Frank's Cafe Is A 100-Year-Old Institution With The Best Mexican Food In Small Town Texas
By Katie Lawrence|Published June 14, 2022
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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).
Some of the best Mexican food in Texas is hiding where you’d least expect to find it. Few have even heard of the small town of Hebbronville – or of the restaurant that keeps it on the map. Popular among locals and hunters traveling through the area, Frank’s Cafe is a family-owned institution that has been around for over a century. The restaurant specializes in sizable steaks and Mexican recipes passed down over generations, and everything on the menu is incredible.
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The tiny South Texas town of Hebbronville is home to fewer than 5,000 people, but somehow, Frank's Cafe has kept its doors open for over a century.
Family owned and operated since the very beginning, this local institution is part restaurant, part hangout spot - especially because it's open until 1 a.m.
Upon entrance, you'll be treated to a hodgepodge of taxidermy, Texas memorabilia, and more pictures of Marilyn Monroe than you knew could exist in one place.
The digs are undeniably rustic, but that's where the charm lies. Grab a table or slide into a booth, take a gander at the menu, and get acquainted with the regulars while you wait for your food to arrive.
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You won't see a whole lot of different options on the menu, but that just means each dish gets the TLC it so rightfully deserves.
We highly recommend starting with the Panchos Supreme appetizer. It's a simple concept - tostada shells topped with meat, cheese, jalapenos, lettuce, tomato, and onions (basically deconstructed tacos) - but all it takes is one bite to understand what all the hype is about.
Most of the cuts are under $20 - even the T-bone - and they cut like butter. Plus, where else can you find steak that comes with a side of refried beans?
Check out the size of this ribeye! The hand for scale shows you how massive it truly is.
Other entrees include Mexican classics such as tacos loaded up with all the usual suspects, plus burgers and ice cold beer to wash it all down. The live Tejano music on Friday and Saturday nights is not to be missed!
Address: 198 N Hickory Ave #100, Hebbronville, TX 78361.
Visit the restaurant’s Facebook page for more information.
Have you ever eaten at Frank’s Cafe? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience. Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more of the best Mexican food in Texas.
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