Fort Worth
Young professionals flock here after work for the quality pasta and the hand-tossed pizza in the bar during the lively happy hour. Should you settle in…
Must-see restaurants in Texas
Dallas
This is the definitive 24-hour dining destination, whether you're recovering from the late shift at the ER, a night of clubbing or a broken heart…
Galveston
Everything is made from scratch, as it should be: site-baked breads, daily made desserts and piled-high sandwiches are staples. That it also serves…
West Austin
In Westlake, opposite Deep Eddy Cabaret, this casual, all-night cafe serves American and Tex-Mex standbys such as migas, enchiladas, pancakes and potato…
Rio Grande Valley
With a menu that straddles the border between Mexican and Tex-Mex, this slightly formal place is a great option to test the waters of the Rio Grande's…
Panhandle Plains
Diner fare is the order of the day. Good breakfasts and a long lunch menu with all the usual suspects. The front presents an old-timey facade to town…
Austin
We can't help but be wooed by Lick's creative flavor combinations, like coconut and avocado, or roasted beet and fresh mint, all made with local, seasonal…
Houston
Locals flock to this downtown chain at lunchtime to chow down on savory Cajun gumbos and crawfish étoffée, but don't discount the appeal of daily changing…
Houston
A pretty garden bungalow cafe with excellent casual fare, including towering burgers. It also has a long veggie and vegan menu, with many fresh and…
San Antonio
Ready to stop and rest for a bit? Cool off with a dish of house-made Italian-style ice cream, gelato or sorbet at a table overlooking the river. Look for…
Dallas
Downtown’s top Japanese restaurant specializes in meticulously handmade soba-noodle dishes, and also offers crowd-pleasing tonkatsu (delicately fried…
El Paso
Family-owned since 1960, G&R is a local favorite. The colonial-style dining room is fun and colorful – all the better to enjoy the authentic and…
Dallas
We like the old Adirondack chairs, the stacks of firewood and the get-your-own-mug beer club in this summer-cabin-esque Bishop Arts District pizza joint…
West Texas
Excellent sandwiches and salads right downtown. Get everything to go and have a picnic at the Whitehead Memorial Museum or in Moore Park.
Northeast Texas
A mix of country, blues and Cajun-music bands play Friday through Sunday night at Moore's Store, a 1933 mercantile store. The burgers and beers are…
Panhandle Plains
An antidote to generic freeway convenience stores. Fresh pecans, baked goods, local fruit and much more are for sale. The restaurant has tasty burgers,…
West Texas
This Mexican restaurant is one of the most popular places in town. If you can get a seat, join the locals over a plate (and be careful, the plate will be…
South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery
Austin
This seems to be a rather settled food truck community, with a fence, an official name, a sign, a small pavilion and a shaded outdoor eating area. The big…
San Antonio
A hip and stylish clientele lounges beneath blown-glass chandeliers sipping mojitos and nibbling fabulous New Latin and Caribbean cuisine at this bright…
Gulf Coast & South Texas
The portions are huge, the prices are small and the staff are friendly. It might take a poco of Spanish to get an order placed, but once it comes it's…
Gulf Coast & South Texas
The retro diner appeal here comes complete with a silver Airstream trailer and an 'eat-here' neon arrow sign. The burgers and shakes are as good as you'd…
Austin
Fun, festive and just a little divey, Polvos serves central-Mexican food that always packs in a crowd. Try some of the dozen or so salsa varieties with…
Hill Country
This burger joint does have sort of a classic quality to it, and its burgers and fries blow the fast-food chains out of the water. Order at the register…
East Texas
Puffabelly's, in an old railroad depot, not only has free peanuts and big country-style main dishes (casseroles abound), it also serves up Texas country…
Rio Grande Valley
Fresh salads, tons of wraps and sandwiches, and creative pizzas make this a local favorite. Plus, it brews its own beer. No wonder it has expanded into a…
Rio Grande Valley
The menu may run the range of BBQ and Tex-Mex, but the 'House Favorites' are all Mexican for a reason. It's a particularly popular breakfast choice for…
Rio Grande Valley
Housed on the 1st floor of the old Villa de Cortez, the Mexican fare in this friendly little cafe is a good refueling choice before heading to the nature…
Northeast Texas
Enjoy great water views from the glass-enclosed patio and a large covered deck. Catfish, chicken-fried steak, hush puppies and more lead a classic east…
Northeast Texas
A 60-year-old Caddo Lake classic in a modern building right on the river. There is multitier terrace seating outside. Most dishes are some combination of…
Rio Grande Valley
This place has a casual upscale atmosphere to go with the mixed menu of innovative Tex-Mex and more laid-back burgers and pizza. The bar is popular, as is…
Hill Country
With its unassuming storefront on Main St, Conchita's doesn't look like much, but the inventive dishes such as Mexican egg rolls really stand out from…
Coastal Plains
Housed in a historic commercial building on the south side of the old town, Huvar's has a farm-to-market vibe and a hip ambience to complement the tasty…
Dallas
In Deep Ellum, the nice, greasy, old-style burgers lure folks into this saloon at all hours. Other bar stalwarts, including wings, are good. The beer…
San Antonio & Hill Country
Despite its location in the old Palace Movie Theatre, Myron's isn't the place to go for kitsch. The atmosphere – and the steaks – are serious. The bar…
Galveston
South and Central American tastes flavor the steak and seafood here, at one of Galveston's classiest secrets. There's a dress code, so no shorts during…
Fort Worth
Creamy frozen custard that you can customize with all sorts of mix-ins to make a 'concrete'. Good any day the temp is above freezing. The patio has a cute…
Greenville Avenue Pizza Company
Dallas
Fresh and crispy thin slices to keep you fueled late into the night in popular Lower Greenville. Can't make up your mind? Order a half-half; enjoy an…
Coastal Plains
The neighborhood vibe and counter service here fit well with the slow-cooked meats and filling sandwiches – it's almost like having dinner at a friend's…
Houston
Perfectly situated for the Rice U bars, this student favorite food truck offers a fusion of two local cultures: try Korean barbecue tacos or kimchi…
Dallas
Quality pho, noodle dishes, banh mi and rolls at this casual eatery in the West Village. You can relax in the simple dining room or at a couple tables…
