Ellis Motel
Bar · Round Top ·

Ellis Motel

Bar · Round Top ·

Casual cocktail bar with shoppable decor and patio

Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by Ellis Motel
Ellis Motel by Eater - Lists + Maps
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null
Ellis Motel by null

Information

185 Henkel Cir, Round Top, TX 78954 Get directions

$10–20

Information

Static Map

185 Henkel Cir, Round Top, TX 78954 Get directions

ellismotel.com
@ellis_motel

$10–20

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Last updated

Nov 13, 2025

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@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Best Restaurants in the Texas Hill Country | Eater Austin

"Despite what its permanently-lit “no vacancy” signs lead you to believe, Ellis Motel does not have overnight accommodations, but you’ll definitely want to stay. This small town bar is possibly one of the quirkiest dining experiences in the entire state, welcoming visitors and locals alike in for a Cheers-type experience but with a lot of edge. Housed in this two-level, 1800s-era structure, the buzzy Henkel Square cocktail bar is the brainchild of the late Lee Ellis, the prolific restaurateur who made his mark in Houston with restaurants like State Fare and Lee’s Fried Chicken & Donuts before moving to Round Top. Ellis’s edgy Texas-chic aesthetic includes shoppable furnishings, hats, and snacks; a massive, furry, hanging buffalo head; and oversized artworks showcasing his likeness (many of them with Lee characteristically flipping the bird). All-in-all, it’s a masterful ode to one of Round Top’s greats. Stay inside and explore the different rooms while you sip on your favorite go-to or pick from the bar menu, or take it outside to the spacious patio area." - Deven Wilson

https://austin.eater.com/maps/best-hill-country-restaurants-texas
Eater - Lists + Maps
Ellis Motel
@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

The Best Restaurants and Bars in Round Top | Eater Austin

"Despite what its permanently-lit “no vacancy” signs lead you to believe, Ellis Motel does not have overnight accommodations, but you’ll definitely want to stay. This small town bar is possibly one of the quirkiest dining experiences in the entire state, welcoming visitors and locals alike in for a Cheers-type experience but with a lot of edge. Housed in this two-level, 1800s-era structure, the buzzy Henkel Square cocktail bar is the brainchild of the late Lee Ellis, the prolific restaurateur who made his mark in Houston with restaurants like State Fare and Lee’s Fried Chicken & Donuts before moving to Round Top. Ellis’s edgy Texas-chic aesthetic includes shoppable furnishings, hats, and snacks; a massive, furry, hanging buffalo head; and oversized artworks showcasing his likeness (many of them with Lee characteristically flipping the bird). All-in-all, it’s a masterful ode to one of Round Top’s greats. Stay inside and explore the different rooms while you sip on your favorite go-to or pick from the bar menu, or take it outside to the spacious patio area." - Brittany Britto Garley

https://austin.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-bars-round-top-hill-country-texas-antiques-show-festival
Ellis Motel
Ellis Motel
@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Where to Eat and Drink in Round Top

"As the permanently-lit “no vacancy” signs lead you to believe, this space doesn’t have overnight accommodations, but instead, it’s a welcoming place for visitors to drink and be merry. The buzzy Henkel Square cocktail bar, housed in this two-level, 1800s-era structure, is the brainchild of the late Lee Ellis, the prolific restaurateur who made his mark in Houston with such restaurants as State Fare and Lee’s Fried Chicken & Donuts before moving to Round Top. With an edgy Texas-chic aesthetic that includes shoppable furnishings and oversized artworks showcasing his likeness, the big space is an ode to one of Round Top’s greats. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas." - Megha McSwain

https://austin.eater.com/maps/best-round-top-restaurants-where-to-eat-texas-antiques-fair
Ellis Motel
@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Obituary: Houston Restauranter Lee Ellis Is Dead at 63 | Eater Houston

"A small motel in Round Top opened by the restaurateur to complement his Hill Country ventures; it catered to out-of-town antique shoppers and day-trippers and worked alongside the nearby barbecue operation to accommodate visiting customers." - Courtney E. Smith

https://houston.eater.com/2023/3/7/23629466/lee-ellis-obituary-dead-houston-restaurants
Ellis Motel

Jonathan “Jay” C.

Google
Ellis Motel is one of my favorite places to visit in Round Top. The service is amazing. Emma and Grace do an amazing job taking care of all the customers with great service and great drinks.

Del C.

Google
Love to lounge and sip a cocktail at the Ellis. Despite the high prices and really unfriendly bartenders the vibe and atmosphere of the place is just too cool to resist. I can only imagine how great it could be if they would send the bartenders to smile school.

Cody P.

Google
Was told to try this place was friendly. After going was ignored and not served customers and bar tenders very rude. All in all over price drinks to be treated very poorly.

Jeremy W.

Google
Insanely amazing drinks. Fun spaces to sit and hang out. Great people watching and/or socializing. We love this spot! No food, so plan accordingly.

london

Google
Emma is the best bartender ever! She takes the best care of us and she takes the best care of us and her cocktails were amazing. Can’t wait to come back and see her again!!!!!!

Lynne D.

Google
Emma and Jose were fantastic!!!! ❤️❤️ the best presentation and AMAZING drinks thank you guys so much for being so kind and sweet to us!! Definitely will be coming back!!

Tim F.

Google
What a great find and place to visit. We didn't stay the night but visited the bar and had a few drinks. Highly recommend you stay or just have a drink.

Russell H.

Google
So this place 86’d my 6 month old…guess they thought he was going to spike his formula with vodka. The square in Roundtop is literally for families and friends yet this pompous establishment and employees do not allow kids/children (which I get after a certain time) but when it’s 4:30pm on a Friday and there is 3 people in total when we arrived, shooing us off doesn’t exactly scream smart business. Management should consider relocating this place to a bar district in Austin or adjusting the rules to accommodate families.
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M H.

Yelp
Love this RTTX classic! The best gin and tonics. Love Ellis and missing Lee big time. Don't miss this when in Roundtop and try Merrit BBQ next door. So good.
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Michael K.

Yelp
Disappointed. Always love stopping here. Group of 8 and had my 6 year old granddaughter with us, again. New signs up saying NOONE under 21 inside or out. Went a few months ago and the sign specified no one under 21 after 5. We were there at 4pm. So we took our business to Koopers Whiskey and had a great time and all were welcome. Then down to Crown Bar in La Grange. OMG from 5-7. Amazing Old Fashioneds and great mixology. Saw several dogs go in though. They're fine. Saw a few leave with ToGo beverages, even one pair of ladies just leaving with their glass glasses. Just a suggestion for Ennis. Don't bend the knee to the masses. If a minor isn't behaving, eject the whole crew. For those of us whose kids are wonderful., welcome us all and make some money. Cheers.

Shawn G.

Yelp
This place has so much going for it....great location, beautiful space, cool vibe! We were excited to try it. However, the two bartenders (tiny blonde & tall w/dark hair) and the drink runner were just not friendly AT ALL. We observed eye rolls, sighs, and unpleasant facial expressions. It was as if all the patrons were a total bother. Perhaps it was just a bad night, but being the opening show weekend, there should have been a little enthusiasm!!! Management needs to get a handle on this and FAST. We left after just one drink (as did another group of 5 ladies) and found welcoming hospitality (and live music) just down the road. Also, not a fan of disposable bar ware and using fingers to scoop out the coffee beans to garnish the espresso martinis.
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Lauri B.

Yelp
Fun little spot with pretty cocktails. My drink had a sprig of rosemary. Delightful! One of the locals suggested we go, so we did. I don't know the origin of the name, but it is not an actual motel (unless I missed something). The bar has several small lounging rooms and a small bar with stools. There aren't many places in the small town of 86 people, but each place uses their space well and has their own country feel. This town is a Texas gem!

Kevin T.

Yelp
Asked for ID's from our party and then took orders from multiple parties that came in after us prior to getting our order. Terrible service, sub par ambience, overpriced beverages.

Jillian J.

Yelp
Emma and Claire give the best service at the bar! I love coming to this bar because of the intimateness and the friendly atmosphere it provides. The bartenders are experienced and curate the nicest cocktails. From, other guests to staff everyone is so caring and kind and I truly always enjoy my experience at this sweet spot! :)
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Stacey K.

Yelp
We had a great afternoon at the Ellis Motel! Make sure you don't miss this gem when in the round too area!

Oscar C.

Yelp
You're wasting time drinking anywhere else. Best drinks in Round Top are served here by Emma & Bianca.
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Caleb P.

Yelp
Came here today and the waitress was very rude and denied us entry due to have kids with us. They were outside sitting at a table playing the games. Very disappointed in this place.

Rebeca K.

Yelp
Great watering place serving tasty drinks, good music, and fascinating "people watching" as the diverse customers hang out visiting on the porch or congregating inside the rustic lounge area.
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Laura S.

Yelp
Super cool. Sit out under the stars or settle into one of the rooms for some high in drinks or bottled beer. This is a place to kick back and relax. If /when you are in Roundtop Texas put it on you "to do" list!

Kevin B.

Yelp
Emma makes an amazing Manhattan!!! Great place to relax and have a proper drink! Highly recommend this place.

Kimi B.

Yelp
Very cute place... I'll give them that, but zero hospitality, and overpriced drinks for the quality of taste.

Lane B.

Yelp
Been here plenty of times but tonight, 10/14, we arrived at 6 PM and after trying for 30 minutes to order drinks from a spot within the establishment we finally stood in a 20 minute line at the bar. The blonde bartender was rude, rolled her eyes constantly and after placing a $120 order and waiting 40 minutes we had to cancel our order. Which also didn't please the unfriendly bartender. We ended up seeing our literal "napkin order" last under 10 other napkin orders and had to get a refund so that we weren't late for a 8 PM dinner. 2 hours wasted. The bar back was very sweet and the only pleasant encounter in the span of 2 hours.

David W.

Yelp
Visiting from Austin for the antique show. Had a great time at the motel bar. Super friendly staff who were quick to get our drinks and help us out. Plenty of seating and cool little lounge rooms. Open till midnight most nights, would recommend.