Badu 1891 Llano, TX

Open Again!
​

Last May, Don and I drove through the small Hill Country town of Llano. I spotted one of my favorite buildings and reminded Don,

​"We need to eat there, one of these days!" 

We've been meaning to try this place out, since reading rave reviews about the chef and service, about a year ago. 
​
Closed?

"What!" I couldn't believe it when I saw a closed sign. They had just refurbished the classic brick and granite building, which began as a bank, in 1891. What about all those good reviews?

I found only a few hints about the closure, on the internet. Something about having difficulties, staffing a classy, small town restaurant. 

I was heartbroken that we'd missed our opportunity! 

Open Again!
​
​For whatever reason, The Badu reopened just a few months later, with the same chef! Don and I made reservations for Sunday Brunch on a surprisingly pleasant, July day.

We parked, then learned quickly that the front door was not the entrance. The patio, with its garden gate, was the way to go.

Outdoor Space

Before climbing the stairs to the deck and entrance, we explored outside.

There was a stage for live music, outdoor fireplaces and lots of seating. The Corn Hole and Jenga games weren't getting much use in the warm sunshine, but I'm sure at night things look a lot more lively. 
​
Bar Seating

There were a number of people dining in the casual bar area. I took a photo of the sweet buffalo, but I should have aimed lower. Evidently the bar is made from the largest piece of granite in the world. I didn't exactly check on that fact.

The hostess took us past the double doors to the dining rooms. The doors were made as exact replicas of the originals. Not sure what happened to them.

Heading Back

Our hostess took us past a wide set of stairs and through the middle dining room. There was a rope at the top of the stairs, discouraging people like me, who use a trip to the Ladies Room as an excuse to explore. I do know that there was a B&B housed at Badu, some years back. 

We passed through the middle dining room, with cowhide chairs and an impressive display of western themed paintings. It was hard to believe we were in a restaurant, in a Texas town of just over 3,000.

Front Room
​

We were seated at a table near a bookcase and fireplace. We made a toast with our champagne cocktails, to our nearby longhorn friend.    

Cowboy Books and Marble Floors

There were lots of interesting folks surrounding us, but the space was too intimate, to intrude with my camera. Instead, I snapped a photo of the original marble floor and the bookcase, with lots of cowboy books. 

Don and I wondered about the nearby dining guests. There were 2 men with handlebar mustaches and some ladies with some mighty big rings. Underneath chairs, I spotted cowboy boots and hats. Upscale ranchers, I guess. 

​Love the Ladies Room

Before our meal arrived, I took an exploring trip to the restroom. The frosted glass window, brass knob and white tile, all looked retro chic. The horse art was modern classy. Two thumbs up, for the bathroom.

Food Time!
​
​Don ordered the Badu Burger with bacon jam, pepper jack, basil aioli and tomato, served on a perfect, moon-shaped bun. 

I sampled both his burger and fries and they were quite tasty. They deserved a better plate, than a tray with butcher paper... which sounds like something my Grandmother Meyer would have said.

I ordered the Badu Eggs Benedict. It's hard to tell from my photo, but they were served on cornbread, instead of English muffin. Yum! The tomato, queso and avocado gave it a southwestern zing. The salad with prickly pear vinaigrette was refreshing, but I would have rather had less healthy potatoes! The combo was perfect for me, but the nearby cowboys might have complained about the portions.

​So Happy
​

I love experiencing old diners and cafes, in small towns! 
 
I also love the surprise of a small town restaurant, with  exceptional food and classy surroundings. Rare!

I especially appreciate an historic building, that's been beautifully preserved!

Just look at that unusual checkerboard pattern, in the band of granite!

Unlike most of our small town dining adventures, this did not have to be a one time shot! Llano is 4 hours from our home in Sugar Land and 90 minutes from Austin. I'm excited to know we can return, maybe on a cool, fall evening. Next time, I'll wear my cowboy boots and enjoy that granite bar and patio!