Three Great Restaurants in Bandera Texas

4 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, here is 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 our server highly recommended it. 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 quickly. Our server was not only knowledgeable about the menu but also genuinely friendly and 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 decor made for an interesting authentic Texas atmosphere to enjoy, while we waited for our food.

Parking: The restaurant has two main parking locations, one in the front of the restaurant, conveniently located, on Main Street, and another large parking lot conveniently located behind the restaurant. While it felt safe and easy to access, I could see it getting crowded during busy evenings.

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.

Click to have a look at their menu. https://www.tjsoldforge.com/menu/

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 live up to the state’s reputation. We recommend the 10oz Ribeye, which is filled with juicy savory 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: The restaurant was busy, and the wait was slightly longer than expected(5-8 minutes). The staff were super 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 sticks with the Cowboy-town feel. As you walk in, there is a long full bar to the right, with tables in the center of the room and booths that line the far left wall, with a few extra booths in the back. The theme is a bit more upscale Texas-country with a lively atmosphere.

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

Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 11 am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday 11 am to 10 pm

Site: They do not have a website, but can be contacted by phone or their Facebook profile/account.

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 stack of three pancakes, and just as advertised, they were as BIG as our heads! They were so fluffy and perfectly golden brown. Overall, it was a nice, easy-going country meal.

Service: The service was great. Everything was short and sweet, complimenting the Southern-style family atmosphere with couples, groups, and soccer teams enjoying the down-home food. Meals arrived quickly, 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 is charming, and the 'John Wayne Room' has a large collection of the legend himself, complete with nostalgic photographs and charming knickknacks. It's 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 are reasonably priced, lunch and dinner prices can vary substantially. You can expect to pay anywhere from $10-30 per meal.

Favorites: Our favorites are their as BIG as your head pancakes, of course..so fluffy and delicious. We like to order 2-3 pancakes after dinner and share them with everyone at the table. Each person tears a few pieces of pancake off and dips it into their lip-smacking maple syrup. We also love their single slices of pecan pie and freshly baked apple pie. Or, you can order a whole pie to enjoy or take with you as a treat.

Click to have a look at their menu items. https://www.ostbandera.com/menu.html

Contact Info:

Phone: (830) 796-3836

Website: https://www.ostbandera.com/