Southern hospitality extends to the bill at Bailey and Cato, where the soul food prices stay as warm and welcoming as the service. If you have been looking for the Bailey and Cato Menu with Prices before you head out the door, you are in the right place. This guide breaks down the full cost of their famous fried chicken, catfish, and classic sides so you can plan your meal without any surprises.
Bailey and Cato is a beloved spot in San Antonio, Texas. It has been serving up homestyle cooking for decades. The line can get long, but the food moves fast. Knowing what you want before you arrive helps you get through the line quicker.
Bailey And Cato Menu With Prices
This is the most current price list we have gathered from recent visits and local reports. Please remember that prices can change. The restaurant sometimes adjusts costs based on the market, but these figures give you a solid ballpark for your budget.
Fried Chicken Meals
The fried chicken here is the star of the show. It is crispy, juicy, and seasoned well. You can order it by the piece or as a full meal.
- 2-Piece Dark Meal (Leg & Thigh) – $8.99
- 2-Piece White Meal (Breast & Wing) – $9.49
- 3-Piece Mixed Meal – $11.49
- 4-Piece Family Meal – $14.99
- 8-Piece Bucket (No Sides) – $21.99
- 12-Piece Family Bucket (No Sides) – $29.99
All chicken meals come with two sides and a piece of cornbread. The cornbread is sweet and buttery. You will want to ask for extra if you are sharing.
Fried Fish And Seafood
If you are not in the mood for chicken, the catfish is a solid second choice. It is fried to order and never greasy.
- 2-Piece Catfish Meal – $10.99
- 3-Piece Catfish Meal – $12.99
- Shrimp Meal (6 Pieces) – $11.49
- Fish & Shrimp Combo – $13.99
- Extra Catfish Fillet – $3.50
The fish is always flaky on the inside. The breading has a little bit of heat, but it is not overpowering. You can ask for tartar sauce or hot sauce at the counter.
Smothered Pork Chops And Meatloaf
For those who want something heartier, the pork chops are a fan favorite. They are smothered in a rich brown gravy that you will want to sop up with bread.
- Smothered Pork Chop Meal (1 Chop) – $10.49
- Smothered Pork Chop Meal (2 Chops) – $13.99
- Meatloaf Meal – $9.99
- Turkey Wing Meal – $11.99
The meatloaf is topped with a sweet tomato glaze. It is a good option if you want something that tastes like Sunday dinner at your grandmothers house.
Sandwiches And Po’ Boys
If you are in a hurry, the sandwiches are easier to eat on the go. They serve them on soft bread with pickles and onions.
- Fried Chicken Sandwich – $7.49
- Catfish Po’ Boy – $8.99
- Shrimp Po’ Boy – $9.49
- Fish Sandwich – $7.99
These come with no sides unless you upgrade. Adding a side costs an extra $1.99. The po’ boys are loaded with lettuce and tomato, so they feel fresh.
Southern Sides
The sides are just as important as the main dish here. They rotate daily, but the staples are always available. You can order sides individually if you just want a light bite.
- Macaroni and Cheese – $2.49
- Collard Greens – $2.49
- Black-Eyed Peas – $2.49
- Mashed Potatoes with Gravy – $2.49
- Potato Salad – $2.49
- Coleslaw – $2.49
- Green Beans – $2.49
- Corn on the Cob – $2.99
- Side Salad – $3.49
The mac and cheese is baked, not the runny kind. The collard greens are cooked with smoked turkey, which gives them a deep flavor. You really cant go wrong with any choice.
Desserts And Sweets
Save room for dessert. The sweets are made in-house and change based on what is available.
- Sweet Potato Pie (Slice) – $3.99
- Peach Cobbler (Cup) – $3.49
- Banana Pudding (Cup) – $3.49
- Bread Pudding – $3.99
- Whole Sweet Potato Pie – $14.99
The peach cobbler is served warm. The banana pudding has vanilla wafers in it that are still slightly crunchy. If they have the bread pudding, grab it before it sells out.
Drinks And Beverages
They have a standard drink cooler. You will find the usual sodas and sweet tea. The sweet tea is very sweet, just like it should be in Texas.
- Soft Drinks (Can or Bottle) – $1.99
- Sweet Tea (Large Cup) – $2.49
- Unsweet Tea – $2.49
- Bottled Water – $1.50
- Fresh Lemonade – $2.99
You can get free refills on the tea if you are dining in. If you are getting takeout, they will give you a separate cup for your drink.
How To Order Efficiently
The line at Bailey and Cato can be long, especially on Fridays and Sundays. Here is how to get through it without holding up the people behind you.
- Decide before you step up. Look at the menu boards on the wall while you wait.
- State your meal clearly. Say “2-piece dark meal with mac and greens” so the cashier can punch it in fast.
- Check your bag before you leave the counter. Make sure you got your cornbread and your sides.
- Grab your own condiments. The napkins, plastic forks, and hot sauce are at the end of the counter.
- Pay with cash if you can. It speeds up the line. They do take cards, but cash is quicker.
If you are ordering for a large group, call ahead. They do take phone orders for pickup. This saves you from standing in line with a hungry family in the car.
Daily Specials And Value Options
Bailey and Cato runs specials during the week. These are the best way to save money if you are flexible with your schedule.
- Monday: Meatloaf Special – $8.49 (Includes one side and cornbread)
- Wednesday: Catfish Special – $9.99 (2 pieces with one side)
- Friday: Shrimp Special – $10.99 (Larger portion)
- Sunday: Turkey Wing Special – $10.49
These specials are not always listed on the main menu board. You have to ask the cashier what the special is for that day. Sometimes they run out of the special by mid-afternoon, so go early if you want it.
Combining Meals For Groups
If you are feeding a family of four, it is often cheaper to buy the family buckets and order sides separately. For example, the 8-piece bucket costs $21.99. If you buy four individual 2-piece meals, you are paying around $36.00. That is a significant savings.
You can also order the “Family Pack” if they have it available. This usually includes a 12-piece bucket and three large sides for around $39.99. It is not on the printed menu, so you have to ask for it.
Location And Hours
Bailey and Cato is located at 2518 S WW White Rd, San Antonio, TX 78222. It is in a strip mall on the east side of the city. There is plenty of parking in the lot, but it fills up during peak hours.
- Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: Major holidays
They stop serving hot food about 30 minutes before closing. Do not show up at 7:50 PM and expect a full menu. The fryers are usually shut down by then.
Tips For First Timers
If you have never been to Bailey and Cato, here are a few things to keep in mind so you have the best experience.
- Bring cash for smaller bills. It makes it easier to pay for exact change.
- Ask for extra napkins. The food is saucy and you will need them.
- Try the greens first. If you like them, you will like everything else.
- The cornbread is free with meals. Do not let them forget to put it in the bag.
- Be patient. The food is cooked to order, so it might take 5-7 minutes for your tray.
The staff is friendly but they are busy. Do not take it personally if they are short with you during the lunch rush. They are moving fast to get everyone served.
Is The Food Worth The Price?
In our opinion, yes. The portions are generous. A single meal can easily feed two people if you are not a big eater. The quality of the ingredients is high, and the cooking is consistent. You are paying for real, scratch-made soul food, not reheated cafeteria grub.
Compared to other soul food spots in San Antonio, Bailey and Cato is right in the middle price range. You can find cheaper fried chicken at a fast food joint, but it will not taste like this. You can find more expensive places, but they often do not have the same homestyle feel.
The value is in the sides. Most places charge extra for a decent portion of mac and cheese. Here, you get a heaping scoop that is baked and creamy. It is a good deal for the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bailey And Cato Have A Senior Discount?
Yes, they offer a small discount for seniors over the age of 65. It is usually around 10% off your total order. You have to ask for it when you pay, as it is not advertised.
Can I Order Bailey And Cato For Delivery?
They do not have their own delivery drivers. You can sometimes find them on third-party apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, but the prices are marked up on those platforms. The menu with prices listed here is for in-store pickup or dine-in only.
Are There Any Vegetarian Options On The Bailey And Cato Menu?
There are no vegetarian main dishes, but you can order a plate of sides. You can get three sides for around $6.99. The mac and cheese, green beans, and potato salad are all vegetarian friendly.
Does The Price Of The Meal Include A Drink?
No, drinks are sold separately. The meal price only includes the entree, two sides, and cornbread. You will need to add a drink to your order if you want one.
What Is The Most Popular Item On The Menu?
The 2-piece dark meal is the most ordered item. People love the dark meat because it stays moist. The smothered pork chops are a close second, but they sell out fast on weekends.
Now you have the full picture of the Bailey and Cato menu with prices. You can walk in with confidence, order quickly, and enjoy a fantastic meal without breaking the bank. Go hungry, bring your appetite, and do not forget to grab some peach cobbler on the way out. It is the perfect ending to a hearty Southern meal.