Henry K's

Texas Dives Star ⭐

If you do travel writing long enough, you'll come to realize how prevalent the "snowball effect" really is. This is where some restaurant or bar or attraction gets some press, which drives subsequent writers and influencers to go visit that spot, give it more exposure, and continue the cycle. However, many establishments that experience this heaping of attention do so due to luck or connections more than anything else. It's not like they're always anything special. Oftentimes, they're not.

Hidden gems often go unnoticed because they're simply hard to get to (many writers have a slim travel budget or no car at all), hard to find (no social media or Yelp presence), don't already have press written about them (didn't grease any palms), or aren't following whatever the current trend is (ramen, cocktails on tap, Instagrammable neon sign, etc.)

I'm here to tell you that Henry K's is one of the very best hidden gems in Texas, and if you're in the Flatonia area, you should definitely swing through to check it out. It's got everything. Tons of collectibles and vintage stuff laying about to look at. A beautiful wraparound wooden bar that the owner spent way too much time restoring. Pool table, live music, vintage signs, taxidermied animals. The owner—who also has a ranch in the area—even keeps an apartment in the back (should be available to rent soon) and makes his own posters. The exterior on the alley side has been restored and has cool, old signage. There's just been a ton of work put into this place and it shows.

I give Henry K's the Texas Dives Star ⭐, my accolade for exceptionally memorable and authentic establishments in the great state of Texas. Exactly the kind of place you want to stumble into unexpectedly. Check it out.