A Journey Through Time: Spechts Texas's Rich Heritage

Step into a piece of Texas history at Spechts Texas, which has proudly served as a premier bar and grill in San Antonio, TX, since 1890. Our story began with William Specht, who started entertaining locals over a century ago, laying the foundation for a legacy that continues today. We offer more than just a dining experience — we invite you to become a part of our extended family. Whether you're a local or a visitor, join us for a taste of genuine Texas hospitality at Spechts Texas — where every visit feels like coming home. Contact us today or stop by for lunch or dinner!

Beyond the Grill – Music, Events, and Much More

Spechts Texas is not just a bar and grill — it's a hub of entertainment and celebration. Experience live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, and Sunday mornings, adding a rhythmic touch to your dining experience. Our historic venue, The Gin, is the perfect setting for events and special occasions. Whether you're planning a celebration or seeking a retreat in the heart of Hill Country, Specht's offers more than just a meal — it's an immersive Texas experience. Get in touch today, or stop by for your comfort food favorites.

History of Specht’s Texas

Origins: A Legacy of German-Texan Commerce (1875-1906)
Specht’s Texas, a historic landmark in Bulverde, Texas, traces its roots to the late 19th century as a hub for commerce, agriculture, and social gatherings in the Texas Hill Country. The property was first developed in 1875 by Gustav Schmidt, who established a cotton gin to support local farmers in the region.

Schmidt’s Gin (1875-1929)

• Gustav Schmidt built the original cotton gin in 1875, which later burned down and was replaced around 1890.
• The new gin was constructed using corrugated metal and housed large cotton ginning equipment.
• The gin served local farmers until 1929, when cotton processing at the site ceased.
• The gin structure still stands today, preserving remnants of the early agricultural economy.

Anecdote: The Cotton Boom and Community Gatherings

• The gin was not just an industrial site, but also a social center where local farmers gathered to discuss the year’s crops and share news.
• Old-timers recall how, during peak harvest season, the gin operated late into the night, its steam engine hissing as workers hustled to process the cotton bales.
• Children would play around the gin, rolling stray cotton tufts into makeshift pillows while their parents waited for their turn.

The Red and White Store (1887-1906)

• By the 1890s, Specht’s Store had expanded beyond a general store into a vaudeville house, hosting performances that entertained the local community.
• Traveling vaudeville acts, including musicians, comedians, and variety performers, made Specht’s a lively entertainment destination for Hill Country residents.
• The store’s backroom and open-air areas were transformed into makeshift theaters, where locals gathered for an evening of storytelling, music, and laughter.
• Performers often included jugglers, folk musicians, and even small traveling circus acts, making Specht’s a cultural hub during this era.

Anecdote: The Vaudeville Nights

• Residents recall stories passed down from their grandparents about a one-legged fiddle player who would steal the show with his rapid-fire reels.
• A traveling magician once performed at Specht’s, amazing crowds with tricks involving live doves and sleight of hand—though some believed he was just a fast-talking salesman.
• A local family recounted that on Saturday nights, entire families would pack into the store’s side room, eager to see the latest vaudeville troupe traveling through town.

Fridolan Hanz built a general store near the gin in 1887 to provide goods to the surrounding rural community.

• The store, originally known as the Red and White Store, became an essential retail and supply center for settlers.
• Hanz also constructed a hand-dug storage cellar and a small vernacular home, now known as the William Specht House.
• The store carried general merchandise, farm supplies, and basic goods, serving as the primary trading post for local farmers and ranchers.

Anecdote: A Lifeline for Early Settlers

• Travelers passing through could buy everything from sacks of flour to penny candy for their children.
• A local legend tells of a customer who, during the Great Depression, paid for his goods in bartered chickens instead of money.
• The store’s shelves once held exotic items like canned oysters and fine cigars, brought in from San Antonio—a rare treat for hardworking settlers.

The Specht Family Era (1906-1961)
In 1906, William and Louise Specht purchased the property, renaming it Specht’s Store. Under the Specht family, the store expanded its role as a gathering place for the community.

Specht’s Store & Saloon

• The store provided groceries, hardware, and auto repair services, and also acted as a post office and telephone switchboard for the area.
• A saloon was added, featuring the original bar built by William Specht, which remains in the establishment today.
• The bar became a well-known community gathering spot, offering drinks and conversation for locals.
• During Prohibition (1920-1933), the store continued operating as a general mercantile, adapting to legal changes.

Anecdote: The Bar That Never Closed

• Even during Prohibition, rumors swirled that secret bottles were tucked behind the wooden shelves.
• One evening, a traveling salesman found himself locked in overnight after having one too many at the bar.
• The Spechts allegedly had a code system: “A visit to the back room” meant more than just grabbing supplies.

Growth & Expansion

• The Specht family added the Craftsman-style Richard Specht House in 1936, a prime example of early 20th-century rural architecture.
• Additional structures, including a garage, chicken house, windmill, gas pumps, and a feed house, were built throughout the early 20th century.
• The property expanded to include livestock enclosures and additional storage buildings to support the growing rural economy.

Anecdote: The Day the Windmill Saved the Store

• A lightning storm in the 1940s caused a fire near the store, but thanks to the windmill-powered water pump, disaster was averted.
• A group of townsfolk and farmers used buckets of water from the windmill’s tank to extinguish the flames before they reached the buildings.

Transition to a Modern Destination (1970s-Present)
By the 1970s, Specht’s evolved from a general store into a restaurant and live music venue, attracting visitors from across Texas.

Preservation & Historic Recognition

• The property was nominated for the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical significance in Texas commerce.
• Original structures, including Schmidt’s Gin, Specht’s Store, the stone fence, and outbuildings, remain intact, preserving the legacy of 19th and early 20th-century German-Texan architecture.
• The original gas pumps, dating back to the 1940s, remain as a tribute to the era when Specht’s Store also served as a fuel stop.
• Historic furnishings, including the c. 1918 telephone switchboard, William Specht’s trumpet, and original receipts, are still displayed inside the building.

Specht’s as a Cultural Hub

• Over the decades, Specht’s Texas has become a must-visit venue for Texas country music fans and live music lovers.
• The live music stage, added in the 1980s, has hosted some of the most iconic country, folk, and blues musicians in Texas history.
• The rear patio area, expanded in the late 1970s, continues to be a favorite place for rowdy honky-tonk nights and intimate acoustic sets.

Notable Artists Who Have Played at Specht’s

• Willie Nelson – On April 13, 1975, Willie Nelson played at Specht’s Store, during the rise of his outlaw country career. This was the same year he released Red Headed Stranger, which would cement his status as a country music icon. The show was advertised alongside the Pure Prairie League, marking a significant moment in the venue’s history. It’s said that Nelson’s intimate set that night included early versions of songs like Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain before it became a massive hit.
• George Strait – Before becoming the "King of Country," Strait was a young musician playing Texas dance halls and small venues like Specht’s, honing his signature sound.
• Kevin Fowler – A favorite in the Texas country scene, Fowler has rocked the Specht’s stage more than once.
• Cory Morrow – This Texas troubadour has brought his signature mix of folk, country, and Southern rock to the venue.
• Pat Green – Another Texas country staple, Green has performed at Specht’s to packed crowds.
• Gary P. Nunn – Known for his classic hit London Homesick Blues, Nunn’s performances at Specht’s have left lasting memories for fans.
• Ray Wylie Hubbard – A storytelling outlaw country artist whose gravelly voice has echoed through the venue.
• Roger Creager – Specht’s has been home to some of Creager’s high-energy, crowd-pleasing shows.
• Reckless Kelly – This Americana band has added their unique, rootsy sound to Specht’s musical legacy.
• Wade Bowen – Another Texas country legend who has graced the stage with his heartfelt lyrics and powerful performances.

Anecdote: Unforgettable Nights at Specht’s

• A longtime patron recalls a night in the early 2000s when Pat Green and Cory Morrow played an unscheduled, stripped-down acoustic set after their big-city gig.
• It’s said that Kevin Fowler once jumped off the stage and started serving drinks behind the bar before launching into his next song.
• George Strait’s early days at Specht’s are still the stuff of local legend, with folks claiming they saw a future superstar playing to a small but rowdy crowd.

Specht’s Texas continues to be a premier live music destination, keeping the tradition alive with local artists, up-and-coming Texas country acts, and legendary performers gracing the stage.

• In the 1980s, the restaurant added a live music stage, cementing its reputation as a premier entertainment venue.
• The rear patio area was expanded in the late 1970s and continues to host Texas country music performances.
• Today, Specht’s Texas blends its historic charm with modern comforts, making it a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike.

Anecdote: Famous Faces and Legendary Performances

• George Strait and Willie Nelson are said to have stopped by in their early years, soaking in the Hill Country vibe.
• A local ghost story tells of a former bartender who still “locks up” at night, with the doors mysteriously swinging shut on their own.

Experience Specht’s Today
Specht’s Texas continues to honor its rich history by maintaining its historic buildings while offering an authentic Texas Hill Country experience with great food, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Visitors can explore the historic buildings, original artifacts, and memorabilia that tell the story of a thriving German-Texan community over the past 150 years.
For a deeper dive into our history, visit us and explore the legacy of Specht’s firsthand!