Cleburne Cafeteria’s menu with prices keeps the classic Southern tradition of pay-per-item dining simple. If you are looking for the Cleburne Cafeteria menu with prices, you have come to the right place. This guide breaks down every section, from meats and sides to desserts and drinks, so you can plan your meal and your budget before you walk in the door.
Located in the heart of Texas, Cleburne Cafeteria has been a local staple for decades. The concept is straightforward: you grab a tray, slide it along the counter, and point to what you want. No combos, no upselling—just good, honest food. Below, you will find a complete breakdown of the menu, current pricing, and tips to make the most of your visit.
Cleburne Cafeteria Menu With Prices: A Full Overview
The menu changes slightly with the seasons, but the core items remain consistent. Prices are subject to change, but as of this writing, here is what you can expect to pay. The cafeteria operates on a per-item basis, meaning you pay for each meat, side, and drink separately.
Below is a table summarizing the main categories and their approximate price ranges. Remember that daily specials may vary, so always check the board when you arrive.
| Category | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Meats (Entrees) | $6.50 – $9.00 |
| Vegetables & Sides | $2.50 – $4.00 |
| Breads & Rolls | $1.50 – $2.50 |
| Desserts | $2.00 – $4.50 |
| Beverages | $1.50 – $2.50 |
Meat And Entree Options
The meat counter is the star of the show. You will find classic Southern comfort foods that have been perfected over generations. Here are the most popular choices:
- Fried Chicken: A whole breast or thigh, hand-battered and fried golden. Price: $7.50 per piece.
- Chicken Fried Steak: A generous portion, smothered in cream gravy. Price: $8.50.
- Roast Beef: Slow-cooked and sliced thin, served with au jus. Price: $8.00.
- Pork Chops: Thick-cut and grilled, often with a light seasoning. Price: $7.00.
- Meatloaf: A homestyle slice with a tangy ketchup glaze. Price: $6.50.
- Catfish: Fried or grilled, always fresh. Price: $8.00.
- Liver & Onions: A classic for those who enjoy it. Price: $6.50.
Each meat comes with one side included in the price? No, actually it does not. Every item is priced individually. So if you want a meat and two sides, you pay for all three seperately. This is important to remember when budgeting your meal.
Vegetables And Side Dishes
The vegetable bar is where Cleburne Cafeteria really shines. You can choose from a rotating selection of seasonal and year-round sides. Here is what you typically find:
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, baked, and topped with a breadcrumb crust. Price: $3.00.
- Green Beans: Cooked with bacon and onion for flavor. Price: $2.50.
- Corn: Sweet yellow corn, sometimes creamed. Price: $2.50.
- Black-Eyed Peas: A Southern staple, often with ham hock. Price: $2.50.
- Mashed Potatoes: Real potatoes, whipped with butter and cream. Price: $2.50.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: Topped with marshmallows or pecans. Price: $3.50.
- Cole Slaw: Tangy and crunchy, a perfect side for fried foods. Price: $2.50.
- Fried Okra: Lightly breaded and crispy. Price: $3.00.
- Turnip Greens: Cooked low and slow with pork. Price: $2.50.
You can mix and match as many sides as you like, but remember, each one adds to the total. A typical meal with one meat and two sides will run you between $11.50 and $14.00.
Breads And Rolls
No Southern meal is complete without bread. The cafeteria offers a few options to round out your plate:
- Yeast Roll: Soft, fluffy, and served warm. Price: $1.50.
- Cornbread: A square of moist, slightly sweet cornbread. Price: $1.50.
- Biscuit: Buttermilk biscuit, perfect for sopping up gravy. Price: $1.50.
- Garlic Toast: For those who want a little extra flavor. Price: $2.00.
Breads are an inexpensive way to fill up your plate if you are still hungry after your meat and sides.
Desserts
Save room for dessert. The dessert case is always stocked with homemade treats. Here are the most popular options:
- Pecan Pie: A slice of gooey, nutty goodness. Price: $3.50.
- Chocolate Pie: Rich chocolate pudding in a flaky crust. Price: $3.00.
- Coconut Cream Pie: Light and creamy with toasted coconut on top. Price: $3.50.
- Banana Pudding: Layers of vanilla wafers, bananas, and pudding. Price: $3.00.
- Bread Pudding: Served with a warm bourbon or vanilla sauce. Price: $3.50.
- Fruit Cobbler: Seasonal, often peach or apple, with a crumb topping. Price: $4.00.
- Ice Cream: A simple scoop of vanilla or chocolate. Price: $2.00.
Desserts are a popular choice for takeout as well. Many customers grab a slice of pie to enjoy at home later.
Beverages
Drink options are straightforward. You can choose from the following:
- Sweet Tea: The official drink of the South. Price: $2.00.
- Unsweet Tea: For those watching their sugar. Price: $2.00.
- Soft Drinks: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr Pepper. Price: $1.50.
- Lemonade: Fresh-squeezed when available. Price: $2.50.
- Coffee: Hot and fresh, served with cream and sugar. Price: $1.50.
- Water: Bottled or from the fountain. Price: $1.00.
Refills on soft drinks and tea are free if you dine in. Takeout drinks are one-time use only.
How To Order At Cleburne Cafeteria
If you have never been to a pay-per-item cafeteria, the process can feel a little confusing at first. But it is actually very simple. Follow these steps:
- Grab a tray. You will find them stacked at the start of the line.
- Slide your tray along the counter. The first station is usually meats. Point to what you want, and the server will place it on your tray.
- Move to the vegetable station. Choose your sides. Again, just point and they will serve you.
- Pick your bread. Rolls and cornbread are usually at the end of the line.
- Select a dessert. The dessert case is near the register.
- Choose your drink. Grab a cup or bottle from the cooler.
- Pay at the register. The cashier will tally up your items and tell you the total.
- Find a seat. The dining room is self-seating. Bus your own table when you are done.
That is it. No complicated menus, no special requests. Just good food served the old-fashioned way.
Tips For Saving Money
Eating at Cleburne Cafeteria can add up quickly if you are not careful. Here are some tips to keep your total reasonable:
- Stick to one meat and two sides. That is the sweet spot for a filling meal without overspending.
- Skip the bread if you are not hungry. A roll adds $1.50 to your total, which might not be worth it.
- Share a dessert. The slices are generous, so splitting one with a friend saves money.
- Drink water. It is only $1.00, and you can refill it at the fountain.
- Visit on a weekday. Lunch crowds are smaller, and you might find a daily special that is cheaper.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a full meal for around $12 to $15 per person.
Daily Specials And Seasonal Items
Cleburne Cafeteria rotates its menu based on what is fresh and in season. Here are some examples of daily specials you might encounter:
- Monday: Meatloaf special – $6.50 for a slice with one side.
- Tuesday: Fried catfish – $8.00 with hushpuppies included.
- Wednesday: Pot roast – $8.50 with mashed potatoes and gravy.
- Thursday: Turkey and dressing – $7.50 with cranberry sauce.
- Friday: Fish fry – $8.00 with coleslaw and fries.
- Saturday: BBQ ribs – $9.00 with baked beans.
- Sunday: Fried chicken special – $7.50 per piece with two sides.
Seasonal items include things like pumpkin pie in the fall, fresh peach cobbler in the summer, and hearty stews in the winter. Always ask the cashier what is new.
Takeout And Catering Options
If you cannot dine in, Cleburne Cafeteria offers takeout and catering. Here is what you need to know:
- Takeout: You can order by the item or by the plate. Call ahead to avoid waiting. Prices are the same as dine-in.
- Family Meals: Available for parties of 4 or more. You get a choice of one meat, two sides, and bread for $35.00.
- Catering: For large events, you can order trays of meat, sides, and desserts. Pricing varies based on the menu. Call the cafeteria directly for a quote.
Takeout is popular for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, so order early if you need a large quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cleburne Cafeteria have a senior discount?
Yes, they offer a small discount for seniors over 65. It is usually around 10% off the total. You need to ask at the register.
Are there vegetarian options on the Cleburne Cafeteria menu?
Yes, there are several vegetable sides that are vegetarian-friendly, such as mac and cheese, green beans, and corn. However, many sides are cooked with pork or bacon fat, so ask the server if you need strict vegetarian options.
Can I see the full Cleburne Cafeteria menu with prices online?
The cafeteria does not always update their website with current prices. The best way to get accurate pricing is to call them directly or visit in person. This article gives you a good estimate, but prices can change.
What is the most popular item on the menu?
Fried chicken is by far the most ordered item. It is crispy, juicy, and consistently good. The chicken fried steak is a close second.
Do they accept credit cards?
Yes, Cleburne Cafeteria accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and cash. They do not accept checks.
Final Thoughts On The Cleburne Cafeteria Menu
Cleburne Cafeteria offers a genuine Southern dining experience that is hard to find these days. The menu is straightforward, the prices are fair, and the food is consistently good. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular, knowing the Cleburne Cafeteria menu with prices helps you plan a satisfying meal without any surprises.
Remember that prices can vary slightly depending on the day and the season. The best approach is to go in with a budget in mind, but be flexible enough to try something new. The staff is friendly and happy to answer questions about the menu.
If you are in the Cleburne area, stop by for lunch or dinner. You will leave full, happy, and probably already planning your next visit. The cafeteria is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Check their hours before you go, as they may change on holidays.
So grab a tray, point to what looks good, and enjoy a meal that tastes like home. That is the beauty of Cleburne Cafeteria—simple, honest food that never goes out of style.