Great food! The Lake Trash Can was totally amazing. It's The Hobo on top of biscuits and gravy. Can't be beat. Pet friendly, outdoor picnic tables. Staff was fabulous and friendly. Worth the teip there for the breakfast! Coming back fir the Friday catfish fry.
Overview
If you're ever cruising down the scenic Harbor Drive in May, Texas, make sure to swing by the Rusty Anchor Cafe. Located at 3071 Harbor Dr, this charming diner is a hidden gem that locals and visitors alike rave about. The cozy vibe, friendly service, and mouthwatering food make it a must-visit destination.
The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of upbeat conversations. The atmosphere is casual, with a nautical theme that adds a fun touch to the dining experience. Whether you're here for a leisurely breakfast, a quick lunch, or a relaxed dinner, the Rusty Anchor Cafe always delivers. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with friends, family, or even by yourself when you need some quiet time.
The menu at Rusty Anchor Cafe is packed with delicious options. You’ll find all your diner favorites, from hearty omelets and fluffy pancakes to juicy burgers and crispy fried chicken. If you're in the mood for something light, there are also fresh salads and sandwiches to choose from. And don’t even get us started on the daily specials - they’re always a treat and feature local ingredients, ensuring a fresh and flavorful experience every time.
One thing that sets the Rusty Anchor apart from other diners is its commitment to providing great food with a personal touch. The staff here are incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure you feel like part of the family from the moment you walk in. On one occasion, I was there with a friend, and the owner herself came over to ask how our meal was. It's this kind of warm hospitality that keeps people coming back.
Now, let’s talk about the food. On a recent visit, I tried the "Anchor Burger" - a massive, juicy burger with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and all the fixings. The patty was cooked to perfection, and the fries that came with it were crisp and golden. Every bite was a delight, and it’s definitely a dish that will satisfy any burger lover. If you're not in the mood for a burger, the cafe's fried catfish is another popular choice, known for its crispy exterior and tender, flaky fish inside.
For breakfast lovers, there’s a wide variety of options that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. The pancakes are light and fluffy, served with syrup and butter just the way you like it. If you’re craving something savory, the "Rusty Scramble" - a scrambled egg dish with cheese, sausage, and veggies - hits the spot. It’s a meal that sets the tone for a great day, no matter what’s on your agenda.
If you’re planning to visit the Rusty Anchor Cafe, the good news is that it’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a flexible option no matter the time of day. And because it's located in a charming part of town, you can easily pair your meal with a stroll around the nearby attractions. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, the cafe's welcoming vibe and tasty menu make it worth the trip.
But don’t just take my word for it - the reviews speak for themselves. Many patrons rave about the consistently good food and exceptional service. The combination of great food, a relaxed atmosphere, and friendly faces makes the Rusty Anchor Cafe one of the top places to eat in May, TX. So, next time you're in the area, be sure to stop by and see what all the buzz is about. The cafe's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in every meal they serve, and it’s clear why it has become a local favorite.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great coffee ✓ Serves local specialty ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ All you can eat ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small platesDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ QuietCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed ✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
We love this place. Local small cafe that serves great food freshly cooked. A small grocery area provides the basics as well. It is a place you will have to plan a visit to as it is off of the major roads but entirely with the trip. The folks that run the place are attentive and fun to chat with.
This is a great hole-in-the wall Mom and Pop vibe cafe. Service is great. The hostess and the cook are always so friendly and attentive. Most of the people who come here are locals and they are also very friendly. Some reviews complain about the price - this is 2025, everything is expensive. The food you get for the price is more than worth it. We have gone several times over the years for breakfast and the food is made fresh with real food ingredients. I always get a full order of Lake Trash to be able to take some to go for later. It's a big heaping pile of of fresh biscuits and gravy topped with eggs, hash browns, bacon, and sausage. I always add cheese and jalapeños - chefs kiss . My husband says their house made salsa is great. We have also had their catfish on Friday's. It is equally as good. We had catfish togo and it came with plenty of fish, fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, and the best beans. The catfish has a crispy batter on the outside and melts like butter on the inside. Their tarter sauce is amazing and they give a good amount for all the fish they give you. Their burgers are amazing too. We love this place and have gone here for years. I highly recommend.
Took a chance on a little bitty Cafe while staying in Brownwood this weekend! The waitress made us feel completely at home and took such wonderful care of us and especially our son! We will definitely be coming back! One of our new favorite places!
A little jewel on the banks of Lake Brownwood. Really friendly staff, very good food - American fare (burgers, sandwiches). We would come here again and recommend you do too!
Had breakfast here for the first time. Huge portions that were delicious! My family of 4 ate for less than $30. Well worth it, plus the staff is so friendly
I was too late for biscuits and gravy so had to settle for a chicken salad sandwich. I have neither anything bad nor exceptional to report, hence the 4 stars.