BLUE BONNET CAFE

WORDS BY STACEY INGRAM KALEH | PHOTOS BY BLUE BONNET CAFE

In the Local Legends series, we shine the spotlight on a restaurant that’s been serving the community for more than three decades. These iconic spots have become part of the fabric of our shared culture, with multiple generations of Central Texans able to fondly reflect upon memories made at these beloved eateries. In a rapidly growing and changing region, they’ve stood the test of time. Yet, they still need our support so that they can be enjoyed by future generations. It’s time to rediscover the restaurants that keep our communities authentic, vibrant and resilient.

Is there ever a time when good home cooking and a slice of warm pie can’t heal the soul? While it can be exhilarating to explore new recipes and discover unexpected flavors, sometimes we just need a dose of the familiar, the reliable and the heartening. Next time you’re in search of a dose of comfort food and warm hospitality, know you’ll be welcomed at Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls.

Established in 1929, Blue Bonnet Cafe is renowned for its friendly service, all-day breakfast, classic diner dishes, and, most of all, its pies! The cafe has an entire pie menu, which includes more than a dozen flavors, from fruit pies to cream pies to pies with gravity-defying, towering meringue. After becoming regulars at the restaurant, John and Belinda Kemper purchased Blue Bonnet Cafe in 1981. Belinda is responsible for baking the pies, using recipes she learned from Ms. Baker who used to work for the Kempers and helped create the Blue Bonnet Café cookbook. In 2005, the Kempers’ oldest daughter, Lindsay Plante, and her husband David, both passionate about the food business, moved back to Marble Falls to help oversee café operations.

When the Kempers purchased the cafe, they made menu changes and additions that quickly became cafe staples and contributed to the stellar reputation the café enjoys today. “They kept the down-home cooking concept that already existed, but they added staple, everyday menu items, created a rotating schedule of daily soups, and, of course, developed the now famous pies,” says Lindsay. “Once they found the right mix of menu items, they stuck with it. Our menu has remained largely unchanged in the past 40 years. We've updated some recipes here and there and eliminated or added a few things, but very little is different. This consistency in menu offerings is another reason why people love the Blue Bonnet Cafe. They know exactly what they are going to get every single time.”

Named not for the Texas state flower but for a “bonnet”-style hat, the cafe prides itself on its family values and making each and every customer feel special. “Creating memories, building traditions and strengthening bonds through our down-home cooking are really what we're all about,” says Lindsay. “We have created a special restaurant family that extends through multiple generations. We have moms and sons working together; moms and daughters working together; and sisters, cousins and aunts working together.” Lindsay mentions the cafe has nearly 80 employees, many of which have been with them for years and some that have celebrated 30 and even 40 years at Blue Bonnet.

Dedication to customers and community motivates Lindsay, her family, and Blue Bonnet cafe employees to continue serving up great food and service through the years. “The familiar faces are a huge part of what people love about the Blue Bonnet Cafe,” Lindsay explains. “Some even wait in line until they can be seated in a particular server's section. We have customers who have been served by the same person for more than 20 years. The server knows exactly what they want and how they like it cooked. That's what makes people feel at home in our restaurant.”

Another aspect that personally motivates Lindsay to carry forward her parents’ legacy is the fond memories she has of growing up in the restaurant from the interactions with customers — her first jobs being rolling silverware and busing tables. She shares a few anecdotes: stories of grandparents bringing their grandchildren to the cafe on the way home for the holidays, and a couple who first came on their honeymoon and, 60 years later, still return each year on their anniversary. “We have some local families that can trace their ancestry back five or six generations, which is certainly something that fits our restaurant's personality — a father brings his son to sit at the counter and eat pancakes before school because his dad used to do that with him when he was a kid,” she explains.

Beyond its significance as a community gathering place, Blue Bonnet Cafe represents a piece of Central Texas history and important architectural elements to the building should not be overlooked. According to Lindsay, construction on the current building began in 1946, when World War II made steel scarce and expensive. Lyndon Baines Johnson, a state senator at the time, helped secure the steel used to lay the foundation.

Many may know Marble Falls for its pink granite, which was used for the construction of the Texas State Capitol. This granite also plays a role in the Kempers’ family history and in the Blue Bonnet Cafe. John Kemper’s father, George, started a granite manufacturing business in Marble Falls called Granite Time after retiring from the United States Air Force. “George crafted all of the granite countertops and tables inside Blue Bonnet Cafe. The restaurant became a showcase of different granite varieties in the early 80s. The large, round table in the “old” dining room weighs more than 600 pounds,” Lindsay shares.

She also credits the cafe’s location in Marble Falls — a top recreational destination with gorgeous lakes and hills — and its residents and community leaders as part of its longstanding success. “Marble Falls is full of very special people who are committed to keeping the small town charm while fostering responsible growth. Our local leaders are extremely supportive of local businesses and entrepreneurs. “

Lindsay has seen Marble Falls grow and change a lot in her lifetime, and looks forward to a bright future as the city prioritizes its parks and public spaces, expands housing opportunities and welcomes more young families. The café is adapting to the change while staying true to its roots and recipes.

There’s no time like the present to start a new tradition, take a piefueled road trip or return to a longtime favorite restaurant. Take a beautiful Hill Country drive to Blue Bonnet Cafe, bring your friends and start a debate over which pie you think is best. Be sure to try Lindsay’s personal favorite, peanut butter cream with a little bit of chocolate syrup drizzled on top!

Order Up!

May We Suggest:

Go for a breakfast plate any time of day! Try the “Two Eggs with Chicken Fried Steak” plate served with your choice of hash browns or grits and Texas Toast, a biscuit or thin toast.

Blue Bonnet café offers homemade biscuits, cinnamon rolls, donuts, yeast rolls and corn bread every day, so be sure to add one (or more!) to your order.

Ask about daily specials such as Chicken and Dumplings (Tuesday), Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas (Friday) and St. Louis Smoked Pork Ribs (Saturday).

And, of course, save room for pie! We recommend ordering a few different slices, such as Coconut Cream, German Chocolate Cream or Lemon Meringue and Pecan for the table so you can try multiple varieties from the Blue Bonnet’s famous selection.

Visit the Blue Bonnet Cafe at 211 N. US Hwy. 281 in Marble Falls. Learn more online at bluebonnetcafe.net.