We know that the best restaurants in TX are often the most unassuming. The ones that look a tad run down, aren’t well known and don’t have a fancy atmosphere. Luckily, there are plenty of places in our state that have perfected the art of good, down-home, Southern cookin’ and want to share it with the world – no frills needed. Here are 8 of the absolute best neighborhood restaurants in Texas.

1. Catfish Plantation (Waxahachie)
Yelp/Leigh P.
Yelp/Zac S.
Editor's note: Please note that, unfortunately, Catfish Plantation has permanently closed.

We truly can't believe it took us so long to discover this little gem. It's located in a Victorian home built in 1895, so the history is incredibly rich (and haunted, as some say). And the food is absolutely phenomenal. Easily some of the best catfish in Texas. Give this one a try next time you're near Waxahachie. To learn more, visit the official website for Catfish Plantation in Texas.
2. Burgers & Fries Diner (Royse City)
bnfdiner.com
B&F Diner, 5360 TX-276, Royse City, TX 75189, USA
bnfdiner.com
This old-fashioned diner is so tiny, if you blink you might miss it. As the name suggests, their specialty is thick, juicy burgers and crispy, salty fries in an atmosphere that will take you back to the 1950s. Believe us, B&F Diner is worth going out of your way for. To learn more, visit the official website for Burgers & Fries Diner.
3. Mel's Country Cafe (Tomball)
Yelp/Ikuko F.
24814 Stanolind Rd, Tomball, TX 77375, USA
Yelp/Laura H.
We actually heard about Mel's from the overwhelming number of y'all who suggested it in the comments of previous articles, and boy, were y'all right. First of all, the portions are enormous, so even those of us with Texas-sized appetites won't be leaving hungry. Be sure to order their catfish sandwich. This dish is so enormous, it hangs off the plate! The food will remind you of Sunday supper at Granny's, guaranteeing you walk out satisfied, nostalgic, and happy. To learn more, visit the official website for Mel's Country Cafe.
4. Jake & Dorothy's Cafe (Stephenville)
Yelp/Glenn S.
406 E Washington St, Stephenville, TX 76401, USA
Yelp/Garry H.
Jake & Dorothy's is an iconic restaurant that's a pit stop for many road trippers. It's been in the same spot for 68 years, so to say the owners know what they're doing is an understatement. You need to order the chicken fried steak for your meal and finish up with a hefty slice of pie for dessert. You'll definitely leave feeling full and happy. Visit the Facebook page for Jake & Dorothy's Cafe to learn more.

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5. Leona General Store (Leona)
Facebook/LeonaGeneralStore
Leona General Store, North Leona Blvd 136, TX-75, Leona, TX 75850, USA
Yelp/Kari P.
This is another reader favorite. Y'all rant and rave about the food here, daring us to find a better steak anywhere else in Texas. We're not sure that's possible because Leona's cooks up some of the juiciest, most tender ribeye you'll ever eat. This, paired with the nostalgic atmosphere, makes for an epic meal. Get here early -- this place is super popular and fills up quickly. To learn more about this beloved steak restaurant in Texas, visit the official website for Leona General Store to learn more.
6. Fish Pond (Willis)
Yelp/Cindy W.
17091 TX-75, Willis, TX 77378, USA
Yelp/Melissa K.
The name is a bit misleading because it suggests a seafood restaurant, but Fish Pond is much more than that. From fresh yard eggs and center cut bacon to thick, juicy steaks to fried shrimp and hush puppies, you can find all your favorite Southern meals on the menu here (and you can order anything all day long.) Treat yourself to some classic comfort food at this tasty hidden gem. To learn more, visit the official website for Fish Pond in Willis.
7. Willow Creek Cafe (Mason)
Yelp/Jeffrey C.
106 Fort McKavitt St, Mason, TX 76856, USA
TripAdvisor/29Rons
This small town diner in the downtown square has the perfect atmosphere to enjoy some down-home cookin'. Burgers, chicken-fried steak, and some of the best pie you'll ever put in your mouth are just some of the amazing concoctions you can try here. Take a road trip to Mason and eat to your heart's delight. To learn more, visit the official website for Willow Creek Cafe
8. Mamie's Kitchen (Pattison)
Yelp/James M.
3811 Avenue G, Pattison, TX 77466, USA
Yelp/Anna H.
Mamie's Kitchen is a charming little restaurant with waitstaff who really take the experience to the next level. Oh, and a slice of homemade coconut cream pie doesn't exactly hurt, either. Bring your closest friends and family and enjoy a heartwarming meal together. This delightful eatery will help you create memories you'll never forget. Visit the official website for Mamie's Kitchen to learn more.

Have you been to any of the best restaurants in TX? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another hidden gem eatery in the Lone Star State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

If you’re looking for more scrumptious meals, check out these amazing restaurants along the Texas coast.

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

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best restaurants in TX

Elisa Regulski | August 22, 2020

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

Hoover's Kitchen is one of the best places to get comfort food in Texas.

If you’re looking for some of the best comfort food in Texas, head over to Austin. Here, you’ll find the incredible eatery, Hoover’s Kitchen. This local cafe serves mouthwatering barbecue, tasty chicken fried steak, and all of the sides you could imagine. Eating here is just as wonderful as enjoying a meal at Grandma’s house. Bring your appetite and indulge a little! Everything here is absolutely delicious.

What are the most famous restaurants in Texas?

Some of the most famous restaurants in Texas include:

  • The Salt Lick
  • Big Texan
  • Franklin

 

Of course, sometimes, it's fun to try somewhere new. If you want to shake up your dining routine, pay a visit to one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Texas. Greer's Ranch Cafe, located in Stephenville, is known for its epic comfort food. Sweetie Pie's Ribeyes, located in Decatur, serves some of the best chicken fried steak you’ve ever had.

What are the best steakhouses in Texas?

Texans have mighty appetites, and there’s no better place to ease those hunger pains than a steakhouse. And you’ll find them all throughout the state, even the small towns! For some of the best steakhouses in Texas, try:

  • Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap

 

Here, serving sizes are huge, and every dish is loaded with flavor. For more tasty meals, visit Fort Griffin General Merchandise Restaurant in Albany. This place is the perfect combination of nostalgic charm and expertly-crafted meals.

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