Few People Know That One Of The Best Restaurants In Texas Is Actually Hiding In A Small-Town Inn
By Katie Lawrence|Published December 14, 2022
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Did you know one of the best restaurants in Texas is hiding at the Shady Villa Hotel in the tiny town of Salado? This historic accommodation – formerly known as the Stagecoach Inn – is home to the Stagecoach Restaurant, an award-winning eatery that dishes out elevated Southern cuisine in a charmingly rustic atmosphere. It’s one of the oldest restaurants in the state, and it’s about time you gave it a try.
Formerly known as the Stagecoach Inn, the Shady Villa Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Texas, dating to 1861.
Situated on a lush, oak-laden property, the small-town hotel boasts well-appointed, yet cozy rooms that offer a welcome respite after a long day of traveling.
Equally as longstanding and timeless as the hotel itself is the on-site Stagecoach Restaurant, which has been delighting both locals and visitors alike for over 150 years.
Rustic, Western-inspired décor pays homage to the town's pioneer history, and the waitstaff employs traditional Southern hospitality to make guests feel at home.
Grab a seat either in the dining room or on the screened, covered porch and take a gander at the menu. Elevated homestyle fare is the name of the game here, and some of the recipes have been around since the restaurant first opened.
The restaurant emphasizes seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, so the menu changes frequently. You can rest assured, however, that all of the offerings are positively scrumptious.
Make sure to save room for dessert - namely, the Stagecoach Restaurant's signature Strawberry Kiss. Light and fruity, yet undeniably decadent, this sweet treat will make your taste buds sing.
Brunch is available on weekends, and the menu includes everything from buttermilk biscuits with seasonal preserves to farm-fresh omelets to even pulled pork eggs benedict. What a delicious way to start the day!
If you're a hotel guest (or have a pool pass), you can even enjoy snacks and libations by the pool thanks to the on-site bar, the Shady Villa Pool Club.
Have you ever eaten at the Stagecoach Restaurant? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for a nearby town that’s perfect for a day trip.
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