Cleburne Cafeteria - Review - Houston - The Infatuation

"Cleburne Cafeteria exists in the same cinematic universe as your local Luby’s. The West University spot has been around since the ‘40s, and walking in, you get the sense that everyone has been coming here with their families for years. The cafeteria has a sea of plastic trays leading to the food assembly line. But instead of your typical chocolate milk and fish sticks, Cleburne serves hefty pieces of cod and mounds of smooth mashed potatoes protecting pools of rich gravy. By the time you make it to the end of the serving line, you’ll have to make the tough decision between a slice of pecan pie and a quarter-pound of blueberry cake. And when you’re finally in the dining room tearing into chicken fried steak, you’ll get hit by the nostalgia of this classic restaurant and be thankful for the pause in time. photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Quit Nguyen photo credit: Quit Nguyen photo credit: Quit Nguyen Pause Unmute Food Rundown Kale Salad The kale is dressed with a slightly sweet vinaigrette and features a slight crunch from roasted peanuts and bell peppers. It makes for a good way to start your meal. photo credit: Quit Nguyen Mashed Potatoes Fluffy and filling, the mashed potatoes warrant a spot on your tray. We love the excess gravy cascading over the top of the potatoes. PlayMute video credit: Quit Nguyen Chicken Fried Steak The football-sized steak is covered in perfectly crispy breading. You can get it plain, but the gravy adds so much richness that the dish feels incomplete without it. photo credit: Quit Nguyen Blueberry Cake This slice is massive enough for two people. But between the thick slab of buttercream frosting and the tart bursts of blueberries folded into the cake, it’s OK to want this dessert all to yourself. photo credit: Quit Nguyen" - Gianni Greene