11th Street Cowboy Bar is one of the best-known bars in Bandera. It’s a large venue with a relaxed setting and often hosts live country music. The bar is famous for its jet-cooled dance floor, which is unique in Texas. Every Wednesday, they host Steak Night where visitors can bring their own steak to grill, and there is live music throughout the week. The bar attracts both locals and tourists, and it is often recommended for anyone looking for a real Texas honky-tonk.
OST Restaurant, also known as the Old Spanish Trail Restaurant, has been open since 1921 and is the oldest restaurant in Bandera County. The restaurant serves classic comfort food like chicken-fried steak, fried catfish, and Tex-Mex favorites such as enchiladas and fajitas. OST Restaurant is family friendly and decorated with Western memorabilia, including a room dedicated to John Wayne. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.
Brick’s River Café is located next to the Medina River and offers indoor and patio seating with a view of the water. The café serves a wide variety of American dishes, including burgers, steaks, seafood, and sandwiches. On Thursdays, they offer all-you-can-eat catfish, and there is a breakfast buffet on weekends. Brick’s River Café also provides catering for events.
TJ’s at The Old Forge is a full-service restaurant and bar in a historic building on Main Street. The menu features steaks, burgers, salads, and other American favorites. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, including three patios. There are bars on both levels of the building, and sports games are shown on large-screen TVs. The attached Cowgirl Coffee Shop serves coffee drinks and breakfast items in the morning.
Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar Saloon is the oldest honky-tonk in Texas, operating since the 1930s. The bar is easy to miss from the street, as its entrance is a red door next to the Bandera General Store. Inside, you’ll find country music memorabilia and a sawdust-covered floor. Arkey Blue’s often has live music, especially on weekends, and has hosted many well-known country musicians over the years.
These restaurants and bars are a big part of what makes Bandera County known for its friendly, small-town feel. As of mid-2025, all of these places are open and continue to serve locals and visitors. They offer straightforward menus, relaxed atmospheres, and a genuine Texas experience without the need for fancy extras. Bandera County’s food and bar scene is simple, honest, and rooted in tradition.
