The best road trips are the ones that involve delicious food, right? Texas is just full of so many amazing places to eat, and it seems impossible to try all of them in a lifetime – so we’re going to do the next best thing and try a few of the very best, most iconic restaurants in a few of the major cities. Gas up the tank and get ready to enjoy this Texas restaurant road trip. Have fun, and try not to get too full!
As usual, the Google Map with exact directions can be found here.
Google Maps
- Babe’s Chicken Dinner House (Carrollton)
Yelp/Jen R.
Yelp/Marcus F. This old-school joint serves up family-style fried chicken and all the classic sides like mashed potatoes, corn, and greens. The meat is seriously some of the best in the world - perfectly crisp on the outside and moist on the inside. To learn more, visit their website here.1006 W Main St, Carrollton, TX 75006
- Keller’s Drive-In (Dallas)
Yelp/John V.
Yelp/Amy D. Keller’s is easily one of the most famous Texas restaurants. Not only will the atmosphere take you back to the good old days, but the burgers themselves are out of this world. It’s pretty hard to make a plain cheeseburger send your taste buds to heaven, but Keller’s manages to do just that. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here. 6537 Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75231
- Veracruz All-Natural (Austin)
Yelp/Ashley M.
Yelp/Mike C. This sister-owned food truck boasts homemade tortillas, fresh produce, and salsa that will make your taste buds have a fiesta. Everyone knows Austin is THE place to go for breakfast tacos, and Veracruz All-Natural just might have the very best of them all. Try the migas taco with eggs, tortilla chips, avocado, pico, and jack cheese. To learn more, visit their website here.4208 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78704
- Franklin Barbecue (Austin)
Yelp/Joyce V.
Yelp/Abhishek S. Austin is also the holy grail of barbecue. Franklin has been rated one of the best restaurants in Texas by countless blogs and magazines, and there’s no secret as to why. The brisket, sausage, chicken, sides, and everything else on the menu is second to none. The only downside is the enormous lines that never seem to let up - but hey, that just means it’s really good! To learn more, visit their website here.
900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
- Black’s Barbecue (Lockhart)
Yelp/John B.
Yelp/Gene L. Black’s is one of the most iconic barbecue joints in Texas. From brisket so tender it practically melts in your mouth to fall-off-the-bone ribs smoked in the most flavorful marinade you’ll ever taste, we guarantee you’ll be leaving the table more than a little full. To learn more, visit their website here.
215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644
- Ray’s Drive Inn (San Antonio)
Yelp/Steve C.
Yelp/John L. The famous puffy tacos are one of San Antonio’s signature dishes. It’s hard to say who does them best, but Ray’s is a good place to start because not only is their food delicious, but the retro diner atmosphere is one you’ll remember forever. To learn more, visit their website here. 822 SW 19th St, San Antonio, TX 78207
- The Grove Do-Nutz & Deli (Richmond)
Yelp/Tam H.
Yelp/Lindsay G. Do we even need to explain this one? The Grove serves up quite possibly the most unique donuts in the state, from salted caramel pretzel to banana-Nutella to strawberry cheesecake and everything in between. Trust us, y’all, your taste buds deserve this heavenly experience. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here. 815 Plantation Dr, Richmond, TX 77406
- The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation (Houston)
Yelp/Melissa C.
Yelp/Sheldon H. Fajitas are the name of the game at Ninfa’s, and you won’t be disappointed. Steak, chicken, or seafood come together with sauteed vegetables, zesty salsas, and warm tortillas to create a flavor explosion like nothing you’ve ever tasted before. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
- Gaido’s (Galveston)
Yelp/Paul D.
Yelp/Kim S. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better seafood restaurant in the state than Gaidos. It’s been around since 1911, so it’s pretty needless to say that its craft has been perfected since then. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
3828 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550
Have you eaten at any of these places? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another exceptional eatery we should feature, nominate it through our online form here.
Google Maps
Yelp/Jen R.
Yelp/Marcus F.
This old-school joint serves up family-style fried chicken and all the classic sides like mashed potatoes, corn, and greens. The meat is seriously some of the best in the world - perfectly crisp on the outside and moist on the inside. To learn more, visit their website here.1006 W Main St, Carrollton, TX 75006
Yelp/John V.
Yelp/Amy D.
Keller’s is easily one of the most famous Texas restaurants. Not only will the atmosphere take you back to the good old days, but the burgers themselves are out of this world. It’s pretty hard to make a plain cheeseburger send your taste buds to heaven, but Keller’s manages to do just that. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here. 6537 Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75231
Yelp/Ashley M.
Yelp/Mike C.
This sister-owned food truck boasts homemade tortillas, fresh produce, and salsa that will make your taste buds have a fiesta. Everyone knows Austin is THE place to go for breakfast tacos, and Veracruz All-Natural just might have the very best of them all. Try the migas taco with eggs, tortilla chips, avocado, pico, and jack cheese. To learn more, visit their website here.4208 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Yelp/Joyce V.
Yelp/Abhishek S.
Austin is also the holy grail of barbecue. Franklin has been rated one of the best restaurants in Texas by countless blogs and magazines, and there’s no secret as to why. The brisket, sausage, chicken, sides, and everything else on the menu is second to none. The only downside is the enormous lines that never seem to let up - but hey, that just means it’s really good! To learn more, visit their website here.
900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
Yelp/John B.
Yelp/Gene L.
Black’s is one of the most iconic barbecue joints in Texas. From brisket so tender it practically melts in your mouth to fall-off-the-bone ribs smoked in the most flavorful marinade you’ll ever taste, we guarantee you’ll be leaving the table more than a little full. To learn more, visit their website here.
215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644
Yelp/Steve C.
Yelp/John L.
The famous puffy tacos are one of San Antonio’s signature dishes. It’s hard to say who does them best, but Ray’s is a good place to start because not only is their food delicious, but the retro diner atmosphere is one you’ll remember forever. To learn more, visit their website here. 822 SW 19th St, San Antonio, TX 78207
Yelp/Tam H.
Yelp/Lindsay G.
Do we even need to explain this one? The Grove serves up quite possibly the most unique donuts in the state, from salted caramel pretzel to banana-Nutella to strawberry cheesecake and everything in between. Trust us, y’all, your taste buds deserve this heavenly experience. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here. 815 Plantation Dr, Richmond, TX 77406
Yelp/Melissa C.
Yelp/Sheldon H.
Fajitas are the name of the game at Ninfa’s, and you won’t be disappointed. Steak, chicken, or seafood come together with sauteed vegetables, zesty salsas, and warm tortillas to create a flavor explosion like nothing you’ve ever tasted before. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
Yelp/Paul D.
Yelp/Kim S.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better seafood restaurant in the state than Gaidos. It’s been around since 1911, so it’s pretty needless to say that its craft has been perfected since then. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
3828 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550
Still looking for the best restaurants in Texas? Take this scrumptious BBQ road trip through the Lone Star State.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 1006 W Main St, Carrollton, TX 75006, USAAddress: 10554 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75220, USAAddress: 4208 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78704, USAAddress: 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702, USAAddress: 215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644, USAAddress: 822 SW 19th St, San Antonio, TX 78207, USAAddress: 815 Plantation Dr, Richmond, TX 77406, USAAddress: 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003, USAAddress: 3828 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Texas restaurant road trip May 26, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best restaurants in Texas? It’s no surprise that us Texans love a hearty plate of comfort food. And sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like a heaping plate of enchiladas. For some of the best Tex Mex in the state, visit Matt’s El Rancho in Austin. This iconic eatery has been around for decades, and they serve hundreds of hungry diners every week. Whether you indulge in their famous Bob Armstrong dip or wow-worthy chile rellenos, one thing is certain: You’ll love every last bite. What are the best places to go for day trips in Texas? Looking for a fun outing? There are so many wonderful places to take day trips in Texas. If you love shopping, pay a visit to Fredericksburg. This charming German town is full of one-of-a-kind boutiques. You can shop for everything from cowboy hats to fine wine. If it’s history you’re after, plan an adventure to San Antonio. In addition to the awe-inspiring Alamo, this city is home to amazing museums. What are the most famous Texas restaurants? The Big Texan, located in Amarillo, is one of the most famous Texas restaurants. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see their iconic bright yellow building. But delicious comfort food meals aren’t the only thing they’re famous for. They’re perhaps most known for their epic 72 ounce steak challenge. Are you hungry enough to take home the prize?
The OIYS Visitor Center
Texas restaurant road trip
May 26, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best restaurants in Texas? It’s no surprise that us Texans love a hearty plate of comfort food. And sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like a heaping plate of enchiladas. For some of the best Tex Mex in the state, visit Matt’s El Rancho in Austin. This iconic eatery has been around for decades, and they serve hundreds of hungry diners every week. Whether you indulge in their famous Bob Armstrong dip or wow-worthy chile rellenos, one thing is certain: You’ll love every last bite. What are the best places to go for day trips in Texas? Looking for a fun outing? There are so many wonderful places to take day trips in Texas. If you love shopping, pay a visit to Fredericksburg. This charming German town is full of one-of-a-kind boutiques. You can shop for everything from cowboy hats to fine wine. If it’s history you’re after, plan an adventure to San Antonio. In addition to the awe-inspiring Alamo, this city is home to amazing museums. What are the most famous Texas restaurants? The Big Texan, located in Amarillo, is one of the most famous Texas restaurants. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see their iconic bright yellow building. But delicious comfort food meals aren’t the only thing they’re famous for. They’re perhaps most known for their epic 72 ounce steak challenge. Are you hungry enough to take home the prize?
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
It’s no surprise that us Texans love a hearty plate of comfort food. And sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like a heaping plate of enchiladas. For some of the best Tex Mex in the state, visit Matt’s El Rancho in Austin. This iconic eatery has been around for decades, and they serve hundreds of hungry diners every week. Whether you indulge in their famous Bob Armstrong dip or wow-worthy chile rellenos, one thing is certain: You’ll love every last bite.
What are the best places to go for day trips in Texas?
Looking for a fun outing? There are so many wonderful places to take day trips in Texas. If you love shopping, pay a visit to Fredericksburg. This charming German town is full of one-of-a-kind boutiques. You can shop for everything from cowboy hats to fine wine. If it’s history you’re after, plan an adventure to San Antonio. In addition to the awe-inspiring Alamo, this city is home to amazing museums.
What are the most famous Texas restaurants?
The Big Texan, located in Amarillo, is one of the most famous Texas restaurants. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see their iconic bright yellow building. But delicious comfort food meals aren’t the only thing they’re famous for. They’re perhaps most known for their epic 72 ounce steak challenge. Are you hungry enough to take home the prize?
