You’re driving down Highway 237, the windows are down, and the smell of cedar and dry grass is hitting you just right. If you’ve done the Round Top Antiques Fair before, you know the drill. You’re hunting for that one mid-century credenza or a stack of vintage European linens that don't cost a literal mortgage payment. But lately, there is a specific spot that people keep whispering about over margaritas at Lulu’s. It isn't a dusty tent or a muddy field. It’s Boon and Co Round Top.
Honestly, calling it just a restaurant or a shop feels like a massive undersell. It is basically the living room of the town now. Located right at 206 South Washington St., it’s become the place where the "antique road warriors" go to scrub off the trail dust and feel like a human being again.
The Vibe Shift at Boon and Co Round Top
Round Top has changed. It used to be a twice-a-year explosion of chaos, but now it’s a year-round destination. Boon and Co Round Top is the primary driver of that shift. Founded by Susanne Maida in 2023, the space was designed to be "sticky." You don't just pop in and out. You stay.
The architecture hits that sweet spot between "Texas farmhouse" and "Milanese boutique." It's modern but doesn't feel cold. You’ve got the downstairs market which is packed with gourmet pantry items, farm-fresh eggs, and apothecary goods that make your bathroom feel like a five-star spa. Then there's the food. We’re talking wood-fired pizzas with crust that actually has some chew to it, and salads that don’t feel like an afterthought.
Why the locals actually like it
Most "tourist" spots in small Texas towns get the cold shoulder from the people who actually live there. Not this one. On a random Tuesday, you'll see builders in muddy boots sitting next to interior designers from Houston who are carrying Birkin bags (though seasoned pros know to leave the Birkin at home).
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- The Market: It’s a specialty grocery store for people who want real food.
- The Bar: Upstairs, there’s Bar 17. It’s moody. It’s dark. It has 17th-century architectural fragments integrated into the decor.
- The Drinks: Try the mandarin basil margarita. Just do it.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Experience
A lot of folks think you can only enjoy Boon and Co Round Top during the Big Show (the spring and fall antiques fairs). That’s a mistake. While the energy during the show is electric—and the people-watching is world-class—the "off-season" is when the magic happens.
If you show up in January or July, the pace slows down. You can actually talk to the staff. You can browse the hand-tooled silver buckles and high-end leather goods in the retail section without being elbowed by a frantic shopper looking for a 10-foot farm table.
Real Talk on Reservations
During the Antiques Fair, getting a table here is like trying to get front-row seats at a Beyoncé concert. Use Resy. Do it weeks in advance. If you show up at 7:00 PM on a Friday during the show without a booking, you’re going to be eating a granola bar in your car.
Beyond the Plate: The Retail Therapy
The shopping at Boon and Co Round Top is curated, which is a nice break from the "digging through piles of junk" vibe of Warrington. Susanne Maida has a killer eye. You’ll find:
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- Distinctive textiles you won't see at Target.
- Tabletop items that make a frozen pizza look like a Michelin-starred meal.
- Gifts that don't look like they came from a gas station.
It is an "epicurean market," which is a fancy way of saying they sell the good stuff. If you need a cheeseboard for a picnic at a nearby vineyard or a bottle of boutique wine that hasn't been mass-produced in a factory, this is your home base.
Living the Round Top Lifestyle
If you’re planning a trip, don't just make it a day trip. Round Top is best experienced when you wake up there. Places like The Frenchie or Red Antler Bungalows are just a stone's throw away. You wake up, grab a croissant and a latte at Boon and Co, and then hit the fields.
Most people don't realize that Boon and Co Round Top also plays a role in the local real estate ecosystem. The town is booming. People are buying up old farmhouses and turning them into luxury rentals, and having a "hub" like Boon makes the town feel more livable for those coming from big cities like Austin or Dallas. It provides that bit of urban sophistication without killing the small-town soul.
The Bar 17 Secret
Most people stick to the downstairs cafe, but Bar 17 is the hidden gem. It feels like a private club. It’s perfect for those "what did I just buy?" debriefs with your friends after a long day of haggling. The cocktails are precise. No sugary mixers here. They use fresh juices and high-end spirits.
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Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
Don't just wing it. If you want to experience Boon and Co Round Top the right way, follow these steps:
- Book Early: Check Resy at least 3 weeks before the Antiques Fair starts.
- Go for Brunch: The Sunday brunch is legendary, but it gets packed. Aim for the 10:00 AM slot.
- Check the "Mid-Day" Menu: If you missed lunch, they have a limited menu between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. It’s the best time to snag a seat without a wait.
- Park Strategically: Parking in the heart of Round Top is a nightmare. Park a few blocks away and enjoy the walk; the town is tiny and beautiful.
- Bring a Cooler: You’re going to want to buy some of their specialty pantry items or prepared foods to take home. Don't let that expensive cheese melt in your trunk.
Whether you're there for the $50,000 French armoire or just a $15 burger, this place makes you feel like you belong. It’s the anchor of the "new" Round Top—sophisticated, soulful, and very, very Texas.
Plan your visit by checking their seasonal hours on the official Boon & Co website or booking your table via Resy before the next show season begins.