Baguette et Chocolate may seem like a long drive at first, but once you enter this cozy French cafe you will be counting down the seconds until you can come back. The owner hails from a small town outside of Paris where he learned the art of making the perfect French pastries. When you take your first bite you will feel like you have left Texas and are nestled right in the middle of the old country. The locals rave about the crepes and the Parisian sandwiches served on a fresh baked baguette. The sweet pastries are the true treat here, though. They look so beautiful you almost don’t want to ruin the art by eating them, but you will be glad you did. They use real French butter and, yes, you can tell the difference. So next time you want to indulge in a truly perfect meal drive out west and taste what Baguette et Chocolate has baking, and don’t forget to grab a fresh loaf to bring home.

Baguette et Chocolate
12101 Bee Cave Rd Bldg 6
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-8388
http://www.yelp.com/biz/baguette-et-chocolat-bee-cave

There are lots of sandwich chains, but chances are you’ve never seen one like Which Wich. Come in and grab an order form; it’s appropriately printed on a brown lunch bag. With over 50 bread, meat, and topping options, the possible combinations are endless, and deciding can be tough!

You’re not accustomed to seeing this stuff elsewhere, either; choices like Chicken Pesto or Hummus and Cucumber lift Which Wich sandwiches above the competition. Add a fresh cookie or a thick, creamy milkshake and you’ve got a cheap, memorable meal. Note that rush hours get busy, but locals praise the efficient service. Free Wi-Fi is available here.

Which Wich
12800 Hill Country Boulevard
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-1221
http://www.whichwich.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/which-wich-bee-cave

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/avlxyz

New Orleans is eight hours away. Maybe you’ve been there, maybe not. If there are Cajuns in the audience, we apologize, but a quick primer for the uninitiated: Hurricanes get you drunk, “rat toes” are fried jalapenos stuffed with seafood, and gator tail is exactly what it sounds like. Got that?

Gumbo’s brings you upscale Cajun fare in the style of New Orleans legends like Antoine’s or Galatoire’s. All the classics are here: fried crawfish tails, blackened fish, remoulade, etouffee, oysters, fried green tomatoes, and a lobster bisque that puts Easterners to shame. It’s pricey — dinner entrees average $25 — but most locals love it and it beats the long drive. Lunch, brunch, and dinner are available.

Check Gumbo’s website for hours, events, and specials.

Gumbo’s Steak and Seafood
12823 Shops Parkway
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-2711
http://www.gumbosbeecave.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/gumbos-steak-and-seafood-bee-cave

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/jeffreyw