An open-air smokehouse and bar on Ranch Road 12 — closed when it's under 50 degrees or raining

Meat & Drink is an outdoor smokehouse and bar at 13904 Ranch Road 12 in Wimberley, set under a big heritage oak with live local music. It opened in early November 2024, and its own pitch sums it up: a place to "relax and unwind, feed your family, wet your whistle, and fill your ears with local tunes."

Why it's this week's craving. Not every barbecue craving is brisket. Meat & Drink's specialty is smoked chicken, served family-style with all the fixings — an easy dinner for a crowd, or a long afternoon with a frozen margarita and whoever's playing under the tree. Fall is the sweet spot: warm enough to sit outside, cool enough to stay a while. Just know the season has an edge — when the weather turns, so does the open sign.

The story. Meat & Drink opened the first week of November 2024 in Suite 4 at 13904 RR 12, in downtown Wimberley. It's built around the outdoors: food, a full bar and a stage under the oak. The menu started with smoked chicken, sausage and chili and has grown to include burgers, wraps, salads and nachos, and the kitchen says it leans on local farms for ingredients. They do catering and private parties too.

What to order.

  • Smoked Chicken Meal (half $18, whole $30) — chicken with the house rub, smoked garlic rice, seasoned black beans, peppers and onions, homemade corn tortillas and your choice of two sauces. This is the reason to come.
  • House Chili (cup $7, pint $12) — smoked brisket, chuck and chicken, topped with red onion, a drizzle of queso and crushed chips.
  • M & D Burger ($15) — Swiss, smoked onion, smoked jalapeño tomato and chipotle aioli, with fries and smoked ketchup.
  • Chips & Savory Queso (cup $9, pint $16) — blended with smoked green chiles and mushrooms.
  • Homemade Banana Pudding or Pecan Pie ($7) — pick one, or don't.

The bar pours local beer, wine, margaritas and frozen drinks, and drinks are available to go.

Good to know. Meat & Drink is closed Tuesdays and opens later on Mondays and Wednesdays. Because it's all outdoors, it generally closes if it's below 50 degrees or raining — check their Instagram or Facebook before you head over on an iffy day. You can order ahead online for pickup.

Visit Meat & Drink

📍 13904 Ranch Road 12, Ste 4, Wimberley, TX 78676
📞 737-260-4984
🌐 Website: https://themeatanddrink.com
🍴 Menu: Food · Drinks
📷 Instagram: @themeatanddrink
👍 Facebook: Meat & Drink
🕒 Hours: Mon & Wed 3–9 p.m. · Thu–Sun noon–9 p.m. · Closed Tuesday (weather permitting)

Tag them: Instagram @themeatanddrink Hashtags: #LocalEats #Wimberley #HillCountry #TexasBBQ

Local Eats covers every new opening, closing and coming-soon spot around Dripping Springs, Driftwood and Wimberley — free, every Thursday. Subscribe at https://www.localeats.news/austin-hillcountry.