Devil's Backbone Tavern

The Honest Take

What it's actually like

Devil's Backbone Tavern sits on Ranch Road 12 near Wimberley, named for the dramatic limestone ridge that runs along the Blanco River valley. The drive there - especially from Austin via Dripping Springs - takes you through some of the most beautiful Hill Country scenery in Central Texas, and arriving at a weathered Texas roadhouse at the end of it feels exactly right.

The tavern has the character of a place that's been there for a long time and isn't trying to be anything other than what it is: a genuine Hill Country roadhouse with cold beer, live music on weekends, and a crowd that comes because they love the place. The regulars are loyal and the location - deep enough into the Hill Country to feel like an escape - makes every visit feel like a proper outing.

From Austin it's about 50 minutes southwest, making it a perfect destination for a weekend day trip that combines the drive, the tavern, and the Wimberley area.

A weathered Hill Country roadhouse at the end of one of Texas's most beautiful drives. The kind of place you come back to not because it changed, but because it didn't.

The Dance Floor

Two-stepping at Devil's Backbone Tavern

Devil's Backbone has a dance floor in the main room that comes alive on live music nights - country and Texas roots acts are the most reliable for dancing. The outdoor patio also accommodates dancing when the weather is right and the crowd is in the mood.

The experience here is less formalized than a dedicated dance hall and more organic - dancing happens because the music calls for it, in a place where the setting encourages exactly that kind of surrender to the moment.

When to Go

Best nights for dancing

Practical Info

Everything you need to know

FAQ

Common questions