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 8 must visit 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 the best BBQ restaurants in Texas and you’ll have it all figured out in no time.

1. The Salt Lick (Driftwood)
Flickr/wallyg
The Salt Lick BBQ, 18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619, USA
Flickr/wallyg




The Salt Lick is easily the most iconic barbecue pit in the state. Nothing says Texas like a mammoth portion of tender, seasoned-to-perfection meat.
2. Franklin Barbecue (Austin)
Flickr/wallyg
Franklin Barbecue, 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Flickr/a_vandalay
The length of the line says it all - and it's usually this long, if not longer, at Franklin Barbecue. What can we say? We know good barbecue here in Texas, and we're willing to wait for it.
3. Black's Barbecue (Lockhart)
Facebook/Blacks BBQ
Black's Barbecue Austin, 3110 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705, USA
Facebook/Blacks BBQ
Lockhart might as well be the barbecue capital of Texas with its numerous delicious joints. Black's Barbecue 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.
4. Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo)
Flickr/spookyamd
The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery, 7701 I-40, Amarillo, TX 79118, USA
Flickr/soumit




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.
5. Kreuz Market (Lockhart)
Flickr/roberthensley
Kreuz Market, 619 N Colorado St, Lockhart, TX 78644, USA
Flickr/kentwang
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.
6. Pickett House (Woodville)
Facebook/Pickett House Restaurant
Pickett House, 157 Private Rd 6000, Woodville, TX 75979, USA
Facebook/Pickett House Restaurant
Us Texans are very family-oriented, so Pickett House 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.
7. Blue Bonnet Cafe (Marble Falls)
Facebook/Blue Bonnet Café - Marble Falls, TX
Blue Bonnet Cafe, 211 US-281, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
Facebook/Blue Bonnet Café - Marble Falls, TX




There aren't enough words to describe how amazing Blue Bonnett Café 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.
8. Gaido's (Galveston)
Facebook/Gaido's Seafood Restaurant
Gaido's, 3828 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Facebook/Gaido's Seafood Restaurant
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.

Have you been to any of the best BBQ 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!

For more local favorite restaurants in Texas, check out some of our favorite hidden gem restaurants in Texas.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

iconic restaurants in Texas

Elisa Regulski | April 10, 2020

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 best BBQ 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 best Mexican restaurants in Texas.

Related Articles

Explore Texas