The video above follows a drive from Austin toward Houston with a stop in Round Top, Texas — one of the smallest incorporated towns in the state with a population of around 100 people. Despite its size, Round Top pulls in serious crowds for its antiques scene, food, and surprisingly solid live music options. Located about 80 miles from Austin and 95 miles from Houston, it's an easy day trip from either city and worth the detour if you're into small-town Texas charm with a creative, artsy edge.
History and Culture of Round Top
Round Top dates back to the 1830s as part of the Stephen F. Austin colony. Originally called Townsend, it was later renamed Round Top after a round cupola on the post office. German immigrants arrived in the mid-1800s and left a lasting mark — you can still see their influence in the architecture, historic churches, and landmarks around town. The biggest draw is the Round Top Antiques Fair, which has over 50 years of history, runs three times a year, and brings in more than 100,000 visitors each time. During the fair, this place becomes what people call a mecca for junk — though the junk here is curated, artistic, and intentional. The town also has the Round Top Festival Institute, a performing arts center established in 1971 that hosts a six-week summer orchestral training program through June and July with concerts inside their hall.
Where Can You Find Live Music in Round Top, Texas?
For a town of 100 people, Round Top has a few legitimate spots where you can catch live music around the courthouse square area and just beyond it:
- Round Top Brewing — A brewery right near the square that hosts live music on occasion. A solid place to grab a beer and catch whoever's playing.
- SD's Roadhouse — Located just a few blocks from the square, this spot regularly features live music and has a laid-back roadhouse feel.
- Round Top Dance Hall — Right next to SD's Roadhouse, this is a proper Texas dance hall with live music, keeping the tradition alive in a town that's been around since the 1830s.
More Than Just Antiques
Walking the main area of Round Top, you'll find antique shops, restaurants, places to stay, a historic church, and the courthouse square. A popular stop is Royer's Pie Haven, where you can grab pies in flavors like Texas Trash — and they'll even blend a pie into a milkshake. The whole town has a feel that's been described as new bohemian — eclectic and free-spirited but also well-kept and intentional. It has some of that same artistic energy you find in Wimberley, Texas, or Santa Fe, New Mexico, but with its own quiet, rural identity. David Bridwell stopped through on his way to play a set at Betsies at Evelyn's Park in Houston, and even a short visit to Round Top made it clear why people keep coming back to this little stretch of Texas.