East Texas Region

(From November 2010) This little diner, on the “square” in Garrison, is truly a family operation. Although opened and operated by Buddy and Patricia Baker, myriad relatives may also be there, helping out. Deeply in need of comfort food, we stopped by on a sultry afternoon and happily overindulged on the hand-breaded steak fingers, hand-cut fries, and homemade gravy. A friend was equally soothed by her stuffed baked potato, brimming with chopped barbecue, onions, sour cream, and cheese. The chicken and dumplings and the homemade pies are legendary.

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(From June 2011)

Sodolaks Beefmasters is, quite simply, pure Texas—hefty portions of unbeatable chicken-fried steak, perfectly grilled ribeyes and pork chops, sumptuous catfish and shrimp, and such trademark Southern sides as turnip greens, black-eyed peas, and okra. Top it off with pecan, peach, or blackberry cobbler, and you’ll be loosening your belt before you get home. Scattered among the restaurant’s rustic decor are police, military, and firefighter badges—seals of approval from some pretty tough customers. Don’t come here expecting more healthy fare than a couple of salads can offer. But if you’re craving the kind of country cooking you enjoyed back in the day, you just can’t beat Sodolaks. Beer & wine.

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