Like most other things that stand the test of time, The Barn Door is authentic.
What began in 1953 as the premier steak restaurant on the outskirts
of town, still reigns today as the best place to get a charcoal-grilled
cut of beef, fresh Gulf Coast seafood, or a classic Caesar salad.
Old fashioned? Yes. Value? Yes. Copied by many – equaled by none!

The Barn Door became an instant landmark when it opened in
“the outskirts” of northern San Antonio. This aerial photo was
taken in the restaurant’s first year – 1953.

Robert Cochran, Sr. started as a busboy at The Barn Door when he was just
17 years old. He handled almost every job there is at the restaurant– but
will always be remembered as our finest grill master. Sonny retired more
than 50 years later and is still a legend among cooks and chefs alike.

Sonny loved his 1949 Ford flat-head V8. He parked it right
outside the restaurant so everyone could admire it!

Sonny Cochran in his 1949 Ford, “Bula.”

The legendary Sonny Cochran at the main grill – his home
away from home for more than 50 years.

The Barn Door has always been the perfect steak place. This menu
cover from the mid 1960’s shows we always keep up with the times.

We’re proud to be the subject of many stories and great reviews in
The San Antonio Express-News and other local, state and national publications.

This 1976 watercolor by Caroline Shelton
reflects the warm atmosphere of The Barn Door.

The Barn Door is copied by many, equaled by none.

Famous folks like Tom Landry, and regular
folks like you and me, all love The Barn Door.

More than 30 of Sonny Cochran’s family members have
worked – and still work – at The Barn Door and some of our other
restaurants. This is Sonny’s brother, Robert, at the grill of the Wolfe’s Inn.