The best road trips in Texas are the ones that involve delicious food, right? There are so many amazing places to eat in Texas, 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 restaurants in Texas in a few of the major cities. Gas up the tank and get ready to enjoy this foodie road trip in Texas. Have fun, and try not to get too full!
As usual, I've made a Google Map with exact directions for you.
1. Babe's Chicken Dinner House (Carrollton)
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.
2. Keller's Drive-In (Dallas)
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.
3. Veracruz All-Natural (Austin)
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.
4. Franklin Barbecue (Austin)
Austin is also the holy grail of barbecue. Franklin Barbecue 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!
5. Black's BBQ (Lockhart)
Blacks BBQ 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.
6. Ray's Drive Inn (San Antonio)
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.
7. The Grove Donutz & Deli (Richmond)
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.
8. The Original Ninfa's on Navigation (Houston)
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.
9. Gaido's Seafood Restaurant
You'll be hard-pressed to find a better seafood restaurant in the state than Gaido's. It's been around since 1911, so it's pretty needless to say that its craft has been perfected since then.
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.
Still looking for the best restaurants in Texas? Take this scrumptious BBQ road trip through the Lone Star State. If you're baffled about how to pack for a road trip, take a look at our ultimate road trip packing list so you will be sure to not leave anything behind.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!