My family and I visited this gorgeous little gem while in Texas. The owner is the heart of this place. The community is amazing the good speaks for itself. The tacos, corn dip, and banana pudding were outstanding. In fact, I wish they mass produced that corn dip, as I would order it all the time. I felt at home and enjoyed everything we tried. If you ever find yourself near this restaurant, stop in and enjoy a sweet slice in time. read more

Have you ever been to a place & it was so frikin good that you immediately wanted to text all your foodie friends about it?! Yup. That happened here at Mac & Ernie's. Luckily most of our TX foodie friends have Yelp accounts. So writing a review is just as effective as texting. Here's the 411. They are only open FRIDAY, SATURDAY (lunch & dinner), & SUNDAY (breakfast & lunch). Bring cash because I didn't see a credit card machine. They close for service for 1 hour between lunch & dinner and for 30 minutes between breakfast & lunch. If you are chowhounds like us, you'd go at the end of one service & stick around for the beginning of the next service. Don't want to deal with traffic coming from San Antonio? Drive out on a quiet, lazy Sunday for breakfast & stick around for lunch like hubs & I did. For late breakfast, we had fluffy lemon blueberry pancakes & house made cranberry jalapeño sausage. This was accompanied by fresh fruits. Perfect combo of sweet, salty, savory, & spicy! Their famous cabrito burger came fresh off the grill for us at noon & was everything we'd hope for...juicy, flavorful, a little gamey, herbaceous...DELICIOUS! We added fries for an extra $1.50. They were hot & crispy. Awesome breakfast & lunch! The menu is very small & changes often. I'd recommend grabbing a few buddies, getting one of each & sharing ;) Enjoy! read more

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Another small town Texas experiment! Cliff notes: The food was pretty awesome, but given the price and the fact that it was served on paper plates, limited ac, good service = 3 stars. And the gal had dropped the dessert so there was no dessert that night. I had the Chicken breast with roasted red bell pepper sauce - the sauce came on the side but it was pretty tasty. The chicken was super moist and the little baked potato cooked perfectly, but the salad was a bit over-drenched. Mind you I don't have a problem with paper plates - but when you're paying $15+ for food it seems a bit of a let down! The area where you order the food when you first walk in wasn't very air conditioned and on a hot day like when we were there it was a bit uncomfortable for me. The dining room (self seating) did feel a bit cooler but we opted to sit outside where there was at least a breeze. Overall I would say the food was excellent and the atmosphere is all country. read more

Mac & Ernie's Roadside Eatery - ARGH! - Burgers Near Me - Tarpley, Texas

Excellent food! We had the shrimp and catfish dinner. Top notch food on a paper plate! We shared the carrot cake for dessert. So worth the drive! Totally recommend! read more

Went to dinner on a Friday and had the fried shrimp and fish. It was absolutely the best fried shrimp I have ever had. So good! Super fun place to let the kids play outside and sit under a tree with family & friends. Highly recommend! read more

We were told it was a famous place in the area. It's been on Diners, Drive-in's & Dives, it definitely fit the title. Food was good but it was a dive it was a House they converted to a restaurant so the kitchen was small and there was not enough ventilation (exhaust) and there was smoke (food) throughout the "restaurant" The menu changes weekly and when it runs out they cross it off the chalkboard No water cups, Paper plates and plastic utensils read more

If you are coming from Bandera, it is super easy to find this little hole in the wall. Two turns and 15 minutes later...you're there! I don't understand how people get lost. It is no longer the shack displayed on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" but now has a nice seating area inside. We went here just before noon on a Friday and I expected it to be pretty busy, but luckily there was no one inside and only one party sitting outside. By this time I had already had my mind set on the Cabrito burger. My boyfriend ordered one as well and we grabbed our drinks at the fountain and sat inside because it was just way too hot outside. We watched the little electronic cow take our ticket and drop it into the basket in the kitchen right behind the register. Very cute! Once we ordered, people started to come in. Our burgers took a while but once we bit into them, you would not be able to tell that you were eating goat! It was juicy and really flavorful. The fries were good too. Great place in an out of the way location. read more

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Nice place to stop and eat at, while spending the day in the hill country. Food is great and fresh. read more

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Unique and comfortable! Good food, fun people and easy in and out! Indoor and outdoor dining available!

We were disappointed that there were no cabrito burgers on this visit--coyotes reportedly had gotten all of the baby goats--and the menu board was just pretty skimpy for our visit Sunday noon. Sure, there were burgers and chicken sandwiches, a catfish basket and a red deer burger, but none of the more eclectic stuff that Mac and Ernie's is known for. Our burgers were good and fries were hot and tasty but our food took awhile to prepare although they weren't very busy. Note: Mac and Ernie's will be closed Easter weekend (2016)--just so you don't drive all the way out there only to find it all locked up. read more

Outstanding food and people. Pasta salad is the best in Texas. Fresh homemade food and beer.

A little expensive but the Fryfecta can't be beat and theGrilled quail #1. also was on Diners Dive inns and Dives. read more

The young lady who greeted us was very personable and pleasant. If only the food was as great as her personality. My husband ordered the catfish which was terribly over done. Four small (very small!!) pieces of fish and maybe 10 French fries...for $12. The tartar sauce was the only thing that was good. I had the fish tacos. Really bad choice! Again the fish was over cooked. The coleslaw was dripping in some white liquid that had NO flavor. It ran all over the basket when taco was lifted. The fish was served in a flour tortilla. I love fish tacos and this is the first one I've ever had in flour. No, thank you. We won't go back. read more

Had to go and try the cabrito burger. It was delicious. Plan on going again hopefully soon.

I have lived close to Tarpley (centrally isolated and for good reason in this day & age) for almost 3 years, and I have to say I really enjoy this hole-in-the-wall delightful restaurant in the middle of nowhere. It is an extreme pleasure to visit at lunch or dinner. The food is simply superb, from the burgers (& I relish the lamb burger) to the evening nosh, such as Chipotle Quail. Lamb chops extraodinnaire , fried shrimp & scallops , crab cakes. I have eaten many burgers in my life, over many continents and I have to say this is my absolute favorite. I know what I'm talking about as I am fast approaching 70 & have eaten many burgers! The people who make this happen are truly delightful. I love sitting out under the the century old oak tree to enjoy my grub, and even in 90+ degree weather the breezes and shade make it an enjoyable Hill Country experience. read more

Great service! They treated us like royalty. Food was fresh and delicious. Enjoyed the beer as well. A great spot for sustenance on the way to Lost Maples. read more

I really liked this place. It's in the middle of nowhere, and the menu is limited, but the food was very good and the service was prompt. It's just a roadside burger place, so don't expect more. You don't need more, just great burgers and some picnic tables and a great memory or 2! read more

This little shack is in the middle of nowhere between Bandera and Utopia but it is somewhat of a legend with the bikers who road trip through the hill country. This place is just amazing in every way. Yes it is in a shack and you sit at picnic tables with people you do not know. But by the end of the meal you will be exchanging phone numbers with your new friends who most likely do not live in TX but are on a RV road trip and heard about this place from some place in Bandera they stopped at. I shared a table with some great Folks from TN and we have kept in touch - its just that kind of place sharing a memorable meal always brings people together. Ok on to the food - the menu is small but everything on it is good, their specialty is a carbarita burger but honestly I have no idea what that is. Lunch is limited to burgers and fried fish and the Dinner menu has some gourmet items you would never expect to find in a dive shack like Chili Honey Basted Quail and Yellow Fin Tuna with Wasabi Mascarpone sauce or Pork Tenderloin with a Vietnamese dipping sauce. For dinner I have tried the previous 3 items plus the Combo Fried Catfish and Shrimp possibly the best fried seafood I have ever had the breading is so perfectly seasoned no need for any cocktail sauce. The service is just as amazing as the food in a casual layed back yet efficient way. The owner and cook Naylene comes out and checks on her guests when she gets the time. Be sure and call before you go for directions and the daily menu. The menu changes daily with only fried seafood and burgers as staples. Know before you go: They are only open for lunch Wed and Lunch and Dinner Friday and Sat., they only except cash and they do not serve alcohol. They are located in the parking lot of William's Creek Depot where you can buy beer or wine. And they only charge a small fee to ice down your beer or cork your wine. If you every find yourself passing through the area do not miss out on this jewel. read more

Love Mac & Ernie's! Marsha Jo has transformed this place. Staff is great and food is greater!! More menu items.

Fun place to stop and get a decent meal... Been there three times and have always gotten ribeye, tater, salad, & decent beer... eaten outside behind the place... fun to yack with locals about other edible cuisine within 50 miles... Grotto in Bandera comes up as well as a smancy place near Utopia... The Laurel Tree http://www.utopiagourmet.com/ Mac and Ernie's has vino and good beer selection... especially for the hood... welcome quality road food, some may be disappointed if they make it a destination and have a long drive... more of a great spot when in the hood read more

I had been looking forward to stopping at Tarpley to taste the famous Cabrito burger after hearing a lot of talk about it and seeing it on TV. I decided that on my 8 hour Texas roadtrip, I'd finally stop by and check out what all the fuss was about. The place is really cute. I love the décor, the loud colors, a good selection of beer that even included a seasonal beer from Blanco, Texas: The Devils Backbone. Great service, nice atmosphere. It wasn't crowded. The Cabrito burger, unfortunately for me, wasn't great. I wanted to love it. I really tried to like it. But after a few bites, I realized that the problem for me is it didn't taste "fresh." It tasted as if it was heated up in the microwave and served. Maybe that wasn't the case, but to me it's the closest I can describe the taste. The herbs they use for the meat and the seasoning all tasted okay, but it wasn't an overall good burger. The fries were blow me away awesome, if that gives you any idea on how my burger tasted. I think that this place is like anything else, you have to try it at least once. Maybe your burger experience will completely beat mine. read more

I enjoyed this place. She is amazing and knows her Lamb..... after a long road trip of Hill Country cruising this was our end stop before we headed back home. I have started cooking more at home rather than be curious about places to eat, but on a trip like this I was tickled at how good our dish were and the quality. I grew up in the middle east and lamb is our fare and I am particular of it and to know how much she loves lamb herself .... OMG LOVE read more

A little over an hour drive from Leon Springs and well worth the miles! We met friends for brunch today (Sunday) and everything was outstanding! The lemon & blueberry pancakes were (...searching for a superlative adjective..) well, just amazing. I'd make the drive back just for those but we also enjoyed the asparagus/gruyere/Parmesan omelette with a "real" Sausage patty (not the processed and flattened ones you usually get). Next time, We'll come for dinner. Thank you!! read more

The antelope burger was superlative. I went for that over the cabrito burger I drove from Fredericksburg to get, after seeing it described on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives at least 3 years earlier. It was right up there with the most premium beef burger I've ever had. I'll go back to try cabrito, mahi-mahi and lamb. And quail. It's so worth the drive! I soaked in the arresting, quirky character of the place while savoring the delicious surprise of true artistry in flavors. The outer rustic added to the unique inner experience. One peak in my sense-of-life is a good surprise. Mac and Ernie's is certainly on my life list for food this good to come from a place that looks like this! read more

This is no mere roadside eatery. It's a gourmet wolf in sheep's clothing. Out in the middle of nowhere, you might as well be an aggie for anything that looks like sheep--err, food. Or not. Don't ever accuse me of going even part aggtard. Ever. Good news! There's even lamb on the menu. I was disappointed that their original menu posted at the back wasn't available (cabrito? dude, I love cabrito!), but the delights they had on the menu were so awesome sounding that I had trouble deciding. I wasn't very hungry, so I got a crabcake with Sriracha aioli. It was delicious. I tried a bite of a friend's lamb chop. That was tender, juicy, and delicious. I even had a little pumpkin ice cream. Also delicious, like pie in ice cream form. It's a little pricey, but worth it for what you get. It's a bit weird to see it come out on disposable plates, but whatever. The outdoor seating area is really lovely, too. Mind the bathroom door, though. It doesn't lock. read more

Small roadside eatery in the hills. Take a scenic drive and stop at this eatery, you will not regret it. My husband and I stopped at this restaurant on the way home and got a beautiful 12 oz ribeye and the ancho chili quail. OH my y'all! So tastey! Everything cooked to perfection. The staff were delightful and answered some of our questions about the quail (I'm thinking I may make something similar for thanksgiving coming up). They have beer and wine available at the counter and a small assortment of classic desserts. The only thing this place needs IMO is an upgrade from the styrofoam plates. Scary to try an cut a beautiful steak with a steak knife and cut straight through your plate. It is a small place though so they may not have room for storage and washing of plates. read more

Great food, friendly environment! They were out of the Cabrito burger but their hamburger was pretty top notch. Not the first visit and certainly not the last!! read more

You don't usually find a place that sells $16 Pork Chops in the middle of nowhere...but dang! After 10 miles of hiking me and my g/f satisfied ourselves by splitting the pork chop, a few pieces of really, really good fried catfish ($1 each as a side), and a cranberry tres leches. Bring your own utensils if you want metal ones, and bring cash if you want anything. But if you're in the area, definitely make it a point to eat here. I found out about this place through that Food TV Diners Dives and Drive in show (which I think is slightly suspect after watching his glowing review of Niko Niko's in Houston)....but this place is just awesome. I should note that they have fairly limited hours for dinner so double check their website, and make sure you have plenty of gasoline before heading into the middle of nowhere... While you're at it, watch out for the deer on the roads, that cost me a wee bit more than the dinner.... read more

You know that feeling when you strive, work hard, and devote time into a journey? And that feeling you get when your final goal is slightly disappointing? Yeah... finishing the journey was half the joy here, but the other half did not quite make it up to par. What makes it even harder to enjoy a victory meal is when you must eat dense meat such as cuts from an animal's costal (rib cage) region with a plastic fork and plastic plates. It is not cool when your fork bends while trying to gorge yourself on satisfying meat. The offerings were surprisingly pedestrian the one time I made it out here. They had pork, lamb, seafood, and steaks. Without any outstanding sides or bread, the menu really lacked a real oomph. With a choice of green beans or salad, the entrees are missing a sidekick. As the meal's only starch, the baked potato is not a very unique supplement. The grilled pork chop with mustard cream was amazingly cooked. It was juicy, thick, but slightly bland. A little more salt would have played nicely with the zippy mustard sauce. The grilled lamb chops were also perfectly cooked, though also lacking in seasoning. Again, the complementary cucumber yogurt would have added a whole other dimension had the meat been well salted. The green beans were extremely oily and you guessed it, poorly seasoned! The baked potato was offered in foil. Well... I bet you they are sitting under a heat lamp just waiting to be ordered. Oh well... consistency is good, I guess. Mac and Ernie's sent me on a wild goose chase. Was the time spent worth it in the end? Well, not really. I would probably not spend another 4 hours of travel time from Austin to eat simply grilled protein products again, but I will admit that this experience was something to be done once in a lifetime. read more

When my husband and I go hiking or to small towns, gourmet food is not something expect. I expect some county fried steak and good burgers. when they told that there was an awesome restaurant near our hiking area, I was expecting amazing chicken fried streak! Boy was I wrong. This place, if it were located in Austin, would give the best restaurants a run for its money. We had an ancho pork sausage with an amazing sauce, quail, and a lamb chop. We cleaned our plates because the food was so favorable and unique. The dessert was also really good; I had the coconut cream pie and ate every bit of it. The only thing I would caution people is that the silverware/plates are plastic so it's not a fancy place, but the food is amazing. read more

It's out in the middle of nowhere and kind of a "where else are you going to eat?" location. The kick to this place is that it's actually really good. It would be easy for a place like this to make plenty of money by offering mediocre food at inflated prices, but instead they offer a meal you'll be happy to eat again if you're ever in the area. read more

I consulted the website for Mac and Ernie's several times before departing my house. My GPS had no idea where the address was located, and I was traveling half an hour out of the way from my trip to Del Rio from San Antonio. It was the closest I would get to Tarpley, TX - a city that I'm pretty sure only exists because they needed an address for this restaurant. I ordered a seared tuna steak from the specials board. It was cooked well and came with a foil-wrapped baked potato and some fresh green beans. A homemade tres leche cake capped a very enjoyable meal. It's served picnic-style on paper plates on benches outside, and there's a corking fee if you want to avoid buying your drinks from the local convenience store across the parking lot. While it's not the best meal I've eaten, it's certainly the best meal I have or ever will eat in Tarpley. I'm sure there's no other reason to visit this town in the middle of nowhere, but if you're like me and you enjoy the scenic drives through Texas highways, it's nice to have someplace to stop between where you're going and where you've been. read more

Love this place but they had a off night ,not the best but the appetizer's crab cakes rocked very nice saved the day read more

Mac & Ernie's Roadside Eatery - Crab - Burgers Near Me - Tarpley, Texas

SUUUUPER DELICIOUS!!! Burgers and fries even the bun made with love. Great beverage choice and lovely outdoor picnic area. This place was a sweet off-road gem! read more

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If you're ever in San Antonio, you may want to drive out to Tarpley, TX and eat at this Diner, Drive-ins & Dives featured eatery! I suggest the spicy crab cake and caramel banana pudding! read more

Mac & Ernie's Roadside Eatery - Caramel banana pudding - Burgers Near Me - Tarpley, Texas

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Well I must admit that I was a little concerned to here that Bert had been left out of the equation. I mean how the hell was I kept out of the loop? Damn, I grew up with that cylindrical pill shaped, yellow headed, red bulbous nosed dominant, barking out nasally reprimands to the diminutive suppliant Ernie whenever the opportunity presented itself but I could see the writing on the wall. Ernie has since moved on. Somewhere between Bandera, Utopia, Elysium and Purgatory lies the expanded shack that was made famous by Guy Fieri who actually shows up to all of his conquests unlike Rachel Ray who usually sends her minions to compile a video which she can then narrate to create that fresh from the oven scent. "Oh what a tangled web we weave..." Anywho, this joint serves up a limited menu on Sundays which meant a limited taste of what they are capable of. Today was nothing spectacular, just a cheeseburger and something they call Chicken Nayleen which apparently is Tarpley speak for "we need to use up the rest of the Hollandaise" To their credit the cheeseburger was perfectly cooked medium and flavorful and juicy atop an artisan type bun and thickly cut veggies that reminded me of GBG. Chicken Nayleen was dry and served with pedestrian style green beans, the brunch's leftover Hollandaise and Canadian Bacon, but a very flavorful twice baked potato. By the way, twice baked potatoes should have gone out with pagers. "Welcome to the 90's Mr. Banks." The best thing about this trip was taking my new Maxima out on the open road and checking out a much greener Hill Country than last year's drought barren display presented. I will give these guys and their 70's retro green and yellow diner another chance simply because I hope to try their chicken fried lamb chops among other things. I promise to all of my Yelp friends that I shall never use the phrase "Gfriend" in any of my reviews for a myriad of reasons which include, but are not exclusive to, that I am married and that I am not a douche bag. The latter, of course, being purely subjective. read more

Red Deer & Blue Cheese burger, cabrito burger, both super. Fries are the best Wish the beer was colder, but what the heck. All great for a late lunch. read more

Great food and wonderful service. It was surprising to find such a yummy in the middle of nowhere. Yummy lamb chops and green beans

Reasonable food but not over the top. It's not a cheap place so don't think you getting a 4.99 burger. Lunch is minimal but dinner full gourmet dinners. The catfish at lunch was awesome, crispy. The chicken sandwich, ok. Some had hamburgers and said delicious and cooked just right. Out of the way place on the way to nowhere. Parking is not so good. read more

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What's happened here? We stopped last week with the kids and grandkids and probably had the worst burger ever! I had a red stag burger and it was dry and flavorless. Even the grandkids weren't impressed. I hope this is just temporary bc of the coronavirus bc it used to be fantastic! read more