Category Archives: Travel

“The Best Chicken Fried Steak In Texas”

Strawn, Texas, Chicken Fried Steak, Food, Southern Cooking

If you know me, it’s no secret that I’ll find any excuse to go on a drive and explore something new. Chicken Fried Steak on the other hand, that’s just an extra incentive! For the past couple years, I’ve been hearing that the BEST chicken fried steak can be found at Mary’s Cafe in Strawn, Texas. It was about time that I checked this one out!

Chicken Fried Steak (in Texas) is a big deal. Honestly, I had no idea what it was before I moved to the South and then my life changed forever. A thin steak, coated in fried chicken batter, cooked to a crisp and smothered with white gravy. The batter is usually flavorful, with a kick of seasoning. The gravy allows the steak to simply melt in your mouth. Yum! I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

Strawn, Texas, Chicken Fried Steak, Food, Southern Cooking

Upon finding Mary’s, we soon realized that this was the most popular place in town. Upon entering, everyone was so incredibly friendly and gracious – our waitress was the best. The menu was pretty amazing as well. I was there for the chicken fried steak but this caught Sy’s eye…

Strawn, Texas, Chicken Fried Steak, Food, Southern Cooking

We like to watch out waistlines in Texas!

Don’t let your eyes or stomach fool you – you get what you pay for and more. The portions are pretty large and the prices are reasonable. The chicken fried steak is pretty huge, meaning as big as your plate. They come in three sizes (small, medium, large) – I ordered a medium. Wrong choice. I needed help.

Strawn, Texas, Chicken Fried Steak, Food, Southern Cooking

I’m not exactly sure where the proclamation of the “Best Chicken Fried Steak in Texas” came from but Mary’s is holding it’s own. It’s different than many other chicken fried steaks that I’ve had in the past – the batter not as thick and flaky, however very flavorful. The mashed potatoes were delicious! Let’s just say, I could’ve eaten them all day!

Mary’s Cafe has to be the biggest deal in this tiny town. I’m pretty certain it is as people come from miles and miles away to have a famous chicken fried steak. What’s the verdict? It’s pretty darn good!

Once you go – you can check this one off your Texas Bucket List!

Strawn, Texas, Chicken Fried Steak, Food, Southern Cooking

Have you ever been to Mary’s Cafe?

Mary’s Cafe
119 Grant Ave
Strawn, TX 76475
(254) 672-5741

A Scenic Drive Along Hwy 180

10 Replies

Nothing beats a drive out into the middle of nowhere and the middle of nowhere can definitely be found in Texas. These photos were taken off Highway 180 between Weatherford and Strawn, Texas.

Highway 180, Texas, Texas Drive

Palo Pinto Courthouse. This town is tiny but the courthouse area has so much character. Brings you back in time…

Highway 180, Texas, Texas Drive, Palo Pinto

Back on the road… there’s a whole lot of nothing. I love it!

Highway 180, Texas, Texas Drive

Have you ever traveled this route? It makes for a perfect weekend drive!

In the area:
The Baker Hotel – Mineral Wells
Crazy Water – Mineral Wells

Today I’m linking up with Communal Global, Photography Essentials and Create With Joy for {Wordless Wednesday}.

Crazy Water

4 Replies

Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water

What brought everyone to Mineral Wells? It’s what they call crazy water!

In 1880, Mr. and Mrs. James Lynch drilled a well on their property in Mineral Wells. The water tasted funny but it was harmless, it was actually beneficial. Their ailments slowly started to decrease. It’s also said to have helped alleviate an old woman’s dementia (crazies). Thus we have “crazy water”.

In 1881, another well is drilled with the same water presiding and a growing number of people arriving, ready to buy a glass of this healing water. By 1900, Mineral Wells has visitors traveling from all over the world coming to drink and bathe in the mineral water springs. By 1913, Mineral Wells had over 21 different mineral water companies. Multiple bath houses, wells, sanitariums and numerous hotels. Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water The mineral water holds many different natural minerals including zinc, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and silica to name a few. No mineral can be added to mineral water. With the minerals being in the drinking water, it allows the minerals to be absorbed into the body easier. Allowing folks to stay hydrated and recover faster. (If Mike Modano loves mineral water, it must be great!)

Throughout the years, mineral water is proclaimed to have many health benefits. Although business and the number of open wells has decreased (only two wells are currently open), mineral water can still be found today at one of the original pavilions – Mr. Dismuke’s Famous Pavilion.

Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water

Step on inside, to hear a bit of history, see products and photographs from the prosperous days when mineral water was first introduced and sample some of the mineral water for yourself.

Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water

In case you’re curious, the water tastes a little thicker than normal water and silky. There’s definitely a different taste but it’s not bad. There’s also different levels of the mineral water with hold various mineral contents (and taste).

Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water

Have you ever had or heard of the crazy water?

Crazy Water
209 N. W. 6th Street
Mineral Wells, Texas 76067
Tel: (940) 325-8870