I’ll admit, I’ve eaten my fair share of chicken fried steak across Texas, and I thought I’d tried the best. Then someone mentioned Goodson’s Cafe in Tomball, a place that’s been serving this iconic dish since 1950, and I knew I had to see what all the fuss was about.
The moment I pulled into the parking lot off Tomball Parkway, I could tell this wasn’t going to be your typical chain restaurant experience.
Walking through those doors felt like stepping into a piece of Texas history, complete with nostalgic decor and the unmistakable aroma of home cooking that immediately made my stomach growl.
What I discovered inside was more than just a massive slab of breaded steak. It was a full-on Southern comfort food experience that left me wondering why it took me so long to find this hidden gem.
The Crispy Fried Okra Worth Ordering
Okra gets a bad reputation from people who’ve only had it slimy and overcooked, but Goodson’s version might just change some minds. With over fifty mentions in customer reviews, this Southern side dish clearly has a devoted following at this establishment.
The okra arrives coated in a light cornmeal breading that’s seasoned just right, cut into bite-sized pieces that are easy to manage. While one reviewer mentioned theirs wasn’t quite crispy enough, my experience was different.
The exterior had that satisfying crunch that gives way to tender okra inside, never mushy or overly greasy.
What makes fried okra work as a side dish is how it complements the heavier entrees without weighing you down further. It adds a vegetable element to your plate while still feeling indulgent and special.
The mild flavor of the okra itself lets the seasoned breading shine, and the texture contrast keeps your palate interested throughout the meal.
For anyone who’s never tried okra or had a bad experience elsewhere, Goodson’s preparation is approachable and delicious. It’s not trying to be fancy or reinvent the wheel.
It’s just good, honest Southern cooking that respects the ingredient and the tradition behind it, served hot and fresh alongside your main course.
The Legendary Chicken Fried Steak That Started It All
Walking into Goodson’s with one mission in mind, I ordered what they’re famous for without hesitation. The chicken fried steak here isn’t just big.
It’s Texas-sized in every sense of the word, hanging over the edges of the plate like it’s trying to escape.
What makes this version special is the perfectly seasoned breading that achieves that ideal balance between crispy and tender.
The white gravy flows over the top in thick, peppery waves, and with nearly a thousand customer mentions specifically about this dish, it’s clear I’m not the only one who thinks it’s something special.
Some reviews mentioned the breading could use a bit more color, but honestly, that lighter golden hue means it’s not overcooked or greasy.
They offer both regular and small sizes, which is helpful because even the small is substantial. The meat underneath is tender and flavorful, pounded thin but not to the point of being tough or stringy when done right.
Every bite delivers that satisfying crunch followed by the rich, comforting flavors that make this dish a Texas staple.
Pairing it with their homemade mashed potatoes and gravy creates the ultimate comfort food combination that’s kept people coming back for over seven decades.
Those Unforgettable Homemade Yeast Rolls
Before my main course even arrived, a basket of warm yeast rolls landed on the table, and I understood immediately why reviewers can’t stop talking about them. These aren’t your standard dinner rolls from a bag.
They’re made fresh in-house, soft and pillowy with that distinctive yeast flavor that tells you someone actually cares about bread.
The rolls come with a side of that same peppery white gravy, and while some folks prefer honey (which you can request), I found the gravy combination absolutely perfect.
They practically melt in your mouth, with a tender crumb that pulls apart easily and a slight sweetness that balances the savory gravy beautifully.
Multiple reviews specifically praised these rolls as amazing, and one person noted they were so good that nothing was left on their plates.
What impressed me most was the consistency. Even on busy days, these rolls arrive warm and fresh, never dried out or reheated.
They’re substantial enough to be filling but light enough that you’ll want to save room for your entree.
The fact that they’re complimentary makes them feel like a generous gift from the kitchen, setting the tone for the entire meal and proving that Goodson’s doesn’t cut corners on any part of the dining experience.
Comfort in a Bowl with Chicken and Dumplings
Sometimes you want something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and that’s exactly what the chicken and dumplings deliver here. This classic Southern dish appears on the menu alongside the more famous chicken fried steak, but it deserves its own moment in the spotlight.
The dumplings are thick and pillowy, the kind that soak up the rich, creamy broth without falling apart. Generous pieces of tender chicken are scattered throughout, making every spoonful satisfying and substantial.
This isn’t a light soup. It’s a full meal that sticks to your ribs in the best possible way.
What I appreciated was how the dish maintained traditional flavors without being overly salty or bland. The broth had depth, likely from slow-cooking, and the dumplings had that homemade texture that tells you they weren’t pulled from a freezer bag.
Twenty-three customer mentions might not seem like a lot compared to the chicken fried steak, but for those who know, this dish is a hidden treasure on the menu.
It’s the kind of food that reminds you why comfort food exists in the first place, perfect for anyone seeking something hearty and soothing. On a cool evening or when you’re just craving something nostalgic, this bowl delivers exactly what you need.
The Surprisingly Delicious Baked Squash
Here’s something you don’t see on every menu anymore. Baked squash might sound like an afterthought side dish, but at Goodson’s, it’s earned its own small but devoted fan base with eleven specific mentions in reviews.
The preparation is simple but effective. Yellow squash is baked until tender with butter and light seasoning, allowing the natural sweetness of the vegetable to shine through.
It’s not swimming in cheese sauce or hidden under breadcrumbs. It’s just honest, well-prepared squash that tastes like something your grandmother might have made.
What makes this side dish special is how it provides a lighter option alongside the heavier, fried items on the menu. After indulging in chicken fried steak or pot roast, having something like baked squash on your plate feels balanced and thoughtful.
The texture is soft but not mushy, and the flavor is mild enough to complement without competing with your main course.
One reviewer specifically mentioned loving the baked squash, noting it as a standout among the sides. In a world of fried everything, it’s refreshing to see a restaurant give proper attention to a simple vegetable preparation.
It shows respect for traditional Southern cooking, where vegetables were treated with care and served alongside the main attractions, not as an obligatory afterthought.
The Hearty Pot Roast That Competes for Attention
With fifty-one mentions in customer reviews, the pot roast at Goodson’s clearly has fans who return specifically for this dish. While the chicken fried steak might steal most of the spotlight, the pot roast holds its own as a serious contender for your dinner choice.
When prepared right, the beef is fall-apart tender, slow-cooked until it practically melts on your fork. The gravy is rich and savory, coating the meat and any sides you choose to accompany it.
One recent review mentioned it was a hit with their dining companions, placing it right alongside the chicken fried steak in terms of satisfaction.
The portion size is generous, as you’d expect from a place serving Texas-sized meals. Paired with mashed potatoes and a vegetable, it becomes a complete comfort food experience.
For anyone who prefers beef that’s not breaded and fried, this pot roast offers a different but equally traditional approach to Southern home cooking.
Sweet Endings with Banana Pudding
After working through a massive plate of chicken fried steak, you might think dessert is out of the question. Then you remember the banana pudding has forty-one mentions in customer reviews, and suddenly you find room.
Another felt it was mostly whipped cream without the thick, creamy texture they were hoping for. My take falls somewhere in between, appreciating it for what it is rather than what it might have been.
The dessert features layers of vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding topped with whipped cream. It’s sweet without being cloying, and the banana flavor comes through clearly.
The wafers soften slightly as they absorb moisture from the pudding, creating that classic texture contrast that makes this dessert work.
Is it the best banana pudding in Texas? That’s subjective and depends heavily on personal preference, but many would argue it really is.
Some folks want a denser, more custard-like pudding, while others appreciate the lighter, airier version.
What matters is that Goodson’s offers a traditional dessert option that completes the Southern comfort food experience, giving you something sweet to finish a savory meal that celebrates decades of Texas dining tradition.
The Nostalgic Atmosphere That Completes the Experience
Food is only part of what makes a restaurant memorable. The atmosphere at Goodson’s transports you back to a simpler time when diners were community gathering places and meals were meant to be savored, not rushed.
The decor reflects the restaurant’s history since 1950, with vintage touches and character that you simply can’t replicate in newer establishments. Multiple reviews mentioned the nostalgic feel, with one person specifically loving how the restaurant showcases its decades of tradition.
The space is larger than it appears from the outside, with enough room to accommodate busy dinner crowds without feeling cramped.
Service here follows that old-school approach where servers are attentive without hovering, friendly without being overly familiar. Reviews consistently praised the staff for being warm, quick, and accommodating, even during peak times.
One server named Ashley was specifically mentioned for handling both bartending and table service simultaneously while maintaining a pleasant demeanor.
The religious elements in the decor and the “blessed day” wishes from staff might not appeal to everyone, but they’re part of the authentic character of this place.
From the moment you’re greeted and seated immediately to the final goodbye, the experience feels genuine and unpretentious, like visiting a favorite aunt’s kitchen where you know you’ll be fed well and treated kindly.
Address: 27931 Tomball Pkwy, Tomball, TX 77375
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