Welcome to Bill Smith’s Cafe
Nestled in downtown Van Alstyne, Bill Smith’s Cafe combines a warm, inviting atmosphere with a commitment to serving delicious, no-frills comfort food. Established as a beloved local fixture, the cafe has successfully transitioned from its original McKinney location, retaining nostalgic charm while offering a spacious dining experience. Signature dishes like fluffy pancakes, hearty omelettes, and classic diner fare impress patrons with generous portions and quality flavors. Customers rave about the friendly service, highlighting the cafe’s welcoming vibe that feels like home. At Bill Smith's, every meal is not just food; it's a cherished experience that brings folks together.
- 233 E Jefferson St, Van Alstyne, TX 75495, United States Hotline: +1 972-542-5331
Welcome to Bill Smith’s Cafe, a beloved dining establishment nestled in the heart of Van Alstyne, Texas, at 233 E Jefferson St. This quaint cafe is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking hearty, no-frills comfort food, served with a generous dose of friendly Texan hospitality.
With a diverse menu that caters to breakfast and lunch cravings alike, Bill Smith’s Cafe has something for everyone. Signature dishes like the Center Cut Pork Chops with creamy gravy ($8.25) and the Hand Battered Catfish accompanied by hushpuppies ($8.25) showcase the establishment's commitment to quality ingredients and satisfying portions. The breakfast offerings are equally enticing, featuring mouthwatering options like fresh-made biscuits and buttermilk pancakes, both of which have received glowing recommendations from patrons.
- Breakfast Highlights: Try the Country Fried Steak ($5.40) or the delightful Vegetable Omelette ($5.75), made with a blend of bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheese—a perfect start to your day.
- Customer Favorites: Patrons rave about the French toast, often described as a must-try. The atmosphere becomes even more charming as friendly staff, like the noted server Candy, elevate the dining experience with their sassy and personable service.
The reviews speak volumes about the cafe's inviting environment and immense portion sizes, lasting reminders of the cherished memories built around the dining table. Patrons feel a sense of comfort and nostalgia, especially those who traveled from the original McKinney location. The new location is spacious, adorned with stunning brick walls and high ceilings, merging modern aesthetics with nostalgic decor.
Despite its relocation, Bill Smith’s Cafe retains its essence—a home away from home where you can enjoy comforting dishes while feeling valued as a guest. A visit here is not just a meal; it's an experience that fills both the stomach and the heart. The flavors are bold and inviting, making it no surprise that this cafe stands out in the area's culinary scene.
The culinary adventure awaits you at Bill Smith’s Cafe! Come savor the remarkable comfort food that has made this establishment a local favorite. With every bite, you’ll understand why this cafe is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy delicious, affordable meals in a friendly and comforting atmosphere.

Good food, nice atmosphere. We came here at around 5 am so it was empty, and the food came out pretty quick! I think the best thing we got was the French toast!

The breakfast qt Bill Smiths is a must-visit! The fresh-made biscuits and pancakes are outstanding, and the service is friendly and efficient. If you're looking for a delicious, no-frills breakfast in a cozy, local spot, this is the place to go. Highly recommend!

Returning to Bill Smith's Cafe after its relocation to downtown Van Alstyne was like reuniting with an old friend. Though it's been years since I last visited the original location in McKinney, stepping into the new space felt both familiar and exciting. The transformation is remarkable; the cramped quarters of the old cafe have been replaced by a spacious, inviting environment with stunning brick walls and tall ceilings. Some nostalgic touches, like the deer and buffalo mounts, have made the move as well, adding to the charm of the new spot. But of course, the real star of the show remains the food, and I'm pleased to report that it's just as exceptional as ever. The aroma that greeted me as I entered instantly transported me back to my previous visits. The pancakes and biscuits and gravy, staples of my past experiences, were just as delectable as I remembered. Opting for the Papa Smith's special, I was delighted when the waitress kindly offered to serve me both a pancake and French toast, alleviating my indecision. My dad thoroughly enjoyed his Belgian waffle as well. Despite the slightly longer drive from McKinney, the experience at Bill Smith's Cafe is worth every mile. The fact that it's reopened in a new location only adds to its allure, offering a fresh start while still maintaining the essence of what made it beloved in the first place. I'm thrilled to have this culinary gem back in my rotation, and I look forward to many more satisfying meals at this cherished establishment.

I grew up going to Bill Smith’s in McKinney, and I’m so glad they’ve opened up a location in Van Alstyne. The environment is so much fun. You can always count on Bill Smith’s to have great service and delicious, affordable food (with huge portions!!).

Great food at a great price. I for one will continue to spend my hard earned money at this restaurant. They refuse to enforce tyrannical overreaching covid measures. If you don’t like it then don’t go. Not all of us have our heads buried in the sand. Thank you Bill Smith Cafe for being one of the good ones.

Our server Candy was the best part of our meal experience…. Friendly fun and sassy .. we were in the area for a wedding review and was hungry for some good old fashion diner food .. food was hot plentiful and flavorful …. Thanks Candy …great local vibe !!!!

Hands down a must-visit!! The food is delicious and the service is on point! Their servers are unique. Candy is our favorite server, but don’t order water with coffee, ask for dressing on the side, eat a salad in the morning or ask for Almond milk…lol… Seriously, she is very nice. Her way of serving is fun and makes me feel like my mother-in-law is serving me. lol If she likes you, she will give you her real name: Candy. If she doesn’t like you, she will give you her stage name: Penelope. :-) Recommend this family restaurant A

Wow what a popular spot! I have to assume that I was there at peak time, 10:30 or so… it was a good experience. The food, service and atmosphere were all there.