The SmokeStack Restaurant

Nestled just off Exit 367 on I‑20 in the tiny town of Mingus, Texas, The SmokeStack Restaurant has been a family‑run gathering place since 1971. The brick‑faced building houses a bright dining room and a spacious patio where dogs are welcome and kids can enjoy games while parents relax. Inside, the menu showcases Southern‑inspired American comfort food made from scratch: juicy burgers, flaky catfish, and the legendary chicken‑fried steak that arrives on a sizzling plate. Signature dishes include the hearty SmokeStack Meatloaf Sandwich, the award‑winning buttermilk pie—filled with apple, pecan, coconut and chocolate meringue—and daily Blue Plate Specials starting at $8.50. Fresh‑cut steaks are grilled to order, and a cold beer selection rounds out the experience. The restaurant’s décor blends vintage mining memorabilia with warm wood tones, reflecting Thurber’s coal‑mining heritage. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays), the kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a lunch menu available as a downloadable PDF. Prices stay moderate, making it a go‑to spot for locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re stopping for a quick coffee, a family dinner, or a sunset patio drink, SmokeStack offers genuine Southern hospitality, generous portions, and a sense that every guest is part of the family.