The 9 Best Little Food Towns In Texas You Need To Explore Before They Get Too Popular

Discover nine must-visit food towns in Texas before they become too popular.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories