Badu 1891’s owners, Jeff Nash and Vicki Roberts, fell in love with the nationally registered historic Badu building in Llano, Texas. After renovations, they opened it as a restaurant in May of 2018.

On the second floor of Badu 1891 hangs a framed photograph from the 1900s. The photo shows a cattle drive proceeding down a dirt road directly in front of the building. “That photograph drove the design of the restaurant’s interior. “We’re all cowboys at heart in some way or another in this state,” said Nash. “Everything we’ve done shows we’re very proud Texans.”

Badu 1891’s diverse brunch, lunch, and dinner menus offer select game meats. “We want to have a relationship with the hunters because that’s what Llano is all about,” said Roberts. Their dinner menu features a chicken fried antelope, which Nash highly recommends. “We knew chicken fried steak was a must for our restaurant, but we didn’t want to copy everyone else in the Hill Country,” said Roberts. “That’s why we offer both chicken fried steak and chicken fried antelope, with green chile gravy.”

This unique establishment is perfect for Hill Country residents but has also become a destination for travelers. Fifty percent of their traffic is from outside of Llano. Llano has been famous for barbeque for many years and is now getting known for Badu 1891 too. With bed and breakfast options available nearby, the opening of Badu 1891 creates wine and dine opportunities for people from near and far.

The restaurant’s partner Kevin Harney has great relationships with musicians, including artists who typically wouldn’t perform at small venues. They come to visit their friend Kevin and play at Badu 1891 on Friday and Saturday nights. Visit their website at www.badu1891.com to view upcoming artist performances and plan your trip to Llano to experience Badu 1891.

Badu 1891 • 601 Bessemer Ave, Llano • (325) 247-1891