Was with a large group that ate here after being in the Post Oak area. Wow, the food was so appetizing and there was a big variety. I ended up getting more that I could eat and, unfortunately, couldn't take a "doggie bag". Everything was very good and fresh, made on the premises. The people working there were very attentive and it was a very pleasant experience. I would say that it is a step above Luby's , which I like . I would definitely go back if I lived in town. read more

This year a combination of circumstances led us to have Christmas dinner at Cleburne cafeteria. We waited in line for about 56 minutes and chatted with a number of wonderful characters, The ambiance was perfect. The policeman who mans the door has been doing this for 20 years. The food aromas were fantastic. SO MANY choices! They ran out of lamb by the time I ordered, so I treated myself to Prime Rib; Mrs had turkey. No problem finding a table. Everyone was in a good mood. Excellent Lemon cake for dessert. read more

Cleburne Cafeteria - Lemon cake - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Had the most amazing pre-Thanksgiving dinner. No knives needed. The turkey was so tender and juicy. The gravy and stuffing were wonderful. I don't even want to cook thanksgiving now because the food was so amazing! The plate was plentiful and most importantly all of it was homemade fresh from real ingredients and not any fake stuff. I watched Eat Local with Chris Shepherd and he was right. This place is epic. I had no room for dessert because I was full after eating only a quarter of it. read more

Now for the facts. I ordered a $200 gift card on November 28. The restaurant took the money out of my account that same day. November 28, 2025. I called 2 weeks later looking for the gift card. Owner George confirms it was sent. Surprise! JUST RECEIVED IT! It WASN'T MAILED TILL DECEMBER 12, 2025, as documented on the envelope. 15 days later!! Definitely poor customer service, George and Sheila. Definitely not a restaurant to trust!! Readers, please consider my advice and find another restaurant that will be more attentive to your purchase! I had to send it priority mail to be sure my family receives it before they go on Christmas vacation. I'm sure George will respond again to my message on this site but, George, it's a waste of time. Spend your time fixing your problem at CC so that it is not repeated! read more

Now going on 3 weeks and still nothing. No gift card received from them. I paid $200 and am still waiting. 3 weeks??? They are definitely ruining my Christmas plans. My advice- NEVER trust them to follow through. That includes owner, George, and manager Sheila! read more

I came to this restaurant with a group of retired educators for a Christmas luncheon. We were treated so unkindly. The manger was sharp and condescending to our host. Rushing us as we sat down, saying things like, you have sat for 15 minutes, we don't have seats just for sitting, you should be eating!" As we were waiting for other elders to arrive, we were excoriated for doing so. We collected our meals, ate quickly and will never return. The fish was cold as was the reception. What a shameful experience! read more

My experience yesterday at Cleburne Cafeteria was very disappointing. I came with the Gwen Branch reservation for 11am. Initially we went back to the private dining room to get our program started before getting our meals. During this time the manager came in and out several times. Eventually, she rudely informed us that we only had the room until 12:30pm and they were going to come in to start cleaning it up whether we were finished eating or not. A time limit on the room was not provided when the reservation was made prior to Thanksgiving. Overall, the treatment by the manager was unacceptable. An attempt was made by Ms Branch to have a discussion with her and she received a "sorry not sorry" response. The general consensus regarding the food was mediocre at best. This was my first and last visit to the historical Cleburne Cafeteria. read more

I went there for lunch on Tuesday. I had a kale salad and chicken and dumplings. The kale salad was dressed with something that was impossible, sweet. It was not edible. I've never had chicken and dumplings before and that's why I wanted to try them here; it's a special on Tuesday. I don't really know what chicken and dumplings are supposed to taste like but these were really bland. The chicken was good, but the dumplings were like... Almost like pasta. I would never order it again just looking at the food everything looks very good. The quality of the food is high, but I had not a very good experience. read more

Food was delicious however I ordered collard greens as one of my sides & received candied yams instead.

I have no complaints about the food. Here is my thing: It was our first time visiting this place, kind of like Lubby's stile, but my husband and I mentioned several times to the ladies serving the food that "this is our first time" and my husband asked for the kid's plate (due to bariatric restrictions) the lady said: We don't have it, when clearly you can see the menu. My husband asked again for the kids plate and the same lady started yelling and lecturing him, she even approached to the sign and pointed out and started yelling in Spanish: I told you that I can't give you that plate, it says right there 10 and under. And she kept pointing the sign out in front of everyone in the line. We got our food and sat down. It was so uncomfortable that we couldn't eat, we asked the young lady with the to-go containers cart for the manger (because she was around) and the young lady went to the register and told another server and a second server came to us saying: I'm not the manager, but what can I do to you? I didn't wanted to give her details and I had to ask for the manager, she told me that it was kind of difficult because the manager was in a meeting, when I saw the manager less than a minute ago around giving instructions. She left and somebody else came, she said that she was one of the managers, she heard us and what she did? She said: oh! Let me bring the General Manager here. I don't know, I believe the general manager came and we were expressing our feelings as what happened, she did apologize and mentioned that she will speak with all of the staff during the meeting, and while she was talking to us, we realized that a group of servers the got together near our table and started starting at us, talking in Spanish, whispering and talking between them about us probably talking with the manager, it became more embarrassing and disturbing the fact that we felt like in a gossiping whispering situation that we just left. Why is so hard to speak with a manager there? Why the staff had to be so harsh? Why the gossiping and whispering about a customer talking with a manager? This was our first time and it will be the only one. We are not returning. read more

I've been dropping in on Cleburne's on occasion since about 2000. I'm not a regular, but I've been enough over the years to have some perspective. For instance, the place is hopping on Sundays after church, and the clientele skews to the older side. The thing to keep in mind with Cleburne's is that you can run up your tab way too easily if you're not careful. An entre of chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes is reasonably priced at about $16. But add a couple of sides to it, and you're suddenly at $26. Throw in a fountain drink ($3!), and you're breathing down the neck of $30. If you want a roll too, now you're at $30. That's just way too much for what is essentially a meat-and-three plus a fountain drink. As for the sides, I do quite like the baked spinach. Avoid the candied yams - when I last had them, they were watery... I didn't finish them, despite the cost. Overall, I would give Cleburne's between 3.5 and 4 stars. Glad they're still operating, but goodness they need to ease up on that pricing. read more

The new management at this cafeteria has let the place go. Cleburne's is not the great quality food and service that it once was. I don't recommend it. The manager, Tina, was quite rude when we voiced our concerns to her. I can't imagine why ownership would have her in a customer facing role. Our issue would've been easy for a more competent manager to smooth over. We live over 30 miles away and, in years past, we would call in advance to place a small order of turkey and dressing for our family Thanksgiving dinner to be picked up the day before Thanksgiving. This year (2025) we were told we had to place the order in person so we drove all the way there to have dinner and place the order only to be told by manager Tina that we can't place an order (turkey and dressing for 12 people) to be picked up on Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Tina was extremely rude and disrespectful. She literally approached our table in a combative manner rather than trying to resolve things. We are reasonable people and tried to find a solution to this simple problem. Tina went on to lecture us about how many big orders they fill but still refused to take an order for 12 people. It really doesn't make sense. I've done this several times in past years with no problems. It appears that the family owned Cleburne Cafeteria no longer needs or wants my family's business. Under the management of Tina I've lost my appetite for Cleburne Cafeteria. read more

Cleburne Cafeteria - Manager Tina - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

10/10 truthfully! From the service to the food. It was my first time and I was a little weary because I do not usually do cafeteria style, like lubys. But there is absolutely NO comparison. The chicken ala king tasted just like how my mom would make. It was creamy and cheesy. And the portion size, huge! I had enough for another whole meal! Loved the mushrooms and the cucumber salad was so fresh. I wasn't sure what the egg custard was, but grabbed it anyway and it was the best decision I've made in awhile it was creamy, and the cinnamon flavor was Devine. I want to go back just for that! The ladies behind the counter helped out with any questions I had about the entrees and then some come around to refill drinks and bring to go containers. I have no negative things to say. Give this place a try if you want home cooked style food with amazing flavor and fast service! read more

Cleburne Cafeteria - Chicken Ala King, mushrooms and cucumber salad. And egg custard - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Left here feeling a bit nauseous after having the chicken and dumplings. I was on lunch break and had decided to eat here since it wasn't too far. As soon I got back to the office, I felt an overwhelming wave of nausea hit me. It was so bad that I had to LEAVE WORK. I've thrown up 5 times in the past hour and a half. Do not come here if you don't want food poisoning! read more

It's always delicious and the portions are generous, especially the desserts. Service is topnotch.

Food was good before they had to rebuild. I went there for years. Went there a few times after they opened back up and was not pleased. I guess they are under new management now, because they have no black people working that I could see. This place been around a long time. Can out of third ward I believe. read more

I came on a Sunday ready for some highly recommended liver and onions. Disappointed that they don't serve liver and onions on Sundays. I settled for the prime rib. Delicious, well cooked and tender. Ordered the lemon cod to go and it was delicious as well. See you soon for liver and onions and I'll call first to be sure it's on the menu that read more

Cleburne Cafeteria - Prime rib, cod, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

The food was great. The service exceeded my expectation. It's a great place to go to have dinner alone or with the family.

Wonderful food and huge portions! I've been going there for years and they never disappoint!

Awesome cafeteria! Great selection of food. Friendly staff. So much to choose! Hugh portions. Loved all the veggies, squash casserole, mushrooms, greens. read more

the 5 stars is for the food - 3 stars for the price as it is expensive! Even after 20+ years, this place is amazing. Incredible history on this family owned and operated cafeteria since 1941. And despite TWO fires, this gem of a restaurant keeps ticking! Fantastic food with super generous portions and everything is delicious. If you can go with lots of people, do that! This way you can share lot of plates of incredible food! With 2 people, you will definitely have leftovers. And what surprised me the most was seeing styrofoam - yep, its banned in California - so seeing it was a doozy! Daily specials are a great deal and we had the Country Steak and Potatoes (literally falling off the plate as the portion was so huge!) Entree prices range from $20.95 for the Baked Alaska Lemon Pepper Cod to $10.25 for the Chicken and Dumplings. We had the special of the day, fresh fruit salad ($4.45), fresh baked squash ($4.45 GET THIS!), fresh broccoli ($4.35), macaroni and cheese ($4.45) and buttered Texas toast (99¢) and our total bill was $43! Tons of leftovers and really delicious home made food - we opted out for dessert as we had ZERO room on our trays! If you are near here, you gotta try it and bonus outdoor covered dining with lovely fans to shoo away bugs and wind chimes to put you at ease like you are eating alfresco at home! read more

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This is my first time since their renovations. The fried chicken was good. But their mashed potatoes and macaroni & cheese was just ok. Needed salt and pepper, they were both kinda bland. The yeast roll was not good. Very dry and no taste. The chocolate pie was also just average. Would not order again at the cost of approx. $30 for mediocre taste. Rather just get the same dishes from KFC which would taste better. Service from the ladies in the dinning room was great. They checked on you often to refill ice teas, provide extra plates or sugar and to go boxes. Honestly I came on Wednesday to get Chicken & Dumplings which they ran out of already by the time we dined at 6pm. So definitely disappointed. Experience was just average taste overall. read more

Cleburne Cafeteria - Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes? Macaroni & Cheese, Yeast Roll and Chocolate Pie - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

We love this cafeteria. They do serve you a lot of food so you might not get as many dishes as you think you might want. Because they give you a lot. We love this café. And we'll go out of our way to eat there. read more

Still the bomb for comfort food, with portions that justify the higher prices. Prime Rib is currently $29.95. Orders to go are charged 99¢ per person. read more

They are overated and the prices are to expensive. They charge for everything on the plate individually. Your charged for bread , sides , drinks, Heck you're even charged to breathe inside of there . read more

Went to Cleburne Cafeteria today on my lunch break and it was definitely one of the most amazing meals I've had in a while. Attempting to have a healthier diet in my life. Cleburne offers this to the fullest. Today, I enjoyed a great piece of grilled chicken from the grill with a side of white rice and green beans. Tasted fresh and gave me the energy I needed to continue my day. Great food, great people, great vibes. I definitely left feeling GREAT. Will be back very soon. Thank you, once again. read more

Date: 7-31-24 Time: 12:07 PM Order # 137642505 Invoice ID # 37835605 Total: $53.37 Server: Antonia G. Ordered Fried catfish, hush puppies, lemon pepper cod, etc. catfish was too greasy, hush puppies were also greasy. I couldn't eat my meal. No staff member, starting from salad bar section through end of line to pay at register, ever smiles. Nobody is friendly. Nobody thanks you for choosing Cleburne. Antonia doesn't thank you after payment remittance. All staff must be retrained in improving customer service, customer appreciation, and friendliness... read more

First time here. Hubby really wanted to try this place for a very long time and we had the chance to stop by today. The place is clean and kept well, cozy feeling. The prices are fair and the sides are a la cart. The food was very tasty and hot. The staff was very friendly and attentive. Another place checked from our places to go. read more

Great food for the price and great staff I am a visitor from San Antonio and I will come back again read more

Love the variety to choose from Staff is friendly A one of a kind Very clean and nice atmosphere! read more

Very expensive. Plates start at an average of $46 and up, but the food is almost identical to Luby's--nothing special or different, just the building. Honestly, I'd suggest going to Luby's instead; you'll get better food, a better deal, and much better prices. Cheddar's is also a great option--you'll eat well, and they won't break your arm with the cost. read more

I would like to say for it being our first experience here it was not a pleasant one. I called to address the concerns I had the 1st person I spoke with when I called was rude and the manager I spoke with was understanding at the beginning then she flipped and shut me off completely. I had 1 personal encounter with line staff and the manager on the phone. I will not be returning to this establishment. Really regret spending $70 for Food that was ok more like mid maybe not even! But dessert was good. Service staff on the floor were good and pleasant. read more

The food is fresh and beautiful. Nice size portions. Staff was helpful. Refill your tea. Bring you boxes. Noise but pleasant environment read more

Went for the first time and was very impressed! Lunch selections were numerous and all looked fresh and wonderful. Place was very clean and with nice decor. Quite frankly I was expecting bland and stale food, but that was not the case whatsoever. This is not your typical cafeteria for sure. I enjoyed the Alaskan cod and it was splendid. My lunch partner had the grilled chicken and it was great too. Sides of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cucumber salad, and tabouli were all tasty. The Texas toast was simply amazing and the yeast roll was homemade and excellent! Service was splendid. Will I go back? Definitely! read more

I always look forward to dining at Cleburne. There are so many food and dessert choices, and the staff are fast & super friendly. You will surely find something you like, and you won't be disappointed! read more

Ate lunch on 6-30-25 at 230. The squash casserole was awful, oven baked Cod was very dry . My husband's chicken fried steak was very tough..roll was hard, 2 meals were over 50.00. Overall the food sucked! Drove from Tomball to have it because of recommendations.... Will not be going back.... You never know if you can trust the yelp reviews... Trust me, it Definitely wasn't worth the money or the experience! Oh and the lady doing refills on drinks passed us by twice until we flagged her down. Very upsetting spending that amount of money and time. read more

Houston, you have no idea how good you have it! Every time I go to Cleburne's I'm always so surprised, as they offer a vast array of deliciously crafted southern dishes you cannot find in any one establishment anywhere else in the country. Fried okra, juicy chicken fried chicken, roast beef, broccoli and cheese casserole, fresh yeast rolls, cornbread, homemade custard dessert. Too many favorites to list. Smooth sailing through the line: I know I can go anytime and have fresh, homemade food with practically zero wait time. The staff is welcoming and accommodating. They anticipate your needs before you realize you have them -- whether it's a tea or coffee refill or you forgot to pick up a steak knife on your way to your seat. I always leave in such a great mood with fond memories every visit. I had the privilege of speaking with one of the original owners during a couple of my Cleburne Cafeteria visits and I will always treasure those conversations. It's truly the small things that make this place unforgettable. The people at the helm of the establishment are always warm and welcoming and it's evident they take a lot of pride and conscientiousness in what they do. The manager always adds special consideration to make the space hospitable and inclusive. The bathrooms are immaculate. The aesthetic throughout the establishment is elegant. There's a patio that looks out onto outdoor foliage and landscaping that's really quite charming. Overall Cleburne's provides a great value to the community with a quality food experience that's becoming increasingly harder to come by in this day and age. read more

Visited Houston and made three visits to Cleburne while I was there. Hands down my favorite place to dine for delicious family style cooking. The variety of vegetables and the freshness is extraordinary, all the choices for fish, too, not to mention the best tartar sauce you'll ever have. Desserts and beverage choices are as abundant as the salads. This place never fails to impress me. This is my favorite place to get a gift card for others for birthdays, holidays. read more

This have been one of our favorite place to eat at whenever we come to Houston. The food is great as always and portion is very very generous. The services are great and helpful and friendly. The atmosphere is so comfortable and clean. The ambience is like home every time we come here. Highly recommend this place for anybody that comes to Houston. read more

I visit this cafeteria quite often. My last visit was not pleasant. I notice the Manager/Owner sitting in the lobby tried to approach him and he states I have dementia I can't help you. My whole outlook of this restaurant changed. I was so disappointed I had to pray that God calm me down. My complaint was my cheesesteak was tough and dry. The Manager approached me in an aggressive manner.. She made it clear I was not getting any money back, I never asked for money back I was hungry. She said she remembered me, I had one conversation with her in the past over a kid's plate for my grandbaby that was at the table but she did not want to accommodate until she saw her. The Manager acted like a bully towards me I knew to stay calm because I believe this place takes care of Constables, Police and Sheriffs meals and I would have been taken to jail. I left feeling upset because of the manner I was treated. I went to Luby's today and the food was good, hot and the ambiance was welcoming. All of the employees of Cleburne's Cafeteria are ???? I wonder are they ?ega! I could not believe how I was treated. I just talked to a girlfriend who shared they treat her indifferent too. read more