I went in at the end of the lunch rush (around 1:45 pm) and waited 5 minutes for a table; it was well worth it! My waitress was excellent and kind. The food was mouth-watering; I ordered the chicken fried steak or "The Duke" in a small (they offer small, medium, and large portions), with the soup of the day, tortilla soup, and a slice of Blueberry Buttermilk Pie If you are stopping in town or near the area, this place is a must-stop! read more

Comfort food in a Cowboy setting! Lots of big wooden benches and tables with Ron for lots of people. Mostly friendly servers (seem a bit preoccupied) but we were greeted quickly. Many choices in the menu: sweet tea is where I always start and it is good here! They have a salad bar; I passed it for the really good creamy chicken tortillas soup! Lunch was good, the Blueberry Buttermilk Pie was really good -- if only they had made the pie crust there! Lots of locals and visitors to watch come and go! I'd go here again. read more

Ost Restaurant - Blueberry Buttermilk Pie! Yum! - American Near Me - Bandera, Texas

Service was very friendly but was on the slow side. We were there over Wednesday lunch hour, the day before Thanksgiving. Fried pickles were ok. The large onion rings ($8.95) were a bit on the over cooked side so it took away from the flavor. Had the large Chicken Fried Steak ($17.95) which was enough to feed two people, which is what we did. It came with lots of things: choice of potato (we got loaded baked potato), veggies, bread and salad. (I didn't think it was supposed to be both veggie and salad.) Biscuit was ok, nothing to write home about. Our server was super friendly and chatty in a fun, playful way. But probably like a lot of businesses, they must be understaffed, as things took longer than they should. Food was good, not great. Not blaming the server. Would come here again. read more

Ost Restaurant - American Near Me - Bandera, Texas

Food is wonderful. Staff is wonderful. It's been a to enjoy country style for 103 years. read more

Was camping in an RV in Bandera TX for about a month. Had eaten at OST restaurant multiple time trying a variety of menu items ! Loved them all ! Always filling. Great atmosphere, saddle seats at the bar, and the John Wayne room always a dream come true !!!!! read more

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Excellent every time Service is fast and friendly Food hot and tasty and always consistent Check always delivered promptly Great place that been around for ages which is a reflection of strong leadership. read more

First time in Huge storms were rolling through Service was really bad but folks were friendly when we could get service Salad wagon was fun Place was full too! Cops in eating so you know it must be good The Duke CFS is huge! Two of us split it and it was almost too much Onion rings were great I need to go back to form a solid opinion read more

Drove by before and my cousin talked highly of this place. We drove all the way from San Antonio to visit the restaurant! Parking was a pain due to being on a busy street and plenty of people eating there! Nice waitress seated us. My cousin said you have to have the egg enchiladas and I also chose a small chicken fried steak. Also an appetizer of onion rings. The wife got a grilled chicken salad. The onion rings came out and were ok. Just like you get at Sonic. Not bad, but nothing special! Then out came my Wife's salad, my egg enchiladas and the chicken fried steak! The enchiladas were fantastic and the chicken fried steak was great. My Wife said her salad was great! I highly recommend the place if your in the area. read more

Ost Restaurant - Chicken enchiladas - American Near Me - Bandera, Texas

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Man, what a treat! This was a home cooked meal you didn't know you were missing. Great service, huge portions, and delicious fried catfish. read more

Ost Restaurant - American Near Me - Bandera, Texas

Easily one of the top 5 best enchiladas of my life. So, so good! I got the cheese enchilada, no onions, and it was phenomenal. The service was great. The salad bar is self-serve and is inside of a chuck wagon which is super fun. I love how this place feels like old Texas. Photos of John Wayne are everywhere and it feels like a trip back in time. Plan to get here early or in plenty of time to wait it out because I've never driven by the O.S.T. without seeing a line down the sidewalk. The chips and salsa were very underwhelming (the salsa was sweet?) so just plan on being blown away by the enchiladas, rice and beans and don't let the chips and salsa ruin it for you. read more

Ost Restaurant - Cheese enchilada - American Near Me - Bandera, Texas

Great always!! Breakfast lunch or dinner!!! Home cooked everything!! Lunch specials or choose off the menu. Salad bar is awesome & the John Wayne atmosphere is awesome. Do not miss this spot ever... seriously best service I've had in a longtime read more

It's worth the road trip to this location. Their Tex-Mex/comfort food and desserts are absolutely delicious. The servers are very friendly and fast. The ambiance is casual and comfortable. Come check them out for yourself!! read more

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This is a really good restaurant for comfort food, I came here for breakfast with my husband, I had the chicken fried steak, it was huge and delicious, from the moment we walked in the service was so friendly and fast. Love the John Wayne pictures and cowboy decor, the saddles are a cute touch as well. I will be going back to try other options, reasonably priced. read more

Was slow but worth the wait. I got the chicken fried steak and I believe it took the longest to prepare. I would come back the next day for breakfast for dinner and loved it. The fact you can have breakfast any time is amazing. read more

Ost is definitely a long time fav for my family. Since I moved, it's one of my favorite places to eat when we are back in town. It's got to be one of the most consistent dining experiences you can get outside of a chain restaurant. If you're a regular, you probably have your favorite meal, and it's always good. If you're visiting for the first time, get the chalupas, enchiladas or chicken fried steak! You can never go wrong with their breakfast menu, either! When we visited today, we were seated around the same time as a MASSIVE party and we were about a 9-10 top as well so it became hectic quickly. I really wish I could remember the name of our waitress because despite clearly being overwhelmed and super busy, she didn't miss a beat. Very nice and clearly a hard worker. All of the staff are always amazing here in general, no matter if you do dine in or to go. But definitely dine in at least once! There's much to see! read more

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The service and the ambiance were top notch. The food was great value. For a 14.95 hamburger steak meal, I received a broccoli and cheddar soup that was absolutely amazing. The hamburger steak unfortunately was cooked well done when I asked for medium rate so it came out quite burnt and dry. However, the baked potato was awesome! And the accutremants that they added were great and the honey butter was awesome with the biscuit. Overall great value and very filling. And the broccoli and cheddar soup - wow! read more

When in Bandera, dine where the locals and John Wayne dine. Best waitress's, super attentive! Food is great, just good ole home cookin! They actually know how to poach a perfect egg! I wanted to try the pie, but maybe next time around! 5 stars! read more

Ost Restaurant - American Near Me - Bandera, Texas

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My husband I were seated at a table with another couple we did not know. We were seated right next to the checkout line. This was apparently an open invitation for random strangers to try to make awkward small talk with us. I lost track of how many times I was bumped by someone in line and how many times my elbow hit someone in the bum when I tried to shift in my chair. I had the club sandwich, that was good. The fries were cold and undercooked. My husbands chicken bacon ranch sandwich had one slice of burned bacon on it and the chicken slid out of the breading as soon as he picked up the sandwich. The service was ok, not great. Waitress did not come back after delivering food to refill tea. Charged for ranch as well as the 2 meats on my club. The photo of the club on menu had ham and turkey. Waitress asked if I wanted ham, turkey or both. It's a club sandwich, I wanted both. And was charged extra. I will never return here to eat and will certainly would not recommend it. Huge disappointment. read more

Tried the chicken fried steak. Great flavor the only thing holding it back is the cheap meat they use not tender at all. Friendly staff.

Absolutely hated the sign up front that said masks were not welcome while Covid was making a surge. If we had any other option, I would have gone someplace else because of that alone. Way to run off folks that may be immuno compromised (callous.) Had an old time salad bar that was, meh- but came with the meal. The server recommended Chicken Fried Steak and it was pretty good. Ordered the small and it was still a hefty portion. We had some pretty good pie afterward. read more

Straight out of a scene from a Hollywood Western , this quaint and charming restaurant is right on the Main St. Open for 101 years now . We had the catfish dinner and highly recommend it . Salad bar was included , and don't miss the pickled okra. For desert , a must have in my opinion is the blueberry buttermilk pie. We washed it down with some delicious sweet tea. Come early as the close at 2. read more

Ost Restaurant - Blueberry buttermilk pie - American Near Me - Bandera, Texas

Delicious! Service was a bit slow but food was amazing. The chicken tenders were really good. Also enjoyed the chicken fried steak. Gravy was 5 stars! read more

Always Delicious food, great service and awesome prices!! Love going here for breakfast!!

We're regulars here. Breakfast are the best. The Bandera omelet is what you want to order. When it's lunchtime- go for the fried catfish or a burger. Both are top notch. The service is fast and polite. You may have to wait in line to get in on the weekends but I'm telling you it's worth it. The prices are very reasonable- in spite of Sleepy Joe Biden's efforts to F-Up the economy (he's succeeded BTW). Bottom line if you're local make it your breakfast place. If you're not but just passing through give it a try. The John Wayne room is a special treat so check it out... and don't forget... Let's Go Brandon! read more

Good down-home, cooking and a great place to meet with a group! Their hamburgers are got to be the best anywhere around. Great Mexican food too and the service is always friendly. read more

Amazing little cafe on the main drag in Bandera. It's been in business since 1921, that's something to brag about. My husband and I had the salad bar and split a medium chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and Texas toast. Service was on point and super friendly people. read more

Ost Restaurant - Medium Chicken Fried Steak - American Near Me - Bandera, Texas

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Great food and the service was excellent. Prices very reasonable. If you're a John Wayne fan they have a John Wayne room for eating.

Old town mom and pop restaurant or true country restaurant is what I called OST. We came here to eat breakfast. I had eggs, bacon and has browns with a biscuit. My husband had the breakfast with the head size pancake. Everything was delicious. Service was fast and we felt save eating there. read more

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OST is by far the best restaurant in Bandera, a must stop! It's busy so be prepared to wait but the food is always worth it. We had the Old Fashioned breakfast and the Bunk House breakfast. Delicious! read more

Downside: Waitstaff appear to know little about real cowboy history (Ask them who Charles Goodnight is) but only know about California Hollywood actors who played cowboys such as Marion Morrison. Upside: amazing Chicken Fried Steak. Their small portion is Texas-sized and coated with tasty gravy. read more

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Skip it if you can, it's a tourist trap. The service is poor at best on the weekend, unless you are a local. The food is bland, no thought in to taste. Grits- runny, not enough salt, left on table Pancake - good, my son finished it Waffle - tastes like a frozen ego, ate a few bites and left it Friend chicken- you can smell the oil before biting in to the chicken, dirty oil, takes over the taste of the chicken. Rib eye- don't order, unless you want to be disappointed. No flavor, inexpensive cut, and it's not cheap. I would expect better from all the cowboy bullshit in the restaurant. Egg enchiladas - wife said, this is not something she would order again, which says it all. read more

Ost Restaurant - Food we packed for our dog, since it just wasn't good. - American Near Me - Bandera, Texas

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So, I think I've changed my mind about the OST. First time, service wasn't great and the food wasn't anything to write home about. For some reason, though, tonight changed my tune. It helped I had one of the most amazing patty melts I think I've ever had. I've decided the OST is about the experience. Take a moment and read the menu's front cover. There are some cool tidbits...including the "John Wayne Room" literally used to be a horse corral. That, plus several national travel magazines have listed this a top place to eat in Texas...how could THAT not garner another star!? Oh, and the bar stools are literally saddles. SADDLES. Bottom line: great, friendly, laid back feel. Maybe a tad too laid back. We got there at six, it wasn't very crowded, yet it took a few more minutes than I usually like for someone to approach our table. But that patty melt!? My. God. Perfectly done. Tremendous flavor...cheesy...and easy to eat. Not too many onions, and the toast was not too hard/crunchy. My compatriots had steaks, which they said are always good (they've been there a bunch). I'll be back. read more

Ost Restaurant - Saddle up at the bar! - American Near Me - Bandera, Texas

The food was good comfort food, with the philly steak being well liked good size portion on the chicken fried chicken and the pepper steak sandwich wasn't bad. The fried pickles were amazing a very large portion that everyone lov read more

Ost Restaurant - Pepper steak sandwich - American Near Me - Bandera, Texas

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Great breakfast options that comes with lots of food. If you have a sweet tooth their pies are phenomenal.

I have to mention that we were in Texas on vacation which, of course, affects your perception of food. We seek out establishments that we think are part of the local culture. Thus, we stopped at Old Spanish Trail Restaurant. It was about 3:00P in the afternoon so it wasn't very crowded. Very rustic wood decor and Texas decor. Just what we were looking for. Super fast service and friendly, too. My husband had the chicken fried steak, I had a hamburger. The hamburger was really good -- the waitress suggested the mushroom burger and it was delicious. Juicy meat and nice umami flavor. My husband thought the chicken fried steak (CFS) was pretty good, but he admits he really hasn't had it before this visit. Is that good or bad? You be the judge. This is an old restaurant so keep in mind that it's not all spiffy and modern but if you want to taste like the locals, this is it! Unfortunately I didn't take photos. read more

So if Bandera is the most "Texas" Texas place, then OST is the most "Texas" Texas restaurant. Let me explain. I have lived in Texas my whole life and been to many a Texas city and town. East Texas is different than west Texas which is different than central Texas which is different than north Texas (see the movie Bernie for more on this topic). So how can one place be the MOST "Texas" Texas place (in my opinion of course)? Well, I just imagine that Bandera is how people not from Texas who have never been to Texas view Texas. BBQ spots (that smell fantastic as you walk down the street), horses hitched to bars (yes, I did see this), western buildings like in western movies, live country music in smoke filled saloons and it's dry. VERY DRY YALL. So then OST is almost an extension of this. There is wood paneling throughout the restaurant. ALL throughout the restaurant. Thick, sturdy wooden booths and tables. You can get a humongous chicken fried steak and baked potato. My husband ordered this! There is a great salad bar with PICKLED OKRA. Okay, so I don't know if pickled okra is just a Texas thing, but it's a thing I love. Beets, coleslaw, and of course, banana pudding. There is a bar with seats made of horse saddles so when you sit on them you look like you're about to wrangle a bull. Just need a lasso or pretend! And then there is an entire room devoted entirely to... yes, John Wayne. John Wayne is everywhere in pictures all over the wall. See my pic of this room to see what I mean. The food is *pretty* good overall. It's sort of what you would expect - a cafe/greasy spoon type taste. But the experience of the restaurant as a whole, the interior plus this home style food, is not to be missed if you're in Bandera! read more

Ost Restaurant - John Wayne Room - American Near Me - Bandera, Texas

I go the chance to take Tish to one of my favorite Hill Country restaurants. I don't get to Bandera often, I have a good friend in Pipe Creek, but when I do, and it's time to eat, OST is my preference for a feel good meal. We both got simple meals on this visit - I've had their CFS in the past which I loved and I've eaten breakfast there a few time and enjoyed everything. This visit was no exception. Let's talk service. My Lord but the waitress was a dynamo. It was obvious that they were severely short handed. Servers are hard to come by and one's as good as our waitress is almost impossible. I never saw another wait staff working. That's not say there wasn't another, I just never saw them. It is a fairly large restaurant and to cover the whole thing a server really has to hoof it. She never stumbled. When asked for additional items she quickly and cheerfully provided the napkins, water, tea, etc. She never let on that she was working her tail off. I'm not sure I tipped her enough - she was worth every penny. So saddle up and get yourself on down to Bandera. One time I was there for a motorcycle event. Some of the people lived in the area and rode their horse instead of their motorcycle. It was really something to see horses tied up next to a line of motorcycles. Bandera is a fun visit. It can get a little hectic around rush hours so keep that in mind. The secret must have gotten out because there are a lot more folks there now than there were the so many years ago when I used to frequent that area. OST - don't want to nag, but get yourself on down there. read more

Ost Restaurant - Saddle up. - American Near Me - Bandera, Texas

Very busy so thought that was a good sign. But very wrong! The steak was not eatable as the flavor was terrible and very tough. The chicken fried steak was the worst I've ever had so again not eaten. The hash browns were barely cooked as they were just in a hurry to get out food. Very disappointing! read more

We stopped in for the chicken fried steak on a road trip. My husband said it was so amazing! We got onion rings to start with and they were obliterated. The batter was delicious and they were cooked perfectly. Our waitress was awesome. Food was brought quickly, drinks were filled before they needed it. I had the fried chicken special with mashed potatoes (creamy and delicious) and cheesy broccoli (yum!). I inhaled it before I thought to take a picture. I got homemade chocolate meringue pie to go because I was too full. Can't wait to eat it! Will definitely be back. Oh, and they have a John Wayne room! read more

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I've made a new combo- the breakfast enchilada with one pancake. The Spanglish! Lol, it's a flavor combo and will last until dinner.