The Ultimate Texas Dining Guide

WelcomeWelcome to the journey across Texas—from the sweeping plains of the Panhandle to the salty shores of the Gulf Coast, through the rugged terrain of West Texas and the verdant waterways of the Hill Country. Texas is not just a state; it's a vast mosaic of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes connected by bustling highways and a distinctive cowboy spirit. The culinary scene here mirrors the state's expansiveness—rich in slow-cooked meats and vibrant Mexican flavors, interspersed with dishes reflecting waves of immigration, from Czech kolaches to Vietnamese pho.

It’s a vast culinary adventure, and Dinogo has distilled it into a must-have guide to Texas. Discover the 38 must-visit restaurants, dive into the underrated wonders of Tex-Mex, and, given the limits of daily dining, find out where to stay and how to soak up Texas culture. Prepare for indulgence, because in Texas, everything is larger than life.

Key Details:

The 38 Must-Try Mytouries in Texas

“Texas dining has reached new heights,” asserts Dinogo critic Bill Addison, who spent a month exploring the state to uncover its 38 must-visit restaurants—places that shape Texas’s culinary identity and those that are pushing its boundaries. With insights from 10 local experts, Addison highlights everything from legendary steakhouses and Tex-Mex icons to artisanal soba, Czech kolaches, and Viet-Cajun crawfish. Check out the detailed map for more.

First, a few things to note:

If You’re Serious About American Cuisine, Texas Should Be on Your List

After a month of traversing Texas to identify its top 38 restaurants, Bill Addison is convinced: Dining in Texas is more dynamic than ever—more authentic, diverse, and full of talent and innovation than at any time before. Here’s the evidence.

And before you swap the puffy taco tour for a barbecue marathon, remember this:

The Authenticity Myth Is Hurting Tex-Mex

Tex-Mex has often been dismissed as an unoriginal, cheese-heavy blend, with its easy-melt cheese and store-bought salsas. However, dishes like chile con carne have deep historical roots in the border region, and Tex-Mex has risen to become one of America’s most significant regional cuisines. With barbecue on the rise both locally and nationally, it’s high time Tex-Mex received the recognition it deserves.

Since you can only eat so much in a day, here’s what else you can do...

Things to Enjoy Between Meals in Texas

Here’s your guide to the best activities when you’re not indulging in food, from desert art exhibits to barbecue classes. Plus, find out which boutique hotel is perfect for recovering from your meat-filled adventures.

Oh, and you’ll definitely need a car:

The Ultimate Texas Road Trip Itinerary

Everything is indeed larger in Texas, especially when it comes to the extensive network of highways stretching across the state. At almost any time of year, these roads are bustling with travelers heading to Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, and other destinations. Here’s your guide to navigating this expansive landscape.

And don’t forget a pit stop:

How Buc-ee’s Became Texas’s Favorite Road Trip Stop

Buc-ee’s holds the title of the world’s largest gas station (literally: its New Braunfels, Texas, location spans over 68,000 square feet) and is considered by many Texans to be the best. With hundreds of pumps, the cleanest restrooms in the country, and an overwhelming variety of snacks and fresh meals, Buc-ee’s is a beloved stop for every Texas traveler. Here’s why it’s so special.

And to top it off, a drink...

The Ultimate Guide to Central Texas Wineries

As the Texas wine scene matures, its quality improves with a focus on Spanish, Italian, and Rhône grape varieties, which thrive in Texas’s warm climate far better than many California staples. Dinogo has curated a list of the top Texas wineries where you can sample these local treasures.

The Dinogo Guide to Hawaiʻi The Dinogo Guide to Tokyo The Dinogo Guide to Paris The Dinogo Guide to Surviving Disney World The Dinogo Guide to Mexico City And from Dinogo’s sister site Curbed, check out the Texas Design and Development Guide

Editor: Lesley SuterArt Director: Brittany Holloway-BrownContributors: Bill Addison, Nadia Chaudhury, Jessica Elizarraras, Whitney Filloon, Meghan McCarron, Amy McCarthy, June Naylor, Dawn Orsak, Mai Pham, José R. Ralat, Daniel Vaughn, Robb WalshIllustration by: Sarah Tanat JonesCopy Editors: Emma Alpern, Dawn MobleyFact Checker: Dawn MobleySpecial Thanks to: Amanda Kludt, Matt Buchanan, Sonia Chopra, Meghan McCarron, Milly McGuinness, Adam Moussa, Patty Diez, James Park, Manami Takashina, Daniel VaughnThe Texas Road Trip Roadmap, Buc-ee’s: Texas’s Favorite Road Stop, and The Central Texas Wineries Guide were first featured during Dinogo’s Road Trip Week 2017.