Although we have never formally dined inside the 1st City Cafe, every time we stay at the Fredonia, we have wonderful cocktails at the Nine Flags Bar and we order food from the 1st City menu and everything we have ever had was delicious. We really enjoy their pimento cheese, housemade crackers and whipped candied jalepeno dip, the chicharonnes and queso and the great big salads. But oh, the Rebellion Nachos.....I see you sexy nachos over there with all of the hotness.....You simply must sub the Akaushi Tenderloin on the nachos. Thank me later. We normally have cocktails and snacks at the bar and then we order our entrees to take up to the room to enjoy. The service is always top notch here. read more

I am a guest at the hotel, and unfortunately, the service I experienced in the café and poolside area on August 21 was extremely disappointing. After helping our daughter move for school, we returned to the hotel exhausted. We had already had an early dinner, so we decided to have a drink and order a light appetizer and dessert poolside. The bar was crowded, and although three different servers came through the pool area, not one stopped at our table to ask whether we needed menus or anything else. We eventually had to flag someone down ourselves. Unfortunately, that interaction seemed to set the tone for the remainder of the evening. The staff we encountered were consistently unwelcoming and inattentive. It gave the impression that they were simply there to complete their shift rather than provide the level of hospitality guests should reasonably expect. The atmosphere was also frustrating. A toddler was repeatedly screaming at the top of her lungs while a musician was performing, and the child's father made no apparent effort to address the situation. While that is not necessarily the hotel's responsibility, the combination of the disruptive environment and poor service made for a particularly unpleasant experience. The situation became even more frustrating when we accidentally left my arm brace on the table as we hurried to finish our nightcap and leave. Within approximately five minutes of realizing it was missing, my husband returned to retrieve it. Since it had been left on the table moments earlier, we expected that the server or another staff member would be able to locate it easily. Instead, he was sent from the bar to the kitchen and then to the front desk. After approximately 15 minutes, he returned without the item. That experience reinforced the impression I had already formed earlier in the day: there appears to be very little communication or coordination among the staff. No one seemed to take ownership of a simple guest-service issue or make an effort to resolve it efficiently. When guests are paying nearly $600 for two nights in a small town such as Nacogdoches, particularly at a property marketed as one of the best accommodations in the area, there is an expectation of professional, attentive hospitality. Guests should feel welcomed, recognized, and valued. Unfortunately, I did not experience that during my stay. The attitude of the waitress who ultimately served us was particularly disappointing and significantly affected the overall experience. Her demeanor was not appropriate for someone working in a customer-service position, much less one at a property presenting itself as a higher-end accommodation. I strongly recommend that management take a closer look at staff training, communication, accountability, and expectations surrounding guest service. Tipping is part of the hospitality industry, and guests should not have to repeatedly seek out employees for basic service. Based on this experience, I will not be staying here again. I hope management takes this feedback seriously and uses it as an opportunity to improve the guest experience for future visitors. read more

We went for brunch, and thoroughly enjoyed everything. The summer drink menu was tasty, and cocktails are $12-13/each. The Trifecta appetizer was delicious, and the homemade chips were seasoned nicely. The guacamole and salsa really stood out, and the queso was a little plain. The grilled Henny Penny sandwich was juicy and delicious, and the fries had a nice seasoning. My Fredonia scramble combined lots of flavors, and I would definitely order it again. The dining room was next to the pool, creating a fun environment, and Yasmin was very friendly and took excellent care of us. read more

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Do NOT get the Gruene chicken enchiladas. The flavors were all raw and intense. I have a high bar for sour cream tomatillo jack cheese enchiladas..... the tomatillo sauce was highly acidic, and tasted as if it came straight out of a can, and mixed equally with a green Serrano pepper salsa. The sour cream was not incorporated into the sauce, it was a "dollop" on the side. The refried beans were "gritty" (interesting, I've never had "gritty" refried beans before, this was a first). The rice was unspectacular....plain white with some peas sprinkled throughout. If you like acidic tomatoes, and highly intense flavors, this dish is for you! Not me....i want my flavors to "marry"....at least the cheese was melted. The presentation was nice. The service was excellent. By the way, I DO like other things at this cafe! The eggs Benedict on crab cakes are WON-DER-FUL!!! read more

Amazingly great food!! Every persons food was crafted fresh and delicious. The service was excellent and the decor fun and 50 retro great!

This cafe was so good! It's inside the Fredonia Hotel. I love the mid century mod vibe. It's definitely a little pricier, but at least the food quality matches. My mom and I got the shrimp and grits! Chefs kiss! It was amazing! My husband kept trying to steal bites! My husband got the Korean tacos, they were also tasty. He just said a little too greasy. The waitress was very sweet and patient with my hyped up kids. Grandma must have sugared them up before returning the to us!!! we will be back. read more

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Brunch, Sun 9/13/26 - Cowboy Burrito, Chilequiles, American Breakfast, all delicious and about as elegant looking as possible for such dishes. The Cowboy Burrito was especially well dressed with its cream gravy shirt buttoned up with chicken fried steak nuggets. Our server, Myla, was friendly, thoughtful, and just the right amount of attentive. The space is fresh, bright, and confidently mid-century modern. The Jetsons would fit. It's a fun place with a bit of sparkle and great cooking. read more

1st City Cafe - Cowboy Burrito, in its Sunday best. - Cafes Near Me - Nacogdoches, Texas

This is a sweet little spot at Fredonia Hotel. The decor is very mid century modern. It has a clean open and cheery feel. They have great lunch combos and a nice view of the pool. Service was outstanding!! read more

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The food is great and the portions are pretty big. The workers there are great and very respectful and kind. It is vary calm environment. It is very great. I would definitely recommend going there if visiting Nacogdoches Tx. read more

On the way out of town we saw this place was recommended. We came and were seated right away. Then we placed our orders and they were pretty quick to get us our food and drinks. The coffee was particularly good. I had the bowl with eggs, ham, homefrieds and onions and peppers. The tables looked out over the swiming pool which was nice. The server was friendly and attentive. I'd come back. read more

1st City Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Nacogdoches, Texas

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Great brunch, good prices and nice waitstaff. Glad we popped in after a stay at the hotel. Nice and comfortable surroundings. read more

1st City Cafe - Avocado toast with chipotle mayo and bacon. The mayo wasn't too spicy-just right. Very good. - Cafes Near Me - Nacogdoches, Texas

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I had never even heard of the town of Nacogdoches until two months prior to my arrival. Even now, I find myself stumbling over the pronunciation. That said, if there's a reason o deviate 3 hours from Houston, dinner at this hotel restaurant might just be it! This place is an absolute hidden gem in perhaps the nicest hotel in town. Waitstaff are all friendly and attentive, and the ambience is clown albeit a little old perhaps. That said, the food is the star (as it should be) of this establishment! So much so that we came here two nights in a row not bothering to try anything else....moreover, I ordered the same thing both nights: shrimp and grits, Caesar salad (extra croutons), and an assortment of dessert. I wouldn't normally talk about a side salad, but boy have I never had a crouton as delicious as the ones that accompany the Caesar. It's not JUST a crouton, but in fact, a warmed cornbread crouton that's absolutely exquisite. Such an unassuming thing as a crouton changed my world! I wasn't raised on Cajun style cuisine, but the shrimp and grits had to have been one of, if not, THE best I've ever had. From the rich, creamy lick-your-plate-and-spoon sauce, the delicious garlic roll, to the generous portion of shrimp....its worth eating two nights in a row. And then some. As for the dessert, I don't quite remember the appropriate name, but we ordered both the bread pudding and flan. Bread pudding was a perfect sweet end to our meal and easily shared with a table of four. The flan was a rather interesting cheesecake consistency that I personally loved, but might not be for everyone. If there's something I'll remember forever about Nacogdoches, it'll be this restaurant! read more

Bright, airy interior with views of the hotel pool area greet guests as they arrive at the cafe. The pleasant decor in this large cafe are a good setting for lunch. We both enjoyed a good cup of hot coffee as we surveyed the menu. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. We both ordered the Lunch Break Trio that included choices of a half sandwich, and two sides. I will post pictures of the menu and food. Food was tasty and coffees were refilled several times. We enjoyed the lunch and certainly will come back and try other items. read more

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Quick, friendly, and happy service, clean restaurant with a cool vibe, and yummy breakfast. Best home fries! Crispy on the outside, perfect on the inside. Absolutely enjoyed our meal! read more

The Henny Penny was fantastic. With truffle fries, I'd DEFINITELY order it again. I suggest anyone coming through to check it out. Cute little place. read more

1st City Cafe - The Henny Penny - Cafes Near Me - Nacogdoches, Texas

The food was amazing! Highly recommend the avocado toast for brunch-it's the best I've had. Everyone is super nice and very friendly. I love the retro feel too! read more

1st City Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Nacogdoches, Texas

We stayed at the Fredonia Hotel and walked a block over to the beautiful old downtown area and really enjoyed it. So when it was time to eat we chose the 1st city cafe at the hotel. The restaurant is very nice but we decided to eat on the patio by the pool. We had the chicken fried steak and the shrimp and grits. The chicken fried steak was very tender and huge. For me the shrimp and grits are the star of this restaurant they are the best I've ever eaten. The service is impeccable. I can't wait to go back and get the shrimp and grits again. read more

Sure why not, is good, people are good.. and the scenery is pleasant ive never eaten at anywhere else that has this good of food.

Absolutely amazing, we had a group of 20 for SFA Parent's Weekend, it was about a 20 minute wait, but the hostesses were so accommodating and nice, most of the time when we have a big group restaurants act like it is a pain to seat us, but not at 1st City Cafe, they went right to work to get us seated. We had great service, great food, and a beautiful view of the pool. read more

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Their Cobb Salad is a solid choice. However, get it without the bacon. The photo is the banana bread pudding desert. read more

1st City Cafe - Banana Bread Pudding was the desert of the month. It's not too bad, a bit on the thick or filling side, but the taste of nice. - Cafes Near Me - Nacogdoches, Texas

Staff were great. Place was packed so that might have impacted things. Will definitely try again. This place is straight out of a 60d movie. Think a Kames Bond scene or In Like Flint. Super cool vibe and the pool area! So cool. Food was good. We shared the canned jalapeño dip. Yum!!! Hubs and I shared the steak fries. The steak was excellent and medium rare like we asked but food was tepid by the time it got to us. Again, place was packed and our waitress was running g like a maniac the entire time we were there. Hubs loved his bloody mary with candied bacon! read more

Wow! Found on yelp and went for a late lunch. The food was fabulous!!! Partner had green enchiladas and I had the Sunday special. Excellent food, service and ambience! read more

If you are staying at the Fredonia it is a great place for any meal. Dining by the pool is enjoyable. The staff is very friendly. Nice that they have Fredonia Brewery beer on tap. read more

Visited again this summer and I can HIGHLY recommend the weekend brunch... As I write this, I'm actually upset that I live so far away, I would FREQUENT 1st City Cafe! We were staying at the Fredonia (love this hotel)... and this place is just the icing on the cake. Our table of 7 was quickly seated, greeted, and served (even though our drinks took forever to come out).. Arely was a personable sweetheart who enhanced our experience. Food: DELICIOUS!! My crabcake benedict was perfection... wasn't served with the traditional hollandaise but with a spicy sauce that was magnificent.. one of the eggs were overcooked, but it did not take away from the experience. My sister was over the moon happy with her shrimp and grits... my mom loved her fish and chips... fresh pork rinds were perfect... but the queso served with it was too much salt on salt... a different, more sweet, or less salty dipping sauce would balance it out. Drinks were really tasty... loved the coconut watermelon mojito, but it could've used a bit more rum. Please open one in Jersey~! read more

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My dad & I stopped for a visit at 1st City tonight after reading some Yelp reviews & had a great visit! We shared the candied bacon appetizer & enjoyed the blend of smoky bacon with notes of sweet & spicy. My hamburger steak entree was fabulous! Savory, filling, served hot, & fresh tasting. Service was good, but the ambiance was better as the restaurant has a retro vibe that carries over from the connecting Fredonia Hotel. I'd go back to 1st City in a heartbeat. Very good! read more

Nice spot for brunch. Food was fresh and prepared well. Interior isn't fancy but is clean and modern inside a historic building.

I always love this place! This restaurant is a clean, upscale restaurant for Nacogdoches. Located in the Fredonia hotel, the food reminds me of classic Texas fare. Enchiladas, chicken fried steak, burger, fried shrimp, grits, etc. The menu is diverse to please all taste requirements including Korean tacos, salads, etc. The service has always been good with friendly servers. Will definitely return! read more

1st City Cafe - Lunch and Dinner Menu - Cafes Near Me - Nacogdoches, Texas

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Atmosphere was inviting inside and out. By the pool is the spot though. The food was exceptional. Started with the candies bacon (a must). We had the shepherds pie, grilled salmon and fish and chips. Everything was excellent and extremely flavorful. Service by Chase was exemplary. When you're in Nacogdoches you have to stop in. read more

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This place does it right. They have great service and friendly staff. The food is always great and the rare time it wasn't they took ownership of the issue and resolved it quickly. The vibe is also top tier. Great for a casual date or a professional lunch. read more

Great place for breakfast or anytime. It's unique, historical and retro in its own way. Good location, parking and choices. The food is plentiful and delicious. Wait staff is on it and overall it is fun. Look around and enjoy the decor, gift shop and hidden gems read more

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What a find! Small town, MCM historic hotel, delicious little cafe. The food was delivered quickly and with a smile. Great service. Fave item of the day was the charcuterie board---loved the pimento cheese and pickled radishes, especially. read more

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Great place for lunch in a really cool building. All of our food was delicious! We are going back soon.

Cocktails on point. Caesar salad with cornbread crouton is money. Bread pudding delicious. Tres leches to do for. Bring back the poke bowl. Love this place. Dinner atmosphere but who cares! read more

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What a great find! Those roadside signs saying the food is spectacular do not lie! We started with pimento cheese and crackers that is not on the menu, but they let us try. The Sunday Supper fried chicken was perfectly cooked, moist and crispy with sweet chili sauce. Grits were amazing, creamy cheesy and paired with chorizo collard greens. My shrimp and grits had candied bacon bits and roasted cherry tomatoes. Perfect! If your plan is to ignore the grilled bread garnish on your plate, don't. You will be surprised how good it really is. Shout out to our server Tammy as well. She was a delight! read more

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Food was great Service was excellent. Ambiance was perfect for the occasion. Restaurant was clean.

A cafe in a locally owned hotel? No problem but my expectations were low. I was pleasantly surprised by this little gem. Winter Christmas Russian drinks were really good. The fireball was a nice addition. Sad that they were not rimmed in the snicker doodle cookie crumbs as advertised but it was really tasty....dangerously good, if you catch my drift. Hubs got the chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and a Caesar salad. The salad was on point. Seriously, the lettuce was super crisp and the croutons were made from cornbread. Really tasty. Slightly over dressed but the dressing was so good and the lettuce so crisp it didn't matter. The steak was really thick....we worried it would be all breading, little steak. We were wrong. A nice coating of beading covered a decent size chopped steak. He said the mashed potatoes were "the bomb". He said they were seasoned really well and the consistency really sold him. Second best to our homemade, he said. I had the Henny Penny fried chicken sandwich with fries. The sandwich comes with candied bacon....yup, fricking candied bacon...a sweet & spicy sauce and pickles. I love sweet & spicy things. It was a decent sized chicken breast and the breading, while good struggled to stay on. The fries are fresh cut in the kitchen (I asked). Super good. Cooked to perfection with a crispy outside and tender inside. Ketchup not necessary. The sandwich was messy but, oh so good. Definitely a must try when you visit. Breakfast tomorrow? Oh, and the staff are super nice and helpful. Warm, attentive and happy to be here. Top notch attitudes. Way to go to whoever hired them. read more

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Amazing food and atmosphere and great service to boot I highly recommend this place for any occasion

The 1st city cafe is hands down the best restaurant in nacogdoches. Food is always fresh and amazing. For the quality of food and the atmosphere of the restaurant and patio, the prices are incredible and a big reason I come here so often. read more

The calamari was the best I've ever had! The beef tips were good, nothing to write home about but definitely tasty. The fish was very good and so was the Sunday supper. The chicken was juicy and the sweet sauce on top was very good. The chorizo greens were different... not bad but not for me. I wasn't impressed with the pumpkin spice bread pudding, wasn't sweet and it came with no sauce. Overall an ok experience but I'd go back just for the calamari! read more

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My husband and I were in town visiting, and had always wanted to go inside the Fredonia. The hotel and café were beautiful, still true to the style of the 1950s when the hotel was built. I moved away from Texas along time ago and have missed good chicken fried steak; all of the ones I can get in restaurants where I live are the frozen TV dinner kind. Yuck. 1st City Cafe's was the real deal! I'm pretty sure it was breaded with cornflakes, which made the crust crispy and flavorful. The steak itself was also flavorful, and the gravy was excellent. I also had a side Caesar salad, which was so good, I could not stop eating it and became concerned that I would not have room for the rest of my meal. Overall, an excellent café, in beautiful surroundings with friendly service and affordable prices. read more