Looking for a Halloween getaway with a little more bite? One of Texas’ most notorious movie houses is welcoming visitors for something considerably friendlier than its on-screen reputation suggests.
The house featured in the original 1974 The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is now Hooper’s, a Kingsland restaurant serving Southern-inspired dishes, cocktails, and brunch. And 52 years after its big-screen debut, the house is preparing for a free Halloween celebration that could make a memorable Hill Country escape from Dallas.
From October 30 through November 1, 2026, “Halloween at the House” will bring live music, costume contests, carnival games, and appearances by actors from the film to the iconic property.
Yes, You Can Eat Inside The Actual Movie House
This isn’t simply a restaurant decorated to resemble a horror-film set. Hooper’s occupies the actual house used in Tobe Hooper’s original movie—although the building has changed addresses since filming.
Originally located in the Round Rock area, the house was later relocated and restored in Kingsland. Today, it stands at 1010 King Court, near Lake LBJ, with a restaurant name that nods to the film’s director.
Its current incarnation is a lot more inviting than its cinematic counterpart: think a scratch kitchen, Southern-inspired comfort food, and cold drinks rather than a desperate dash for the exit.
Trade The Terror For Brunch And Cocktails
You don’t need to wait for Halloween to pull up a chair. Hooper’s serves brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks, with a menu described as Southern pub fare with a modern twist.
Dishes include fried pickles and jalapeños, grilled chicken sandwiches, and chicken-fried steak, alongside handcrafted cocktails. Brunch service runs until 2 p.m., giving Dallas visitors another reason to work a meal into a Hill Country weekend.
Menus can change, so check the latest offerings before setting your heart on a particular plate.
A Free Halloween Weekend At A Horror Landmark
For anyone who wants to visit when the house is fully embracing its spooky reputation, the Halloween celebration runs October 30–November 1.
The announced lineup includes:
- Live music.
- Costume contests.
- Classic cars.
- Carnival games.
- Appearances by actors from the film.
Weekend admission is free, as are the volunteer-hosted carnival activities.
The restaurant will also remain open during the festivities. On Saturday, Churchrow Tejas BBQ will join the celebration with Texas barbecue available to purchase. Food and drinks are separate from the free admission.
Plan Your Road Trip From Dallas
Located in Kingsland, Hooper’s is a Hill Country getaway rather than a quick Dallas dinner stop. Pair the Halloween festivities with an overnight stay in the area, or make the house a destination on a longer Texas road trip.
The restaurant currently lists these opening hours:
- Monday–Tuesday: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; pub side open.
- Wednesday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; full house open.
- Friday: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Sunday: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Brunch service ends at 2 p.m. The kitchen closes at 8 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 9 p.m. Friday–Saturday, so don’t confuse the venue’s closing time with the last chance to order dinner. Check directly for any holiday-weekend schedule changes.
Find Hooper’s at 1010 King Court, Kingsland, TX 78639. “Halloween at the House” takes place October 30–November 1, 2026, with free weekend admission.
