LOCKHART MAY BE BEST KNOWN for its barbecue, but the growing community of 15,000 has plenty more to lure visitors. The town square, which frames the picturesque Caldwell County Courthouse, is home to restaurants, shops, a museum, and a library. Like the town, the square has seen growth in recent years. Gourmet grocer The Culinary Room, co-owned by Alana Webre, Alexandra Worthington, and Vanessa Ramirez, opened on a corner spot in 2018. “Now, people can’t get a [retail] space,” Webre says.
Just off the square, Chris Hoyt opened Haunt Happy Books in January, but he’s co-operated Loop & Lil’s Pizza above the spooky basement bookstore since 2015. Both Webre and Hoyt say nights and week- ends are the busiest times for the square, especially on monthly First Fridays, when downtown businesses stay open until 8 p.m. or later and offer shopping specials and complimentary snacks and beverages. On the weekends, the streets are full of folks who’ve come to town for a barbecue crawl, including stops at Barbs-B-Q on the square and Smitty’s and the original Black’s Barbecue just off it. Behind The Culinary Room, across the street from Haunt Happy Books, sits two popular night spots, Little Trouble restaurant and The Pearl bar.
“When the sun goes down,” Hoyt says, “this is the side of the street where everyone heads.”
1. Caldwell County Courthouse
Built in 1894 to replace a smaller courthouse, this three-story beauty built in the Second Empire architectural style features mansard roofs and a high central tower with a four-faced Seth Thomas clock. It’s nearly identical to a courthouseinGoliad County built by the same architect, Henry E.M. Guidon. The lime- stone and red sand- stone exterior has been featured in the films What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and Waiting for Guffman, though the interior definitely has My Cousin Vinny vibes. co.caldwell.tx.us
2. The Culinary Room
Sampling the banana pudding made from scratch at this eatery is a must. Be sure to pick up a pint of the award-winning Culinary Cowgirls Queso to enjoy later. theculinaryroom.com
3. The Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches
This museum’s mission is to “keep time,” and it does just that. From Friday through Sunday, check out the collection of rare timepieces that spans over three centuries. swmuseumofclocks.org
4. Lisa & Co. Salon
115 E. San Antonio St
5. Electric Rodeo Tattoo
This popular tattoo shop left Austin for Lockhart in 2020. facebook.com/electricrodeotattoo
6. & 7. Malachi’s and Raymond’s Barber Shops
There are two places on the Lockhart Square to get fresh cuts. Malachi Gonzales opened Malachi’s Barber Shop in 2017, while Raymond’s Barber Shop owner Raymond Mendez has been cutting hair for more than 60 years. Despite only one store separating them, there is no competition between the two. “I called him when I was looking to open, and Raymond told me he’d rather me be here than anyone else,” Gonzales says. facebook.com/malicutz
8. Chaparral Coffee
The go-to coffee spot on the square is known for its stellar espresso drinks and array of tasty breakfast sandwiches. chaparralcoffee.com
9. Barbs-B-Q
Open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until they sell out, this women-owned barbecue restaurant has scored a James Beard nomination and New York Times buzz. barbsbq.com
10. Old Pal Bar, Texas Tavern
This beer joint from bar pro Travis Tober, who also owns Nickel City in Austin, Fort Worth, and Houston, takes a coveted corner spot on the square. It serves Texas classics like Frito pie and Mad Dog margaritas. oldpalbartx.com
11. Happy Haunt Books
Just north of the square—107 N. Main St., Ste. B