Here Are 13 Texas Restaurants That Belong On Your Dining Bucket List

Texas has so many restaurants - too many, some might argue (personally, we don't think there is a such thing as "too many"). The simple act of deciding where to go for dinner can turn into hours of indecisiveness depending on where you live. We're stepping in to ease that burden ever so slightly with an epic Texas dining bucket list. If you eat anywhere in the Lone Star State, make it one of these 13 amazing restaurants. Here are our picks for *the* best Texas restaurants that belong on your dining bucket list (in no particular order, of course):

1. Sam's Original Restaurant (Fairfield)

Dating back to 1953, this unassuming diner is an essential Fairfield institution.

Serving up Southern favorites like chicken-fried steak, turkey with dressing, and several varieties of homemade pie, rest assured you'll leave the table with a full belly and happy heart. Find more information about Sam's Original Restaurant here.

Address: 1015 West Commerce Street, Fairfield, TX, 75840

2. La Kiva (Terlingua)

Hidden out west in the ghost town of Terlingua, Texas, is a restaurant guaranteed to bring up childhood memories of Saturday mornings spent watching the Flintstones.

Replica skeletons, hand-carved pots and pans, and bumpy rock ceilings create an eerily realistic-feeling prehistoric atmosphere. The food is simple, yet flavorful, paying homage to the cavemen who didn't have access to a wide variety of ingredients. Make sure to visit their website to verify hours of operation when planning your visit.

Address: 23222 FM 170, Terlingua, TX, 79852

3. 5D Cattle Company (Avinger)

Home to less than 500 people, Avinger is barely a blip on the map.

Most people wouldn't expect a town so small to have totally amazing food, but 5D Cattle Company serves just that. The Texas steakhouse is located in a historic building and uses only the finest aged beef, rubbed with a special herb and spice blend before it's slow-cooked over mesquite coals.

Address: 8 North Main Street, Avinger, TX, 75630

4. Larry Bruce Gardens (Kennard)

Deep in the Davy Crockett Forest lies a charming cottage offering fresh, farm-to-table cooking.

Owners Larry and Sara Bruce turned their hobby of growing fruits and vegetables into a successful career using ingredients harvested straight from the backyard. Get more information about this charming place right here!

3198 County Rd 4600, Kennard, TX, 75847.

5. O.S.T. Restaurant (Bandera)

Proudly proclaiming itself to be the oldest diner in Texas, OST Restaurant first opened its doors in 1921.

It served as a grocery store, horse corral, and dance hall before finally getting converted into a café. With a seven-page menu, you'll have a difficult time finding something that can't be ordered. We share more information about this restaurant in this article.

Address: 311 Main Street, Bandera, TX, 78003

6. Mikeska's Bar-B-Q (Columbus)

Over 200 animal heads are mounted on the walls of this unique restaurant.

Chicken, sausage, pork ribs, and several other meats plus an array of delectable sides will keep you coming back for more (despite all the eyes watching you eat). We think the slight spookiness adds character to the place. This is definitely one of those spots that rightfully earned its place in our list of Texas restaurants that belong on your dining bucket list

Address: 4053 US-90, Columbus, TX, 78934

7. Coney Island Cafe (Pampa)

Located in the heart of historic downtown Pampa, this retro cafe is a charming blast from the past.

Whether you order a hot dog or an overflowing bowl of chili, there's no meal more satisfying on a chilly (get it?) day. More information about this restaurant here.

Address: 114 West Foster Avenue, Pampa, TX, 79065.

8. Fort Griffin General Merchandise Restaurant (Albany)

Reminiscent of a scene from an old western film, this dingy building looks like it could be the abandoned remnants of a ghost town.

What you'll find within its walls is actually a thriving restaurant, serving scrumptious items like juicy burgers, tender steaks, and fresh seafood. Read all about this unassuming Texas restaurant here.

Address: 517 West US-180, West Albany, TX, 76430

9. Mary's Cafe (Strawn)

This list simply wouldn't be complete without Mary's.

Receiving countless accolades each and every year, this legendary Texas mainstay is considered to have the state's very best chicken-fried steak. Read more information about Mary's here.

Address: 119 Grant Avenue, Strawn, TX, 76475.

10. Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl Grill (Harlingen)

Although atmosphere usually doesn't top our list of requirements for a good restaurant, it's what sets Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl apart.

Embark on a magical undersea adventure and chow down on some amazing food and drink while you're at it. Read all about Uncle Buck's in this article.

Address: 101 Bass Pro Drive, Harlingen, TX, 78665

11. Chef Point (Watauga)

Gas stations aren't usually known for their food selection, but Chef Point is changing the game.

Behind these doors is a gourmet eatery, serving delightful concoctions like seafood pasta, French-toasted breakfast sandwiches, and cheeseburgers with all the fixings.

Address: 5901 Watauga Road, Watauga, TX, 76148

12. Country Tavern (Kilgore)

Next time you're in Rangerette country, you'll definitely want to stop by this iconic BBQ joint.

The ribs are what draw crowds in, but everything from the jalapeño sausage to the baked potato casserole is a winner. You won't find very many utensils, but there are plenty of napkins to make up for it. Check out out recent article on this Texas gem here.

Address: 1525 Farm to Market Road, Kilgore, TX, 75662

13. The Coffee MUGGle - Corpus Christi

Espresso Patronum!

This Harry Potter-themed coffee shop opened relatively recently compared to other entries on this list, but boy, did they spend those first years gaining amazing momentum. Magical lattes and fun baked goods shaped like popular movie characters take every visitor on an enchanting journey into the world of witchcraft and wizardry. Read on for more information about The Coffee MUGGle.

Address: 1112 Morgan Avenue, Corpus Christi, TX, 78404

How many of these restaurants have you checked off your bucket list already? Which ones are you headed to next?

For more unassuming-but-amazing Texas restaurants that belong on your dining bucket list , check out 10 Mom & Pop Restaurants In Texas That Serve Home Cooked Meals To Die For.