Stop in to Shop and Have a Drink at Mesquite Creek Outfitters
There’s a cool new kid on the block…or should I say ‘on the square’…in Georgetown, TX. When I first walked into Mesquite Creek Outfitters, I was a little confused. The sign said ‘Outfitters’ and I saw some clothing in the window. But as I made my way through the crowd and saw the big, rustic looking bar on the right hand wall, and all the people hanging out at tables and on the comfy couch and chairs in the front, I realized I was in some funky new hybrid space that is actually a really attractive apparel store and a fun place to socialize as well!
Since I moved to this area a year and a half ago, I am learning that Texans are good at thinking ‘outside the box’ and doing it on a grand scale and Mesquite Creek Outfitters is a perfect example of that.
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Lifestyle Gear and Outdoor Wear
To be more specific, Mesquite Creek sells hunting gear…not technical hunting gear but rather “lifestyle gear and outdoor wear”, as co-owner Brad Strittmatter explains. They offer a selection of clothing usable for hunting or for everyday wear. Their stuff is really very nice looking and not the usual selection of tan or pink camouflage like you see at Walmart or the big box stores.
No Longer an Abandoned Auto Shop
“There wasn’t a lot for guys on the square”, Strittmatter says when I ask him how he got the idea for this bar/hunting gear store. Well, there sure is now! An abandoned auto shop has become a fantastic ‘Man Cave’. This man cave even has something for the ladies! Their selection of jewelry, clothing, and hand-made soaps kept me and my friend Nancy busy for quite a while…just sayin’.
The space is cavernous but the dark wood flooring and light stone walls are the perfect setting for the big, bold ‘hunting trophies’. Giant fish paintings remind you that, even though it’s quite pretty, this is a ‘Manly’ store for ‘Manly Men’. I kid, I kid…sort of.
My favorite thing about the whole place is the shiny tin ceiling! I am originally from Chicago where you see tin ceilings in a lot of the old buildings and so it feels like a touch of home. And because the ceiling is so high it was a genius move to set it off with that bright silver paint that just draws your eye up there and allows you to really take in the architectural beauty of the place as a whole. It feels majestic and cozy at the same time…and I just love shiny things so…it’s a Win-Win!
Socializing at Mesquite Creek Outfitters
The bar itself is fashioned after a hunting lodge and has a selection of craft beer, wine, gourmet pizzas and a fancy meat & cheese tray…must be getting close to lunchtime. But I digress. You can catch the games on the two flat screen TVs or just mingle with the locals at the big communal tables. The friendly, attentive staff along with the relaxed atmosphere make you want to hang around for a while and sip, browse, repeat if necessary.
Brad, and his business partner, Cody Hirt, also partner in a charity called Veteran Outdoors. They sell Veteran Outdoors merchandise in the shop, and the proceeds from those sales go directly to the charity. They have plans to do some fundraising events at the store/bar in the near future. “We are excited for MCO to be the headquarters for VO. Because we feel it gives us a chance to talk to more people about the charity and to let them know it’s based right here in Georgetown.
This is our 10th year of doing VO. We have taken over 1200 veterans and family members on adventures. It is an all-volunteer organization made up of civilians & veterans.”
I’m happy to say that there are more and more good things happening in downtown Georgetown. Mesquite Creek Outfitters is a standout among them. So stop in, soak in the atmosphere, and grab a little refreshment next time you’re exploring the square. Then maybe do a little browsing and support a worthwhile charity while you’re at it. MCO is a ‘Must Visit’ if you find yourself in the Georgetown, TX area.
Mesquite Creek Outfitters can be found at 704 S. Austin Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626.