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.
Not much has changed about OST over the years.
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!
Hungry for more? Check out these 9 classic old restaurants in Texas.
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