Before then it was known as a boarding house in 1910 called
“The Palace Rooms” and some twenty years later during prohibition it was renamed “The Oasis” and was equipped with a
speakeasy that was very pleasing to its clients.
As time went on and with new owners, renovation occurred
and Miss Molly’s Hotel and The Star Café were born and business has kept them both booming in the Stockyards ever since.
Don and Betty Boles owned the Café beginning in 1980 and
then sold it in 1986; but years later after owning a couple of different places he came back to own The Star Café once again. “I
missed it. I missed the area,” He said.
And the area has changed over the years. “There used to be a
big western theme,” Don said, “But then it changed. Now it’s
coming back.” Which is fitting because during parts of the year
many events are scheduled that bring in business for the café;
and the events are western.
The Rodeo during the spring and the Red Steagall Cowboy
Festival in the fall round up the customer’s for the café and
even “School being out for the summer brings in more business.”
Some years ago there was a time during the pioneer days and
chisom trail days where beer was sold on the street. Another
change for the area and one a lot of people would be happy see
come back.
And if you are thinking that nobody famous or of top-billing
comes to visit the Star Café: Think again!
Tanya Tucker, The Gatlin Brother’s and the country singer
Bush have graced the interior of the café. “My hero who comes
in is Billy Bob Barnett,” The owner says laughing.
Billy Bob Barnett owns “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk.”
The owner grew up in Fort Worth and has been around the
stockyards. “We all know each other around here,” He says.
People of all ages come into the café. Families and couples and
a mix of all ages come and enjoy the food and the atmosphere.
The majority of people that come in today are younger. “I like
that,” He says.
Written By: Amy Smith
The next time you find yourself or your family taking a stroll
around the Stockyards in downtown Fort Worth swing on by
the Star Café for some great food and great service. Located
downstairs under the famous Miss Molly’s Hotel Bed and
Breakfast, the Star Café has been around since the mid-30s.
34 | Acoustic Drive
And the best items on the menu to sink your teeth into?
“Filet Mignon is a big seller,” He says. He is partial to the
T-bone steak NY strip and to chicken. And the many other
reviews you can find on the web gush over the hamburgers and
the chicken fried steak.
And what better place to sit and chew good food than right below a haunted hotel; yep, Miss Molly’s Hotel has a few spooks
that seem to linger around. Even the owner’s office sits upstairs
and he declares its corridor to be on the spooky side.
With lots of history, good food and good people you can’t go
wrong when spending time at the café.