If you're a Central Texas traveler craving an authentic, unforgettable dining experience, look no further than Oscar's Store near Temple, Texas. This isn't just a restaurant; it's a true Texas institution, a beloved local secret that has been serving up some of the best steaks in Central Texas for generations. Established way back in 1934 by Rudy and Grace Schiller, Oscar's Store holds a deep history. Though the original building was tragically destroyed by a lightning strike and fire in 2005, Thomas Maddux bravely rebuilt and reopened this iconic spot in 2009, ensuring its legacy continued. Situated on Little Elm Creek and Farm Road 3117, six miles east of Temple in eastern Bell County, it's a testament to the community of Oscar, founded by Czechs in the late nineteenth century. It's truly a must-experience food place for any meat lover passing through. For over eight years, I've made the pilgrimage to Oscar's, and for good reason: their legendary 32 oz sirloin steak. This isn't for the faint of heart – it's a perfectly cooked, Texas-sized steak that embodies the heartiness of our state. Every bite is a testament to quality and consistency, a rich, flavorful journey that keeps me coming back time and time again. But Oscar's is more than just phenomenal food. The live music creates an incredible atmosphere, transforming a simple dinner into a memorable night under the Texas stars. The sounds of local musicians fill the air, adding to the rustic charm and making the drive out to this hidden gem absolutely worth it. It’s the kind of place where you can truly relax, enjoy great company, and feel the soul of Texas. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a lively night out with friends, Oscar's delivers. If you're seeking authentic Texas dining with a rich history, incredible steakhouse quality, and a vibrant live music scene, Oscar's Store near Temple is your destination. It's a place that resonates with the true spirit of Central Texas. You can learn more about their story on their official website: About Oscar Store Texas. With...
Read moreWas in the Temple area today on business around lunchtime. I Googled “best restaurants in Temple” and Oscar Store popped up with the reviews stating “best chicken fried steak hands down”. Well, that’s a mighty bold claim I’ve heard MANY times before, and I’ve literally tried them all over Texas. I wanted to check out this mythical place for myself. I got the CFS plate with mashed potatoes and fried okra. Holy Cow!! It didn’t disappoint!
Chicken Fried Steak Plate 9/10 - the meat was a thicker cut than most. I personally don’t like the beat to death, paper thin sliver that’s all crust. This my friends was a CFS with substance. The meat was seasoned well. The batter was crispy and well flavored. The gravy was above average and very good. I really enjoyed it!
Mashed Potatoes 8/10 - good consistency and texture. The flavor and overall vibe of the potatoes was they were homemade. Gravy was same as CFS.
Fried Okra 6/10 - nothing special here. Seemed like run of the mill frozen okra. They were still good though.
Roll 9/10 - not sure what kind of roll they put in the plate, but it sure was good. Almost seemed like a honey butter flavored roll?
Service 9/10 - everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful. Can’t say enough about the small town hospitality! Thank y’all!
Atmosphere 8/10 - old building with rustic charm. I think it was built in 1932 originally. Lots of cool items inside and out.
Overall 9/10 - highly recommend you try it out if you’re in the area. Heck, we might road trip from NB to try it again!...
Read moreOscar Store 02-10-25 I have been wanting to try this place out for a couple of months. The timing never worked out or my grandkids didn’t want to try anything new.
We finally made it!
And am I happy we did. The friendly staff sat us as soon as we arrived. They took our drink order and appetizer order right away.
Oh My Gosh! Our Appetizers, The Fried Mushrooms were flavorful and served with ranch dressing. The Fried Squash is totally awesome. It also was served with ranch dressing, and my daughter ate them with honey mustard. The Fried Pickles were good but not that exciting. Don’t get me wrong. I’m just not a Fried Pickle person. Two of my grandsons really liked them.
We ordered for our meals: The Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Home cut Fries, and a roll. The steak was tender and flavorful. That was my dish and I really enjoyed it. The Chicken Tenders, with Gravy, Fried Okra, and Huge Onion Rings which were cooked perfect! Chicken was moist and tender. Good Batter. The Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich, Home Cut Fries, check out the photo! It’s bigger than the bun! The Large Double Meat Cheeseburger with Home Cut Fries. It was huge!
Not sure if you can tell that I was very pleased with our visit. The staff were friendly and efficient. They have a large dining room with others available.
We look forward to coming back to Oscars and trying different items...
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