Neon Armadillo

Wimberley's newest family hangout serves up brisket, margaritas, game days and live music under one big neon sign.

COMMUNITYLOCAL TABLESWTW FW26

9/25/20263 min read

By Ernie Altgelt

As you’ve probably already discovered, there’s a lot to do in Wimberley – shopping, sightseeing, river swimming and the many other traditional attractions, all definitely guaranteed to please, that this delightful community boasts. And that’s very neat. But after repeatedly experiencing the tried and true, locals and visitors alike can still get a bit tired of the same old, same old and feel compelled to start rooting around for something new.

Well good people, thanks to a recently opened all-inclusive “playground” that everyone just digs, the problem is now solved. Meet the Neon Armadillo, an expansive family-friendly fun factory that even the shyest will come out of their holes for because there’s just so much to do and enjoy, all in one convenient location. Yep, for a sHELL of a good time, the Neon Armadillo is now the go-to place!

But there’s a tail in all this and it began when a group of area entrepreneurs with substantial hospitality and/or retail backgrounds conceived the idea to develop a “destination” where folks of all ages could come to relax, relish an assortment of excellent edibles (imagine a perfect fusion of savory smoky meats heightened with Tex-Mex accents), listen to some soothing (often live) sounds, sample a few adult beverages (beer, wine and cocktails), watch a little, or a lot of, football (and other sports) on very large TVs all while letting the kiddos go crazy cavorting in and around the very accommodating 30,000-square-foot footprint and, well, you get the idea. After designing, then constructing the perfect edifice for this concept, which includes comfortable seating for 85 indoors and another 150 under two covered patios, in November of last year the “welcome” light was lit and the eager crowds came a-running.

So, what are we looking at today? First, there’s the sign, which features the biz’s name in all of its neon glory. The unusual moniker was inspired by an old honky-tonk sign discovered abandoned in a field that the developers felt needed to be replicated but made more Texas-appropriate by adopting the ubiquitous mammal as its namesake. It’s certainly hard to miss, especially at night when illuminated. But it’s what this beacon represents that fans come for and that can mean different things to different people. Many are thinking exceptional food and drink. To that end, just reading the menu will get the juices running. Entrees include fork-tender Texas post oak-smoked (Force of Nature Regenerative Grass-fed) brisket, or the diner’s choice of pasture-raised lamb, pork or chicken, all deliciously combined with Tex-Mex bowls that overflow with Anasazi charro beans, queso, pico de gallo and other fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Working in tandem, these dishes are all to die for. Juicy burgers (adult and child-sized) and appetizers are muy popular as well. Hmm, hmm.

However, some come just for the libations and the Neon Armadillo’s tricked-out, stool-lined bar is a work of art on its own. While very traditional in appearance, its offerings are extremely current and cool. The custom-concocted margaritas, gin fizzes, tequilas, whiskeys and other mixers all get “high” marks. And of course, the extensive wine and beer selections (many locally produced) don’t disappoint either. Non-alcoholic but very satisfying beverages are on hand too.

With such a large, well-stocked venue, game days are always popular so come early and grab a seat around one of the 14 large-screen televisions that are “everywhere.” And, while the oldsters fixate on the competition, the teens can utilize the half-court basketball court while the tykes run and swing on a huge tree net playscape and enjoy various lawn games. Everyone has a blast.

Lastly, the Neon Armadillo is equipped with an excellent audio system where recorded tunes set the tone during the day but, come each weekend, a host of live performers bring their instruments and talents to the state-of-the-art stage to show off a bit in the evenings. Dancing is inevitable and, that’s okay! You dig?

FYI • The Neon Armadillo is located just outside of town at 9595 Ranch Road 12. Hours are 11 am to 9 pm daily, with the bar open until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The Neon Armadillo is available (and perfect) for private events. Off- and on-site catering is also available. For more information about “everything,” including the menu, directions, performances, etc., visit the website at neonarmadillotx.com.