After I give a presentation, I like to hang out to yap with anyone who wants to ask questions or simply talk. On a recent trip to Waco (via Dallas), I had quite a few post-presentation conversations to the point that the organizers were done packing up and heading to lunch.
“Want to join us? We’re going to a Southern place.” Which is how I was introduced to Sascee’s (pronounced “Sassy’s”).
John and Marsha Neal started Sascee’s, Marsha’s nickname as a child, to share their mothers’ soul food recipes. Like many a soul food joint, Sascee’s has a buffet run where friendly staff serve up what you want from what they’ve made once you choose one, two, or three entree (meat) plates. One entree plus two sides runs $10 with two entree and three entree options running $12 and $14, respectively.
I sweet talked the server into trading one of my two ribs for a piece of catfish so I could try all four entrees (grilled chicken, beef sausage, ribs, and fried catfish). We were there on a Friday, so the entrees were different than the Monday thru Thursday fare. And since we were there late for the lunch run (we got there at 1:30), the collard greens were all gone, but I was able to get beans and tater salad. Weekends also have different menus.
Oh my, was the food downhome good! The rib and chicken were pull-off-bone tender and tasty. The catfish was perfectly corn crunchy on the outside and pillowy soft and warm on the inside. And the sausage, clearly fresh and housemade (or housemade by someone in town?) was savory with a thin, crunchy skin. My seatmate tried the banana pudding ($4.5) while I couldn’t resist the sweet potato pie ($3.5), both delicious.
Sascee’s is not a fine dining establishment, but the actual dining is quite fine. The staff are honestly friendly to where you feel comfortable and even happy to be there. They even comped my friend’s meal since he brought an army of folks over to partake.
Sascee’s is close to I-35, so if you are passing through and looking for a good (and fast!) lunch (they are only open from 11am to 3pm except Sundays, noon to 5 pm), be sure to stop in!
Sascee’s Southern Style Eatery; 719 S 11th St, Waco, TX 76706; (254) 339-1455
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