Service was good, food was okay. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The plates weren't the cleanest[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], and the food looked like it had been sitting out for a minute. read more

Underwood's has been a family favorite since the 1970s, when we spent summers at Lake Brownwood. I hadn't been there since the 1990s, though, when I moved out of state. I HAD to stop there for lunch on a recent road trip through West Texas, and found that Underwood's is even better than I remembered! This is just great down-home Lone Star State barbecue served up with a huge dose of Texas hospitality. The chicken fried steak is tender and juicy, the potato salad and beans were better than mom used to make, and the peach cobbler is out of this world. ALL their cobblers are baked to perfection, and so are the homemade rolls. I took along some ribs and a barbecue sandwich for the road, and everything was perfect. Don't miss a chance to eat at Underwood's! They treat you like family and cook like it too. I was away too long! read more

Just passing though! I'm unsure how to rate this, is it the best food I've ever had? No, but it was a cute place to stop through on a 5 and a half hour road trip? Yes. Very nice staff and the food wasn't miserable. Sides were unlimited and dessert and drinks I believe? Def a good deal, don't know if I'd go out of my way to go again! read more

Fried Chicken gets a 10. It is good and prepared perfectly. I had the catfish on my previous visit and it was just so-so. Someone else mentioned in a review that the sides (vegetables) were from a #10 restaurant-grade can and they are right. They are less than so-so. The cherry gobbler is decent but also from a food company and not homemade. They could really improve if they made homemade sides with some seasoning. They are just so bland as they are now. They need Emeril to teach them how to take it up a notch. Staff is friendly. Come for the fried chicken and you will not be disappointed. read more

I have tried this place 4 times and in my opinion it is not barbecue. It is not brisket. It is some kind of steak. If you are looking for Texas bbq this is not the place. The fried chicken is okay. The rolls and cobbler are good. read more

First time here..... busy, but the line moves fast. Pick your main course and get all the sides you want (including dessert) Very tasty! Staff was really nice and the rolls were amazing! Get you some! read more

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Just got done eating lunch from Underwoods. It was amazing as usual. Love this place.

Traveling from Lubbock to Houston, switching drivers in Brownwood but didn't want to get far off the route. "BBQ Cafeteria" was not a phrase we were familiar with. Short story, fried chicken 10/10. BBQ plate (rib, sausage link, brisket sampler) 8/10. All sides, including the rolls and cherry cobbler with homemade whipped cream, 10/10. Service (by several cheerful and helpful ladies) 10/10. Will stop in again! read more

My central Texas BBQ trip, taken at the end of a long school year, included world-famous Austin BBQ joints, classic Lockhart BBQ establishments, and a few of the favorite Tex Mex and donut spots. But, at the end of all that, I can safely say, to my own surprise, that my favorite meal and experience was here at Underwood's. What We Liked: Every recipe of meats, sides, and desserts was above, sometimes well above, average. My tender and saucy BBQ beef steak is not something I will find anywhere else. The sausage is among the best examples of the proud German food heritage we've found highlighted all over central Texas. The rotisserie chicken was as seasoned as it was juicy, and looked as good as it tasted. As far as the unlimited sides went, the white gravy, pinto beans, fried okra, and especially the potato salad were as comforting and rich as we can remember from any restaurant. The hot rolls and cobbler with the homemade whipped cream were incredible and should be preserved from here to eternity. There's nothing like the ambience here. The decor, busing, and service are as classic and polite as they come. The music in the dining room is so antique, I'm sure Lawrence Welk and Tennessee Ernie Ford are smiling at it somewhere. What Could Be Better: all the staff should be wearing masks. Sorry, not sorry. If it's indeed their choice, they should choose this as a courtesy to their customers. Bottom Line: this is the best home style meal my wife and I can remember from any restaurant ever. I don't know hardly anywhere else you can find cafeteria dining, much less with such excellent recipes. Underwood's is a national treasure. read more

Underwood's Cafeteria - Apple cobbler with homemade whipped cream, and the fresh rolls. Both incredible. - Barbeque Near Me - Brownwood, Texas

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I ordered a beef steak dinner to-go. It was really good as usual. EXCEPT they forgot to put in my potato salad! read more

This place is really good and honestly it's probably one of the best places for service like the service is so great here plus all the waiters are here for you and so like say you wanna know the role they're already there like bro and some their food is great and hot and honestly their price is honestly pretty good [[HIGHLIGHT]]usually smell like crowded like at like 1 o'clock it's probably like the most so yeah that's pretty good[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would really recommend this place 5 stars read more

I've eaten at Underwood's off and on since the 1970's, and the only building I ever remember is the current one. Although I have probably gotten food from the original one that was replace in 1975 with the current building. Now I will straight up say I am no fan of Underwood's restaurant, not even when Leonard Underwood ran the place who I have met and do remember. But I have found worse places to eat at. I give Underwood's a 2 star rating for several reasons not all of which is related to the food. If you like bland mediocre BBQ, then Underwood's is the restaurant for you. Their Chicken Fried Steak tasted like an old pair of meaty gym shoes, which is what I had for dinner tonight along with mashed potatoes which taste a whole lot better when I put blue cheese dressing on them. The coleslaw had a strong taste of vinegar, with a dressing that has the consistency of vinaigrette dressing. The cobbler was fair. All in all the food taste much like 1950's Army food, and has not been updated since probably 1949. The fried chicken is probably the best thing on the menu, and usually the freshest. Now the service has always been fine with take out, but never cared for the memory of a School cafeteria lunch line that I get when I've dined in. The interior of Underwood's still looks just like I remember it looking in 1975, so there does not appear to be any modernization there except maybe the registers. Cannot say, as I never pay attention to the registers, so those may also be from 1975. The exterior of the restaurant still looks good. And the old water wheel out front is a friendly reminder of my childhood dinning experiences especially when my late father took us to Underwood's, for some sales seminar that offered a free meal in exchange for listening to their sales pitch to sell us siding or something to save money which they still host to this very day just like they did in 1975 when I was a kid. read more

The best thing was the roll. My chicken fried steak did not even taste as good as the ones that make for school lunch. It was luke warm. Coleslaw and green beans were the second best. I would not go back again. Texas roadhouse is half the price and 50xs better. We only went because our first choice was closed and was trying to eat somewhere local. It's basically a golden corral with less choices. Very disappointed to find out we also couldn't get fried catfish because that's what we had went for! read more

Underwood's Cafeteria - Chicken fried steak w/sides - Barbeque Near Me - Brownwood, Texas

On a trip here recently...(11-22) Cafeteria type serving--phenomenal fried chicken and excellent brisket. Everything looked great and fresh. No frills--just thrills. Served piping hot, delicious extra rolls once seated. Great bang for your buck. Raved about locally. Good deal!! Two for a dynamite lunch--$33 read more

My 1st visit to Underwood's and most likely will not return. The best thing was the apple cobbler. read more

Underwood's Cafeteria - Bbq sauce....I think it's remnants from the bean juice. - Barbeque Near Me - Brownwood, Texas

Service is great and the food is awesome too. Been several times and they never disappoint.

We recently met family from Temple & Abilene for Christmas gift exchange and dinner. Food was much better than I remembered, the staff was super friendly, and the table clearing crew were incredibly patient with us as we did spend more than "dinner" time. Think it's going to be a new tradition! read more

Very good. I had never been to Underwoods but had heard it was very good. Large portions and reasonable price

The food was just not that good. I had chicken fried steak and I think it was the frozen kind. Instant mashed potatoes. The gravy was good. The corn and green beans seemed to have been poured straight out of can. I don't eat cobble but my husband said the apple cobbler was really good. read more

The foods pretty good. I enjoy going here every once in a while. The staff is always helpful and friendly. Love that they bring out hot fresh rolls every few minutes and fill up your drink too. read more

The servers are so sweet! The place feels very cozy and like a little cabin almost. The food is very very good as well especially for a cafeteria! A very cute place to go to. read more

They have been selling this fake bar b que for as long as I can remember,but I still like it.

Great selection of comfort food. The fried chicken is great! You can tell a lot of care went into the cooking and baking.

Fried chicken dinner picnic at Brownwood's Riverside Park accompanied by Austin's Yellowbird Sauce makes for the perfect Lunch! read more

Underwood's Cafeteria - Barbeque Near Me - Brownwood, Texas

Retro cafeteria meat and 3. Had the fried chicken which was really good with all you can eat sort as a cloud rolls and peach cobbler. A must visit when you're in Brownwood. read more

This is a regular cafeteria that serves baked bbq. The food was very tender but very much on the bland side. Overall it's an okay restaurant with okay food. One thing you don't want to miss is the yeast bread rolls. Very delicious read more

Underwoods is famous for a reason, good, old fashioned cooking and atmosphere and always pleasant staff. Never had a meal here that I didn't enjoy. read more

Great home cooked food! service was great and the price and portions were very fair. I had the fried chicken and it was amazing. Mashed potatoes were definitely made with real potatoes and plenty of butter, they reminded me of my grandmothers. With all you eat sides i had 2 servings of mashed potatoes. The green beans were southern style with plenty of flavor! Your meal also includes cobbler, I Had the apple cobbler and the apples were cooked perfectly! read more

This is the best place to eat in Texas. Order the beef steak with potato salad, beans, rolls and cherry cobbler with sweet tea. Just out of this world good. It feels like your stepping back into the 50's or 60's. We go out of our way to stop here. Way out of our way. It's the only place in Texas I would consider doing that. read more

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Underwoods in Brownwood, Texas is a long time true and tested restaurant. Though the building probably could use a little updating, they turn out good old fashioned food daily! This was my first visit, so I wanted to try a little of it all. Not really, but it all looked very good. I had the chicken fried steak along with some of their jalapeño sausage. For the sides, I had carrots, green beans and slaw. They offered many other sides that looked good along with hot rolls and cobbler for dessert. If a restaurant has been around since 1946, it deserves to be given a try. When in Brownwood, go get Full read more

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We live in Bwood and haven't had Underwoods in a while. It was Mother's Day so we decided to get Underwoods in the drive thru. We have never experienced such awful sides. The chicken was good but we mostly received wings (6) 3 breasts and 2 thighs. The green beans were absolutely horrible. They tasted like can beans without any seasonings. One small gravy but 2 tubs of Cole slaw. Didn't make sense at all. The rolls were wimpy to say the least. You can have all you can eat hot rolls when dining in but they rip you off with rolls in the drive thru. Needless to say, no more Underwoods for a long time. read more

My fiancé and I stopped at Underwood's on our way back home to Round Rock and Oh my goodness!!! Y'all!! Their fried chicken was just like my Mama's!! Soooo delicious!!! They have a huge array of sides available that you just pick up down the line. Of course I had to try nearly all of them!! And dare I mention the melt in your mouth yeast rolls!! (My one year old had 3!! 3 yeast rolls and he is a tiny guy!!) Service was fantastic!! There was not a moment that went by that we needed anything whether it was extra sides (yes they are unlimited), house made whip cream, or more delicious sweet tea. The only reason I have taken away a star is because when we were seated, we were put right beside another couple dining (pretty close) when there was an empty booth further away and better spaced. Other than that it was amazing.. go get some of that chicken! You will not regret it. read more

It was great. Had the ribs and peach cobbler. Good price great friendly service. Can't go wrong

As I grew up, there were 2 or 3 Underwood's Cafeterias in Abilene. I remember going with my family many times. The restaurant on pine street had a stuffed 9 foot tall white polar bear in the foyer. Sadly, the only one left is in Brownwood. Other reviews called it old and run down. I call it classic! This is a perfect example of the 1960's. This is the first time I've been in about 30 years. Sadly, it's not what I remember. The ribs and what I'll call brisket were not very good. The jalapeño and cheese sausage was pretty good. All the sides and desserts were good. The apple cobbler was really good, and I wish I had got some of the cherry! And of course, the rolls are great! Bring some more of those over here please! If I go again, I'll try the chicken or chicken fry. But no more ribs or brisket. And nobody, even the owner, knows what happened to the polar bear! Poor guy. read more

Underwood's Cafeteria - I'm afraid my eyes are bigger than my stomach! - Barbeque Near Me - Brownwood, Texas

It's gross it's cafeteria food, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. The bbq sandwich especially it's mystery meat.

I love Underwood's food I think it's the best I like their cobblers that they have especially the cherry and peach cobblers I would recommend to anybody to eat at Underwood's I believe they're the best to me we usually go there when we have a doctor's appointment and Brownwood I love to eat their food I can choose any kind of foods that might want for that that day read more

Very average at best. Prices are very high for what they give you. The rolls and cobbler are great but the actual meal, not so much.

Went on a road trip recently that took me through the small town of Brownwood. I was intrigued by the huge billboard sign and decided to stop in. The place won't overwhelm you with their decor, but I wasn't searching for that type of dining experience, so my expectations were still being met. The line reminds me of a Luby's, except, after the staff serve you your choice of an entree, you then serve yourself with a myriad of side dish offerings. And then your choice of a dessert, which I recommend the peach cobbler. I had some German sausages, which wasn't the best nor the worst I have consumed, but better than the ones I have had at Easy Tiger in austin, which according to some of my colleagues have some great sausages. I was most impressed with their fried chicken, though. Since I was already a bit porked out with the German sausages, I could only handle one drumstick. But boy. It left a lasting impression. Enough for us to make it a point to order a box of fried chicken on the ride back home. They have a drive-through , which is super convenient if you are short on time. The chicken did not disappoint. Super juicy inside, crunchy on the outside, great spices , for an overall mouth-watering fried food experience. My other two passengers thoroughly loved the chicken as well. Final note, everyone was so nice, including the drive through associate, super friendly and polite. What a refreshing breath of air. I hope they don't change, please support this type of business, so they don't become extinct. We will be driving through this town again and look forward to dining there. read more

Underwood's Cafeteria - Barbeque Near Me - Brownwood, Texas

This place was awesome the BBQ beef steak was so tender. The rolls are outstanding and so fresh!!! Super friendly and fast. read more

Underwood's Cafeteria - Beef Steak - Barbeque Near Me - Brownwood, Texas

You go to Underwoods for the meat and the cobbler. Sides are secondary. Can corn and can green beans, but the cole slaw and potato salad are made in house. When you purchase the meat, the sides and cobbler are all you can eat. Cafeteria style service with bus service. Definately will eat here when in Brownswood. read more