Take a drive to the O.S.T

 

On a cool, brisk afternoon the automobile gently winds around sharp curves along Texas Highway 16 from Kerrville to Bandera. As the wheels run through Medina,

 

the stomach begins to talk. The body weakens as the wheels roam into downtown Bandera. The vehicle slows down and finds an available space. The doors slam and the boots glide a few feet until it meets an edifice. Wooden swinging doors open and it's time to enter the O.S.T. Restaurant (Old Spanish Trail, the historic trade route, not the auto trail that runs from Florida to California).

Once you enter, the western themed restaurant will release your inner cowboy or cowgirl and bring you back into the latter part of the 19th Century. As you look around, to the left you will notice a row of horse saddle stools in front of a mirror reminiscent of the bar stools from John Wayne's last movie, The Shootist.  Tables caress the rest of the main room with a sign appears that will bring your inner Duke out, the John Wayne room.

 

The former horse stable features a plethora of pictures and posters from all of Mr. Wayne's movies. Once the aura of the Duke and the restaurant's western motif fades a bit, it is time to feed your horsepower. The menu offers children and adults alike a nice array of choices ranging from mini corn dogs from the Kiddies Corral menu to Ranch house Chicken (chicken breast topped with grilled onions, mushrooms, bell pepper and white cheese) and fajita enchiladas.

This roadie, however, was in the mood for chicken fried steak with Texas toast, mashed potatoes and Dr. Pepper. I ordered on the horse saddle and as I ate, every time someone came in, I looked into the mirror. It felt as if I was a villain eating my last supper before Mr. Wayne would come by to set me straight.

The O.S.T. Restaurant, which was originally the old Davenport Grocery Store, opened in 1921, making it the oldest restaurant in Bandera County. Besides being an old horse corral, the establishment was a dance hall during the 1930s and 40s. All that history along with a great home cooked meal makes the OST a worth while visit. As you head out, take a look behind you and remember the OST!

O.S.T. Restaurant