Pioneer Cafe - Franklin, Texas

Jake S.

This is the quintessential small town Cafe. Everyone inside knows each other and has been going there for years. This isn't a quick dine and dash you need to be prepared to take your time and enjoy yourself. The salad bar is average, except for one important addition, a pot of homemade pinto beans that are pure nostalgia. Today the lunch special was all you can eat fried catfish served with hush puppies, fries and cole slaw. Nothing especially special about the sides, they are pretty Cafe standard, but the fried fish is very good. It's a much lighter, golden crust than I was expecting with no hint of being soggy. My server was quick to refill my plate with a second helping and was a friendly as anyone you would ever hope to meet. An overall great experience. Small town charm that's not an act, but a genuine friendly way of life. Can't wait to come back.

Shawn S.

This is a very old long running establishment with lots of charm. Well worth the stop for the adventurous type! Food was good salad bar was very good parking was a little sketchy but doable. Don’t let the parking dissuade you. Pull on in!

Brandon T.

Great experience. Tiffany was very sweet and the full menu all day is really helpful. Very affordable and perfect for families. Pat the owner seems to really know her food. The Pancakes were great, hamburger was amazing chicken nuggets are the best we’ve ever had, the Belgian waffle was out of this world! Gotta try!

PAUL H.

If we could I wouldn't at any stars, but, have to add one in order to post.
We stopped here because of the "great reviews", I beg to differ.
First, it seems that they were rationing the hashbrowns and biscuits.
Second, way to overpriced and portions are small.
Third, I like to go into a restaurant that feels welcoming, and not political that's a big turn off, such a small town and you have to seen that, yeah, we're never, ever going back. All POLITICIANS suck even Trump.

Thomas J.

We went on a Sunday at around 11 AM and beat the church traffic. Food was okay, maybe on par with IHOP. I had chicken fried steak and eggs, and my son had a philly cheese steak. I'm guessing the chicken fried steak comes frozen and wasn't freshly battered or anything like that. It was decent enough, but nothing special. Son said the philly didn't have a lot of flavor.

Restaurant kind of smelled like smoke and has a very small bathroom. To me this is more of a place for the regulars to come, it's decent food and I'm sure the waitstaff knows the locals there and they are all happy with it. They had a buffet style lunch as well as a normal menu.

Leif E.

I LOVE to eat! I have eaten almost everything on the menu, and I can say without a doubt that the food is consistently delicious, fresh, and served with a smile! The catfish will make you glad to be alive. Worth a drive even if you don't live in Franklin. Highly recommended!

Sandy S.

We’ll be back here. Really great food today! Ordered 2 meals to go: Chicken fried steak & fried pork chops, both with mashed potatoes, cream gravy, & salad bar. Very delicious! Best pork chop I’ve had in awhile. Good coconut cream pie for dessert, enough for 2.
Didn’t order breakfast but it’s nice to know they serve it all day.

All A. T. S.

Great shall turn service, friendly good old fashion ppl. If your coming through Franklin it's a must stop. Would recommend it will return myself