Hondo's on Main

Fredericksburg, Texas

Birthday Lunch

It's time for another throwback write-up. It's been over a year since the day we went to Hondo's. I turned 60 on that Sunday and we spent the day wandering, in historic Fredericksburg. 

Hondo's wasn't a big destination restaurant. I pretty much picked it because I was intrigued by the old building. I liked the idea of the place being a whole lot older than me... like about 55 years older.

 

Self Help Restaurant/Bar

It was a beautiful day, when we arrived. A band was gearing up out on the patio and we had a feeling the place would be getting packed soon. We stepped inside the bar area to figure out how this place worked. Luckily, some other diners filled us in. "Order at the inside bar. Find yourself a seat. Pick up your food at the kitchen window."

Who is Hondo?

On past visits to Fredericksburg, I had always been curious about the old building. Stepping inside for the first time, it was nice to see the interior had just as much charm as the exterior. There were thick stucco walls, wooden beams, a stone fireplace and lots of photos of Hondo. I obviously needed to learn about who this Hondo person was.

Hondo by the Stage

The cute little stage with twinkle lights and stacks of beer boxes, was surrounded with more Hondo images. I felt a little bad that I've lived in Texas nearly 20 years and didn't know about Hondo Crouch. I quickly learned that Hondo was the writer and humorist, who became the self-proclaimed mayor of Luckenbach, Texas.

Luckenbach in 2015

Here is Luckenbach in 2015, when Don and I stopped by on July 4th weekend. We knew about the Texas Hill Country "town" made famous by Waylon Jennings in 1977. But we didn't know about Hondo Crouch, who bought the town for $30,000 in 1970.

Hondo's Daugther

Hondo died in 1976, before the song. But his daughter and her husband decided to bring a little of Hondo's spirit to life, when they opened the Fredericksburg bar/restaurant and music venue.     

Don and I managed to find an open table outside and settled in to enjoy the music and people watching. It wasn't exactly like the dance hall at Luckenbach, with its daily live music. But it was relaxed and entertaining.

People Watching

There was lots of good people watching. I was sorry I hadn't worn my cowboy hat. I guess that's because I don't have one. But I could have worn boots.

Cool Drinks

Don and I toasted to the day, with margarita and beer and waited for our order.  
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Burgers and Soup

Our food didn't take long. I recall Don's burger was extra yummy, topped with crispy onion strings, bacon and cheese. 

I'm afraid I have totally failed to remember what kind of soup and salad I had. I think I had some kind of Cobb Salad or something. I do remember liking the soup, even though the photo doesn't look so good.

Rating the Restroom

Worst of all I can't remember what was amusing about the restroom and why I took the photo. Was it just that there was a hole in the shape of a star on the door? Or was there something unusual about the Ladies Room?  (I often find old restrooms can be part of the dining adventure) I can't remember for the life of me what the significance was.   

Thats the problem with a throw-back write-up... when you don't take notes.  I'll just have to go back and enjoy again!