Texas Road Trip for Food Lovers
Tuesday 21st January 2025
Texas isn’t just a road trip destination—it’s a food lover’s paradise. With its legendary BBQ, authentic Tex-Mex, and diverse culinary influences, every stop in the Lone Star State offers a unique taste of its rich culture. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Texas culinary road trip, with Easirent USA helping you get there.
Austin – The Heart of Tex-Mex and Food Trucks
Austin’s food scene is legendary, with everything from gourmet food trucks to authentic Tex-Mex. Stop by Torchy’s Tacos for their famous queso, or visit Franklin Barbecue, hailed as one of the best BBQ joints in the country. Don’t miss South Congress Avenue, where you’ll find plenty of food options and local charm.
BBQ Essentials:
- Franklin Barbecue – World-famous brisket (prepare for long lines)
- La Barbecue – Excellent brisket and sausage, shorter lines than Franklin
- Terry Black’s BBQ – Family-run spot with consistently great BBQ
Tex-Mex & Mexican:
- Veracruz All Natural – Known for amazing breakfast tacos
- Suerte – Modern Mexican with house-made tortillas
- Matt’s El Rancho – Austin institution for Tex-Mex
Food Trucks & Casual Spots:
- Via 313 – Detroit-style pizza that’s become an Austin favorite
- LeRoy & Lewis – New school BBQ truck with unique cuts
- Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ – Perfect fusion of BBQ and Tex-Mex
Upscale Dining:
- Uchi – High-end sushi and Japanese fusion
- Odd Duck – Farm-to-table with creative small plates
- Jeffrey’s – Classic fine dining in Clarksville
Dallas – BBQ and Fine Dining
Dallas offers a mix of upscale dining and classic Texan BBQ. Visit Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum for slow-smoked meats that locals and visitors rave about. For something different, try Fearing’s Restaurant, which serves elevated Texan cuisine in a refined setting.
BBQ Essentials:
- Pecan Lodge – A must-visit for legendary brisket, ribs, and mac & cheese in Deep Ellum.
- Terry Black’s BBQ – A newer addition to Dallas, serving the same high-quality BBQ as their Austin location.
- Lockhart Smokehouse – Central Texas-style BBQ with delicious brisket and burnt ends.
Tex-Mex & Mexican:
- El Fenix – One of Dallas’s oldest Tex-Mex institutions, famous for enchiladas.
- Meso Maya – Elevated Mexican cuisine with house-made tortillas and flavorful dishes.
- Joe T. Garcia’s (Fort Worth, nearby) – A Tex-Mex staple with large portions and a beautiful outdoor seating area.
Food Trucks & Casual Spots:
- Velvet Taco – Creative, globally inspired tacos in a fun, casual setting.
- Revolver Taco Lounge – Authentic tacos with bold flavors; try their octopus or duck tacos.
- Kuby’s Sausage House – A German deli in Snider Plaza serving hearty sausages and sandwiches.
Upscale Dining:
- Fearing’s – Upscale, modern Texan cuisine in a luxurious atmosphere.
- Javier’s – Upscale Mexican dining with a focus on bold, traditional flavors.
- Knife – A high-end steakhouse by celebrity chef John Tesar, known for its dry-aged cuts.
Fort Worth – Home of Cowboy Cuisine
Fort Worth’s food scene is rooted in its cowboy culture. Head to the Stockyards for classic steakhouse fare at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse or enjoy live music and comfort food at Joe T. Garcia’s, a local Tex-Mex institution.
Cowboy Cuisine:
- Cattlemen’s Steakhouse – A classic Stockyards spot serving hearty steaks and cowboy favorites since 1947.
- H3 Ranch – Famous for its mesquite-grilled steaks, ribs, and down-home atmosphere.
Tex-Mex Delights:
- Joe T. Garcia’s – An iconic Fort Worth institution known for its fajitas and beautiful outdoor seating.
- Los Vaqueros – Family-run Tex-Mex spot offering comforting dishes like enchiladas and chile rellenos.
Stockyards Classics:
- Riscky’s Barbecue – A Stockyards staple serving smoky brisket, ribs, and their famous calf fries.
- The Love Shack – A casual burger joint by chef Tim Love, perfect for a quick bite while exploring the Stockyards.
Southern Comfort Food:
- Ellerbe Fine Foods – A farm-to-table restaurant offering elevated Southern-inspired dishes in a charming setting.
- Fixture – Known for its creative comfort food like chicken and waffles or duck wings.
Sweet Stops:
- Melt Ice Creams – A local favorite for small-batch, creative ice cream flavors like Lavender Honey and Cup of Texas.
- Swiss Pastry Shop – Famous for its Black Forest Cake and other decadent treats.
Houston – Global Flavors in Texas’s Largest City
Houston is a melting pot of global cuisines. Try authentic Vietnamese pho at Pho Binh, indulge in fresh Gulf Coast seafood at Pappadeaux, or treat yourself to Tex-Mex at The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation. Houston’s food scene reflects its cultural diversity, offering something for everyone.
BBQ Favorites:
- Truth BBQ – Consistently ranked among the best BBQ joints in Texas, known for its tender brisket and massive cakes.
- The Pit Room – A local favorite for smoked meats and creative tacos. Don’t miss their jalapeño-cheese sausage.
Tex-Mex Musts:
- Ninfa’s on Navigation – The birthplace of fajitas and a Houston institution for authentic Tex-Mex.
- El Tiempo Cantina – Family-owned and famous for its sizzling fajitas and strong margaritas.
Global Flavors:
- Pho Binh – Houston’s Vietnamese community is legendary, and this spot serves some of the city’s best pho.
- Himalaya Restaurant – A hidden gem for Pakistani and Indian cuisine, with bold curries and flavorful biryanis.
Seafood Classics:
- Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen – Known for fresh Gulf Coast seafood dishes like shrimp gumbo and blackened catfish.
- Goode Company Seafood – A casual spot for mesquite-grilled fish, oysters, and their famous campechana.
Upscale Dining:
- Kata Robata – A sushi hotspot with expertly crafted rolls and Japanese fusion dishes.
- Brennan’s of Houston – Southern hospitality at its finest, serving Creole classics like turtle soup and bananas foster.
