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    Goodson's Café

    3.6 (661 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Goodson's Café Photos

    Business Info

    GOODSON'S CAFÉ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Goodson's Café

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    Onion rangs!!!!!!!!!!!
    Jeff S.

    It had been awhile since we hit up Goodsons so hit them up we did. I would say normally at a place like this i always go for a burger. However with the fact they are known for chicken fried steaks I couldn't turn it down. Sadly I can't say it lived up to the hype. In fact everything we had was OK. That was how felt about everything we had. Even the desserts didn't make a big impression. I will say we started our meal with onion rings and those were excellent! I have to admit I'm not the biggest fan of chicken fried steak so take what I say with a grain of salt, and next time I'll get the burger.

    Menu
    John W.

    I had a great experience at Goodson's Cafe. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The food was really delicious, vibes were great.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I really like the interior of this restaurant. It was clean and very homey. I loved the wood and comfortable booths.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe was just good[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service here was great too. Our waiter was really nice & friendly. It seems like most of the waiters here were very polite. Food came out very quickly too. I loved the food. I got this MASSIVE chicken fried steak. It was the size of a whole plate. And it tasted really good. The gravy was good too! Also the sweet tea is delicious :) I will say I wish I had gotten a different side than the black eyed peas. Next time I'll try a different veggie. Overall, I loved this place. I'm definitely coming back for the ambiance and the giant chicken fried steak

    Brandie A.

    When I have a craving for chicken fried steak and fried okra, this is where we go. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a fairly large restaurant so getting a table shouldn't be a problem, even if you notice a very full parking lot.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Dat N.

    Went to visit family in Tomball and had to stop by here for their famous chicken fried steak. The wife and I ordered the small portion of chicken fried steak and it tasted great. We had the gravy on the side, gravy was amazing by the way. The steak was delicious and perfectly battered. Crunchy and tender with every bit. We were greeted and seated right away. Service was great no complaints, food came out in a few minutes after we placed our orders. Definitely a must try if you're in the Tomball area.

    4 veggie plate 5.4.24
    Donna T.

    8.23.24 On this visit everything was off. The service, the food, even the hostess person did not look like he wanted to be there. Don't you hate when you ask your server, if they like something on the menu and they say "I don't know". It would be better if they said " sorry, I have not tried that yet". (smh) We ordered and waited 30 minutes for our food and of course something was wrong with it. My chicken was pink inside. I told my server and he just said ok and walked off. He came back and said he ordered me a new meal. The server never apologized or anything. Btw- they were not busy. My "2nd" meal arrived and I guess it was the manager who brought it out to me. She did not apologize either. It was the smallest chicken breast I have ever seen and it was just ok. We stopped coming here before because they are not consistent. Looks like it will be a long while before we come here again or if at all.

    David V.

    Stopped here for the first time on our way home from the Texas Renaissance Fair. It was pretty busy but we were greeted and seated immediately. The waiter (sorry can't recall his name) arrived at the table within 2 minutes to take our drink order then about 3 minutes after bringing our drinks he was back to take our food order. Big plus, he spoke loudly and clearly enough to be easily heard and understood even over the crowd. He also brought yeast rolls with the drinks and oh my, they were amazing! Soft, warm, and yeasty! Our food arrived quite quickly considering how busy they were and everything was piping hot. Their menu claims they have the 'best chicken fried steak' in Texas according to The Eyes of Texas (not sure who that is). So, I ordered the small one. Was it good? Yes. Was it the best I've had? No, that honor still stays with T-Bone Tom's in Kemah. It did have quite a bit of extra breading around the edges of the actual meat and wasn't cooked quite long enough. As you can see in the photo the breading was pretty light colored. The flavor was good, but not exceptional. I also had fried okra and mashed potatoes. The okra also needed a bit more time in the fryer as it wasn't very crisp at all. The potatoes and gravy were both very good.

    Worlds famous Chicken Fried Steak
    Dominique E.

    I was visiting from out of town and was craving some country cooking. Service was great. Food was tasty. And they were able to reserve us tables for our family after a funeral service. Overall this place is great if you're out in Tomball. And yes the chicken friend steak is as good as they advertise.

    Smothered chicken with mac&cheese and mashed potatoes
    Monica G.

    Service: 5/5 Great service! We had a big party come in during lunch time on a Sunday and while in the waiting area, we were kept in the loop about how long the wait will be, which was shorter than the time given. When brought back, the waitress was very attentive and came back at good intervals to refill any waters. Quantity/Value: 5/5 The amount of food you get for the price is pretty great. You can definitely share a meal here. Taste: 2.5/5.0 They are world famous for their chicken fried steak, but apart from it being bigger than your face, it did not impress us. The other foods are mediocre as well; nothing stands out. Our table ordered: Chicken fried steak: Honestly, I feel like you can get this at Cheddar's or anywhere else and not miss out on anything special here. Onion rings: pretty good, but I actually like Sonic's Drive In a lot better. Cheese sticks: I thought these were very good! Crispy and had a lot of cheese on the inside. Yeast rolls: Very good! So soft and warm. Amazing with the butter and/or gravy. Veggie of the day (spinach): So salty! I took two bites and could not eat it anymore Mashed potatoes: good, nothing special Mac & cheese: good, nothing special Smothered chicken: nothing special. French fries: One of the worst restaurant quality fries I have ever tasted. They were not crispy and salted well. Frozen fries that I air-fry at home taste 100% better. Overall, this place did not impress us, and I wouldn't want to come back. I would be much happier eating at Chicken Express if I wanted fried foods/chicken.

    Onion rings appetizer...  Like 5 bucks as of Dec 2024
    Denise L.

    If you are looking for a good local place, stop here. Don't go to Molly's pub, which has horrible service and a sad menu. We just left that place, we did give them a chance. But back to Goodson's. We've been here a few times and have never been disappointed. Great friendly service and a menu that has everything from chicken and dumplings to a pot roast sandwich. They are known for their chicken fried steaks, they are definitely noteworthy. The regular size CFS is big, the large size is just plain crazy. But good, to be sure. The appetisers are priced really well, and let me tell you, the onion rings are worth every cent. Too much for two people if I'm going to be honest. At least these two people. I have to say it again, great service , we have the cutest little server, April, npI adore her already. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Sitting in the dining room, looking around, this is definitely a much loved local dinner destination, and for good reason.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food that's passing our table on it's way to other lucky peeps looks so yummy. This is when I wish I was the kinda person with balls the size of Texas. I would love to walk up to some of these tables and try a bite of someone else's food, easily assuring them they wouldn't even miss it . Glancing around, everyone that ordered A(foolishly)the large chicken fried steak is getting a box to take home.:even my husband and I should be sharing our food we ended up taking so much home. No room for the awesome looking dessert. Yes, I recommend

    Food was great! Our Waitress Mason was amazing Chicken and Dumplings were great!

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    7 years ago

    Been here a couple times. My husband loves the chicken fried steak. The dishes I have had have been ok.

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    6 years ago

    Nope never again since old owners sold it and new ownership. Not that good. I want white gravy on my chicken fried t!!!!!!!

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    16 years ago

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    12 years ago

    I like all their seafood. I love that they have big Shiners on draft. Their chicken fried chicken is really good too.

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    I had chicken fried was very good service was great can't complain I just wish I could of tried there banana pudding but I'm stuffed

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    8 years ago

    The best southern cooking you can ask for . Service is great !! Save room for dessert

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    14 years ago

    You cant go wrong when you eat here dose not matter what you order its going to be fresh and yumm ie ..

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    Page 9 of 17

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    Came here for a quick lunch and couldn't decide on whether I wanted breakfast or lunch, so I went…read morewith both!!! This pancake was bigger than my face, and was one of the best I've had in a long time. It was light and fluffy, and had a nice crisp to the top of it as well. Smothered in melted butter and syrup, every bite was so good. I also had some of their breakfast sausage, which was soooo good, and great to get a two bite in one with the pancake and sausage together!!! I also opted to get the chicken avocado club. The bread was toasted beautifully, there was lots of bread with the meal, so I ended up taking out the middle bread piece. The bacon was perfectly crispy, chicken grilled nicely, the only thing I wanted more of was avocado, didn't seem to be on 2 of my 4 slices. The fries were super hot, fresh, and crispy. Our service was really great, such a sweet woman that took care of us and also checked on us often. This was my first visit ever coming to one of these, and really enjoyed it and the amount of options available at a very reasonable price. I will definitely be returning!

    Food was excellent. SERVICE WAS TERRIBLE!!!!! We waited 30…read moreminutes, no waiter. Then we went to Hostess to ask where is our waiter? She found him, name is "KJ". He showed up, looked disheveled. T-shirt was out, messy with food crumbs all over his shirt. He had a dirty cloth in his hands. Took our drink order and our meal. Then he never came back. Again we asked the hostess to intervene. Got our food. He never came back to refill our drinks or take away our dirty dishes or ask if wanted more fish. Other tables in his section had dirty dishes on them and needed to be cleared. We looked for him and saw he was shooting the breeze with coworkers instead of waiting on customers. We asked hostess when KJ came to work, thinking he might be at the end of his shift and was tired. He started his shift at 4 pm and we came to eat at 6 pm. Overall, he needs more training to be a waiter or needs to be fired! We will return to BBD, but at Shenandoah location next time because the food is excellent!!

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    This is a Ladies Tea room. I could not help but notice that of the 18 customers present, I was the…read moreonly male. The charms of the place were clearly X chromosome linked. The little ceramic dogs her mothers friend had had, the fancy cake plate... Interesting, I suppose. This is an order at the counter, pay in advance, and they give you a little flag with a number on it place. Okay, pet peeve one, I hate tipping in advance, but it is a common kiosk thing now. Pet Peeve 2 all the prices rang up a dollar or two higher than the menu prices. (Soup and sandwich menu price 13 rang up 15) I understand inflation is a thing but if you're going to raise prices, go ahead and hit print on some new menus. It's a short menu, it's only two pages long. Second fact, prepare to wait. Maybe one chef back there hand wrangling each burger or sandwich by hand. Third fact there's about six tables with comfortable chairs and the rest have hard plastic chairs. so if you are coming at a busy time, you aren't going to have a padded seat. Countering these irritations is the fact that the food is actually really really good. It is simple fare, but really well done. The potato soup hovered just on the soup side of the line between potato soup and mashed potatoes, but had fresh crispy bacon and scallions added right before serving. The roast beef sandwich had sliced roast freshly from the oven just for this sandwich. So we got five star food but the rest of the package doesn't add up for me. I'm going to give it four.

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    My bald head and the entrance behind me, showing the marketplace.
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    A few boutique items I got for my birthday.
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