Maudie’s Tex-Mex, a home grown tradition, is continuing its expansion into Austin area neighborhoods with its soon-to-be opened location in Bee Cave. “Maudie’s Hill Country,” the sixth member of the Maudie’s Tex-Mex family and the first free-standing location, is scheduled to open in late summer.
The Texas Hill Country addition, designed by Austin’s gifted restaurant architect, Michael Hsu, is a stylish, modern addition to its sibling restaurants and includes a destination rooftop bar to enjoy the rolling landscape. The Maudie’s Hill Country neighborhood encompasses miles of residents connected by Texas 71, Bee Cave Road and RR 620 who have chosen a backyard lifestyle in the heart of Texas. The new neighbors include the communities of Bee Cave, Dripping Springs, Lakeway, Wimberley, Marble Falls, Leander and the Highland Lakes area.
“My mama taught me to dance at the Trading Post in Bee Cave,” said Joe Draker, owner of Maudie’s. “I remember two-steppin’ to Johnny Cash’s ‘Ring of Fire’ and spending my childhood climbing trees at The Branding Iron. Years later, I enjoyed meals at Barbara Ellen’s, a home-style cafe in the area that offered the same hospitality as Maudie’s. It feels great to continue my connection to the area with the opening of Maudie’s Hill Country.”
At the Bee Cave location, Maudie’s Tex-Mex will introduce a refreshed menu which includes several new dishes, expanded vegetarian and salad options, and rejuvenated presentation. The updated menu, developed with Austin consultant Mike Dyer (who coincidentally was once Joe’s employer), will soon be offered at all Maudie’s locations. Loyal regulars have nothing to fear because the new menu will still include the old favorites and the same made-from-scratch sauces that have made Maudie’s a Tex-Mex favorite for decades. In celebration of the opening, Maudie’s has partnered with like-minded Austin institution, Amy’s Ice Cream to create a signature flavor, Bee Cave Crunch. The special tribute flavor inspired by Mr. Dyer is a classic combination of creamy Mexican vanilla swirled with honey and cinnamon and mixed with crunchy praline pecans. Soon customers will be able to enjoy a cup of the newest Amy’s concoction at participating Maudie’s and Amy’s locations.
Michael Hsu has flexed his creative muscles while designing Maudie’s Hill Country, a two-story structure that draws inspiration from urban and rural Mexico as well as the Texas ranching lifestyle. The restaurant features eye-catching views from a rooftop patio, two lively bars and a private dining room while utilizing existing arroyo and oak trees in the deck landscape. With over 200 seats, Maudie’s Hill Country will provide refuge for Hill Country neighbors as well as Austinites who wish to escape the city.
Maudie’s Hill Country opens in late summer and is located at 12506 Shops Parkway, Bee Cave, 78738. Hours are Sunday – Saturday 8-10 p.m. Reservations are not accepted. Visit www.maudies.com for further information.