Could Banita Creek Hall Really Win Best Restaurant in Nacogdoches?

When you think about Banita Creek Hall, obviously the first thing that comes to mind is the music. I mean, that's what it's there for. Something else that comes to mind is the bar. It just kind of goes hand in hand. That's why it's no surprise that BCH has been nominated for "Best Night Club/Bar" and "Best Beer Selection" on this year's Best of Nacogdoches 2026 list.

However, there's a third category that Banita Creek Hall is up for this year that they've never been nominated for - at least to my knowledge. To be honest, I was surprised that it could be a thing. Technically, they have every right to be there. That category is "Best Restaurant".

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Why Does Banita Creek Hall Qualify for the Best Restaurant List?

I want you to think back to COVID - Yes, I know that we do our best to NOT think about that but go ahead this time. Because they couldn't let the normal amount of people in due to social distancing requirements, they wouldn't be able to make the money necessary to keep operations up. Plus, closing down completely with absolutely no income wouldn't be good for the future of the business.

Their answer to this dilemma was to open up a hotdog stand. A grill was put under the porch of the main building, and someone was there to man the grill and cook. You could get a hot dog or a sausage, with fixings, for a decent price. Well, after COVID settled down, the hotdog stand stayed. Official signs were made, and the Banita Creek Hall Hotdog Stand was a permanent fixture where it still stands and operates today. Don't believe me? Here's proof:

Can Banita Creek Hall Really Win Best Restaurant?

In all honesty, I don't know that the Banita Creek Hall Hotdog Stand can really stand up against the full restaurants in Nacogdoches. But I think it's pretty awesome to have them nominated.

There is a chance that they really could win it, though. After all, "Best of Nacogdoches" is a popularity contest for the citizens of Nacogdoches to vote on. That means that if there are enough people to vote, they really could win. We'll see how it goes.