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.

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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.

Shady Villa Hotel

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.

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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.

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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.

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Perhaps you’ll start with an appetizer of hushpuppies with whipped honey butter, then move on to a classic chicken-fried steak for your entrée.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Speaking of the pool…doesn’t it look inviting? We wouldn’t mind taking a dip!

Shady Villa Hotel

Visit the Shady Villa Hotel website or Facebook page for more information about the Stagecoach Restaurant, including current hours and a full menu.

Facebook/Shady Villa Hotel

Shady Villa Hotel

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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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Address: Stagecoach Restaurant, 401 S Main St, Salado, TX 76571, USA