the forge

It you went to the ladies room you had to pick your way through welding rods. The owner had a pile of dirt in the back of his pickup and when someone spit out a tomato seed and it sprouted, he staked it and kept it growing. That tomato plant went all over the Hill Country. It had a hitching post where I could tie my horse and we frequently did that on a Sunday afternoon. When the original owners left I tied up there one day and the barmaid yelled at me to put the horse around back. I pointed out the hitching post that all of had used for years but she was afraid one of them would poop. It's BANDERA for heaven's sake. If you want manners and frilly places, go to Fredericksburg where they abound.

I just relocated at the start of Summer and have to go to town for Wifi. There are a couple other places I loved, but The Olde Forge became my home very quickly because the staff are helpful and the food is good. The owner really puts her heart and soul in to this place. We are guaranteed AC, wifi and good food. For travelers and locals, this is a great family place. And, if you are here when they have life music, stay until the end. The musicians are amazing.

While on an annual trip in September 2012, my friends and I had lunch in what we are almost certain was the same building. I was called "Bandera Tavern" at that time, and its unique and rustic old world atmosphere along with superior service won us over, and won it a place on our "must do" list for this years trip. We were very disappointed this past weekend to find "The Forge" in its place. While the food was still wonderful, both the atmosphere and the excellent service were missing, As we sat facing a dessert case and a salad bar, nothing remained of the ambience that brought us back. Sadly, it was like having good food in a very ordinary café. We live in ordinary worlds, and travel to escape them. The search is on for another small rustic place that will fill the bill. The Forge was not awful - it was simply "Plain-Jane" in every possible way.

The Forge was a favorite of mine for years back when it was what it was named for...a forge. There was a fireplace and friendly barmaids and cool locals but now...it's ...something more like a biker hangout crossed with a tourist hole. I'm not impressed.