By Katie Cravey | Howard Payne students know all too well the dreaded “where should we eat” question. HPU Communication Alumnus, Katie Cravey, has put together a list of the best places in Brownwood to eat. With a review of pricing, location, and what each restaurant has to offer, here are the top 10 places Katie recommends.
Average meal:
below $5: $
Between $5-$10 – $$
Between $10-$12 – $$$
Between $12-$15- $$$$
$15+- $$$$$
The Turtle Restaurant
514 Center Ave
College Budget: $$$$
Located right across the street from campus, The Turtle Restaurant is a Brownwood Downtown staple. Be sure to walk inside and grab some gelato, or go in for a meal. The Turtle Restaurant is known for its “slow, fresh food”. Also if you want to splurge from your regular pizza chain, they have amazing fresh pizza for roughly $11. Be sure to check out its menu to see all the different options! They are open 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 2p.m. Sunday.
Jacobs Family Pharmacy
2701 Austin Ave
College Budget: $
In the mood for something sweet? What is a better break from studying than a break to grab a bowl of frozen yogurt! Jacobs Family Pharmacy has many different frozen yogurt options, i
ncluding dairy-free and sugar-free. After picking your yogurt, make sure you stop by the topping bar. The cost is per bowl, not weight, so feel free to try and get as much as you want! They are open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday, and 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday.
Docs Drugstore
3800 Hwy 377 S
College Budget: $$
Docs Drugstore is truly a hidden gem of lunch food. They serve delicious sandwiches and salads for about $6 a meal. Meals are served with chips and a drink. They also have ice cream, banana splits, shakes, and malts if you are wanting a treat. Docs Drugstore also goes above and beyond as they do not have a delivery fee for delivering food to businesses! Lunch is served from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m Monday – Friday.
Steve’s Market and Deli
110 E Chandler St
College Budget: $$$
Located downtown, Steve’s Market and Deli is a gre
at place to drop in for lunch. They serve soup, salad, and sandwiches. Steve’s Market and Deli strives every day for new and exciting options on the menu. This restaurant is truly unique and a Brownwood hole in the wall. Make sure you bring cash or a check because they do not accept credit or debit cards! They are open 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday.
The Runaway Train
3600 Stephen F Austin Dr
College Budget: $$$
If you have been on campus for more than a minute, you have probably heard the train on the outskirts of campus. What is better than listening to the passing trains? Eating inside of one! The Runaway Train is an original home-style cafe in an authentic train car. Come in to enjoy sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, shakes, and more! Not to mention, it is one of the cutest photo ops in town! They are open Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tr3s Leches
201 E Baker St
College Budget: $$
At the corner of Baker and Brown Street downtown, you will find baked goods and street tacos. Many people love this place as they offer Mexican cuisine. They are known for their shrimp, pork, and prawn tacos. Tr3s Leches is also a good place to start your morning with a breakfast burrito. They are open 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Tuesday – Friday and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat.
Common Grounds
2208 Austin Ave
College Budget: $$
Take a break from studying to get your caffeine fix! Common Grounds is a Brownwood favorite for coffee, tea, and smoothies. You can find locals or HPU students conversing with one another or trying to get some work done. Drop in for breakfast or lunch as they are known for their breakfast burritos, sandwiches/paninis, and wraps! They are open at 6:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday – Friday, and 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Jolene’s Thai Cuisine
2001 Coggin Ave
College Budget: $$$
If you are in the mood of Thai food, Jolene’s is the perfect place for you! Feel free to dine in or carry out. Each meal is fresh as it is not cooked until ordered. Some local favorites are the orange chicken, cashew chicken and the stir fried veggies. They are open Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Studebaker’s Café & Grill
409 E Commerce St
College Budget: $$
Studebaker’s is a local favorite for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Brownwood. This restaurant is known for its home cooking and comfort food. The inside will take you back in time with its old school diner décor. Make sure to try the onion rings as they are a local favorite! They are open 6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Sissy’s Red Wagon
401 N Main Ave
College Budget: $
This is the perfect place for a delicious breakfast or lunch, without breaking the bank. This restaurant is known for being friendly and fast. The handmade breakfast is served all day. Locals say that this is the best place to get town news because all different types of people gather here for breakfast and lunch. They are open everyday, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.