The Fish Pond Restaurant: Comfort Food Favorites Ready To Satisfy You

WILLIS, TX -- It’s just a little hole in the wall on Hwy 75 just north of Willis hugging Interstate 45, near the grounds of the Convenience RV Park, but it has a lot of character, and for those hungry folk living, staying, or passing nearby. It’s a haven for some good ‘ol Southern staples and comfort food. The Fish Pond Restaurant, located at 17091 N. Highway 75, has been around for ages serving up dishes like fried catfish, chicken fried steaks, pork chops, steaks and more; and they are open for breakfast serving the most important meal of the day starting at 6am. In fact, when the restaurant first opened, people who caught fish in the pond brought them to the restaurant to be prepared and served.

I had been up to Huntsville that day with my friend Ed Ponikvar, of Knowledge Point Network, with him showing me the damage to a Veteran supporter of his organization, who’s home had been inundated with flood waters coming off a slope behind her home. His crews had been there earlier to divert water away from the home. When we left, the traffic backup on I-45 back to Willis due to an incident on the road detoured us to Hwy 75 S, so we headed that way. When we neared the town, I noticed a warehouse that had been hit by a tornado years ago, and then we happened across The Fish Pond Restaurant. I hadn’t eaten there in 15 years, so we decided to stop by.

I had the chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, and some greens, which were excellent by the way. The breading was crisply fried and held throughout the meal. With the tenderized meat, seasoned perfectly, so I had no need for a knife. And having finished the meal, Ed started touting that I did restaurant reviews for MCN, and the next thing I know, I was bombarded with a selection of staples from their steam counter, then three slices of pie, that looked very appetizing.

The Fish Pond caters to a lot of senior citizens, and they lightly salt their food. And with that made clear, and salting to taste, the dish samples were great. The Smothered Steak had been marinated and tenderized, and was soft as all get out. Again, no need for a knife, as it melted in my mouth. The Hamburger Steak had some nice spice which was not overpowering, and is worthy of another trip. The meatloaf is another staple from the steam table that makes for an excellent lunch. I also tried a catfish filet (not pictured), but it too was nicely seasoned and worthy of a sit down. By this time, I was starting to schedule my nap once I would get back to my house.

Next came the deserts, and from the samples received, I thought I was in heaven. The Coconut Meringue Pie started off the sugarfest. Lightly charred on top, the fluffy meringue on top covering the coconut and vanilla filling set the stage for memorable bites. It was hard to stop and go on to the Lemon Meringue Pie, with its tart and smooth creamy filling almost puckering one’s lips like the fish out in the pond. The Chocolate Meringue Pie, with its rich filling, and the texture of the crumbled chocolate chips, finished the sugar rush. All the pies were amazing, and it’s hard to decide on a winner. Truly, it’s best to order slices of all the pies, and if you can’t make up your mind, order another set. I would have liked to do the same, but you know my blood glucose meter yells at me, so I called it quits.

The Fish Pond Restaurant is the place to go if you are just north of Willis. This little hole in the wall has a lot of character. It’s a haven for good folk who enjoy Southern staples and comfort food, and it may just surprise you. And one day, I’ll have to go back for breakfast.

Ruben can be reached at: ruben@montgomerycountynews.net

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