Weekend at The Wayback — adlibbing life

If you could taste The Wayback, it would be grandma’s homemade buttermilk biscuits with butter and strawberry jam. (More on those later). If you could wear The Wayback, it would be the softest sweater in winter white; the perfect weight to keep you warm but never hot; just right. If The Wayback was a guilty pleasure it would be the most refreshing Saturday afternoon nap, or a crisp, lovely glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Lucky for all of us, The Wayback Cafe & Cottages are all these things and more. It’s the perfect balance of special and comfortable.

The café at The Wayback is a favorite spot of mine. It’s open to cottage guests as well as the public and offers a delicious menu full of varied and inspired dishes.

Tucked right off Bee Cave Road and just 15 minutes west of downtown Austin, it’s easy to get to and easy to find, yet once you park and step onto the property, you feel like you’re nestled deep in the Texas Hill Country. Eight charming cottages, a cabana, a saltwater pool and a café dot the wildflower covered grounds. The vibe is familiar and charming mixed with fresh and brand new.

Saturday morning brunch included shrimp & grits and avocado toast. Perfection!

I stayed in Cottage 8 which houses a queen bed, living area, fireplace, a cute and cozy kitchenette and bathtub/shower combo. I also enjoyed the back porch in the mornings. The cottage was dual-purpose the weekend of my stay: a peaceful home base for part of the wild (but fun!) ACL Music Festival and a girly staycation spot for me and my daughters.

Cottage 8: my home sweet home for the weekend! Photo: The Wayback

The crown jewel at The Wayback has to be the café. Open to guests as well as the public, it’s small and intimate but bright and airy; when I dine there I always feel like I’m in a scene from Meryl Streep’s perfect house in the movie “It’s Complicated;” everything is light, lovely and casually elegant but with divine attention to detail. And the food is outstanding. I have eaten here many times but over the course of this particular weekend, we enjoyed shrimp and grits, avocado toast, decadent desserts and of course their trademark biscuits. (Do NOT miss the biscuits!) There is also an impressive offering of organic wines and local beers, and the staff is always cheerful, helpful and attentive. (Amanda and Coleman took great care of us this time)! In addition to regular restaurant happenings, check The Wayback’s calendar for weekly fun such as pizza night every Thursday and an increasing rotation of live music. There are also special events like the Argentinian Wine Night I recently attended (see my Instagram highlights under “The Wayback”) which included the most fabulous five course menu complete with wine pairings and the acoustic guitar stylings of Anthony Garcia. We ended the night two-stepping under the stars. Swoon!

As a self proclaimed biscuit expert, I can confidently tell you The Wayback offers some of the best. Don’t miss them! And take some to go while you’re at it.

The Wayback will rise to the top of your list of favorites whether you spend the weekend for a girls trip or romantic staycation, or you drop by for a casual lunch or dinner. (Or a biscuit!)

The entire property can be rented out or just pick a cottage and call it home sweet home for a bit. You’ll be so glad you did!

All the comforts of home! The Wayback is definitely Brynnie approved.

Note: use code AMANDA-ACL for 10% off your stay through December 2019.

The Wayback Café & Cottages, 9601 FM-2244, Austin, Texas 78733, (512) 520-9590.