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Posted: 5/30/2020 6:37:05 PM EDT
[#1]
What day will you be in Abi?
If Weds - Sat, Jays BBQ at S11th/ Cherry is outstanding. Only open 11-2 though. Also serves Pappy Slokums beer. Try the Stripper Dust vanilla porter. And, no, not much to see. If you are going through by Ranger / Strawn there is supposed to be an outstanding cafe along that way. Take I20 one way, take the old Mineral Wells hwy back, 351 / 180. Gets you from Abi to Weatherford. Beautiful drive. Hollar at me if u need more help. |
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Posted: 5/30/2020 11:25:26 PM EDT
[#2]
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Posted: 5/30/2020 11:54:49 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What day will you be in Abi? If Weds - Sat, Jays BBQ at S11th/ Cherry is outstanding. Only open 11-2 though. Also serves Pappy Slokums beer. Try the Stripper Dust vanilla porter. And, no, not much to see. If you are going through by Ranger / Strawn there is supposed to be an outstanding cafe along that way. Take I20 one way, take the old Mineral Wells hwy back. Beautiful drive. Hollar at me if u need more help. Smokestack in Strawn is solidly meh. HWY 351/180 is a much better way to go unless you're in a hurry OP, sadly there really inst much of anything. In Weatherford you'll pass the original home of Camelbak on the south side of 20 if seeing a small industrial building is interesting to you |
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Posted: 5/30/2020 11:56:09 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryFossil Rim is an hour south of 20, so kind of out of the way, and really more of an all day, not a stop by and see. |
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Posted: 5/31/2020 3:07:29 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If you are going through by Ranger / Strawn there is supposed to be an outstanding cafe along that way. Mary's in Strawn is renowned for their chicken fried steak. It's probably the best I've ever had in a restaurant, but not as good as my aunt's. Many, many, many people say it's the best in the world, and I'm not going to argue. |
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Posted: 5/31/2020 3:22:01 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Mary's in Strawn is renowned for their chicken fried steak. It's probably the best I've ever had in a restaurant, but not as good as my aunt's. Many, many, many people say it's the best in the world, and I'm not going to argue. I argue it. It's good, maybe even worth exiting. not worth driving to. |
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Posted: 5/31/2020 6:04:02 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Mary's in Strawn is renowned for their chicken fried steak. It's probably the best I've ever had in a restaurant, but not as good as my aunt's. Many, many, many people say it's the best in the world, and I'm not going to argue. *snap! Thats the cafe I was thinking of! Thanks! |
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Posted: 5/31/2020 8:32:16 AM EDT
[#8]
Mary's is good CFS, but it's more known for the size than the quality. They serve huge steaks that cover large plates. It's good truck driver quality food.
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Posted: 5/31/2020 12:24:36 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I argue it. It's good, maybe even worth exiting. not worth driving to. I drove to it just to eat there (from Ft. Worth-ish). I think it was well worth the drive. Where do you think there's better CFS in Texas? Please, for the love of whatever god you believe in, do not say Babe's. |
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Posted: 5/31/2020 2:04:13 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I drove to it just to eat there (from Ft. Worth-ish). I think it was well worth the drive. Where do you think there's better CFS in Texas? Please, for the love of whatever god you believe in, do not say Babe's. hell no not Babe's. I don't know where has better off the top of my head, dont know where has worse either. My memory for details like that sucks  but even the best crap sandwich is still crap.
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Posted: 5/31/2020 2:37:15 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: ...but even the best crap sandwich is still crap. Not sure what that means here. Are you implying that CFS is crap? Because if you are, we will have to fight to the death if we ever meet in real life. |
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Posted: 5/31/2020 2:41:52 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Not sure what that means here. Are you implying that CFS is crap? Because if you are, we will have to fight to the death if we ever meet in real life. hell no! chicken fried steak is awesome, with taters and gravy. I remember a few places with better, one east of Austin, another was some tiny shack out past Paris heading to OK. I mean that even IF Mary's (i remember it as smokestack for some reason) is the best there is in the state, doesnt make it good. put another way, what's the best infringement on the 2nd amendment? |
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Posted: 5/31/2020 3:16:18 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: hell no! chicken fried steak is awesome, with taters and gravy. I remember a few places with better, one east of Austin, another was some tiny shack out past Paris heading to OK. I mean that even IF Mary's (i remember it as smokestack for some reason) is the best there is in the state, doesnt make it good. put another way, what's the best infringement on the 2nd amendment? Ah, I see. Well, if you remember, I'd love to try 'em out. But Mary's has been on more than one list of best CFS in the world. Google it and you'll see that it's pretty well regarded. I wonder if you went somewhere else? |
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Posted: 5/31/2020 3:42:37 PM EDT
[#14]
The Smokestack is in Thurber. Mary's is in Strawn. Not anywhere close to the same league, imo.
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Posted: 5/31/2020 4:13:23 PM EDT
[#15]
hmmm. seems i may need to back pedal and make counter accusations
 I was confusing Mary's and Smokestack. I'll blame TBI, or just being dumb, take your pick. looking at pics of Mary's, I have been there, but don't remember the CFS. Smokestack I remember due to it's mediocrity, and charging like $5 for my wife and I to share a plate. my apologies fellas. |
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Posted: 5/31/2020 6:05:23 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: hmmm. seems i may need to back pedal and make counter accusations I was confusing Mary's and Smokestack. I'll blame TBI, or just being dumb, take your pick. looking at pics of Mary's, I have been there, but don't remember the CFS. Smokestack I remember due to it's mediocrity, and charging like $5 for my wife and I to share a plate. my apologies fellas. I got a burger there once. It was OK. A buddy says their pie is outstanding. A lot of people love their breakfast. Cool history in the town too. As far as Marys, never been, but their rep precedes them. |
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Posted: 5/31/2020 9:37:14 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I got a burger there once. It was OK. A buddy says their pie is outstanding. A lot of people love their breakfast. Cool history in the town too. As far as Marys, never been, but their rep precedes them. Off topic for this thread, but if you're ever driving between DFW and San Antonio, take 281 instead of I35. While in Hico, stop by the Koffee Kup Family Restaurant (which has some interesting history as you might guess from the former name, Koffee Kup Kafe). It's now a nice family run restaurant that makes some badass pies. Oh, and you're not taking 281 just for the pie, you're doing it because it's just as fast and a bazillion time nicer to drive. Less traffic, better scenery (who doesn't love the hill country?), and better places to make pitstops. Just don't speed through those small towns, and don't speed too much outside of the towns, and you'll thank me if you've never gone this way. |
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Posted: 6/1/2020 1:43:12 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Off topic for this thread, but if you're ever driving between DFW and San Antonio, take 281 instead of I35. While in Hico, stop by the Koffee Kup Family Restaurant (which has some interesting history as you might guess from the former name, Koffee Kup Kafe). It's now a nice family run restaurant that makes some badass pies. Oh, and you're not taking 281 just for the pie, you're doing it because it's just as fast and a bazillion time nicer to drive. Less traffic, better scenery (who doesn't love the hill country?), and better places to make pitstops. Just don't speed through those small towns, and don't speed too much outside of the towns, and you'll thank me if you've never gone this way. Although I have never gone from DFW to SA, I’ll keep that in mind ???? I love the hill country. |
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Posted: 6/1/2020 2:03:58 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Mary's in Strawn is renowned for their chicken fried steak. It's probably the best I've ever had in a restaurant, but not as good as my aunt's. Many, many, many people say it's the best in the world, and I'm not going to argue. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: If you are going through by Ranger / Strawn there is supposed to be an outstanding cafe along that way. Mary's in Strawn is renowned for their chicken fried steak. It's probably the best I've ever had in a restaurant, but not as good as my aunt's. Many, many, many people say it's the best in the world, and I'm not going to argue. I've had it many many times, and its definitely not the best in the world, but its pretty danged good, and portions are ginormous |
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Posted: 6/1/2020 2:04:55 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I drove to it just to eat there (from Ft. Worth-ish). I think it was well worth the drive. Where do you think there's better CFS in Texas? Please, for the love of whatever god you believe in, do not say Babe's. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I argue it. It's good, maybe even worth exiting. not worth driving to. I drove to it just to eat there (from Ft. Worth-ish). I think it was well worth the drive. Where do you think there's better CFS in Texas? Please, for the love of whatever god you believe in, do not say Babe's. Cattle Barons in Lubbock is about 3x better |
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Posted: 6/1/2020 3:03:42 PM EDT
[#21]
The rest stop around Ranger hill is a pretty decent place to quickly take a piss and briefly enjoy the elevated view...that's all I got.
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Posted: 6/1/2020 3:16:51 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Cattle Barons in Lubbock is about 3x better Only time I've been to Lubbock was when my flight was diverted, but I'll keep that in mind. Actually, I'm making a mental note. Next time I'm in the mood for a weekend road trip, it might be to go get some CFS. |
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Posted: 6/1/2020 3:19:16 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Only time I've been to Lubbock was when my flight was diverted, but I'll keep that in mind. Actually, I'm making a mental note. Next time I'm in the mood for a weekend road trip, it might be to go get some CFS. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Cattle Barons in Lubbock is about 3x better Only time I've been to Lubbock was when my flight was diverted, but I'll keep that in mind. Actually, I'm making a mental note. Next time I'm in the mood for a weekend road trip, it might be to go get some CFS. Lubbock is pretty solid during the summer, its a dry heat vs. swamp ass of the rest of the state. Also cools down at night to be quite comfy outside. I wouldn't drive anywhere just for CFS tho |
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Posted: 6/1/2020 3:30:28 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I wouldn't drive anywhere just for CFS tho Oh, I would. OK, don't laugh, but in the late 90s I had a website dedicated to CFS. It was kinda like CFS Yelp before Yelp existed. I had dozens of reviews there, and there were a few hundred reviews from others all across the country. Anyway, yeah, I like chicken fried steak a little... 
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Posted: 6/1/2020 3:39:40 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Oh, I would. OK, don't laugh, but in the late 90s I had a website dedicated to CFS. It was kinda like CFS Yelp before Yelp existed. I had dozens of reviews there, and there were a few hundred reviews from others all across the country. Anyway, yeah, I like chicken fried steak a little... Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I wouldn't drive anywhere just for CFS tho Oh, I would. OK, don't laugh, but in the late 90s I had a website dedicated to CFS. It was kinda like CFS Yelp before Yelp existed. I had dozens of reviews there, and there were a few hundred reviews from others all across the country. Anyway, yeah, I like chicken fried steak a little... One of the best CFS I've ever had is at Pryors Cafe outside of Billings, MT.... Cattle Baron is Lubbock is another excellent one. |
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Posted: 6/1/2020 6:15:20 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Mary's is good CFS, but it's more known for the size than the quality. They serve huge steaks that cover large plates. It's good truck driver quality food. This, I grew up out that direction and have since moved on. I can assure you that the CFS at Mary's is not worth the trip. People who think Mary's CFS is good also think the steaks at the Big Texas in Amarillo are worth eating. 
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Posted: 6/1/2020 6:16:55 PM EDT
[#27]
Quoted: Sometime next week I'm driving my father-in-law to Abilene to pick up his truck so I'll be driving back to Mesquite by myself (east border of Dallas). I've never been west of fort Worth and only been there twice, once to go to the big gun show in another time TV north of town to take a test at a college. The only thing to see out that way is the back of your eyeballs while taking a nap. If your driving this could be dangerous. There used to be some decent gun stores in Abilene but last time I looked around out there only the red Pawn shop was still open. |
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Posted: 6/2/2020 2:13:38 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The rest stop around Ranger hill is a pretty decent place to quickly take a piss and briefly enjoy the elevated view...that's all I got. I love to urinate, thanks Mary's chicken fried steak sounds like a worthy stop. Living in Mesquite for my ten years in Texas, I've not really had good Texas food so I'm looking forward to it. |
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Posted: 6/2/2020 3:01:47 AM EDT
[#29]
Conrad Hilton's very first Hilton Hotel in Cisco, TX
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Posted: 6/2/2020 8:55:23 AM EDT
[#30]
Oh, I just remembered, in Abilene is the 12th Armored Division museum. That's worth a walk through if you have an hour or two to kill while you're there.
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Posted: 6/2/2020 9:03:02 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Oh, I just remembered, in Abilene is the 12th Armored Division museum. That's worth a walk through if you have an hour or two to kill while you're there. Cant speak for the museum, but have fun dodging the hobos while you are there. |
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Posted: 6/2/2020 9:05:21 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Cant speak for the museum, but have fun dodging the hobos while you are there. I went about 5 years ago, and it was nice. |
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Posted: 6/2/2020 3:13:22 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I went about 5 years ago, and it was nice. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Cant speak for the museum, but have fun dodging the hobos while you are there. I went about 5 years ago, and it was nice. ???? |
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Posted: 6/11/2020 7:56:41 PM EDT
[#34]
Trip delayed.....
Going tomorrow (Friday the 12th). I'll try to hit that chicken fried steak place for lunch (although I might be passing back through too early). |
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Posted: 6/13/2020 12:48:09 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Mary's in Strawn is renowned for their chicken fried steak. It's probably the best I've ever had in a restaurant, but not as good as my aunt's. Many, many, many people say it's the best in the world, and I'm not going to argue. In my opinion, Jake & Dorthy's in Stephenville was better than Mary's, but I haven't been in many years and things do change. |
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Posted: 6/17/2020 6:21:52 AM EDT
[#36]
I went to Mary's.
It was big, but if that counts for good, great or BEST then all I can say is.... 
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Posted: 6/17/2020 10:08:57 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I went to Mary's. It was big, but if that counts for good, great or BEST then all I can say is.... https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/433565/tenor-21-1465084.gif So, how was your trip? Stay on 20 or take the back way? |
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Posted: 6/17/2020 2:51:47 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I went to Mary's. It was big, but if that counts for good, great or BEST then all I can say is.... https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/433565/tenor-21-1465084.gif The main difference between Mary’s CFS and most other places is that Mary’s is pan-fried and others are deep-fried. I much prefer pan-fried as most deep-fried CFS are actually frozen. Furr’s CFS are pan-fried, but I’m not even sure they survived the coronavirus shutdown or not as most around me were closed before. |
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Posted: 6/17/2020 7:29:52 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: So, how was your trip? Stay on 20 or take the back way? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I went to Mary's. It was big, but if that counts for good, great or BEST then all I can say is.... https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/433565/tenor-21-1465084.gif So, how was your trip? Stay on 20 or take the back way? I was stopping at Mary's on the way back so I stuck with 20. I also didn't want to be coming through DFW during traffic. I got home at 2:30pm after leaving at 5:30am instead of 5am since my 78 year old father in law runs on GP Time. Grandpa time He's a retired truck driver who grew up in Abilene so he told me where every truck stop used to be  He also took the union cock for years so I don't talk politics anymore 
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Posted: 6/18/2020 5:37:58 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What day will you be in Abi? If Weds - Sat, Jays BBQ at S11th/ Cherry is outstanding. Only open 11-2 though. Also serves Pappy Slokums beer. Try the Stripper Dust vanilla porter. And, no, not much to see. If you are going through by Ranger / Strawn there is supposed to be an outstanding cafe along that way. Take I20 one way, take the old Mineral Wells hwy back, 351 / 180. Gets you from Abi to Weatherford. Beautiful drive. Hollar at me if u need more help. |
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