There’s just something about Marfa, Texas that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world — a place where cowboys rub elbows with artists, where desert sunsets are poetry in motion, and where stories don’t just get told — they get lived. And if there’s one spot that’s captured all that Marfa magic over the years, it’s the one and only Lost Horse Saloon, once located at 306 E San Antonio St, Marfa, TX 79843. Even though the doors may have closed for a minute, this iconic dive bar lives on in the hearts of locals and travelers who got the chance to pull up a barstool and sip on its dusty, unforgettable vibe.

The Lost Horse wasn’t just another watering hole. Nope, this place was pure grit and charm, decked out in wood-paneled walls, cowboy hats hanging like trophies, a jukebox that always had just the right song, and a neon “BEER” sign that felt like a beacon in the desert. The saloon drew in folks from all walks of life—ranch hands, road trippers, art lovers, even the occasional celebrity rolling through town for one of Marfa’s world-famous minimalist art exhibits. Inside, you’d find pool tables that had seen countless late-night showdowns, TVs flickering with the latest sports games, and a patio where time slowed down, letting you watch the desert stars roll in overhead.

The menu? Straight-up comfort food with a West Texas twist. We’re talking mouthwatering brisket nachos, shrimp tacos with a smoky kick, and a rotating list of specials that kept the regulars coming back for more. It was the kind of place where you ordered your beer cold, your food hot, and your stories loud and unapologetic. But what really made the Lost Horse special was the people—those unforgettable bartenders who knew your name by the second visit, the regulars who always had a tale to tell, and the strangers who somehow became friends by the end of the night.

Sadly, like many beloved places with history and heart, the Lost Horse hit some tough times. In early 2023, it was shuttered due to a pile-up of unpaid taxes—about $36,000 worth, according to reports from the Big Bend Sentinel. For a hot minute, it felt like Marfa had lost a little piece of its soul. Locals were heartbroken, and visitors who had heard the legend found only locked doors and dark windows. But if there’s one thing about Marfa folks, it’s that they don’t let legends die easy.

That’s when Sterling Roberts stepped in. A local entrepreneur known for turning his Big Sandy Coffee business from a tiny trailer into a booming café, Roberts saw something worth saving in the old saloon. And with grit, vision, and a whole lot of community love, he brought the place back to life. In late 2023, the Lost Horse was reborn under a new name — The Pony. It's not just a bar, it's a tribute to everything the Lost Horse stood for. The Pony took the best parts of the old saloon — the music, the food, the attitude — and gave it a fresh coat of Marfa magic.

Today, The Pony is where past meets present in the coolest way possible. You’ll still catch live music rolling out onto the street on a Friday night, the scent of grilled brisket floating through the air, and the kind of good energy that only happens when the right people gather in the right place. It’s the perfect pit stop after exploring Marfa’s famous Chinati Foundation or taking in the mysterious Marfa Lights. And whether you’re an artist, a dreamer, a wanderer, or just someone in need of a stiff drink and a great story — this is where you belong.

Thinking of hitting the road and making your way to Marfa? Do it the right way — behind the wheel of a comfy, reliable ride from West Texas Auto Rentals. Whether you're road-tripping solo, packing the crew, or planning a laid-back desert weekend, they’ve got you covered. Just click here or give them a quick call at +1 469-727-9993 to lock in your rental. Trust me, the road to Marfa is wild, weird, and wonderful—and you’re gonna want wheels for the journey. See y’all at The Pony!