Texas has plenty of food towns scattered throughout the state, and some of them are so good that you’ll make eating your number one priority while you’re there. Take a look at the nine best food towns in Texas, and be sure to visit before they get too popular!

1. Celina
Facebook/lucys.celina.3
Facebook/lucys.celina.3
Celina is home to Lucy's on the Square, a restaurant named after a steer that sits on the second-floor balcony, gazing down at the diners as they enjoy their meal. We're not sure there's anything more southern, and the food confirms that statement. Beans with slabs of bacon, fluffy mashed potatoes, chicken-fried steak with the most tender, juicy meat, crispiest crust, and creamiest gravy you've ever tasted, and coconut cream pie that could put your grandma's secret family recipe to shame are just some of the offerings you'll find at Lucy's. Click here to learn more about Lucy's on The Square.

Address: 127 N Ohio St, Celina, TX
2. Wheeler
Facebook/Mel's Diner
Facebook/Mel's Diner
Pies galore is what Mel's Diner is known for around town. Ten kinds are made from scratch, including chocolate, pecan, coconut cream, peanut butter, and more. Just look at the thickness of those babies... yum. Click here to learn more about Mel's Diner.

Address: 706 W Oklahoma Ave, Wheeler, TX
3. Moss Hill
Facebook/Simply Country
Facebook/Simply Country
Formerly a gas station, Simply Country Cafe now looks as if it's been a restaurant since the beginning of time — especially with the impressive pie case by the front door. The owner and her mom start baking up a storm every Thursday to prepare for the weekend crowd. Flavors like icebox banana split, chocolate, and the usual fruit varieties can all be found here. Be sure to come early in case they run out — but if it does end up happening, you might as well order some delicious chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes while you're there. To learn more, visit Simply Country's Facebook page here.

Address: 17174 TX-146, Liberty, TX
4. McQueeny
Facebook/blakescafemcqueeny
Facebook/blakescafemcqueeny
McQueeny is a popular town in the summertime when folks come from all over to participate in water sports on the lake. Blake's, a diner with a rustic, unmistakably Texan vibe, is usually the spot of choice to grab a bite to eat. Enjoy a cold beer, a tender, flavorful steak, and maybe a slice of pie for dessert if you have room left. Click here to learn more about Blake's Cafe.

9216 FM725, McQueeney, TX 78123
5. Livingston
Facebook/therealfloridaskitchen

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Facebook/therealfloridaskitchen
Livingston might have a population of just over 6,000, but this little restaurant has made itself known all over Texas. Florida's Kitchen is an unassuming soul food restaurant serving up fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and the other classics as well as homemade pies and a few other desserts. And as good as the food may be, most people can agree that the best thing about Florida's is the overwhelming southern hospitality. To learn more, visit Florida's Kitchen's website here.

Address: 796 FM 350, Livingston, TX 77351
6. Hearne
TripAdvisor/ttot11
TripAdvisor/Malissa C.
Hearne is a quaint little Southern town, and the food is exactly what you would expect from such a place. Johnny Reb's Dixie Cafe serves all the usual suspects, including chicken and dumplings that are absolutely to die for, and pecan pie that'll send your taste buds straight to heaven. Click here to learn more about Johnny Reb's Dixie Cafe.

Address: 708 S Market St, Hearne, TX 77859
7. Freeport
Facebook/ontheriverrestaurant
Facebook/ontheriverrestaurant
A change of pace compared to the previous places, Freeport is a fishing town whose restaurants reflect that by offering mostly seafood. On The River is one such eatery, and if you like crawfish, fried shrimp, and catfish, it's the place for you. The fried dill pickles are a must in terms of appetizers, and the blackberry and peach cobblers can't be passed up. To learn more, visit On The River Restaurant's website here.

Address: 919 W 2nd St, Freeport, TX 77541
8. Fayetteville
Facebook/joesplacefayetteville
Facebook/joesplacefayetteville
With a population of about 300, Fayetteville is by far the smallest town on this list — that doesn't mean for a second that the food is any less worthy of mention, however. Joe's Place used to be a host of different things including a saloon and doctor's office, but it's now a restaurant serving up Texas-sized chicken fried steak, sweet potato chips, and other scrumptious down-home items. Everything is named after local residents, too, so the comforting sense of community is ever-present. To learn more, visit the official Facebook page for Joe's Place here.

Address: 120 N Live Oak St, Fayetteville, TX 78940
9. Cuero
Facebook/BanhofCafeCuero
Facebook/BanhofCafeCuero
Cuero is home to Banhof Cafe, a Southern diner serving daily specials including meatloaf and chicken fried steak. The homemade rolls are like taking a bite out of a cloud, and the bread pudding absolutely can't be beat. Click here to learn more about Banhof Cafe.

Address: 213 W Main St, Cuero, TX 77954

Have you been to any of the best food towns in Texas? If so, we want to hear all about your experience! Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. And if you know more fantastic small towns in Texas, nominate them for a chance to be featured!

Still hungry? If you’re looking for the best chicken fried steak in the state, check out this incredible small town restaurant in Texas.

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

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best food towns in Texas

Elisa Regulski | May 26, 2020

What are the best places to take day trips in Texas?

As the nation’s second largest state, Texas is full of amazing destinations. Whether you’re looking for history, nature, or adventure, The Lone Star State has it. Waco is quickly becoming one of the most popular places to take day trips in Texas. Design enthusiasts love shopping at Magnolia Market at the Silos, and history lovers enjoy visiting the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. For more fascinating fun, visit Mammoth National Monument and look at historic bones. End your adventure with a trip to The Dr. Pepper Museum. This vibrant attraction celebrates Texans’ favorite soda, and it’s fun for the whole family.

What are the best small town restaurants in Texas?

Looking for the best small town restaurants in Texas? Mary’s Cafe, located in Strawn, is a must-visit. This down-home eatery makes some of the most delicious chicken fried steak you’ve ever eaten. People drive from all around just for one epic dinner. For more comfort food, visit Cafe Homestead in Waco. This wonderful farm restaurant serves fresh and delicious dishes. You’ll want to come back again and again.

What are the best underrated restaurants in Texas?

Loco Coyote, located in Glen Rose, is one of the most delicious underrated restaurants in Texas. This BBQ joint may not have the hype that big-name eateries have, but their smoked meats are every bit as delicious. From the moment you arrive, the smell of flavorful pork ribs and brisket will tempt you.

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Featured Addresses
127 N Ohio St, Celina, TX 75009, USA
704 W Oklahoma Ave, Wheeler, TX 79096, USA
17174 TX-146, Liberty, TX 77575, USA
9216 FM725, McQueeney, TX 78123, USA
796 FM 350, Livingston, TX 77351, USA
708 S Market St, Hearne, TX 77859, USA
919 W 2nd St, Freeport, TX 77541, USA
120 N Live Oak St, Fayetteville, TX 78940, USA
213 W Main St, Cuero, TX 77954, USA