Tip Top in San Antonio?

[Jpaul]

Saw a visit to the Tip Top Cafe in San Antonio on Diners Drive Ins and Dives. Is this place as good as they claim and worth the trip? If so, any food reccomendations?

[Bring Back the Stein]

I had been there before the Food Network show and the food was fine (there are plenty of other diners in town that can match the comfort food there, by my mind). But since then, I've tried to go back and it's been a royal disappointment. In my three trips since the dang show, the cafe has been out of the hot pork, the signature dish. I was there at noon, noon and 4:30, respectively, not typically the hour when something like roasted pork gets gone. And that's not to mention the lines and how uncomfortable I felt when I was eating: reminded in two cases that "people were waiting."

I'm sorry to say, I see no reason to go back.

[chowngroove]

Perhaps I'll save on gas by not going...

[saeyedoc]

In more ways than one.

[MPH]

I don't watch the show, but before you make a long trek just to eat at Tip Top, you might want to check out some of the mixed reviews by local chowhounds:

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/532275

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/486024

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/390128

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/331897

Comfort food means different things to different people, of course. If you try it, I hope you'll post a report.

[Mister F.]

This is excellent food. The chicken fried steak is delicious, and as big as a Frisbee. It is a superior version of a much-mangled dish. And the fried chicken may the better.

[chowngroove]

I saw that episode as well, and am taking my kids there next week. Thanks for the info!

Speaking of DD&D, I also improvised my own recipe for Cap'n Crunch French Toast from the same episode...sinful as hell, and worth every bite!

[superk]

Sorry you had to sit through that show to hear about the Tip Top --but yea, it's the real deal. Depending on what day you're in, always consider the lunch special. Otherwise, best dishes for me were always the onion rings and the CFS.