9 Small Town Family Kitchens In Texas That Serve The Best Comfort Food
Our favorite kind of food here in Texas can be summed up in one sentence: anything fried, covered in gravy, or smothered in barbecue sauce…oh, and pie. These 9 restaurants fit that bill to a T with the added bonus of having waitstaff full of Southern hospitality and a “mom and pop” atmosphere. We will warn you, though: you might be too full to get up from the table after you’re done eating. Check out these scrumptious small town family restaurants in Texas.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Everyone in Texas knows about this little Hill Country gem. It has some of the best down-home cookin' and Southern hospitality this side of the Mississippi. From classic country breakfast spreads to tender chicken-fried steak, Blue Bonnet Cafe has you covered for all three meals. Oh, and let's not forget about the star of the show - pie! Your taste buds will thank you for treating them to a slice of pure heaven. You'll find Blue Bonnet Cafe at 211 US Hwy 281, Marble Falls, TX 78654. To learn more, visit their website here.
Mary's has arguably the best chicken fried steak in Texas, probably partially due to the fact that it satisfies our Texas-sized appetites. I mean, just look at the size on that thing! It's cooked to perfection and served with a huge bowl of gravy for your dipping (or smothering) purposes. Visit Mary's Cafe at 119 Grant Ave, Strawn, TX 76475. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
Montgomery is a town every Texan should visit in his or her lifetime considering it's the birthplace of our state flag. Chow down on some delicious breakfast tacos, a juicy burger, or a baked potato the size of your face while enjoying the slow pace of small-town Texas. You'll find Old Montgomery Steakhouse at 204 McCowan St, Montgomery, TX 77356. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
It doesn't get much better than Fish Pond. They're obviously known for seafood - namely fried shrimp and catfish - but if that isn't your thing, you can also get a big ol' CFS or a burger. And you can't pass up on the onion rings. Trust us, they're just that good. You'll find this hidden gem at 17091 N Hwy 75, Willis, TX 77378. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
Mamie's Kitchen is so cozy, it looks like it could be somebody's house. The combination of the warm, comforting atmosphere and the home-cooked Southern food will remind you of Sunday supper at grandma's - which is never complete without pie, of course. It would be a crime to leave without a slice of coconut cream. Mamie's Kitchen is located at 3811 Ave G, Pattison, TX 77466. To learn more, visit their website here.
Have you ever seen a restaurant that screams, "mom and pop" more than The Shed? It looks like a little country general store - but don't let its size fool you. Everything served here packs a huge punch flavor wise, especially the pie. They have every flavor you could ever dream of (including Reese's Dream!), and they're all baked fresh daily. The Shed Cafe is located at 8337 Fm 279, Edom, TX 75756. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
Who else is on team brown food? Luckily, Lumber Yard doesn't waste space on the plate with gross things like vegetables. It's all rich and hearty Southern food here, y'all. This was actually a reader recommendation, and trust us when we say it lives up to the hype. You won't find a better place on Highway 80 to get a good, home-cooked meal (with amazing service) for a great price. Lumber Yard Cafe is located at 801 E Pine St, Edgewood, TX 75117. To learn more, visit their website here.
If you like great Southern food and live country music, look no further than this Main Street Steakhouse. The staff is friendly, food is amazing, and atmosphere is second to none. What more could you ask for? Main Street Steakhouse is located at 1802 Main St, Danbury, TX 77534. To learn more, visit their website here.
This old-fashioned diner is sure to take you back to the good old days in more ways than one. Plus, nearly everything is made from scratch, including the salad dressing! Taste the delicious meals for yourself at 16634 Hwy 36, Needville, TX 77461. To learn more, visit their website here.
Have you been to any of these small town family restaurants in Texas? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another incredible eatery, nominate it for a chance to be featured.
What are the best family-owned restaurants in Texas?
Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant, located in San Antonio, is one of the best family-owned restaurants in Texas. This authentic eatery serves a wide variety of Mexican food. No matter what you order, you’ll be blown away by the rich and spicy flavors. Matt’s El Rancho, located in Austin, is another fantastic family eatery. Everyone loves their fresh tortillas and refreshing margaritas.
What are the best small town restaurants in Texas?
Greer’s Ranch Cafe, located in Stephenville, is one of the best small town restaurants in Texas. When you eat here, you definitely won’t go home hungry. This delicious country cafe is known for their giant portions of stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. Bring your appetite and chow down! For more excellent eats, visit Reno Red’s Frontier Cooking in Roanoke. Their hearty meat dishes and sweet cobblers keep people coming back for more. If you’re hungry for more scrumptious meals, check out these tasty out-of-the-way restaurants in Texas.
What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Texas?
Bevo’s Drive In, located in Vernon, is one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Texas. This no-frills eatery serves some of the best comfort food around. Dig into hearty burgers, tangy fried pickles, and indulgent milkshakes. This place will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Jody’s Old Restaurant, located in Temple, is another awesome place to get tasty meals. Everyone raves about their crispy onion rings, but that is just the beginning of what they have to offer. For more scrumptious meals, check out these rural restaurants in Texas.
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
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