Here in Texas, we know that the best restaurants are usually the ones that seem like they’d be the exact opposite – small, not well-known, often times run-down on the outside, and no fancy decorations adorning the walls. We know that nice restaurants often use their atmospheres to distract from the fact that their culinary skills aren’t immaculate. Luckily, there are plenty of places in Texas that don’t need to use such excuses because they’ve perfected the art of good southern cookin’ and are proud to share it with the world – no frills needed. Here are nine of our favorite tiny restaurants in Texas.
- Maxine’s Cafe (Bastrop)
Yelp/Robert E.
Yelp/Lo T. Whenever you come stay at the Chainsaw Massacre motel, stop in at Maxine’s for some scrumptious breakfast before heading home. The pancakes are the size of your head (seriously), the gravy is perfectly creamy, the homemade lemonade is sweet as can be, and the beyond friendly waitstaff are the icing on the cake. It doesn’t get much better than this, folks. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Bahnhof Cafe (Cuero)
Yelp/Shay K.
Yelp/Shay K. The food may look like a run-of-the-mill southern meal, but it’s the lifeblood of all the residents of tiny Cuero. Whether you opt for meatloaf with brown gravy or traditional chicken fried steak with luscious white gravy, homemade, fluffy white rolls or crispy french fries with peels still attached, you’ll leave full and happy. (Only after you’ve had a bowl of bread pudding, of course.) To learn more about Bahnhof Cafe, click here.
- Cypress Creek Inn Restaurant (Comfort)
cypresscreekinn.com
imagesbysergio.wordpress.com Although there is no longer an inn accompanying the restaurant, you can still enjoy a delicious meal at Cypress Creek. It’s the longest operating eatery in Comfort, and you’ll definitely taste the years of culinary experience (and the love) in the food. The chicken-fried steak is rumored to be some of the best in Texas, and the pies are an absolute must. Click here to learn more.
- Joe’s Place (Fayetteville)
Yelp/Adam C.
Yelp/Adam C. This cute little restaurant used to be a saloon, if you couldn’t tell by the exterior. And before that, it was a confectionery and a doctor’s office. Many of the dishes are named after local residents, so the small town community vibe is definitely high. The chicken fried steak is dinner plate sized, the sweet potato fries are perfectly crispy, and the green beans loaded with succulent bacon will send your taste buds straight to heaven. Click here to learn more.
- On The River (Freeport)
Yelp/Natalie O.
Yelp/Kristina E. Everyone knows we’re big on seafood here in Texas - and what’s better than eating it right on the river it came from? Whether you like yours fried or just short of swimming off your plate, On The River has it all. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Texan Cafe (Hutto)
Yelp/Texan Cafe & Pie Shop
Yelp/Tim C.
Yelp/Tim C. As tempting as it might be to stuff yourself silly with fried okra, try your darndest not to - you’ll need the room in your stomach for a slice (or two) of the best pie to ever pass your lips. Most days, they have over 16 different flavors in the case, so you’re guaranteed to find one that delights your taste buds. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Hill Country Cupboard (Johnson City)
Yelp/Robert E.
Yelp/Derek E. The smallest towns always have the most delicious food. Johnson City has a population of under 2000, but this down home kitchen serves food scrumptious enough to bring people from all over. The hand-breaded pork chops, black eyed peas, and griddle potatoes are the must-tries. Click here to learn more.
- H & H Cafe & Bakery (Yoakum)
Yelp/Steven R.
Yelp/Steven R. Not everyone can pronounce the name of this town, but there isn’t a soul in the world that can’t enjoy some good old fashioned barbecue. Brisket, smoked turkey breast, all the traditional sides, and homemade donuts for dessert will leave you satisfied and happy. Click here to learn more.
- Allen’s Family Style Meals (Sweetwater)
Yelp/Allison E.
Yelp/Emily P. Meals like this really take you back to Sunday dinner at Grandma’s. Instead of ordering individually, you’re seated at a long table with other patrons and served huge platters of fried chicken, sausage, squash, pinto beans, coleslaw, creamed corn, okra, and potato salad, and more that you all share. If you managed to save any room for dessert, the peach cobbler will send your taste buds singing. You may not be able to buckle your belt afterwards, but it’s totally worth it. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
Have you been to any of these tasty tiny restaurants in Texas? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another delicious hole-in-the-wall eatery, nominate it for a chance to be featured.
Yelp/Robert E.
Yelp/Lo T.
Whenever you come stay at the Chainsaw Massacre motel, stop in at Maxine’s for some scrumptious breakfast before heading home. The pancakes are the size of your head (seriously), the gravy is perfectly creamy, the homemade lemonade is sweet as can be, and the beyond friendly waitstaff are the icing on the cake. It doesn’t get much better than this, folks. To learn more, visit their website here.
Yelp/Shay K.
The food may look like a run-of-the-mill southern meal, but it’s the lifeblood of all the residents of tiny Cuero. Whether you opt for meatloaf with brown gravy or traditional chicken fried steak with luscious white gravy, homemade, fluffy white rolls or crispy french fries with peels still attached, you’ll leave full and happy. (Only after you’ve had a bowl of bread pudding, of course.) To learn more about Bahnhof Cafe, click here.
cypresscreekinn.com
imagesbysergio.wordpress.com
Although there is no longer an inn accompanying the restaurant, you can still enjoy a delicious meal at Cypress Creek. It’s the longest operating eatery in Comfort, and you’ll definitely taste the years of culinary experience (and the love) in the food. The chicken-fried steak is rumored to be some of the best in Texas, and the pies are an absolute must. Click here to learn more.
Yelp/Adam C.
This cute little restaurant used to be a saloon, if you couldn’t tell by the exterior. And before that, it was a confectionery and a doctor’s office. Many of the dishes are named after local residents, so the small town community vibe is definitely high. The chicken fried steak is dinner plate sized, the sweet potato fries are perfectly crispy, and the green beans loaded with succulent bacon will send your taste buds straight to heaven. Click here to learn more.
Yelp/Natalie O.
Yelp/Kristina E.
Everyone knows we’re big on seafood here in Texas - and what’s better than eating it right on the river it came from? Whether you like yours fried or just short of swimming off your plate, On The River has it all. To learn more, visit their website here.
Yelp/Texan Cafe & Pie Shop
Yelp/Tim C.
As tempting as it might be to stuff yourself silly with fried okra, try your darndest not to - you’ll need the room in your stomach for a slice (or two) of the best pie to ever pass your lips. Most days, they have over 16 different flavors in the case, so you’re guaranteed to find one that delights your taste buds. To learn more, visit their website here.
Yelp/Robert E.
Yelp/Derek E.
The smallest towns always have the most delicious food. Johnson City has a population of under 2000, but this down home kitchen serves food scrumptious enough to bring people from all over. The hand-breaded pork chops, black eyed peas, and griddle potatoes are the must-tries. Click here to learn more.
Yelp/Steven R.
Not everyone can pronounce the name of this town, but there isn’t a soul in the world that can’t enjoy some good old fashioned barbecue. Brisket, smoked turkey breast, all the traditional sides, and homemade donuts for dessert will leave you satisfied and happy. Click here to learn more.
Yelp/Allison E.
Yelp/Emily P.
Meals like this really take you back to Sunday dinner at Grandma’s. Instead of ordering individually, you’re seated at a long table with other patrons and served huge platters of fried chicken, sausage, squash, pinto beans, coleslaw, creamed corn, okra, and potato salad, and more that you all share. If you managed to save any room for dessert, the peach cobbler will send your taste buds singing. You may not be able to buckle your belt afterwards, but it’s totally worth it. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
Craving more comfort food? There are tons of incredible eateries in the Lone Star State! These 12 Restaurants In Texas Don’t Look Like Much… But WOW, They’re Good.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 905 Main St, Bastrop, TX 78602, USAAddress: 213 W Main St, Cuero, TX 77954, USAAddress: 408 TX-27, Comfort, TX 78013, USAAddress: Joe’s Place, 120 N Live Oak St, Fayetteville, TX 78940, USAAddress: On the River Restaurant, 919 W 2nd St, Freeport, TX 77541, USAAddress: Texan Cafe & Pie Shop, 207 East St, Hutto, TX 78634, USAAddress: Hill Country Cupboard, 101 US HWY 281 S, 281 Loop, Johnson City, TX 78636, USAAddress: 719 Lott St, Yoakum, TX 77995, USAAddress: 1301 E Broadway Ave, Sweetwater, TX 79556, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
tiny restaurants in Texas July 08, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Texas? We all know that some of the most delicious restaurants aren’t flashy or extravagant. If you really want to devour a scrumptious meal, you’ve got to go off the beaten path. Need some ideas? Check out our list of the best hidden gem restaurants in Texas! Really, these places are so good, they’re worthy of a road trip. What are the best hamburger restaurants in Texas? If you’re seriously hungry, head to Big Lou’s Burgers and Barbecue in San Antonio. These burgers are giant, and you’ll definitely go home feeling full and happy. For more mouthwatering meals, visit Willy Burger in Beaumont. These old fashioned treats are served inside a retro Airstream trailer. It’s both fun and delicious! Come see why people think this is one of the best small restaurants in Texas. What are the best pizza places in Texas? Travel off the beaten path and visit Pizza Foundation, a remote eatery in Marfa. You’ll love the relaxing atmosphere and scrumptious eats. If you prefer thick crust pizzas, visit Via 313. This Austin eatery specializes in Detroit style pizzas, and they are hearty and delicious. Bring the whole family and chow down! There are few people in this world who don’t like pizza.
The OIYS Visitor Center
tiny restaurants in Texas
July 08, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Texas? We all know that some of the most delicious restaurants aren’t flashy or extravagant. If you really want to devour a scrumptious meal, you’ve got to go off the beaten path. Need some ideas? Check out our list of the best hidden gem restaurants in Texas! Really, these places are so good, they’re worthy of a road trip. What are the best hamburger restaurants in Texas? If you’re seriously hungry, head to Big Lou’s Burgers and Barbecue in San Antonio. These burgers are giant, and you’ll definitely go home feeling full and happy. For more mouthwatering meals, visit Willy Burger in Beaumont. These old fashioned treats are served inside a retro Airstream trailer. It’s both fun and delicious! Come see why people think this is one of the best small restaurants in Texas. What are the best pizza places in Texas? Travel off the beaten path and visit Pizza Foundation, a remote eatery in Marfa. You’ll love the relaxing atmosphere and scrumptious eats. If you prefer thick crust pizzas, visit Via 313. This Austin eatery specializes in Detroit style pizzas, and they are hearty and delicious. Bring the whole family and chow down! There are few people in this world who don’t like pizza.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
We all know that some of the most delicious restaurants aren’t flashy or extravagant. If you really want to devour a scrumptious meal, you’ve got to go off the beaten path. Need some ideas? Check out our list of the best hidden gem restaurants in Texas! Really, these places are so good, they’re worthy of a road trip.
What are the best hamburger restaurants in Texas?
If you’re seriously hungry, head to Big Lou’s Burgers and Barbecue in San Antonio. These burgers are giant, and you’ll definitely go home feeling full and happy. For more mouthwatering meals, visit Willy Burger in Beaumont. These old fashioned treats are served inside a retro Airstream trailer. It’s both fun and delicious! Come see why people think this is one of the best small restaurants in Texas.
What are the best pizza places in Texas?
Travel off the beaten path and visit Pizza Foundation, a remote eatery in Marfa. You’ll love the relaxing atmosphere and scrumptious eats. If you prefer thick crust pizzas, visit Via 313. This Austin eatery specializes in Detroit style pizzas, and they are hearty and delicious. Bring the whole family and chow down! There are few people in this world who don’t like pizza.
