Fort Worth
The most famous restaurant in Fort Worth, this fourth-generation place takes up a city block. Dining in the walled courtyard is a magical experience (and…
Must-see restaurants in Texas
Outriggers Seafood Grill & Bar
East Texas
You can't beat the Gulf-caught fried shrimp and sunburnt sailor crowd here. Locals know to stake out a deckside waterfront table early on weekend…
Dallas
Small groups of friends flock to this buzzing Design District gastropub, 2 miles northwest of downtown, to linger over Belgian-style mussels, shrimp and…
Dallas & the Panhandle Plains
Since 1915 Vitek's has drawn the hungry crowds. Whatever your carnivorous pleasure, it's all homemade and excellent. Big appetite? Order the legendary Gut…
East Texas
Relaxed, artsy cafe by day (it has regular juried art shows); swinging scene by night. Local bands play weekend evenings, followed by a salsa dance party…
Fort Worth
The family behind this joint brings knowledge and passion to the cause of creating barbecue for a new age. Sausage, brisket (of course!), turkey, pulled…
Dallas & the Panhandle Plains
Southwest of the stadiums and parks, this Vietnamese restaurant specializes in pho, the iconic beef soup. Steaming bowls are served from pots that have…
Dallas
This classic downtown lunch spot, which has been tucked into Neiman Marcus for more than 50 years, evokes old-school Dallas. Attentive waiters bustle…
East Texas
Strictly for those on a weekend break, this attractive restaurant is right in the tiny center. The menu is heavily French accented and changes with the…
East Texas
Classic Texas barbecue is on offer at this dead-simple storefront. Legendary pitmaster Alan Caldwell guards his secret smoking techniques but the…
Northeast Texas
Texas barbecue done right. Order at the counter and retreat to the long wooden tables with your groaning plate of brisket, turkey breast, fried okra, plus…
Dallas
Self-styled as a 'Bohemian Bistro,' this funky street-corner Deep Ellum diner is a true home from home. Families and rocker types alike chow down on Tex…
Austin
It's not just the ice cream we love; it's the toppings that get pounded and blended in, violently but lovingly, by the staff wielding a metal scoop in…
Coastal Plains
Close to the Fannin battleground site, this small roadhouse is loved for its sweet and savory barbecue and especially the buttery, tender beef brisket…
Rio Grande Valley
Six days a week, superb food pours forth from this tiny, ubernondescript family-run restaurant just off the historic square. Walk through the barely…
Fort Worth
The antidote to same-seeming Tex-Mex. Yep, the dining room is dead simple and the menu a familiar litany of enchiladas, quesadillas and guacamole. But…
New Zion Missionary Baptist Church
East Texas
Well sure, you can worship God here, but most people flock to worship the incredibly good barbecue cooked in a smoky shack next to the church. All-you-can…
Panhandle Plains
Classic cheeseburgers, home-cut (and potentially cheese-laden) fries, green chili stew and cold beer have sated travelers on Route 66 at this modest brick…
Northeast Texas
Your one-stop shop for good food and drink in Tyler. Superb barbecue in all forms is served in sandwiches, on plates, in tacos and more. Top regional…
Northeast Texas
Right on the lake near the docks, this wooden restaurant is always busy with gossiping locals, many lounging around on battered chairs out front. The menu…
Panhandle Plains
One of Lubbock's best restaurants has creative and seasonal dishes on a menu that changes daily. There is a large and spare dining area with polished wood…
Dallas
Dallas’ favorite barbecue joint also has a handy downtown location, but for the full authentic experience you can’t beat a visit to the place it all began…
Kitt’s Kornbread Sandwich & Pie Bar
Northeast Texas
Old-fashioned chicken and dumplings is the savory star at this family-run cafe. But be sure to save room for the pie. All 15 varieties are tasty, but the…
Panhandle Plains
Amarillo's favorite spot for barbecue is worth the love. The line is always long, so get there early: when it sells out, it closes. The mesquite-grilled…
Northeast Texas
The Country Tavern, 5 miles west of Kilgore on Hwy 31, is known statewide for its wonderfully tender barbecued ribs and other wood-smoked meats. The…
Northeast Texas
Far above average country fare is on offer at this tidy corner brick cafe in the heart of town. The burgers are actually famous and the rest of the dishes…
Dallas & the Panhandle Plains
Unusual and good tapas include green curry meatballs and grilled vegetable rellenos plus constantly changing seasonal specials. There are artworks inside…
Coastal Plains
The homemade shells, fantastic salsa and delicately spiced meat here make for what may be one of the best taco plates of any Tex-Mex joint in the state…
East Texas
The barbecue is superb, and that's no lie. Just be sure to show up during the very limited opening hours. Among the usual lineup, the brisket makes some…
Galveston
This excellent importer and spice market also happens to serve the best muffulettas and Cajun food in town, at tables crammed between the shelves. On…
Houston
In a town where the competition for best burger is tough, Stanton's is always on the A-list, with big, stacked juicy burgers. The chipotle option has…
Fort Griffin General Merchandise Restaurant
Panhandle Plains
This branch of the Abilene original is revered for its chicken-fried steak. Tender, juicy, crunchy all at once. Set in historic buildings, it's also…
Dallas & the Panhandle Plains
Features the best organic vendors and food producers in the region. There's a big selection of food vendors offering ready-to-eat items like tamales.
Gulf Coast & South Texas
Ask for recommendations on where to eat in Port Isabel, and this combination fishmonger and restaurant is the most common suggestion by far. It makes a…
Fort Worth
A local institution, complete with the sickly green walls, this former grocery is now stuffed with picnic tables, and serves some of the best burgers in…
East Austin
Two sisters from Mexico run this East Austin taco truck (an old bus), which may serve the best tacos in town. Step up to the window, order a migas…
San Antonio & Hill Country
Judging from our unscientific but extensive tasting, City Market in Luling wins all-round best BBQ in the state. Years of smoke blacken the pit room, the…
West Texas
It’s easy to miss this battered old trailer, beside the main road, but if you’re lucky enough to pass through during Food Shark’s limited opening hours,…
Dallas
Rodeo Goat is located on an unpromising stretch of roadway on the outskirts of the Design District and, from the outside, looks like a low-key strip club…
West Texas
Talk about your underground restaurants. This quirky place specializing in barbecue and grilled meat is literally right underground – just look at those…
