A lot of the negative reviews focus on the wait time or the fact that you have to seat yourself. The self-seating is a plus in my opinion, being able to pick your table and not wait on a hostess, and the wait is honestly no longer than any other type of breakfast/lunch location like IHOP. The atmosphere is very small town feel, which is great if you like that type of environment. The servers are all fairly solid, even the woman most reviews complain about. She likes to talk, but she is always accurate in her ordering and I prefer to have somewhat of an honest conversation with my server, not the normal bland small talk. The only real issue is that menu items can be hit or miss. If something is good, it's almost always amazing like the pancakes or chicken fried steak. If it isn't good one time, I wouldn't recommend grabbing it again, like the catfish with very little flavor or the fries that taste unsalted. Overall though, most items on the menu are top tier! read more

Classic BSC like the McKinney days. They are very accommodating and have great staff. High recommend read more

Bill Smiths Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Van Alstyne, Texas

Love this place! Ate at Bill's when it was in McKinney and now make the drive to VA when I'm craving coconut cream pie and chicken and dumplings. read more

Bill Smiths Cafe - Coconut Cream Pie - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Van Alstyne, Texas

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Honestly the space is great and has massive potential but the food is just below average. Complete shame as we are local and really wanted a good breakfast spot. Everything we ordered felt like the most unloved cooking we have ever eaten. No seasoning, prepackaged food and overcooked. The servers genuinely seem like they hated being there. It was a real shame. The harsh reality is there is so much better breakfast spots within a 10 minute drive that it just isn't worth coming back here. read more

Such a cool little cafe in Van Alstyne TX. We went on a Sunday mid morning and they were packed. It took about 10 minutes for a table to open up. Not bad with the crowd they had. I ordered the Papa Smith special. I had French Toast, sausage, scrambled eggs and hash browns. The French toast was sweet. Not overly sweet but unique. I really liked it. The syrup was warmed and really added to the flavor. My eggs were well cooked and good. The hash browns were fried crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. My husband had the taco omelette. He loved it. It wasn't something I would order but it wasn't bad. read more

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Absolutely amazing. Our families FAVORITE breakfast spot in north Texas. We love you Mr. & Mrs smith! read more

Bill Smiths Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Van Alstyne, Texas

I just had lunch here yesterday. I was really impressed, there should be more places just like this. First of all, the staff was so friendly, you felt like a family member. Candi was our server, she is really special. She's a matter of fact person and I appreciate her personality. So many people nowadays are fake Okay, now onto the food: wow so good! I had the chicken open faced sandwich with mashed potatoes and white gravy. The fried chicken rivaled Whistle Britches in Plano. I'm not kidding! The prices are cheap compared to the current prices at restaurants currently. They specialize in Breakfast I'll have to go back to get breakfast very soon. It's like going back in time to a 50's diner, I was very nostalgic. read more

We were on our way to go skydiving (needed something to calm the nerves!) and thought we were out of luck finding food along the way--until we stumbled across this little local gem. What a find! It's the kind of small-town diner where everyone seems to know each other, and the food hits just right. The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches were exactly what we needed--gooey, salty, perfect--and they even came with hashbrowns. Simple, no-frills, and exactly what a diner should be. read more

I enjoyed the staff and the atmosphere. I believe the food was better when it was located in McKinney.

I love picking up items from Fb Marketplace, especially when it's in the boone docks, because I trip across tiny little AWESOME cafes like this!!! It's a family owned breakfast house tucked in a small nostalgic downtown area (near the railroad) in Van Alstyne. Loved the ambiance -- qaint, cozy, and 1950s themed. I was told they recently relocated from McKinney, left the old building behind (66 years!), took their fabulous recipes (and reputation), and re-opened a new cafe in far North Texas in an area not many know is there. Smart! We experienced true Texas hospitality with a side of delicious, fabulous breakfast!! Best damn chicken & waffels on the planet (and I'm a harsh critic when it comes to this perfect match). Oops, no picture because we literally obliviated it in 5 minutes flat, lol. That's okay, we'll be back soon! If this is within the birds eye of where you live, it's worth the trip. If you're not an early bird, that's okay too. They serve lunch until 2 pm. Good luck trying to resist buying a whole pie on your way out the door, lol. read more

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Terrible place. Came hear and the old lady server was a complete bitch. I had debris in my coffee and wanted a new cup. I asked politely but was met with an extremely rude and condescending response. "If you drink it than you ain't getting another" and proceeded to snatched the coffee cup from my hand spilling it all over. If you want to ruin your day come and dine here. The co owner was no better. She ignored the whole situation, rolled her eyes and walked off. This business should not exist if they have shit customer service. read more

Gave them another chance a year later and things have improved quite a bit. Casey was our server and really was on top of it and super friendly. read more

Food is good but lady with short spiked hair is the rudest lady ever. She ruined the entire experience, taking forever to take our order and bring out our food. Would not go back!! read more

I have to say. I read all of the reviews before I started writing. I have to say, there are a few that seem a little inflated. There is a waitress that is like my foul mouthed grandmother, but she is one of the nicest ladies. Yes it gets crowded, yes sometimes the tables are dirty. Yes, sometimes the wait staff get frustrated because they are being absolutely slammed every day. However, the food is really great! And I don't mean great for just this area. I mean it's really really good! I have tried a few different things and I will say their breakfast is better than nearly anyone else's in the entire area. Don't trust the negative reviews on face value. Don't trust mine either. Make a visit. Bring a little patients and enjoy! read more

The food could improve and the staff The building is nice. The location is nice, but don't wanna go back wouldn't recommend it. read more

Great food, terrific service, interesting setting. We always stop at Bills when in town. This was our first time at the new location. It won't be our last. read more

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I was really shocked to see all the bad reviews on this place. I came here the other morning for breakfast with a friend; it was during the week and we were instantly greeted and waited on. Our waitress was amazing. I ordered the papa smiths special and upgraded my pancakes to the sweet potato pancakes per the waitress' recommendation. Our food came out super fast and it was all very tasty. The pancakes were amazing; definitely recommend the sweet potato ones. For the price you get a lot of food. I was really surprised to find a place priced lower than most breakfast places. I love the small town feel here and we had great service, yummy breakfast and my bill was under $12 which is cheap for me! I'd definitely come back if in the area. read more

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Super impressed! Small, hometown diner feel with big flair! The service was what you'd expect from a small town; respectful, kind and welcoming. The food was more than what I was expecting. Holy cow! Delicious! I'm sorry I didn't get to see the place lit up at night. read more

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The only reason why I left a 1 star review over Zero if possible was because OUR server was fantastic and the co-owner didn't "make us pay for the meal" . I'm a 100% disabled Veteran visiting an army buddy down here in Van Alystyne; I am from Detroit. When I checked out the yelp reviews : I saw mixed and matched review options--I really don't like going to places where it's below 3 stars. Well I can say this right now : They didn't Disappoint TO Dissatisfy and live up to the bad reviews. They closed down due to Covid when located in McKinney back in 2020 and just RECENTLY Decided to get "back into the restaurant game" and established this location very recently... **Anybody that is a local: has High reviews (because what they remember this place of what it USED* to be; when it was located In McKinney).. Anybody that is not from this town leaves low reviews because they SEE it; for what it is. Just A terribly run establishment . They Completely have lost their way. Catfish was limp, Mac and cheese could have been better if I just went to to the store and bought easy Mac for the microwave (that would've been 10x better). Coleslaw just loooks OLD ( has no flavor ) . Cornbread was hard and dry as a brick. (My friend ate his meal; I didn't touch mine) Hospitality: SUPER Non-Existent*** (***Though the younger servers whom NEED Their job; gave smiles and care) --Anyone that came from the McKinney establishment over into this one; SHOULDNT Have because they brought drama with them. IE: This lady pictured below (pic take. from a separate yelp review) : Suuuuuuuch a despairing person who treats people terribly and is forcing customers to leave these type of reviews to let others know not to come to this establishment; *****is a red flag that These Reviews Should remind the owners that "hospitality is the number one thing in the restaurant business"...**** ---And this woman DOES not have it; Nor does she want to. . Apparently if she's having a bad day EVERYONE ELSE around her HAS to as well... Our server and every other server obviously couldn't stand her. This vile woman made it apparent by completely used vulgarity and abrasive body language anywhere and everywhere she went; When asked what her issue is with a table that wasn't even hers to worry about , she became confrontational & disrespectful to get a reaction for all to see her flying off the hinges at a customer. Unfortunately this used to be a good restaurant from when people grew up and went and traveled to McKinney to have a great meal; I unfortunately highly recommend any travelers or anyone not from this area to not frequent this establishment at your own peril. Note: our issue began because I took a picture of my menu, and then my food. read more

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Food was delicious, service was fast and very friendly. Went on Easter Sunday and even though they were busy, was still fast friendly and the food was hot! read more

Excellent breakfast this morning! Great food, service and ambience. Bill was in the back cooking so it was a good day!

Great Breakfast!! The service was awesome! And we were welcomed and not rushed with our meals! Very comfortable and country cozy. read more

What a cute café in downtown Van Alstyne! The service was outstanding, ask for Casey, and the food was delicious! We ordered a spinach and Swiss omelette with a side of biscuits and gravy, crispy hash browns, and crispy bacon. So good! read more

My mom and I stopped here for some lunch, it was our first time. Service was great, but the food was so bland!!! I got catfish, the batter had no taste. As well as the okra and mac & cheese. My mom got the country fried steak and it was bland as well... Probably will not return. read more

Bill Smiths Cafe - Catfish plate and breakfast plate. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Van Alstyne, Texas

The service was good. We missed out trying while it was in McKinney so we drove out to try it. It was ok. Not great, but not terrible either. We had breakfast instead of lunch, so I can't speak for anything on the menu other than that. read more

atmosphere is up beat family vibe! seating is find a table! Came for a breakfast! Coffee was prompt, Hot and Fabulous! Ordered 3 egg omelet steak, Thank goodness we split it! read more

Bill Smiths Cafe - Fajita Steak omelet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Van Alstyne, Texas

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The waitress was great, but the coffee had a real bad taste to it, and I asked for crunchy bacon, and it was not crispy at all . There was an old waitress that was being hateful towards the younger waitresses. read more

Bill Smiths is so good!!! We enjoy eating fresh made food! Most everything is made there! Pies are to die for!! Bill is a pleasure to talk to!! read more

Bill Smiths Cafe - Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Van Alstyne, Texas

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Typical breakfast, good service. Food came out fast. Good ambiance. I like the small town feel. We will come back. read more

Bill Smiths Cafe - Grilled pork chop and eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Van Alstyne, Texas

The was my second time to eat here and I don't remember much about the first the first time but this time we had the worst service I think I have ever had at a restaurant. We walked in and were told to sit anywhere so we found a table. We sat and waited for nearly 10 minute and no one ever came to bring menus or take drink orders. We stopped another sever and told her we had been there for 10 minutes and no one had come to our table yet. She said our server was up at the register and she went and got menus and took our drink orders but seemed indifferent that we had been waiting as long as we had. So our server finally came to the table with our drinks and took our order. We explained to her that we had been waiting for a while and she seemed indifferent too. We didn't have to wait too long for our food and the food wasn't bad. I just can't stand to go to a restaurant and get poor service. read more

I've tried this place four times. The first was the week that they opened. My coworkers and I waited for 25 minutes. No big deal. When they did seat us, it was at a completely dirty table. Dirty plates, used napkins, silverware... All of it. When I got my food I was really disappointed because my hash browns were mush and the coffee was extremely watered down. The last time I went, my boyfriend and I waited ten minutes for our order to be taken. One server was screaming so loud about food needing to be run to the tables that at one point the entire restaurant went quiet. Our server stopped coming to our table because she was crying. When we got our food, I had about a tablespoon of hash browns which were still really overcooked. My boyfriend said that the coffee was awful. His meal came with a biscuit and gravy and the gravy was absolutely the worst I've ever tasted, no salt or pepper and kind of sweet? This place is within walking distance of my house and I really want it to work because I love going out for breakfast on the weekends and it's affordable. Some of the stuff is basic but decent, like the eggs and the French toast. I don't mind diner food but this place hasn't been worth it so far. read more

I was a customer of Bill's McKinney TX location for 33 years. Sad when he closed it. Bill was always on the premises. Food was good and affordable. Heard about his new Cafe in Van Alstine. My wife and I went there New Years day. It was packed. Only had a 5 minute wait to be seated. Were waited on within 5 minutes of sitting down. Our food was on the table in another 10 minutes. It looked, tasted, and cost like what we had at the old place. Bill was in the kitchen as in the past. It was great to be back! We will return. We live 30 miles away in Blue Ridge TX, so it is not as convenient as the old place. The only thing missing was the Smuckers blackberry jam on the table for my toast. Maybe Bill will order some. We are glad there is still a Bill Smith's Cafe in the neighborhood. read more

Wonderful traditional American breakfast. Biscuits and gravy are excellent and included.

Wanted to try a small town breakfast place and this was it. Walking in, it was cute and the atmosphere was busy. Sat down and it did take a bit for a waitress to bring us menus and greet us. But she was very nice and attentive the rest of the time. The pancakes were the best very thick and fluffy but the omelette and breakfast sandwich was just ok. I will not be back bc I felt uncomfortable that some ladies that were working had political shirts on and I just don't feel like it is the place. But to each their own. read more

A North Texas gem. From the small town vibe to the well priced & simple menu; making a selection is a cinch. And let Candy talk you into a piece of pie before you go. It's worth it! read more

Ok, second chance visit today. Went for breakfast the first time. Breakfast was way over priced and the hash browns were way undercooked. I didn't want to bring this to my waitress' attn because ethe service was already super slow. There was NOT that many folks there either so she wasn't slammed. She DID reek of cigarette smoke though. Visit number 2 a month later for lunch. The waitress pointed at a table and told us to go sit there. When we got to the table, it was filthy and still had a rag on it. So, the wife and I sat at the table next to it. That same waitress hollered, " they're terrible listeners and sat somewhere else." to apparently the waitress who was going to take care of us. Waitress one walked by our table and I stopped her to tell her that we WERE good listeners but the table was dirty that she wanted to seat us at. She shrugged and said it wasn't her table. I said great, but no reason to criticize someome for gladly seating themselves. She shot me glance and walked away. If she'd said she was sorry and didn't know or anything related to that, I wouldn't be writing this. I get that it's a diner, and probably short staffed and overworked, but that's NOT the customer's problem. That's a Bill Smith's problem. I don't give third chances so we'll happily pass. read more

Cone to this restaurant for a great breakfast but even better service. Candi will treat you right- she may question why you want toast not biscuits and gravy- but hey that's ok she knows what's good! it is great to have a server that treats you like a friend, will chat if there is time but always has a great attitude and a smile! My father in law used to take our daughter to the Restaurant in McKinney- she was happy to bring her family from Kansas to enjoy the meal and start new memories! read more

Bill Smiths Cafe - Happy family with a great waitress- Candi ROCKS!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Van Alstyne, Texas

I've eat at bill smiths in McKinney and here in town and let me tell you, there's a REASON why they have lines out the doors. We are so grateful they opened up shop here in town. It's honestly a service to the community. I've been at least a dozen times and hope to go several dozen more. My food's been excellent no matter what I order. And the new location has some cool updates; just all around great atmosphere. read more

Very good food, good portions and prices. Candy was a great waitress with a sense of humor! Definitely be back when we're in town.

It is so awesome to have the iconic Bill Smith's Cafe relocated to VanAlstyne, Texas! The new location is outstanding! Food & service is super, lively & fun. The atmosphere is wonderful, merging new with the long-standing traditions. The feel of downtown VA is so pleasant, including the views from the windows & outside eating area waiting for warmer weather. Take a stroll after breakfast/lunch and have a wonderful day. So HAPPY they are back. Let the traditions continue! read more

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