We asked for a “good place to eat” in Victoria.  The desk clerk suggested The PumpHouse.  Then another guest chimed in and raved about this Riverside Restaurant and Bar.  Hi-ho, hi-ho, to The PumpHouse we did go.  Eating at The PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant and Bar was one of the most enjoyable evenings we have shared in a long time.  Honestly, it was “purtty near perfect”.

Even the view from the parking lot was inviting.  The PumpHouse Restaurant is on the edge of Riverfront Park.

We traveled to the edge of town where The PumpHouse is constructed on a historic site.  The title to this property was passed from the Republic of Texas (None other than Sam Houston signed the deed.)  to the Township of Victoria in the mid 1800’s.  Water was pumped first from the river and then from wells to the center of town.  In March of 2010, the ownership passed from the city to the present owners, and after much renovation, The PumpHouse Restaurant and Bar was opened.  (Information from The PumpHouse website.)

The white building and large courtyard were inviting.

Palms gave the restaurant a coastal feel.  After all, Victoria is only thirty miles inland from the coast.

I love this fountain created from pieces from the old pump house.  The steppingstones are manhole covers – so cool.

It is understandable why this Old Pump House won this Adaptive Use Award from Victoria Preservation, Inc.  The restaurant is beautiful.

This historical market tells the history of the Old Pump House.  (Remember – there are more than 80 historical markers in Victoria, Texas.)

Inside the restaurant, many of the old architectural features remain.

This room reminds me of a garden room.  It would be so beautiful to have a party here.

The bar area still has the original bricks that were made on-site.

Be still my heart.  Just look at this heavy iron door.  I like it.  I love it.

When we arrived, the hostess asked us if we would like to sit on the patio overlooking the river.  The night air was a little nippy, but we couldn’t pass up the chance to enjoy the scenery of the Guadalupe River.

Heaters kept the chill away.

A band from New Orleans was providing music for the evening.  (They had played at SXSW that week.)  We enjoyed their soft jazz and comfortable style.

We did come to eat, and eat we did. The wedge salad was delicious. (They split the salad for us.)  I love the addition of the slice of apple.

Ever-Lovin’ had the Cod Veracruz on a bed of fried spinach.  Very tasty.

My shrimp and grits were good – this was not my all time favorite version of this dish, but it was still delicious.  Isn’t the presentation beautiful?

As the sun set, the fairy lights were turned on..  It was magical.

There was even a bright moon in the clear sky.  Life does not get any better than this – a beautiful setting, delicious food, and spending time with the one that still melts my heart.

Blessings to you and yours,