This Texas Buffet Has Endless Southern Classics and Locals Still Try to Keep It a Secret

You can tell a lot about a restaurant by its parking lot, and the one outside Schobels’ Restaurant was completely full when I rolled in. That was enough to make me pull over.

Inside, it felt like walking into a place people have been coming to for years. The buffet stretches long with Southern comfort dishes lined up one after another, and regulars move down the line like they have a strategy.

I grabbed a tray and followed their lead, adding a little of this and a little of that until my plate looked like it meant business. The dining room buzzed with families talking over stacked plates, and it did not take long to see why this spot has stuck around for so long.

Chicken Fried Steak Done Right

Some dishes just define Texas comfort food, and chicken fried steak sits right at the top of that list. At Schobels’, they understand this assignment completely.

The breading achieves that perfect golden-brown color that tells you it’s been fried to crispy perfection. When you cut into it, the meat stays tender and juicy inside, which is the real test of whether someone knows what they’re doing.

Too many places serve chicken fried steak that’s either overcooked or has breading that falls off in sad clumps.

I tried it at breakfast with poached eggs on top, and the combination was absolutely outstanding. The runny yolk mixed with the gravy created this rich sauce that elevated everything on the plate.

The biscuits and gravy that came alongside were fluffy and buttery, perfect for soaking up every last bit of flavor.

Even if you come for lunch or dinner, this dish holds up beautifully. It’s one of those menu items that regulars probably order every single visit because they know it’s consistently excellent.

The portion size is generous without being overwhelming, giving you room to try other things from the buffet too.

A Buffet That Feels Like Sunday Dinner

Walking up to the buffet line at Schobels’ felt a bit overwhelming at first, but in the best possible way. There were so many choices spread across the stations that I had to make a mental game plan before diving in.

What struck me immediately was how fresh everything looked, even though the lunch rush was in full swing. The fried chicken glistened under the warmth lamps, the vegetables still had their color, and the casseroles bubbled invitingly in their serving dishes.

This wasn’t one of those sad buffets where food sits around getting crusty.

I watched other diners move through the line with confidence, clearly veterans who knew which dishes were the must-haves. The beauty of a place like this is that you can sample a little bit of everything without committing to a full plate of something you’ve never tried before.

If you’re not sure what to get, just look at what the regulars are piling high.

The staff kept the buffet stocked throughout service, whisking away empty trays and replacing them with fresh batches. That attention to quality makes all the difference between a good buffet and a great one, and Schobels’ definitely falls into the latter category.

That Legendary Salad Bar Experience

I’ll be honest, I almost skipped the salad bar entirely because I was eyeing all the hot food. But then I noticed nearly everyone stopping there first, and I’m so glad I followed their lead.

The setup is impressive, with fresh vegetables, multiple prepared salads, and all the fixings you could want. But the real showstopper is the giant block of cheddar cheese sitting right in the middle with a grater beside it.

You actually get to grate your own cheese fresh onto your salad, which feels oddly satisfying and ensures you’re getting the good stuff.

I loaded up on the basics first, then added some of the prepared sides like potato salad and coleslaw. The variety meant everyone at my table could build exactly the salad they wanted, from light and healthy to loaded with all the toppings.

The dressings offered plenty of options, though I went with a simple oil and vinegar to let the fresh vegetables shine.

What makes this salad bar special isn’t just the selection, but the quality and freshness of everything available. It’s clear they take pride in this station just as much as the hot buffet.

German Heritage on Every Plate

Columbus has strong German roots, and Schobels’ honors that heritage beautifully through their menu. The schnitzel here isn’t just an afterthought, it’s a serious dish that could hold its own in any German restaurant.

What makes their version special is the Texas twist they add with jalapeno gravy. That combination of traditional German preparation with a little Lone Star heat creates something unique and memorable.

The schnitzel itself is pounded thin and breaded perfectly, then fried until the coating turns golden and crispy.

If you order from the menu instead of hitting the buffet, the German selections really shine. The red cabbage that comes as a side has that sweet-and-sour flavor profile that balances the richness of the meat dishes.

Even the liver and onions, which some people avoid, gets rave reviews from those who appreciate traditional German cooking.

This blending of German and Southern cooking traditions makes sense when you remember how many German immigrants settled in this part of Texas generations ago. Their influence still shows up in the best possible way, through food that honors both cultures while creating something entirely its own.

Squash Casserole That Steals the Show

Sometimes the side dishes end up being the real stars of a meal, and that’s exactly what happened when I tried the squash casserole. This wasn’t just good, it was the kind of dish that makes you want the recipe.

The texture hits that perfect sweet spot between creamy and substantial, with tender squash pieces throughout. A golden-brown top layer adds a bit of texture contrast, while the inside stays soft and flavorful.

You can taste the care that goes into preparing it, with seasonings that enhance rather than overpower the natural vegetable flavor.

I noticed several people going back for seconds of just this one dish, which tells you everything you need to know. It’s the kind of casserole that reminds you of family gatherings and holiday dinners, the stuff that disappears fast when everyone realizes how good it is.

The cheese adds richness without making it heavy, and somehow it manages to feel comforting without being overly indulgent.

If you’re trying to decide what to load onto your plate from the buffet, make sure squash casserole makes the cut. It represents exactly what Schobels’ does best, taking simple ingredients and preparing them with enough skill and love that they become something special.

Pies That Deserve Their Own Visit

I have a confession to make. After filling up on the buffet, I was absolutely certain I couldn’t eat another bite.

Then I saw the pie case.

The buttermilk pie is famous here, and after one forkful I understood why people drive out of their way specifically for it. The custard filling has this perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a texture that’s somehow both light and rich at the same time.

The crust stays flaky and buttery, providing just the right foundation for that creamy filling.

But don’t sleep on the Dutch apple pie either, which earned its own fan club among the reviews I’d read. Warming it up and adding vanilla ice cream transforms it into something transcendent, the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and just appreciate the moment.

The apple filling has that ideal combination of tender fruit and warm spices, while the crumb topping adds sweetness and texture.

At 84 years old, one customer declared it the best apple pie they’d ever had, and that’s someone who’s probably eaten a lot of pie over the years. The pecan pie also gets high marks from those who prefer their desserts on the nutty side.

Service That Makes You Feel Welcome

Great food only gets you so far if the service doesn’t match up. Fortunately, Schobels’ seems to understand that taking care of customers matters just as much as what comes out of the kitchen.

The staff moves efficiently through the dining room even during the busy lunch rush, keeping drink glasses filled and clearing plates without hovering. They clearly know their regulars by name, but they treat first-time visitors with the same warmth and attention.

When the buffet runs low on something popular, servers quickly communicate with the kitchen to get fresh batches out.

Good management creates a culture where staff genuinely seems happy to be there, and that positive energy transfers directly to the dining experience. Nobody wants to eat at a place where the servers look miserable.

Even small touches matter, like staff offering to bring specific items from the buffet if you mention wanting something that just ran out. That willingness to go the extra step transforms a meal from merely satisfying to genuinely memorable.

It’s the kind of service that turns first-time visitors into regular customers.

Perfect Road Trip Fuel

Columbus sits right along routes that connect Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, making it a natural stopping point for road trippers. But Schobels’ offers way more than just convenient location.

After hours behind the wheel, walking into this place feels like a relief. The atmosphere immediately relaxes you, and the buffet setup means you can eat quickly if you’re in a hurry or linger over multiple plates if you have time to spare.

Either way, you’re getting real food that actually satisfies rather than the usual highway rest stop options.

I met several travelers who’d been stopping here for years, building it into their regular route whenever they drive through this part of Texas. Some plan their trips specifically so they hit Columbus around mealtime, which says everything about how the food compares to other roadside options.

The breakfast buffet particularly gets high marks from early morning travelers wanting to fuel up before a long drive.

The portions are generous enough that you might not need another meal for hours, which helps justify the stop even if it adds a few minutes to your travel time. Plus, stretching your legs and sitting down for a proper meal beats eating fast food in your car any day.

Finding This Local Treasure

Despite having nearly 4,000 reviews and a solid reputation, Schobels’ still maintains that hidden gem quality. Maybe it’s because Columbus itself flies under the radar for many travelers rushing between bigger cities.

The restaurant has been serving this community for decades, building a loyal following among locals who appreciate consistent quality and fair prices. The country-style decor might look old-fashioned to some, but it creates an authentic atmosphere that matches the food perfectly.

This isn’t trying to be trendy or Instagram-worthy, it’s just focused on doing one thing really well.

Operating hours run from early morning through dinner most days, giving you plenty of opportunities to stop by whether you want breakfast, lunch, or supper. The Friday and Saturday evening hours extend a bit later for weekend crowds.

Prices stay reasonable even with the buffet option, making it accessible for families and budget-conscious travelers alike.

When you visit, you’ll probably notice the mix of travelers and locals sharing the dining room. That combination tells you everything about a restaurant’s quality.

If locals choose to eat somewhere despite having plenty of other options, you know the food must be worth it.

Address: 2020 Milam St, Columbus, TX 78934