Kathleen Tuggle arrives before sunup each morning to begin the baking. It’s been that way for the past 16 years. Kathleen is the spirit behind Kathleen’s Kitchen, a dependable and predictable lunch spot that packs them in every weekday.

The menu changes very little, which is exactly what most people find appealing about the comfortable, casual cafe on Sherman’s Travis Street.

Kathleen started her business selling baked goods and gift baskets for friends and relatives. Today, Kathleen’s Kitchen is open for lunch Monday through Friday 11am-2pm with a bakery and take-out operation right next door open 7am-5pm Monday through Friday and on Saturday 9am-2pm.

The lunch menu offers lots of variety. The creamy potato soup is wonderful with or without a sandwich as a backup. Kathleen’s chili is more of a goulash—not a typically thick and spicy Texas style chili. My personal favorite is the French dip—a sourdough baguette layered with thin roast beef and a mild creamy horseradish sauce on top. Dipped in the hot au jou softens the bred and adds a burst of flavor to each bite.

It’s hard not to order the strawberry spinach salad with every visit. I treat it like dessert. It is sweet and tangy and when the fruit is in good form I would suggest the concoction is every bit as satisfying as a slice of Kathleen’s chocolate cake.

What is your favorite at Kathleen’s Kitchen?
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My favorite take-out items are the sandwich makings that you can pair with Kathleen’s delightful homemade breads. The Waldorf Salad is perfect by the scoop accompanied by chips or crackers—or spread thickly on multi-grain bread or her signature sourdough. This is not to disparage the spectacular egg salad, chicken salad, or ham salad. All deliver lots of flavor for a light lunch or supper at home.