I had not been to Goodson's in years--well over a decade at least. So when both my wife and mother-in-law suggested we stop in for lunch, I didn't hesitate. We started with the Fried Green Tomatoes. They were good, but not quite enough to dethrone our longtime appetizer champion: Pecos' fried pickle chips. The prices were reasonable, so I decided to go full-bore and order the "Cowboy" Chicken Fried Steak, which was only a few dollars more than the "Cowgirl" version. Mom chose the Chicken Fried Chicken, while my wife went with the Pot Roast. When our food arrived, I was genuinely taken aback. My chicken fried steak was larger than the plate it was served on--seriously, it was that big. The side dishes were equally generous. After bringing the leftovers home, I managed to get two more meals and a sandwich out of that steak. Likewise, both of my ladies left with take-home boxes, and that NEVER happens with Mom. She typically treats these lunch outings as her main meal of the day, but even she waved the white flag. So why not a five-star review? The answer comes down to flavor. While the portions were enormous, the service was excellent, and the prices were more than fair, the seasoning seemed a little timid. Across the board, the food could have used a bit more punch and personality. Nothing was bad--it just never quite crossed into memorable territory. That said, I would absolutely recommend Goodson's, especially if you have family or friends visiting from out of state. It showcases two classic Texas traits: HUGE portions and good value. As for the mild seasoning? If your guests are from up North, they'll probably feel right at home. read more

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Update: still good as usual. Had not tried it for a couple years but we were in the neighborhood read more

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I have been coming here since I was wee. This used to be one of the go-to spots for my family when we would go out on weekends in Tomball growing up. We had actually started going to the original building before it burned down. I do think there is quite a change in the food from the original to the newer. But still very very good. This trip three was on the way to camping at the Texas Renaissance Festival. We wanted to get a quick meal in before we went off the grid. We ended up splitting a large chicken fried steak. As you can see from the pictures, large doesn't even do it justice. It covers a whole giant oval plate, and the sides are served in bowls on top of the steak as if it were a platter itself. This thing is massive, and can feed a family of four, or two. Really hungry adults. Their biscuits are also fantastic. Highly recommend some of those to go. The mac and cheese is pretty standard. The other side that we had this time was their daily special sweet potato crumble. It was very tasty! This place was pretty packed on a Friday afternoon, so I imagine peak times are equally or more so. There's a small lot in the front and more parking in the rear. The service was pretty quick, so I appreciated that. The staff was very knowledgeable on the food, and provide great suggestions. We didn't get any dessert this time, but it did look pretty good. Something to think about if you're coming through Tomball. read more

Goodson's Café - Chicken Fried Steak. Big enough to serve your sides on. - American Near Me - Tomball, Texas

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It had been awhile since we hit up Goodsons so hit them up we did. I would say normally at a place like this i always go for a burger. However with the fact they are known for chicken fried steaks I couldn't turn it down. Sadly I can't say it lived up to the hype. In fact everything we had was OK. That was how felt about everything we had. Even the desserts didn't make a big impression. I will say we started our meal with onion rings and those were excellent! I have to admit I'm not the biggest fan of chicken fried steak so take what I say with a grain of salt, and next time I'll get the burger. read more

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I had a great experience at Goodson's Cafe. The food was really delicious, vibes were great. I really like the interior of this restaurant. It was clean and very homey. I loved the wood and comfortable booths. The vibe was just good The service here was great too. Our waiter was really nice & friendly. It seems like most of the waiters here were very polite. Food came out very quickly too. I loved the food. I got this MASSIVE chicken fried steak. It was the size of a whole plate. And it tasted really good. The gravy was good too! Also the sweet tea is delicious :) I will say I wish I had gotten a different side than the black eyed peas. Next time I'll try a different veggie. Overall, I loved this place. I'm definitely coming back for the ambiance and the giant chicken fried steak read more

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When I have a craving for chicken fried steak and fried okra, this is where we go. It's a fairly large restaurant so getting a table shouldn't be a problem, even if you notice a very full parking lot. read more

Goodson's Café - American Near Me - Tomball, Texas

What happened to GOODSONS⁉ For years it was the go to place! We drove 1 hr 15 min to enjoy great food and celebrate a graduation. It was awful end to end! The food seemed to be from the freezer. I had catfish and shrimp. Wife had the famous chicken fried steak and fries. It was a good sized party. The fish was small and so-so. Same fo the shrimp. BUT GOODSONS famous chicken fried steak... what a disappointment! It was mushy not crisp. And literally had no flavor. No one finished it... the kids portion #iykyk. And of course you know the delicious rolls! Yes there gone too. Now you get a little hard dinner roll - oh and don't dare ask for more! And the service was awful‼ poor kid musta been mad that he had to work on a Friday night. To say he was very unpolite is the nicest thing I can say. I actually ate with my hands because I was afraid to ask him for silverware or more napkins - we had 3 young kids. This was a truly disappointing celebration. My how the mighty have fallen‼ definitel fail‼ read more

Went to visit family in Tomball and had to stop by here for their famous chicken fried steak. The wife and I ordered the small portion of chicken fried steak and it tasted great. We had the gravy on the side, gravy was amazing by the way. The steak was delicious and perfectly battered. Crunchy and tender with every bit. We were greeted and seated right away. Service was great no complaints, food came out in a few minutes after we placed our orders. Definitely a must try if you're in the Tomball area. read more

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New Year Day and I am not cooking. They had everything except Cornbread. Strange. The Pork Chops were delicious!! Well seasoned and moist. Cabbage, I needed Cabbage and though it was nothing special, I ate it all. Black Eyes, straight from the can, had to eat that tradition. Since there was no cornbread, we stop at HEB and bought a ready made cornbread. It was actually good. The Pork Chops came two to an order and I will order again. Nor too busy and service was welcoming. The building is old, but clean. read more

Ordered shrimp and a salad. The salad came out with just lettuce and croutons I asked if they forgot the tomatoes and the Waiter said they don't put them on it anymore.Really!!! Then they brought my shrimp which was awful .It definitely was frozen shrimp. The last couple times we ate there is was pretty bad . Don't think we will be going back!!! No tomatoes on a salad????? There quality of food has really gone down!!!!??? read more

Stopped in last weekend. Haven't been in about a year. Great staff. Friendly. The chicken fried steak looks the same. Crisp, well fried, and plentiful. But it has remarkably zero taste. Even the gravy has absolutely no taste or flavor. The presentation is still the same, but it tastes nothing like it used to taste. I'm guessing they're trying to save money against inflation by taking all the seasoning out of the prep or something. It's been a good while, but the last time I was there it tasted the same when we cooked it back in 1985. But they've evidently taken all the prep out of both the steak and the gravy now. So weird. read more

8.23.24 On this visit everything was off. The service, the food, even the hostess person did not look like he wanted to be there. Don't you hate when you ask your server, if they like something on the menu and they say "I don't know". It would be better if they said " sorry, I have not tried that yet". (smh) We ordered and waited 30 minutes for our food and of course something was wrong with it. My chicken was pink inside. I told my server and he just said ok and walked off. He came back and said he ordered me a new meal. The server never apologized or anything. Btw- they were not busy. My "2nd" meal arrived and I guess it was the manager who brought it out to me. She did not apologize either. It was the smallest chicken breast I have ever seen and it was just ok. We stopped coming here before because they are not consistent. Looks like it will be a long while before we come here again or if at all. read more

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Stopped here for the first time on our way home from the Texas Renaissance Fair. It was pretty busy but we were greeted and seated immediately. The waiter (sorry can't recall his name) arrived at the table within 2 minutes to take our drink order then about 3 minutes after bringing our drinks he was back to take our food order. Big plus, he spoke loudly and clearly enough to be easily heard and understood even over the crowd. He also brought yeast rolls with the drinks and oh my, they were amazing! Soft, warm, and yeasty! Our food arrived quite quickly considering how busy they were and everything was piping hot. Their menu claims they have the 'best chicken fried steak' in Texas according to The Eyes of Texas (not sure who that is). So, I ordered the small one. Was it good? Yes. Was it the best I've had? No, that honor still stays with T-Bone Tom's in Kemah. It did have quite a bit of extra breading around the edges of the actual meat and wasn't cooked quite long enough. As you can see in the photo the breading was pretty light colored. The flavor was good, but not exceptional. I also had fried okra and mashed potatoes. The okra also needed a bit more time in the fryer as it wasn't very crisp at all. The potatoes and gravy were both very good. read more

Goodson's Café - American Near Me - Tomball, Texas

The best chicken fried steak I have tried. Returned to Goodson's after several years and was delighted to find this classic dish as good as I remembered. And BIG! Waitstaff uniforms message: If it were bigger it wouldn't be legal. Really enjoyed my meal and I'll be back. read more

This is my second review. Usually I don't review a place more than once. But the service this time is complete 180 degrees from the first review. - Food: Delicious as before. 5 Stars - Service1: Server was not so friendly. Not sure if she had a bad day or what. 1 Star - Service2: On my first visit, I asked for fresh jalapeños, which I got. But on this second visit, the server said that they don't serve fresh jalapeños. I asked if they were just out of it. She said they only serve pickled jalapeños, and not fresh one. I knew that was a lie. 1 Star - Ambiance: Busy, which is sign of good business. It is just too bad the server I got tonight ruined it. 3 Stars Overall: 3 Stars. In my first review, this was a solid 5 Stars. But this time, this place did not meet the great expectation I was hoping to see again. read more

I was visiting from out of town and was craving some country cooking. Service was great. Food was tasty. And they were able to reserve us tables for our family after a funeral service. Overall this place is great if you're out in Tomball. And yes the chicken friend steak is as good as they advertise. read more

Goodson's Café - Worlds famous Chicken Fried Steak - American Near Me - Tomball, Texas

This is one of my favorite places to get chicken fried steak. We have been here so many times the staff is so friendly and the food is so delicious. Gives you the country feels with the decor and it definitely leaves you wobbling out. read more

Went into town for a tournament I had to stop in at a local diner for supposedly the best chicken fried steak in the area. The chicken fried steak was not very good. Gravy was bland potatoes with bland, macaroni and cheese was good. My child had the ribeye, which is just a Walmart thin cut steak. Half inch at best. All the service was good. The hostess was friendly and the restaurant seem to be clean. It is not somewhere I would go again. read more

I ordered shrimp and fish dinner that comes with 2 Sides. I order okra and a salad for my sides. Unfortunatel, when my salad was brought out there was no crackers or bread. Worst of all the salad or so called salad only consisted of chopped up lettuce and a few croutons. I expressed my disappointment to the staff and apparently others before me have complained as well. Apparently the owner doesn't care to be informative and let you know it is just chopped lettuce with dressing and maybe a small slice of cabbage. TOTAL DISAPPOINTMENT! Just be honest that you will not get a true salad. Had I known I would have ordered a different side. Totally disappointing and since I'm not the only one to complain you should let customers know what the ingredients are in the salad. Just be upfront and honest! read more

Service: 5/5 Great service! We had a big party come in during lunch time on a Sunday and while in the waiting area, we were kept in the loop about how long the wait will be, which was shorter than the time given. When brought back, the waitress was very attentive and came back at good intervals to refill any waters. Quantity/Value: 5/5 The amount of food you get for the price is pretty great. You can definitely share a meal here. Taste: 2.5/5.0 They are world famous for their chicken fried steak, but apart from it being bigger than your face, it did not impress us. The other foods are mediocre as well; nothing stands out. Our table ordered: Chicken fried steak: Honestly, I feel like you can get this at Cheddar's or anywhere else and not miss out on anything special here. Onion rings: pretty good, but I actually like Sonic's Drive In a lot better. Cheese sticks: I thought these were very good! Crispy and had a lot of cheese on the inside. Yeast rolls: Very good! So soft and warm. Amazing with the butter and/or gravy. Veggie of the day (spinach): So salty! I took two bites and could not eat it anymore Mashed potatoes: good, nothing special Mac & cheese: good, nothing special Smothered chicken: nothing special. French fries: One of the worst restaurant quality fries I have ever tasted. They were not crispy and salted well. Frozen fries that I air-fry at home taste 100% better. Overall, this place did not impress us, and I wouldn't want to come back. I would be much happier eating at Chicken Express if I wanted fried foods/chicken. read more

Goodson's Café - Smothered chicken with mac&cheese and mashed potatoes - American Near Me - Tomball, Texas

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If you are looking for a good local place, stop here. Don't go to Molly's pub, which has horrible service and a sad menu. We just left that place, we did give them a chance. But back to Goodson's. We've been here a few times and have never been disappointed. Great friendly service and a menu that has everything from chicken and dumplings to a pot roast sandwich. They are known for their chicken fried steaks, they are definitely noteworthy. The regular size CFS is big, the large size is just plain crazy. But good, to be sure. The appetisers are priced really well, and let me tell you, the onion rings are worth every cent. Too much for two people if I'm going to be honest. At least these two people. I have to say it again, great service , we have the cutest little server, April, npI adore her already. Sitting in the dining room, looking around, this is definitely a much loved local dinner destination, and for good reason. The food that's passing our table on it's way to other lucky peeps looks so yummy. This is when I wish I was the kinda person with balls the size of Texas. I would love to walk up to some of these tables and try a bite of someone else's food, easily assuring them they wouldn't even miss it . Glancing around, everyone that ordered A(foolishly)the large chicken fried steak is getting a box to take home.:even my husband and I should be sharing our food we ended up taking so much home. No room for the awesome looking dessert. Yes, I recommend read more

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Chicken and Dumplings were great! Wife had chief salad. Our Waitress Mason was very good. read more

Goodson's Café - Food was great! Our Waitress Mason was amazing Chicken and Dumplings were great! - American Near Me - Tomball, Texas

Luckily I am far enough away from Tomball to be clear of the nuclear fallout when I drop this hot opinion - Goodson's is no good, son. I've been waiting to give this place a try for decades now, and I've always known it as the place with big-as-yo-face chicken fried steaks. While that certainly is the truth, that is the only expectation that was met during my experience. The environs are about as bland as the food, they're selling corny art on the wall that you could get really anywhere. I was raised off places like Hinze's BBQ and Oakridge Smokehouse - they know how to sell and serve Texas, down to the antique marketing on the walls. While this place may have had clout once upon a time, that time has come and gone and Goodson's is clearly riding on the coattails of its former self. Our waiter was very nice, I will say. But back to the café part... There is not a speck of seasoning to be found ANYWHERE. While the cook on the outside of my CFS was decent, the inside was tough, and, again, unmemorable. The mashed potatoes and Mac is something I would expect on the buffet at a Luby's. The best thing I had was their rolls. They bring out a little bowl of gravy for dippin' and things, and that was my favorite part of the meal. I was raised to always finish my plate, but this is one of those rare times where I made it through about half of my chicken fried steak, and I called it good. Or, I guess, mediocre. read more

Goodson's Café - Chicken Fried Steak, Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes - American Near Me - Tomball, Texas

3.5/5 so I'll round up to 4. My fiance and one of his friends and I came here for a late dinner today; we are staying in Tomball overnight. I saw they had fried green tomatoes on the menu, which is a favorite of mine, so we ordered that as an appetizer. It was okay but I've had better; it was good with the ranch that it came with, though My fiance and his friend both had the chicken fried chicken and really enjoyed it. His friend and I got the mashed potatoes for the side and both agreed they were kind of meh. My fiance got the mac & cheese and said it was good. I also had corn which was a little plain but that's what I prefer. My main was the meatloaf, and it had too much of a tomato taste on top, but once I scraped that off, it was good. Overall the food was a 3/5 from me but the waitservice was very good, so that pushes this review to a 4 for me. read more

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Traditional diner that's been in business since 1950. Iconic old fashioned experience with an excellent menu. Food and service are amazing. Prices are extremely affordable. Serving sizes are huge!! Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. read more

Goodson's Café - Lobby - American Near Me - Tomball, Texas

Just hit up Goodson's Cafe and wow--my country fried steak was basically as big as Texas, and the squash and green beans were so good I considered starting a petition to make them national treasures. The yeast rolls? Fluffy puffs of clouds that I may or may not have hugged before eating. The gravy could've used a bit more salt and pepper, but no worries--they were on the table like loyal little flavor soldiers ready to save the day. Cozy, fun scenery, staff who actually seemed happy I was there (miracle!), and prices that didn't make me weep into my mashed potatoes. Definitely coming back...maybe with stretchy pants and a bigger belt. read more

Good Ole Fashioned Meals Like Most Of "Grandma's Home Cooked" Meals Accommodating & Pleasant Is Wait Staff Table Service Establishment during our Dine In visits have Always Clean read more

The place for ultimate comfort southern dishes! Atmosphere feels like a southern grandmas kitchen. Service is down-to-earth southern hospitality at its best. read more

Nice quaint place. We may have been the youngest people in there... but that says a lot. You know the elders always fine good food for great prices. We wanted to try the chicken fried steak since everyone was raving about it. We started with the onion rings and Mozzarella sticks. Both were large portions and nice and crispy. Chicken fried steak was excellent. Crust was delicious and the steak was tender. Comes with 2 sides and a basket of rolls with gravy... $15.99. Can't beat that!! I tried the chicken and dumplings which was very good also. Large pieces of chicken and nice sized dumplings. With 3 drinks!! Total $45!! Excellent food, excellent service!! read more

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Came in last night and was immediately seated. The weight staff came quickly and gave us waters. Our order was taken quickly, and our food was brought out quickly. Everything was delicious.! read more

We've lived here for years and just made it there. I'm so sad it took us so long to the restaurant is decorated in a homey way that just makes you want to visit awhile. The food is wonderful. The service is quick and kind. Couldn't recommend it enough. Be cautious if parking around back after dark. The homeless community does seem to camp there. read more

Haven't been here in many a year, but I decided to brave the ice and cold as my desire for good Chicken Fried Steak outweighed my desire to be warm and safe. But it was nice and warm inside. The small CFS was just the right size for lunch. It comes with two large helpings of sides, huge soft rolls, and plenty of gravy. It is a very good CFS my lunch partner had the small sirloin and she said it was very good also. I had the fried zucchini appetizer which was a good sized portion and very tasty. Good food and good service read more

Well you can't win em all. Tried this local spot as I love those. I was here years ago and had the chicken fried steak (what they are known for) but wasn't in the mood for it tonight. Had the fried catfish and it came with 2 sides. I chose the mashed potatoes and mac&cheese. It also came with rolls and gravy. Plenty to eat! The catfish was excellent, the mac&cheese was very good. Unfortunately I didn't care for the gravy flavor, the mashed potatoes were dry and the rolls yeasty. The waitress was very fast and always filled my tea quickly. The inside of the restaurant is cute and welcoming. Given all the factors I had to give a 3 today. Maybe an off right or early in the dinner hour... hard to say. Ok food...ok mood. read more

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We really enjoyed our visit to Goodson's Cafe. We loved the rustic atmosphere the staff was friendly and attentive. We came for the chicken fried steak and it didn't disappoint. A large portion, not too bready the gravy was savory and the sides were well seasoned. The rolls were great too. We will be back. read more

Goodson's Café - Chicken fried steak - American Near Me - Tomball, Texas

Sometimes you don't need anything fancy or heavy on the wallet... Sometimes you just want fresh & delicious for a modest price in a comfy-casual setting. Whether you're looking for a hearty breakfast spot or a place to find good ol' fashioned comfort food, Godson's Cafe should be on the list. My family & I have been coming here for over a decade, and it hasn't changed much. And, I mean that in a good way! I still look forward to a crispy and tender country fried steak (bigger than your head!) with complimentary puffy yeast rolls served with a jumbo bowl of white gravy (and honey, I'd you request it).... My husband and I visited this past weekend, and we were not the least bit disappointed. Brought my taste buds back to my childhood. The service & vibe delivered "small town" southern charm, fit for Tomball. Everything was great. So glad Goodson's is still around! read more

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This a standard diner. Nothing wowed me here. We were with a large group, so I won't kill them on service. They have been around a while, so the locals must like them. read more

Our family group of 16, including three youngers, thoroughly enjoyed a 2025 post-Thanksgiving gathering and meal at Goodson's Cafe. The staff quickly put tables together for us, and our server, Brooke, did an outstanding job keeping things moving along in a festive yet efficient manner! The kitchen staff got the appetizers, meals, and desserts out with great timing, and everything was generous, piping hot and truly delicious!!! Thank you to all concerned at Goodson's for providing such a cozy, homey, comfortable setting for us to visit and celebrate not only Thanksgiving, but also a couple of birthdays, and a prelude to the Holiday Season! read more

It has its good days and not so good days. They stopped making delicious cornbread which was disappointing and soups are good but never have what I want when I go in. Mainly we've been frustrated with cold food when delivered. read more

Best food, best service! I told my husband we need to start coming here weekly. The chicken fried steak and the banana pudding are mind blowing. The ambiance is that perfect Texas vibe. read more

This is my place to go when craving good meatloaf. Delicious! But when your side order has a hair sadly just ruins the entire dinner. I called our waitress and she said Oh I'm sorry! Took the little bowl and never came back. Lost my appetite and then get the check and they were changing me for the side. Well I have to say is not like me.... But I'm not paying for a side that had a hair that I didn't eat. Oh well not sure when I go back and if I will. Very disappointed today! read more