farmers markets
Camera or phone for snapping those Insta-worthy food pics
Notebook or food app to track your favorite dishes
Stretchy clothes—trust us on this one
Local Tips & Seasonal Advice
Spring and fall are great for patio dining and walking downtown
Visit on weekdays to avoid long waits at popular spots like Round Rock Donuts
Check local calendars for food truck events, farmers markets, and restaurant weeks
Don’t skip breakfast—Round Rock has fantastic early-morning spots
Ask locals for hidden gems—some of the best tacos or BBQ aren’t even listed online
Final Thoughts on Foodie Road Trips to Round Rock
Round Rock may be small on the map, but it’s huge on flavor. From legendary donuts to smoky brisket, scratch-made pasta to hand-rolled ice cream, this Texas town offers every kind of foodie joy in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
So roll down the windows, loosen your belt, and get ready to taste your way through Round Rock—where every bite tells a story and every stop adds flavor to your journey.
