You don’t have to stick to Texas’ big cities to find unforgettable meals. Tucked along quiet country roads and nestled in towns where everyone knows your name, these small-town restaurants are serving up dishes as bold and memorable as anything in Houston, Austin, or Dallas. From a world-class desert hideaway in Marfa to a riverside gem in Bastrop, these spots prove that in Texas, the best flavors often come from the places you least expect.
The Garden Co. Café
Schulenburg / population: 2,633
We love the folks at The Garden Co. Cafe in small town Schulenburg, who are churning out big time dishes. This spot, which is halfway between Houston and San Antonio, makes some of the best Brussels sprouts I’ve ever tasted! Housed in a charming 1907 farmhouse just off Interstate-10, The Garden Co. Café brings fresh, creative fare – salads, soups, fish, and desserts – to a town of just a couple thousand. Tucked along a quiet country road, it feels every bit like a hidden culinary gem!
Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard
Bastrop / population: 9,688
Just outside of Austin in the beautiful small town of Bastrop, Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard makes its mark on the banks of the Colorado River. The stunning setting offers a great backdrop to the amazingly tasty dishes here, like the famous Comeback Dip, a spicy appetizer that truly keeps customers coming back for more! Habanero-infused honey provides a sweet and spicy kick to the Hot Li’l Honey pizza, and the sweet and savory Gettin’ Figgy Wit It pizza has a legion of fans. Delectable desserts like German Chocolate Cheesecake and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake are also huge crowd-pleasers, as are the house craft brews. And don’t miss the Black-Eyed Pea Hummus, a delicious Southern take on the traditional Mediterranean dip.
O’Brien’s
Bergheim / population: 1,183
Kick up your heels at O’Brien’s Restaurant in Bergheim where the killer country food draws in as many customers as the live music. Located in this tiny Hill Country town, O’Brien’s delivers “Hill-Country gourmet” in a cozy rustic setting, complete with a full bar, martinis, and daily specials crafted from fresh ingredients. There’s even a lovely oak-covered patio for gathering locals, parties, and live-music lovers alike. Don’t miss the prime rib bathed in garlic butter and Trisha O’Brien’s to-die-for Eggnog Pie!
Bakkhus Taverna
Kemah / population: 1,807
Tucked inside the tiny seaside town of Kemah, Bakkhus Taverna dishes up authentic Greek bites like tender gyro meat, succulent Souvlaki and one showstopping, flaming Saganaki that will have you shouting ‘Opa’! This family-run Greek American spot blends Southern charm with Mediterranean flair, using the freshest local produce and spices. The intimate venue in Kemah’s marina town invites seafood lovers and casual diners alike for a memorable, flavorful escape.
Anthonie’s Market Grill
Simonton / population: 647
Anthonie’s Market Grill is an incredible one-of-a-kind find tucked between lazy farm roads and sprawling ranch land in Simonton, near Houston. Here, the cattle and horses far outnumber the people. The beautiful, massive outdoor patio sports a giant fire pit and live country music fills the air. Led by Chef Anthonie Dekker – who has cooked for everyone from George H.W. Bush to George Strait – Anthony’s is a casual yet upscale country steakhouse that gives ranch-country hospitality a contemporary twist, all set on the outskirts of one of Texas’s quietest communities. We promise – this is one spot that’s well worth the drive!
Cochineal
Marfa / population: 1,788
Cochineal is a hidden gem nestled deep in the Chihuahuan desert in the little town of Marfa. It’s a world-class restaurant that could easily be right at home in Manhattan or LA. Run by James Beard-nominated chef Alexandra Gates, Cochineal has a seasonal menu that changes weekly. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a taste of a traditional dish from Chef Alex’s Swiss roots, like her famous tutti geschnetzeltes, which features the exotic meat of nilgai, imported from a nearby Texas ranch. The restaurant sources much of its ingredients from its own gardens as well as regional farms nearby.
Bebo’s and Kathy’s Café
Pilot Point / population: 4,381
If you have a Texas-size appetite, then you need to head to Bebo’s and Kathy’s Cafe in Pilot Point. This cozy community café draws in locals with warm hospitality and hearty portions – whether you’re here for breakfast, burgers, or a hometown meal made “like grandma used to,” Bebo’s delivers comfort in a friendly, small-town atmosphere. For the truly hearty appetites, see if you can tackle the gigantic five-pound “Bozilla Burger” challenge, with eight slices of cheese, seven slices of bacon and two big baskets of fries!
Mozie’s
Gruene / population: 1,825
If you’re catching a show at the iconic Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, be sure to grab a bite beforehand at the owners’ neighboring restaurant, Mozie’s. The impressive bar at this father-and-son-owned spot stretches over 55 feet long and serves up cushy sliders, phenomenal turkey chili and the cheesiest nachos this side of the Pecos. Mozie’s delivers rustic elegance with brick walls, air-conditioned comfort, and a menu of indulgent American classics.
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