I generally think of Menard as a "speed trap" with lots of traffic enforcement so I try to get through town as fast as legally possible. However, on this trip my companion was hungry and we stopped at Lazy Ladle for lunch. It appeared to be a locals favorite place and I could see why. The service was friendly, the food was prepared well and served promptly. The 1/2 sandwich (a BLT) and/or 1/2 salad or soup of the day was perfect. Not too much. The burger hot and juicy. Nothing fancy, just a small diner in town. read more

Lazy Ladle Cafe & Catering - Inside - Cafes Near Me - Menard, Texas

Our road trip from Fort Worth to the Hill Country brought us to Menard around lunch time. We decided to give the Lazy Ladle a try. It's a cute restaurant and decorated nicely. Definitely has the feel of the local favorites place to come for a good meal. We decided on the fried pickles because the reviews were pretty solid. Didn't let us down. Liked that they were the full length pickle spear. Good taste and liked their ranch. I picked the Black & Blue burger with chips. Presentation wise it looked really good. The chips were ok but slightly stale. The burger was good and impressed it had fresh lettuce and tomatoes. The patty was thick but defiantly not homemade and didn't have a lot of taste was very dense. Homemade patties are essential to a great burger. This was a nice place and good stop for some good diner food. read more

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Very nice place to take a break from the road trip. Country atmosphere with clean restrooms, friendly staff and delicious fried chicken. read more

I've only checked out this place via the drive thru, and I kindly tell you, be sure to have patience here. But the fried pickles are yummy and the homemade ranch is the BEST ranch I've ever had. I wish it was closer to me so I could use it for literally everything it's amazing read more

Lazy Ladle Cafe & Catering - Cafes Near Me - Menard, Texas

Ned some road fuel and got this place open and to my surprise the burger here is legitimate double meat and spicy Loved it I took a hard look at the fried chicken and almost picked it but since had a long drive this was not the optimal choice so tried the burger instead *not disappointed Nice little restaurant Definitely stop by if taking this route read more

Lazy Ladle Cafe & Catering - Cafes Near Me - Menard, Texas

If you like to try local eateries, take the time to stop at tiny Menard, Texas for a great meal. This is not a fast food restaurant. Your food is prepared when you order it. The Chicken Club sandwich included a freshly cooked chicken and avocado as well as the usual. This chicken was hot and tender with juices that dripped on my hands. This would cost up to $4 more in San Antonio. Grab a menu when you arrive and order at the register. They bring you the food. The fountain drinks can be refilled as often as you wish. This won't be the last time we visit. read more

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A random stop on a road trip with a surprisingly yummy breakfast menu! Kind owners and seemed like it was the local spot!

I live in Menard and go to Lazy Ladle every Monday for their Fried Chicken dinner. It is the best. Their other menu items are solid and it's a great place for a lunch sandwich/salad or a hearty breakfast. They also have hand dipped and soft serve ice cream and homemade desserts. read more

Stopped here for lunch. I had the tuna sandwich and it was good. But what I did not like were the flies. I know this is the country side and the place is quaint and full of locals. Having to fight with the flies to eat my sandwich is not acceptable to me. I doubt I will ever be back in this remote part of Texas and I was, I would not eat here. read more

This burger was so yummy! We got the fried mushrooms and onion rings! Wow they did not disappoint. The ranch dressing taste like farm fresh. So good! read more

My family and I were travelling through Menard and stopped by the Lazy Ladle on a Monday. The place was packed and we were told the entire town stops by for Chicken Monday. The lady in front of us even had a "regular order". I have to admit, the chicken was fantastic. We were driving back through the next Sunday and the special was the Chicken Fried Steak. I consider myself a CFS afficianado. This steak was huge, seasoned just right and the crust was flaky. Green beans and mashed potatoes made it perfect. I would recommend this diner for anyone who finds themselves in Menard and desiring a bite to eat. Heck, make the trip if you need to. read more

Nice food stop on my way to Stonehenge II in Ingram TX. The menu has all the great diner cafe classics, and some lite options if you aren't so hungry, they have Ice cream from Blue Bell and other desserts available. I had the black and blue burger that had onion rings on it and home made potato chips. I think they are homemade. The burger was tender with good flavor. I should have asked to cook medium rare. They cook around medium. The decor was history of Texas and Menard and had many interesting things to look at. Service fast and attentive, the drinks are self serve. I am glad I stopped in to this cafe, it was a good meal. They close around 2 or 2:30pm on this Tuesday so check the hours during weekdays. Stop into the the lazy ladle I think you be pleasantly surprised. read more

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Lazy Ladle Cafe seemed to be the place where the locals frequent in Menard. The staff are friendly and the food was great. I got a bacon cheeseburger and smothered fries. It was a little bit of a wait for our food but it was worth the wait. Thanks Lazy Ladle! read more

Lazy Ladle Cafe & Catering - Cafes Near Me - Menard, Texas

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We stopped here while driving through and so glad we did! Great home cooking! The chicken fried steak and loaded mashed potatoes aren't to be missed. The French fries are handmade if I'm not mistaken. Save room for dessert, the pies are amazing, the lemon meringue might be the best I've had. read more

In Junction, Tx I got frustrated at the long Mc Donald's line. So I tried to find a place to get food in the next town. Yelpers led me to Lazy Ladle Cafe and I am so glad they did. We just needed a little snack so we got two baskets to share between the four of us. We got one chicken and one steak fingers basket. First off they came with a delicious yeast roll. Next, I upgraded to fries for $1 each (it usually comes with chips). The fries were the best I have ever had; crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and seasoned well. I couldn't get enough of them. The chicken and steak were battered nicely and delicious. It came with a side of gravy that was just right. We travel this way a couple times a year and think we have found a new stop. I am interested in trying their patty melt. #onehappytraveler read more

Lazy Ladle Cafe & Catering - Steak fingers basket. Four steak fingers. Upgraded to fries. Already ate the roll it came with. Delicious. - Cafes Near Me - Menard, Texas

We stopped here for lunch on our long drive to Colorado. You order at the counter. I had a tuna sandwich on whole wheat with fries and iced tea. The sandwich was huge and very nice. The staff is friendly and toilets are clean. It was a good experience. read more

The first few times I had been the food was exceptional. Unfortunately over the past several months the quality has tanked. The past three times I've been I got the LLC club. The avocado was brown all 3 times. The last time, which was the last straw, the lettuce was browning, the tomato was mushy and I was able to bend my pickle spear in half. On top of the rotten vegetables the meat was half burnt (literally half the meat was black and tasted like charcoal). I hope they resume some quality control but I think I will be taking a break for several months. If the food picks up in quality I will definitely update my review. read more

The food was amazing! Homemade everything, like eating at grandma's house. We are putting this place on our list of places to stop when we head south. Must try! read more

Stopped in as we were passing through town-- very friendly people, excellent food, fast service and clean bathrooms-- what else could we ask for? read more

$10.82 and I didn't even get a drink and they charge me for ranch and fries and look at the little steak fingers they're so tiny... I would say this is a total rip off I think the owner Is just greedy read more

Lazy Ladle Cafe & Catering - Extra add-ons without permission - Cafes Near Me - Menard, Texas

I thought it might be homemade type country food but the chicken fried steak was just frozen not hand battered and mashed potatoes were instant not fresh. Green beans were gross and even the pie just tasted like it came from wal mart. Just tasted like middle school cafeteria food nothing seemed fresh and they were really slow on top of that. Wouldn't go back read more

I don't live in this area but I pass through a lot. Quick trips to Snyder and Lubbock area for family events and emergencies. I always stop if they are open at the Lazy Ladle for sustenance. Their soups are divine and I have recently discovered the fried chicken. I will have to come back on the right day to get that chicken again. The counter staff always packages my food to survive all the way to Lubbock. I don't know what the chefs will think of next but I want to try it! read more

This place is worth stopping in if only for the delicious lemon/cucumber infused water and pie. The chicken wrap hit the spot too. Friendly service and good food. Clean bathrooms! read more

We spent the morning at the South Llano River State Park and left to have lunch in Junction, TX, but a water problem caused all of the restaurants in town to close down, so we drove to nearby Menard, TX. Our meal was excellent! We will drive the extra distance to eat here again. We loved the Cornbread Salad and got the ingredients from the chef! read more

Strike 2 for Menard, TX. Catfish was fresh, but so heavily breaded with SALTY cornmeal, it was difficult to tell. I was excited to see the sweet potato waffle fries. Too bad they were so overfried I almost choked on one. Kids are finicky. Don't mix onion in their hamburger patties. They won't eat it. So, about $30 wasted on an inedible meal. Should have waited until Fredericksburg‍ read more

On our way down to Fredericksburg, we stopped here. Was going to close at 2pm and we arrived 30 min before. Thought I was going to get the day's scraps but was pleasantly surprised! I ordered a burger & fries and hubby had the chicken strips @ onion rings. All were very good, fresh and HOT! You could tell they had just made everything. Burger was a smidge too overdone but like my husband said, "You didn't tell them to make it to your liking." But it was huge & still tastes very good. My husband mentioned that the strips felt like they had significant meat in them so he was happy. But oh....the onion rings....the flaky batter....was fantastic! read more

Holy Smokes! Some of the best fried squash out there. Mexican earth cake was super good. Great experience! read more

What a great find! My family ate here a few weeks ago and everything we ate was absolutely delicious! Fresh and flavorful. I had the chicken fried steak, my son had the chicken fried chicken, my wife had the chicken wrap and my daughter had the kids chicken fingers. We also had the homemade soup which was incredible and of course ice cream for desert. Can't wait to go back read more

Driving from Colorado back home to San Antonio, found this little gem on yelp. They are only doing drive through right now, but they had quick service. We had a chicken salad sandwich and club sandwich and both were some of the best sandwiches we've had! The fries were also great! read more

We were pleasantly surprised how delicious the food was and quality of customer service. The onion rings were outstanding. My friend has the cucumber avocado soup- it was so delicious. We had the black and blue burger and the chicken salad sandwich. It was all very yummy read more

Great burgers and fries . Cool little local joint . Everything was fresh ,hot and tasty

What a great little place! Our family of 7 just stopped in here on our way to San Antonio and were excited to get a delicious, filling meal. Portions were more than enough, even for my 17 year old son who is a bottomless pit. The prices were super affordable and the service was great. Each worker was friendly and helpful. I definitely recommend this fabulous restaurant! read more

Food was horrible and greatly over priced. Waitress was nice but never came back to refill drinks or clear off extra plates and platters when food order arrived. My opinion, keep driving past this diner. My stomach hurts already. read more

We had a great lunch. Homemade salad dressing was spot on. Good old fashion hamburger. My wife had chicken fingers and they were really good. I would eat there whenever I am in town. Would love to try some of their other items. read more

Love this place! Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Had the lemon herb chicken special and loved it! Great flavors. Be sure to try the raspberry filled cookies as well. They were delicious. read more

Cute little hometown diner. Great food and service! Super clean. Prices were great especially on the specials!

I went through the drive through window cause I have 2 babies so it is easier for me. I ordered a large coke and chicken basket. It took a long time to get my order. I was asked to pull to the side. When the lady finally brought my food to me, she forgot my drink. She looked back at the restaurant and at me and asked me to go back around to get my drink. I had to wait behind 2 other vehicles for that one drink. Half an hour later I finally had my order. The soda was flat and the chicken tasted of old oil. The baby had already cried herself to sleep and the other one didn't like the chicken. Next time I'll try the food truck. read more

Friendly service. Had soup and salad combo. Soup was good. Old, rotted greens used in the salad. Had to them all out.

Haven't eaten at the restaurant yet but just had food they catered at a wedding. It was awesome!