Known as the Cowboy Capital of the world, Bandera, Texas, is where the Great Western Cattle Trail began, ending in Canada with fame and fortune. Cowgirls, cowboys, bikers, and greenhorns flock to Bandera to bring in the New Year in real western swing style. And you can believe that Texans know how to celebrate.
There are exciting places in town where guitars and banjos are dueling, boots are stomping, skirts are swinging, and laughter is contagious. If you are heading out to any of the following places, take a second and call ahead to make sure there is room.
1. 11th Street Cowboy Bar
Photo: 11th Street Cowboy Bar
The 11th Street Cowboy Bar, featured in Life Magazine, Texas Highways, USA Today, Southern Living, among just a few, is featuring the Brett Mullins Band, with tiered flooring, good brew, and excellent food. Out back is a huge, tent-covered patio that embraces a large fire pit casting dancing shadows all over the jet-cooled dance floor. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling ahead. (830) 796-4849; 307 11th Street.
2. Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar Bar
Photo: Facebook/Sandra D/ArkeyBluesSilverDollarSaloon
Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar Bar is one of the oldest bars in Bandera. It was originally called the Foxhole, but when Arkey took it over he changed the name. Some of the greatest names in country-western music have graced the stage at the Silver Dollar, such as Ernest Tubb, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Jr. and many others. Films have been made here that immortalize the quaint atmosphere. So, become a part of history when you enter the doors of this famous legend. Eat, drink and be merry along with others that have come before you to celebrate new beginnings and dreams. (830) 796-8826; 308 Main Street.
3. Wildhorse Saloon
Photo: Facebook/Wildhorse Saloon
The Wildhorse Saloon has it all. Good food, good music, good drinks and even a contest for the best-dressed cowboy and cowgirl. There will be free champagne at midnight. They have the largest dance floor in all of Bandera, are biker-friendly, and you can BYOB. New Year’s at the Wildhorse Saloon is drama free, pleasant, and the place to be. 134 River Bend Road
Whether you want to party hearty or find a quiet place to be with your partner, as the old year winds down and the new year makes its entrance, your corner for that final second can be found in this old community with an uptown beat.
