Hill Country Cupboard in Texas

Signs in Johnson City

There are a couple of signs that I love, in Johnson City. The first one reminds us, when we are nearing LBJ's hometown. The second, is the sign reminds us that we are in the Texas Hill Country. The sign also brags about the World's Best Chicken Fried Steak... Nearly 3 Dozen Sold!

​New Paint

The chicken fried steak sign caught our attention about 10 years ago when we were traveling with the kids. They were amused by the humor, of 3 dozen sold. They were also hungry. So we had lunch and as I recall, the chicken fried steak was decent. In April, Don and I stopped again. I noticed the sign had been painted and the words about chicken fried steak were missing. But we were hungry for something lighter.
​

Lunch in April

We arrived on a cool and gloomy weekday. The dining felt pretty cozy, although the area looked larger than I remembered. There were enough booths and tables to seat all of Johnson City. Well maybe not quite.
​

Bar

There was a bar in the other room and I didn't remember that. Our server told us it was open a couple times a week. 

​Regulars
​

We took a seat in the booth near the window. That way we got to keep an eye on all the regulars who were congregating. Don and I were beginning to feel pretty young, amongst the retirees. 

Table Stuff

Each table had a curious pole and block system that I never figured out. I think when the place is busy, the blocks can signal the server in some way. But I only saw the block being used as a paper weight, for the check. I had meant to ask before we left and now I'll never know.
​

Menu on a Bag
​

Our menu was glued to a brown paper bag. That seemed a little odd. But then our server told us that when the restaurant first opened, they wrote the menu options on a paper bag and passed it around. 

I liked that funny bit of restaurant history. I also liked the idea that there was a sandwich named for Lady Bird. 

I was forced to order one.

Lady Bird

The Lady Bird sandwich was of course, made from a bird. The chicken, grilled with onions and mushrooms, was served with Swiss cheese on Texas toast.

I think Lady Bird would have been okay with that.

Breakfast Anytime
​

Neither of us had a big enough appetite for chicken fried steak, so we were happy with sandwich and breakfast options. Don went for the eggs, ham, taters and biscuit. 
​

Wandering
​

Our lingering after lunch, was really what made our visit memorable. We finished eating and began looking around at some of the intriguing decor. There was a cupboard, that might have inspired the restaurant's name. There were antiques and knickknacks and a case of baked goodies. It was when I stopped to study the trio of LBJ plates, that the owner struck up a conversation. 

Sandra
​

I believe Sandra, was the name of the owner. She was gracious and friendly as she filled us in on the restaurant's history. I wish I had taken notes, when she told a story about the day Lady Bird Johnson came to dine. A secret service agent had arrived early and asked about renting out the whole space. A bit later, Mrs. Johnson and family arrived, to enjoy a meal. Sandra said the whole group had been very relaxed and kind. Mrs. Johnson even autographed a menu.

More Chatting at The Cupboard

Sandra talked about her reaction to Johnson City, when she moved there, years ago. It was hard for me to imagine anyone thinking of Johnson City as a city. J.C. has fewer than 2,000 residents, now. Sandra's hometown of Bryce had a population of 15, the last I checked. So it's easy to see how she could have found it hard to adjust to a busier community.

Sandra told us she worked at the restaurant for 9 years, before she was approached about buying the business. I imagine she must have impressed the owners she worked for, with her commitment and hard work. ​

By the time we pulled off, the lot was fairly empty. We were feeling good about our nice little dining adventure. It ended up having a lot more to do with people, than food.