Only in Comfort: The Cartoon Saloon

Where else can you find a Lone Star beer Christmas tree, wind chimes made from bottle caps, and walls covered in cowboy cartoons and other whimsical oddities? We can't think of any place in the world besides The Cartoon Saloon here in Comfort, Texas.

Don't be fooled by the name, though: This saloon doesn't serve drinks. If you want to belly up to the bar with a cold one, you'll have to bring your own beer. This roadside attraction's proprietor, J.P. Rankin, says it's not uncommon for folks to bring their favorite beverage, a picnic, and a guitar. Visitors are welcome to sit outside under the cedars for some rest and relaxation, and maybe some good conversation with fellow weary travelers.

Rankin established The Cartoon Saloon in 2013. It's his artwork that adorns the rustic wood walls of this outbuilding that sits on a small patch of land on the edge of his property along Highway 473, just a few miles outside of town. He's quick to tell you this isn't a business, just a friendly stop on your journey.

Rankin is an award-winning artist, dubbed the Cartoon Cowboy for his fun, quirky ode to the Wild West in all of his cartoon characters. He's even a member of Cowboy Cartoonists International and the 2012 AWA Cartoonist of the Year.

Visitors leave their mark at The Cartoon Saloon by leaving behind pennies, beer cans or their signature on a piece of old wood. "That actually gives it the charm," Rankin says. "A place to just come by and, you know, kick back for a few minutes and remember to enjoy life. And that's kind of what we want to do here."

There's no place quite like The Cartoon Saloon – it's the perfect Hill Country photo op with a chill vibe. Want a sneak peek before you come see it for yourself? Check out this episode of Texas Country Reporter on YouTube, which features Rankin and his unforgettable saloon.

The Cartoon Saloon
508 FM Hwy 473
Comfort, TX 78013