Ever heard of Strawn, Texas?  If you are headed west on I20, about halfway between Ft. Worth, Texas and Abilene is the small community of Strawn.  When I say small, I mean small.  In the 2012, there were 643 residents.  Strawn has a famous six man football team (The Greyhounds) that has won two state championships in the last few years, but Strawn’s real claim to fame is Mary’s Cafe.

People travel from near and far to dine at Mary’s Cafe.  It is even recommended that you make a reservation.  Yes!  Mary’s Cafe has put Strawn, Texas on the culinary map – and the main draw is Mary’s Chicken Fried Steak.  Pickups and cars surrounded Mary’s Cafe, and there was even a special parking area for bikers.  (Doncha believe that bikers and policemen know the best places to eat?)

Mary’s Chicken Fried Steak comes in three sizes – small, medium, and large.

This was the small, and I didn’t finish this portion – not because it was not good.  On the contrary, it was fantastic, but…. (I am trying to be good.)  Mary’s Chicken Fried Steak is made from real meat.  It is not too heavily breaded, and it is very tender.  The yummy mashed potatoes are real.

Mary’s cream gravy is almost as famous as the chicken fried steak.  Friend Betty normally does not eat restaurant gravy, but she has proclaimed Mary’s gravy as “The Best”.  I like that they serve the gravy on “the side”, so the gravy does not make the steak soggy.  This gravy is peppery and very tasty.

There are other noteworthy items on the menu besides chicken fried steak, and many of these dishes earn rave reviews also.  Ever-Lovin’ ordered the nachos.  Just look at all the delicious fresh ingredients.  Other favorites are Mary’s fried chicken, fried chicken livers or gizzards, and humongous burgers.

Who would know that in little Shrawn, Texas there would be such a famous restaurant.  Do go if you can.  It would be worth a drive across I20.

If you are ever about 84 miles west of Ft. Worth on interstate 20, take exit Texas 16 and head less than four miles north to Strawn.  Travel less than four miles, and you will come to Mary’s Cafe.

Mary’s Cafe is a destination cafe, and it deserves the accolades that grace their walls.

After lunch, we drove around to see the sights of Strawn.  Some houses looked good, but others needed some TLC?

I highly recommend making the effort to eat at Mary’s Cafe.  If you like tasty home cooking (especially chicken fried steak), Mary’s Cafe in Strawn, Texas is worth the drive.

Blessings to you and yours,

Here is some information from the Strawn, Texas website.

 

Located less than four miles off Interstate 20 midway between Fort Worth and Abilene, the city of Strawn serves as the gateway to the beautiful North Texas Hill Country. Nestled in the crook of the cedar-covered hills forming the southern end of the Palo Pinto Mountain Range, this bustling ranching community is home to friendly people, caring neighbors and a laid-back lifestyle.