When you think of Texas, what comes to mind? Cowboys? The neon lights of the Houston strip? Barbecue? The Lone Star State is known for its love of food, and Texas has some of the best restaurant options in the country. If you’re looking for something beyond the burgers and fajitas, check out these spots for some Texas-style dining.
Texas has the most recognized and diverse cuisine in the United States. From Tex-Mex to Southwestern to Cajun and everything in between, there is a Texas-style of food for everyone. From coastal to the border to deep in the heart of the Lone Star State,
Best Restaurant in Texas
These are the best restaurants in Texas;-
1. Tabelo – Austin, Texas
With over a decade of excellence under its belt, Tablo is still one of the best restaurants in Austin. They serve modern American cuisine with a Texas twist. If you’re in the mood for seafood, the Gulf seafood tower is a great option. It’s a large platter of fried fish, clam strips, oysters, and more. For something a little different, try the habanero shrimp, which is served with a side of cilantro lime slaw.
3. El Real Tex-Mex Cafe – Dallas, Texas
Dallas is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine, and El Real is definitely a place to check out. The restaurant is known for its giant nacho platters, which come with a wide range of ingredients and sauces. Start off with the spinach and artichoke dip, which is made in-house daily. For something a little different, try the brisket dip, which has a flavor profile unlike any other. If you’re a fan of pork, the carne asada fries are a must.
4. Outlaw Barbecue – Austin, Texas
Outlaw is known for its giant platters of pulled pork, brisket, and sausage. They’re served with Texas toast points, collard greens, and pickles. For something different, try the beef ribs, which are served with a tangy barbecue sauce and spicy cheese grits. For vegetarians, the bean and cheese tostada is a great option. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, the fried dough is something to try.
5. The Granberry – Fort Worth, Texas
The Granberry is a great spot for dessert, serving up homemade pies and other sweets. They have a huge selection of pies, all of which are made in-house. If you’re not feeling very sweet, the brownie is a great option. It’s made with fudge and covered in ice cream. For something savory, the buttermilk fried chicken is a must. It’s brined, savory, crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside.
6. Mr. Burgers – San Antonio, Texas
If you love burgers, Mr. Burgers is a must-visit in San Antonio. They have a wide selection of burgers, both traditional and wacky. Try the El Jefe, a Texas-style burger with fried egg, avocado, bacon, and pepper jack cheese. For something different, try the Mr. Penguin, an English muffin burger with braised ox tongue, avocado, and aioli. If you’re in the mood for more of a snack, the cheese fries are a great option.
7. Shady Grove – Texarkana, Texas
If you’re looking for a good steakhouse, Shady Grove is a great option in Texarkana. The restaurant is known for its Sunday brunch, where you can indulge in bottomless mimosas for $15. For lunch or dinner, the steak fajitas are a great, simple option. They’re served with rice and beans, and the steak is cooked to your desired doneness. For something a little different, try the fried catfish tacos.
8. Quan Tasty! – Houston, Texas
If you’re looking for a restaurant that serves both Chinese and Tex-Mex cuisine, Quan Tasty! is a great option. They have a huge menu with lots of options, so it’s hard to choose just one thing. For an appetizer, the fried crawfish is a must. It’s served with a sriracha remoulade, and for an entree, the fried chicken and waffles are a great option. For something sweet, the carrot cake cheesecake will knock your socks off.
9. El Tiempo Cafe – San Antonio, Texas
If you’re visiting San Antonio and want to try some traditional Texas food, El Tiempo is a great choice. They serve authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, and their homemade sopapillas with honey butter are a must-try. For something a little different, try the spinach and artichoke dip, which is served with homemade crudités. For dessert, the sopapillas with ice cream are a must.
10. Green Pastures – Houston, Texas
Green Pasture is a vegetarian-only restaurant in the middle of Texas Hill Country. It’s the perfect spot for a vegetarian Texas-style meal. For an appetizer, the queso is served with chips, and for an entree, the fajitas are a great option. For dessert, the pecan pie popsicle is something you shouldn’t miss out on.
Bottom Line
There are plenty of great places to eat in Texas, but these spots stand out as the best. From coastal to the border to deep in the heart of the Lone Star State, these are the best restaurants in Texas. Table is still one of the best restaurants in Austin, El Real is a Dallas staple, Outlaw is an Austin classic, the Granberry is a Fort Worth institution, Mr. Burgers is a San Antonio staple, Shady Grove is a Texarkana classic, Quan Tasty is a Houston classic, and El Tiempo is a San Antonio classic. These are the best restaurants in Texas, and there’s something for everyone.
