Hondo's On Main — Restaurant in Fredericksburg

This place is different for sure.  Different as far as the restaurant side of things go.  A receptionist will ask you if you wish to be seated inside or outside.  We picked inside and followed her to a table at which point she said to order the food at the end of the bar.  We took a look at the menu and decided what we would have.  We were eating early so we could get back home before nightfall.  I walked up to the end of the bar and waited behind a gentleman to finish ordering.  His business was complete and I was next.  At which point the order taker turned on her heels and went off to mix drinks for some other customer.  She didn't take the time to say "I'll be with you in a minute", just left.  Upon her return I delved into telling her my order.  I had a couple of questions and her responses were either yes or no.  She told me the cost, I paid, she gave me a pager and that was that.  Zero personality with a fake smile.

We waited around 15 to 20 minutes for the pager to go off, at which time I had to make my way to a small room adjacent to the dining area to collect the food.  You show your ticket to Mr. Grinch, he'll point to your tray, you turn around and prepare your own drinks from vending machines, help yourself to condiments and collect your napkins and cutlery.  All this time I was thinking how stupid I was to have given a tip when ordering!  I sat down with my wife and noticed that there were at least 20 people lined up to order food.  I timed the last person in line to see when he would get to the front.  17 mins.

Food:  I had the Reuben sandwich with onion strings.  My wife had Fajita Ladas which appeared to be 3-4 strips of grilled meat atop what looked like a swirled mess of cheese and beans with chips on the side.  My sandwich was delicious and I thoroughly enjoyed it, along with the accompanying pickle.  I also had a single portion of onion strings and wished I hadn't.  Hard to pick up, harder to dip in any sauce and quite tasteless.

I suppose I was disappointed in myself for not researching the reviews of the place first but we were in a hurry to make our way home as I had mentioned.  Possibly people on the whole are satisfied with this place given that you can eat reasonable fare and be entertained by country music, live or recorded.  The walls were adorned with stuffed animals, pictures and memorabilia of Mr. Hondo's life.  The place had character but that...

If you’re ever in Fredericksburg and looking for the perfect blend of Texas charm, delicious food, and a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere, Hondo’s on Main is an absolute must-visit. Nestled right in the heart of downtown, this spot offers everything you could want from a Hill Country dining experience—and then some.

From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed by the friendly and attentive staff. Everyone—from the hosts to the bartenders and servers—was genuinely warm and helpful. Despite how busy the place can get (a clear sign of its popularity), the service remained efficient and personable.

The atmosphere is one of Hondo’s strongest points. Whether you're sitting inside among rustic decor and live music or enjoying the lively outdoor patio under string lights and big oak trees, it’s clear this place was designed with good times in mind. The live music added the perfect touch without overwhelming conversation, creating a festive yet laid-back vibe.

Now onto the food—simply excellent. We tried the brisket tacos and the burger, both of which were cooked to perfection. The brisket was juicy and flavorful, and the burger was one of the best I’ve had in a long time—perfectly grilled and loaded with fresh toppings. Portions were generous, and everything came out hot and fresh. The menu offers something for everyone, with classic Texas-style comfort food that doesn’t disappoint.

The drinks were also a highlight. Their margaritas were strong, refreshing, and well-balanced, and the local beer selection was impressive. It’s also worth noting that for the quality and portions you get, prices are more than fair—great value for the experience.

In short, Hondo’s on Main delivers across the board: great atmosphere, excellent staff, fantastic food and drinks, all at a reasonable price. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and again—whether you're a local or just passing through. Highly...

This is a self-service establishment. No biggie...but when you pay, they are still asking for tips. That always irritates me. Customers have to go to the bar to order. Then, you go to another area to make your drink. Then, when your food is done, you go to the window to pick it up. Who am I tipping for service? Myself?

The people taking the orders and completing the bar orders seemed absolutely bothered by our existence. The two girls I dealt with were not pleasant at all. Neither was the girl at the hostess station. She wasn't rude, but she wasn't welcoming either.

Do not get water from their machines. It has a disgusting taste.

The biggest frustration I had with our visit was that I ordered a brisket sandwich lean. I asked the girl if I could request lean, and she said yes. When I got my sandwich, the meat was very fatty. I asked the guy at the window if that was for sure lean and if I had gotten the correct sandwich. He said yes. I went to the front to where I had ordered to express my concern. For $30, I didnt want to choke down a fatty sandwich. (I don't like the taste or the texture.) The girl who took my order wasn't sure. Another girl came into the conversation to say that they didn't do lean...they just serve "whatever they have". 🤔 I ended up getting a different sandwich. I come from an area that has serious barbecue places. They know their products. It was disappointing that Hondo's employees didn't have knowledge of their products. The replacement sandwich I got was good, but it wasn't what I went there to experience.

The atmosphere is okay. I think that is mainly because the majority of people dining in there are on vacation, so there is an easy going and...