Saloon's New (Old) Home Is Group-Friendly

Buckhorn Saloon, one of Texas' oldest watering holes, has reopened at its original site in downtown San Antonio as an Old West museum and eatery that promises plenty of excitement for groups.

First opened in 1881, the Buckhorn moved to the Lone Star Brewery site in 1956. In its latest incarnation, the saloon is housed in a 30,000-square-foot, two-story building filled with western memorabilia, an old-fashioned arcade and a shooting gallery.

Buckhorn's wax museum, created for the 1968 World's Fair, portrays pioneers and events from 1532 to 1898. Lovers of the Wild West also can view films on old western sporting events, mounted hunting trophies and works by the Cowboy Artists of America.

The 6,500-square-foot Toepperwein Room, which seats 600 people, is decorated with a western theme and features four bars and a stage, including one of the brewery's original mahogany bars.

The Buckhorn offers the kind of down-home cooking that wranglers and ordinary folk alike can savor. "Our exclusive caterer, Don Strange of Texas, originated Texas Southern cuisine," said Kristi Engelman, sales manager at the museum.

Strange is known for using all-Texas ingredients and for preparing food in front of guests. Diners can expect a menu rich in game and beef.

For group events involving up to 500 people, there is a $6.50 charge per person, while bigger groups are eligible for discounts. Groups also can rent the entire facility after hours. For an upcoming dinner with 1,900 people, the Buckhorn will set up food stations in different rooms of the museum instead of setting up tables.

The new Buckhorn is already a big hit with groups. Earlier this year Cangelosi Co., a Houston-based marble distribution firm, held a reception and dinner for 214 people for the National Terrazzo Mosaic Association.

Before a barbecue dinner in the Toepperwein, attendees were treated to live music, an open bar in the lobby and run of the museum's facilities. "Being surrounded by western memorabilia was a real treat for many attendees, some of whom came all the way from New England area and Chicago," said Cangelosi sales coordinator Louise Kovalski.