Devil's Backbone Tavern

Devil’s Backbone Tavern – Fischer, Texas

Overview

Devil’s Backbone Tavern is one of the oldest continuously operating honky-tonks in Texas, perched on a ridge of limestone hills outside Wimberley and Canyon Lake. Established in the 1930s, the tavern sits along the scenic ridge road known as the “Devil’s Backbone,” a stretch of Highway 32 that winds through the Texas Hill Country. Part roadhouse, part dance hall, it has long been a gathering spot for ranchers, bikers, travelers, and live-music lovers.

Why Go

• Historic Hill Country honky-tonk with more than 90 years of lore
• Authentic atmosphere—no frills, cold beer, pool tables, and jukebox tunes
• Regular live country and Americana music, plus dances and community events

Menu & Format

• Drinks: Ice-cold beer on tap and by the bottle, classic well drinks, and local spirits
• Snacks: Simple bar bites and food trucks on weekends
• Entertainment: Live music most weekends, pool tables, and a jukebox when the stage is dark

What to Order

Grab a longneck beer—Shiner Bock is a favorite—and settle in for live music under the neon lights. On weekends, check which food truck is parked out back for tacos, barbecue, or burgers to go with your drinks.

Atmosphere & Vibe

Unpretentious, timeworn, and proudly rustic, the tavern has survived Prohibition, ownership changes, and generations of Hill Country characters. Inside, expect scuffed wooden floors, walls covered with license plates and memorabilia, and a crowd that ranges from ranch hands to Austin day-trippers. The views from the ridge outside are some of the most scenic in central Texas.

Price Range

Beers are typically $3–$6, with simple cocktails in the $6–$9 range. Food truck offerings vary but are usually $10–$15 per plate, making it an affordable night out.

History

The tavern dates back to the early 1930s, when it opened as a stop for travelers crossing the winding Devil’s Backbone ridge. Legends say it began as a speakeasy during Prohibition, and through the decades it has hosted dances, domino tournaments, and countless country bands. It has seen ownership changes but has always remained a community anchor—earning the nickname “the oldest beer joint in Texas.” Today, it continues that legacy as both a local hangout and a pilgrimage spot for honky-tonk lovers.

Good to Know

• Location: Along Highway 32 between Wimberley and Blanco
• Age policy: 21+ after dark, family-friendly during the daytime
• Payments: Cash is king, though cards are often accepted

Best For

• Fans of Texas music history and authentic honky-tonks
• Road-trippers exploring the Hill Country
• Locals wanting a laid-back night of beer, pool, and live music

Writer’s Tip

Time your visit for sunset—the view from the ridge outside is as legendary as the tavern itself, and the perfect lead-in to a night of music and cold beer.