I watched an explosion of comments on Facebook the other day when a friend posted “Brunch at the Depot Café has to be the best in town.” Overcome with curiosity, people started to ask “Where is this place?”, “What is the Depot?”, and “How have I never heard of it before?”
Frisco’s best kept, and oldest, secret is sitting right under our noses at Main & 3rd. Yes, that’s right: at the Exxon gas station where the day laborers hang out. Look closer and you will see the doorway to the Café, which adjoins the convenience store! Although not obvious from driving down the street, once you turn into the garage it actually has clear signage, so I don’t know why it has remained undiscovered by so many.
Once or twice a month my girlfriend and I meet for a catch-up, with our toddler girls in tow, and almost always end up in the Depot. Stepping inside you immediately get a sense of warmth, as an old-town style atmosphere just grabs you. There is plenty of space, various size tables to choose from, and a friendly greeting as you peruse their menu and order.
Originally Henry’s Grocery Store, it dates back to 1959 when the grain silos were still operating and the train depot was still active right outside the door. It is the oldest family owned business in Frisco, where generations of the Francis family worked over the years. The Depot first evolved into a supermarket & gas station, then the café was added in the 1980s. As you look closer, history is evident throughout, with Frisco train memorabilia neatly placed in a display cabinet and walls adorned with old photos, many depicting the actual store back in the day.
One of the many things I love about living in the States (we are international transplants) is a good home-cooked, American breakfast. The menu is mouth-watering with all of the usual favorites for breakfast, including healthy options. Everything is cooked fresh to order, as I discovered on my first visit with my picky preference of an omelet.
Prices are competitive, with two full breakfasts averaging at total of $17, and trust me, it’s a lot of food. Watch for the daily specials board as you enter, especially on Friday nights, when they open late for dinner. Hand-breaded fried catfish is their most popular dish. And, did I mention their desserts? All home-cooked and delicious; available for takeout, too!
The Depot boasts a great kids menu, accompanied with the obligatory crayons and coloring pages to keep them occupied. Help yourself to the well-stocked condiment and drink section, which includes a variety of teas. Food is always delivered promptly to the table, hot and oozing flavor.
All walks of people pass through, and it’s particularly popular with seniors. Quite often I end up in passing conversation with many of the locals. They really have done a fantastic job of maintaining an authentic, old-fashioned Texan feeling, celebrating the culture of old downtown Frisco.
Next time you are looking for somewhere different to eat breakfast or brunch in Frisco, take the time to step into the past and experience a very warm welcome, along with appreciating a little piece of Frisco history. You won’t be disappointed, and you certainly won’t leave hungry.
http://www.depotcafefrisco.com/index.html
Hours
Mon: CLOSED
Tues – Fri: 6:00 am – 2:00 pm
Fri Night: 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Sat – Sun: 7:30 am – 1:30 pm
Location
6733 Main Street (3rd and Main)
Frisco, Texas 75034
Phone: 972.377.0707
