Mary is a very hands-on kind of owner—she does it all, so much so that people don’t even realize that she is the fabulous and famous Mary. And inside, you might think you’re in a biker bar, what with the dim lighting and community-style tables (the lighting made it hard to get photos inside, but the ever cheesy grab game plucked straight from the 80s tells you everything you need to know). Restaurant is on the right-hand side on the south side of town. Turn right (north), and proceed 5 miles to the town of Strawn. Yikes. It was hard. American (Traditional) $$ (254) 672-5741. The fries were so-so; fresh and hand-cut, but too much oil made them limp and chewy after a few minutes. Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. She has this all down to a science. Website. But Mary, she is the queen of both, making Mary’s Cafe in Strawn well worth a stop on the Texas Bucket List. Things have certainly changed. Good enough that if you’re driving down IH-20 on your way somewhere else, it’s worth detouring 5 miles out of your way for lunch. Our group of five drove from Fort Worth to savor the famous Chicken Fried Steak Mary’s Café. Today there is a long line of eager eaters looking to fill their bellies. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Cafe/160686940643139. “It’s incredible that she has maintained actually, I think that her business is probably stronger now, as strong as it’s ever been,” said customer, Bobby Schuman. It sure keeps her customers coming back for more. At Mary’s Cafe, the chicken fried steak doesn’t touch the deep fryer, Mary has her own methods. Restaurant is on the right-hand side on the south side of town. Please check with the restaurant directly. “I’d had no idea that it would be anything like this,” confessed Mary Tretter. But you’d be forgiven for driving right past Mary’s on your way elsewhere. But hey, to each her own. Restaurant Review: The Woolworth Restaurant and Cocktail Bar, Dallas, Review: Spirit Airlines Cafe Plus Snack Box, Restaurant Review: Wild Salsa in Dallas, TX, 119 Grant Avenue (State Highway 16), Strawn, TX, Price: $15-25 per person, without alcohol. Turn right (north), and proceed 5 miles to the town of Strawn. It’s basically THREE chicken fried steaks served on one platter, with fries and gravy served in a separate bowl. Strawn— If you ever find yourself driving between Fort Worth and Abilene, a stop in Strawn may not seem like something to steer for, unless you like Chicken Fried Steak. As you can see from this menu excerpt, comfort food is indeed what you come here for. The guy sitting next to us ordered one, and it was easily as big as my fist. “I’ve had some big ballplayers, him and his friend, they were both big guys. Unsubscribe at any time. And so, the Saturday before Memorial Day, my wife and I dodged the rain and hit the road in search of some Southern fried goodness. The chicken fried steaks are finished off with a few final touches. Mary is the reason people trek all the way to this small town for something a bit more sizeable than the city—massive meals. I have read somewhere that the patties weigh in at a pound and a quarter. Seems they were a little short staffed that day. “Sometimes I’ll walk by and I’ll hear somebody say, ‘I think that’s Mary.’ And I don’t say anything, because I’m just like them, just another worker… And if they go, ‘Can we have your autograph? Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity mentioned herein. People travel from near and far to dine at Mary’s Cafe. Chicken fried steak, flipped on a flat top, has a much different texture than you would get out of a deep fryer. Probably enough for about four large maybe,” said Mary. A recovering frequent business traveler, he shows how to make the most of your vacation time, even without status. At least I’d have dinner for a couple of days, and $17 for three meals is actually a pretty good deal. “They just make good chicken fried steak,” confirmed Bob. I always say, ‘My business is like a man, it’s unpredictable.’ I always tell people that. “They’re famous for their chicken fried steak,” said Megan. And I’m not saying this is healthy, but you know what I’m saying,” said Megan. I don’t know how many will be on here. The company's principal address is 119 Grant Ave, Strawn, TX 76475. “We always stop in and get chicken fried steak,” said another customer, Bob Nichols. “The crust is right, and the meat’s not over done, and it’s just a very well cooked chicken fried steak,” added Bob. The burger is topped with cheese and toppings while the chicken fried steaks gets a massive side of real mashed potatoes. “They know how to cook one,” said customer, Bob Nichols. My ex-boss, who hunts deer and hogs in the nearby area, confirmed that hunters flock to Mary’s after a long day of hunting for the hearty meals. Driving time is approximately an hour and 40 mnutes from downtown Dallas. 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. Although one would never expect such a gigantic hamburger to have such good flavor, at Mary’s the secret seasoning is the touch. Considering she serves over 50,000 pounds of chicken fried steaks and over 200,000 pounds of potatoes every year, I think business is moving along just fine. The smallest, while still a large steak, is doable in one go if you’re hungry. Dip a chunk of steak in the gravy, and you’ve got a real nice, meaty flavor. Directions:  from Dallas or Fort Worth, take IH-20 east to State Highway 16 (Exit 361). We were there for a late lunch (~12:45), and the restaurant was maybe 2/3 full when we were there, but it still took nearly an hour to finally get our food, and both me and our neighbors had to chase down the server a couple of times for drink refills. Oh, and when they say “Texas-Size Burgers”, they mean it. Marys Cafe « Back To Strawn, TX. In the 2012, there were 643 residents. Rating:  I’d say that Dallas’ own Babe’s serves a somewhat better chicken fried steak, but it’s still good. 4 stars. But hey, I’m never one to judge a restaurant by its cover. Crab legs are a decidedly strange menu item at a country café located 350 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. This content has not been approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. She is also very proud of her two pound burgers. Don't Leave Home without the Latest Tips and Tricks! “It was tough. The company's filing status is listed as Voluntarily Dissolved and its File Number is 0800508067. Learn to how to find the cheapest awards. This is the “large” portion, by the way. The inside of the restaurant was rather rustic and laid back. (I actually prefer that so the steak doesn’t get soggy, and it makes it easier to pack up leftovers). The blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town of Strawn, about 110 miles west of Dallas. It is even recommended that you make a reservation. Prita seemed to enjoy the meal, and took the leftovers home to eat. Sign up to receive a single weekly email with recent posts and other travel news. Copyright © McAuliffe Productions, LLC. Due to Covid-19, restaurant open hours and service may differ. Chicken-fried steak is one of the most iconic foods in Texas, so naturally, there are tons of place that serve it. Mary’s Cafe in the tiny town of Strawn has, hands-down, the best in the state, and you’ll know your search is over after just one bite. In 1984, she started working here at the restaurant when it was called the Polka Dot. Not as crunchy, but just enough crunch to make it incredible. “Oh my gosh, I was like, ‘I got to show you this chicken fried steak,'” said customer, Megan Cronkright. Yes! Some butter is splashed on top along with a very secret seasoning. The parking lot was on a dirt covered area and where ever you could find a spot. Everybody knows, that’s ever eaten here, they remember,” commented Bobby. It is, just batter that you’re getting when you have chicken. On to the star of the show, the chicken fried steak. Please view our privacy policy for details about the information we share with our partners. “It’s too much batter. “As long as I know, and that man upstairs knows I’m doing my best, that’s all I can do,” said Mary. The flavor, texture and taste of this Texas treat is totally terrific. Driving time is approximately an hour and 40 mnutes from downtown Dallas. And my current boss’ secretary tells a story of how my boss tried in vain to convince the restaurant’s owner to open a second location at nearby Lake Palo Pinto. – food. The lady running the cash register and seating customers was none other than Mary, the cafe owner. The gravy was probably the star of the show – real country gravy with a sausage base, thick and hearty with a nice helping of black pepper. If you’re not feeling brave enough to order the large, they do have two smaller sizes available. To me the menu was rather large for such a small café. Mary's Cafe Inc is a Texas Domestic For-Profit Corporation filed on June 20, 2005. Now, that’s quite a claim, one that the food critic at The Road More Traveled just had to verify. Articles are of a general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances. And they come in, they ordered a burger and an order of fries, they split it,” she said. 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