Moody's Cafe - Leander

Moody's Cafe - Leander

Written by Tiffany Young Friday, 19 September 2008

Third-generation Leander resident Kay Mueller, formerly Kay Wiley, attributes the café’s name to a time when everyone knew everyone else in Leander. “[The locals] used to say, ‘Let’s go over to Moody’s,’” Kay said. Moody was her grandfather’s name.

Moody’s may be a recent addition to Leander, but its history dates back to the early 1900s. Third-generation Leander resident Kay Mueller, formerly Kay Wiley, attributes the café’s name to a time when everyone knew everyone else in Leander.

“[The locals] used to say, ‘Let’s go over to Moody’s,’” Kay said. Moody was her grandfather’s name.

Kay said her grandparents never let anyone go home hungry, and she and her husband, 16-year Leander resident Wayne Mueller, are continuing that tradition with their restaurant.

Wayne’s son, Curtis Mueller, a graduate of the Texas Culinary Academy working at The Belmont in downtown Austin, helped craft Moody’s menu. The menu, which the owners say is a work-in-progress, has a variety of sandwiches, salads and coffees, while a blackboard menu hangs at the front of the restaurant featuring daily specials, including their famous quiche.

“Our quiche is the best quiche this side of Leander,” jokes Wayne, adding that it’s the only place in Leander to get a slice.

The café has an herb garden growing beside the parking lot that Kay gardens for Moody’s dishes, while a large, covered patio often features live music on weekends.

Inside, an oversized chessboard greets visitors next to a sign inviting guests to take a seat wherever they would like, while shelves in the center of the café display games to play while waiting, such as Connect Four and Monopoly. The back room, aptly named “The Gathering Place,” can be rented for private parties. The Muellers also cater events, creating menus specifically for the occasion. Local artist Katherine Uitz painted rural-themed art hanging on the walls.

Despite my dietary limitations, I found several things on the menu to choose from, settling on a grilled cheese sandwich ($3.65), which comes made to order. I chose provolone cheese on sourdough bread. The fresh bread, which the Muellers order from the New World Bakery in Kyle, made a classic sandwich stand out.

Horseradish and potato soup ($2.95) began the meal, delighting my companion’s and my senses with warmth and aroma. The soup, tasting much like a baked potato with a sharp bite, made a memorable impression. We also tried the quiche and Reuben sandwich ($6.90). Piled high with meat, the Reuben was made of prime corned beef stacked on slices of marbled rye with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and a homemade dressing. The feta tomato basil quiche ($6.35 with a small salad) had a tempting flaky crust — difficult to turn down. Sandwiches were served with a choice of macaroni salad or slaw and a pickle spear.

For dessert, we tried the mouthwatering Chocolate Eruption ($4.75), a creamy chocolate cake filled with chunks of cheesecake topped with shaved chocolate.

Moody’s also has a dinner menu that features steak and seafood.

Moody’s events

• Moody’s Sunday Brunch is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Each plate includes three sides and a juice and coffee bar. Choose from any of its brunch items, including steak and eggs, trout, savory or sweet crepes, omelet plate, eggs Benedict and eggs Florentine.
• Live music is on Fridays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 7-9 p.m.

Moody’s Café, 309 N. US 183 • Leander, 260-6300, www.moodyscafe.com, Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Wed.-Thu. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

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