New Restaurant Opening in Driftwood, Texas: Whiskey Ridge
Driftwood, Texas, is set to welcome a new culinary addition to the Hill Country scene with the upcoming opening of Whiskey Ridge. This restaurant is the latest venture from the owners of Cover 2 and Cover 3, who have made their mark in the upscale sports bar industry for over 15 years. The new establishment will focus on locally sourced Texas dishes and promises to embody the warmth and hospitality that the Lone Star State is known for.
Opening in November
Whiskey Ridge is anticipated to open its doors in early November at 8750 W RR 150. Owner Doug Young expressed their excitement, stating, “While Cover 2 and Cover 3 have been incredible for us, Whiskey Ridge represents a return to our Texas roots in the most personal way. This is truly a passion project that lets us share the warmth and spirit of the hospitality we grew up with.”
Signature Dishes
The restaurant’s menu, overseen by executive chef Steve Warner, highlights house-cut steaks and seafood, but offers a range of other comforting options as well. Guests can look forward to favorites including:
- Chicken fried steak served with gravy
- Braised beef short rib accompanied by jalapeño cheese grits and a molasses guajillo glaze
- Wagyu burger and carnitas tacos
The menu also features lighter options like salads and a raw bar to cater to various tastes.
An Extensive Whiskey Selection
One of the key highlights of Whiskey Ridge will be its impressive whiskey collection. Operating partner Jimmy Joe Zumwalt has curated a list that includes rare and small-batch selections along with local Texas favorites. Young mentioned, “Texas and whiskey go hand in hand, and we’re here to celebrate that connection. Our team has spent countless hours tasting, learning, and curating what we believe is one of the most comprehensive whiskey collections you’ll find.”
Texas-Inspired Design
The design of Whickey Ridge has been inspired by Texas itself. The team at Future Friends Co. has infused the open-concept dining area with Lone Star-centric artwork and murals, using locally sourced materials throughout the space. Whiskey barrels add to the rustic vibe that reflects the Texas charm.”
You can also enjoy the picturesque Hill Country views here. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, designed to seamlessly blend the two environments. Young stated, “With Whiskey Ridge, we’re aiming to embody the essence of Texas. Incorporating materials sourced right here in the Hill Country has made this vision even more meaningful.”
Baby Acapulco Closes Its Barton Springs Location
In other local news, the well-known Tex-Mex restaurant Baby Acapulco, affectionately called Baby A’s, has officially closed its doors at the Barton Springs location. This restaurant had been a staple in the area since 1981. Signs at the establishment directed customers to other locations at Riverside and Stonelake.
A Sudden Closure
The closing announcement was posted on signs, stating, “Please be advised that this location will close today at 4pm. We apologize for any inconvenience.” Known for its infamous Purple Margarita, the restaurant became a go-to spot for visitors looking to enjoy strong drinks with a vibrant atmosphere, especially around nearby swimming areas.
What’s Next?
Baby A’s is best remembered for its Purple Margarita, which contains a mix of tequila, Everclear, or both, creating a dangerously delicious drink with a limit of two per customer. While their food menu was more traditional, their happy hour specials drew crowds with deals on nachos, wings, and tacos.
This closure marks the end of an era for Baby Acapulco at Barton Springs, but customers can still visit the other two remaining locations in Riverside and North Austin. The other popular Tex-Mex chain in the area, Chuy’s, remains open, having been established shortly after Baby A’s.
Final Thoughts
The Driftwood region appears to be buzzing with new restaurant activity, bringing fresh dining experiences while also bidding farewell to a beloved establishment. With Whiskey Ridge promising an authentic taste of Texas and Baby Acapulco closing its Barton Springs location, locals and visitors alike have much to look forward to and reminisce about in this vibrant culinary scene.
