When we think about Texas, a few key words and phrases come to mind: small-town charm, Southern hospitality, comfort food, excess, and barbecue. These 10 iconic restaurants in Texas embody those characteristics, therefore defining what our state is all about. If you want to learn more about Texas or have an out-of-state friend who doesn’t quite understand how we do things here, just visit one of these eateries and you’ll have it all figured out in no time.
This is easily the most iconic barbecue pit in the state. Nothing says Texas like a mammoth portion of tender, seasoned-to-perfection meat.
To learn more, visit their website here.
The length of the line says it all - and it's usually this long, if not longer, at Franklin. What can we say? We know good barbecue here in Texas, and we're willing to wait for it. To learn more about this beloved BBQ joint in Texas, visit their website here.
Everyone who's anyone knows that where chicken-fried steak is concerned, Mary's definitely takes the cake. The portions are Texas-sized, the meat is tender while the crust is crispy, and the gravy (served on the side) is rich and creamy. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
Lockhart might as well be the barbecue capitol of Texas with its numerous delicious joints. Black's has been owned by the same family since it first opened, and it's the oldest restaurant in Texas with that claim to fame. Between the moist brisket, tender sausage, and several other types of slow-smoked, melt-in-your-mouth meat, there are few restaurants that define Texas more than Black's. To learn more, visit their website here.
Known for its five pound cinnamon rolls, Lulu's embodies the Texan notion of making everything bigger. The portions are massive, but the quality of food doesn't waver one bit. To learn more about these epic treats, visit Lulu's website here.
We're sure y'all have heard of this iconic stop along Route 66. Home to the 72-oz steak challenge that renders your meal free provided you finish it, The Big Texan is about as "Texas" as you can get. To learn more about this famous Texas restaurant, visit their website here.
Also in Lockhart, Kreuz is one of the only restaurants to give Black's a run for its money. It's hard to decide which one is better - luckily, we don't have to because they're both here to stay. Barbecue from family businesses just tastes better for some reason. You can learn more about Kreuz Market by visiting their website here.
Us Texans are very family-oriented, so this restaurant is right up our alley. You'll sit with other families at huge tables as you feast on endless portions of Southern comforts like mashed potatoes, chicken and dumplings, fried chicken, and more. It doesn't get much better than that. To learn more about Pickett House, visit their website here.
There aren't enough words to describe how amazing Blue Bonnet Cafe is, so I'll just let this pie do the talking. Endless varieties are made fresh daily with only the freshest ingredients (including love and passion). The regular food is to-die-for as well, and the friendly waitstaff take impeccable care of their customers. To learn more, visit their website here.
Just because Gaido's isn't exactly the definition of small-town charm doesn't make it any less Texan. Since 1911, this iconic seafood joint has served up the freshest catches to tourists and locals alike. It's a permanent fixture on the island, and it isn't going anywhere any time soon. To learn more about it, visit their website here.
Have you been to any of these iconic restaurants in Texas? What other joints do you think define our state better than any words could? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Address: The Salt Lick BBQ, 18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619, USA
Address: Franklin Barbecue, 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Address: Mary's Cafe, 119 Grant Ave, Strawn, TX 76475, USA
Address: Black's Barbecue Lockhart, 215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644, USA
Address: 918 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
Address: 7701 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX 79118, USA
Address: 619 N Colorado St, Lockhart, TX 78644, USA
Address: 206 US-190, Woodville, TX 75979, USA
Address: Blue Bonnet Cafe, 211 US-281, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
Address: 3700 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
iconic restaurants in Texas
April 10, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the most famous restaurants in Texas?
There are so many famous restaurants in Texas. In addition to the places listed above, Ninfa’s is one of the most beloved restaurants in the state. This delicious eatery is located in Houston, and it’s known for making flavorful and delicious Tex Mex dishes.
What are the best BBQ restaurants in Texas?
If you really want some epic Texas BBQ, just take a road trip to Lockhart. This small town is known for having some of the most famous restaurants in Texas. Here, you’ll find Black’s BBQ, Kreuz Market, and a slew of other delicious BBQ joints. No matter which one you go to, one thing is certain: you won’t go home hungry.
What are the best Mexican restaurants in Texas?
Texans love their Tex Mex, and there’s no shortage of places to find it. Matt’s El Rancho, located in Austin, whips up some of the freshest tortillas in the state. Their enchiladas are absolutely magnificent, and their margaritas are top-notch. In fact, their chile rellenos were so beloved by LBJ, he had them delivered to the White House by plane! This place is easily one of the most popular restaurants in Texas.
Address: The Salt Lick BBQ, 18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619, USA
Address: Franklin Barbecue, 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Address: Mary's Cafe, 119 Grant Ave, Strawn, TX 76475, USA
Address: Black's Barbecue Lockhart, 215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644, USA
Address: 918 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
Address: 7701 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX 79118, USA
Address: 619 N Colorado St, Lockhart, TX 78644, USA
Address: 206 US-190, Woodville, TX 75979, USA
Address: Blue Bonnet Cafe, 211 US-281, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
Address: 3700 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
