Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Go-To Bar & Grill for Food and Fun in Cistern, TX
Cistern Country Store has been a cornerstone of the Cistern, Texas community since 1979. We pride ourselves on delivering quality hospitality, authentic Texas cuisine, and vibrant entertainment in a welcoming environment that feels like home. Our establishment combines a full-service bar, barbecue grill, convenience store, and live music venue to create a unique destination for locals and travelers alike. With decades of experience in the hospitality industry, our team specializes in curating memorable experiences through weekly live music performances, karaoke nights, and community events. We offer homemade burgers, reubens, and barbecue dishes crafted from time-honored recipes that have kept guests coming back for generations. Our commitment to excellence extends to every aspect of our operation, from our carefully maintained facilities to our attentive service that ensures every visitor feels valued.As stewards of this historic building dating back to the 1930s, we maintain the character and charm that make our establishment a true Texas landmark while continuously improving our offerings to meet modern expectations. Our reputation for reliability and genuine hospitality has been built through consistent service delivery and active participation in local traditions like our annual Big Buck Contest. We stand behind our promise to provide an authentic Texas experience where everyonefrom cowboys to professionalscan enjoy quality food, great music, and meaningful connections.
Services
Live Music
Karaoke Nights
Barbecue Grill
Burger Bar
Convenience Store
Deli Counter
Pool Tables
Hunting Contest
Event Venue
Takeout Service
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of proven excellence in Texas hospitality since 1979
- Our weekly live music features top Texas performers every Friday and Saturday night
- We combine bar service, barbecue grill, and convenience store in one unique location
- Our homemade burgers and reubens use recipes perfected over decades
- We host Texas' longest-running Big Buck Contest for deer hunters
What people say
Best burgers ever
Delicious cheeseburger
Extremely friendly staff
Real feeling place
Unforgettable memories
Services
Live Music Nights
Every Friday and Saturday night, we feature top Texas musical groups performing live country music from 7 PM to 11 PM. Our stage has hosted diverse talent ranging from local favorites to regional touring artists. The historic venue's acoustics and intimate setting create perfect conditions for experiencing authentic Texas music in a genuine honky-tonk atmosphere.
Barbecue Grill
Our barbecue service features slow-smoked Texas specialties available daily including brisket, ribs, and sausage. We prepare traditional barbecue plates with homemade sides like potato salad and baked beans. The first Saturday of each month offers special barbecue by the pound options that draw crowds from across Central Texas seeking authentic smoked meats.
Karaoke Nights
Professional karaoke entertainment runs weekly with experienced DJs managing song selections from 7 PM to 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. The event attracts both regular performers and first-time singers who enjoy the supportive atmosphere where guests cheer every performance. Special karaoke themes and contests keep the experience fresh for returning patrons.
Burger Bar
Our kitchen serves made-to-order burgers using fresh beef patties cooked to order with various topping combinations. The signature Cistern Burger comes with our special sauce and premium toppings. Operating hours from 11 AM to 8 PM Sunday-Thursday and extended weekend hours accommodate both lunch and dinner crowds seeking quality Texas-style burgers in a casual setting.
Hunting Contest
Since 1965, our annual Big Buck Contest has attracted licensed hunters from Fayette County and surrounding areas. The competition includes adult and youth divisions with cash prizes for top-scoring white-tail bucks. Official weigh-ins and measurements occur at our location during specified periods, with winners displayed on our deer board and featured prominently on our website.
People
Betty Danner
Co-Owner
Betty Danner has co-owned Cistern Country Store since 2009, continuing a family legacy that began with her husband Conrad Danner's ownership from 2002-2009. With decades of hands-on experience in Texas hospitality, she maintains the establishment's authentic character while ensuring quality service.
Stephanie Danner
Co-Owner
Stephanie Danner became co-owner in 2009, bringing fresh energy to the business while respecting its historic traditions. She plays an active role in daily operations and community engagement, helping maintain the venue's reputation as Cistern's premier entertainment destination for over 15 years.
Questions
What makes Cistern Country Store's burgers special?
Our burgers use fresh beef patties with secret recipes developed over decades, including the signature Cistern Burger with special sauce and premium toppings.
When does live music play at the bar?
Live music performances occur every Friday and Saturday night from 7 PM to 11 PM featuring top Texas country artists.
What are the kitchen hours?
The grill serves food Monday-Thursday 11 AM-8 PM, Friday-Saturday 11 AM-10:30 PM, and Sunday noon-8 PM.
What is the Big Buck Contest?
Our annual deer hunting contest since 1965 awards cash prizes for top-scoring bucks with official weigh-ins at our location during hunting season.
Is smoking allowed indoors?
No smoking policies apply after 7 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, though occasional issues occur despite enforcement.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept major credit cards and cash payments for food, drinks, and contest registrations at our location.
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