There are so many restaurants all over Texas serving up nostalgic childhood favorites like crispy chicken fried steaks, authentic Al Pastor tacos and bowls of saucy pastas, but very few who have the heart to back it up. We Texans know a thing or two about comfort food and the service that goes along with it. (They don’t call it southern hospitality for nothin’!) We’ve rounded up some of our favorite down-home spots that’ll make you feel like family – and feed you like it, too.
Mi Tradición, Austin
Photo Credit: USA Restaurants
Family traditions are what this panadería (Mexican bakery) and restaurant are all about. The recipes for everything from the sweet pan dulces to the freshly baked bread for tortas were all passed down from the Guevara Family Bakery that originated in Mexico. Owner Chuy Guevara grew up in the bakery and learned every technique in the books from his father. If you grew up eating authentic Mexican food like Al Pastor tacos or Tres Leches, then you’ll feel right at home here.
Beavers, Houston
Photo Credit: Beavers
You’re guaranteed a dam a good time at Beavers in Houston! You’ll find updated comfort food like smoky brisket stacked inside melty grilled white cheddar cheese sandwiches and their famous Chicken Fried Steak with Bacon-Shroom Gravy. Beavers is always a party: Bingo nights, game day watch parties, a massive patio for the kiddos, killer cocktails and craft beers on tap. Also, don’t miss their over-the-top panko-crusted peanut butter brownies called “Beaver Balls”.
Pecan Street Brewing, Johnson City
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
There’s plenty to enjoy at Pecan Street Brewing in Johnson City – both on tap and in the kitchen. Started by a family who puts so much heart in their business, this whole concept is about creating a spot where the community can gather and feel comfortable. Comfort food classics like the Pecan Street Pecan Sweet Chicken which the chef says brings him back to his childhood. They even have a pet-friendly Biergarten so your furry friends can tag along, too!
Nonna Osteria, San Antonio
Photo Credit: Yelp
Through the food, service and even in the name, it’s clear that Nonna Osteria wants to treat you like one of their own. Meaning “grandma restaurant” in Italian, their handmade pastas and rich simmered sauces will transport you right to an Italian grandma’s kitchen. The executive chef and former Food Network Star, Luca della Casa, recreates food from his own Italian grandmother’s table at this charming trattoria that sports a rooftop bar. Some of the recipes they use like the eggplant parmigiana, gnocchi and tiramisu are made exactly the way she used to make it.
Freiheit Country Store, New Braunfels
Photo Credit: Freiheit Country Store
You’ll feel like a local at Freiheit Country Store in New Braunfels, where it’s all about Lone Star comfort food, live music and kicking back! Sip on a cold one on their expansive patio and dig into juicy grilled chicken topped with sauteed veggies and gooey melted cheese all while enjoying some great tunes. You might even see country singer Cody Canada, who’s a regular and always craves the Thursday special: Juicy roasted turkey with the secret family dressing.
Sylvia Cater says
I love your show and I wish I could go to all the places you’ve visited but it satisfies me just to see your show and the delicious food presented. I’m a wine lover and through your show I can know more of the many wines out there. Keep this good work going.