Stop by on your next road trip for a hearty, comforting meal that's so perfectly Texas. Lets explore these 12 restaurants that are worthy of your bucket list. Google/Eric Nixon. The Massive Prime Rib At Taste Of Texas Belongs On Your Dining Bucket List. WHAT: A tasting-menu restaurant in middle-of-nowhere West Texas that actually lives up to the romantic fantasy of such diversions. Its easy, you can pop it and my first reaction, that butter sauce is ridiculous. Hours are 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Today, there remains only 63-year-old Veras Backyard Bar-B-Que in the Spanish-is-as-good-as-English border town of Brownsville. Texas. D.V. What could be better than that? Time and again, the chicken-fried steak at Mary's is called the best in Texas - try it out for yourself and see what you think - we can almost guarantee you won't be disappointed. As the fish finished up, Nick plates it up and Im ready for a meal featuring the spoils of the sea. Finally, the pan seared oysters with a side of crawfish etouffee, you can never go wrong with that either. Jessica Elizarraras, 822 Southwest 19th StreetSan Antonio, TX(210) 432-7171 | raysdriveinn.net. Carl may have been a new employee, but he knew all about the Ike devastation in 2008 . N.C. 1201 South Lamar BoulevardAustin, TX(512) 433-6521 | oddduckaustin.com, WHAT: Tex-Mex classics and community, from third-generation Austin taco royalty. WHY: From its inception as a pop-up inside Grace Bible Church to its eventual launch inside a former Tex-Mex dive in December 2016, 2M Smokehouse has quietly set the tone for what San Antonio locals want out of their barbecue experience. Picked up dinner from Clear . Its a whole lot going on in this one. Honored as both an AAA Five Diamond and Forbes five-star restaurant, The Penrose Room poised to reopen in 2022, though owners aren't sure when is all about European elegance and sweeping mountain views, easily enjoyed from a perch in the famed Broadmoor resort. There are many Texas bucket list restaurants that are worthy of a visit. 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. M.M. Here, you can lounge on the deck and watch the sky cast colorful reflections into the water. 1. Along the turquoise Formica counter, regulars and visitors gather for diner food with a dynamic sense of place. There are also whole fried crabs to devour by the pound and bowls of noodles simmered with shrimp and barbecued pork, topped with a runny quail egg. WHAT: A sanctuary of a restaurant in Dallass congested downtown, where one of the countrys outstanding Japanese chefs practices the art of soba. This posh seafood restaurant has gone under some serious refurbishment and will officially reopen on April 1st, 2023, with a reimagined menu and atmosphere.Don't worry though lots of the fan-favorite options from before will be returning. New staples now include Vietnamese-Cajun crawfish boils, duck breast over mole coloradito, Italian bread dumplings with braised mustard greens, and Indian thalis (trays) filled with dishes like vinegar-tinged Goa pork and turmeric soup. J.N. Yeah, everyone knows Freds for killer burgers, but as any cattle drover can tell you, the CFS is the true prize. If so, what did you order and how was it? This restaurant will surely dazzle you. Climb Enchanted Rock before my knees completely dissolve. By Katie Lawrence. The dishes are served on seconds-old tortillas and casually devoured at communal tables or bar tops. Oh, all that butter and garlic, it just amazes. They were cutting this snapper here at the bar this morning, stated Nick. Yeah, it was scary at first. Many of of these restaurants belong on your bucket list and they include: Heres a previous article about some more of the best restaurants in Texas that are worthy of a visit. 95,730 were here. 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. Fadi's Mediterranean Grill. Loaded potato salads, pickled cactus, and chicharoni (macaroni with a topper of crumbled, fried pork skins) are all original musts. So I was working in the plants for a lot of years, explained Ivan. Its a jumping-off point for the restaurants overall greatness: Service is amazingly engaged. Something went wrong. From bustling metropolis cities to rugged desert plains, we have the entire state's highlights and attractions covered. Herrera's is located at 3311 Sylvan Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75212. Things to do in Amarillo. WHAT: The apotheosis of a great Tex-Mex restaurant and its irresistible comforts. One of Topwaters most popular dishes? WHAT: A border town legend, serving breakfast and lunch dishes that embody its unique corner of America all while detailing your ride. And as a courtesy, maybe don't invite any vegans along for this particular presentation. WHAT: The last standard-bearer of a Texas culinary tradition along the Rio Grande. WHY: The couples other standout Houston restaurants, Xochi and Caracol, specialize, respectively, in Oaxacan and Mexican coastal cuisines. After honing his storytelling abilities, Shane followed his dream of being the next Charles Kuralt, Ray Miller, Ron Stone, and Bob Phillips by creating The Texas Bucket List. Be sure to read our previous article about the, The Oasis On Lake Travis, 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732, USA, Ending summer on a high note, August brings us to the oldest BBQ joint in Texas. 2016. 3. Ivan Alvarez and his wife Herminia are the fine folks who have a fondness for fresh seafood and owners of La Sirenita which is housed at a location that used to be the place to go to for fresh bait. Get a meat-laden sandwiched like the Ron Swanson with a full pound of brisket, pork, turkey, and pork belly, or get BBQ tater tots or Mac and Cheese. J.E. Its like a graduate-level course for cured meats where spectacular pasta is just for extra credit. Shrimp, mushroom onions, white wine, seasoned breadcrumbs, cayenne pepper, and Parmesan cheese. In southeast Texas, garlic- and chile-laced beef links bursting with juice (dont call it fat in SETX) are the barbecue gold standard, and the Patillo family has been serving them since 1912. Its not too fancy and its just relaxed, flip flops and Hawaiian shirts, said owner Robert Jackubas. While you're in town, make sure to check out the annual Watermelon Thump at the end of the month! Copyright McAuliffe Productions, LLC. The project builds on our city sites 38 lists and our annual guide to the essential restaurants in America. Look for the po boy specials at lunch: They hearken impressively to McHughs years of cooking in New Orleans. And we work really hard to be where we are right now, so it means a lot, said Ivan. We look forward to serving you soon! May - Gaido's Seafood Restaurant (Galveston) Even though summer doesn't start until the end of June, Texas is usually feeling the heat by the time May comes around. Tourists flock to the long lines at Franklin while locals like to duck inside an unassuming hole-in-the-wall. Copyright McAuliffe Productions, LLC. (281) 313-3144. Texans have a famous breed of zeal and loyalty for their homeland; there will be vehement disagreements over our choices. 1. Brennan's of Houston. WHAT: Austins deserving crowd favorite for righteous breakfast tacos. Truluck's Seafood Steak and Crab House. Today the kitchen meanders into modern whimsies like roasted oysters topped with spiced crab meat in the restaurants wood-burning oven. The self-proclaimed "Sunset Capital of Texas," it's the largest outdoor restaurant in the state - and the food is incredible, too! The pargo elegante, topped with avocado and crabmeat, is stunning. Running my hands along the turquoise Formica counter at H&H Car Wash and Coffee Shop in El Paso, watching the women spoon caldillo (green chile beef stew) into bowls and folding tortillas to make egg and chorizo breakfast burritos, felt like an archetypal Texas moment. Idle beneath the strung lights on the expansive patio, mezcal cocktail in hand, and soak up the Austin vibes. 25th Birthday In Houston. Lets hash it out while standing in line for brisket and potato salad at Cattleack Barbeque in Dallas, or maybe over a Deluxe Mexican Plate at Garcias in San Antonio. Soon after, Dot began cooking up fre. VACATION RENTALS. Daniel Vaughn, 900 East 11th StreetAustin, TX(512) 653-1187 | franklinbbq.com. Select a Rating! Though there are others that can replicate that magic Los Barrios, Teka Molino, Henrys Puffy Tacos Rays Drive Inn, with its throwback Spurs signage, virgen shrine, and Budweiser y Tacos neon, is a living time capsule of old-school San Antonio. WHAT: A light-filled, modern American bistro that builds polished menus around a zeal for heirloom grains. There's also an extensive drink list with beer, wine, and handcrafted cocktails and martinis! Through videos and a best-selling book, Franklin-style barbecue can now be found on most every continent. And that just might be the tastiest scheme Ive ever been a part of. Youll want to take a road trip to this hidden gem restaurant. Hungry for more? 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. Here's our ultimate Galveston bucket list of must-see sites, family activities, and more! B.A. Service is old-school elegant the waitstaff lifts the silver domes over your entrees in unison. Get more stories delivered right to your email. This seafood destination comes from Dallas restaurant legend Al Biernat. Also on the fancier sidebut you'd never know it because it's in a gas station! Zoom in on cabrito with roasted cactus, lechn with a piercing habanero salsa, and lamb barbacoa. 9. L&J Cafe (El Paso) Yelp/L and J Cafe. Come see why, This restaurant is right on the bayou - if you're lucky, you might see some gators! So far, the buzz has been positive for the new Politan Row with its smartly curated group of restaurants and bars. Then baked, which combines butter and cracker crumbs. Read more about this, Hotel Vin, Autograph Collection, 215 E Dallas Rd, Grapevine, TX 76051, USA, Chez Nous was named one of the most romantic restaurants in America by OpenTable in 2016, so February is the perfect time to visit. Address: 4053 US-90, Columbus, TX, 78934. Try the raw seafood tower, decked with seasonal shellfish, ceviches, and crab claws. 3828 Seawall Blvd Between the weather, wood, and meat, there are plenty of variables to deal with when cooking in an offset smoker, but Cattleacks barbecue never seems to suffer. Share the appetizer sampler platter with bacon-wrapped shrimp, calf fries with cream gravy, tenderloin tamales with pecan mash, fried calamari, steak strips, and jalapeo and cheese elk sausage. Now, you can find them almost everywhere. Mels Country Cafe, located in Tomball, makes the best fried fish in Texas. Website. WHAT: A taco chain to rule them all, rooted in regional tradition. WHY: Austin is brimming with al fresco spaces its got the ideal weather for em but there is something special about chef Andrew Wisehearts restaurant. Neighborhood: Orange. "We absolutely love the seafood, the absolute best in town," said local Michele Ballard. June Naylor, 915 Currie StreetFort Worth, TX (817) 332-0083 | fredstexascafe.com. It may look like an ordinary Mexican restaurant on the outside, but from October through March, a Christmas wonderland awaits beyond the front doors. You can enjoy a three-course dinner and cocktails in your own private igloo at Rioja Rooftop Bar, located on the terrace of Hotel Vin in historic downtown Grapevine. Try Gaido's world-famous pecan pie.. 3. Which one is your favorite? And right here, we got a little bit of cayenne. Check out this all-you-can-eat Southern food buffet in Texas. Spices are deftly applied to just about everything: desi fries dusted with chaat masala; barley salad with beets, toasted walnuts, and turmeric-almond dressing; and finger-licking ribs swathed, barbecue-style, with vindaloo. Blue Bonnet Cafe has served scrumptious desserts since 1929, and folks can't get enough. From the oldest BBQ restaurant in the state to a small town cafe with mouthwatering pie, its going to be a delicious food journey that youll love! Youre going to get somewhere. She was right, you know, said Ivan. If youre craving a heaping bowl of queso, a tangy margarita, and a giant burrito, you have to head to San Antonio. After being seasoned with a parmesan crust, a little bit of butter is put in a pan to saut the snapper. Between the friendly service and laid-back (yet still immensely elegant) atmosphere, you may as well be dining in your own kitchen. San Leon Smack dab in the middle of Galveston Bay and Dickinson Bay, youll find April Fools Point on a peninsula in San Leon, where savory seafood is sought after. Bucket List eats- HTX. 1. Nicks great grandfather San Giacinto Gaido opened the doors to the restaurant originally in part of Murdochs bath house. This delicious destination is heralded as the BBQ Capital of the World. That's why our featured restaurant is Gaido's, an iconic seafood joint in Galveston located just steps away from the beach. D.V. The emphasis here is on quality ingredients. Consistency. Restaurant Week invites you to try something new or rediscover a local favorite. The price is really good, but the hospitality is off the chart, said customer Larry Birchfield. So this is my own seasoning that I make. Such a simple meal, but you really can't go wrong with it. 1. WHY: Thanks to Houstons large Vietnamese immigrant community, pho shops specializing in Vietnams heady, fragrant noodle soup have become as easy to find as McDonalds. It's also the only restaurant in Texas with a pie happy hour! B.A. From jumbo lump crab cakes to Gulf oysters harvested straight from Galveston Bay, this longstanding eatery offers an unforgettable dining experience. Baytown Seafood. D.V. This no-frills eatery whips up some of the most wonderful comfort food meals youve ever tasted. The oysters diablo consists of oysters covered in hot sauce, sauteed jalapeno and garlic, bacon, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese and placed in the oven. The Boiling Pot began in 1985 as a humble fish house where Dot LeBlanc and her son, Mike, sold fresh shrimp and oysters. Entertainment WHY: Yes, its only open once a week, and it usually sells out before the lunch hour, but Snows BBQ is exceptional. 4210 Roseland StreetHouston, TX(832) 834-3411 | bcnhouston.com, WHAT: A James Beard-nominated strip-mall sensation that beautifully showcases the uniquely Houston fusion of Cajun crawfish boils with Vietnamese flavors. Compare. Marias Kitchen / Mexican, Restaurant. From Tex-Mex to sushi and everything in between, Southeast Texas has anything you could want! 815 Avenue O. San Leon, TX 77539. #12 of 170 places to eat in Freeport. Two wonderfully odd tacos on homemade flour tortillas complete my ideal Garcias meal: one filled with a supple slice of smoked brisket, also killer with a splotch of guac, and the other wrapped around a bone-in pork chop. And believe us. Hiding in the basement of a historic building that dates back to the 1800s, this award-winning eatery dishes out scrumptious German and American fare. 701 East Yandell DriveEl Paso, TX(915) 533-1144 | no website. Here in Texas, we could care less what the outside of a restaurant looks like as long as it serves up some good eats. So Ive spent a lot of weekends and spring breaks and summertime here, explained Nick. Limit search to Surfside Beach. Superb tapas (shaved jamn ibrico, lush pan con tomate, crisp-creamy patatas bravas) and potent gin-and-tonic variations bobbing with whole spices set the meals foundation. WHY: Todd David at Cattleack is the only pitmaster in Texas serving whole-hog barbecue on a regular schedule, and thats still just on the first Saturday of every month. I still love the trailer. This famous Gulfside restaurant couldn't be left off the list. Growing up, I never really thought about it. 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