The As-Seen-On-TV Restaurant In Texas That's So Worth The Hype
By Katie Lawrence|Published July 05, 2023
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Almost nobody visits the tiny Hill Country town of Tarpley on purpose, but I’m here to tell you that you absolutely should. This little blip on the map is home to Mac & Ernie’s Roadside Eatery, a Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Texas restaurant that has been filling hungry bellies for 20 years. From locally-sourced deer and goat burgers to crawfish eggrolls to banana pudding better than your mom used to make, the food here is definitely worth the hype.
Tucked away in the unincorporated community of Tarpley (population: 30), Mac & Ernie's Roadside Eatery is a charming little restaurant that's well off the beaten path but so worth seeking out.
Despite its unassuming appearance, Mac & Ernie's has quite a claim to fame: it was the very first restaurant featured on The Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives way back in 2007!
You'll see a bit of everything on the menu, starting with lunch. From locally-sourced red deer and goat burgers to sausage wraps to salads, no matter what you're in the mood for, rest assured nobody goes hungry at Mac & Ernie's.
Sides include French fries and sweet potato fries (with homemade dipping sauces for an extra fee), potato chips, coleslaw, pasta salad, and a house salad.
If you come for dinner, you'll have a variety of "gourmet" type dishes to choose from, including steak, lamb chops, and pork tenderloin kabobs.
All proteins come with a house-made sauce, a baked potato, and one side. Sides include sauteed green beans, coleslaw, pasta salad, and house salad.
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Whatever you do, don't skip dessert. From banana pudding to triple-layer carrot cake to red wine brownies, these sweets are just too scrumptious to pass up.
Mac & Ernie's also has an extensive wine and beer selection.
Visit the Mac & Ernie’s Roadside Eatery website or Mac & Ernie’s Roadside Eatery Facebook page for more information about this Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Texas restaurant, including current hours and a full menu.
Have you ever visited Mac & Ernie’s? If so, what did you try and how was it? Tell us in the comments, and if you need a place to stay in Tarpley, check out this charming cottage with a private pool.
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