25 Essential Texas Tables
From coastal enclaves to downtown institutions, these are the restaurants defining the dining conversation across Texas.
Estância Brazilian Steakhouse - Austin
Austin
Fixed-priced menus for abundant meat, side dishes & salad bar, plus a large wine selection.
JOEY Uptown
Houston
Relaxed, contemporary dining spot with a broad menu featuring international & regional dishes.
Mare E Monte Italian Restaurant (San Antonio)
San Antonio
an everyday essential favorite for readers tracking Texas's most persuasive italian restaurant rooms, anchored by a Beam Score of 93.3.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Shenandoah, Texas
Family-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.
Hutchins BBQ
McKinney, Texas
Local BBQ fixture serving up brisket, ribs & fried catfish in rustic-chic surrounds.
India Grill indian restaurant and bar
Arlington, Texas
Curries, biryani, tandoor dishes & more are served with lassi & chai in subdued cafe surroundings.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Austin, Texas
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
Crust Pizza Co. - Hedwig Village (Memorial)
Hedwig Village, Texas
Carefully produced pizzas, plus calzones, pasta, subs & salads, served in a warmly casual setting.
Ruggles Black
Houston, Texas
Indian flavors meet French-American cuisine while Paleo options abound at this casually chic eatery.
Cyclone Anaya's Tex-Mex Kitchen
The Woodlands, Texas
Vibrant destination offering potent margaritas, as well as familiar Tex-Mex dishes.
The Original Pancake House DFW
Dallas, Texas
Signature pancakes & other American breakfast classics all day in a casual setting.
Bulla Gastrobar Plano
Plano, Texas
Contemporary bar with made-to-order sangrias, plus Spanish & Catalan small plates.
Asian Mint
Dallas, Texas
Branch of a small chain of hip Asian-fusion eateries (with gluten-free options) in casual digs.
Confessions
Houston, Texas
Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great dessert.
Hutchins BBQ
Frisco, Texas
Local BBQ fixture serving up brisket, ribs & fried catfish in rustic-chic surrounds.
Piada Italian Street Food
Plano, Texas
Counter-order restaurant serving design-your-own Italian food including wraps, pastas & salads.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
The Woodlands, Texas
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse - San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas
Upscale spot featuring all-you-can-eat tableside-carved Brazilian meat & a global wine list.
Champ Burger
Houston, Texas
Old-school burger shack (since 1963) serving breakfast & lunch to a loyal clientele.
Banana Leaf Thai Cuisine
Dallas, Texas
Extensive Thai menu of classics & exotic options such as waterfall beef in a casual, homey space.
First Watch
Baytown, Texas
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Dallas, Texas
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
Shivas Bar and Grill
Dallas, Texas
Eatery serving a range of Northern & Southern Indian fare, with vegetarian options, plus a full bar.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Houston, Texas
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
Aldino at The Vineyard - Italian Restaurant In San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas
Italian cuisine, including handmade pastas & lamb chops, plus Sunday brunch, in a family atmosphere.