Cleburne has so much to see and do—you’re sure to work up an appetite.When it’s time to rest your weary feet and refuel, this charming town has an assortment of dining options to choose from. Here are seven local favorites and their most popular dishes and best-selling menu items that will have you coming back for seconds. You’re welcome!
R&K Café
The most important meal of the day starts at R&K Café. This Main Street staple specializes in homestyle country cooking at an affordable price. Order up the #1 pancakes with eggs, bacon, and sausage patty or the #4 that features eggs, bacon, hash browns, with choice of biscuits and gravy or toast. Either way, you can’t go wrong. The cafe is open 6am-4pm, serving breakfast all day with rotating lunch specials after 11am.
Mug on the Square
If you’re looking for a hot cup of coffee or simply a chill spot to rest, Mug on the Square is the place to be. This family-owned café is known for their friendly staff and welcoming vibe. Their signature drink is a Honey Lavender Latte, made with local harvested honey, the finest lavender syrup and espresso, served hot or iced. We dare you not to have a second. Café is open Monday-Friday 6am-6pm, Saturday 1am-6pm and Sunday 9am-3pm.
The Garden of Eating Bistro
For a light lunch or something on the healthier side, The Garden of Eating Bistro has a variety of hot sandwiches, homemade soups, and chef-made salads. Locals love the Mother Clucker, homemade chicken salad with dried cranberries, red onions, and celery with lettuce on a soft sourdough roll. Don’t leave without buying some candy for the road in their retro candy and boutique store. Hours are Sunday - Friday 11am - 2pm and Saturday 12pm-3:30pm, but it’s worth the wait.
1949 Burger Bar
Featured on the Texas Bucket List is 1949 Burger Bar, also known as ‘the best little burger joint in town’. The name speaks for itself—serving up burgers from the original owner’s 100-year-old grill, in the same building since 1949. What to order? A burger of course, cooked to order with toppings of your choice, from tomatoes and lettuce to jalapenos and avocado. Don’t forget a side of hand-cut potato fries. This landmark diner is only open Monday-Saturday, 10am-3pm.
Fly By Night
Another Texas Bucket List honoree is Fly By Night, overlooking the owners’ 250-acre ranch. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, southern comfort and real Texas cuisine, this is your place. Everything on the menu is delicious, but what visitors write home about is the Burgundy Tenderloin, served with smashed red potatoes, grilled asparagus, topped with onion strings, burgundy sauce and blue cheese crumbles. Reservations are highly recommended.
La Cima Mexican Cuisine
Voted #1 restaurant in Cleburne on Trip Advisor, La Cima Mexican Cuisine is your go-to for authentic Mexican food and endless drink options. The restaurant has something for everyone with a full bar and a full-sized outdoor patio. Top item on the menu is the Pollo Poblano: a grilled chicken breast smothered in delicious poblano sauce served with cilantro lime rice and sauteed vegetables. Pair it with a cold margarita to cool things off, from watermelon, blueberry or pineapple jalapeno. Most entrees fall under $15, making it an affordable dinner for the whole family. Open Sunday-Thursday 8am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 8am-9:30pm.
Mom’s Kitchen
You can’t forget dessert! Mom’s Kitchen is a small batch bakery loved by locals not just because of the delicious array of sweet treats, but because each one is made with love. With a variety of desserts to choose from: pecan pie bars, brownies, lemon squares, cookies, Texas sheet cake and every kind of cake you can think of, it’s hard to pick just one. But one item on the menu that everyone can agree on are the cinnamon rolls. Baked daily while supplies last, you may want to have your dessert first. Open 9am-5pm Tuesday-Friday and 10am-3pm on Saturday.