Goodson's Cafe

Goodson's Cafe at 27931 State Highway 249 is a Tomball institution that has served classic Southern home cooking since 1950. Ella "Ma" Goodson started out working at the cafe and bought it a few years later, and the local oil boom helped it grow into a regional favorite. Her chicken-fried steak became famous, earning recognition as one of the best in Texas and features in publications and on television; Click2Houston has listed it among the Houston area's longstanding chicken-fried steak destinations. Jimmy Fogerty became the owner in 1985, and the cafe celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2025, according to Community Impact. Expect classic plates and comforting sides in a warm, family-friendly setting. For visitors who want a taste of old-school Texas dining, it's a must-stop. Goodson's takes online reservations and caters events from birthdays and holiday parties to weddings.