Our Tuesday brunch at Sunken Gardens:…read more Dude. Delicious is not enough to describe the food and drink. Here's how it works. It's a buffet style of delicacies but they charge by the pound. It was $7.99/lb. Put what you want on your plate. There's so much to choose from. You can have it to stay or there's to-go containers. There's cold and hot options and plenty of entrees. Dessert is limited to cobblers. I highly recommend the sweet and spicy beef, the catfish, and the jalapeño-cheese beefsteak. Same goes for the tuna salad, crab salad, and zucchini salad. The pasta salad I could give or take because it was al dente. Wife had the meatloaf and it was gooood. Same goes for the chicken strips. The sides were all freshly made (macaroni, rice, etc), and we weren't disappointed with any of it. The rolls were also good but not sweet or anything. They were basic, but that was a good thing because I didn't want anything competing with the food flavors. We also got some cobblers (one pecan and one blackberry, but there were others). I prefer crispy cobbler and this one was doughy and dense. Some like it that way though. I will say that the flavor was good and refreshing, despite being dense. Despite having indulged ourselves at the neighboring Friday's the night before (see previous review), we woke up famished. Having no food available at Shinerville Coffeehouse (see review because they were so nice and even pointed us here), we wound up eating at the Garden. It turned out to be a great experience. At $8 a pound plus $2 for drinks and a tip, we paid around $40, but our plates were laden from side to side. We greedily ate all of it. I forgot about the mozzarella spinach. Get that. Drink options were typical sodas and four ice teas, or (free?) fruit-infused water from a cistern. The teas were also in cisterns. There were four options: a red unsweetened eucalyptus tea that I liked, unsweetened, sweetened, and peach. We got the peach. There's only to-go cups and refills are free, so you're welcome to take some for the road. The atmosphere: Inside it was cool and crisp. The noise level was moderately low and they had good music. Blackbird was playing at one point. Being that it was such a nice day, we opted to eat on the covered wrap around porch that overlooked the Spoetzl Brewery. Btw (in terms of distance) with a good driver and the wind at my back, I could hit the brewery with a golf ball from the parking lot of this place. The restrooms were unisex, as you'd expect for a small establishment like this, and very clean. The people: Staff were excellent, accommodating and knowledgeable. The manager took the time to speak to me for a bit in between rushes, but a wave of people came in so I didn't hold her up. Back on the porch, a young male staff member engaged us in some more conversation and we spoke a bit about Texas history. He is very, very proud of our state and our history - both eager to share and learn. On our way out I met a cook named Mike (easy for me to remember). He was tossing a box with a cool dragon graphic and let me keep it. He also let me fill our carrying-sized igloo with ice. Mike is ex-military like me and it was fun swapping "war stories." He started cooking when he was in the military and is a native Shiner (I gotta figure out what they call the denizens of Shiner). The patrons were also very nice and easily exchanged pleasantries and held doors for one another, which is one of the coolest parts about being a Texan - but is especially so in Shiner. Friendly and unintrusive is the best I can describe. We left full and satisfied in many ways. The pictures are of some cool views I saw. One is their electrical boxes outside, which are painted uniquely, despite being outside of clear view. Just another example of the grooviness that's the prevalent, unspoken expectation of the township. It really speaks to the spirit of the town. We also took pictures of our food before we devoured it.

We stopped at Sunken Gardens for lunch on our way to Goliad State Park and were pleasantly…read moresurprised. The restaurant is cafeteria-style, with everything priced at $8.99 per pound, which we didn't expect but ended up working great for our family since everyone could choose exactly what they wanted. The food tasted homemade, and the salad bar was especially impressive with lots of fresh options. The chicken tenders were a big hit with the kids, and we couldn't resist trying the cherry cobbler for dessert, which was delicious. If you're passing through Shiner and looking for a casual, satisfying meal, this is a great stop.

My husband drove an 18 wheeler and we kept hearing about Evelyn's Soul Food and we wanted to try…read morethis place out but every time we went there it was closed. Finally we passed by there one day and saw that it was opened so we stopped and went in. The place was clean and the food was smelling so good. We ordered some smothered food and since we were going out to a job we got it to go. They were very pleasant to us. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. I definitely recommend this place, you just gotta sneak up on em!

Found this little gem on yelp Reviews... we were coming from…read moreConroe to Orange Grove and usually eat at Buccees, but wanted something different. Very simple place, but clean, friendly and absolutely delicious! Evelyn's granddaughter waited on us in the cafeteria style restaurant. She told us to pay when we were finished...I had the meatloaf, mashed potatoes, collard greens, sweet corn and cornbread.. my husband had the smothered pork chops!!! Huge portions!!

Casual Sunday drive through the Beautiful Texas Countryside, brought us to this place. From the…read moreoutside, 1st impression, it was packed, good sign, and it was an old historical marker previous hotel built in the 1800's. Everything about this place, esp if you like history was neat. Our server, can't remember her name, was new but spot on, funny, knew her stuff, hard worker and kept busy. She recommended several dishes and was spot on. I did the Steak / Mushrooms "add baked potato" and my guest enjoyed her Chicken Fried Chicken couldn't finish the Potato herself (but I did) :) I'd love to try other things here in the future. Definitely a must try. Enjoy!

Our large group of 14 was in town to do the painted church ride and had a terrible experience at a…read morerestaurant in Shulenburg that couldn't handle our large crowd. While on our tour I called and Kloesel's was able to set us up with a last minute reservation for 6:30 pm on a Saturday. Having made the reservation I showed up early to make sure everything was in place and was very happy to see they had set up a table for us in a private area near the bar that had fresh linens and menus and was clearly ready for us. Our waitress was excellent. Joking with our party she kept the drinks and food flowing. All of the entrees including an awesome minestrone soup, salad and various comfort food and steaks was amazing. The owner came out to thank us for our visit and to talk for bit and we loved it. We would very highly recommend as the quality of food and the level of service was outstanding!

I wanted to thank the staff for making my last two Friday's feel special…read more I am new to Texas and have been wanting to come and try out this spot. I'm also a first time mom and not working currently so my funds are low for spending. The staff (shout out to the ones I've met so far) Kevin, Brittany and Terrance took the time to explain how the cafe works. so many delicious options, I went with the jalapeno popper omelette which did not disappoint. Brittany helped navigate a coffee I would enjoy and I did! Try the Vietnamese iced coffee so good. my daughter and I sat outside and met Terrance, who came right up and introduced himself. made sure we were doing good and dj'd some great tunes. I'm not sure who was at the counter today but she was lovely. thank you all for the experience and great food

This place is great. I ran out of food while camping at a nearby 5-day music festival so I drove…read moreinto Smithville and had breakfast here. It's entirely donation based. You place your order and then take a seat and when they bring out your food, you get a little pocket to put cash into to pay whatever you want. The food was great and it benefits addiction recovery. My only complaint is that they really really really need to put fans on the patio cause I was swatting away flies the entire time I was eating. I wouldn't eat outside again. I went for breakfast and had a 3-meat omlette which I actually couldn't even finish cause I was full. It was a little weird getting the apple juice in a cup full of ice but I guess I could have gotten more if I wanted it. I'd like to back for lunch sometime.

Great service, nice ambiance but better yet their food is outstanding. I tried their rib eye steak…read more Steak was flavorful, tender and cooked to perfection.

Great service and good food, no wait time. Reasonable prices and large portions. Chicken fried…read moresteak is delicious.

If you ever find yourself passing through Flatonia, Texas, do yourself a favor and stop at Darlin's…read moreDiner. This place is the definition of small-town charm. The food tastes like it came straight out of a family kitchen--fresh, hearty, and downright delicious. The atmosphere is exactly what you hope for in a hometown diner: locals chatting over coffee, a welcoming vibe the moment you walk in, and a staff that treats you like you've been coming there for years. Everyone is genuinely friendly, and it's clear this spot is a community favorite. One of the small town touches the place boasts is that it's connected to a boutique, so you can enjoy a great meal and then browse around a bit. Nestled in this little Texas town, Darlin's Diner just has that warm, welcoming feeling that makes you want to sit a little longer and come back again. Small town, big flavor, and even bigger hospitality. Highly recommend.

Our last day in town we visited this place for breakfast…read more The service was phenomenal, all the servers and food runners would always checking on tables. We ordered an omelet, eggs Benny, waffles, and a BLT. All the food was fresh and delicious. The chai tea and coffee were also great! They have the cutest store in the back where you can go crazy buying unique gifts. I left with a ton of treasures. Such a Darlin place!

The ambience is clearly a restaurant attached to a livestock Arena. I don't think you would…read morenecessarily aim to visit this restaurant for that reason it is however kept. The food, which in my case was a hamburger was absolutely wonderful. The french fries were equally well done. The portions are generous and given how busy the restaurant is it was very well prepared. Again, given how busy this particular restaurant is the service is amazingly efficient, and the staff is very nice. Although I would suggest it is not a place you would necessarily want to come to relative to its ambience on the other hand you would miss a wonderful meal if you did not. In my case I chose the meal over the ambience and it was well worth it and that is the reason I give it five stars.

You have mixed expectations when eating at a place with "cow palace" as its moniker, However the…read moreestablishment was surprisingly decent. Had the Melt Down with onion rings and the melt was not greasy at all, and included the grilled onion and a huge patty. It was a bit bland though which was the only thing I can say that could be improved upon. The onion rings were obligingly crunchy and tasty.

Good service, funky ambience, tasty food. Great selection of…read morehomemade pies. A Round Top tradition for many years.

Easily, hands down, the best steak I have had in several years. Highly recommend this spot!read more

If summarize this place as getting a call from a friend to come over for a backyard BBQ and you're…read moreexcited because they can work the grills/smoker. This is quintessential old school central Texas BBQ. Not the craft bbq you'd get in Austin. I think it's significantly better than the notable staples in Lockhart. This place reminds me of Snow's (which I adore). Scale 1 = no way / 5 = stellar Turkey - 4 Ribs - 4 Chicken - 4 Brisket - 5 Sausage - 5 Sides: Cheesy potatoes - 3 Mac n cheese - 3 Green beans - 4 Pea Salad - 4 Potato salad - 5 Wednesday (at least Ash Wednesday they did) an Friday's they serve fired catfish with hush puppies. For all the flavor and seasoning the other meats had, they forgot it in the breading of the fish. This needs to be doctored up. This receives a 2! I believe 3 meats and two sides are $20. This is unheard of with the way prices have risen for bbq. This place is legit and I understand how it on the radar for Texas Monthly best bbq.

The food was great. Service was friendly. I didnt get to try their pork steak which they are…read moreapparently known for for serving. Overall a solid BBQ joint.

Friendly little cafe on the edge of downtown. It's a little mom and pop type of place. Nothing…read morefancy We had breakfast. Food was delivered fast and with a smile.

We ride motorcycles up from Corpus Christi to have lunch…read more The food is always great and the price is right. My favorite waitress of all time is Ashley, talk about service with a smile! And now with the new parking lot life is good. They are five star all the way! Dave May