When Neal’s Restaurant opened in 1986 on Kuykendahl, about 2 miles north of FM 2920, many people thought calling that 20-seat place a “restaurant” was a bit pretentious.

They said, “That ain’t big enough to be a restaurant. Looks more like a café to me!” However, we had big plans for eventually growing into a full-size dining establishment, and indeed we did. So, in 1987 we “moved on up” to Rhodes Crossing Shopping Center at the intersection of FM 2920 and Rhodes Rd. There we seated 80 in the main dining room, and another 35 in the attached banquet room.

In 2004, we relocated to the present site, just about ¼ mile closer toward I-45. We now have seating for 200, including a 40-45 seat banquet area. We still serve many of the same entrees we began with, including our Chicken-Fried Steak, real pit-smoked BBQ, Homemade Chili and the original Rio-Grande Burger.

As our kitchen space increased, we added more regional favorites to the menu. We first added Mexican dishes, including Fajitas, Nachos Con Carne, and Fajita Salads. Later, the menu took a “walk on the wild side” with the addition of Buffalo Burgers and Quail. Then, upon request from our guests from “up north,” we began serving Cinnamon Apples, which are an excellent "vegetable" choice with our Pork Chop. Next came the Cajun influence, with Crawfish Etouffee, Crawfish Cakes, Cajun Mum and Bayou Grilled Shrimp quickly becoming best-sellers.

Our present location offers an even larger kitchen than before, so we prepare a variety of seafood dishes, such as Grilled or Fried Catfish and Shrimp, Grilled Tuna Steak, Tilapia and the always-popular Stuffed Shrimp.

Our dessert menu has expanded from the original banana pudding and peach cobbler to a wide selection of other desserts. Many adults fondly remember their childhood trips to the Neal’s cookie case after they finished their kiddie meal, dragging up a chair so they could get a better view to choose their special cookie. The cookie case is still up front, full of snickerdoodles and sprinkle cookies tempting kids and those who remember being kids.

As you can see, the business has continued to evolve, but we strive to keep much of the Neal’s experience the same, only better. Because we are in a constant state of change, our website may not always reflect current availability and pricing. However, one thing remains the same, and that is our desire to provide a place where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the best in Texas Country Cookin!