THRILL COUNTRY
Tex-Mex barbecue pop-up and restaurant light up Wimberley this summer
Neon Armadillo owners Molly and Micah Bowen.
For many Hill Country destinations, it’s a catch-22. Rural charm brings tourism in, providing income for an ecosystem of bars, restaurants, and sharps. However, an influx of cash also attracts out-of-town investors, flattening the quirks that made the communities so popular to begin with.
Still, Wimberley has avoided such pratfalls thanks to its commitment to locally owned business. Now, a new restaurant from Wimberley Way Hospitality is adding new energy to the town’s iconic town square without sacrificing its character.
Owners and Wimberley residents Molly and Micah Bowen, who also run the nearby Creekhouse Restaurant & Bar, are collaborating with Heal Country Concepts to bring Neon Armadillo to life next year. But first, the team is collaborating with two Texas-born brands on a summer pop-up beginning July 5.
A sneak peek of the restaurant, the food truck pays homage to Wimberley’s ranching heritage through Texas’ twin culinary obsessions, Tex-Mex and barbecue. Chef Adam Puskorius, a vet of Austin’s True Food Kitchen and Fixe Southern House, focuses on sustainable ingredients from regenerative farms and ranches.
The pop-up menu focuses on family style ‘Dillo Packs with a choice of smoked brisket or pollo al carbon, each served with Anasazi pinto beans, Mexican-style rice, house salsa, barbecue sauce, and tortillas. Guests can also order a beefy burger and dips including guacamole and white queso served with local beef tallow tortilla chips.
After dinner, patrons can browse selections from two of Texas’ most recognizable lifestyle brands. HGTV stars Junk Gypsies will open their second Texas storefront in Wimberley as part of the proceedings, selling home decor and unique vintage finds. Jeweler Kendra Scott will also highlight its Western-inspired Yellow Rose collection.
The pop-up kicks off from 5-8 pm on July 5 with sips by Jaclynn Renée Wines and live music from Tate Mayeux of Mayeux & Broussard. Find it at 13701 Ranch Road 12. The Neon Armadillo brick-and-mortar is expected to open in early 2025.
