My Favorite Restaurants
In these suggestions I offer price options and beer/wine/liquor availability.
Quaint setting, fantastic food, moderately priced, serves beer and wine.
37 locals recommend
the Backyard Bistro
167 Panther RidgeQuaint setting, fantastic food, moderately priced, serves beer and wine.
Best BBQ ever. It's a Bandera landmark restaurant. Serves cold beer.
9 locals recommend
Busbee's Bar-B-Que & Catering
339 Main StBest BBQ ever. It's a Bandera landmark restaurant. Serves cold beer.
EVERYBODY eats at the OST, tourists and locals alike. Pull up a saddle at the bar or eat in the John Wayne room. Good home cooked meals. Downside: does not serve beer or wine.
63 locals recommend
O.S.T. Restaurant
311 Main StreetEVERYBODY eats at the OST, tourists and locals alike. Pull up a saddle at the bar or eat in the John Wayne room. Good home cooked meals. Downside: does not serve beer or wine.
Great food, serves beer and wine, right on the Medina River, very beautiful and relaxing. After eating you can take a quiet stroll along the river.
27 locals recommend
Brick's River Cafe
1205 Main StGreat food, serves beer and wine, right on the Medina River, very beautiful and relaxing. After eating you can take a quiet stroll along the river.
BEST BURGERS EVER!!!! Be prepared to wait though. They aren't fast but they sure are good. Kinda spendy though, about $11/person. They have a great gift shop you can walk through while waiting.
40 locals recommend
The Apple Store by Love Creek Orchards
14024 TX-16BEST BURGERS EVER!!!! Be prepared to wait though. They aren't fast but they sure are good. Kinda spendy though, about $11/person. They have a great gift shop you can walk through while waiting.
Live music on weekends. Serves beer, liquor, wine and FOOD. Fun to play pool and dance on the small dance floor.
8 locals recommend
Chickin Coop
402 Main StLive music on weekends. Serves beer, liquor, wine and FOOD. Fun to play pool and dance on the small dance floor.
FINE dining, reasonable pricing, serves beer and wine, not certain about spirits. HUGE gift store, take time to walk through the original post office and look at their unique gift store. Research the history of the old prison camp. EDIT: I really enjoyed visiting this little store from time to time. But during the whole nonsensical shutdown we decided to try it again. I have never in my life been treated so rudely. I encourage my guests to go but I won't step foot in this establishment again.
30 locals recommend
Camp Verde General Store
285 Camp Verde Rd EFINE dining, reasonable pricing, serves beer and wine, not certain about spirits. HUGE gift store, take time to walk through the original post office and look at their unique gift store. Research the history of the old prison camp. EDIT: I really enjoyed visiting this little store from time to time. But during the whole nonsensical shutdown we decided to try it again. I have never in my life been treated so rudely. I encourage my guests to go but I won't step foot in this establishment again.
Authentic German food, healthy portions, indoor/outdoor dining, great beer selections, one of the largest coo-coo clock collections I've ever seen all made from the Black Walnut Forests of Germany. There are still a small population of people who speak German.
32 locals recommend
The Auslander
323 E Main StAuthentic German food, healthy portions, indoor/outdoor dining, great beer selections, one of the largest coo-coo clock collections I've ever seen all made from the Black Walnut Forests of Germany. There are still a small population of people who speak German.
Mac & Ernie's Roadside Eatery
11804 Farm to Market Rd 470Great food, loads of fun, beer only.
TJ's@The Old Forge
American Restaurant, Burger Restaurant, Bar. Kinda expensive steak but meal was very good. TIP: Be sure to check your ticket for accuracy before paying. Keep track of what you order and how many.
807 Main St
807 Main StreetTJ's@The Old Forge
American Restaurant, Burger Restaurant, Bar. Kinda expensive steak but meal was very good. TIP: Be sure to check your ticket for accuracy before paying. Keep track of what you order and how many.
Dairy Queen Store
421 TX-16What is there NOT to love about this old family favorite.
You have to eat breakfast here are least once. Huge servings and gourmet style original recipes. YUM!
The Hen's Nest
1134C Main StreetYou have to eat breakfast here are least once. Huge servings and gourmet style original recipes. YUM!
Very good Mexican food, large servings, great iced tea. Easy on the pocket.
9 locals recommend
Mi Pueblo
706 Main StreetVery good Mexican food, large servings, great iced tea. Easy on the pocket.
Drinks & Nightlife
This little dive is the oldest sole proprietor owned honky tonk in Texas. They still allow you to smoke in the bar. Sawdust on the floor, craziest "artwork" on the walls. VERY cold beer. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
23 locals recommend
Silver Dollar
308 Main StThis little dive is the oldest sole proprietor owned honky tonk in Texas. They still allow you to smoke in the bar. Sawdust on the floor, craziest "artwork" on the walls. VERY cold beer. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
The original bar was only a teeny little building but James McGroady, Bandera native, has done a fine job of providing a wonderful place to gather, dance, meet new friends, play pool. Best night to go is Wednesday because it's Steak Night! Bring your own steak to cook on giant grills, pay $7 and they'll provide salad, potato and green beans. FUN
67 locals recommend
11th Street Cowboy Bar
307 11th StThe original bar was only a teeny little building but James McGroady, Bandera native, has done a fine job of providing a wonderful place to gather, dance, meet new friends, play pool. Best night to go is Wednesday because it's Steak Night! Bring your own steak to cook on giant grills, pay $7 and they'll provide salad, potato and green beans. FUN
Largest selection of beers/wine/spirits in the county! I highly recommend trying Texas Ranger Whiskey. Smoothest whiskey I've ever tasted. Soft smokey flavor. Drink it neat-forgo the ice!
Bandera Wine & Spirits
1010 Main StLargest selection of beers/wine/spirits in the county! I highly recommend trying Texas Ranger Whiskey. Smoothest whiskey I've ever tasted. Soft smokey flavor. Drink it neat-forgo the ice!
I've only been there one time. It's a fun place to hang out. Cold Beer. Pool Tables. Dance Floor. Outdoor seating as well. Downside (or upside depending on how you look at it) Smoking is allowed.
14 locals recommend
Wild Horse Saloon
134 River Bend RdI've only been there one time. It's a fun place to hang out. Cold Beer. Pool Tables. Dance Floor. Outdoor seating as well. Downside (or upside depending on how you look at it) Smoking is allowed.
Sightseeing
I've never been there but everyone who has gone has given rave reviews. Just a cool thing to do.
233 locals recommend
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
16710 Ranch Rd 965I've never been there but everyone who has gone has given rave reviews. Just a cool thing to do.
One of the prettiest drives in the fall when the Maples are turning color. Winding roads take you on a full loop from Medina to Bandera, or vice versa. Don't miss the little country store.
158 locals recommend
Lost Maples State Natural Area
37221 RM 187One of the prettiest drives in the fall when the Maples are turning color. Winding roads take you on a full loop from Medina to Bandera, or vice versa. Don't miss the little country store.
I've stayed at this hotel before, the rooms aren't all that but you really should visit the lobby. Tons of deer mounts with unusual antlers. Restaurant food is fantastic and easy on the pocket. There is also a small bar there.
Y.O. Ranch Hotel
2033 Sidney Baker StI've stayed at this hotel before, the rooms aren't all that but you really should visit the lobby. Tons of deer mounts with unusual antlers. Restaurant food is fantastic and easy on the pocket. There is also a small bar there.
Bandera County Judge
500 Main StSometimes there are vendors set up on the courthouse lawn.
Out of the way 150 year old little limestone chapel. PLEASE do not alter anything or steal anything from this beautiful piece of Texas heritage.
Polly's Chapel
359 Polly's Chapel RdOut of the way 150 year old little limestone chapel. PLEASE do not alter anything or steal anything from this beautiful piece of Texas heritage.
The church is open during weekdays. You really must go see this church. Absolutely beautifully crafted by local immigrants nearly 150 years ago.
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
311 7th StThe church is open during weekdays. You really must go see this church. Absolutely beautifully crafted by local immigrants nearly 150 years ago.
Be sure to check out the Rodeo Season with the CVB. Great shows, county fair type atmosphere, plenty of parking, something for everyone.
Mansfield Park Show Barn
2886 Texas 16Be sure to check out the Rodeo Season with the CVB. Great shows, county fair type atmosphere, plenty of parking, something for everyone.
The park used to be open to the general public for free. However, I have to say that because there has been financial resources available from the park fees, the park is in extremely good condition. Beautiful, Cypress lined river bed. Great place to cool off and go tubing or kayaking.
27 locals recommend
Bandera City Park
1102 Maple StThe park used to be open to the general public for free. However, I have to say that because there has been financial resources available from the park fees, the park is in extremely good condition. Beautiful, Cypress lined river bed. Great place to cool off and go tubing or kayaking.
Essentials
Has the greatest selection of beer, wine and spirits. Medina is a dry town so make sure you stop here to pick up your weekend supplies.
Bandera Wine & Spirits
1010 Main StHas the greatest selection of beer, wine and spirits. Medina is a dry town so make sure you stop here to pick up your weekend supplies.
Old Timer
14178 TX-16Small little convenience store in Medina for last minute items.
Small, local grocery store. Has things you can't find at other stores!
35 locals recommend
Lowe's Market
907 Main StSmall, local grocery store. Has things you can't find at other stores!
Parks & Nature
I've hiked in this park before, it is so beautiful. Even if you decide to just drive through it you'll enjoy the scenery. You will end up in Tarpley where you can stop at Mac and Ernie's for lunch or supper.
76 locals recommend
Hill Country State Natural Area
10600 Bandera Creek RoadI've hiked in this park before, it is so beautiful. Even if you decide to just drive through it you'll enjoy the scenery. You will end up in Tarpley where you can stop at Mac and Ernie's for lunch or supper.
The beautiful Medina River is literally a 3-minute walk from Hackberry Haus. Beach towels available for guests.
8 locals recommend
Medina River
The beautiful Medina River is literally a 3-minute walk from Hackberry Haus. Beach towels available for guests.
Also try calling Dixie Dude Ranch for Horseback Riding. My friends own it and it is the oldest working dude ranch in Texas. 830-796-7771/7772
Stricker Trail Rides
324 Wild Turkey BlvdAlso try calling Dixie Dude Ranch for Horseback Riding. My friends own it and it is the oldest working dude ranch in Texas. 830-796-7771/7772
Shopping
This is my favorite store in Bandera. Staff is very friendly and it has a little bit of EVERYTHING!
Bandera True Value Hardware
1002 Main StThis is my favorite store in Bandera. Staff is very friendly and it has a little bit of EVERYTHING!
Western Trail Antiques ad Marketplace
200 Main StUnique and wonderful items.
Lots of tidbits and till has the original soda fountain. Cold ice cream on a hot day!
18 locals recommend
Bandera General Store
306 Main StLots of tidbits and till has the original soda fountain. Cold ice cream on a hot day!
You just have to go see everything this little store has to offer. Yes, it's a feed store, but they have TONS of gift items. Something for everyone here. Friendly staff. Be sure to say HOWDY from Connie.
Bandera Ranch Store
354 Texas 16You just have to go see everything this little store has to offer. Yes, it's a feed store, but they have TONS of gift items. Something for everyone here. Friendly staff. Be sure to say HOWDY from Connie.
Food scene
Very nice coffee shop to just relax and visit. Great food too.
8 locals recommend
The Core Coffee House
13971 TX-16Very nice coffee shop to just relax and visit. Great food too.
Coconut Cowboys is a super FUN place to hang out and is right in the heart of downtown Bantucky. The owner, Lindsay, is very knowledgable about the area and always has a smile on her face. Super friendly.
Coconut Cowboys
410 Main StreetCoconut Cowboys is a super FUN place to hang out and is right in the heart of downtown Bantucky. The owner, Lindsay, is very knowledgable about the area and always has a smile on her face. Super friendly.