As the largest state in the Union, Texas is not without its fair share of tasty treats. Some are traditional American holdings, while others are a mix of different cultures. Regardless, if you’re looking for some yummy food, Texas won’t disappoint. Here’s a rundown of some of the best food options that offer mouth-watering ingredients and scrumptious results.
Top Iconic Cuisines to eat in Texas
The state of Texas is known for its delicious food, from barbecue to taco to Tex-Mex to steaks. Here are some of the most iconic things to eat in the Lone Star State:
Iconic Texas Cuisine
A. Barbecue
Barbecue is a state of mind in Texas, so it’s no surprise that there are hundreds of barbecue joints across the state. Since the days when cowboys would cook meat over an open fire, Texans have been known to love their barbecue. But what exactly is Texas barbecue?
Texas barbecue generally means beef brisket cooked low and slow with dry rubs and sauces. Some restaurants serve pork ribs, sausage and fried chicken as well, but brisket remains the most popular choice for Texans who want BBQ. It’s important to know that Texans don’t eat pulled pork or pulled beef. The meat must be sliced from the bone before it’s eaten.
B. Tex-Mex
Tex-Mex food combines Mexican food with traditional Southern cooking techniques such as deep-fried foods instead of boiling them in water or baking them in an oven (a technique still used today). Tex-Mex foods include fajitas, enchiladas and tacos made with corn tortillas instead of flour ones; tamales made with corn masa rather than masa harina; picante sauce instead of salsa verde; chile con carne (chili with meat) instead of carne guisada (beef stew); and corn tortillas instead of flour ones.
C. Steaks
No trip to Texas would be complete without a stop at one of the state’s most famous steakhouses. There are several steak restaurants around the state, but one of the best is in Houston. The famed Brennan’s Restaurant & Charcoal Grill has been serving up steaks since 1949, and it still has a loyal following today.
The menu features a variety of steaks, including rib eye, filet mignon and porterhouse. The restaurant is known for its signature Cajun prime rib. Diners can also choose from seafood and chicken dishes or opt for a hamburger at the grill’s deli counter.
5 Must-Try Local Restaurants in Texas coast
Texas is known for its barbecue, and there are plenty of great joints to choose from. But if you’re looking for the best, these five restaurants are highly recommended.
Franklin Barbecue
The legendary barbecue joint in Austin is the place to go for brisket, ribs and sausage if you want to eat in Texas. With its long lines, Franklin Barbecue is an experience in itself. The wait can be up to four hours long, but it’s worth it! It’s one of the best barbecue restaurants in Texas and has been featured on countless national shows.
The Salt Lick
The Salt Lick is famous for its amazing BBQ that comes from native Texas beef and wild boar meat. It’s located just outside of Austin and has been around since 1967! You’ll find a great selection of sides like macaroni & cheese, potato salad, coleslaw, beans and more. This restaurant is known for its delicious ribs, brisket and sausage options as well as their pecan pie dessert option!
Killen’s Steakhouse
Killen’s Steakhouse is known for its amazing steaks and seafood options. They’re also known for their large selection of sides like baked potatoes, spinach and artichoke dip, creamed corn and more! There are also plenty of delicious dessert options including creme brulee cheesecake.
El Tiempo Cantina
El Tiempo Cantina is another great spot in Dallas that serves up some delicious Mexican food options right at your table! With an extensive menu full of tasty dishes such as fajitas, quesadillas and tacos galore, there’s no doubt that this restaurant will have something for everyone! The portions are huge and there are plenty of options for vegetarians too.
The Magnolia Cafe
The Magnolia Cafe is a popular breakfast and brunch spot in case you want to eat in Texas. It’s been open since 1991 and serves everything from eggs benedict to French toast along with other breakfast favorites. The cafe also has lunch items like burgers and sandwiches available during the day for those looking for something more substantial than eggs or pancakes.
Food Festivals and Events in Texas
The following are some of the best food festivals in Texas:
Texas Monthly BBQ Festival: This annual event takes place in Austin over Memorial Day weekend, with more than 100 barbecue teams competing for the best brisket, ribs and sausage. The festival also includes live music, other foods like tacos and fried pies, craft beer and an awards ceremony.
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo: This annual event at NRG Park in Houston features performances by country music stars as well as plenty of traditional rodeo events including bull riding, calf roping and bronco busting. All proceeds benefit local charities through the Junior Livestock Show Committee, which was founded by Texas Gov. John Connally in 1958 after he became concerned about the future of agriculture due to a lack of interest among youth.
Austin Food & Wine Festival: This annual event takes place over two weekends in April at various locations around Austin including restaurants, wineries and breweries throughout the city’s downtown area. The festival features tastings from more than 200 chefs and winemakers from across the country as well as wine seminars, cooking classes and other events. There is also a large marketplace where attendees can purchase food items from local chefs and artisan vendors.
Best texas Dining Experiences
There are many unique dining experiences in Texas that offer a wide variety of foods, including:
A. Food Trucks – Texas is home to a thriving food truck scene, offering a variety of cuisine options and a unique, outdoor dining experience. Food trucks serve everything from classic Texan barbecue to gourmet tacos and are a great way to try new food without breaking the bank. Some popular food truck parks in Texas include The Picnic in Austin and the Houston Food Park.
B. Farm-to-Table Restaurants – Texas has a rich agricultural heritage, and many restaurants in the state source their ingredients directly from local farmers. These farm-to-table restaurants offer seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine and provide a unique, sustainable dining experience. Some top farm-to-table restaurants in Texas include Olivia in Austin and Harvest in Houston.
C. Food Tours in Austin – Austin is known for its vibrant food scene, and food tours offer a unique way to explore the city’s best restaurants and food trucks. These tours take visitors on a guided tour of Austin’s food hotspots, and provide a chance to try a variety of dishes and meet local chefs. Some popular food tours in Austin include Austin Eats Food Tours and the Austin Food Tour Company. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a unique dining experience, these tours are a must-try in Austin.
Best Drinks to Savor in Texas
Texans love drinking. In fact, Texas is the largest beer market in the United States and is home to more than 2,000 breweries. If you’re looking for a cold one, you’ll find plenty of options in The Lone Star State including;
Craft Beer
In Texas, people like to drink beer. And they like to drink good beer — not just any old lager or ale. The craft beer scene in Texas is booming, with over 180 breweries producing some of the best brews in the country. Many Texans are proud of their local beers and love to talk about them.
Texan Wines
Texas wineries produce some amazing wines that rival those from anywhere else in the world. Our wines are made with grapes from all over the state — from Central Texas vineyards to Rio Grande Valley vineyards — which means you can find something for every taste and occasion. No matter what type of wine you prefer (red or white), there’s one out there for you!
Cocktails with a Twist
When it comes to cocktails, Texans love their margaritas. If you’re looking for something a little different, though, try a Texas-style cocktail made with tequila and Lone Star beer. You can also find a variety of other types of cocktails in most bars and restaurants around the state — including ones made with local ingredients like prickly pear cactus juice or pecans!
Conclusion
If one thing’s for certain, Texas is known for their excellent foods. Whether you’re exploring the Capital or your local city, Texas has some of the best places to eat. And here at globemigrant, we have some recommendations on where you can enjoy great food while in Texas.