Must-see restaurants in 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

The Forge serves pizza (plus salads, tacos and sandwiches), and offers singer-songwriter folk music Thursday through Saturday. Wednesday is open-mike…

Reasonable steaks and the friendly, down-home atmosphere are worth the drive 15 miles west to Avinger. Everybody knows everybody eating in here in these…

Join the crowds queuing at the counter to place your order for great burgers, chicken-fried steak or barbecue. Options are many, try the fried okra. It's…

In Tyler’s somnolent old downtown, Rick’s is in an old brick building and offers an upscale option for a night out. The menu is straightforward American…

The tiny, fully visible kitchen turns out artfully presented mains, such as pecan-and-maple crusted salmon, as well as good vegetarian options. All breads…

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…

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…

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…

The Shed Cafe routinely wins praise for its fried chicken. The rest of the fare is filling and the dirt parking lot is usually full.

In a cavernous old warehouse near the old train station, exposed brick and hanging memorabilia lend a rustic air to this Southern restaurant, which has…