Nestled in the absolute heart of the Texas Hill Country lies a community like no other I’ve seen, Utopia. The names says it all. The town seems to appear from nowhere as you navigate through the rolling hills and valleys that are the hill country of our great state. This town is known for several reasons, a city park with a dam wall that jumping from and into the cold waters of the Sabinal river is a rite of passage for the local youth, majestic cypress and oak trees that give off shade and keep the waters cool, Lost Maples State Natural Area, numerous scenic drives, and a small café that makes you feel like you are sitting down at your grandparents dinner table again for a meal that is out of this world.
Lost Maples Café was permanently put on the map when Robert Duval and Lucas Black released their 2011 inspirational movie Seven Days in Utopia. The movie was primarily filmed in and around the Utopia area and the scenes from the café show you just how friendly the citizens of Utopia can be. It’s also worth mentioning that if you happen to be a Lonesome Dove fan, it’s pretty amazing sitting at the same table to eat that Gus McCrae (Robert Duval) sat during the filming of Seven Days in Utopia.
The service and courteous staff do everything they can to ensure your visit is one to remember. Whether you are a born and raised lifelong Utopian, or simply passing through, you will be treated as if you had lived there for years. And the food! The food will have you making several weekend road trips back to Utopia just for another piece of their homemade pies.
The Lost Maples Café menu if filled with items to keep you going throughout your day. They serve everything from homemade breakfast tacos, omelets, biscuits and gravy, famous chicken fried steaks, burgers, steaks, salads, Mexican food and so more. But like I said, it’s the pies that keep you coming back. These homemade pies have made Lost Maples Café famous. Coconut Meringue, Lemon Meringue, Chocolate Meringue, Fudge Pecan, Pecan, Buttermilk, Apple and Cherry can usually all be found waiting for your enjoyment. You might get there early though or call ahead with your order, then tend to disappear pretty fast!
Visiting this area of our great state has become a passion for our family. Life seems to slow down and allow you to enjoy God’s creation as it was intended. People are more than welcome to extend a warm hello or a helping hand if needed. The landscape and live waters seem pristine and untouched by man. The wildlife roam freely throughout the countryside and town. It brings a feeling of warmth, peace, and serenity. A name that it definitely lives up to, Utopia.
