A NOTE TO OUR READERS:
"Our Favorite Regional Restaurants" is from the Favorites 2005 issue of Southern Living.
AUSTIN
El Azteca (Tex-Mex): 2600 East Seventh Street; (512) 477-4701. Locals pack the place for cabrito (barbecued goat). Lunch, dinner (closed Sunday).
Fonda San Miguel (Tex-Mex): 2330 West North Loop at Hancock; (512) 459-4121 or www.fondasanmiguel.com. Be sure to try the Camarones en Salsa Verde (shrimp in spicy green sauce). Dinner, Sunday brunch (reservations recommended).
Las Manitas Avenue Cafe (Tex-Mex): 211 Congress Avenue; (512) 472-9357. A great place for breakfast, Central American style. Enjoy a glass of fresh-squeezed watermelon or cantaloupe juice while deciding what to order. We recommend the enchiladas in an earthy, rich Mexican chocolate mole. Breakfast, lunch.
DALLAS
The Restaurant at The Mansion on Turtle Creek (Southwestern): 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd.; (214) 559-2100 or www.mansiononturtlecreek.com. This restaurant really has it all--breathtaking setting in a fabulous hotel, outstanding service, and mouth-watering food. Chef Dean Fearing is one of the original pioneers of modern Southwest cooking. Definitely in the "worth-the-splurge" category. Lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch.
Matt's Rancho Martinez (Tex-Mex): 6332 La Vista Drive; (214) 823-5517 or www.thetexmexchef.com. Classic Tex-Mex offerings begin with the restaurant's signature appetizer, Bob Armstrong Dip--a decadent mix of queso, spiced ground beef, and guacamole topped with sour cream. Country-style chicken-fried steak, with cream gravy and black pepper, holds its own with some of the best in the state. Lunch, dinner.
Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse (Barbecue): 2202 Inwood Road; (214) 357-7120 or www.sonnybryansbbq.com. Some folks say this spot looks like a dump, but looks can be deceiving. The original location near Dallas Love Field, it serves up a great barbecue sandwich. Try to get there for an early lunch because they close when they run out of barbecue, and that generally happens in early afternoon. Lunch (closed Sunday).
DRIFTWOOD
The Salt Lick (Barbecue): 18300 FM 1826; (512) 858-4959 or www.saltlickbbq.com. A mustard-and-vinegar-based sauce flavors the meats here, a nod to the influences of the Deep South at a place that is, otherwise, all Texas. Fans of The Salt Lick are so impassioned that you might even happen on a wedding out back. It happens all the time. Lunch, dinner.
EL PASO
H&H Car Wash and Coffee Shop (Tex-Mex): 701 East Yandell Drive; (915) 533-1144. Don't let the name fool you; H & H is seriously good at both of the above. While you get your car cleaned and buffed, you can savor the best of Border food. Try to drop by on Tuesdays. That's when they prepare the chiles rellenos fresh. They freeze them for the rest of the week and they taste good then, too, but to get a Tuesday taste is worth the extra effort. Breakfast, lunch (closed Sunday).
FORT WORTH
Cattlemen's Fort Worth Steak House (Steaks & Such): 2458 North Main Street; (817) 624-3945 or www.cattlemenssteakhouse.com. You name it--if it's sliced from a cow, you can find it here, from a New York Strip and a "Heart O' Texas" Rib Eye to the Cattlemen's Porterhouse and Filet Mignon. Next to Billy Bob's Texas in the Stockyards National Historic District, this restaurant serves it all. Lunch, dinner.
Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant (Tex-Mex): 2201 North Commerce Street; (817) 626-4356 or www.joets.com. Locals know this establishment best by its first name and initial: "Joe Ts." If you've just arrived from another planet and have never tried Tex-Mex, you could find no better eatery for an initiation. It's a family-friendly institution with great nachos, enchiladas, and guacamole. Lunch, dinner.
Reata Restaurant (Tex-Mex): 310 Houston Street; (817) 336-1009 or www.reata.net. Try the tenderloin tamale topped with pecan-pesto mash and sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Lunch, dinner.
FRISCO
Randy White's Hall of Fame BBQ (Barbecue): 8999 Main Street; (972) 377-0540 or www.randywhitesbbq.com. Grab a tray and choose from the Hall of Flame Smoked Meats--brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and hot link sausage. Be sure to add a side of spicy jalapeno pinto beans. For non-carnivores there are cornmeal battered catfish fillets (deep-fried) with a side of hushpuppies. Lunch, dinner.
Tres Méridas (Tex-Mex): 2809 Preston Road, Suite 1200; (972) 334-0937 or www.tresmeridas.com. Take a Latin America-influenced culinary trip with arepas (stuffed corn cakes), ceviche, flautas, enchiladas, and cochinita pibil (slow-cooked pork shoulder). Begin with classic tortilla soup, and end with cold trés leche (three-milk) cake. Breakfast (Saturday only), lunch, dinner.
HOUSTON
Café Annie (Southwestern): 1728 Post Oak Blvd.; (713) 840-1111 or www.cafe-annie.com. Don't let the strip-mall location deter you. When it comes to fine dining with a true Texas twist, this is the spot. If you can't make it for supper, drop by for refreshments at their well-appointed bar and choose from the unforgettable appetizers. Lunch, dinner (closed Sunday, reservations recommended).
Dońa Tere Tamales (Tex-Mex): 8331 Beechnut Street; (713) 270-8501. This place is buried in a strip center in a mostly commercial area of town, but it serves fabulous Mexico-City style tamales ($1 each) made from a family recipe. Nearly three times thicker than usual, they include chicken with mole, pork with green sauce, jalapeno with cheese, and sweet with raisins. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Hugo's (Southwestern): 1600 Westheimer Road; (713) 524-7744. The sophisticated, Southwestern menu includes one of our favorite appetizers. The Tamales de Pescado is made with seasoned, delicate fish wrapped in banana leaves. They come three to an order. Lunch, dinner.
Kim Son (Ethnic Standout): 2001 Jefferson Street; (713) 222-2461 or www.kimson.com. This is the restaurant that introduced Houston to Vietnamese cuisine. There are several locations, but the downtown site has become a lunchtime mecca. If you only mean to try one dish, make it the Vietnamese Fajitas. Lunch, dinner.
The Rainbow Lodge (Southwestern): #1 Birdsaill; (713) 861-8666, toll-free 1-866-861-8666, or www.rainbow-lodge.com. It looks like a hunting lodge, hunkered down in the middle of town, and offers a menu to match. Try the Wild Game Mixed Grill. Lunch (Tuesday-Friday), dinner (Tuesday-Saturday).
Texas Tamale Company (Tex-Mex): 3340 Fountainview; (713) 953-1181, 1-800-882-6253 or www.texastamale.com. If you're looking for classic Texas tamales in a corn husk, this small restaurant with a walk-up counter is the place. You can also buy them frozen and order by mail. Check out the fresh-made salsas while you're at it. Breakfast, lunch, dinner (closed Sunday).
HUNT
Elaine's Table (Contemporary Southern): 1621 State 39; (830) 238-4484 or www.elainestable.com. Dine on trout at a table overlooking the river. Top it off with the carrot cake, peach cobbler, or both. Lunch (Tuesday-Sunday), dinner (Wednesday-Saturday).
Hunt Store's Hunt Rock Café (Barbecue): 1634 State 39; (830) 238-4410. Stop in for a tasty barbecue sandwich. Lunch.
LLANO
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que (Barbecue): 604 West Young Street; (325) 247-5713 or www.coopersbbq.com. Plenty of Texans, if asked, single out Cooper's as the state's best barbecue spot. Here, northwest of Austin, diners walk up to a pit at the front door, select the meats they want, then enjoy the meal inside family style at picnic tables. Lunch, dinner.
LOCKHART
Black's Barbecue (Barbecue): 215 North Main Street; (512) 398-2712 or www.blacksbbq.com. The sliced beef brisket on white bread is worth the short drive out of Austin. Lunch, dinner.
Kreuz Market (Barbecue): 619 North Colorado Street; (512) 398-2361 or www.kreuzmarket.com. If you have to dine with silver and crystal, go somewhere else. You won't even find plates here or bottles of sauce. The owner prefers that you taste the power of the brisket and the sausage. By the time that you finish, you'll agree. Lunch, dinner (closed Sunday).
LUBBOCK
Pedro's Tamales (Tex-Mex): 8207 U.S. 87; (806) 745-9531, 1-800-522-9531, or www.tamale.com. Order the sirloin steak in a husk at the drive-through. Breakfast, lunch, dinner (closed Sunday).
PONDER
Ranchman's Cafe (The Ponder Steakhouse) (Steaks & Such): 110 West Bailey Street; (940) 479-2221 or www.ranchman.com. Other restaurants may offer more cuts, but this place serves up down-home atmosphere galore. In business for 57 years, Ranchman's lists on its menu a 24-ounce Porterhouse, grilled to choice and brushed with seasoned butter. Lunch, dinner.
SAN ANTONIO
Ăcenar (Tex-Mex): 146 East Houston Street; (210) 222-2362 or www.acenar.com. The menu is packed with Tex-Mex favorites, including tender braised pork tips (Carne de Puerco en Chile Cascabel), smothered in a mild red chile sauce and served with a side of refried beans, pickled red onion, and cilantro rice. Best of all, prices are reasonable. Lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch.
Boudro's (Southwestern): 421 East Commerce Street; (210) 224-8484 or www.boudros.com. Want a great place for a casual lunch? Start with the Texas Tapas, a sampler of treats that include grilled andouille sausage topped with a tangy barbecue sauce, smoked duck tamale, and a skewer of grilled pork tenderloin and pineapple. Don't pass up the wafer-thin Chicken Fried Ribeye covered with pepper gravy. Lunch, dinner.
Casa Rio Mexican Foods (Tex-Mex): 430 East Commerce Street; (210) 225-6718 or www.casa-rio.com. For straight up Tex-Mex, you can't beat the Regular Plate ($5.95). It's been on the menu since the River Walk landmark opened in 1946 and includes cheese enchilada, tamale, chili con carne, Mexican rice, and refried beans. Lunch, dinner.
Lulu's Bakery & Café (Southwestern): 918 North Main Street; (210) 222-9422 or www.lulusbakeryandcafe.com. Don't come here looking for anything fancy, but if you just want Texas-style, Texas-size comfort food, Lulu's is your place. In fact, the portions served of chicken-fried steak are so generous that they've been known to overwhelm even big eaters. Open 24 hours (closed from 7 p.m. Friday-7 p.m. Saturday).
Mi Tierra Café Y Panaderia (Tex-Mex): 218 Produce Row (next to El Mercado); (210) 225-1262 or www.mitierracafe.com. This cafe and bakery has been a River City landmark since 1941. After 60-plus years, residents still frequent the place to celebrate even as tourists have made it a destination. Come here for the flamboyant ambience, from bright pińatas and the carved oak bar to mariachis playing at your table. The real show is the meal, but save room for dessert. Mi Tierra makes some of the best traditional Mexican pastries you'll find anywhere. Open 24 hours.
Las Canarias (Southwestern): 112 College Street; (210) 518-1000 or www.lamansion.com. Located in La Mansion del Rio Hotel, this worth-the-splurge spot blends regional flavors and local ingredients. Chef Scott Cohen's imaginative dishes feature fresh Texas ingredients, including San Angelo lamb, Texas Gulf blue crabs, and Dallas mozzarella. Don't miss the award-winning cheese cart. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch (reservations recommended).
Rosario's Mexican Café & Cantina (Tex-Mex): 910 South Alamo Street; (210) 223-1806 or www.rosariossa.com. The colorful atmosphere makes this a favorite hangout. Locals love the Enchiladas Suizas and the shrimp tacos. Lunch, dinner (closed Sunday).
TAYLOR
Louie Mueller BBQ (Barbecue): 206 West Second Street; (512) 352-6206 or www.louiemillerbarbeque.com. Look for the American flag flying outside; it means the Muellers are still serving. The walls may be stained by years of smoke, but the taste is all here and now. Lunch, dinner (closed Sunday).
TEMPLE
Clem Mikeska's Bar-B-Q (Barbecue): 1217 South 57th Street; (254) 778-5481 or www.clembbq.com. Instead of the usual brisket, Clem grills a sirloin cut of beef. Get your barbecue fix with that or the dry-rubbed ribs. Don't pass up the homemade sausage (with just a hint of pepper and garlic). Lunch, dinner.
Doyle Phillips Steak House (Traditional Southern): 4011 South General Bruce Drive; (254) 778-9951. If it's Thursday, stop in for the chicken and dumplings. Otherwise, try the crisp chicken-fried steak with white country gravy. The food is good home cooking, and the service is sweet and Southern. Lunch (Tuesday-Friday), dinner (Tuesday-Saturday).
WOODVILLE
The Pickett House Restaurant (Traditional Southern): U.S. 190 West; (409) 283-2272 or www.heritage-village.org. Part of the Heritage Village Museum, this place literally lets you stroll through the past. The main dishes are golden fried chicken and chicken and dumplings--and plenty of them--and the sides vary with the season. Everything is cooked fresh and served family style. Lunch, dinner (Saturday-Sunday).
To Learn More
Want to try a taste of Texas at home? Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started.
- Barbecue, Biscuits & Beans: Chuck Wagon Cooking (Bright Sky Press, $24.95) This nifty cookbook is the work of champion chuck wagon cooks Bill Cauble and Cliff Teinert. Don't panic; you won't have to cook over an open flame. They've converted the recipes so you can prepare them in your own kitchen and still capture the best of the Old West flavors.
- The El Paso Chile Company's Texas Border Cookbook (Morrow Cookbooks, $20) W. Park Kerr teamed with his mother, Norma, to produce this best-selling collection of more than 150 regional recipes. It's a great way to start exploring Tex-Mex cuisine, and there's more where that comes from. The El Paso Chile Company markets a wonderful array of Tex-Mex food products, housewares, and gifts. For more information call 1-888-472-5727, or visit www.elpasochile.com.
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