East Texas Burger Company: Mineola

On this lunch hour, I find myself in front of the East Texas Burger Company in downtown Mineola, Texas.  Rumor has it that Bonnie and Clyde dined here- well, that's what the Internet says!  Among the brick streets and numerous antique shops, the ETBC is beckoning me to come on in.

Place your order at the counter-the menu is to your right on the wall and the daily specials on the counter.  Of course, I am not venturing toward the green chile grilled chicken of the day, I am sticking toward the usual fare- the hamburger.  You can get a small burger or a large, and you can get whatever your heart's desire on it.  Your choices continue with your fries: hand cut, curly, sweet potato or chips.  I chose chips because you can't beat home made potato chips.

At first when my burger came out, I was not impressed, but after that first bite, I loved it.  The meat was so fresh, seasoned to a tee, and cooked to perfection.  The lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles were all overflowing and tasted super fresh.  The bun was slightly warmed with the utmost of butter flavor. 
The chips were beyond light, thinly cut, and lacking in oil.  I don't even think they were seasoned.  My only gripe was that they were cold- fresh hot chips would have been better.  Overall, a very good hamburger and lunch spot.

In the end, my visit to the East Texas Burger Company was pure bliss.  Everyone inside treated you like a local.  They have a great bunch of people working there- so friendly.  On this visit, I skipped dessert, but they have fried pies and pies by the slice.  Next time, I may have to splurge even more.  If you are ever in downtown Mineola, stop on by the East Texas Burger Company.  It is sure not to disappoint even if it's just for a fried pie! 


East Texas Burger Company
126 East Broad Street
Mineola, Texas
903/569-3140
www.easttexasburger.com

Mineola, Texas:

Located in Wood County, just 80 miles East of Dallas, Mineola came into existence when the railroads built lines through the timber country of East Texas in the 1840's.  The town was incorporated in 1877.  Notable Mineolans include San Francisco's Mayor Willie Brown, Texas Governor Jim Hogg's daughter, Ima (born in Mineola), and William Jesse McDonald, a well-known Texas Ranger- shoot em up type not baseball. 

Although, today, Mineola is known as the "Gateway to the Lake Country," downtown Mineola is rich and overflowing with antique stores.  Paying homage to their railroad ties, the Railroad Museum includes a restored 1906 depot and caboose.  Additionally, Mineola houses the Select Theatre, the oldest continuously operating movie house in the State.  Other notable stops in the area are the Mineola Historic Museum, Mineola Nature Preserve, and of course the East Texas Burger Company.