Words and photos by Steven Ehle
My wife, Lu, and I love riding our motorcycle along the backroads of Texas, where we often discover hidden treasures. Our journeys are simple; we select quaint towns that are two to four hours away, discovering great restaurants, local shops, and museums during our travels.
Our latest adventure took us to Hooper’s, a charming restaurant known for its hearty pub fare, nestled in the scenic town of Kingsland, Texas. The journey began as we made our way along West State Route 29, winding through the towns of Liberty Hill, Bertram, and Burnet.
Just beyond Burnet, we made a left turn onto Hoover Valley Road, a picturesque route that showcased sweeping turns and rolling hills. The road was lined with wildflowers and sprawling oak trees. As we drove, the landscape shifted from lush greenery to rocky outcrops, a reminder of the diverse beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
As we neared Kingsland, the Colorado River flowed through the landscape, its waters reflecting the afternoon sun. Upon arriving at Hooper’s, I felt confident that I had made the right choice. This establishment is not just a restaurant; it holds a place in film history. Located on the set of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” Hooper’s offers a dining experience that combines comfort food with a touch of cinematic lore.
The restaurant pays homage to the legacy of its original director and screenwriter, Tobe Hooper. As you enter, you’ll notice references to the location’s history. The décor evokes classic movie settings. Old-fashioned lamps hang from the walls and ceiling, while wooden furnishings and walls enhance the nostalgic feel.
Hooper’s serves scratch-made breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring chef-driven dishes with premium ingredients. The menu’s shareable items are perfect for gatherings. Highlights include boudin balls, which are fried appetizers filled with pork and rice, and peeled shrimp served with cocktail sauce. Their fried pickles are made with pickled jalapeño peppers, adding a spicy kick that complements their crunch. This selection is designed to cater to a wide range of tastes for any get-together.
The main entrées include options such as chicken Alfredo, shrimp and grits, chicken pesto penne, and Chilean salmon. For comfort food, you can choose meatloaf, chicken-fried steak, pork chops, or ribeye steak. Each entree comes with warm dinner rolls and two sides.
After lunch, we traveled home along East Farm-to-Market 1431 from Kingsland to Lago Vista. The elevation changes and winding roads created an engaging ride. As we navigated each turn, the scents of cedar and mesquite filled the air. Wildflowers and prickly pear cacti lined the landscape under the setting sun. The total distance covered was approximately 114 miles, marking this day trip as another memorable adventure.
