Laid-back dining and healthy fare are Tanji’s go-tos when she’s on the road, but you won’t find her sacrificing good food for speed and convenience. Compared to these great healthy cafés and small local businesses serving fresh sandwiches, crunchy salads, and delicious wraps, fast-food chains just don’t stack up. Here are some of Tanji’s favorite healthy cafés and restaurants to dine at across the state.
Pharm Table – San Antonio
Pharm Table is a plant-forward restaurant focused on promoting an overall better quality of life for its visitors. That takes the form of botanical cocktails, natural wines, and locally and globally sourced ingredients and spices. Try the Mezze Tartine, Super Seed Hummus, or any of the smoothies the next time you visit.
Vinaigrette – Austin
Nestled under the shade of one of the oldest live oaks in the area, you’ll find Vinaigrette, a mission-driven restaurant serving up bright, zingy, beautiful, and balanced meals. Expect dishes featuring seasonal vegetables, herbs, fruits, and heritage grains. Tanji recommends the Reuben sandwich and any salad on the menu.
Hungry’s Cafe – Houston
Hungry’s Cafe prides itself on bringing market-fresh flavors to Houston diners for 45 years and counting. Hungry’s breakfast dishes, including the Farmer’s Goat Cheese Omelette and Prosciutto Eggs Benedict, are completely irresistible, but you’ll flip for daytime dishes like the light and fresh Kabob Plate too.
Island Grill – Houston
Island Grill brings Mediterranean-American flavors to Houston through dishes like their Breakfast Pitas, which are akin to breakfast tacos wrapped in fluffy naan, and the Grilled Salmon Plate piled high with cucumber, broccoli, and mushrooms. Every dish combines exceptional flavors with ingredients that make diners feel good long after they’ve left the restaurant.
Mac & Ernie’s – Tarpley
Mac & Ernie’s, which started out as an outdoor kitchen, has a laid-back, fun vibe just like its chef/owner, Naylene Dillingham. She’s always changing the menu depending on what she feels like eating, but you’ll always find the famous ancho chili honey-basted quail. This country kitchen has even been featured on Food Network’s popular Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and on Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern on The Travel Channel.
Rails – Kerrville
Housed inside a fully-restored 1915 Kerrville Train depot, Rails‘ attention to detail in their restaurant and food is unmatched. This cozy little spot was the winner of the 2004 Texas Downtown Association award for its authentic historic restoration. The owner, Melissa Southern, is a trained dietitian sourcing as many organic ingredients as possible for their fresh wraps and pastas. But do save room for The Sweeter Side of Rails, the one-of-a-kind bakery next door turning out 12–15 desserts daily!
Cafe at the Gardens – Midland
Visit an “oasis in the desert” at Cafe at the Gardens, nestled right inside the largest nursery and garden center in Midland. The dining room is surrounded by lush greenery and a snaking koi pond that winds in between the tables. The produce is as fresh as it comes, picked daily from the garden and used in everything from their stacked sandwiches to the rotating desserts.
Picnikins Cafe – San Antonio
By day, Picnikins Cafe & Catering is a fast-casual spot with soups, sandwiches, and salads made from scratch. By night, it’s a full-service restaurant with the same fresh lunch menu, plus dishes like Cape Malay Beef Curry and Malva Pudding from the owners’ home country, South Africa. Grab a stool at the bar, cozy up in a booth, or take your food and drinks outside to the expansive patio and play cornhole.
Nice article but sorry there’s nothing for Houston area.
Hi Sandy, there are quite a few cafes I love in Houston, these spots were just highlights from previous seasons!
Hello enjoy your show every week but come to Houston more often. Of course I rather be in San Antonio or Austin but guess that’s life in the fast lane. Even the small towns be OK . Try barbecue inn on crosstimbers and Yale street . got good food especially shrimp and made from scratch devil crab. Been knowing the owners since 1964 . Good people good food. Anything u eat there is good. Thank you.dee smith. Hou. Tx.
Morning I was surprise reading my article never thought it would be there. Thank you keep up the good work girl. 7.17.19. Dee Smith hou tx.
Love, love Picnikins cafe. Food is so fresh.
Hi Girlie, Thanks for the inclusion. You are great.
Naylene