A food bucket list? Now that’s something we can all get behind. Given the size of our state (and our love of food), you could spend your entire life eating out for every meal in search of the best restaurants in Texas and STILL not try everything. Luckily, we’ve got you covered so you don’t have to. These restaurants define Texas in every possible way. They’re the places you’d take a relative or friend from out of state to show them what we’re really about in terms of food. And they have some darn good eats to boot. Here are 11 Texas restaurants you HAVE to check out before you die.

1. Gaido's (Galveston)
Yelp/Gaido's
Yelp/Gaido's
Although a little on the fancier side, Gaido's has some of the best seafood your taste buds will ever encounter. Caught daily from the adjacent Gulf of Mexico, there's nothing fresher or more carefully prepared. Their dishes range from pecan-crusted catfish (pictured above) to melt-in-your-mouth oysters to the amazing Jazz Martini. And no, it's not an alcoholic beverage. The Jazz Martini is comprised of crab meat and avocado in a martini glass with cocktail shrimp adorning the rim. What could be better than that? To learn more, visit Gaido's website.
2. Chef Point Cafe (Watauga)
Yelp/Chef Point
Yelp/Chef Point
Also on the fancier side...but you'd never know it because it's in a gas station! Here in Texas, we could care less what the outside of a restaurant looks like as long as it serves up some good eats. And believe us, Chef Point Cafe knows their food. They've been featured on The Food Network and their menu is extremely extensive: shrimp and grits, blackened stuffed pork chops, fried chicken and biscuits...Mmmm.
3. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse (Dallas and Houston)
Yelp/Pappa's
Yelp/Pappa's
What's a list of Texas restaurants without a steakhouse? Despite being in the heart of a metropolis, Pappas Bros knows how to serve up delicious cuts of meat. Succulent, tender, cuts-like-butter steak seasoned to perfection with plenty of scrumptious appetizers and sides to compliment your meal. Pappas Bros Steakhouse has three Texas locations, so it's never been easier to indulge in some scrumptious eats.
4. Cattlemen's Steakhouse (Fort Worth)
Yelp/Cattle Men's
Facebook/Cattlemen's
Slightly higher up on the list is a much less high-falutin' steakhouse, but that's the atmosphere that defines our state - simplicity. You won't find white tablecloths and fancy waiters here, but you will find some absolutely mouthwatering steak. Every cut of meat imaginable is on the menu, cooked exactly how you like it. They have other fare like seafood and ribs if you don't feel like a steak, and delicious sides like ranch pinto beans. Plus, they're located in the historic Stockyard District! Visit Cattlemen's Steakhouse's website to learn more.
5. Louie Mueller Barbecue (Taylor)
Yelp/Louie Mueller's
Yelp/Louie Muller
Maybe even more defining of Texas than steak is the all important barbecue. Louie Mueller Barbecue may not have a huge menu, but that just means more time spent and love given to the few selections they offer. Their brisket is definitely the most popular item - it's slow cooked in a 50 year old pit and seasoned to perfection. They also have beef sausage, beef and pork ribs, pork tenderloin, and turkey.
6. Luling City Market (Luling)
Yelp/Luling

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Yelp/Luling
Every Texan needs to experience Luling City Market at least once. The atmosphere alone is enough to merit a visit even if the food wasn't absolutely to die for. The line goes through the smoker room, so you get to see your food cooking away right before your eyes. Choose from brisket, ribs, sausage, pork loin, chicken or turkey breast (or a little bit of everything - we don't judge!)
7. Blue Bonnet Cafe (Marble Falls)
Yelp/Blue Bonnet
Yelp/Blue Bonnet
This little mom-and-pop cafe is known all over the state. They dish up all your southern favorites from roast beef to tender chicken fried steak to a classic southern breakfast of eggs, hashbrowns, biscuits and gravy. Oh, and if you let yourself walk out without trying a piece of homemade pie, there's something wrong with you. Blue Bonnet Cafe has served scrumptious desserts since 1929, and folks can't get enough.
8. Mary's Cafe (Strawn)
Yelp/Mary's
Yelp/Mary's
This is for all you chicken fried steak lovers out there. We can't think of a dish more iconic to Texas - and Mary's Cafe has the best in the state, no doubt.
9. The J and P Bar & Grill (Comstock)
Facebook/thejandp
Facebook/thejandp
An overwhelming amount of readers suggested The J and P Bar and Grill -- and for good reason, too. They grill up some mouthwatering meats and serve them in various ways, from patty melts to delicious specials like the sandwich pictured above.
10. The Gristmill (Gruene)
Yelp/Gristmill
Yelp/Gristmill
The Gristmill may not be your typical mom-and-pop, down home southern kind of atmosphere - but they still have all your Texas favorites! Ribs, chicken fried steak, burgers...as well as options like fish and salad (it is the hill country, after all). Plus, you get a breathtaking view of the surrounding river while you eat. What could be better than that?
11. The Salt Lick (Driftwood)
Yelp/The Salt Lick
Yelp/The Salt Lick
You knew it was coming. What place other than this literal shrine of meat deserves the top spot? We don't even have to describe The Salt Lick -- this picture says it all.

What do you think of our list of the best restaurants in Texas? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! If you know another must-visit eatery in the Lone Star State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

Hungry for more? Check out these iconic Texas restaurants that are known for a single menu item.

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More to Explore

best restaurants in Texas

Elisa Regulski | July 24, 2020

What are the most famous restaurants in Texas?

Texas is a giant state, and there’s no shortage of highly rated eateries. Among the most famous restaurants in Texas is definitely Amarillo’s The Big Texan. This giant yellow building is home to the famous 72-ounce steak eating competition. If you can devour this epic platter in the allotted time, your meal is free! But be warned: Many have tried and many have failed.

What are the best BBQ joints in Texas?

When it comes to the best BBQ in Texas, people have a lot of opinions. Tourists flock to the long lines at Franklin while locals like to duck inside an unassuming hole-in-the-wall. One thing is certain, however, you’ll find excellent BBQ in the tiny town of Lockhart. This delicious destination is heralded as the BBQ Capital of the World. Whether you eat at Black’s or Kreuz Market, you’ll be blown away by the tender meat and smoky flavor.

What are the best Tex Mex Restaurants in Texas?

There’s something so satisfying about scrumptious Tex Mex. If you’re craving a heaping bowl of queso, a tangy margarita, and a giant burrito, you have to head to San Antonio. This bustling Texas city is home to the best eats in the state. No matter where you go, you’ll be met with heavenly meals.

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Featured Addresses
Gaido's, 3828 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
5901 Watauga Rd, Watauga, TX 76148, USA
5839 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057, USA
2458 N Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76164, USA
Louie Mueller Barbecue, 206 W 2nd St, Taylor, TX 76574, USA
City Market, 633 E Davis St, Luling, TX 78648, USA
Blue Bonnet Cafe, 211 US-281, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
Mary's Cafe, 119 Grant Ave, Strawn, TX 76475, USA
Old Hwy 90, Comstock, TX 78837, USA
1287 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130, USA
Driftwood, TX 78619, USA