Leon's Country Store in Rockne (pop. 200) was recently voted first runner-up for "Best Bar" and first place for "Coldest Beer" in Bastrop. Owner Herman Goertz took it over from his dad, who'd been serving icy brews to thirsty Texans since 1969. Before Herman's family took Leon's over, it was a general store. It's still paneled with rough wood, faded and peeling a bit outside and kind of dark inside - in a good way, as old country places so often are. "Thanks for comin' in! Glad to have ya!" yells Herman, over the jukebox. (JH)
