Billie Dean's Cafe in Matador, TX

One of Two Dinner Options

This was the restaurant Don and I chose when we recently spent a night in Matador, Texas. We spotted the cafe when we stopped for gas. I walked a few steps from the gas pumps to inspect the oddly painted building.  I didn't realize until after we checked into our hotel, that this would be our only option for dinner.

A Restaurant and Motel

I failed to get a photo of Billie Dean's Motel, that stood a few yards away. That's probably because I was a little intimidated by the dusty characters who had just pulled up to the motel, on 3 motorcycles.  

Monday Night in Matador

Don and I returned in the evening and chose a booth beside the Matador mural. We chuckled at the image of the Saturday night bather, enjoying a good scrubbing at sunset. After a while a few of the other tables were occupied by locals.  We sipped our waters and absorbed a little of the Matador culture around us.

Taco Salad Served with a Smile

Our young server in gym shorts and French braided hair was extremely welcoming to everyone who walked in the door. I was surprised at her confidence, greeting the bikers, when they walked in the door, looking for dinner.  They were cleaned up a bit, but still looked worn and weary.

The young girl seemed totally at ease as she cheerily invited them to find a seat. I was delighted to see how these gruff looking men in leather jackets and chains, spoke to her with such gracious manners. Good for her and good for them. The bikers and the young girl had fooled me by behaving differently than I expected.

Chicken Fried Chicken and More Observations

While Don ate his chicken fried chicken with curly fries, I observed a few more guests. A 30-ish man dined alone. When his food arrived, he bowed his head and prayed for the longest time. I so wish he had spoken aloud.  I wondered what words he actually spoke.

Then a large family took over a couple tables. The mom, dad and grandmother all seemed pleasantly involved with the 6 or so children.  The group of kids was delightfully diverse, like Brad and Angelina's kids. If we hadn't been in such a small Texas town, I wouldn't have noticed how unique this family seemed. There was no praying at this table, but they seemed as courteous as the bikers and as respectful as the praying man.

All Done

The owner was going through receipts when we checked out.  He paused to chat and told us that Billie Dean's had been open for 54 years. We stepped outside and looked across the highway.  The sunset wasn't exactly like the mural, but it was nice.

Dining in Matador 

There wasn't a whole lot to our dining adventure in Matador, but I figured it was worth mentioning. I guess it was Pat who we spoke with at check out. His parents opened the motel/restaurant/gas station business in 1964. I learned later that Billie Jean was Pat's mom. I wish I'd learned more.

I'm glad we weren't put off by the peeling exterior paint or we would have missed out on a pleasant piece of Matador. We didn't have to spend much to get a decent meal, while we relearned the old lesson. "Don't judge a book by its cover."  That goes for buildings as well as people.