A Restaurant for Every Month: 12 Bucket-List Worthy Spots in Texas

If you ask us, the ultimate bucket lists are ones that involve food. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best restaurants in Texas to try this year. Best of all, there is one for each month, so you can plan your visit throughout the changing seasons. From the oldest BBQ restaurant in the state to a small-town cafe with mouthwatering pie, it’s going to be a delicious food journey that you’ll love! Let’s explore these 12 restaurants that are worthy of your bucket list.

1. January – Skyline Views & Cocktails at Rioja Rooftop Bar, Grapevine

What better way to kick off the list of best restaurants in Texas than with a truly unique dining experience? You can enjoy a three-course dinner and cocktails in your own private igloo at Rioja Rooftop Bar, located on the terrace of Hotel Vin in historic downtown Grapevine. Each igloo comes with blankets and a heater to keep you nice and warm! Reservations are recommended, as the private igloos are especially popular during colder months.

2. February – French Comfort & Cozy Dining at Chez Nous, Humble

Chez Nous was named one of the most romantic restaurants in America by OpenTable in 2016, so February is the perfect time to visit. Although it has an unassuming exterior, this hidden gem is on par with the finest eateries in Paris. Bring your special someone for a fancy dinner neither of you will soon forget. Seating is limited, so planning ahead is key for this intimate dining experience. Learn more about this romantic restaurant in Texas by visiting the website.

3. March – Classic Texas Breakfast at Blue Bonnet Cafe, Marble Falls

Spring begins in March, which means Texas' state flower – the bluebonnet – will start blooming on roadsides from Big Bend to the Piney Woods. What better way to mark the occasion than with a trip to the Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls? This world-famous diner is known for its delicious pies, which are made from scratch every morning. It's also the only restaurant in Texas with a pie happy hour. The pies alone are reason enough to make the drive. Learn more about this restaurant that has the best pies in Texas.

4. April – Hearty Home Cooking at Mary’s Cafe, Strawn

Mary's Cafe in the tiny town of Strawn is our April dining destination of choice. Time and again, the chicken-fried steak at Mary's is called the best in Texas – try it out for yourself and see what you think - we can almost guarantee you won't be disappointed. It’s the kind of place that keeps people coming back again and again. Learn more about this iconic restaurant in Texas from our previous article.

5. May – Fresh Gulf Seafood at Gaido’s, Galveston

Even though summer doesn't start until the end of June, Texas usually feels the heat by May. That's why our featured restaurant is Gaido's, an iconic seafood joint in Galveston located just steps away from the beach. Open for over 100 years, it's the oldest seafood restaurant on the island, and you can really taste the quality that only time-honored restaurants can deliver. The restaurant’s long history adds to the experience's charm. Read our previous article to learn more about the best seafood restaurant in Texas.

6. June – Legendary Barbecue & Local Flavor at City Market, Luling

BBQ is the unofficial food of summer, so we're kicking off the season at City Market in Luling. Established in 1958, this no-frills eatery is among the best barbecue joints in Texas - the perpetual line that often snakes around the block is proof of that fact. While you're in town, make sure to check out the annual Watermelon Thump at the end of the month! The festival has been around since 1954, and it's one of Luling's most cherished traditions. Learn more about this legendary BBQ restaurant in Texas by visiting the website.

7. July – Scenic Views & Tex-Mex Bites at The Oasis on Lake Travis

There's nothing quite like a summer sunset, and The Oasis on Lake Travis is the best place to catch one. The self-proclaimed "Sunset Capital of Texas," it's the largest outdoor restaurant in the state - and the food is incredible, too! Be sure to read our previous article about the largest outdoor restaurant in Texas.

8. August – Iconic Smoked Meats at Black’s BBQ, Lockhart

Ending summer on a high note, August brings us to the oldest BBQ joint in Texas. Black's has been owned by the same family since 1932, and its cooking methods haven't changed since then. Make sure you try the brisket. Lockhart’s barbecue legacy is on full display here. Here's a previous article telling you more about the oldest BBQ restaurant in Texas.

9. September – German Fare & Wine at Rathskeller Restaurant, Fredericksburg

Although it rarely feels like fall in September across much of Texas, the harvest season begins this month nonetheless. What better way to celebrate than by visiting a quaint small town in the heart of Texas Wine Country? Fredericksburg goes all out for autumn, with numerous festivities to get you in the spirit. You'll need somewhere to eat during your trip, and Rathskeller Restaurant is second to none. Hiding in the basement of a historic 1800s building, this award-winning eatery serves scrumptious German and American fare. The cozy underground setting adds to the old-world charm. Learn more about this underground restaurant in Texas from our previous article.

10. October – Historic Houston Dining at La Carafe

Happy spooky season! Our October destination is La Carafe, the oldest bar in Houston. The candlelit watering hole is equal parts eerie and romantic – and drinks aren't the only spirits you'll find here! Rumor has it, the place is crawling with ghosts. Even skeptics will appreciate the bar’s atmospheric, old-Houston charm.

11. November – Seasonal Apples & Rustic Eats at Love Creek Orchards, Medina

November is the heart of fall, when the trees burst into spectacular displays of color, and we give thanks for all our blessings. This month, we're visiting Love Creek Orchards and the Apple Store in Medina, where you can enjoy a big slice of homemade apple pie. Plus, the bakery is just a stone's throw from Lost Maples State Natural Area, which has arguably the best fall foliage in Texas. Fall is the best time to visit, when apples and foliage are at their peak.

12. December – Cozy Mexican Fare at Campo Verde, Dalworthington Gardens

For the holiday season, it's time to get festive at Campo Verde Mexican Restaurant in the Dallas area. It may look like an ordinary Mexican restaurant on the outside, but from October through March, a Christmas wonderland awaits beyond the front doors. There are over 120,000 lights, and it's one of the best restaurants in Texas for holiday fun. The festive decor transforms the dining experience into a holiday tradition for many families. Learn more about this Christmas restaurant in Texas from our previous article.

How many of the best restaurants in Texas have you tried? Which one is your favorite? Be sure to send this article to someone you'd love to explore the best restaurants in Texas with! Need even more travel inspiration? Check out our previous article for more of the bucket-list-worthy restaurants in Texas. These restaurants are so good, they're road-trip-worthy!

Planning a food-filled road trip across the Lone Star State? Use the Only In Your State itinerary planner to map out your restaurant stops, nearby attractions, and overnight stays – all in one easy-to-use tool.