Bluebonnet Cafe

[LittleMomma]

One word.. YUM!!!
oh and 4 more words.. Breakfast Served All Day!!!
My husband just took me for the first time last week. I can't believe those pies in there.
I have to learn how to save room for the pie. Anyone else like to eat here too?

[Sabrered]

I guess I'm really missing something, but for the life of me I cannot understand the fascination with the Bluebonnet Cafe. It most certainly cannot be the food for neither the quality or the value can compare with Denny's or IHOP or many other "greasy spoons" in the area. Perhaps it's the Alamo Syndrome as in when visiting San Antonio be sure and visit the Alamo. If you enter the establishment from the side entrance, walk towards the kitchen and look inside. You decide.

[tncnoack]

I agree with Sabrered, The food is not very good, I understand the owners are one of the reasons we can't get a Dennys or IHOP here in town. I would settle for a Waffle house. The lack of eating places for breakfast is almost none and they keep building motels, where in the world are they eating?

[joelinda]

Finally someone that knows what good food is.. if you like mexcan food do not eat at the Bluebonnet, it taste like dog food to me..the only thing that they have going for them is it is the only breakfast place in town.. its been here forevery...and its right on hwy 281..other than that yuk..

[sunnye]

I have always been a little confused over the "raves" about Blue Bonnet. Yes, it has been here for forever, the pies LOOK neat but really, if you had a chocolate piece next to a vanilla piece, close your eyes and take a bite of each, caan you tell which is which? Homemade? I think only the top is.
The breakfast, yep, it is the only place where you can get a good ole truck stop breakfast.
The lunch and dinner? Not interested or interesting but truck stop food.
I have heard the restaurant biz is hard, I like to eat out, but besides the fact it has been open for forever (which is a hard task in the biz) I just don't "get it".
We need an IHOP or Denny's, I heard Denny's tried but did not like the cost of land here.

It would be nice to have a 24 hour restaurant here, many work around the clock at HEB and Walmart restocking.

[NightScenes]

Wouldn't be nice to have a Denny's or IHOP in Marble Falls? We really don't have a good breakfast place but for mexican, who can top Super Taco?

[JWebb]

I would rather have any independent store than another "big box" chain store. I realize it is harder for independents to compete; but really, Denny's? IHOP? Bluebonnet is at least as good as they are and the hamburgers for lunch are pretty good too. I would like to see another breakfast place too but not those y'all mention above.

[lmam88]

For us Old Timers the Blue Bonnet Cafe has lots of memories. It's the only place in town where people can still gather and catch up over coffee and an old fashioned breakfast in the mornings...
Their Chicken Fried Steaks and Chocolate Meringue Pie are to die for!!!

[3D]

Okay,

I also am one who thinks that the Bluebonnet has been living on it's reputation. The food is just ok, not great and usually the waitresses are not so friendly. If it wasn't for the out of towners and the fact that they have made themselves one of the few restaraunts that offer a hot breakfast in town, they probably wouldn't be in business today. I personally think that an IHOP or Denny's would be great for our town. This would also force the Bluebonnet to "step up" the quality of the food served to compete. Then we will see what happens. As far as the comment about the owners keeping the "chains" out, I am interested in knowing just how they go about doing this?

[butchkemper]

Okay,

I also am one who thinks that the Bluebonnet has been living on it's reputation. The food is just ok, not great and usually the waitresses are not so friendly. If it wasn't for the out of towners and the fact that they have made themselves one of the few restaraunts that offer a hot breakfast in town, they probably wouldn't be in business today. I personally think that an IHOP or Denny's would be great for our town. This would also force the Bluebonnet to "step up" the quality of the food served to compete. Then we will see what happens. As far as the comment about the owners keeping the "chains" out, I am interested in knowing just how they go about doing this?

The idea that the Blue Bonnet Cafe owners can keep other restaurants out of town is good grist for conspiracy theorists but it is pure BS.

The folks that do new development planning for corporations such as IHOP and Denny's are very good at determining if a location will support a restaurant. When they think the business will be profitable, the business will come.

Butch

PS. Other than eating at the BB, I have no interest in the business. It belongs to my brother and sister in law.

[JakRussll]

I like the Bluebonnet because it brings commerce to the city. Out-of-towners seem to make it the focal point of their road trips. That works for me. For similar reasons, I think we should re-address our downtown nightlife situation/restrictions. What a wonderful opportunity we continue to miss out on!

As far as being a BB customer, I pretty much agree with most of you. The legend is much bigger than the lure of the cooking. I still have breakfast there a couple of times a year, but I gave up on lunch and dinner years ago. With breakfast, at least most of your food is cooked to order. With, L & D, it is too much like cafeteria food for me. Pre-cooked in large quantities, plated and served to your table. I don't do cafeteria anything. But, to each their own.

As far as competetion, the reason that you will not see a major chain anytime soon is simple demographics. They look for 30.000+ people in a 5 mile radius and/or major interstate visability. The "IHOP type" category requires 24 hour traffic.

The Bluebonnet will continue to be a hill country icon for years to come and I salute the owners for keeping the place hill-country simple and friendly. I have always found the staff very warm and ultra-hard working. An owner is usually on property - very involved - and the impact of that you can't quantify.

[LittleMomma]

I guess I'm really missing something, but for the life of me I cannot understand the fascination with the Bluebonnet Cafe. It most certainly cannot be the food for neither the quality or the value can compare with Denny's or IHOP or many other "greasy spoons" in the area. Perhaps it's the Alamo Syndrome as in when visiting San Antonio be sure and visit the Alamo. If you enter the establishment from the side entrance, walk towards the kitchen and look inside. You decide.


I guess its called preference? Some people like chocolate, some like vanilla. I guess Im really missing something when people ... Miss something because someone enjoys something that someone doesn't.
I love the Blue Bonnet Cafe, who cares if its a "Tourist" Trap. If I lived in San Antonio , I would still love the Alamo. I am not better than anything because it's a tourist destination. I guess you are better than everyone because you live here.
*sigh*

[grumpy]

They may not keep Denny's out but I have always understood that the owners of Blue Bonnet were instrumental in preventing the 281 bypass that would have relieved the terrible traffic on 281 through town.

[tonigking]

The Bluebonnet Cafe is a Marble Falls institution. What other locally owned business has been here that long and is that visible.
Bluebonnet has long been a destination spot to meet folks coming from different places.
I can't tell you how many times, since 1973, I have said, I'll meet you at the Bluebonnet and we'll go from there or you can follow me from there...
In all honesty, I think it has been slipping a little since John hasn't been there all the time and many of the great , old time waitresses have died and/or retired. That is easily fixable with a little refocus and training.
And as far as the pies go, if you like a little pie with your merengue, your in business. Frankly, I never have room for pie after eating the boat load of well seasoned veggies and homemade bread. The pies must be good cause they sure make a ton of them and during holidays their whole pumpkin and pecan sure make my life easier.
We were being nostalgic on a different topic and lamenting the loss of Michel's; I can't imagine MF without the Bluebonnet. I wish I had a hot cinnamon roll right now!
When my folks transferred in here with GTE in 1973, I think it was, the only place to live was to purchase a mobile home and park it at Kemper's Korner and eat at the Bluebonnet.
The Kempers are fine, hard working, community minded people who have done so much for Marble Falls and to suggest anything underhanded about them is outrageous.
Do I know them, yes by reputation only. They don't know me at all.:cheers:

[3D]

For LittleMomma...
I do believe you DID miss the point which was you can't tell the difference in the pies. It has nothing to do with preference over Vanilla VS Chocolate. Also, the fact that the Bluebonnet is a tourist stop, again, is part of why it is still in business.

If you take a look at all of the comments above, surely you can see that most are in agreement that the food isn't that great. The fact that we live here has nothing to do with the facts stated in this forum. I think it speaks for itself.

[mdarling]

I occasionally eat at the Blue Bonnet, and the food is okay. Everyone is right about not having much choice in breakfast places. Of course, Super Taco is there, and you can get a decent breakfast. But, my favorite is Atwood's. I know it's tiny, with only about six or seven tables. But, everyone is friendly, the food is good and prices are more than reasonable. The Sivells are genuinely nice people. If there are no empty tables, someone is always willing to share theirs.

I do enjoy "pie happy hour" at the Blue Bonnet.

[ladybutton]

The Bluebonnet's greatest asset is that it serves "just plain food."

For people on various kinds of restricted diets, it's a Godsend.

[Webmaster]

Love the Bluebonnet. My only complaint about it in the 12+ years that we've lived in the area is that it's not open 24 hours. I would go more, but I end up stuffing myself so we only go every now and then. Oh, and I love their birthday club.

[TexasGal]

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who thinks the Blue Bonnet is just average at best. I agree that their reputation and the fact that they are so well known in the Hill Country is a big part of the success of their business. Visitors always want to go.....I'd love to see either a 24 hr. breakfast place or a good cafeteria in town!

[ladybutton]

I've been dreaming of a cafeteria for a long time.

[lmam88]

I've been dreaming of a cafeteria for a long time.

Luby's:D!

[jeannielee]

Every now and then, it's nice to go someplace to have breakfast cooked for me. Bluebonnet fills that bill--but sure would like to have other choices. Super Taco is another great place for breakfast - American and Mexican styles.

[ladybutton]

Luby's:D!

Yeah!! OR Furr's!

[tonigking]

I really enjoy the Breakfast buffet at Pepper's in GS. Sat. Sun Morn. only
She has everything from french toast to migas and everything in between both mexican and american.

[grumpy]

I would love to see a Furr's. We used to have a Golden Corral. I don't know about breadfast but it is a good place to eat in other towns. I do like the food at Blue Bonnet but the servings are too generous and priced accordingly.

[AllyMay]

Okay, I have to weigh in on this topic. I cannot believe that people would prefer tasteless cold buffet food to hot cooked to order food. But Luby's downsized because they changed their business strategy and it did not work. They won't be opening new restaurants anytime soon. When you go to a cafeteria and it costs you $10 + a tip for the "server" you have outpriced your food.

I don't personally eat at the Bluebonnet for anything except breakfast. I find their food bland and their pies to be like thick pudding in a crust. But it still beats the Golden Corral and other AYCE buffet foods.

But if Buffet foods are your ideal meal. Try the Highlander in Burnet for Breakfast or Lunch. They at least try to season their meats and break the choices up.

[Racklefras]

I noticed the new "Grand Buffet" has opened (where the Chinese Buffet used to be). Has anyone tried it yet?

[springflower]

I am also wondering about the
Grand Buffet.
I ordered a Coconut meringue pie at the BB and it was disappointing. Mostly crust and meringue.
I have not had anything at the BB that I can rave about. I agree they are living on their past reputation alright.
I wish Brother's Bakery had more pies to offer.

[BubbasGeek]

The Bluebonnet Cafe is a treasure and I eat there often; best bang for the buck in town! I love the ribs on Saturday night and usually get the 6 oz steak on Wednesday. My wife only lets me eat pie if it's raining while we are there! The chocolate fudge pie dripping with chocolate, and topped with ice cream and nuts if fabulous!

[springflower]

We went to eat lunch at the Grand Buffet today.
The place has been remodeled and fixed up nice.
The restrooms were clean,which I hear is a good sign.
The food was almost the same as what Lucky's had in their buffet.
The desserts were fresher. Those little layered cakes were moist and tasty.
Good macaroons too.

[joelinda]

The cafe in Round Mt. at the auction barn has wonderful pies...the crust is not too thick and the filling is topped way high..and its not killed with the egg whites...

[bimbo]

the blue bonnet is an iconic business and an integral part of the charm and attraction of marble falls. the food is just fine (it's not meant to be "texas land & cattle"). . . for those of you who want a denny's, ihop, luby's and whatever else assembly-line slop slingin' chain restaurant, well, austin is right down the road, just make sure you leave marble falls an hour and a half early to make it through the Austin city traffic....

[ladybutton]

the blue bonnet is an iconic business and an integral part of the charm and attraction of marble falls. the food is just fine (it's not meant to be "texas land & cattle"). . . for those of you who want a denny's, ihop, luby's and whatever else assembly-line slop slingin' chain restaurant, well, austin is right down the road, just make sure you leave marble falls an hour and a half early to make it through the Austin city traffic....

Bimbo, you have some good points there, especially the last one about the traffic. Though lately it seems like traffic here in MF is just as bad, especially on Fridays.

[bimbo]

marble falls traffic pales in comparison to mopac & I35.....marble locals already know the alt routes to avoid the worst of 281 &1431... just frustrating to me to read about all the ways people want marble falls to be something that its not...... here's a clue, the largest employer in the county is the school district, the biggest industries are tourism and rock quarries.... the largest demographic is retirees and citizens older than 50.... if you want something else.... go somewhere else.

[JWebb]

We moved here from Houston 4 years ago because we love the small town atmosphere of Marble Falls. I agree with Bimbo about the chain stores. And traffic? Not comparable at all to Austin. When we need to go back to Houston for whatever reason we can hardly wait to get back home to Marble Falls.

BTW, one of our favorite places for lunch is The Noon Spoon. They are also open for breakfast which is served all day. We haven't had their breakfast but if it is anywhere near as tasty as their lunches it will be good.

[Caretaker]

marble falls traffic pales in comparison to mopac & I35.....marble locals already know the alt routes to avoid the worst of 281 &1431... just frustrating to me to read about all the ways people want marble falls to be something that its not...... here's a clue, the largest employer in the county is the school district, the biggest industries are tourism and rock quarries.... the largest demographic is retirees and citizens older than 50.... if you want something else.... go somewhere else.


Dont forget about the Hospital industry.Oh wait We dont have a Hospital Yet.

l,m in agreement with you. If folks wanted something else or what ever another Bigger city has to offer, then Move there. I tell them if they like mega malls there is BeeCaves.They have a mega hangout or as I like to call them.The loittering local.

[LittleMomma]

For LittleMomma...
I do believe you DID miss the point which was you can't tell the difference in the pies. It has nothing to do with preference over Vanilla VS Chocolate. Also, the fact that the Bluebonnet is a tourist stop, again, is part of why it is still in business.

If you take a look at all of the comments above, surely you can see that most are in agreement that the food isn't that great. The fact that we live here has nothing to do with the facts stated in this forum. I think it speaks for itself.

Yes But this forum does NOT speak for what I prefer to eat! Plain and simple! I like the Food there. No one is going to tell me different because they don't like it.

[katysmom]

As far as I'm concerned the Bluebonnet Cafe is an icon for our little town, BUT the food is hardly deserving the "homecooked" raves it gets in all the nationwide magazines! I dare say if you put a plate lunch down in front of one of these writers and they didn't know where it came from...... it wouldn't fare too well! I think the ambiance is what the Bluebonnet is all about anyway! I know for a fact (past employee) that they order in the pies and then put on the meringue (calf slobber :D) They don't have a distinct flavor and again..... the "look" is what is so unique! The green beans taste like they came straight out of the can..... NO flavor! And what really gets me is the fact they use FAKE mash potatoes! They own the River City Grille, they serve real mash potatoes! What's up with that.... cheap I guess! There are a few of the wait staff who are friendly but most are down right rude! They are so busy they have sweat dripping off their faces.... kinda gross actually! But you gotta give em a high five on makin a buck! Wish they would upgrade the food a bit.... then they might deserve those rave reviews they get!

[curious]

Most of the veggies they have come frozen, in a bag (per the owner). I found a piece of curly stainless steel in my greens, and he came out and told us that it couldn't have come from them, because the come frozen, in a bag, and they don't use a can opener (at least on the greens). The fare is much like Threadgill's in Austin, but hardly homemade. You do get a lot of food for your money, but it is hardly something to write home about.

[mmorlino]

I agree with an OP above - I LIKE that it brings attention and revenue to our "small town". But as an actual resident of Marble Falls (ok, Granite Shoals) I do not eat there. The food is mediocre at best, the pies... hmph, I make pies MUCH better - BB pies do not taste homemade.

The final lid on the coffin for us was when my husband and I went there in March 2010. He ordered chicken strips. In the past, it had been a good value and nicely seasoned. This time, they gave him 5 strips the size of his fingers. He asked the waitress about it and she said that was normal. My husband is a VERY quiet man... so for him to ask the waitress is a big deal. Then he went home and wrote a Facebook post about it. He was pretty let down by Bluebonnet, and we have not been back, nor recommended it, since then.

I agree - I want a good breakfast place. When I was pregnant with my son (he's two now), I craved waffles. NO place had waffles, that I found at that time, except some "free breakfast" at a motel.... which believe me, in my pregnant state, I considered it! haha! But alas, I waited until we were in the hospital bringing our baby boy into this world to have some delicious Belgian waffles... hospital food... but it was GOOD!

(for those who care, here's my husbands' rant on Blue Bonnet's chicken finger experience...)

Bluebonnet Cafe in Marble Falls is officially off my list of restaurants I like. The food has never been that great, and frankly I think the place is over-rated, but at least there was good value for your money.

This was my Fried Chicken Tender entree. I couldn't believe the Chicken McNugget-sized tenders. Was this supposed to be a kid's meal? I asked the waitress if this was a normal sized portion and she said that is what they serve. I'd ordered this plate before (the tenders do have a good seasoning on them) and I know I got way more food than this. It's not the waitress's fault but seriously, have we sunk down into a depression now? Is the economy so bad that a shred of poultry the size of my little finger classifies as a chicken tender?! And the cost of this exquisite meal was a stifling $7.95. That's over $1 per tender! I can buy five nuggets at Wendy's for $0.99 and they taste pretty good.

Molly's meal wasn't that great, either. What is it that people like about this place anyway?

We were planning on sharing a slice of pie for desert but I opted to take my business elsewhere. I enjoyed a delicious cup of frozen yogurt from Fresh N Fruiti for less than the cost of the pie.

Sorry Bluebonnet Cafe, but we won't be back again. And get a freaking credit card machine!

[joelinda]

So glad to see you people wake up...The Bluebonnet Cafe has never had good food...whatever you do don't order mexican food....dog food smells better than there mexican food tastes....there coffee is so weak that even my dog could drank it for water....and I know that most of the food is frozen or out of a can....I will never go back to the Bluebonnet Cafe...

[justme]

For me I love the Bluebonnet! Breakfast, lunch & dinner anytime of day it is awesome. I have tried some of the big box stores their food is not even in the same ballpark as THE BLUEBONNET. DQ is awesome too. I bet if Bluebonnet was gone then you would miss it....you don't know what you have til its gone. :rockon:

[justme]

Bluebonnet rocks............totally awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[justme]

yes sir super taco has awesome breakfast

[justme]

Freaking credit card...finest dachshunds. Bad mouth someone else....then brag on self. then have the nerve to sign yours in Christ, Molly

Wonder what Christ thinks ?????????? I am not your judge.... but you will be judged!

[justme]

noonspoon is awesome ....I still eat there but it's too small. Want good mexican food go to Tamale King..... awesome

[justme]

What happened to Ventura's that hot dog place by horseshoebay?...... i loved that place!

[Tgutr]

Truly, I don't know either, why the Bluebonnet is so famous. Storm's has better breakfast, or Super Taco for mexican breakfast food - cannot be beat.
What gets me is if someone in Maine or Oregon KNOWS Marble Falls by name? They bring up the Bluebonnet!
Bluebonnet has some nice pies I guess?
and I second a Luby's that would be awesome.

[KINGCHIP]

I agree with an OP above - I LIKE that it brings attention and revenue to our "small town". But as an actual resident of Marble Falls (ok, Granite Shoals) I do not eat there. The food is mediocre at best, the pies... hmph, I make pies MUCH better - BB pies do not taste homemade.

The final lid on the coffin for us was when my husband and I went there in March 2010. He ordered chicken strips. In the past, it had been a good value and nicely seasoned. This time, they gave him 5 strips the size of his fingers. He asked the waitress about it and she said that was normal. My husband is a VERY quiet man... so for him to ask the waitress is a big deal. Then he went home and wrote a Facebook post about it. He was pretty let down by Bluebonnet, and we have not been back, nor recommended it, since then.

I agree - I want a good breakfast place. When I was pregnant with my son (he's two now), I craved waffles. NO place had waffles, that I found at that time, except some "free breakfast" at a motel.... which believe me, in my pregnant state, I considered it! haha! But alas, I waited until we were in the hospital bringing our baby boy into this world to have some delicious Belgian waffles... hospital food... but it was GOOD!

(for those who care, here's my husbands' rant on Blue Bonnet's chicken finger experience...)

I like Bluebonnets omelet for breakfast. None better in town.

Did I hear you invite everyone over for pie? Count me in.....

[tonigking]

Tradition, it's all about tradition. A few weeks ago we were reminicsing and lamenting about Michel's and other places being gone.

Everytime I came to visit my Mother before living here we met at the Bluebonnet. It was usually at breakfast time, but no matter the time you could always get breakfast.

Anytime any one came to visit her it was easiest to meet at the Blubonnet and then let them follow you home.

I have to admit the food was better back then, the waitresses better and John seemed to always be there.

Everytime I feel really blue I can go to the BB and have fun memories of my Mom. She worked for a local dentist and loved working the Methodist Church nursery on mothers day out. Way back there everyone seemed to know Lucy. She loved it.

So I challenge John to step it up with better food, maybe even a senior discount.
I challenge the "oldtimers" and newcomers to support our Bluebonnet lest another Marble Falls landmark and tradition fall by the wayside.:cry:

[mmorlino]

I like Bluebonnets omelet for breakfast. None better in town.

Did I hear you invite everyone over for pie? Count me in.....

LOL Kingchip, I will make you my famous PB pie!

[Tgutr]

I don't think the Bluebonnet will ever fall by the wayside. I have found something out recently.. and may now understand why this place is so popular. I'ts just plain, decent, traditonal, caucasian based southern home cooking. Nothing special.
This is what I could make at home easily so when I go out I don't want something I know how to make!
BUT, there are so many that can't..
So many from maybe up North that think this is to DIE for..
Case in Point. This group of people from out of town were on Main Street last night for dinner, and asking about the Bluebonnet for breakfast. I mentioned some awesome mexican food restaurants we have here.. (which I much prefer for breakfast). But they are surrounded by great Mexican food being from San Antonio, so a plain ole eggs n toast n gravy with biscuits is a treat for them!
I was surprised, but now more understanding of why some just go with the Bluebonnet I guess, we all have different tastes and alot of ppl have a taste for the Bluebonnet!

[mdarling]

I'm sure you didn't intend to insult the northerners; we'll just take your comment as "tongue-in-cheek".

[toddj]

what does all the "up north" mean anyway? give me a break. I gag when I eat there, have not been there in years.

[Tgutr]

Kinda separate thoughts. Not necessarily up north.. but north..south..east..west.. other states..hell northern US.. way away.. if they know Marble Falls, the Bluebonnet comes to mine. Amazes me. It's NOT that great.
and I meant to say that one thing that did not occur to me. is that for people from places with I guess an overabundance of good mexican cuisine..breakfast..what have you..
some plain ole southern american food we're used to and tired of is a delicacy sometimes..