Taylor Cafe

I don't usually share food photos, but I couldn't resist this time. I visited Taylor Cafe, located at 101 Main Street in Taylor. Interestingly, in the 1870s, a... read more I don't usually share food photos, but I couldn't resist this time. I visited Taylor Cafe, located at 101 Main Street in Taylor. Interestingly, in the 1870s, a fire wiped out every building in the city except for this one. It's a historic spot that serves delicious BBQ. We had a great time chatting with some of the regulars and the owners. One of the owners, a gentleman in his 90s, still dons his cooking apron and greets guests at the front door. As we were leaving, I wanted to take his photo, but he was a bit grumpy at that moment. Just another day in Texas!

This restaurant holds cherished childhood memories for me with my grandfather, and it remains just as I remember it. The sausage is my favorite; it's drier than... read more This restaurant holds cherished childhood memories for me with my grandfather, and it remains just as I remember it. The sausage is my favorite; it's drier than others I’ve tried. The potato salad and beans pair perfectly with the ribs, along with the raw onions and pickles, of course. Everything is truly delicious and has a certain secret quality to it. However, my husband surprised me with some sausage for lunch, and I noticed the potatoes lacked salt. The sausage tasted a bit different as well. I wonder if they’ve changed chefs? I love this nostalgic experience and would definitely recommend it.

We were very happy that the bbq place we had planned had a 40-minute waiting time, so we landed here on the recommendation of a friendly local. I ordered the 3... read more We were very happy that the bbq place we had planned had a 40-minute waiting time, so we landed here on the recommendation of a friendly local. I ordered the 3 meat plate with ribs, sausage and cut beef, and it was all delicious. The meal came with beans and potato salad. The beans were the best I had in my whole life! The prices were great! The lady waiting for us was very friendly and helpful. After we commented on how much we enjoyed the meal, the chef invited us back to see the bbq pit, followed by a quick visit with the owner, a WWII vet that started the restaurant in the 40s. This turned our visit to more an event instead of a meal. You can't beat food and hospitality. I definitely come back when I'm in town.

Our 7th stop on our trip through TX BBQ country. Truthfully, we had strongly planned on visiting Louis Mueller when we arrived in town but alas, they were sold... read more Our 7th stop on our trip through TX BBQ country. Truthfully, we had strongly planned on visiting Louis Mueller when we arrived in town but alas, they were sold out already on this Saturday. We were aware of Taylor Cafés story and reputation through research. We arrived to the outside of a non-descript building with a weathered sign out front. As other reviews have mentioned, it’s full on dive bar inside, folks watching sports, smoking, and drinking beer. Most not eating-not a good sign. Mr Mares, the 90+ year old owner, was in what I think is his usual spot, wheelchair bound and not the picture of health. Thank you for your service. Can’t imagine him doing anything regarding the pits these days. Speaking of pits, that’s what our meal was. Sat down at the bar and ordered a 3 meat plate with two sides. Turkey sausage-the lone slightly bright spot here. Were afraid of it possibly being dry but it was very moist and had a bright zesty flavor. Pork spare ribs-mushy and light on any inkling of smoke. May have been a holding issue here. Not good. Brisket-no offer of fatty or lean but this was definitely lean to the point of being chewy. Nothing in the way of smoke or flavor. Sauce-huge error on my part to not ask if meats came sauced. Both ribs and brisket came with sauce on top. This sauce was the worst we tried on our whole trip. Very thin with a flavor akin to minestrone soup without the vegetables. Did nothing to compliment the meat. Just had to do our best to scrape it to the side. Potato salad-just average commercial product. Taylor Café was one of the two worst joints we experienced in our 14 stop tour.

Good times. Great company and memories. read more Good times. Great company and memories.