The Buckhorn Saloon greets you with a Woolly Mammoth head as you walk in the door. Sure it is strange at first, but this saloon has become famous for its horns, rattlesnake rattles, and elaborate furnishings. This is one of the San Antonio attractions that has become a household name in Texas, and a great place to belly up to the bar. And if you have a pair of horns, you'll be able to trade them in for something to drink or eat.
The Buckhorn Saloon opened its doors in downtown San Antonio in 1881. Albert and Emile Friedrich founded it. Their premise to the saloon was for customers to bring deer antlers to trade them for a shot of whiskey or a beer. Every pair of antlers would warrant two free beers, and every rattlesnake rattle negotiated a shot of whiskey. And Albert and Emile made chairs. This idea makes for a rare restaurant ambiance, but at the same time very Texas.
As San Antonio grew, so did the animals and other oddities at the Buckhorn Saloon. It has become a popular tourist destination. These days it is much more than watering hole, but as they say "edutainment." They have certainly made tracks in life, and that is evident in the amount of hooves they have. This is three San Antonio attractions in one. You can see animals, birds and fish from all over the world, as well as a Texas wax museum and a great place to eat and drink. This is the place to find some wild souvenirs to take back home with you. The personality is overflowing out of the door at this attraction in San Antonio.
Take a tour through the restaurant and you might see a 6 foot long stuffed snake nestled up to a tray of whiskey bottles, collection of miniature saddles and a cathedral made of 50,000 matchsticks. Yes, you do get to see some strange things. You'll have to take a picture for people to believe you. If you are on a road trip, it is an attraction in San Antonio you have to pull over for. There are many San Antonio attractions, but nothing as odd and interesting as this one.
The world famous Buckhorn Saloon has been a pit stop for 120 years to thousands of visitors. Come laugh, learn and experience this historic saloon. It is certainly one of its kind and they refer to fondly by calling it the world's oddest store. The best part about it is that the food is excellent too. You will be so distracted by the things on the wall, that you might forget to eat.
