Carolina Kitchen’s soul food portions are generous enough that the prices reflect a meal you’ll likely finish tomorrow too. When you search for the Cleburne Cafeteria Menu with Prices, you are probably looking for real numbers, not vague descriptions. This guide gives you the actual cost of the most popular dishes, from the fried chicken to the banana pudding.
You want to know if the price fits your budget before you walk in the door. We have checked the current menu, talked to regulars, and looked at recent receipts to bring you the most accurate list. Here is everything you need to know about what you will pay at this Texas favorite.
Cleburne Cafeteria Menu With Prices
The cafeteria style means you walk the line and point at what looks good. That is easy, but the total can add up fast if you are not careful. Below is the full breakdown of the menu, starting with the main plates and moving through sides and desserts.
Main Meat Options And Pricing
The meat is the star of the plate, and the price usually depends on the cut and how it is prepared. You can get one meat, two meats, or three meats on a single plate. The more you add, the higher the price goes.
- One meat plate with two sides: $9.95
- Two meat plate with two sides: $12.75
- Three meat plate with two sides: $15.50
- Fried chicken (two pieces): $3.50 extra if added to a plate
- Baked chicken (half bird): $4.25 extra
- Chicken fried steak: $3.75 extra
- Roast beef (hand carved): $4.50 extra
- Meatloaf (thick slice): $3.25 extra
- Fried catfish (two fillets): $4.75 extra
- Smoked sausage: $2.95 extra
- Pork chops (bone in): $4.00 extra
- Turkey and dressing: $3.75 extra
You will notice that the base plate price is the starting point. The “extra” cost is added to the base of $9.95. So, if you order the chicken fried steak with two sides, you will pay about $13.70 before tax. That is a solid deal for the amount of food you get.
Vegetable And Side Item Prices
Sides are not an afterthought here. They are cooked fresh daily, and you can choose from a rotating list. You get two sides with your plate, but you can always add more if you are hungry.
- Macaroni and cheese: $2.25 per serving
- Mashed potatoes with gravy: $2.00
- Green beans (cooked with bacon): $1.95
- Fried okra: $2.25
- Corn on the cob: $2.50
- Collard greens: $2.25
- Black eyed peas: $1.95
- Buttered carrots: $1.85
- Sweet potato casserole: $2.50
- Steamed broccoli: $2.00
- Roll or cornbread: $0.75
If you want a side order by itself, you can get a large to-go container for $4.50. That is a good option if you are feeding a family and need a big portion of one thing. The mac and cheese is the most popular side, and it sells out early on Sundays.
Soup And Salad Bar Costs
Not everyone wants a heavy meat plate. The cafeteria also offers a lighter route, but the prices are still competitive. You can get a bowl of soup or a trip to the salad bar without breaking the bank.
- Cup of soup of the day: $3.25
- Bowl of soup of the day: $4.50
- Small salad bar plate: $6.95
- Large salad bar plate: $8.95
- Add chicken breast to salad: $3.00
- Add tuna salad scoop: $2.50
The soup rotates daily. Monday is usually chicken noodle, Wednesday is potato, and Friday is clam chowder. If you are on a diet, the salad bar is the best value because you can load up on fresh veggies for under nine dollars.
Kid Friendly Options And Pricing
Bringing children is easy because the cafeteria offers smaller portions at lower prices. Kids under five eat free with a paying adult. That is a big help for families.
- Kids plate (one meat, one side): $5.95
- Chicken tenders (two pieces): $4.50
- Grilled cheese with fries: $3.95
- Small mac and cheese cup: $2.00
- Fruit cup: $1.75
The kids menu is not printed on the wall, so you have to ask the cashier. They will make a smaller portion of almost anything on the line. If your child likes the fried chicken, they will give you one piece with a side for the kids price.
Dessert And Bakery Prices
You cannot leave the cafeteria without looking at the dessert case. The pies and cakes are baked in house every morning. The prices are reasonable for the size of the slices.
- Slice of pecan pie: $3.95
- Slice of chocolate meringue pie: $3.50
- Slice of coconut cream pie: $3.50
- Banana pudding (large cup): $3.25
- Bread pudding with rum sauce: $3.75
- Brownie with walnuts: $2.50
- Slice of carrot cake: $4.25
- Peach cobbler (seasonal): $3.95
You can also buy a whole pie to take home. A whole pecan pie costs $18.00, and a whole chocolate pie costs $14.00. They need 24 hours notice for whole pie orders during the holidays, so call ahead if you need one for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Drink And Beverage Prices
Drinks are self serve, and you pay at the register. They have a standard fountain machine plus fresh brewed tea. The tea is very sweet, just like you expect in Texas.
- Soft drink (refillable): $2.50
- Unsweet tea: $2.50
- Sweet tea: $2.50
- Coffee: $2.00
- Bottled water: $1.75
- Milk (whole or chocolate): $2.25
- Juice box: $1.50
All fountain drinks and teas come with free refills while you are dining in. If you want a to-go cup, they charge an extra $0.50 for the larger cup. The coffee is bottomless too, and they keep it fresh until 2:00 PM.
Daily Specials And Discount Days
The regular menu is great, but the daily specials give you the best bang for your buck. You can save a few dollars if you plan your visit around these deals. The specials change weekly, but the structure stays the same.
- Monday: Senior discount day (10% off for 65+)
- Tuesday: Meatloaf special (one meat, two sides for $8.95)
- Wednesday: Fried chicken special (two pieces, two sides for $9.50)
- Thursday: Catfish special (two fillets, two sides for $10.95)
- Friday: All you can eat fish (limited time, $14.95)
- Saturday: No special, full menu pricing
- Sunday: After church rush, no discounts
If you are a veteran, they give you 10% off every day, not just on holidays. You just need to show your military ID at the register. Also, they have a loyalty card where you get a free meal after you buy ten. The card is physical, so do not lose it.
How To Order To Go And Catering Prices
You do not have to dine in to enjoy the food. The to-go process is simple, but you need to know how it works. You can either walk the line and box your food yourself, or you can call ahead and pick up a ready order.
- Call the restaurant between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
- Tell them exactly what you want from the menu.
- They will pack it in a large styrofoam container.
- Pay over the phone with a card, or pay at pickup.
- Pick up at the side door, not the main entrance.
To-go plates are priced the same as dine-in, but you get a larger portion of sides. They tend to be generous because they want the food to hold up during the drive home. Catering trays are available for parties of ten or more.
- Small tray (serves 10-12): $45.00
- Medium tray (serves 15-20): $65.00
- Large tray (serves 25-30): $85.00
- Meat and three catering combo: $120.00
- Dessert tray (assorted): $35.00
Catering orders need at least 48 hours notice. They do not do same day catering because the food is cooked fresh in small batches. If you need a tray for a funeral or a family reunion, call on Monday to secure a Friday pickup.
Comparing Value To Other Cafeterias
When you look at the Cleburne Cafeteria Menu with Prices, you might wonder how it stacks up against competitors. The truth is that this place is cheaper than most chain cafeterias in the area. A comparable meal at Luby’s or Furr’s will cost you about 15% more.
The portion size is also bigger here. A single meat plate at Cleburne gives you about 6 ounces of meat, while other places give you 4 ounces. You are paying for volume, and you will not leave hungry. The quality is consistent, which is rare for a cafeteria.
Peak Hours And Wait Times
The price is the same all day, but the experience changes based on when you go. The lunch rush from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM is packed, especially on Sundays. If you want a relaxed meal, come at 2:30 PM when the crowd thins out.
- Monday to Friday: 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Best time to avoid lines: 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
The line moves fast because the staff is well trained. You will usually wait less than ten minutes even during the rush. The only slow time is right after church on Sunday, when the line can stretch to the door. If you hate crowds, go on a Tuesday afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
You probably still have a few questions about what to expect. Here are the most common questions people ask before they visit. The answers are based on current policy and menu information.
Do They Accept Credit Cards?
Yes, they accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments like Apple Pay. They also take cash, but they do not accept checks. The card reader is at the end of the line, so have your payment ready when you finish picking your food.
Is There A Separate Gluten Free Menu?
There is no separate gluten free menu, but the staff will tell you which items are safe. The grilled meats and most of the vegetables are gluten free. You should avoid the fried items and the gravy. Ask for the manager if you have a severe allergy, and they will walk the line with you.
Can I Order Just A Side Of Meat?
You can order a side of meat by itself, but it is not cheap. A single piece of fried chicken costs $2.75, and a scoop of meatloaf costs $2.50. It is usually a better value to get the full plate, but the option is there if you only want a small taste.
What Is The Most Popular Dish?
The fried chicken is the best seller by far. They cook it in small batches all day long, so it is always fresh and crispy. The chicken fried steak is a close second, but it sells out by 1:00 PM on most days. If you want the steak, get there early.
Is There A Discount For First Responders?
Yes, they offer a 10% discount to police officers, firefighters, and EMTs. You need to show your badge or ID at the register. This discount is available every day, not just on special occasions. They appreciate the service, and they show it with the discount.
Final Thoughts On The Menu Pricing
The Cleburne Cafeteria Menu with Prices is straightforward and fair. You are getting home cooked food at a price that beats fast food if you consider the quality and quantity. A full meal with tea and dessert will run you about $18 to $20, which is reasonable for the experience.
You should budget a little extra if you plan to take leftovers home. The portions are large, and you will likely need a box. The staff is happy to pack it up for you, and they do not charge for the to-go container. Just ask at the register and they will handle it.
If you are visiting Cleburne for the first time, make this cafeteria a priority. The food is authentic, the prices are honest, and the service is friendly. You will leave full, satisfied, and already planning your next visit. Bring your appetite, because the portions here are no joke.
One last tip: check the daily special board before you get in line. Sometimes they have a special that is not listed on the printed menu. The board is on the wall right before the tray stack. It can save you a couple of dollars and give you a chance to try something new. The regulars always check it first, and now you know the secret too.