Chips Family Dining — Restaurant in Lake Jackson

Tldr: come here for the dessert options.

Ok... So here we go, Red Top... What can I say. The facilities have been here since 1970 and while the kitchen looks decent, the rest of the building and facilities show their age and are shopworn. The food is served on plastic and paper, beverages in styrofoam... Presentation matters, and coming up to Red Top you get the feel of an old 60's diner that was built in the Disco era (it was). The red white and blue decor is from a time before the flag waving patriotism of the new millennium and was a statement of something else "All American" you know what I'm talking about, Mom, Dad, Apple pie and burgers on the grill in summertime.

The buregrs here (I had the Angus Steak Burger) are decent enough though nothing special, and the price point with most items less than 5 bucks is a send back to a bugone age. A small thin single Patty, fully dressed in classic style with no frills. Not oozing grease, but not shoe leather, a modest offer.

The vanilla malt, the presentation here in styrofoam, it's utilitarian, it's simple, and efficient, but once again, it's you get what you pay for. And here you pay for deliciousness. If the burger doesn't take you back to a time of simple tastes and pleasures, the vanilla malt will. Not too thick, not too runny, just the right consistency for a straw. The taste of this screamed 1950's pure and simple. A quality frosty beverage on a hot and humid Texas day. A great deal of sweetness without the cloying flavor of iced tea.

I'll have to be back for the steak sandwich maybe. But I will be back for the...

I went to Chip's today at 1 pm for lunch. Chip's is in the heart of Lake Jackson and is in the building that used to be occupied by the Red Top burger joint. The interior of the restaurant is inviting and warm. I was immediately greeted at the counter. I ordered the catfish plate and a glass of water. When the employee checked me out, she gave me the senior discount without me asking. What the heck?? Do I look old or something? Hahaha!

The tables were mostly full and I recognized some friends at a nearby table.

My plate arrived within 10 minutes and I was very, very surprised at the quality and deliciousness of my food.

The fried catfish was prepared in a light corn meal batter with perfect seasonings. They were thin, crisp, and delightful to eat. I quickly polished off all three filets with the tartar sauce. The crinkle cut fries were normal restaurant fries but cooked well and still crisp. An iceberg lettuce salad with chopped tomatoes was also served with ranch dressing. Finally, a couple of pieces of Texas toast ensured I walked out of the store knowing I would not need to eat for 24 hours!

I love this restaurant. In Lake Jackson, more often than not, I've been disappointed by service or prices. Chip's does...

Flavor: A Service: A Tea: A Solo dining: A Mom has always said she loves a good burger and this is one of her local faves. The bacon cheeseburger and fries was the special and special it sure was. Chip (assuming it’s named after a person… it would be a little weird to name your restaurant after a slice of potato or tortilla) knows his way around a burger patty because this thing was seasoned up right. Like a child trained in the way he should go. And the bacon. Oh the bacon. It’s hearty and crispy just as the sacrificial pig should be. So it’s a solid A on flavor. The toasted bun brings it all together - and while I’m not usually an ‘everything on it’ kind of guy - it works on this one. Although I did add mayo because I can only take so much adventure at one burger trail stop. The crinkle cut fries are perfectly cooked but nothing special in terms of flavor. What is special is the joy and eagerness to help from the crew members here. And when you leave the tea out past closing time because you’ve still got customers in the dining room, it’s like you’ve written me a handwritten thank you card for my business. Cheers to Chips Family Dining for a small town burger that’s big town on flavor! #theburgertrail...