One of our favorite things about living in Dripping Springs is watching new businesses become part of the community—and 2026 has already brought several new places to eat.
From locally inspired concepts to familiar favorites, the Dripping Springs dining scene continues to expand alongside the community.
Here are a few additions worth knowing about.
Rice & Oak Brings Thai-Texas Flavor to Dripping Springs
One of the most interesting additions to the local food scene is Rice & Oak Thai Texas Grill Kitchen.
Located along Highway 290 near downtown Dripping Springs, Rice & Oak combines Thai-inspired dishes with Texas influences. The menu includes curries, rice bowls, wok dishes, soups, shareables, and desserts.
For residents who have been asking for additional international dining options close to home, this is an exciting addition.
Dripping Springs has long been known for barbecue, breweries, wineries, and classic Texas fare, but its dining options are becoming increasingly diverse as the community grows.
Golden Chick Arrives on Highway 290
Sometimes convenience is just as exciting as a special night out.
Golden Chick opened its Dripping Springs location in April 2026 along Highway 290.
The restaurant serves its familiar lineup of chicken tenders, wings, fried and roasted chicken, sandwiches, catfish, and Southern-style sides.
For busy families heading between school, practices, work, and home, having another quick dining option in town adds a little more convenience to everyday life.
Why Local Dining Growth Matters
Restaurants are more than places to eat. In a community like Dripping Springs, they often become gathering places.
They're where you meet friends after work, grab lunch between appointments, celebrate birthdays, take visiting family, or run into someone you know while picking up dinner.
As Dripping Springs grows, having a mix of locally owned establishments and recognizable concepts helps create more options for residents without requiring a trip into Austin.
Dripping Springs Is Growing Beyond Its Barbecue and Brewery Roots
Don't worry—we still love our barbecue.
But the food scene in Dripping Springs has become much broader.
Today, residents can find everything from Thai and Indian cuisine to bakeries, coffee shops, pizza, burgers, elevated dining, food trucks, and classic Hill Country favorites.
That variety is one of the things that makes watching Dripping Springs grow so interesting.
What This Means for People Moving to Dripping Springs
When we're showing homes to buyers who are unfamiliar with the area, one of the most common questions we hear is:
"What is there to do around here?"
The answer keeps getting longer.
Dripping Springs offers the Hill Country scenery and open spaces that draw people here in the first place, while restaurants, shops, entertainment, and services continue to expand.
That combination is a major part of the area's appeal.
You can spend Saturday morning exploring Mercer Street, grab lunch locally, visit a brewery or winery in the afternoon, and still come home to a neighborhood surrounded by the Texas Hill Country.
Supporting the Businesses That Make Dripping Springs Home
While new development gets plenty of attention, supporting local businesses remains incredibly important.
The independent restaurants, boutiques, service providers, wineries, breweries, and family-owned businesses throughout Dripping Springs help give the community its personality.
We're excited to see what's next—and we'll happily volunteer to keep trying the new restaurants as they arrive.
Thinking about making Dripping Springs home? NestHaven Properties would love to show you around and help you discover not just the houses, but the community that comes with them.
