Texas Foodie Bucket List: 10 Iconic Dishes and Where to Try Them

We all know that everything is bigger in Texas, but I wonder if you know that this also includes the flavors?!

As a self-proclaimed Tex-Mex devotee (and native Texan), I am here to tell you that us Texans LOVE our food.

Whether your a BBQ connoisseur, or a lover of all things sweet, Texas has you covered.

We’ve outlines some Texas staples and told you exactly where to buy them.

So, grab your taste buds and set off on a Texas road trip with our Texas foodie bucket list!

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Brisket – Franklin Barbecue (Austin)

Now if you are talking BBQ with a Texan, you need to know that we are always talking slow smoked beef, and more specifically, brisket!

Texas and brisket go together hand and hand, and no places does smoked meats like Franklin Barbecue in Austin.

Granted, you will have to wait in line (sometimes for hours), but the minute you taste their perfectly smoked, melt-in-your-mouth meat, you will forget all about the line!

Chicken-Fried Steak – Mary’s Cafe (Strawn)

Now, speaking of beef, it’s no secret that we love a good steak here in Texas, but we also love a good steak that has been battered, fried, and smothered in gravy (also known as a chicken-fried steak).

For an awesome chicken-fried steak, head straight to Mary’s Cafe in the small Texas town of Strawn.

Here’s serves up a legendary chicken-fried steak with a crispy golden crust that will make you feeling like your back in grandma’s kitchen.

Just take note, the portions here are Texas sides, so you might want to consider wearing your stretchy pants.

Tex-Mex Enchiladas – Nicha’s (San Antonio)

One of the great loves of my life (besides Marty) is some good ol’ Tex-Mex. I mean, I grew up on it, so you know I love it.

In my opinion, no Texas foodie bucket list is complete without it, and one of my favorite things to devour at my local Tex-Mex restaurant is a good plate of cheesy, saucy enchiladas.

One of my favorite Texas joints to enjoy cheese enchiladas is Nicha’s in San Antonio, and I mean the original Nicha’s located across the street from Mission San Jose.

Nicha’s serves up load of different Tex-Mex, but my go to dish is their gooey cheese enchiladas covered in their homemade gravy.

Trust me, this is slap your momma good!

Kolaches – Czech Stop (West)

Right off of Interstate 35, just south of Fort Worth, sits the tiny Texas town that is famous for its Czech heritage, and more specifically, its Czech pastries.

You guess it, I am talking about the town of West.

We can’t take a road trip headed south without stopping at the Czech Stop.

This pastry mecca served us delicious sausage and cheese kolaches alongside apricot and blueberry kolaches.

So, whether you have a hankering for savory, or a bit of a sweet tooth, they have the kolache of your dreams.

Texas BBQ Ribs – Snow’s BBQ (Lexington)

Granted, brisket will always be king in Texas, but don’t sleep on our Texas BBQ ribs.

One of the top places in the state to enjoy Texas BBQ ribs is Snow’s BBQ in Lexington.

Now, take note that this BBQ hot spot only opens on Saturday, and they get crowded!

Once you experience their fall-off-the-bone ribs, you will quickly see why BBQ enthusiasts make the pilgrimage from across the country.

Just be sure to get there early—once they sell out, that’s it.

Chili – Tolbert’s Restaurant (Grapevine)

Now, as a native Texan, I will tell you here and now WE DON’T PUT BEANS IN OUR CHILI! Don’t even think about it.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, if you want one of the best bowls of true Texas chili, then head straight to Tolbert’s Restaurant in Grapevine, TX.

Tolbert’s has a long history of serving up delicious Texas chili, and always keeps it traditional with thick, meaty, spice-laden bowls that warm the soul (and possibly your sinuses).

Breakfast Tacos – Veracruz All Natural (Austin)

The breakfast taco scene is serious business all over Texas, but none seem to be as competitive as Austin, Texas.

Granted, you can try breakfast tacos all over the Lone Star State, but you need to know that Austin’s Veracruz All Natural reigns supreme.

While all of their tacos are great, it is their Migas Taco, packed with eggs, tortilla chips, and avocado, that is a game-changer. Trust us!

Blue Bell Ice Cream – Blue Bell Creamery (Brenham)

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream?!

Well, if you grew up in Texas, you know that no ice cream compares to a delicious bowl of Blue Bell Ice Cream!

While you can purchase Blue Bell throughout the state, I recommend you visit the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham for a scoop (or three) of their delicious ice cream.

Their homemade vanilla truly taste just like my grandma used to make. And don’t even get me started on their seasonal Peaches & Homemade Vanilla!

No one does it like Blue Bell, it’s a true Texas original!

Pecan Pie – Goode Company BBQ (Houston)

Did you know that the official state tree of Texas is the pecan tree? It’s true!

So, it’s no wonder that Texans can whip up a delicious pecan pie.

To sink your teeth into one of the best around, head straight to Goode Company BBQ in Houston.

Good company has perfected their pies. They are the perfect balance of sweet and nutty all rested on a flaky, buttery crust.

You can even take one home as a Texas souvenir thanks to their handy wooden boxes!

Queso – Torchy’s Tacos or Chuy’s (various cities)

Another iconic Tex-Mex dish is queso. This melty, cheesy dip pairs perfectly with some crispy tortilla chips and a large margarita.

Like other foods in the Lone Star State, Texans take their queso seriously, so with that, there is serious debate on the best queso.

While other might disagree, I absolutely LOVE the queso served at Torchy’s Tacos. The melty cheese with hints of green chile, cotija cheese, and that delicious Diablo sauce gets my taste buds singing.

Another close favorite is Chuy’s. I really love Chuy’s extensive Tex-Mex menu, and their queso is always served piping hot with a touch of chili to give it an extra bit of zing.

Really, you can’t go wrong with a good bowl of queso, so try it out wherever you see it on the menu!

Savor the State

As you can see, Texas is a big state that loves its food. Granted, this list barely scratches the surface, but it does give you a good jumping off point.

So grab your fork, hit the road, and eat like a true Texan—one bite at a time.

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