Don't expect any customer service whatsoever. I've visited here several times and while the food is good in quality the service is far from friendly. Every person on the food service line starting from the salad bar ALL THE WAY down to the register is rude, quick to dismiss, and lacks the ability to communicate at all. Questions are met with rude stares and mistakes are not owned by the staff members or management. These employees are very disgruntled and should not be helping customers at all, put them in the food prep area where they don't need to interact with others. The service on the floor however is very pleasant but having good overpriced food does not make up for the rude tone at this establishment. Manager included. I will not be going back and expect a generic response by the owner/management to this honest and humble review of this restaurant. read more

TL;DR (Too long; didn't read) Service staff look like they want to die(don't blame them), they were out of a few things, a lot of things are overpriced, and I think I got mild food poisoning from the turkey. I came in-- I liked some of the decor but I really like the ambiance with the historical images. Despised how it smelled like a middle school cafeteria, though. Not gonna complain much because it's just not worth it, but here's my experience: Come in. Stand in line. Think I'll order chicken tenders: "Nope, we're out." Sirloin as well. Prime Rib is $30(needs a price tag). No hush puppies. Fried Chicken looked like it was made out of bones with gristle and not much meat. Had an annoying old guy who has no sense of personal space giving me a look because I'm holding up the like for 15 seconds trying to decide what to order when the three options I thought to order were not there. I ordered the Turkey and they piled it with more liquids than should be allowed on a plate-- caused a mess on the table when I finally got to the table. Grabbed two sides-- fried okra and mashed potatoes, and decided to get some custard(never tried it.) Sit down and eat-- Turkey tastes dry and awful, even with the really gross stuffing(tastes like unseasoned chicken pot pie) and tasteless gravy. I feel sick eating it but out of desperation due to hunger I choked it down. Tried the mash potatoes-- tasteless. Tried the fried okra-- grease. Hardly any okra taste. Custard? It was alright-- but very distinct eggy taste. It wasn't half as bad as the others, though. But all of it cost me $30. Tasteless, low quality meat(that made me feel sick the whole day), bland mashed potatoes(just add butter, salt, pepper, and milk, please), fried okra (grease nuggets), and a custard. I do not like this place at all. I hate cafeterias anyway but was really hoping to enjoy it. This is why you don't take suggestions from 50+ y/o Boomers/Milennials who are friends with Boomers. They have no idea what flavor is. Maybe I'm being an anuswipe-- perhaps I am and just got unlucky, but I refuse to eat here again. read more

Hands down, Cleburne is the place I go when I want fresh home-style food in a very welcoming atmosphere complemented by exceptional service. I've had large gatherings there and have even stopped by for lunch during the week, and the food is always very fresh, regardless of what I choose. The blackened salmon is my go-to dish, and the pecan pie is unrivaled. Even my sons love the food, and they're in the picky-eater stage. They used to choose the kids plates with fried chicken and double macaroni or double mashed potatoes, but they've now graduated to the large entrees like ham or chicken fried chicken. The line seems long every now and then, but it moves fast, and the food is worth the wait. read more

Cleburne Cafeteria - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Was recently in town and knew this was the place to meet some friends to catch up. If you're ever worried about seeing a line of people at the door, don't fret, the line moves fast. Waiting in line gives guests the opportunity to enjoy the art in the lobby and learn more about the history of Cleburne Cafeteria. Make sure to take some time to read about the rich history of this family owned and operated establishment. The food: I always stick with my tried and true, chicken fried chicken, green beans and mashed potatoes. Don't forget the cornbread! My family has tried just about everything on the menu and nothing disappoints! There is something for everyone so come hungry. We crave these home style meals and when in town we always place an online order to have some of their great desserts on hand for our hotel stay. The service: When dining in, nothing beats their customer service. Your glass is always filled and the courteous staff goes out of their way to make sure the guests are happy. It doesn't take long to realize many of the guests are loyal customers who seem to feel at home. This place is run like a well oiled machine, top notch customer service, consistent meal quality with expansive menu options, and comfortable atmosphere. Any pictures I have wouldn't do justice to the meals we've had at Cleburne's. Just know that whenever we're in town, this place is always on the top of our list of places to dine. Enjoy! read more

I have been going to Cleburne Cafeteria for years and it never disappoints. The staff is always welcoming and the food is fantastic

Great food at all times. Such a wide variety of all kind of different food. Staff is also so excellent, will get you anything you need.

I had turkey for a catered company lunch. It was the juiciest and best turkey ever!!! Yum!! Their catering is off the charts! I'll be ordering and/or eating there next Thanksgiving! read more

Love eating here. Everyone can get something they like. Weekends can be busy and longer wait times. Service has always been good. No value plates with protein and sides like competitors. Pricing is on the higher end of cafeterias. If your eyes are bigger than your stomach. You'll literally pay for it. read more

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Worst food ever. Run do not walk away. The chicken fried steak was grilled with a crust. We will were told you have to special order it if you wanted it fried. The fish was cold and we asked to heat it up or get some that was freshly fried. The wait staff said she put in back in the oven. The fish was dried out at that point. The sides were a gummy paste. I could have used them as a wall paper glue. We were done and wanted our money returned but was told there was no refunds and it said so on the ticket. We will never return. read more

Excellent food especially the steaks. The dessert station is hard as there are many items to choose from!

Good tasty selections of just about anything that you could want. And the staff is so nice and attentive! This is a great place to eat!!! read more

I tried this place out for the first time today and it was delicious! Seriously, everything we had was tasty. We walked in when they opened at 11am and there was already a line. The line moves quickly though and we were able to choose our food cafeteria style pretty quickly. It reminded me of a Luby's where you grab your tray and silverware and make your way down the line telling the servers what you'd like. BUT the food is light years ahead of Luby's. Seriously everything we got was good. And they had big portion sizes too. My favorites were the blackened salmon (though I would say it's more grilled than blackened. - it's not spicy at all - just well seasoned), sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top (they don't skimp on the marshmallows either), and the blueberry cake. Be prepared to take a doggy bag home. Their cake slices are bigger than my whole hand extended out. And delicious too. I could see this being a nice place to sit on the patio with my family or friends and catch up over some good food and a glass or rosé or beer. I can't wait to go back! read more

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Mr Mickelis' Cleburne's has always been the standard in cafeteria dining, good food, kind people, hard working staff, spacious parking, & an always beautiful & clean space..... Twenty years my family & I have patroned, until today. I called rather than Yelped or waiting until our next visit, to privately alert Management of the food condition since this was not a usual experience, and it was likely just a rough batch. But when I called, an employee who said her name was, "K^r3n" was impatiently snarky before I even mentioned the reason for my call. Time of call: 320pm central, March 9, 2022 Me: Hi. Yes ma'am, is there a manager on duty? Woman 1: Ummm I'll check & see if someone is in the office. A short wait later, Woman 2 (Sounds similar, but seems more rushed): "Cleburnes, this is **ren. What is it?" (I was already shocked, but proceeded...) Me: "Yes, are you the manager ma'am?" Woman2: "No. What do you want?" Me: I'm sorry to interrupt your day. It's ok, I'll just Yelp it. I hung up. That is not the usual Cleburne experience, but whomever reads this, customer or management, there was absolutely no reason to be that abrasive toward a complete stranger, especially a patron of your employer/restaurant. None. I used to spend several hundreds here, monthly, always tip over 25%, always happy to see the regular staff and patrons, but after speaking with this employee, its apparent, this is not the same Cleburne's we have grown to love. The food isn't the business. Its the people. It was the people. The food might have just been an off day. But a snarky attitude to an unknown customers call? That's a character issue. These were the food concerns (as phtotographed): *Banana Pudding - liquified. Inedible (even after refrigerating at home, for 2hours) *Roast Beef - Mushy in some spots. Tough texture in most other spots. Inedible. *Green Beans - Waterlogged. Inedible. I'm sorry to have to report this experience here rather than privately, as Celburnes is a landmark IMO, but I wasnt given the grace or mutual respect of doing so by phone. Formal letter sent to Mr. Mickelis' assistant. This is the New Cleburnes. read more

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I realize this is going to shock most native Houston residents... but since coming back to Houston in 2014, we have never made the trek to Cleburne Cafeteria. Not until my fave SIL asked if we had ever tried this establishment - well "No... but we will..." I am not an adventurous soul - willing to try the 'new" place, Imagine my surprise that it is far from a "new" place, but rather an icon in Houston. And, I now understand why. Not because they assisted my beloved & physically-challenged spouse... not because the line moved faster than any other cafeteria... not because they filled my beverage numerous times and provided take home cups full of their delightful drinks... NO it was the fooooooood! Wow! A cafeteria that understands seasoning, selections, quality, quantity (although the serving sizes were far larger than required), service - they "run-the-table!" Forget the smug digs that it is too expensive - I nibbled on my take-home for days. Oh YES... we will be back again & again - even though we live in Cypress! read more

The coconut icebox/cream pie didn't sell me last time but got to say, it was a different experience with their chocolate mousse icebox. Double plus for the extra dollops of whipped cream they were willing to add! Although it tastes like they don't sweeten their whipped cream, I didn't mind since you can more easily add sweetness than take it away. I'm pretty sure I got the first slice of a new batch - crust was crispy, airy, and beautifully blind baked. It had that nice toasted flavor and color and that scratch made daily rustic look. As for the filling, I loved the dark chocolate flavor without it being overly sweet. It had a little of a looser structure, but I didn't mind since eating it out of my take out container made it like a delicious take on pudding. read more

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I'll be honest - I prefer lubys. The food was, I felt slightly less in caliber than the food I would get a lubys - and it costs nearly double. An institutional mainstay in Houston; but can't justify the pricing for the food provided. read more

Cleburne's is an icon. Wonderful place to eat. Large portions. All organic. Great salads. The Chicken fried chicken is fabulous. They serve wonderful chicken & dumplings, but not every day. Desserts are super size. Their turkey & dressing is the best. read more

This place use to be very good about 10 years ago. I don't know what has happened but, the last few times I have been here it has not been good. For example, today I ordered catfish with hush puppies, pinto beans, and a piece of pie- $29.38. The hush puppies were so dry on the inside and sponge on the outside, I had to spit them out. The pinto beans were cold. I asked to speak to the manager and she never came out. I will take this place off the list. read more

Cleburne Cafeteria - Unpalatable hush puppies, cold pinto beans, and basic fried fish. - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Cleburne is the Luby's for the West U. / Bellaire / River Oaks crowd. Which is not to say it's not a hotspot for all kinds of Houstonians, of course, but as someone who was raised on "Kids Eat Free on Tuesdays" at Luby's, I can say for sure this is not your stereotypical cafeteria. Both times I've visited, the line has snaked through the serving area (~20-25 minutes from the entrance to where you can start ordering food). So don't come on an empty stomach or you might die of hunger before you reach sustenance. The upside is that you get a full view of what you want to order before you actually have to, so be observant and take note! No one likes indecisiveness, especially where bad options are nearly non-existent. I had never ordered salads at Luby's because none of the options really looked appealing (and the combo-style of ordering dissuaded me from the better looking side options) but since everything is "a la carte" at Cleburne, I think there's more opportunity to try things. I've ordered the greek salad, pomegranate/banana mash, and the artichoke salad - which I've all found pretty tasty and satisfying. There's also a standard lettuce mix (if you like the basics), potato salad, carrot slaw, fruit salad, citrus salad...it's just so much...! And if you thought ordering salad was tough, the entrée section will continue to test you, with 10-15 offerings a day. I usually get the baked haddock (in the style of fish almondine, like at Luby's) which is a crispy, wonderfully textural take on the classic. I hear from my dining companions that the prime rib (Sunday special) is excellent, while fried chicken and chicken fried steak came out a bit blander and drier than anticipated. I'm in search of the turkey chopped steak I see on the menu, which might also be one of those daily specials (check the website for a comprehensive list). The sides have yet to fail me, and I love to get the fresh and crisp green beans and the smiley-sweet, neon/vermilion candied yams. For those looking for more comfort than fiber, you might choose the decadent mashed potatoes topped with either brown or white gravy, or perhaps the creamy spinach casserole, or maybe the baked mac & cheese. Do note that rolls are 75 cents each, so resist the temptation if you're not gonna eat them anyway. Desserts are of a shareable size, and we've only ever tried the princess pink strawberry cake - airy and fruity. Then you pay - usually around $15 a person, if you each get an entrée and two sides or salads. The lively dining area has some service carts that will roll around to fill waters and supply utensils/to-go boxes (the waitstaff uniform looks pretty outdated/uncomfortable, so I try to be as nice to them as possible...) And there's an additional self-service area with free breadcrisps, garnishes like horseradish, pickles, and onions, and a diverse range of sauce bottles. The community experience is worth the trip, and though the food isn't 100% on point every time, it's a place that makes you feel good when you enter and keeps you like that long after you leave. read more

Cleburne Cafeteria - our spread! Baked Haddock Almondine and Prime Rib as entrées - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Review 168. If you are looking for comfort food with a zillion choices, you come to the right place. A Houston cafeteria institution that has recently been rebuilt due to a fire in 2016 that consumed the building. My family and I have been coming here for decades so when I heard they were having their grand re-opening, I had to get here quick. I didn't realize it was their first week open when I went. I did score a place to park right up front. WOAH! There is parking on the left and right sides of the building and a few spots in front. There was a police officer directing traffic the day I went, however when they hype dies down I am not sure they will be one. The line was about 20-25 people deep, but it moved fast. Salads of all kinds to choose from, sides galore, all types of meat selections, infinite choices of bread and rolls and don't even get me started on the massive slices of cakes and pies. Everything looked just mouthwatering! I settled on fried chicken, yams and a fruit salad. ALL to die for! They don't call it comfort food for nothing! Although the restaurant was packed, we did score a table and there were others available too. I didn't peak around the entire restaurant so I don't know the whole new set up, but I did notice they have a nice new outdoor patio to sit and eat. There are servers that walk around to refill your drinks and such. As the servers walked around I did notice they have a beer and wine section too which I believe is new. The prices aren't chain cafeteria prices... A little bit steeper, but the food is definitely tastier. They have daily specials and if you go online ahead of time you can see them. You can also view all their food options. They also have food to go and menu items for the holidays if you are looking to entertain. read more

Cleburne Cafeteria - Fried chicken, yams and fruit salad! - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Was disappointed with chicken fried steak. Very underseasoned. Fish was very pricey and bland. Vegetables were good but tepid temp. But dessert was great as usual. Maybe it was just an off day. Have always been happy before. read more

If you love old school cafeteria style food, this is your place. Don't forget the salt, pepper, and hot sauce however! Food is super high quality and plentiful. Like other cafeterias, they draw an older crowd and overall, the food is generally under-seasoned but it's a quick fix! The sides are incredibly rich, as are the desserts. The entrees are reliably classic goodness- it all tastes scratch made. The service is warm and friendly. The line moves quickly and the tables turn fast. Highly recommend! read more

It's a tradition!!! Maybe people come here and never look at Luby's the same way. I love Luby's, but this place.... it's like double or triple the Luby's selection, and not only that but they have MORE! Yes I tell you, MoRE! They serve you more, and you get more for your bang for the buck! All the menu items are listed up top, excellent service! Creamed spinach was amazing - no disrespect to Boston market Mac and cheese is classic- no gimmicks Prime rib maaahh God... Blackened catfish- super delish, pairs well with green beans and rice Haddock -I tried this many ways... baked, battered, fried... lubys still wins my heart for the fried fish, but this fish cooked every other way is decent! Breaded chicken -similarly to chicken francese / classic! Stuffing -yum, no complaints here! Toast -thick, buttery and little sweet! Fruit salad -I loved the strawberries and kiwi, they even add banana! Unfortunately my list ends here.. I must return to tell you more! See you there!!! Valet park!!! It's easier that way! Buhhh lee me! Think of this like a high class Luby's! read more

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Great food, always. Went there for Christmas dinner and really enjoyed having lots of choices.

I was really looking forward to trying Cleburne's as this place is apparently a Houston institution. I was so disappointed in the food. All of it was bland. Cole slaw: Too much mayo, no flavor Green beans: no flavor at all and some pieces were under cooked for my preference. The green beans could have been cut into smaller pieces so that they actually fit in the bowl. That would have been nice. Chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes and cream gravy: the chicken is so bland, it's really sad. The breading is not crispy at all. Mashed potatoes were okay. The gravy congealed on my plate within 5 minutes and made the dish unappealing. Dinner roll: just okay. I put butter on the roll and it didn't even melt. All of my food honestly cooled down pretty quickly so that was also a let down. Iced tea was pretty good at least The desserts looked good, but I didn't get anything. I didn't want to spend the money and was so full already. My meal was $21. Bland, unappetizing, and incredibly disappointing. I can get a flavorful meal at Luby's for half the price. Staff is nice, but my friend had to wait about 10 minutes on her turkey and dressing. She eventually got up and had to go ask for it. Seems they forgot about her. There's plenty of parking on either side. The building is nice, restrooms are clean. That's about the only positive things I can say regarding this experience. read more

Fresh made and always generous portions. The staff is always there for you. Would definitely recommend.

My Wife & I stopped here for lunch on 26/ October. This cafeteria was in close proximity to her Doctors office. Now to the review... this place is expensive( $50..00 ) for two trays of food, that were well below the taste level. Taste level meaning, after the meal thereshoul be a little taste on your lips, saying I enjoyed that meal. The French spaghetti was abominable I doubt my dogs would partake of it. The Chicken fried steak, had the toughness of a sole from a construction boot. Only redeeming food was the spinach salad, & green beans. Like others I read the reviews on Yelp, and if they look promising we venture1 forth. Cleburne cafeteria just did not cut it. I understand that a lot of food is being prepared for the masses, though I feel a little more quality control is needed. read more

I was surprised to find the quality of food, actually pretty good for a cafeteria style restaurant. Plenty of good options to suit everyone, including nice sides and desserts. read more

My family has dined regularly at Cleburne since we moved to Houston in the late 70s. It just keeps getting better and my kids in their 20s and 30s eat there weekly. The vegetables and salads are all made fresh every day. I can never pass up the sautéed greens and kale salad. The turkey and dressing is delicious as are the steaks. Their pies and lemon tart are the best and you can tell are made with love daily. read more

Cleburne Cafeteria - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Old school good ol' Southern Style home cooking'... pork chops, chicken fried chicken, roast turkey, and highly recommend the PRIME RIB!!! Pretty amazing with your choice of dozens of southern sides. A+ read more

Great home style cooking. Large portions. Great service. Very good selection. Consider sharing.

It is A-ok. Good solid food. We went for thanksgiving and it was fine but it is home cooked cafeteria food. I have some limits eating so it was great to choose what I am allowed to eat. I'm just not a cafeteria guide. But all I had was very good. Spectacular....no but very good. read more

Cleburne Cafeteria - Nice outside patio. Gorgeous weather Christmas Eve day. - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

It's a cafeteria Literally a cafeteria haha. You grab a plastic tray. You go up to nice ladies who ask what you want. They put it on a plate or bowl and had it to you. I got the fried shrimp. It came with a TON of fries. A lot of shrimp too. I was like... ok. This is enough food for me. But then my friend was like you gotta get a couple of sides! I'm like ohh.. so I got the fried okra and the Squash (hella onions). The sides were ok - nothing eventful. Then they were like try our famous blueberry muffins ! I'm like OK! Those were also just ok.. your basic blueberry muffins. Then it was dessert time- grab a dessert too! They are GIANT desserts!!! Too giant for me as I already had a mountain of food that I couldn't tackle so I opted to skip dessert got this meal. If I went back, I'd get the fried shrimp, NO fries, and maybe something else that's not fried? I got too many fried options. It's heavy stuff. read more

Best cafeteria in Houston. All food is fresh daily. Portions are huge. Most everyone will need a take home container. Yes, prices are steep but you get an extra meal from your leftovers. Desserts are huge and delicious. Service is great. Clean, well staffed, food is good equals a winning combination. read more

Everything we had here was really great. I had the spinach casserole, macaroni and cheese, and deviled eggs. Everything was homemade and really delicious. My husband had the chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes. His looked delicious, and he assured me that it was. We shared the blueberry cream cake for dessert and it was as good as it looked. We went later in the day, around 1:30 on a Saturday and there was no line. We will definitely be back to try many more of their tasty looking food. If everything else is as good as what we had yesterday, I know I won't be disappointed. read more

Great food and great service . The best cafeteria on the Southwest side.A very clean environment.

The food is always fresh and very tasty. The service is top notch the desserts are the best. I only wish I could go every day VC

The food was awesome. Fresh, plentiful and filling. Now it's Sunday mind you, so expect a really really long wait. I believe we were in line for 45 minutes. There was still a line after we finished and we were leaving. Parking is tight. But they have valet. Also while you wait you can look at art and ready the story of the gentleman who started it all. Employees are friendly. The line does move at a steady slow pace. Everything is ala cart. And serving are large. I had the turkey stuffing and cranberry sauce. Oh you get gravy too if you want it. Stuffing was a little wet and needed some salt but eating with the turkey it's good. I also had mash potatoes, no gravy, cucumber and tomato salad, a roll and coconut cream pie. All good. The coconut pie could have a more coconut flavor and the whip topping had no flavor on its own. Half of everything went home with me for a later dinner. The drink refill cart went around but they needed another cart or two. You can get drunk refills, lemons, and to go drink cups, take home containers. We had to wait a while for her to come around to get more water. We just got up and went to her instead. Enjoy the choices and the food!! read more

Great food, very good service, nice ambiance. Love the place, safe and very clean. cozy place to share lunch or dinner with family or friends. read more

This is my second time to eat here. I was not impressed the first time but thought maybe it was an off day. I gave them a second chance because of the chicken and dumplings. They served a huge portion, which is the bright spot of the experience - but they had zero flavor! They were missing any chicken flavor whatsoever. The chicken and dumplings were a huge disappointment. I had stuffing and butter beans as side dishes. The stuffing did not have any flavor either and the butter beans had real potential, but were over seasoned with pepper. I ended up eating less than half of everything, even though I was hungry. I will not be back. The taste of the food was not an anomaly the first time - it's just doesn't taste good. There are much better options to spend your money on in Houston. read more