McKinney Restaurants

Yes, America is all about fast food. It's cheap, fast, and easy! While in McKinney I always make sure to stop at Taco Bueno!! It is great tex-mex food with a lower price. Although loaded in calories I always save one meal to splurge and this is definitely the one!

*No alcohol is available like some places around here though.

Favorite Dish: My favorite meal is the Mucho Nachos (without the chili sauce or refried beans) with a soft beef taco. It is enough for two people, unless you're really hungry!! They put plenty of queso and tomatos on top which I always enjoy. However, because of all the the toppings some of the chips lose their crunch. I love it!! My mom hates nachos like that so be advised!

The tacos both hard and crispy are fantastic. I've heard the tortilla soup is great, although it's usually only available in the colder months. The mexi-dip is also great. You get beans, guacamole, and a cheese puff to dip your chips in.

Café Brazil opened for business in December 1991 in Dallas, Texas. Café Brazil was founded as a quaint, ten-table restaurant, where you could enjoy a great breakfast and specialty roasted coffees from around the world in a smoke-free, eclectic, relaxing and fun environment. The concept in its original form was an instant success with crowds lined up outside the door 24 hours a day. Now there are nine cafes spread out across the Dallas area and they are still as popular. Breakfast is served 'round the clock and the have now added soups, salads, sandwiches and dinner entrees to their menu as well as some very yummy desserts. I'm not a coffee drinker myself but I'm told their selection and quality is quite impressive.

Favorite Dish: My favourite dish is the French Toast. The bit of cinnamon in the batter and the crushed walnuts and well...just everything about it is lovely. I highly recommend giving it a try! I also very much enjoy the Rosemary potatoes. But honestly, I haven't had anything thus far that I absolutely didn't like :)

If Starbucks has a hold of too much of your money, and you would rather support the small business coffee shop, than Coffee N Cream is your place in McKinney. Located on the old town square in McKinney, the Ennen family brings you coffee with a hometown flair. Anything from drip to espresso, you can get it hot or cold, creamy or black. The shop also has a huge assortment of desserts and ice cream to make for a nice break from your antique shopping in McKinney. Almost everything in the store is locally (Texas) produced. The Arabica beans used for the coffee is roasted here in Texas for freshness.

Favorite Dish: Try the White Chocolate Mocha with a scoop of Butter Pecan Blue Bell Homemade Ice Cream.

1 more image

Deep in the heart of Texas, the idea of family style eating goes over well with a large percentage of the population. Typically when a Texan thinks about sharing meals however, it is barbecue or some other type of meal that comes in large portions. Cafe Malaga introduces Tapas to Texans with a very distinct flavor, and in small tapas style dishes. The concept of sharing is definitely in place here as well, but the portion size is not exactly easy on the wallet. Each one of the plates we tried were very delicious, but after a $120 USD followed a table of four for nothing more than appetizers, my wallet felt the impact of this Texas sized pricing for a Rhode Island sized portion.
If you have an ample budget, and a taste for tapas, this is your place. If you are looking for a more modest way of making your dollars stretch further, give this one a pass.

Favorite Dish: The Manchego was excellent, as was the Pork Empanadas. The Beef Bourguignon (braised beef tenderloin & vegetables simmered in red wine) was delicious, but definitely too small to share. Also, the outrageously priced Proscuitto wrapped shrimp were excellent, but four shrimp for $16.00 was absolutely highway robbery.

As we watched the colorful Mardi Gras dog parade, we began conversing with a couple standing nearby who told us they were former residents of Chicago.

They recommended several restaurants where we might want to stop for lunch--The Londoner Pub was one of their suggestions.

The interior of the restaurant reflected a pub influence with its dark paneled walls and small bar counter which stood at one end of the dining room. Pictures of the Queen graced the walls, as well as caricatures of Prince Charles and Diana and other historic sights.

Fish and Chips is said to be their specialty, so we didn't take long perusing the menu. The fish was crispy and delicious; the chips or french fries were hot and flavorful! A one piece serving was $5.95; two pieces $10.95.

Other entrees were Bangers and Mash ($9.95)--two English sausages, mashed potatoes, baked beans and rich onion gravy or

Plonker's Pasta--penne pasta, tossed in a smoked Gouda cream suace, with Prosciutto ham and spinach, topped with fresh Parmesan cheese ($10.95).

Lighter meals such as a Fajita Wrap ($8.95) or Quesadillas ($6.95) could also be ordered.

It was a busy day in the town square, so it took a while for our order to be taken. However, the food arrived quickly! There was also an outdoor eating area, which would have been great for people watching.

Hours of operation are Mon.-Fri. 11am-Midnight; Sat. 11am.-1am and Sun. 12N-Midnight. A second establishment is located in Addison, Texas.

Favorite Dish: The Fish and Chips were excellent!

1 more image

It appears that customers really love Spoons. They rated it "Best Caterer of the Year (2006) and "#1 Family Dining" and "Best Bakery" (2007). Dallas Morning News called it "Best Breakfast in Collin County".

This former gas station has a spacious dining area, bright red tables and the original safe from its former days. Did I mention the tasty pies and pastry?

Not only is breakfast served all day, but they have just added two evenings a week to the schedule--Fri. & Sat. 5pm-9pm. Sample one of many varieties of Belgian waffle for breakfast; salads or sandwiches for lunch and perhaps, a big hunk of pie for dessert. It all looks good!

I love the big red church bench, which is the perfect spot for sipping an ice tea. They treat you nice even if that's all you order.

Open daily Mon.,-Fri. 7:30 am-3pm; Sat. 8:30 am-4 pm; Sun. 8:30am-2pm.

2 more images

After a lengthy afternoon of wandering through McKinney's antique shops, we were ready to relax. A helpful shopkeeper directed us to La Misha, an upscale cafe located near the town square.

Aside from its contemporary interior (picture #2), La Misha offers wine or adult beverages, various coffee combinations, pastry, cake, ice cream and other delights for soothing a hungry stomach. I tried the caramel macchiata, served frothy and finished with a caramel swirl (picture 3).

Comfortable, plush chairs, adequate table seating and conversation areas created a cozy place to "cool our heels". We were in no rush to depart and will be sure to keep this cafe in mind on a future visit.

FYI: La Misha also caters for special occasions and does it with 'panache'.

2 more images

After roaming through some really wonderful antique stores, we inadvertently discovered Herby's Soda Fountain(pic #3)--an old fashioned ice cream parlor. Herby's was tucked along one of the streets running past the old Collins County courthouse.

Upbeat tunes from a Wurlitzer jukebox greeted us as we entered (pic #2)! We immediately noticed a long soda counter sitting to the left of the parlor, while a small seating area was to the right. A children's birthday party was being celebrated on an upper level of the soda parlor.

Prices were much lower than we've encountered in our town: a scoop jr. was $.95; single scoop $2.00 and double scoop was $3.50. There were numerous flavors from which to select--my husband ordered our favorite...chocolate chip cookie dough.

You can also order burgers and fries or ice cream cakes. Parties can be scheduled, too. Beth Marie's Old Fashioned Homemade Ice Cream is regular fare at Herby's.

It truly felt as though we were revisiting the '50's! We'll be eager to stop by Herby's on a return visit. Surprisingly, an antique store is connected to the soda parlor.

Favorite Dish: Ummmm-yummmm...ice cream, of course