We Texans already knew our state has the best food in the country, but it’s nice to see it confirmed by an unbiased source. Thrillist ranked all 50 states by their food, and the Lone Star State came in at #1. Here are just a few of the reasons Texas leads the way from a culinary perspective:
Why not kick things off with the unofficial defining dish of Texas: chicken-fried steak?
TripAdvisor/Klmeeks Anybody who’s lived here for a significant amount of time has probably heard about Mary’s in Strawn, and it definitely lives up to the hype. Not only is the CFS bigger than the plate it’s served on, but it’s also absolutely mouthwatering.
Meat is undoubtedly the most important food group here in the Lone Star State, with steak and BBQ easily topping the list.
Facebook/Perini Ranch Steakhouse Instead of gourmet steakhouses that specialize in small portions and over complicated food, we prefer sticking to the basics; small-town joints like Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap definitely know their way around the grill. In terms of BBQ, The Salt Lick in Driftwood, Franklin in Austin, and Black’s in Lockhart are all solid places to start.
Burgers are also an essential component of the Texas food pyramid, but they have to be cooked just right.
Google/Don Frasco At Coyote Bluff Cafe in Amarillo, there are no well-done hockey pucks to be found. Instead, only the juiciest, half-pound patties are piled onto fluffy buns and loaded with delicious toppings.
For those of us with Texas-sized appetites, regular portions just don’t suffice.
TripAdvisor/Napunani The Pickett House in Woodville serves its food family-style, wheeling endless carts of fried chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, chicken ’n dumplings, cornbread, and other down-home delicacies to your table. Until you say stop, the friendly waitstaff will always be there with another plate.
Given the fact that Texas has one of the longest coastlines in the country, it’s easy to understand why the state has such great seafood.
Facebook/Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant Gaido’s, situated right along the seawall in Galveston, has been going strong since 1911 thanks to its jumbo Gulf shrimp, local oysters, and other fresh catches.
Breakfast tacos are widely regarded to have originated in Austin, so we’d suggest heading there to experience the dish in all its glory.
TripAdvisor/Desiree D. Veracruz All Natural has garnered a sizable following since its inception in 2008, with the migas taco seeming to be the most popular.
Considering our state is the birthplace of Tex-Mex, there’s no questioning that you can’t find it better elsewhere.
TripAdvisor/TXBohemian La Fonda on Main in San Antonio is the oldest Mexican Restaurant in Texas, serving both Tex-Mex and interior Mexican food since 1932. We could really go for some enchiladas right now (plus chips and salsa – always chips and salsa.)
If a cozy bowl of noodle soup is what you crave, the options are truly endless.
Facebook/Ramen Tatsu-ya Ramen Tatsu-ya is a favorite among Austinites, and was crowned Restaurant of the Year by Eater Austin in 2017. It was a well-deserved win, as people are still just as obsessed with the flavor-packed deliciousness as ever.
No matter how adventurous your taste buds are, rest-assured there’s no shortage of exotic cuisine to try.
TripAdvisor/Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant Pictured here is authentic Ethiopian Food from Blue Nile in Houston. No utensils needed – the spongy Injera bread serves as a vehicle for all the scrumptious dishes.
You can even find gourmet eats at gas stations in Texas!
Facebook/Chef Point Bar & Restaurant Chef Point Cafe in Watauga is known nationwide for its creative, fine-dining take on soul food. From lobster mac ’n cheese to chicken & waffles, a lasting impression is guaranteed no matter what you order.
Y’all know the list wouldn’t be complete without some dessert. You’d be hard-pressed to visit a small Texas town without finding at least one restaurant with local fame because of its pie.
TripAdvisor/TheTexasFoodie This is a mouthwatering slice of turtle pie from Texan Cafe in Hutto, and its nearly 50 other flavors don’t disappoint, either.
Do you agree with the ranking? What’s your favorite thing about the food scene in Texas? Let us know your thoughts, and check out our previous article for more of our favorite restaurants: 10 Mom & Pop Restaurants In Texas That Serve Home Cooked Meals To Die For.
TripAdvisor/Klmeeks
Anybody who’s lived here for a significant amount of time has probably heard about Mary’s in Strawn, and it definitely lives up to the hype. Not only is the CFS bigger than the plate it’s served on, but it’s also absolutely mouthwatering.
Facebook/Perini Ranch Steakhouse
Instead of gourmet steakhouses that specialize in small portions and over complicated food, we prefer sticking to the basics; small-town joints like Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap definitely know their way around the grill. In terms of BBQ, The Salt Lick in Driftwood, Franklin in Austin, and Black’s in Lockhart are all solid places to start.
Google/Don Frasco
At Coyote Bluff Cafe in Amarillo, there are no well-done hockey pucks to be found. Instead, only the juiciest, half-pound patties are piled onto fluffy buns and loaded with delicious toppings.
TripAdvisor/Napunani
The Pickett House in Woodville serves its food family-style, wheeling endless carts of fried chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, chicken ’n dumplings, cornbread, and other down-home delicacies to your table. Until you say stop, the friendly waitstaff will always be there with another plate.
Facebook/Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant
Gaido’s, situated right along the seawall in Galveston, has been going strong since 1911 thanks to its jumbo Gulf shrimp, local oysters, and other fresh catches.
TripAdvisor/Desiree D.
Veracruz All Natural has garnered a sizable following since its inception in 2008, with the migas taco seeming to be the most popular.
TripAdvisor/TXBohemian
La Fonda on Main in San Antonio is the oldest Mexican Restaurant in Texas, serving both Tex-Mex and interior Mexican food since 1932. We could really go for some enchiladas right now (plus chips and salsa – always chips and salsa.)
Facebook/Ramen Tatsu-ya
Ramen Tatsu-ya is a favorite among Austinites, and was crowned Restaurant of the Year by Eater Austin in 2017. It was a well-deserved win, as people are still just as obsessed with the flavor-packed deliciousness as ever.
TripAdvisor/Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant
Pictured here is authentic Ethiopian Food from Blue Nile in Houston. No utensils needed – the spongy Injera bread serves as a vehicle for all the scrumptious dishes.
Facebook/Chef Point Bar & Restaurant
Chef Point Cafe in Watauga is known nationwide for its creative, fine-dining take on soul food. From lobster mac ’n cheese to chicken & waffles, a lasting impression is guaranteed no matter what you order.
TripAdvisor/TheTexasFoodie
This is a mouthwatering slice of turtle pie from Texan Cafe in Hutto, and its nearly 50 other flavors don’t disappoint, either.
Are there any restaurants, businesses, or other attractions in Texas you think the world should know about? Head over to our nomination page and give them a shoutout — you just might see your submission featured in an upcoming article!
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Address: Gaidos Seafood Restaurant, 3828 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, USAAddress: 3002 FM 89, Buffalo Gap, TX 79508, USAAddress: 3030 Audley St, Houston, TX 77098, USAAddress: 9400 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77063, USAAddress: Ramen Tatsu-ya, 1722 California St, Houston, TX 77006, USAAddress: Ramen Tatsu-ya, 8557 Research Blvd #126, Austin, TX 78758, USAAddress: Ramen Tatsu-Ya, 1234 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, USAAddress: Ramen Tatsu-Ya, 1600 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702, USAAddress: Texan Cafe & Pie Shop, 207 East St, Hutto, TX 78634, USAAddress: Chef Point Bar & Restaurant, 5901 Watauga Rd, Watauga, TX 76148, USAAddress: La Fonda On Main, 2415 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212, USAAddress: 2505 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702, USAAddress: 2417 S Grand St, Amarillo, TX 79103, USAAddress: Pickett House, 157 Private Rd 6000, Woodville, TX 75979, USAAddress: 9003 Waterford Centre Blvd #180, Austin, TX 78758, USAAddress: 4208 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78704, USAAddress: 4209 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78722, USA
