Who doesn’t love scratch-made comfort food fresh from the farm?

Located in downtown Bastrop, Texas, lies an historic 175-year-old building at the corner of Main and Pine, Store House Market + Eatery. Owner and Executive Chef Sonya Cote jumped on the locally-grown train long ago, for both nutritional and environmental purposes. So, she’s no stranger to the Austin food scene, as she’s opened buzz-worthy spots like Eastside Showroom, Hillside Farmacy and Eden East. 

Farm Fresh

Cote transformed the historic building into a seasonally-driven restaurant and market. The à la carte menu features rotating mains and sides, using ingredients sourced from Eden East Farm and other Bastrop producers, of course. The 5-acre farm was originally in Austin on Springdale Road, but then moved to only one mile north of Store House. So when they say the food is farm fresh, they really mean it.

Colorful History 

The Store House has a colorful history. Dating back to 1846, it has been a brothel, funeral home, café and now, marketplace. 

Newly-installed shelves stocked with fresh produce and pantry items from the farm give the historic single-story building a modern twist. The minimalist design really highlights the preserved architectural features, which include hand-pained 1890s Mexican tile and original wood doors and paneling. They even use original farm tables that were salvaged after the Bastrop County wildfires in 2011.

In the main dining room you’ll find original artwork by film director and local artist Richard Linklater, who utilizes the space as a gallery for his mosaic pieces and other works. 

Farm-to-Fork

When you come to dine at this locally farmed food restaurant, I suggest starting out with the Meat & Cheese Board. The meats and cheeses are changed up all the time, along with new vegetables, fruits, pickled items, and even honey from the farm. The Line Chef makes each board uniquely for each person, so everyone gets something a little different each time. The board I received had a tasty carrot purée, made of cream cheese and carrots (obviously) to dip your crackers, meats and cheeses into.

Other popular light bites to try are the Quail Knots and Black Salt & Vinegar Fries. The vinegar on the fries adds a sweetness to the garlic aioli that really brings it all together. Years were spent perfecting the best fries ever, so believe me when I say they are divine.

For the main dish, I suggest trying the best seller, which is the Farm BQ. The dish is super smokey, and you’ll love that unique flavor. You also can’t go wrong with the meaty Bastrop Burger, sure enough to satisfy any burger lover. If you want something meatier, try the full-flavored Texas Wagyu Steak that’s so juicy and tender. 

Zestful Drinking

Wash it all down with one of the signature cocktails, like the gin-based Bramble or Mojito, while taking in the gorgeous sunset. I’m not sure if it’s the fresh berries and mint, but those drinks were extra refreshing and zestful. 

The best part about dining at Store House is that everything is farm fresh and ready to eat. The Store House Market + Eatery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 3pm to 11pm. 

In compliance with COVID-19 safety regulations, there is limited indoor and outdoor seating for dinner and happy hour, to-go orders and market pickup during hours of operation. To place a to-go order, book a reservation or private event, click here. 

Store House Market + Eatery: 813 Main Street, Bastrop, Texas 78602

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Cover photo courtesy Wynn Myers

Leean Vargas is an Editorial Assistant at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of

Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She is a concert enthusiast who loves traveling, photography, good food, and discovering new hangout spots in her beloved city, Austin, Texas.