8 Texas Chains People Used To Love & 8 New Spots Locals Are Obsessed With
Growing up in the Lone Star State, I have had a front row seat to the evolution of Texas dining. From small towns to big cities, our state is home to a unique blend of flavors and traditions.
Over the years, I have seen legendary restaurant chains become household names, shaping the way Texans eat and gather. At the same time, a new generation of bold and creative eateries is making waves, offering fresh takes on familiar favorites.
Together, these old and new dining spots tell the story of Texas food culture. Come along as we honor both the past and the future.
1. Whataburger: The Orange-and-White Texas Icon
My midnight Whataburger runs are practically a Texas rite of passage! Founded in 1950 in Corpus Christi, this orange-roofed beacon calls to hungry Texans 24/7.
The magic happens when they craft each burger after you order, never before. Those paper-wrapped treasures, crowned with mustard (unless you specify otherwise), represent Texas in every bite.
Whataburger’s numbered menu system makes ordering a breeze, though most locals have their special custom creation. The honey butter chicken biscuit remains my 2AM salvation after concerts, continuing a tradition that’s spanned generations of Texan night owls.
2. Taco Cabana: Patio Dining Pioneer
Remember those late-night study sessions in college fueled by Taco Cabana’s 24-hour service? This San Antonio-born chain revolutionized Tex-Mex casual dining when it opened in 1978.
The colorful patios became gathering spots where friends shared bottomless chips and salsa until sunrise. Their flame-grilled fajitas and fresh flour tortillas made from scratch daily kept us coming back.
I still crave their street tacos topped with cilantro and onion, simple yet perfect. The self-serve salsa bar (a novelty when they introduced it) let everyone customize their meal exactly how they wanted, making TC a true Texas original.
3. Schlotzsky’s: The Austin Sandwich Revolution
My first Schlotzsky’s Original sandwich changed my understanding of what bread could be! This Austin-born chain started in 1971 with just one item, a massive muffuletta-inspired sandwich that had folks lining up around the block.
Those sourdough buns still emerge warm from the oven throughout the day, creating a tangy foundation for their layered masterpieces. The combination of meats, cheeses, and marinated olive mix creates a symphony of flavors.
Schlotzsky’s expanded beyond their signature sandwich to include pizzas and other creations, but nothing beats watching them assemble your order with mathematical precision. Their quirky name (originally misspelled on purpose) matches their unconventional approach to sandwich artistry.
4. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Slow-Smoked Success Story
Stepping into Dickey’s always feels like a family reunion! This Dallas institution has been perfecting slow-smoked meats since 1941, becoming Texas’s largest barbecue franchise.
The moment you walk in, that hickory smoke aroma transports you to backyard cookouts. Their brisket, smoked for 14 hours until fork-tender, remains the cornerstone of their menu and my personal weakness.
My grandpa used to take me to the original location, where we’d get free ice cream after our meal. That tradition continues today in their expanded empire. The yellow cups and butcher-paper service style maintain that down-home feeling even as they’ve grown to serve their Texas-style barbecue nationwide.
5. Fuddruckers: Build-Your-Own Burger Paradise
My first job was at Fuddruckers, where I learned the art of the perfect burger! This San Antonio creation from 1979 revolutionized the burger scene with their build-your-own concept.
The magic started with those fresh-baked buns emerging from the on-site bakery throughout the day. Watching butchers hand-cut and grind premium beef right in front of customers created a transparency rare in fast-casual dining.
The produce bar let everyone play burger architect, piling on toppings to their heart’s content. That cheese sauce dispenser became the stuff of legend among my friends. Despite changing ownership over the years, Fuddruckers remains the blueprint for how customizable fast food could be.
6. Jason’s Deli: Fresh-Focused Family Favorite
Sundays after church meant Jason’s Deli with my cousins! This Beaumont-born chain started in 1976 as a humble sandwich shop and grew into a multi-state phenomenon.
Their commitment to clean ingredients, banning artificial trans fats and high-fructose corn syrup before it was trendy, made parents happy. Meanwhile, kids like me just loved the free ice cream after every meal!
Their muffalettas and loaded baked potatoes became legendary, but the salad bar stretching through the center of the restaurant was revolutionary for its time. My grandmother still insists on getting the fruit-topped cottage cheese from their salad bar, claiming “nobody else does it right”, a testament to their consistent quality.
7. Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que: The Big Chop Champions
My first road trip through Hill Country included a mandatory stop at Cooper’s in Llano! Since 1962, this barbecue institution has been drawing pilgrims to their smoking pits.
Unlike most barbecue joints, Cooper’s unique direct-heat method creates a distinctive crust on their meats. You select your cuts right from the pit before they’re weighed, an interactive experience that builds anticipation with every step.
The “Big Chop” pork chop, their signature item, remains a carnivore’s dream, nearly two inches thick and bursting with smoky flavor. I’ll never forget watching my tiny grandmother devour one completely, bone and all, shocking everyone at our table. Their communal seating creates an atmosphere where strangers become friends over shared barbecue appreciation.
8. The Salt Lick Bar-B-Que: Driftwood’s Barbecue Landmark
My prom group drove an hour just to eat at Salt Lick before the dance! Since 1967, this Driftwood treasure has been the backdrop for countless Texas celebrations.
The open pit greeting you upon entry, with sausages, ribs, and brisket slowly dancing above the flames, creates an unforgettable first impression. Their family-style service encourages sharing, passing plates around long wooden tables under string lights.
Their unique sauce (thinner and less sweet than most Texas versions) perfectly complements the oak-smoked meats. The BYOB policy turned dinner into an event as groups arrived with coolers and settled in for unhurried feasts. Three generations of the Roberts family have maintained this Hill Country institution where time seems to slow down with each bite.
9. Parish Barbecue: Cajun Meets Texas Smoke
Last week, I scored an invite to Parish Barbecue’s friends-and-family preview, and my taste buds are still recovering from the flavor explosion! This Austin newcomer (opening early 2025) brilliantly marries Louisiana Cajun traditions with Texas smoking techniques.
Their smoked boudin balls, crispy outside, savory and spiced inside, vanished from our table in seconds. The brisket comes rubbed with a secret Cajun spice blend that creates a magnificent bark while maintaining that essential smoke ring.
Chef Marcus Washington moves between tables, sharing stories of his grandmother’s recipes that inspired the menu. The crawfish-stuffed smoked chicken has already developed a cult following during pop-up events. Parish promises to bridge two proud culinary traditions in deliciously innovative ways.
10. Talespin: NeoTexan Pizza Perfection
My Instagram feed exploded when Talespin opened in Houston last September! This pizza revolution combines Neapolitan techniques with audaciously Texan toppings, creating something entirely new.
Their wood-fired dome oven (imported from Naples but burning post oak) creates the perfect crust, thin in the center, puffy at the edges, with just the right char. The “Smokehouse Special” topped with smoked brisket, pickled jalapeños, and peach barbecue drizzle represents their cross-cultural magic.
Owner Sophia Chen developed her dough recipe over three years, fermenting it for 72 hours to develop complex flavors. The restaurant’s aviation-themed interior features propeller ceiling fans and vintage flight maps. Their weekend lines now stretch around the block as Houstonians clamor for these category-defying creations.
11. Pullman Market: Culinary Wonderland
Visiting Pullman Market feels like stepping into a food lover’s playground! This San Antonio culinary complex opened spring 2024 and quickly earned the #3 spot among America’s best new restaurants.
The genius concept houses seven mini-restaurants under one roof, surrounding a central market selling ingredients used in their kitchens. I spent hours wandering between the ramen counter, taco station, and pastry shop, sampling something from each.
The repurposed train depot architecture maintains industrial charm with soaring ceilings and original brick walls. Weekend cooking demonstrations draw crowds eager to learn from local chefs. My neighbor swears by their Thursday evening farmer’s market, where regional producers offer samples alongside live music, creating a community gathering space beyond just dining.
12. Fish Shop: Neighborhood Seafood Sensation
The moment I tasted Fish Shop’s perfectly crispy fish and chips, I knew East Austin had struck gold! This unassuming spot opened July 2025 by husband-and-wife team Marco and Lily Rodriguez brings coastal flavors to our landlocked city.
Their oyster selection changes daily, with varieties I’d never encountered before arriving fresh from both coasts. The crudo plate, thinly sliced raw fish dressed with citrus, herbs, and Texas olive oil, showcases their commitment to letting quality ingredients shine.
The converted gas station maintains its vintage character with roll-up garage doors that create indoor-outdoor seating. Neighbors walk over with dogs in tow, creating a genuinely relaxed vibe. Their sustainable sourcing practices include a QR code that shows exactly where each day’s catch originated, transparency that builds trust with every meal.
13. Otto’s Ice House: Nostalgic Gathering Spot
Last Friday night at Otto’s Ice House felt like a Texas time machine! This mid-2025 addition to San Antonio’s Pearl district brilliantly reimagines the classic Texas ice house, those beloved community watering holes where generations gathered.
The sprawling patio features picnic tables under twinkling lights and ceiling fans that keep the air moving on sultry evenings. Local musicians perform on the small corner stage while friends challenge each other to washers and cornhole tournaments.
Their menu celebrates regional comfort foods with modern twists, the green chile queso fries disappeared from our table in minutes! What makes Otto’s special is how it bridges generations, attracting both gray-haired regulars who remember original ice houses and younger crowds discovering this Texas tradition for the first time.
14. Luscious Dumplings: Pocket-Sized Perfection
My study group now meets weekly at Luscious Dumplings, though more eating happens than studying! This UTSA-adjacent gem has San Antonians raving about their handmade pockets of joy.
Through the open kitchen window, you can watch the dumpling masters at work, folding each wrapper with lightning speed and precision. The pork and chive potstickers develop a perfectly crispy bottom when pan-fried, while the soup dumplings require careful eating techniques to capture every drop of the flavorful broth inside.
Owner Grace Lin learned these recipes from her grandmother in Taiwan, adapting them slightly for Texas tastes. The restaurant’s expansion plans include a downtown location opening next spring. Their house-made chili oil, available for purchase in adorable jars, has developed such a following that customers buy it by the case.
15. The Mermaid Café: Whimsical Community Hub
The turquoise exterior of Mermaid Café brightens my morning commute, and their lavender latte powers me through tough workdays! This North Side San Antonio café opened in 2025 by Leah Meyer and her family has quickly become the neighborhood’s living room.
Their pastry case features treats with whimsical names and decorations, the “Mermaid’s Treasure” cookies sparkle with edible glitter and sea salt. The café’s inclusive atmosphere welcomes everyone, with community boards promoting local events and shelves featuring work by San Antonio artists.
Weekend brunch brings lines out the door for their signature “Seashell Bennies”, English muffins shaped like scallop shells topped with perfectly poached eggs. Their commitment to sustainability extends to compostable packaging and a discount for bringing your own mug.
16. Hong Kong Food Court: Cantonese Comfort
Stepping into Hong Kong Food Court transported me straight to the bustling streets of Kowloon! This 2025 addition to Missouri City (Houston area) recreates authentic cha chaan teng-style dining, those beloved Hong Kong cafés serving comfort food around the clock.
Their milk tea achieves that perfect silky texture and caramel color that comes from proper brewing techniques. The bolo buns, topped with a crackly sweet crust, pair perfectly with their scrambled egg and char siu breakfast sets.
Owner Jimmy Wong recreated his favorite childhood dishes after missing the tastes of home. The restaurant’s vintage Hong Kong movie posters and classic booth seating capture nostalgic vibes. Their red bean ice has become my weekend reward after running errands, cooling, sweet, and transportive with each spoonful.