Thursday – Castell General Store!

At times I have to put reminders on my calendar. Reminders to stop, take a drive, explore new places. Today is the day for a country drive — a drive to Castell General Store. I’ve known about it for years. I forgot I wanted to stop by for just as long — ever since that day many Octobers ago when we were traveling back roads in search of a hidden winery and saw the tiny General Store as we whizzed past. A group of people was gathered on the porch talking, laughing, sitting, standing — their hands wrapped around icy cold beers. I turned to Michael, telling him, “We need to go back — someday.”   

Although it is extremely difficult to get the exact lowdown on Castell General Store, I persevere and discover they are open on Thursdays. They do serve lunch. Finally, someday is here.

The Road Less Traveled

A baseball cap firmly on my head, the top down on our convertible, Michael takes the wheel and points our combined noses toward the northwest. It delights and amazes me that backroad’s fields are still on fire with the yellows and oranges of spring flowers. I inhale their beauty and am happy at the fact that I put down today as a day for adventure.

Stopping from time to time to explore, more than two hours later we are driving through the very tiny town of Castell, year-round population 7, toward lunch.  Castell General Store is at the northern edge of the village, facing the unseen Llano River beyond. It is funky, rustic, country charm.

Castell General Store

This Thursday afternoon, shaded by the large arms of a giant oak tree, the grounds are full of empty picnic tables—tables in waiting for weekend bikers and other adventure-seeking souls. We climb the steps and open the door. The interior is sparsely peppered with a few customers. Some of them, regulars. Some of them, friends. One of them, the owner — one the owner’s son. One the cook.

Mark, the son, stands behind the bar and explains to us the what’s and the how’s. There are two items on the menu today — a hamburger and a grilled chicken sandwich. Chips come with the sandwich. Beer, cold drinks, and wine are available. We order two cheeseburgers. Two beers. I order a beer made in Shiner, Texas. Michael chooses one made in Mexico. We try to stay as local as we can.

Finding a table near the front of the store, I survey my surroundings and smile. Mark comes by the table to visit and tell us his story, and the story of Castell General Store. A Castell native — his family has been here since the 1850’s — he left, married, had a son, and then returned ten years ago. He returned to help his father run the store. His then nine-year-old son spent his days fishing down by the river.  His child was in little boy heaven.

Lunch

I feel a tap on my shoulder and am told, “Your burgers are ready.”

We make our way through the kitchen door, pick up the open-faced burgers, proceed to the condiment table where I slather mine with the requisite mayo and ketchup, then make my way to the fresh table and load up on the good stuff. Fresh crisp lettuce. Sliced tomatoes. Dill Pickles. Sitting down once again, I position the top of the hamburger bun in place and take a bite. The bun is kissed with sweetness. The thick patty, crispy on the outside, juicy and delicious within. The layer of pepper-jack cheese — melted. It is a great burger.

Lunch at an end, we toss our disposable baskets into the trash receptacle and make our way outside toward further adventures. 

Michael disappears, exploring Castell.

I put a weekend visit to Castell General Store on my mental calendar when barbeque and other tempting offerings are on the menu. And of course, it is an excuse to take the road less traveled — just to be here.

(Scroll to the end to find more information on Castell General Store.)

Castell General Store – The Particulars

Address: 19522 Ranch Road 152, Castell, Texas

Phone: 325-247-4100

Hours: Closed Mondays; Tuesday – Thursday 8 – 6; Friday – Saturday 8 – Midnight; Sunday 8 – 6

Menu: Tuesday – Sunday 11 am – 3 pm and Friday & Saturday 6 pm – 9 pm — Grilled Chicken Sandwiches & Burgers

Saturday 11 am – 3 pm (or until they sell out) BBQ Brisket, Pork Rib, Steak, and Tenderloin, along with Beef Ribs and Half Chickens plus sides.

Sunday 11 am – 3 pm is Steak Day! Ribeye, Beef Ribs, Half Chickens, Salads, Baked Potatoes, Green Beans and sometimes–homemade desserts.

First Friday of the Month: Seafood night!

Annual Events

3rd weekend of February Annual Chili Cookoff!

3rd weekend of May TESTICLE FESTIVAL

4th weekend of September Winefest!

1st weekend of November Hunter Ball

4th weekend of October Goat/Rib Cookoff & Sangria Pour-off!

1st weekend of December Gumbo Cookoff!