Welcome to the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas, where the Red Poppy Capital blends Victorian architecture with culinary delights and small-town charm. If there’s one thing that’s tough about lunchtime in Georgetown, it’s choosing where to grab a bite. With an abundance of food variety, The Ultimate Guide to Lunching in the Heart of Georgetown is your compass to navigate the town’s food scene.

Make Georgetown your next foodie adventure destination!

Sweet Lemon Café
When you think of ideal lunch ambiance, Sweet Lemon Cafe is exactly that. Tucked away in a historic home on the downtown square, Sweet Lemon offers a delicious variety of homemade soups, savory sandwiches, and fresh salads. Don’t miss pairing your meal with one of their homemade teas or famous lemonade!

And as if you need a reminder, save room for dessert! Cookies, cakes, scones, and more—Sweet Lemon desserts are definitely worth indulging in.
The cafe doesn’t just stop at amazing food; its inviting ambiance and friendly service make it the ideal pit stop for a leisurely lunch. Whether you prefer the cozy indoors or a table outside to soak up the sun and watch the world go by, Sweet Lemon has you covered.

Mikey V’s Tacos on the Square
Attention all taco lovers! Mikey V’s Hot Sauce Shop and Tacos on the Square is truly a one stop destination for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Located on 8th street, facing the Historic Williamson County Courthouse, Mikey V’s combines quick service, a relaxed atmosphere, and bold Tex Mex flavors all under one roof. While they offer classic favorites like Al Pastor and Carne Asada, Mikey V’s also keeps things exciting with unique creations such as beef birria quesadillas, Hot Cheeto tacos, and birria ramen. Don’t forget to try their award-winning hot sauces, guaranteed to add an extra kick to every bite!

Before you leave, grab some salsa to take home or give it as a gift to spice up your meals even after you leave. Mikey V’s has everything a taco enthusiast could dream of!

Goodfolks
Looking for classic comfort food done right? Visit Goodfolks in the historic M.B. Lockett building on the corner of Seventh Street and Austin Avenue. This landmark location has seen many changes, but none as tasty as Goodfolks. Whether you’re craving shrimp and grits or juicy chicken tenders, Goodfolks surrounds you with comforting vibes.

District Six
Nestled on Ninth Street, District Six is a stylish sports bar and restaurant that’s ideal for grabbing a bite at lunch! Imagine funky wallpaper, retro video games, a vibrant outdoor space, and expertly crafted cocktails. They offer a daily happy hour from 3-7 p.m., making it great for a midday meal or an after-work treat.

Whether you’re craving something light, like a Tex Mex Beet salad, or something heartier, like a Hatch Green Chile Smashburger, you can pair it with fries or elote on a stick! With picnic table dining available outside, it’s the perfect spot to catch a game or gather with friends and family. While fried chicken is always a hit, what truly sets Goodfolks apart is the atmosphere and passion they infuse into every dish and drink. It’s a winning combination that will leave you thoroughly satisfied and eager for another visit!

Monument Café
Chances are, if you’ve been to Georgetown, you’ve likely visited The Monument Cafe—and there’s a reason people keep coming back. The Monument Cafe offers a classic diner experience but elevated with unbeatable breakfast and lunch dishes. With daily specials, freshly squeezed orange juice, and famous homemade pies, you’ll quickly understand why it’s a Georgetown staple and was even featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

If visiting on a weekend, plan for a little extra time for your table, or look to snag a seat at the sixties style counter, where there is never a wait. Don’t worry, this landmark restaurant’s from-scratch cooking is worth it! The Monument Cafe is more than just a diner; it’s a slice of local history and a cherished fixture of Georgetown life.

Southern Living writes about the 25th Annual Red Poppy Festival and the rich history of the local poppies: “Though the festival only started a quarter century ago, red poppies have been part of Georgetown for more than 100 years.” Click here to read the entire article>>

Sarah J. Blankenship, a dedicated muralist, has been passionately contributing to Georgetown’s artistic landscape since 2018. Prior to her full-time muralist career, she worked in various roles, including the Arts & Culture Coordinator for the City of Georgetown, faux finisher and muralist at In Your Space Collaborative Arts, and Project Design Assistant at the Texas Historical Commission for 13 years.

Sarah’s commitment to Georgetown goes beyond her artistic endeavors. She has volunteered on Georgetown’s Historic and Architectural Review Commission (HARC) and Main Street Program. Alongside her husband, Anthony Blankenship, who volunteers on the GISD school board, they’ve been proud residents of Georgetown since 2003, raising two kids, Adrian and Cassidy, aged 15 & 13.

Her latest achievement is the completion of the ‘Welcome to Georgetown’ mural at the Visitor’s Center, fulfilling her goal of painting on every side of the square. Notable businesses around the square that bear her artistic touch include Tejas, Divine Treasures, Roots, Kilwins, Barrels & Amps, Omnia Outdoors, and the Visitor’s Center. Beyond the square, Blankenship has left her mark on numerous establishments, including the Palace Theatre, Razmataz Salon, Kork Wine Bar, 600 Degrees, Grace Heritage Church, and the Little Lemon in the library.

One of her most well-known Georgetown murals is the ‘Greetings from Georgetown Texas/Red Poppy Capital’ mural at Gus’s drug, a project that involved the collaborative efforts of 151 local residents. For a comprehensive list of mural locations, visit her website at Sarah J. Blankenship’s Mural Locations. Her website’s main page showcases a stunning visual portfolio of her work: Sarah J. Blankenship’s Portfolio.

Stop in the Georgetown Visitors Center at 103 W. Seventh Street to pick up a printed Directory of Public Art or check out Georgetown’s Online Public Art Tour.

“South by Southwest (SXSW) is here, and maybe you’re not too thrilled about it. You’ve bid your friends good luck going downtown for the next week, and you’ve resigned yourself to stay inside until it’s safe to return to the inner city. What do you do now?… Catch a play at the Georgetown Palace Theatre” Read the entire article here>>

Jessica Bell of Miles From Missouri made a trip with her family to Georgetown and recently shared her blog about their stay! She writes about the Georgetown food scene and where to play in Georgetown, and made sure to share some great photos that just might make you want to get over here for your next meal! Read Jessica’s blog and get started on your own list of places to visit in Georgetown, Texas>>

“Though chance encounters with childhood sweethearts rarely happen between sips of hot cocoa, feeding one’s most jolly Hallmark fantasies is perfectly fine. And let’s face it, those warm fuzzies aren’t always easy to find amongst Austin’s seasonal glitz. That kind of holiday feeling is a decidedly small-town affair.” Read Austin Culture Map’s complete article>>

As the sun wanes, the lights twinkle to life on the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas. Located a short drive from Austin, the City of Georgetown is the big city’s delightfully hip neighbor. Home to Southwestern University, the oldest university in Texas and nationally recognized as a Main Street City, the community blends small town charm with eclectic vibes for an experience that is perfectly weekend ready. So, as you head into the holiday season, we invite you to shop, dine and unwind with us.

A Few of Our Favorite Holiday Things
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and whether you’re ready to rock around the Christmas tree or not, we want to help you get into the spirit. If you need a day to shop for gifts or an overnight getaway, we’ve pulled together some ideas to help you and yours enjoy a few festive favorites on the Square and off.

Holiday Shopping
No need to check your list twice—we bet everyone on your list has been nice! With a bevy of shopping options, including antiques, apparel, jewelry, toys, home décor and more, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect gift for even the hardest to shop for friend. Each boutique downtown has carefully curated a winter shopping experience that is merry and bright.

Seasonal Dining
Looking to grab-and-stroll with a hot cocoa or prefer to savor some farm-to-fork fare? Georgetown has a plethora of dining options to choose from. You can settle into pet-friendly patios with Fido, dig into pie (of the pizza or pumpkin variety) and even celebrate the merry hours with a pint or a flute all season long. Enjoy some time to break bread with your nearest and dearest or catch up with old friends before the holiday frenzy begins!

Something for Everyone
The holiday season in Georgetown has something to offer for the young, and the young at heart. Whether you prefer, “tradition” or a “twist,” you’ll find them both in eclectic Georgetown where there’s something for everyone.

The annual “Lighting of the Square“ on November 24, kicks off the 2023 Holiday season which will be sure to delight children of all ages. We will celebrate our “Annual Christmas Stroll” happening on December 1 & 2. Bring the family for pictures with Santa, “Whoo hair,” fantastic vendors and more!

All that shopping and you still haven’t found gifts for everyone? How about tickets to a play?  It’s a wonderful gift that also supports your local theater company, and you can bring the whole family too.  For those that prefer merry music with a Christmas message, be sure to catch a live performance of “A Christmas Carol” at the fabulous Palace Theater.  For those who love to laugh, tickets to see the holiday comedy, “Sorry! Wrong Chimney!” at the Palace Playhouse are sure to please.

Festive Staying
Put a twist on tradition this year in eclectic Georgetown and gift your family a holiday staycation. Enjoy a well-appointed room and gather around the fire to toast s’mores at the beautiful Sheraton Austin Georgetown Texas Hotel & Conference Center.  Local B&B’s or historic guest houses offer options for those who prefer to stay rooted in the holiday traditions of yesteryear. Don’t worry Santa will find you either way!

Whether you’re creating new traditions or keeping the old, Georgetown Texas beckons to all who desire the warm and fuzzy feelings brought on by sharing holidays with the ones we love.  With something for everyone, the city with the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas will dazzle and delight friends and family alike.

Only In Your State writes, “One of the best Christmas towns in Texas, Georgetown truly looks like a scene from a painting during the holiday season. Between the quaint shops and restaurants in the town square all decked out with lights and decorations to the numerous festivities, Christmas cheer is in no short supply here.” Read the whole jolly article here>>

Houstonia Magazine writes, “Winter vacation is one of the best times to travel in Texas. Cool enough for sweaters and hot cocoa but still warm enough to get outside and go on an adventure… Located 25 miles north of Austin, Georgetown combines just the right amount of small-town charm with outdoor recreation, making it a great getaway destination this winter. Read the complete article>>

“Georgetown has a little bit of an Austin vibe…some of the quirky weirdness has migrated north and joined with the historic buildings, tranquil parks, and small-town charm to form something entirely new. You’ll know you’re in Texas because people will smile at you on the street and stop and chat with you.” See her recommendations for places to eat, shop and things to do while in Georgetown>>

Texas Wanderers is a non-native Texan who has fallen in love with Texas! The Texas Wanderers family travels the state and blogs about their favorite towns and locations. Read Texas Wanderers’ Georgetown blog: 8 Fabulous Things To Do In Georgetown, complete with great photos>>

Celebrated annually the first full week in May, National Travel and Tourism Week(NTTW) was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate the economic power of travel in the U.S. The 38th annual NTTW (May 2-8) arrives at an opportune moment to recognize the importance to
the U.S. economy of initiating a post-pandemic travel recovery.

“NTTW takes on a special significance this year as the travel industry looks to rebound quickly from the pandemic and accelerate recovery efforts,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “The past year was incredibly challenging, but we saw the full power of the travel industry on display in the way we united and supported one another through this crisis.”

“Before the pandemic, travel generated $2.6 trillion in economic output, supported 17 million American jobs and delivered a $51 billion trade surplus to the U.S.—evidence of the outsized role the industry will play in America’s
broader economic recovery,” said Dow.

Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau is saluting the power of travel by showcasing a few of the many FACES OF GEORGETOWN TOURISM. Follow us on Visit Georgetown, Texas Facebook as we feature our tourism partners throughout NTTW.

Please visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.

“Drive thirty minutes away from Austin and you’ll transition from skyscrapers to a town square that feels like you’ve truly taken a step back in time. With a population just shy of 60,000, Georgetown is a much-needed change of pace in today’s busy and noisy world.” Ciara is a source of inspiration and information for millenials. See the photos and read her great blog on Georgetown: heyciara.com/blog/georgetowntexasdaytripguide

Jesse Coulter is a travel writer who enjoys exploring with her three young children. Read what her Top 5 Outdoor Activities are, complete with links and the cutest photos: jessecoulter.net/2020/11/top-5-outdoor-activities-in-georgetown 

For a list of all Georgetown Kid-Friendly Attractions, go to: visit.georgetown.org/kid-friendly/