Standing in a line 30+ deep at 10:30 am. This has to be good! It is! American comfort food at it's best. (we were seated, our order was taken and our food arrived in 25 minutes!) The food is amazing - this is the first place that I know of that lives up to the truth in advertising of their "sausage gravy" - there is almost as much sausage in it as there is gravy.... Well worth the $1.69. The place is a throwback to all that was good from decades ago, including the price! I went to find a good chicken fried steak and I was very happy. The service is really quick, competent and friendly. The food was very good. I had the CFS + a side of sausage gravy instead of the standard "white gravy" as a lunch instead of breakfast (fries + grean beans instead of hash browns + eggs). They seem to have taken some sausage they just cooked, crumbled it into a bowl and put some gravy on top of it.... Very, very good, very sausagey - if that's not a word, it should be and a picture of their offering should be next to it! I was wondering what to do with all of the gravy until I realized it was a tremendous addition to the french fries. I was a little nervous that the CFS would be larger than I could handle - while I was able to conquer mine, my daughter wasn't quite as fortunate and had to surrender before eating it all. This isn't a quiet place, but the people there all seemed to be really enjoying their food and having a good time. I was very impressed with how quickly we were seated and how quickly our order was taken and our food (all freshly prepared) was brought to us. I don't know when I will be back to Houston, but this is definitely on the list of places to return to. They are only open for Breakfast and Lunch - which is a shame, they would be a good choice for dinner as well. read more

Went for breakfast, tried the biscuits and gravy and the French toast. The French toast seemed more like a fried egg with "some" bread when it should be the other way around, and it also had tons of butter. The gravy for the biscuits had no flavor and the biscuits were nothing out of he ordinary. I really don't understand how it made it on the top 20 dinners, I'm sorry. The girl at the door seemed not too happy to be there and just told us to sit anywhere when we came in, we didn't get the "welcome home". Will definitely never go back. read more

Telwink Grill - French toast - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Eat here once and you're hooked! This is probably the best food place in Texas! And the prices might make you hit the floor! $5 for a huge plate of food!! The panckes are amazing and the catfish taste like heaven! The service is sweet and even though there are long lines for waiting, they'll get you in rater quickly! Visit Tel-Wink....you won't regret it! read more

Telwink Grill - Saturday morning - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Went here for the first time because I had a little time on my hands and heard that this was one of the best diners in Houston. First impression was pretty bad, however, because the parking is "every-person-for-themselves" style on a dirt lot. Fortunately, I was able to park near people who could drive responsibly. When I walked in to the restaraunt I had to wait a few minutes to be seen to be seated. I wish there was some sort of check-in table or something. After that, aside from them running out of biscuits, there was nothing but upside to it. When I opened the menu, my jaw dropped to see the low prices. I figured it would have been small portions, but my order was very hearty. I will post a photo soon of the three-egg omelet with grits and two slices of toast with two giant-sized pancakes. All for under $10. If you're a health nut or are into really chic and modern decor, this isn't your place. For anyone looking for good ol' fashion American breakfast and lunch, I recommend the Telwink Grill. read more

Telwink Grill - Can't ask for much more for under $10. - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Great place to eat, however, the owner (Ms. Peggy) needs to get rid of rude and disrespectful waitresses.

One of my favorite breakfast spots! Get there early because there is almost always a line, especially on the weekends. If you do end up standing in line, don't worry it moves pretty quick. Not the fanciest locations but absolutely one of the tastiest. More of a diner than a restaurant really. Great food, strong coffee & friendly staff that have been around for years. Huge food portions for very little pocketbook damage. I love all the vintage wall decor too. Order the catfish read more

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Come early and expect to wait for a seat. The pancakes are huge so order 1. The bacon is crispy and eggs were light and fluffy. With unlimited refills on oj that is the way I went. The highlight of my visit was the waitress who was friendly and extremely attentive. I wish I'd written this as soon as I left so I could remember her name, but you will see her memorabilia on the wall. I've lived in Houston my whole life and have been missing them gem the entire time. read more

A lot of reviews seem to hype this place up, its good but it's standard diner food. Stood in a line around 12pm that moved rather fast. Service was fine my coffee cup was never empty which was surprising since they were very busy. Chicken fried chicken I would order again it was done well but again no special seasonings or flavor, I would pass on the waffle, French toast and the brick biscuits they were plain. It's a good diner to get a good breakfast. read more

Been going her for over 20 yrs!! Best breakfast food around! Wonderful service. I love it here. read more

I'm used to come in here as a kid I just recently left this morning ordered the ribeye two eggs hash brown and a waffle ordered it medium well they cooked it well I asked to get another one and the waitress wanted to argue with me and sy I said medium ,first of all medium is pink this is well ,if I did say medium it will still have pink in it, the manager Robert sent the back came back with a medium rare I took it even though I asked for medium rare , I can understand this is not a steak place but if they don't no the difference take it off the menu.! I just thought the service was poor definitely not satisfied with my visit. read more

Step back into time and experience a meal at an old school diner. Tel-Wink Restaurant and Grill conjures up long lost memories of childhood road trips with stops at road side diners as a bonus. Tel-Wink Restaurant and Grill specializes in breakfast and lunch. Located at the junction of Telephone and Winkler, hence the name Tel-Wink Restaurant and Grill, it is easily accessible from 610 or 45. Folks from all over town make the drive to stop at this Houston staple. I usually do breakfast with the occasional lunch. For the price and delicious food, there is no beating Tel-Wink. On this visit, I decided to enjoy a Belgian Waffle with Sausage ($5.25) and Scrambled Eggs ($2). Add a bottomless cup of coffee for $1.50. This scrumptious breakfast is for less than $10 and will satisfy any appetite. The only downside is the wait. Depending on your party size, you may be looking at a 15-20 minute wait. I suggest you stick to parties of 2 or 4 at the most. Nonetheless, the wait is not unusual if you have been to a great breakfast restaurant on a weekend morning. If you are in the Gulfgate area and you want a cheap and yummy breakfast place, do yourself a favor and eat at Tel-Wink Restaurant and Grill. read more

Telwink Grill - Belgian Waffle with Sausage and a side of Scrambled Eggs. - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

One of my favorite breakfast places. Awesome old school diner experience. Great food, affordable. Excellent service.

How have I lived in Houston so long and even visited this neighborhood numerous times about 30 yrs ago when my grandfather owned a warehouse building across the street and a block down and NOT been to this fine diner at least once. Yesterday was the day I decided to visit and drag my coworker to yet another Houston gem. We were both thoroughly impressed with the prices, casual atmosphere, menu options and taste of the food. I ordered the chicken fried chicken and eggs while my colleague ordered a custom omelet with a waffle. He was thrilled with the waffle although it was slightly on the cold side. He said the omelet was above average. One bite into my chicken and I could immediately tell that it was probably the least healthiest food item on the table, but that just means it tasted so good. The breading seems to contain a lot of butter or margarine or possibly lard, there is no other way it would give it such a filling oily taste. The gravy was excellent as well. Service is about what you would expect from a local diner. The only thing I regret was coming too late in the day for the homemade biscuits. I will definitely come back to try those. Bring your appetite when you come! read more

This place Never disappoints...food is consistently good & affordable....if you love veggies try the Ranchero Omelette w/cheese & Waffles. read more

Telwink Grill - He loved the pork chops... - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Great tasting food! Service is pretty good for how busy the stay. They are only open for breakfast and lunch. There is a combination seating of both tables and booths. Lots of parking on Telephone. The line does tend to be long yet moves quickly due to number of tables. They do take pickup orders. That line can get long also. Now the best part is the food. Yes, it is a "greasy spoon" but the quality of the ingredients can't be beat. read more

I love this place. We sit in Ms. Olga's area and the service is wonderful. People there are so nice and their lots of food. The biscuits are huge and they give you lots of hash browns. They make a jalapeño sausage that is really good, it's a little spicy. The chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken is great. Waffles and pancakes are large as the plate. They never skimp on food, you will get full. read more

This place can be so full and they will have a fast service. Food is always tasty. My kids love coming here. I always get the waffles.

A neighborhood staple when you're in the mood for delicious diner food. Big portions and it's all good...worth every penny! Another spot I always take out of town guests and everyone always loves it! read more

Great food! Service is always good. The line is usually long but the wait is quick. The food is good and prices are low. Great place for breakfast! read more

Telwink Grill - Tel-Wink! It never lets me down! Great food! Cheap prices. - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

Telwink. Telwink. Where have you been all my life? You know a place is good when the line is literally snaked throughout the restaurants and when you hear how the regulars have been going there since they were little. This place is homestyle at its finest. The recommendations we received were the pancakes, chicken fried steak, chicken fried chicken, catfish and eggs, chicken noodle, and their pie of the day (boston cream pie or coconut). People encouraged me to come on Monday or Thursday night for their specials. I ordered the pancakes and bacon/sausage for the kids, an orange juice, and chicken fried steak and eggs for myself. If size was an indicator they gave us a slurpee size portion of OJ. Even when I tried splitting the OJ there was still too much in the cup! The pancakes were absolutely huge - the bacon was freshly cooked, and tender. The sausage patties were a bit overcooked and dry. The chicken fried steak was good, but I thought the gravy was a bit plain and could have been more thick and creamy. When they give you biscuits with a side of gravy, that is literally a meal in itself. The eggs and the hash were also generous in portion. I also got to try the catfish - very flaky without being overbattered. I will try that next time. I didn't get to try the boston cream or coconut pies, we were absolutely stuffed. Overall, for what it is this place delivers quality homestyle cooking for a very reasonable price. They do their thing well. read more

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Oh the shame for not having the chance to eat here because THE LINE IS LONG!!!! We only had about an hour before our next appointment here in Houston, and we were excited to have found this area since it is the closes eatery for the free boat tour a few miles down. HOWEVER, an hour wasnt enough during Saturday breakfast. HOWEVER --- THE FOOD WAS CHEAP and it sure looked good while we stood in line for some time. (Again, we had to leave cuz thats how serious the line can be!) I jealously eye balled the delicous looking plates whizzing by us and even imagined at one point of grabbing a biscuit or a bacon from someone's table before dashing out of there. Anyway, the employees were very kind and one even stopped us from leaving. I had to explain to them that we have to go, and this lady busted some Spanish on me. I understand though cuz even though I am Asian, my Portuguese blood sure courses through these veins! Anyway, looking at the crowd, this is definitely a locals thing. If you are a true adventurist that likes to check out the other side of travelling, then do try this place out .... and tell me later if this place is as fabulous as I dream it is. read more

HUGE portions, so be ready for a nap or to take half home! The breakfast plates are about the best in Houston, but the daily lunch specials are why I eat here at least twice a week! Monday is Meatloaf, and with a side of Mashed Potatoes, it is a slice of heaven! The Burgers are also a must have, especially the Patty Melt!!! read more

Way better than ihop. Everything is worth the price here. You know the food is good cause it's literally always packed. In love w their big fluffy waffles and hash browns read more

Telwink Grill - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

It's such a little neighborhood place. They give a lot of food for a small price. It's definitely quantity and not the highest quality. It's not IHOP or even Denny's, but if you're on a budget and you want to take your family out to eat, it's a godsend. The parking lot is huge and they are always busy so if you're an impatient person, get there nice and early. read more

Had heard of this spot but being included on a recent list of "top 20 diners in the U.S." caused me to make the trip. Journey back 30 or 40 years (and prices to boot). In an iffy part of Telephone Rd. A giant parking lot (full) and fortunately we arrived about 8 AM (on a Saturday) or we'd be waiting in a long line that soon developed. Friendly and good service. Very diverse crowd of diners (including some real Harley Davidson devotees). Food is quite good and cheap. I had the jalapeno sausage (2 giant links) egg sandwich for $4.95 - which I could not finish. Endless refills of standard American coffee (this is not a soy latte kind of place). Go - you will not be disappointed. Their prices for lunch were ridiculous - I don't think you could spend more than $10. read more

I have come here ever since I was born! (2000) And let me tell you guys! As a local it may not look too pretty on the outside and a bit decent on the inside but the food here is always good! Same goes for the portion sizes they really give you a lot. If you are ever in the area and are in the mood for breakfast / lunch be sure to check this out! I promise you it's worth visiting!! read more

This is our go- to breakfast stop!! We always sit at the bar, chat, drink coffee and eat some good food!! We have brought everyone we know here and friends from out of town. My husband has a large family and there prices are really affordable. read more

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Super good, costumer service is always fairly on point as well, I recommend getting the fried chicken and ordering a waffle on the side, been here a solid 5 times since I first came 2 months ago read more

Touched down in Houston hungry and ready to eat a big Texas breakfast. Telwink Grill was everything I craved - friendly local atmosphere, mom and pop vibes with delicious food made with love. By far one of the best omelette I've ever had, awesome grits, and the fried chicken paired with the waffle. My bestie started off with the vegetable soup and said it tasted very flavorful and homemade! We spoke to a few locals and the hospitality was amazing. Awesome people, awesome food. That's all we need. read more

My family and I have been coming here for years, I mean I remember coming back when I was in middle school and I'm almost 30 now. This place has been a to go to breakfast spot for us every weekend and I am not exaggerating this at all. Every Sunday morning we would show up and wait in line. The service is quick and that's what we love. No long waits in the lines and our food comes out quick and still taste like they took the time. I just moved back to Houston after three years of being in Arizona. It was my son who remembered this special place and there we were waiting in line. I was able to say hi to some older waitress that I haven't seen in years and I saw new girls too. The line was long but we only waiting 10 min tops. Our waitress was kind and fast, but we make in easier when we already know what we want. Now I LOVE their chicken fried chicken but I went for the chopped steak and eggs and my son did a sausage and egg sandwich. Both made our bellies happy. My little got herself a waffle which we all took a bite out of and man the sweetness from that waffle is what I live for on Sundays. Can't wait to come back and get my chicken fried chicken. read more

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I been coming this place for four years, it is normally to me a four star place but today it was a bit lacking. The chicken fried chicken was missing some seasoning, and the gravy was lacking. I do love their fried catfish and Belgium waffles. The catfish is crispy, well seasoned and the waffles have this slight crunch, sweet batter. Super delicious! read more

Oh yes. Great food, great prices and massive portions. The pancakes and waffles are great. The 2X2 (2 eggs, 2 meats and 2 pancakes/ waffle) is the best thing in the morning. Great place read more

Good ole fashion breakfast breakfast! I'm need of renovation, but people still go there because of the food. It's good. I'd like to go more, but it's a people place and it's kinda weird going by yourself. read more

Alot of food for very little money. Great place to get a good breakfast after a long night. At times there may be a wait but they usually can get people in and out pretty fast. read more

This food is amazing. All of the staff are attentive and quick. Easily one of my new favorite breakfast spots.

Old school diner experience. This place has been here forever and the breakfast is always good. Plenty of food and prices are very reasonable. Please plan on a nap afterwards though. read more

We visited on a Saturday recently at 6:45 AM. Very soon after the restaurant began to fill up. I suggest getting there early. They open at 6 AM. We had a great dining experience. Food good, service great, prices reasonable. I had french toast. Different than what I'm used to but satisfactory. Hubby had omelet and grits. read more

Dropped by one day during the week and was surprised as to how busy it was considering it was mid week before noon. I quickly realized it's a popular senior citizen hangout which I find kind of cute. I was expecting more for all the praise in the reviews but definitely worth the price. I had the biscuits and gravy which were pretty good and the hash brown which I didn't care for. My mom had the French toast which she enjoyed. I'll come back and try the famous waffles, maybe that's where all the praise is at. Haha read more

Definitely a Great Breakfast Spot. Good Service, great fresh food and large portions. And, very affordable. read more

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Arrived at 12:45 and was seated in about 13 minutes . Not too bad considering that it was packed to the brim .Service was great . Ordered the chicken fried chicken and mashed potatoes . I was disappointed in the mashed potatoes . Really wish they were home made instead of the powder box stuff . All in all I left needing a nap . Will be back for sure read more