The Very First Diner In Texas, OST Restaurant Has Been Delighting Guests Since 1921
I don’t know about y’all, but I spent many a night planted in front of the TV watching Westerns with my grandfather when I was growing up. In fact, those are some of my most cherished memories. I think we can all agree that there’s something thrilling and magical about seeing outlaws race through the desert on horseback, duel at high noon, and drink sarsaparilla in saloons. Luckily, there’s a place in Texas where that cowboy fantasy comes to life. It’s the Old Spanish Trail Restaurant in Bandera, and it’s old as the hills and twice as dusty – but the food is absolutely to die for. You’re going to love eating at this historic diner in Texas.
It first opened in 1921, serving as a grocery store and horse corral before getting converted into a restaurant. It was also a dance hall during the 30s and 40s that hosted many famous singers and bands. The cars you see out front today might not be quite this classic, but the rustic cowboy vibe is ever-present.
Don't be surprised if you pull up to a group of motorcyclists hanging out in the parking lot.
You see, Bandera is the self-proclaimed "Cowboy Capital of the World" - an impressive title you can read all about in our previous article here. Everything about this little town is a biker's paradise, from the restaurant to a bar where patrons catch their sarsaparilla as it slides towards them.
Care for a salad to start off your meal? Head over to the chuckwagon and load up your plate.
This charming setup dishes out equal parts nostalgia and fresh, delicious veggies. Tempting as it may be, try not to get too full here. You'll definitely want to save plenty of room in your stomach for the main course.
With a 7-page menu, OST offers every Southern classic you could possibly think of - and then some.
Chicken-fried steak, hand-cut ribeye, catfish, and half-pound burgers are just some of the down-home meals available. You can also order breakfast all day long as well as an extensive list of Tex-Mex options like sizzling fajitas and cheesy enchiladas.
For those who prefer to drink their calories, take a seat (or a saddle, should I say) at the bar and enjoy a few cold ones.
You can encounter some interesting souls in Bandera, so don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you. Whether they're a local or a traveler, something about small-town Texas seems to attract people with captivating life stories and a desire to share them with anyone who cares to listen.
A meal at any historic diner in Texas just wouldn't be complete without a slice of homemade pie.
Take it for the road if you're too stuffed, but skipping it completely would be a cardinal sin. Choose from apple, pecan, buttermilk, and meringue (lemon, chocolate, or coconut) as well as peach or blackberry cobbler and a rich chocolate fudge cake. Each dessert is made fresh daily with real ingredients (the most important being love, of course.)
Keeping the Western theme alive, John Wayne's original birth and death certificates are hanging up inside the restaurant.
"The Duke" brought a sense of enchantment to the role of the cowboy unlike anyone else, and OST intends to pay homage to the great Hollywood legend until the day its doors close for good.
There's an entire room dedicated to him, with old-fashioned photographs from movies he starred in.
When it comes to western restaurants in Texas, no place beats OST. To experience this unique place for yourself, head to 311 Main St, Bandera, TX 78003 next time you're in town. It's like a time machine back to the Old West! To learn more, visit OST's website here.
Have you ever eaten at Old Spanish Trail Restaurant, a legendary historic diner in Texas? What are your favorite historic restaurants in Texas? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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Address: 311 Main St, Bandera, TX 78003, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
historic diner in Texas
March 01, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What is the oldest restaurant in Texas?
Established in 1866, Scholz Garten is the oldest restaurant in Texas. In fact, General Custer was known to enjoy a meal here. Today, this downtown restaurant boasts delicious cocktails, tasty German fare, and a lively atmosphere. It’s not uncommon for this place to get packed during a UT game or political debate. No matter what brings you through the doors, one thing is certain -- this beloved establishment remains one of the best historic restaurants in Texas.
What are the best diners in Texas?
The Blue Bonnet Cafe, located in Marble Falls, is one of the best diners in Texas. People come from all around the region just to eat some of their pie and enjoy a warm cup of coffee. This cozy eatery will make you feel right at home. Kerbey Lane Cafe, located in Austin, is another classic eatery in the Lone Star State. The original location sits in Central Austin, but there are tons of other locations scattered throughout the city. People can’t get enough of their Kerby Queso. It is the ultimate indulgent late-night treat.
What are the best western-themed restaurants in Texas?
For a true western experience, visit The Broken Spoke in Austin. This historic dance hall hasn’t changed much throughout the years, and locals wouldn’t have it any other way. Plus, their chicken fried steak can’t be beat. If you’re looking for more hearty meals, visit Ranchman's Cafe in Ponder, Texas. You won’t be able to get enough of their scrumptious steaks and baked potatoes.
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
