Three Great Restaurants in Bandera Texas
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3 min read
Bandera's Big Three
Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, northwest of San Antonio, lies a little country town known as Bandera. Notoriously called the "Cowboy Capital of the World," Bandera is a small town bursting with charm and character. It’s not just the rodeos and stunning landscapes that draw visitors—it's also the incredible food! While visiting with my family, we tried several restaurants, and, three stood out for their taste, quality of service, atmosphere, parking availability, and pricing. From deliciously juicy steaks to true, southern style chicken fried steak, heres a closer look at Tj's @ The Old Forge, Trail Boss Steak and Grill, and The O.S.T.
1: Tj's @ The Old Forge
- Taste: At TJ’s, the focus is on fresh, hearty flavors, with a menu featuring a delightful blend of Tex-Mex and classic American dishes. I couldn’t resist trying the Chicken Fried Steak, as it was highly recommended by our server. The steak itself was battered and fried to perfection, and the portion was huge! They offered incredible appetizers, particularly the fried mushrooms were fresh and hot, and again, the portion was on the larger side.
- Service: The service was exemplary. We were seated with haste, and, our server was not only knowledgeable about the menu but also genuinely enthusiastic about the food. They made excellent recommendations, and ensured our drinks were refilled promptly, creating a warm, welcoming dining experience.
- Atmosphere: The ambiance is a cozy collaboration of rustic charm and your standard 'cowboy' feel. The wooden beams and homespun decor set a comfortable tone. While the large openness of the building was different, the said decor made for an interesting aesthetic to look at while we waited for our food.
- Parking: The restaurant had two main parking locations, one in the front conveniently off the road on main street, and, a large lot conveniently located behind the restaurant. While it felt safe and easy, I could definitely see it getting cramped during busy hours.
- Prices: The prices were reasonable, with a meal for one ranging from $15 - $20. This makes it an ideal spot for families or groups looking to enjoy a meal without overspending.
Contact Info:
- Phone: (830) 796-9990
- Website: https://www.tjsoldforge.com/
2: Trail Boss Steak and Grill
- Taste: Trail Boss serves up a generous helping of Texas traditions, boasting mouthwatering steaks that lives up to the state’s reputation. I highly recommend the 10oz Ribeye , which was the epitome of flavor—tender, and cooked a perfect medium rare. Their sides, particularly the potato salad, provided a delightful contrast in textures and tastes, making the meal even more satisfying.
- Service: Although the restaurant was busy, and the wait was slightly longer than expected, the staff remained friendly and efficient. Our server displayed a warm Texas hospitality that made the wait more bearable, checking in on us frequently.
- Atmosphere: This restaurant's interior embraces a true Western theme, adorned with cowboy memorabilia and rugged decor that tells stories of the old frontier. The lively atmosphere adds to the dining experience, making you feel directly transported to a classic Texas joint.
- Parking: While there is little parking in front of the restaurant, an open lot is available nearby, but it tends to fill up quickly during peak hours, especially on weekends. A little patience may be required, but the short walk to the restaurant is always worth it.
- Prices: The pricing here is fair for the portion sizes, with most dishes priced between $15 and $35. It’s a great value for the quality of food you get and makes for an affordable night out.
Contact Info:
- Phone: (830) 328-5022
- Website: https://trailbosssteakandgrill.godaddysites.com/
3: The O.S.T. (Old Spanish Trail)
- Taste: The O.S.T. wowed me with its home-cooked feel and an extensive menu filled with delicious Southern-inspired dishes. I ordered the country style breakfast, complete with two eggs, refried beans, a slice of ham and toast. A simple but delicious meal. We ordered a large stack of pancakes, and just as advertised, they were as large as our head! They were so fluffy and perfectly golden brown. Overall, a nice, easy going country meal.
- Service: The service was great. Everything was short and sweet, really complimenting the southern style homely atmosphere. Meals arrived quick, and, our server was on top of drink refills and paid good attention to our needs
- Atmosphere: Stepping into The O.S.T. feels like visiting a warm family home rather than a restaurant. The vintage decor, and the 'John Wayne Room' has a large collection of the legend himself complete with nostalgic photographs and charming knick-knacks. A nice homely atmosphere for a casual meal.
- Parking: Ample on-street parking was available, but just like the others, busy hours could make it a slight walk to the restaurant.
- Prices: While most options at the Old Spanish Trail tend to be on the cheaper side, they do vary substantially. Anywhere from $15 - $30 is to be expected.
Contact Info:
- Phone: (830) 796-3836
- Website: https://www.ostbandera.com/