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Welcome to Sunken Gardens

Sunken Gardens, located in Shiner, Texas, is a hidden gem renowned for its exceptional down-home cooking. This buffet-style eatery offers a pay-by-the-pound model, allowing guests to savor a delightful variety of fresh, homemade dishes. From the crispy fried catfish to the indulgent pecan pie, every bite reflects commitment to quality and flavor. While the ambiance may not dazzle, the heartfelt service and genuine comfort food create a memorable dining experience. Regulars rave about the delicious offerings and the sense of community, with many returning to experience the warmth and flavors time and again. It’s a must-visit for any food lover!

Sunken Gardens: Reviews & Ratings

Jason McGee
Jason McGee

Ok, the building isn't the prettiest. And you won't be dazzling your date with the inside. HOWEVER, if you are looking for some of the best down-home cooking, you have to come here! The food is served buffet-style, but you pay by the pound. And everything we got was incredible! This is a must try for anyone! The only issue is their water has a high mineral taste, so I highly recommend ordering a drink.

Randy Wasson
Randy Wasson

The buffet has excellent food and a rather large variety.

Sabrina Yow
Sabrina Yow

Picnic on my bed. We do love your food. My grandkids always get excited to go to "Kays". Fantastic food and service. Food so good I always forget the pictures up front.

Judy Amendt
Judy Amendt

When in Shiner this is a must stop place to eat. You pay by the lb. A great lunch meal is between 4-10 . Extremely good fried cat fish. Oh, and get a piece of pecan pie. Delicious with an amazing crust.

jennifer prince
jennifer prince

Me and family ate there First time today and LOVED it!! The food is amazing! Fresh and homemade. Clean and service top notch! Definitely worth eating there! Not from here but next time here in town will definitely go back

Michelle M
Michelle M

Home cooking at its finest! Didn't have anything that was mediocre. Everything was delicious!

Reddog Woods
Reddog Woods

Great food by the pound. So if you're a lite eater, it's fairly inexpensive. If you like to load that plate up, you can, but you pay for everything you get. Wide selection, everything done very well, from the sides to the entrees. They had Newberry cobbler there the day we stopped, delicious. I will be going back there, for sure. Sweet people, very welcoming. I gave it a 5, the atmosphere is country dining. The service is only when you come in. After that, I saw a girl walking around cleaning tabletops. But she never asked us if we needed anything. All in all, a great place to eat, service was the only thing that was lacking in my humble opinion. Well worth the stop.

Sally Floyd
Sally Floyd

Great homemade food made with good ingredients. Self-serve buffet by the pound. Everything looks fresh and beautiful and tastes great. Lovely atmosphere.

Location

  • Sunken Gardens
    305 5th St, Shiner, TX 77984, United States Hotline: +1 361-594-3603

Welcome to Sunken Gardens, an unassuming gem nestled in the heart of Shiner, Texas, at 305 5th St, Shiner, TX 77984. If you’re searching for authentic, down-home cooking, this is your culinary destination. As you step inside, it’s clear that while the ambiance may not dazzle, the food certainly will.

The unique buffet-style dining allows you to indulge in a variety of dishes, all priced by weight. It's a practical approach that ensures you get your fill of quality fare without breaking the bank. Standout dishes include their fried catfish, renowned for its crispy exterior and succulent flesh—an absolute must-try according to several satisfied patrons. One diner, Judy Amendt, notes that this dish, paired with a slice of their delightful pecan pie, makes for a lunch that lingers in memory.

Feedback from previous visitors emphasizes the freshness and homemade quality of the offerings. Jennifer Prince, a first-time diner, aptly summarized the experience: "The food is amazing! Fresh and homemade." This sentiment reverberates throughout the reviews, painting a picture of culinary satisfaction that brings families together—just ask Sabrina Yow, who loves bringing her grandkids for a special meal, remarking, "Fantastic food and service."

While some may hint at the building’s unrevealing exterior, the focus should remain on the plate in front of you. Customer Randy Wasson praises the "excellent food" and expansive variety, reaffirming that this establishment is not merely about a pretty setting, but about substantial flavor and heartwarming comfort food.

Sunken Gardens is, without a doubt, a must-visit for both locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or just a quick bite, the culinary offerings promise to deliver a food experience rooted in tradition and warmth. Don’t forget to sip something other than water, as many recommend stepping aside from the high mineral taste of the tap; perhaps a sweet iced tea to accompany your feast.

In summary, if you find yourself in Shiner, make your way to Sunken Gardens. Revel in their bounty of flavors and discover why so many leave raving about this down-to-earth culinary haven.