Let’s be honest: These days, travel of any kind can turn into adventures in eating and drinking. I still enjoy a vigorous hike, an instructive museum, an entertaining special event, or an illuminating chat with the locals. Yet moments after my arrival in a new spot, the mind turns to food and beverages. It can’t be helped. To celebrate the upcoming fifth anniversary of the "Think Texas" column and newsletter, let’s review some of the gustatory highlights from recent road trips across the state.
Oases of Respite in West Texas
Lubbock: It should not surprise the visitor to find that this city in the middle of the agricultural west offers culinary rewards. Here are some standouts from our 2023 trip:
The Nicolett: An evening at this innovative American bistro named after Lubbock’s first hotel is a fine-dining experience to remember. Award-winning chef Finn Walter has absorbed influences from various culinary posts, resulting in dishes like magret duck breast, elk tartare, and a unique lamb neck in the style of brisket.
Evie Mae’s BBQ: For authentic barbecue, look no further than Evie Mae’s BBQ. Their offerings are the real deal, with flavors that will leave you craving more.
The West Table: A larger and noisier option than The Nicolett, The West Table offers a menu that changes daily, featuring dishes like beef, lamb, fish, and duck.
Rain Cafe: A hidden gem in Lubbock, Rain Cafe offers a perfect American diner experience with brisk, cheerful service and comforting food.
San Angelo: If I had to pick a mid-sized West Texas city for its unpublicized cultural charms, it would be this oasis on the Concho River, visited in 2021.
House of Fifi Dubois: A fantastic club with a laid-back atmosphere that easily mixes different demographics.
Chicken Farm Art Center: A charming café with regional ingredients and an inn that awaits out back.
Standouts in Historic East Texas
Nacogdoches: The social nexus of this city has shifted somewhat from the Stephen F. Austin University campus to the recently reopened Fredonia Hotel, a midcentury modern masterpiece in Nacogdoches‘ historic downtown.
1st City Cafe: A dining experience at the Fredonia that offers impeccable service and delicious dishes like shrimp po‘ boy and pimento cheese.
Clear Springs: A transformed industrial structure near downtown that offers country casual dining with a focus on catfish and other Southern dishes.
Dolli’s Diner: An old-fashioned diner in the heart of Nacogdoches that serves up classic dishes like chicken-fried steak.
Roma’s Italian Kitchen: A renovated brick building that offers warming Italian fare with a touch of Albanian influence.
Wonders Old and New in Central Texas
San Antonio: La Fonda on Main offers legacy Tex-Mex and Mexican food in a beautiful setting, while Schilo’s Delicatessen evokes nostalgia with its German-Texan cuisine. Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery is a great spot for coastal Southern cuisine.
Waco: Cajun Craft and Eastside Revival Eatery offer delicious Cajun and Creole dishes, while 1424 Bistro serves up excellent Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.
Seafood at the Top of the South Texas Menu
Riviera: King’s Inn in this tiny bayside community is a must-visit for seafood lovers, offering glorious salads and tender fried shrimp.
Corpus Christi: The Lomax group’s various establishments, including Water Street Market and Elizabeth’s Mediterranean café, are leading the culinary scene in this port city.
Some of My Favorite Stops in North Texas
Hurst: Miguelitos Mexican Restaurant and Lounge is a gem in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, offering authentic Mexican cuisine in a family-friendly setting.
Stephenville: Greer’s Ranch Café and Hard Eight Pit BBQ are must-visit spots in this classic college town, offering American comfort food and delicious barbecue.
In conclusion, Texas is a state rich in culinary delights, with each region offering its own unique flavors and dining experiences. Whether you’re in West Texas, East Texas, Central Texas, South Texas, or North Texas, you’re sure to find a plethora of restaurants and eateries that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, the next time you’re planning a road trip across the Lone Star State, be sure to include some of these gastronomic highlights in your itinerary for a truly unforgettable dining experience.