BANDERA HORSE FIELD GUIDE
Saddle to the Saloon: Riding from a Bandera Ranch to the 11st Cowboy Bar Steak Night
An afternoon ride from the ranch into Bandera along the Medina River that ends with the iconic 11st Cowboy Bar steak night — this guide lays out the route, logistics, cabins and what to expect.
Saddle to the Saloon: Riding from a Bandera Ranch to the 11st Cowboy Bar Steak Night.
Adventure brief
Saddle to the Saloon: Riding from a Bandera Ranch to the 11st Cowboy Bar Steak Night
The Steak Night Ride pairs working-ranch life with a short, scenic road ride into Bandera: guests meet at the barn, match to mounts and canters across town and along the Medina River before hitching up at the famous 11st Cowboy Bar for steak night. Meals are included, riders can join ranch chores, and the ranch’s morning coffee and rides — with longhorn sightings — close the experience.
Join Bandera Historical Rides for the Steak Night Ride, an exceptional outdoor experience that takes you from a working Texas ranch to the legendary 11st Cowboy Bar for a mouthwatering steak dinner. This private adventure blends scenic horseback riding along the picturesque Medina River with authentic cowboy culture, featuring morning rides and a hearty breakfast at the ranch. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to horseback adventures, the journey offers breathtaking views and the chance to immerse yourself in a genuine ranch lifestyle. As the sun sets, enjoy a delicious steak dinner at one of Bandera’s most iconic venues, known for its lively atmosphere and Western charm. This trip is perfect for anyone seeking both outdoor adventure and a taste of Texas cowboy traditions in one unforgettable afternoon.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic: Barn → River → Saloon → Ranch
Stops outline the ride into town, the saloon evening, and the ranch morning routine.
Barn: Check‑in and Horse Match
After check‑in participants meet at the barn where riders are matched to horses and prepare for the afternoon ride into town.
Ride Along the Medina River into Bandera
The group rides across town and by the Medina River on the way to Bandera’s 11st Cowboy Bar.
11st Cowboy Bar: Hitch Up and Steak Night
On arrival riders hitch the horses, go into the saloon for the provided steak night with steaks and fixings, and transport back to the ranch is arranged afterward.
Ranch Morning: Chuckwagon Breakfast and Short Ride
The next morning begins with a chuckwagon breakfast and cowboy coffee, then a short morning ride at the ranch that includes viewing the longhorns.
Participants must meet the operator’s safety limits (minimum age 10 and maximum weight 220 lbs); the operator arranges transport back to the ranch after the saloon stop.
What the day feels like
What the Afternoon and Morning Feel Like
You begin at the barn where horses are matched to riders and then set out for a short ranch-to-town journey: riders follow tracks that pass the Medina River into Bandera, hitch their horses at the saloon for steak night and are later returned to the ranch by arranged transport. The following morning the pace shifts to slow ranch life — coffee by the chuckwagon, breakfast and a light saddle loop checking longhorns and pastures.
THE RIDE
Three Hours in the Saddle to the Cowboy Capital
The program includes a focused riding segment — a total riding time of three hours — that takes the group from the ranch, across town and along the Medina River en route to Bandera’s famed saloon culture.
THE MEAL
Steak Night at the 11st Cowboy Bar
The ride’s destination is the 11st Cowboy Bar where participants dismount, hitch horses, and enjoy steaks and fixings provided as part of the experience.
THE RANCH
Chuckwagon Breakfasts and Morning Ranch Rides
Beyond the evening ride to town, the ranch life continues with authentic fire‑cooked coffee, a chuckwagon breakfast and a morning ride around the property that includes a look at the longhorns and the 89‑acre pastures.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this ride suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
All meals are included; riders should bring comfortable riding clothes and any personal items they need for an overnight cabin stay. Cabins have basic amenities such as coffee machines, mini fridges and, in one cabin, a fully equipped kitchen.
The ranch offers multiple guest cabins with beds, bathrooms/shower and small appliances: Longhorn Cabin (queen and double), Coyote Cabin (queen, full kitchen), and Deer Cabin (multiple queen beds and a bunk); snack bar and coffee machines are available.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the total riding time?
Total riding time is three hours.
Where is the meeting point?
The meeting location is 749 Old Medina Highway.
Are meals included?
Yes — meals, including the steak night and the morning chuckwagon breakfast, are included.
Are there age or weight restrictions?
Minimum age is 10 years and the maximum weight is 220 pounds.
What does the trip cost?
Pricing is listed per person by cabin: $290 per person for the Longhorn Cabin and $315 per person for the Coyote Cabin.
Who operates the Steak Night Ride?
The operator is Bandera Historical Rides.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-13T02:03:11.300Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.