Grand Central Cafe in Kingsland has a serious past. The former farmhouse had a starring role in the classic slasher film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Refusing to be pigeon-holed as a character actor, the building has been reinvented as a fine-dining establishment.

Menu items at the cafe cover such a broad spectrum that everyone can find something to their liking. According to our server, the steaks are the most popular, but the chicken and shrimp dishes are high on the favorites list. We weren’t disappointed. The wine and beer list could include more local labels, but it’s a good selection and no one needs to go away thirsty.

Decorated in a railroad theme, the cafe gives only a brief nod to the horror film with T-shirts for sale. The staircase looks like it did in the movie, but grandpa’s room upstairs is now the cozy Club Car Lounge.

Even with a restoration, the house is instantly recognizable as the star of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Owners of the Antlers Hotel moved the house to the property in 1998 from its original location near Round Rock. MM Pack captured the history of the old farmhouse for the movie’s 30th anniversary at austinchronicle.com/food/2003-10-31/184100.

Grand Central Cafe, 1010 King Court, is right off FM 1431 in Kingsland. The cafe opens Wednesday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch from 8am to 2pm, and for dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 9pm. For information, call 325/388-6022 or go to www.kingslandgrandcentral.com.

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This article appears in February 6 • 2015.

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Gerald E. McLeod joined the Chronicle staff in November 1980 as a graphic designer. In April 1991 he began writing the “Day Trips” column. Besides the weekly travel column, he contributed “101 Swimming Holes,” “Guide to Central Texas Barbecue,” and “Guide to the Texas Hill Country.” His first 200 columns have been published in Day Trips Vol. I and Day Trips Vol. II.