Bandera, the "Cowboy Capital of the World," is a small Texas town established in 1852. The city is only 11 streets big but it is a popular spot for tourists, especially those visiting any of the several dude ranches in the area. Bandera is literally a cowboy's paradise with attractions and activities such as horseback riding, rodeos and country western dances. Most cowboys can also appreciate a good bar or honky tonk, and Bandera has plenty.
The 11th Street Cowboy Bar is a famous bar in Bandera that is known as the "Biggest Little Bar in Texas." The bar has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and in "Southern Living" and "Life" magazines. Here you can enjoy a fun-filled night with food, drinks, live country western music and dancing. The 11th Street Cowboy Bar serves hot dogs, hamburgers and steaks. Many events are held here, such as the Texas Independence Day Blowout and the 11th Street Annual Mardi Gras Parade and Party.
11th Street Cowboy Bar
307 11th St.
Bandera, TX 78003
830-796-4849
11thstreetcowboybar.com
Longhorn Saloon is located on Main Street and offers live country western music and dancing. This bar opened in 2007, and since then many stars have graced the stage, including Clint Black and Wade Hays. Married couple Charlotte and Brian Black own this bar, which has weekly activities such as karaoke on Tuesday and Thursday nights and pool tournaments on Monday and Wednesday nights.
Longhorn Saloon
1307 Main St.
Bandera, TX 78003
830-796-3600
Bandera Saloon is also located on Main Street and offers food, dancing and country western music. Some of the bands that perform here are Pear Ratz, the Gibson Sisters and the McKay Brothers. This bar belongs to the Bandera Beer Drinkers Association and serves a variety of alcoholic beverages, including Coors, Budweiser, Jack Daniels and Patron. Bring your appetite because the saloon serves mouthwatering food such as Sante Fe chicken egg rolls, flank steak nachos, red chili and herb T-bone steak.
Bandera Saloon
402 Main St.
Bandera, TX 78003
830-796-3699
banderasaloon.com
The Cabaret was founded in 1936 by Jerry Lucias. It has approximately 14,000 square feet of dancing space. Many famous country musicians have performed here including Johnny Bush, Stonewall Jackson and Hank Williams, Jr. Current owners Steve Ball and Sandy Borthwick have major restoration plans for the bar. In 2010, they plan to restore the dance floor and add a new bar and steakhouse restaurant that will serve items such as Texas-style steaks, seafood, hamburgers and baby back ribs. In 2012, they intend to incorporate a recording studio and a radio station into the bar.
The Cabaret
801 Main St.
Bandera, TX 78003
830-796-8166
bandera-cabaret.com
Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar Saloon has been open since the 1930s. The bar is named after Arkey Blue who is a singer, songwriter and entertainer who has been performing here since 1968. This is a unusual bar located underground and it has a sawdust dancing floor. You can shoot pool, play on the Dolly Parton pinball machine, or sit down and drink a beer at the table on which Hank Williams, Sr. carved his name.
Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar Saloon
308 Main St.
Bandera, TX 78003
830-796-8826
