Seven family members came here for a birthday dinner. Let's see, where to start. First the place needs an update. Decor and recipes. Next, our waiter pushed us and rushed us to hurry up and put our orders in. Pissed me off for sure. Didn't give me a chance to look at the menu. He hung over me with impatience so I just said fine and ordered chicken fried steak. Onions rings were bland and breading just fell off. The others that ordered burgers were rushed and didn't really get to make preferable choices. My food arrived warm and got cold fast. Mashed potatoes were horrible, dry, no flavor, the gravy was very thick and tasted like no where near what goes on chicken fried steak . I had to have him microwave it and it came back soggy. My husband's liver and onions was like a child's serving and the gravy was like brown jelly. All burgers had no flavor and just crumbled making them unable to pick up and eat, catfish was decent but no seasoning, was served 1 small filet, all mashed potatoes were like hockey pucks, no one finished their meal, leaving the rest to the trash. We will not return nor recommend. Also heard other folks verbalizing disappointment with their meals. This place desperately needs to get better cooks and/or recipes, or shut the place down permanently. read more

Service was awesome!! Lady serving us was so nice!!! Now the food on the other hand was terrible. Bacon on burger burnt. Chicken fried steak was one of the saltiest steaks ever. Meat in the chicken fried steak was super thin. read more

Tip Top Cafe - American Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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My granddaughter had the burger and fries and I had the chicken fried steak. Well, I had a THIRD of it. It's HUGE. This is my go-to for the chicken fried steak. I always order extra gravy to use as a dip for my fries. I don't have this often so when I do it's GO BIG OR GO HOME. Best I've had anywhere in all of Texas. read more

Tip Top Cafe - Hamburger and Chicken Fried Steak - American Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Got it delivered. Ordered chicken fried steak - should be called chicken fried breading. See pic. Breading was tasty, good crunch. Meat was under-seasoned and a bit tough. Gravy was delicious though. Supposed to come with mashed potatoes, which were nowhere in sight but we did get a random iceberg lettuce salad, so... okay? Onion rings good. Supposed to come with jalapeño ranch, which had apparently run off with the mashed potatoes. Chocolate icebox pie - crust good. Custard filling was not smooth, had an odd texture and it tasted like maybe there was malt in it? Didn't hate it, but it was a bit salty. I was hoping for some good old fashioned comfort food, but it seems like this place is phoning it in. I guess because it's such an institution? Actually I doubt anyone will even read this review because who cares, but I've been watching too much Master Chef and I felt like being a food critic. read more

Tip Top Cafe - All the breading that was left after I ate all the steak. - American Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

The food is really good, old school diner food. The portions are HUGE! Try to save room for a slice of pie!! The pies are delicious and HUGE as well! Great value for the money and good food! read more

Boy did I want to like this place. Been around since 1938? Say no more, I'm there. I'm known for patronizing places with less-than-stellar food simply because of their history, and for the atmosphere, because I want them to stay in business, but I'll never come back to this place. The chicken fried steak is supposed to be their go-to dish, so I ordered it. It was terrible. I was served a thin, dry piece of meat coated in flavorless breading and overcooked beyond belief, along with bland mashed potatoes, a flavorless blob of what was meant to be cream gravy, and a mediocre side of green beans. We also ordered fried chicken. It was clearly fried to order, a huge plus, but had no real flavor, and both thighs and drumsticks were dry. For dessert we had the chocolate meringue pie. The meringue was massive, and the pie looked beautiful, but it tasted off. The meringue almost seemed rancid, and the chocolate tasted bad, too. Even my 3- and 5-year-old sons, who love pie, wouldn't eat it. The waiter was great. He was very kind, and very friendly. He deserved the big tip I left, but he needs a chef who cares as much about his craft as he clearly does. I'd love to see this place revamped by owners who care about the food they serve, because it has all the charm of 84 years. All it needs is edible food. read more

Great place! It's a classic! Onions rings are the best. Chicken fried steak is huge!! But not very meaty. Mashed potatoes ok. Corn bread muffin good. Salad good. Bleu cheese dressing good. read more

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Chicken fried steak was so good big serving mashe potatoes were well seasoned. Macaroni is nice and creamy. The sampler platter was amazing onion rings tenders and fried mushrooms were all good and plentiful. read more

Came back to San Antonio with family looking for the best Chicken Fried Steak in the world. Since we lived there for 7 wonderful years in the 1980s, have NEVER been able to get the same Texas size, crispy, tender, thin, battered Chicken Fried Steak and cream gravy in NC. Had to also have the light and crispy battered, fried mushrooms and onions that were to die for. The salad lettuce was cold and crispy and served with homemade blue cheese dressing that was mostly blue cheese, and homemade yeast rolls that smelled like my granny's, and a mile high chocolate cream pie they're famous for. I asked about the pea salad and she brought me a sample taste that's like the one I make from my 1950s cookbook. Service was amazing on a very busy Sunday with a full house. She was helping us make decisions and explained in detail each item we ordered in such a way that I knew she had worked there for many years and loved everything they served. She had so many customers at once, talked very fast but answered every question and brought sample tastes of several dishes with the comment, "oh you'll love it"... The old fashioned cafe style was just what we were looking for - especially since it was built in 1938, my birth year! read more

My review is an update to one I posted a few years ago after the DeWese family partnered with the Las Palapas family. At the time it was chaotic as the change for all of us who grew up with TipTop seemed a deadly spiral. However, change is inevitable and time seems to have healed the challenges. I met some old friends at the Tip Top for a late lunch on a Saturday. We had all grown up frequenting the cafe regularly. We begin our time ordering the onion rings and all agreed they were still the best. As fans of their chicken fried steak we placed our order, with mashed potatoes and salads on the side. Their salad has always puzzled me because although they use to cram it in a small bowl they now do the same with a small plate. It still makes it difficult to eat without getting it all over the table. When the main course arrived we were happy and thankful as the steaks were delicious. Tip Top is back and we hope they'll stay that way. Thanks Tip Top!! read more

Visited this place for the first time. We had a bit of a wait for our even though it was not busy. The food was good. We had their famous chicken steak. It was crispy and delicious. The gravy is added to the plate then the steak is placed on top to avoid it getting mushy. Do order fries over the mashed potato that was not the best. I had the club sandwich and it was pretty good. We then enjoyed their mile high chocolate pie. Recommend a visit at least once. read more

Tip Top Cafe - Mile high chocolate cream pie - American Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

I've been going here since I was a child. (When we'd be in town visiting between Army moves.) The staff is so sweet. Angelee was our waitress yesterday & she was totally wonderful, funny, sweet & patient. She was busy as heck, but took her time with her customers. Never felt rushed, or that someone was annoying her. If she's there, ask for her area. You won't be sorry. I had the chicken fried steak sandwich, couldn't eat it all. It's 1/2 a CFS on a bun. with steak cut fries & awesome gravy. Mmmmm my southern girl heart was happy, & clogged. Lol but, nothing a workout won't take care of. Lol My friend had a child's size portion of a CFS, with smooshed potatoes, & a salad. He was quite happy. We both got a slice of pie, because OMG their pies!!!! He had cherry, & it was perfect. So many cherries & that crust. I had my go to, (of which I could only eat half), delicious chocolate ice box pie. Omg it's like my Grqmdma's chocolate pie with freshly made whipped cream topping. To die for!!! Their iced tea is always fresh & made perfectly. Seriously, you cannot go wrong with anything on their menu!!! Growing up, I detested liver, but this place...this is the only place in the planet I'll eat liver. It's amazing!!! Give them a try for yourself & let me know what you think. read more

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Awful food, bad service dirty, and the bathroom is outside with no ac or heat in it. If I could give them a 0 score I would

Friendly service. I felt like I was in the 60s. We were served iceberg salad in brown wooden bowls as a start to our meals. We ordered the onion rings because of Yelp but they were just ok. Everything tasted like it needed salt and other seasonings. We ordered either chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken tenders for the entire table. The dishes were needing salt but after adding it, they were good. The tenders were really plump and juicy! The portions were huge! I'm glad we tried this place! read more

Tip Top Cafe - Chicken fried steak - American Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

One of the worst chicken fried steaks I've ever had. The breading to meat ratio was ridiculously lopsided. Chicken tenders were burnt beyond recognition, and the onion thing appetizer was burnt as well. I say appetizer but they arrived after the entrees. This San Antonio institution is being held hostage by amateurs who clearly don't care. read more

One of my favorite places in this whole entire world. Growing up we went almost every sunday to tip top. When i moved out of state for several years. We would visit 2-3 times a year. And it was mandatory that we went to tip top every visit in town. Known for and in my opinion the beat chicken fried steak in TEXAS. No joke. How do i come up with that? Well if you get a chicken fried steak and there is more breading then steak - they are not doing it right. The breading should be from one end of the steak and to the other with no excess. Of course taste is involved and like most san antonians agree - Its a amazing. Thank you for the consistency over the years tip top. I am a true fan and always will be. read more

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I've been coming here most of my life, and every time I've enjoyed the chicken fried steak. A few months ago, came in, and the chicken fried steak was terrible. Stayed away. This past weekend, I have it another try. I'm glad I did !! The CFS was the best EVER !! Along with delicious onion rings, it renewed my faith in the Tip Top !! read more

Well, 40+ years of enjoying eating here is finally over. One of my favorite restaurants in San Antonio for most of my life has reached its end. What easily was one of the great chicken fried steaks in the region has evolved or should that be devolved to a tasteless piece of cheap meat. What makes it even more sad is the cream gravy which for any aficionado of chicken fried steak knows is critical has no flavor. Even the formerly renowned onion rings where bland. Sad to see such a historically popular place to get your favorite Texas comfort food has got to this point but I guess all good things must come to an end but why must it be TipTop. read more

It's a sad day in San Antonio. I've been going to Tip Top for 65 years. The place was a San Antonio legend. Chicken Fried Steak used to hang over the plate. Great gravy. Best onion rings in the world. Well I went today for what used to be the best fried shrimp in town. First off it was noon and the place was empty. No lines out the doors like the old days. I can sum up the food in one word "Sucks" It's sad they can't keep it going. I will not be back. Onion Rings r still very good though read more

OMG! We had the best dinner here. Started with their award winning Onion rings. We should have ordered the 1/2 order! A platter came piled high with crisp battered and fried, hot rings-they were wonderful and then I had piping hot fried catfish and okra, with a fresh green salad. Sweet cornbread and butter were also included. My husband had a huge chicken fried steak with brown gravy and mashed potatoes. It has been years since we'd eaten at TipTop but it won't be long before we'll be back-for some pie with at least 7 inch high meringue The service was great-our waitress was the best and the manager also made sure we were pleased. Music played from a juke box and patrons will get a kick out of the individual boxes at each table. Try it-you'll like it for sure-a San Antonio gem since 1938! read more

The steak is delicious, the service is very good and the place is very clean read more

Tip Top Cafe - The steak is delicious, the service is very good and the place is very clean. - American Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Came in expecting a late breakfast, but it's lunch and dinner only. Hubby got the chicken fried steak sandwich - said it was the tenderest CFS he's ever had. This place is my new go to for a fried fish sandwich. It's a little dingy, but the food made up for it! read more

My 81 year old mother wanted to go to this place as she was feeling nostalgic. She is in a wheelchair. Sidewalk is very narrow as is the entrance to accommodate a wheelchair. The dining area is very tight for wheeling a chair to a table. NO assistance was ever offered by the staff. That's because they were busy ruining the food. I got the triple decker. The chicken portion was good but the bacon was so hard, dry and non edible that i took it all out and lined the edge of my plate with it. The onion rings were ok but the coating/breading is spicy. I'm not going back to Tip Top cafe, I would advise the same for you. read more

Food was HORRIBLE! My fish definitely looked like it was came out of a frozen food box. So bland, greasy and unappetizing. Fried chicken was dry and had no taste as well. Reminded me of the overcooked crap you can get from the Walmart deli. Rolls didn't taste fresh. The only part that could possibly pass was the macaroni and cheese and maybe the chicken tenders They were the only things that looked and tasted somewhat homemade. Don't waste your time or money! Extremely disappointed! read more

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Tip Top Café is a fraud. It's not a restaurant, it's a time machine. Or if it's not a time machine, then surely there's a time bubble that surrounds the building and prevents anything from changing since the restaurant opened in 1938. Fried chicken, fried fish, chicken fried steak, fried okra, onion rings, French fries - if it's not nailed down, they'll fry it to a crispy golden brown. And don't think for one minute that I am disparaging any of this. You can keep your sushi and your gluten free - I'm an old fashioned comfort food guy, and this place is right up my alley. Come hungry and plan to take home a doggie bag if you order the delicious CFS (that's Chicken Fried Steak for the uninitiated) or Fried Chicken, or if you plan to accompany your meal with a huge tower of onion rings or one of their scrumptious pies. Many claim the CFS is the best in Texas. I'm not certain this is true, only because there are so many places that do this extremely well, but it's surely one of the best. As far as I can tell, everything tastes exactly as it did when the place opened 75+ years ago and the menu has not been "tainted" with lower calorie or healthier options. Yuck! Here's my only significant complaint about Tip Top and unfortunately it is due to their desire to keep everything the same. I'm quite certain that the people of 1938 were smaller, and much narrower, than the people of 2014. (I'm trying to say many of us today are fat.) In 1938, the tables and booths could be small and still accommodate a group of 4 people. Today, when 4 people sit in these booths, the two on the outside are forced to sit with one cheek in and one cheek out, if you know what I mean. I'm not trying to be cheeky (pardon the pun), but just telling it as it is. The only change I've witnessed at Tip Top is their very recent decision to accept credit cards! Yippee! As long as this movement to bring Tip Top into the 21st Century doesn't extend further to the menu, it will remain a fun and iconic place to visit. read more

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I can't believe that I have not written a review of Tip Top Café until now. The Tip Top Café is a family owned San Antonio Institution, have been in operation since 1938. They offer good basic comfort food at a very affordable price. This has been a year of major changes for Tip Top. First they started to accept plastic after 74 years of being cash only. Then they started opening at 6 am and now serve breakfast after 75 years of only offering lunch and dinner. Soon a second location will be opening. The onion rings are legendary. In my opinion the best in San Antonio. The order is so big bring a couple friends to share them with. My other favorite items on the menu is the fried chicken and the chicken fried steak. The fried chicken is made fresh so expect a 20 minute wait but so worthy it. The chicken fried steak is giant and delicious. The first time I ordered this I wondered where the gravy was only to discover it is hidden under the steak. The pies are to die for. I recommend finding out what pies they have that day and order the one you want at the beginning of the meal. That way they won't run out while you are eating you delicious meal. For breakfast they offer a smaller chicken fried steak served with gravy, two eggs hash browns and toast. They also have biscuits and gravy served with two eggs and ham that is very good. Go there for breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoy the goodness that is Tip Top Café!!! read more

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I'm still looking for the best chicken fried steak in the area. I'll have to keep on looking:-) I went with a coworker as she had never been and had heard of the place on the radio. Whoever was on the radio said that it was the best in the state. We went early to beat the rush, and even getting to Tip Top at 11:00 AM, had a line waiting to get in. When we got inside, we were seated quickly. Our waitress reminded me of my Gradmother - a little old lady who was very nice. We both ordered the chicken fried with the regular sides and tea. Drinks were served very quickly and the glasses were kept full. Food came quickly, was placed on the table, and we dug in. My coworker immediately said "Oh this is so good". I was not as happy. It tasted good, but mine was nearly cold. Cold chicken fried steak doesn't do anything for me. For some reason, the gravy didn't have any flavor either. Coworker loved it. I gave it a 3. The biggest mistake I made was forgetting to order the onion rings. They make some of the very best. read more

Tip Top Cafe - Huge chicken fried steak. - American Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

First sighting of rectangular fish in this decade for me! Ok, fine. Yelp has turned me into a fine dining whore. Many years ago, I was guilty of the AYCE Furr's buffet that featured said fried factory made fish. Brought back some good memories; couldn't help overhear two old ladies reminisce about dates they had at Tip Top during high school. I'm guessing with the exception of modern POS system, this place has barely changed. The fish could have been better with a bit more tartar sauce. You get two of the tiniest paper cups of it delivered with your main course. I at one point even asked for a saucer or small platter only to have two more stupid cups arrive. I then discovered a secret; squeeze them like teenager's pimple! While the fish was straight outa '57, the crushed saltine cracker crusted shrimp was perfection. I normally prefer fried shrimp with cocktail sauce; not sure if they even offer it? I've accidentally skipped over the onion rings I ordered as an appetizer. It's not printed on the menu; I successfully asked and got a half order (still HUGE) of the delicious rings as a single diner! As for the rest of the cuisine...A bag salad even missing tomato and croutons, mashed taters clearly plated with a ice cream scoop. The tiniest ladle in the world of brown gravy nestled in said potatoes. Seriously good corn bread muffins that arrived with no butter pats. Finally, the Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives angle. I haven't had much luck with what the food network show says I should be trying. I'll agree they got the fried shrimp thing dead on. Not much of a fan of roast beef in any form so it wasn't what I ordered. Yelp friend Shannon B. mentioned endless heartburn from the enchiladas; not going there. I'm focusing this accolade towards the more seasoned (older folks) yelpers. If you want a bit of the decadent times circa the 50's thru the late 70's; Tip Top is your kinda place read more

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While the hubby & I were in SA, I promised him a good ol' fashioned Chicken-Fried steak, so I had to figure out where to go. Since I watch entirely too much food-related travel TV, I thought about Lulu's or this place, and yelp! made me decide on here. Exactly what you'd expect for a diner in business these many years, in terms of decor and service. But I was quite happy with the food all the way around. Onion rings - to die for. Don't pass 'em up. Hubby got the chicken-fry, which he enjoyed. I tried it and have had a few better, but that's rare. I had the calf's liver with onions and brown gravy and mashed potatoes, and was really impressed with how moist and good it was - not strong tasting at all. I ate a pile of it! But we had to leave room for PIE! A single piece of coconut meringue pie to share and my only regret was only getting ONE piece of pie. It was the most ridiculous high meringue topping I've ever seen (pic uploaded), so I was thinking, ugh, too much. And I was SO wrong! When meringue is PERFECT - a little browned on the outside and this perfect airy, light, slightly sweet fluffy the rest of the way through - there is NO SUCH THING as too much meringue! It's a hopping place. Go early, or at non-peak hours. Go hungry, take your time. And get PIE! read more

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Outstanding. Everything is made fresh. Blue cheese dressing is delicious. All steaks and chops are hand cut. The standout is jumbo shrimp. Hands down the best in San Antonio. Onion rings are a staple. Pies are all made in house. What can I say but this is one of the best places to eat in the whole city. read more

Tip Top Cafe - Tip top - American Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Excellent choice when hungry. Ordered the chicken fried chicken plate and was HIGHLY satisfied. Large serving that i struggled to finish read more

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The service was horrible and the waiter was terrible, 1 steak was ordered well done and came to the table bloody under cooked and the other was to be med and was over cooked. The waiter wanted to argue about it, asked for the manager and he never came, this is twice in a row the service and wait staff was lacking, loosing faith in 5his place after 30 35 years of eating here, next time I'm going to salt grass and try them , wasted 65 dollars read more

HOLYF@#K!..this place is good.... out of towner here.... and look for that hole in the wall place... authentic food... so if ur in a rush..go elswwhere!.. food takes a bit to come out because it's cooked fresh!.... So it's worth the wait!... don't pay attention to the negative reviews.... its very Good here...we will come back! read more

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Just ok. Salad drowned in ranch, regular fried chicken (not enough seasoning), small establishment, and had to wait for a table before they decided to open up the 3 table section. Wouldn't go out of my way to come here again. read more

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Our first visited was thwarted by their being closed on Mondays. So we returned for a late lunch the next day and caught the tail end of the lunch rush. While waiting for a table we took advantage of their facilities, which are located on the OUTSIDE and on the back of the building, which some might find inconvenient on a cold or rainy day. The old and tiny restrooms were clean, however. The food was adequate, so I guess when Guy Fieri was filming DDD here, they stepped up their game or else his taste buds are easily excited. Our table of five had the chicken fried steak with fries; a cheeseburger; the pork plate; and the onion rings as an appetizer. The onion rings excelled at quantity, but the breading was a bit greasy and not very cohesive, and the onion was quite frail. My wife's pork plaet came with brown gravy, mashed potatoes, and toast. All the "accessories" were average and hard to mess up considering their simplicity. The center piece, the pork, was tender but overly fatty. The flavor was weak and my wife can easily make better. My chicken fried steak was enormous, so once again they score in the quantity department. While the breading wasn't greasy it was a bit boring and dry, which became tolerable with the generous portion of gravy that lay beneath it. Service was prompt and friendly (in a gruff Germanic style that might be mistaken as rude by the unaware). The old interior is tightly packed, much like the rough neighborhood it occupies. It's stereotypical comfort food at a fair price, but not necessarily equal to the fame it's generated. read more

Tip Top Cafe - American Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

1st - the chicken fried steak was heavily breaded and no seasoning added 2nd - the pork chop was tuff, no seasoning added, I ate only half of one of the two chops 3rd - I asked for honey for the roll which was tuff and not soft like other yeast rolls, and I was served pancake syrup! SERIOUSLY, PANCAKE SYRUP?? I hope the chef knew the difference between honey and pancake syrup, I sure know the difference. This was the worst meal I have ever eaten, my guest and I will never return for awful seconds. I did not want to give them one star, but after speaking to the manager, who invited us to return, which I will decline his offer and dine elsewhere. read more

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Ambiance is quaint but the restaurant was built in 1923 ! Food all tasted fantastic & the service was excellent. Not in the best part of town, but the parking lot was full and restaurant looked good so we stopped for lunch & were not disappointed. Low prices and great food, I highly recommend. read more

It's 2:17 am! I am awake, disturbed from what I ate earlier at Tip Top. I ate the daily special, chicken fried steak. I used my salad bowl to hold all the breading. I just drank about 16 ozs of water. I could retaste that meal. That food is just too difficult to digest!!! Ugh. I don't feel good. Is THAT what we used to eat like?? No wonder we have health issues!!! I will not be doing that again. I believe that just may have been my final Tip Top meal. There may be too much grease or lard in their foods and gravies. No more for me. I'm done. I prefer a restful sleep. read more

The GIANT onion rings, chicken fried steaks, "MILE HIGH" meringue pies, and home made ranch and blue cheese dressings will make you feel like you died and went to diner heaven! If you're looking for fancy food and fancy decor, don't waste your time here! The place has been around since 1938 and it doesn't look like they've ever redecorated. However, if you want delicious homestyle cooking, and BIG portions you've come to the right place! We had the chicken fried steak that literally covers the plate, liver and onions, which was lightly breaded and pan fried, and grilled talapia. it was all delicious, although I would have preferred the brown gravy on the side of the liver and onions. We also ordered the onion rings and fried mushrooms, which really were epic! The mushrooms come with gravy, but ask for some home made ranch and you'll be SO GLAD you did! We split a piece of coconut meringue pie; the meringue was at least 8 inches tall! Love this place! read more

Tip Top Cafe - GIANT onion rings - American Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Disgusting. This place is old and dirty. Salad was old, lettuce was all brown. Yuck. Ordered blackened catfish and it was raw! Server said all the fish come out the same. Nasty. Don't spend your hard earned money here please. read more

Tip Top Cafe - Blackened catfish - American Near Me - San Antonio, Texas