Imagine the scene – We (Betty, Ever-Lovin’ and myself) were sitting in the waiting room waiting (that is what you do in a waiting room) for Betty to be called through the doors into the “I want your blood” room. (It was a medical lab.)  Conversation eventually got around (as it always does) to, “Where are we going to go eat?”  In all fairness, Betty was required to fast for her blood work and needed nourishment.  First Betty listed a couple of places – IHOP and The Original Pancake House- we like both of those.  Then she began to  tell us about a McKinney  “institution” – Bill Smith’s Cafe.  Betty mentioned that it had been around for a bazillion years, and had a loyal following.  She had eaten there a couple of times and thought Lanabird might be interested.  She even mentioned that she thought it was the type of restaurant that could be on a Food Network Show like Guy Fieri’s- Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Then a not so strange thing happened.  A lady from across the room (literally) chimed into our conversation singing the praises of Bill Smith’s Cafe.  That did it for me.  Bill Smith’s Cafe was our destination.

As we drove up to the restaurant we felt that we had stepped back in time to the 1950’s.  The Cafe sign is beyond wonderful.

Inside the door was Room 1.  Instantly my eyes were drawn to all of the vintage and antiques signs.

Room 2 has paneled walls and more signs.  Someone in this family is/was a serious vintage sign collector.

These pieces of Americana bring back fond memories.  I had never heard of Golden Cola, but I love the coffee cup sign.

Just this week Ever-Lovin’ and I were remembering the Phillip Morris ads “back in the old day”.  For your information, Bill Smith’s Cafe does not take credit cards, but there is an ATM machine available.

Along one wall is a rescued neon sign from the Makinney Market Place Cafe.  I do not know the backstory behind this sign.  Wouldn’t it be nice to know the rest of the story?

This was one of my favorite signs in the diner.

Not only are there signs, there are other items like Bambi’s father.  Even if I am not much of a hunter, I am impressed with this buck.  There were antique lanterns, an antique horoscope machine,  a Guess your Weight Machine, pictures and much much more.

I love the Coca-Cola green walls and windows in Room 3.  We arrived around 9:45, and  the breakfast crowd was gone.  A second wave of customers began coming around 10:15.  There is a Room 4 behind the partition for private dining space, but I didn’t go into that room.

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Bill Smith’s Cafe is McKinney’s oldest restaurant.  It deserves a medal for three generations continuing to serve McKinneyites good breakfasts at reasonable prices for the last 58 years.

My order was the standard breakfast. It did look a little lost on this large platter, but I really, really, really appreciated the fact that they put the pancakes on a separate plate.  I do not enjoy syrup on scrambled eggs.

The food was good, and the pancakes are made from Bill Smith Sr.’s grandmother’s recipe.

Ever-Lovin’ ordered the Western Omlet, and it was filled with all the proper ingredients.  Yummy!

Betty’s Hash Brown Casserole was okay, but she said she probably would not order it again.

As we were leaving, I noticed this tray of pies.  Sweet Mother of Pearl, I would like to try a piece of the Buttermilk Pie.  The menu says they are also famous for their Chicken Fried Steak.  If we are ever in the neighborhood again, I would revisit Bill Smith’s Cafe.  To still be in business after 58 years is amazing and commendable.

Blessings to you and yours,