Chicken Fried Steak Review: Goodson’s Café in Tomball, Texas

This was my 2nd visit to Goodson’s Café because my first visit was discouraging and several readers have said it has the best Chicken Fried Steak in Texas. The menu says it’s the best, a sign on the window says it’s the best and even the “Eyes of Texas” proclaimed it the best. Well the “Eyes of Texas” needs a new seeing eye dog.

I’m not sure what the problem is with Goodson’s, but I have my own ideas. I arrived at around 11:45 am and got back into my car around 11:55 am. After I ordered the Chicken Fried Steak, with green beans and mashed potatoes, and with the gravy on the side, it took less than two minutes before it showed up. Obviously the Chicken Fried Steak is not made to order. I am guessing they do their own breading of the steak, but it’s probably far enough in advance that it doesn’t hold up.

Goodson's Chicken Fried Steak Review - Before

Goodson's Chicken Fried Steak Review - After

The staff each had their own idea of what the Chicken Fried Steak consisted of. The waitress said the small was 6 oz and they use round beef. The hostess said the small was 8 oz and the large was 10 oz, and they use top round. Either way it just doesn’t work.

Here’s the details. The meat was dry and a little chewy. No gristle. The batter was very flaky, crisp and lightly seasoned. It was so flaky, it didn’t hold onto the steak. There was no grease on the bottom. The big bowl of thick white gravy was good, but just not seasoned enough. The mashed potatoes were the worst I’ve had to date; little seasoning, dry and lumpy. The green beans were just okay. They were way overcooked, but most of the green beans I’ve had were overcooked.

The small Chicken Fried Steak is $8.49 and the large is $9.79. It comes with 2 sides. They also have a CFS sandwich @ $6.99

Attention Tomball Residents: If you want a great Chicken Fried Steak, go to Mel’s in Tomball. It’s twice as good.

Who is that mapped man? It's the Texas Travelin' Man.

For clarification purposes, the comment below says that Goodson’s has the best chicken fried steak in Texas and it is from one of my blog posts. But, if you read the blog - that was a comment from a reader, not from The Texas Travelin’ Man.

Goodson's Chicken Fried Steak Review - old post

Comments for Chicken Fried Steak Review: Goodson’s Café in Tomball, Texas

Saturday, November 6, 2010 by Jessica Roseberry:: Great Food!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011 by alan parker:: in th 1970's my mother was a waitress at the original Goodson's cafe. Back then it was off of Huffsmith on the opposite side of Tomball from it's present location. I remember making french fries as a little boy on the steps leading back to the private room where Ma lived. I agree the chicken fried steak was a lot better then than now. Probably because the cooks Ma and Irma mae, made everything when ordered not ahead of time and the meat cuts were better and fresh. i miss the old days and listening to the juke box in there and all the regulars that came by to eat a good meal in a family enviroment. in fact i remember that while eating supper with our family at age 7 is where i learned to whistle. im 45 now and can still remember at least that much.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011 by Rob S.:: I used to live in Spring from 92-00. I went to Goodson's a few times and thought it was pretty good. A friend of mine, who lives in Houston told me that it was lousy the last time he went. Hate to hear that.

BTW, I always thought Wunsche Bros's and Goodson's tasted pretty close.