Anyone who’s from Texas knows that our favorite restaurants are in small towns. The kinds of places that only locals know about, where a table is always open and service comes with an overflowing side of Southern hospitality. There seems to be no shortage of these kinds of eateries here in the Lone Star State, so here are 11 more of the best small town restaurants in Texas.

1. Pody's BBQ (Pecos)
Google/fcg-bbq.blogspot.com
Facebook/PodysBBQ
Pody's landed itself a spot in Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ joints, so you know it's worth trying. The meat is slow-smoked over mesquite, cherry, oak, and pecan woods and served with a spicy sauce (although it doesn't need it). Brisket is the most popular menu item here - washed down with a tall iced tea, of course. Pody's is located at 1330 S Cedar St, Pecos, TX 79772. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
2. Woerner's Warehouse Cafe + Catering (Fredericksburg)
Google/Angela Mancino
Google/Michelle Bennett
This charming little cafe is located inside an old feed store, serving up fresh and delicious local eats with a side of genuine smiles. If you make it in time for breakfast, bagels + lox, quiche, and a huge selection of homemade pastries are on the menu. Lunch is everything from sandwiches piled high with artisan meats and cheeses to creamy chicken salad. The shop also sells local jams, jellies, and coffees as well as pastured-raised eggs, and it's located right next to a fine antique store. The address is 305 S Lincoln St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. To learn more, visit their website here.
3. Big Pines Lodge (Karnack)
Google/Ethan Coleman
Google/Lisa Thompson
After a fire destroyed the original 1953 building, Big Pines Lodge is back and better than ever. Something about East Texas seafood just can't be beat, and this place is no exception. Portions are enormous and the selection is wide - catfish, alligator tail, and hushpuppies are all served by the pound. Don't forget to ask for a side of green tomato relish (trust us, it's a delicacy.) Big Pines Lodge is located at 747 Pine Island Rd, Karnack, TX 75661. To learn more, visit their website here.
4. Catfish Plantation (Waxahachie)
Google/Russell Rogers
Google/Kelsey Delacruz
This adorable house was built in 1895 and attracts patrons for a reason other than the food: the spirits. No, we aren't talking about alcohol but rather the ghosts that are rumored to haunt the place. It's been featured on countless TV shows and promises a scary good time for all - not to mention the catfish is fried to golden perfection. You'll find Catfish Plantation at 814 Water St, Waxahachie, TX 75165. To learn more, visit their website here.
5. Loco Coyote (Glen Rose)
Google/Paul Noll

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A pit stop for bikers and weekend live-music venue, Loco Coyote has an edgy vibe sure to bring out the wild side in everyone. That's a good thing, because you'd have to be a little crazy to tackle this monstrosity. The Coyote Burger has bacon, cheese, grilled onions, jalapenos, and chili, and it's plenty of food for at least three people (or one if you're up for the challenge.) Other popular choices include ribs and chicken-fried steak. The address is 1795 Co Rd 1004, Glen Rose, TX 76043. To learn more, visit their website here.
6. Malt Shop (Weatherford)
The Malt Shop, 2028 Fort Worth Hwy, Weatherford, TX 76086, USA
Google/Jeff Pipes
Old-fashioned drive-ins are hard to come by these days, so Malt Shop is truly a diamond in the rough. After placing your order, feel free to sit under the awning with vintage records strung up from the rafters while enjoying your meal. You can't go wrong with a classic burger or BLT with a side of onion rings and a butterscotch shake. Malt Shop is located at 2028 Fort Worth Hwy, Weatherford, TX 76086. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
7. Judy's Bread and Breakfast Cafe (Alpine)
TripAdvisor/Mel1962
Facebook/judysbreadandbreakfast
Judy's has much more than a witty name to show for itself. Stocked full of cinnamon rolls and muffins every morning, a trip here is a surefire way to start your day off on the right foot. Just look at all that delicious, doughy goodness. You'll find Judy's at 113 W Holland Ave, Alpine, TX 79830. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
8. Wenzel Lonestar Meat Company (Hamilton)
Google Maps
Google/Zomato
Meat markets can be hit-or-miss, but this one absolutely knocks it out of the park. You'll find bison, beef, sausage, triple-smoked bacon, and more delicious offerings at the lunch counter. Try a deli sandwich with peppered beef, cheddar cheese, and spicy mustard, or indulge in a special if you happen to visit at the right time. Wenzel is located at 209 N Bell St, Hamilton, TX 76531. To learn more, visit their website here.
9. Country Tavern Bar-B-Que (Kilgore)
Google/Marcelo Garza
Google/Jeremy Ecowboy
Open since 1939, Country Tavern is iconic in the Pineywoods. The ribs are what draw crowds in, but everything from jalapeno sausage to baked potato casserole is to-die-for. Utensils are frowned upon, but don't worry - there are plenty of napkins. You'll find Country Tavern at TX-31 & FM2767, Kilgore, TX 75662. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
10. Coney Island Cafe (Pampa)
Facebook/TheConeyIslandCafe
Google/LeeAnn Cable
Located in the heart of downtown, this retro joint is guaranteed to take you right back to childhood. Whether you order a hot dog or an overflowing bowl of chili, your belly and soul are guaranteed to be full and warm. The address is 114 W Foster Ave, Pampa, TX 79065. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.

Have you ever been to any of these unassuming restaurants in Texas? Which one is your favorite? Did we leave out an eatery in your hometown that deserves to be featured? If so, let us know in the comments below!

For more scrumptious places to eat in small-town Texas, head on over to These 6 Little Known Restaurants In Texas Are Hard To Find But Worth The Search.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

best small town restaurants in Texas

Elisa Regulski | May 15, 2020

What are the best unassuming restaurants in Texas?

Bill & Rosa's KK Steakhouse, located in D'Hanis, is one of the best unassuming restaurants in Texas. You’ll love the fun saloon theme and epic comfort food meals. Their chicken fried steak is absolutely massive, and it’s completely delicious. City Limits, located in Sherman, is another little-known eatery that should be on your radar. This scrumptious and nostalgic eatery has a giant menu that’s full of just about any dish you could imagine. Even the pickiest eaters will find something to excite them at City Limits.

What are the best tiny towns in Texas?

Fredericksburg is one of the best tiny towns in Texas. People come from all over to enjoy the exciting boutiques, beautiful wineries, and delicious restaurants. There are numerous bed and breakfasts in the area as well, so it’s the perfect weekend getaway. Boerne is another lovely small town in Texas. This cozy area is full of fantastic places to explore. With so many shops and eateries, you could never get bored!

What are the best places to get comfort food in Texas?

Hoover’s, located in Austin, is one of the best places to get comfort food in Texas. Whether you order a heaping plate of BBQ or a classic chicken fried steak dinner, one thing is certain: You won’t go home feeling hungry. Mel’s Country Cafe, located in Tomball, is another delicious place to get comfort food in Texas. They’re most known for their epic catfish sandwiches. These dishes are so big, fried fish nearly dangles off the plate!

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Featured Addresses
1330 S Cedar St, Pecos, TX 79772, USA
305 S Lincoln St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
747 Pine Island Rd, Karnack, TX 75661, USA
814 Water St, Waxahachie, TX 75165, USA
1795 Co Rd 1004, Glen Rose, TX 76043, USA
2028 Fort Worth Hwy, Weatherford, TX 76086, USA
113 W Holland Ave, Alpine, TX 79830, USA
209 N Bell St, Hamilton, TX 76531, USA
1526 Farm to Market Rd 2767, Kilgore, TX 75662, USA
114 W Foster Ave, Pampa, TX 79065, USA