Located in downtown Bandera, TJ's @ The Old Forge is located in one of the most beautiful buildings in the Texas Hill Country. Our 5,400 square foot, two story building has a lot of memories of times gone by. As a Bandera Texas Restaurant our aim is to keep creating more memories by providing our customers with good food, good friends and good times.
TJ's @ The Old Forge serves only the choicest meats and seafood, freshest vegetables and our salad bar has only the freshest field greens and vegetables, made-from-scratch soups and baked potatoes. And don't forget to try one of our fresh desserts. TJ's @ The Old Forge has theme nights with special food and drinks to compliment, i.e.
TJ's @ The Old Forge serves only the choicest meats and seafood, freshest vegetables and our salad bar has only the freshest field greens and vegetables, made-from-scratch soups and baked potatoes. And don't forget to try one of our fresh desserts. TJ's @ The Old Forge has theme nights with special food and drinks to compliment, i.e.
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TJ's @ The Old Forge is an American full-service restaurant and bar located in Bandera, Texas. Bandera is the self-proclaimed Cowboy Capital of the World and TJ's @ The Old Forge atmosphere is modern western. The restaurant is 5,400 square feet upstairs and downstairs with a full bar on each floor and covered outside seating (2 patios on downstairs and 1 upstairs).
Great food, great service, fantastic salad bar. By chance we ended up being there for the "Travel Channel" episode premier that featured the restaurant - it was great! We were traveling from Raleigh NC and in the excitement of the show premier accidentally left our credit card used for payment. I called and left a message with them and canceled the card.
Reviews (28)
Teresa M.
Jan 29, 2022
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We ate th ere twice during our week stay in Bandera. The Pecan crusted chicken was AMAZING!!!!! We both had that and finished with the chocolate fudge cake. We shared a slice and it was delicious. On our second visit we tried the pickles, onion rings and friend mushrooms,....excellent, large portions, way more than 2 could eat!! We both had the special beef burgers. My husband declared them the best Burger he has ever eaten. The meat was cooked to perfection and so tasty. An excellent burger. The atmosphere is fun and inviting. We had the pleasure of hearing David sing and also to witness Thursday
Lewis Moore
Jan 25, 2022
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Richard S.
Jan 20, 2022
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I enjoy riding my motorcycle through the Hill Country, and end up in Bandera several times a year. Although I'd seen this on Main Street, I'd never visited the Old Forge.
True to Bandera, this place is all Cowboy. Several seated at the bar looked like they had been riding the pasture all day. The bartender was pouring top shelf whiskey.
It's been a while since I had a good steak, so that's what I wanted. The waitress was very friendly and attentive. My ice tea glass was never empty. Keeping up with the rising price of beef, the large ribeye was $30 but I was hungry. The waitress
True to Bandera, this place is all Cowboy. Several seated at the bar looked like they had been riding the pasture all day. The bartender was pouring top shelf whiskey.
It's been a while since I had a good steak, so that's what I wanted. The waitress was very friendly and attentive. My ice tea glass was never empty. Keeping up with the rising price of beef, the large ribeye was $30 but I was hungry. The waitress
Heather Nicole
Jan 14, 2022
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Being new to the Bandera area I was not sure where I wanted to celebrate my birthday and have dinner. We (6 of us) ended up at TJ's. I am not going to go on about the food cause yes it was very good. It's the service and our waiter David that I want to really tell you about. He is the best one I have ever had. One gripe I think a lot of people have is not keeping your drink full or constantly having to ask for a refill. David was on top of it all. He was knowledgeable about menu items and was able to answer ever question he was asked. When we got there he asked if he could sing happy birthday to
Adan P.
Jan 09, 2022
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Jeff B.
Dec 24, 2021
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Delicious Chicken Fried Goodness chicken breast. Definitely in the top 3 of best chicken fried chicken breast I've ever had! The mashed potatoes were amazing as well, smooth and buttery, covered in white gravy. There is outdoor dog-friendly dining, and our server took great care of our dogs as well as us. We will *definitely* go back next time we are in Bandera.
Chris S.
Dec 23, 2021
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Overlanding Outfitters
Dec 18, 2021
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Austin Gross
Dec 12, 2021
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Jennifer M.
Nov 26, 2021
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Joy T.
Nov 25, 2021
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AMAZING in so many ways!!!
From the food to the atmosphere to the singing waiter (David I believe), this place is a must-go-to!!! We were just passing thru on our way to Midland & already decided to go back on our way home after stuffing ourselves at Thanksgiving
Their special one-of-a-kind Aukashi ribeyes were outta this world!!! I've never eaten a whole 14 oz steak all by myself in one sitting but u bet I did tonite!!!
From the food to the atmosphere to the singing waiter (David I believe), this place is a must-go-to!!! We were just passing thru on our way to Midland & already decided to go back on our way home after stuffing ourselves at Thanksgiving
Their special one-of-a-kind Aukashi ribeyes were outta this world!!! I've never eaten a whole 14 oz steak all by myself in one sitting but u bet I did tonite!!!
Andrey E.
Nov 22, 2021
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Rain Sarcasm
Nov 04, 2021
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Wow... 5/5 will come here again! Everything from the fries to the menu choices to the service was amazing! Had the pecan crusted chicken with pecan cream sauce and it was fork tender and delicious! Didn't try any special coffees this time, but the hot caramel macchiato was a perfect compliment to my meal!
Stacey Newcomer
Sep 30, 2021
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Absolutely the best fried fish from TX to CA. We were visiting family in town last year around this time and stopped in for the Friday night fish fry. Most delicious cornmeal crusted fish I've ever had. Great salad bar and sides too. This year we're out visiting again and first thing I asked was, "Is that place we went to last year still doing the fish fry?" I was happy to hear yes!!! Still the best tasting fish I've had, same great friendly service, and even better salad bar than last year. 😋 Can't wait for next year's trip!
Monique T.
Sep 28, 2021
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Jennifer F.
Sep 07, 2021
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Just average - not a whole lot to say.
Wait was about 25 mins when we arrived for dinner around 7 PM, but we were seated before our drinks even arrived at the bar.
I got one of the Key Lime Martinis that was advertised on the board it was pretty good.
Salad bar was empty, which was a disappointment. Someone should be tasked with keeping it tidy & stocked, especially when you're selling it. Just barely enough lettuce to make our 2 small plates and many of the toppings were out (cheese, beets). Our ribeye was slightly under cooked (medium rare, ordered medium) but not enough to send it
Wait was about 25 mins when we arrived for dinner around 7 PM, but we were seated before our drinks even arrived at the bar.
I got one of the Key Lime Martinis that was advertised on the board it was pretty good.
Salad bar was empty, which was a disappointment. Someone should be tasked with keeping it tidy & stocked, especially when you're selling it. Just barely enough lettuce to make our 2 small plates and many of the toppings were out (cheese, beets). Our ribeye was slightly under cooked (medium rare, ordered medium) but not enough to send it
Jana P.
Sep 06, 2021
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We waited 20 minutes before my husband had to ask the hostess to get the waiter's attention. I'm not going to complain about wait staff because Covid has been hard on them and they are doing the best they can.
The food was mediocre at best. I got the "one trip" salad bar. One trip and the salad bar looked like it hadn't been replenished since last Tuesday. I ended up going to the store after and getting a sandwich because it was just awful. Hopefully this was a one off, but we won't be returning.
The food was mediocre at best. I got the "one trip" salad bar. One trip and the salad bar looked like it hadn't been replenished since last Tuesday. I ended up going to the store after and getting a sandwich because it was just awful. Hopefully this was a one off, but we won't be returning.
Duane R.
Aug 02, 2021
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Dee I.
Aug 01, 2021
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This was our first time visiting Bandera Texas even though we've lived in San Antonio most of all our lives. we saw this restaurant as we were passing through to go back home so glad we stopped. Our waiter's name is David and he welcomed us and made us feel so at home and everything he recommended was fantastic. thank you David for your hospitality we will definitely be back next time we're in the area.
LeWayne Ballard
Jul 30, 2021
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Came after several recommendations from the locals and was not disappointed. Walked in and was immediately greeted & seated as there were a few open tables. Pretty large dining area with probably 20-30 tables downstairs. There is an upstairs, but believe it's the coffee house.
Started off with a few drinks and the Onion Rings and Fried Mushrooms. Both were very good and large portions. The onion rings were nice large cuts of onions with a light crispy breading. The breading was enough to give it a crunch, but not too much to overtake the onion taste. The mushrooms were a big hit, even with those
Started off with a few drinks and the Onion Rings and Fried Mushrooms. Both were very good and large portions. The onion rings were nice large cuts of onions with a light crispy breading. The breading was enough to give it a crunch, but not too much to overtake the onion taste. The mushrooms were a big hit, even with those
Bret Ostendorf
Jun 15, 2021
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Laura M.
May 16, 2021
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All my kids gave TJ's a 5 star review! Our server, Katelynn, was super sweet and efficient. We started with the chips and queso and it was gone so fast I didn't even get a picture. Perfect Bandera country cowboy vibes all around- even in the bathroom! We loved our main dishes- all cooked perfectly- steaks, pasta, chicken strips and yummy desserts. We will be back!
Dale M.
May 11, 2021
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Roland Lee
Feb 13, 2021
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Four of us ate here 3 times during our stay as it was really that good. Each time the staff was friendly and helpful. Food was enjoyable, fresh and presented well. Portions were ample. On Fridays they have an all-you-eat fish plate. Generous portions of tasty breaded fish served with cold slaw and fries. We were big guys and none of us could finish the plate enough to ask for seconds. They have outdoor seating for those with pets and fir those that smoke. Typical southern hospitality and cooking. Totally enjoyable experience.
Amanda M.
Nov 29, 2020
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Passing through town and asked a friend from Bandera where she recommended to eat at. This just so happened to be the second option provided. The food was okay and the service could've been better. Typically the pulled pork sandwich that I ordered would come with onions, but I asked for them to be removed. The menu did not say that this sandwich came with pickles. I'm not a fan of pickles and the sandwich had several pickles on it. I just wish I would have been made aware of this so I could ask for them to be removed. The pork was somewhat dry and I was disappointed. Very few people in
Farmer Ted
Nov 20, 2020
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Every time we dine here the staff is always friendly and greet you with a smile. Great customer service from the host, to the bartender to the wait staff. Food is also delicious. Home style comfort food and homemade cooking. We tried the chicken fried rib eye and the pecan crusted chicken. Tender, flavorful, and filling. Big portions so we had leftovers to relive the meal the next day. We don't come to Bandera often but we enjoy eating here when we do. We intend to return.
Victoria P.
Nov 13, 2020
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Staff are NOT wearing masks. Staff are NOT wearing gloves. There are NO socially distanced tables. Parties of 8+ all together very close to other parties of 8+. There wasn't outdoor seating available when we went... Yelp? Why are you lying to meeeee :( The safety & health measures information of this page are false.
Definitely not a safe indoor dining experience especially with cases increasing.
Don't feel like risking my health for mediocre food.
Definitely not a safe indoor dining experience especially with cases increasing.
Don't feel like risking my health for mediocre food.
William W.
Sep 21, 2020
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This place had a lot of potential but was a let down at every turn. Great patio (and dog friendly) but all of the tables were really sticky. Service was so-so and our order was messed up, which usually doesn't bother us. The food was pretty good - steak was perfectly done - but the Mac and cheese was as disappointing as a Longhorns loss to the Sooners. It looked like it seriously came out of a Kraft box. Seriously weak for a southern delicacy.
The final straw though was the lack of COVID precautions. The servers weren't wearing masks and the majority of costumers weren't either
The final straw though was the lack of COVID precautions. The servers weren't wearing masks and the majority of costumers weren't either
