Cistern Country Store & Bar
Cistern, TX
Drive 60 miles SE from Austin through scenic country roads and rolling ranch land and you'll hit Cistern, a small country town with a population of 75. The town itself sits on a hill and is surrounded by flatter prairie land. In 1858 (circa 'Blood Meridian' times) citizens decided to name the town "Cistern" because the water wells in the area had high mineral concentrations requiring that they use cisterns for drinkable water.
It's here where you'll find the Cistern Country Store & Bar, which from the outside looks like a restaurant or convenience store when in reality it's more of a dive bar and deli/sandwich shop. Inside, there's a deli side with a dining table that serves up burgers and sandwiches. On the other side, there's a bar with a few bar seats, a couple pool tables, and a sizable floor area. The walls and floor are pretty much plywood with various graffiti scribbled on it. Honestly, this could fit the bill as the hottest punk bar on the Lower East Side in NYC circa 1989. But, ya know, country as hell. Also, a bunch of Czech bric-a-brac on the walls, which is pretty common for the region.
The beers are cheap, the service is super friendly, and there's a cute cat napping outside on the porch. Give it a shot if you're in the area.
Spotted graffiti:
"Shit happens"
"Duck stuff"
"Texas state militia"
"HARRY POTTER FAN"
"Caren was here!"