After a long drive from Big Bend National Park with our three kids under the age of four in tow, we stumbled upon Summerland Public House in Menard, Texas, and it turned out to be a delightful oasis for our weary family. Nestled in this charming small town, the place effortlessly blends laid-back vibes with a creative culinary twist, making it a perfect pitstop for both adults and little ones. From the moment we stepped inside, the warm, welcoming atmosphere put us at ease—it’s not just a place to eat, but a community hub where good food and friendly faces come together. The menu is a standout, offering an eclectic mix of pub-inspired dishes that elevated our road-trip dining far beyond the usual. I went for the smashburger, a local favorite, and it was a juicy, savory masterpiece—piled high with caramelized onions and cheddar that practically melted into the patty, messy in the best way possible. My husband opted for the special, chicken fried steak, a hearty, golden-crusted delight smothered in creamy gravy that left him raving about Texas comfort food done right. For the kids, we ordered a cheese pizza and a root beer float to share—the pizza was simple, cheesy perfection that kept their little hands busy, while the float was a bubbly hit among the under-four crowd. Traveling with three kids under four can be a challenge, but Summerland made it a breeze. The vibe is casual and family-friendly, complete with games that kept our crew entertained while we settled in. The service was fast and genuinely friendly, with staff who didn’t blink at our chaotic family and made us feel like regulars even on our first visit. Summerland Public House turned a routine stop into an experience worth savoring. After the rugged beauty of Big Bend, this place felt like a “summerland” retreat we’ll long to return to. Five stars for food, atmosphere, and a heart big enough to welcome a road-weary...
Read moreAwesome restaurant in Menard Texas. Limited menu, but the food is great. I had the Smash Burger, my wife had the beef steak sandwich. The Smash Burger may have been the best burger that I've ever had. I will admit that I am not a burger guru. But, this burger was amazing. Be sure to order the large double size because it is rather small. We also had the Rattlesnacks (pictured) as an appetizer. These were excellent. They have live music on Friday and Saturday nights. They have several beers on tap and many bottled beers to choose from. This place is highly...
Read moreIf you're ever driving thru Menard, Texas, grab a burger at Summerland Public House. It looks like an old bar or really old convenience store, but don't let that stop you from stopping. There is a bar right when you walk in ,then several tables. It looks like they have live music, but not on Thursdays. We had a bacon cheese burger and fries. It was great. Thin fries cripsy, hot and salted just right. The burger was a smashed burger, then bun put on grill to get just a lite crisp texture. It was fantastic. The young girl who served us was...
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