Bryce's Cafeteria, The Pride of Texarkana

Traveling on I-30 between Little Rock and Dallas, you'd be foolish not to plan a stop at Bryce's in Texarkana, on the Texas side of the TX-AR border. This old cafeteria used to be located downtown but now occupies large new quarters next to the Interstate. I like cafeterias (good ones, that is) and Bryce's is the best I've been to, without question. Even if you think you don't like cafeterias, I'd still urge a stop at Bryce's. A drive-thru window serves those in a hurry, but sliding your tray down the line, weighing the merits of each salad or slice of pie, is a big part of the cafeteria experience.







We arrived almost exactly at the 11am opening hour and were the first customers (it got busy shortly after). Everything was pristine but I have a feeling they maintain appearances even when the line swells. Adhering to proper old-time cafeteria protocol, Bryce's prepares six congealed salads every day. Check out that two-toned number and the mint-green one. I don't think you could pay me to eat any of those but they're fun to look at.





The dessert selection is even more impressive. Strawberry shortcake and five varieties of meringue pie represent only a small fraction of what’s on offer.

Eight mains and ten sides are available every day. Once you've made the difficult decisions (it all looks good) your plate is presented on a little stainless steel pedestal for your approval.



That's a so-called Mini Plate ($8.59) with beef stew, eggplant casserole (great!) and greens. A homemade roll or muffin is included; give the jalapeño corn muffin some serious consideration. It's a terrific plate of food, every bit of it.



Unlike at certain cafeterias where salt seems to be the only spice, Bryce's food is vigorously seasoned. That cheesy plate of Steak Tampico might be a slight exception, but a bowl of surprisingly zippy hot sauce banishes any blandness.



I returned to the line for a slice of pie and spent several minutes deliberating. I was told that customers get most upset when the icebox pies sell out, so a slice of lemon icebox it was.



Truly among the best slices of pie I've had, with lively citrus notes playing off the rich dairy flavors. I briefly thought about getting a slice of something else for the road. Bryce’s was an unexpected highlight on a road trip filled with great eats.

Bryce's Cafeteria
2021 Mall Dr (I-30 exit 220B if westbound; exit 222 if eastbound)
Texarkana TX
903-792-1611
http://www.brycescafeteria.com/
Mon-Fri 11-2 & 5-8, Sat 11-8, Sun 11-3

Rene G wrote: I like cafeterias (good ones, that is) and Bryce's is the best I've been to, without question.

Not sure where your travels are taking you down there, but if in Dallas, I'd not miss Sweet Georgia Brown's BBQ (cafeteria.) They have a few bbq options, but the place is more of a Soul Food cafeteria than anything. Search out your own reviews if you want. I guarantee you that most will say the place is amazing. I don't have to point you to any lopsided site, just search for yourself if you want. I'm that confident of how well this place does. Not a lot of offerings, but what they do, they generally do well, and if you're not averse to a portion of anything (well, everything,)with butter or pork fat slicks (OR CHUNKS,) then you will enjoy it as much as the folks on whatever review site you happen to go to enjoy it. The first time I went, when we drove by the place and saw the line 50 deep OUTSIDE of the door, I asked my Uncle what the backup plan was. His response? "Nope!" Hot Texas sun, after church crowd,all in their Sunday best, line grew 50 more deep after us about 5 minutes after we got in line. I'd wait again. HAPPILY. It's a dive. A total dive. Possibly used to be a Burger King in another lifetime. Flintstone portions, butter and salt pork in everything. It's all served in a to-go container for a reason. A very good reason. You will finish about half of your meal. You'll try to finish the other half later. You won't be able to. You'll WANT to, you just won't be able to. This place simply NAILED what soul food holiday meals used to be when I was growing up. I gotta start reviving those traditions. Seriously.

Sweet Georgia Brown's BBQ Buffet
2840 E Ledbetter Dr
Dallas, TX 75216

Lol, I forgot I posted about it back in the day:

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=15217&p=149024

Sweet Georgia Brown's Cafeteria is basically a soul food "meat and three" restaurants in South Dallas. I liked the food a lot in terms of the authenticity and the quality of the food. However, the portions are beyond imagination. We ordered two entrees for two people. I am NOT sure that the two of us could have eaten ONE entree plate. I generally do not complain about large poerions but it seemed to me to be a complete waste of food as we were unable to take leftovers back with us.

SGBC is located in South Dallas which is pretty remote from most of the DFW area.

Many of the review sites call the place a buffet. However, it is definitely a cafeteria.

Rene G wrote:
Adhering to proper old-time cafeteria protocol, Bryce's prepares six congealed salads every day. Check out that two-toned number and the mint-green one. I don't think you could pay me to eat any of those but they're fun to look at.

What? No details on the two-toned one? Let me hazard a guess: tomato aspic with a creamy mayo-based corn or asparagus layer underneath. I actually find myself longing for tomato aspic occasionally. As a kid, I had it often, with canned asparagus and mayo. I believe this was a classic 1920's & 30's salad that my grandmothers both made from canned ingredients - quite the novelty at that time.

Rene G wrote:I returned to the line for a slice of pie and spent several minutes deliberating. I was told that customers get most upset when the icebox pies sell out, so a slice of lemon icebox it was.

Another blast from the past for me. My favorite dessert at the girls school I attended in the 60's was pineapple icebox dessert. I would have loved this lemon pie, I am sure.

Thanks ReneG, for this glowing report!

I like the lime, cottage cheese, and walnut congealed salad. It has a very good taste.

Tomato aspic is something I would like to see stay in the Fifties.

Most cafeterias that I have frequented in the past 18 months have had perhaps two congealed salads. Six is a LOT.