10 Texas Restaurants Locals Avoid & 10 Lone Star Spots Worth The Hype
Texas is famous for its legendary food, but the scene can be tricky to navigate. Tourist-heavy joints often underwhelm, while genuine culinary gems serve up flavors that define the state.
This guide helps you skip the mediocre and savor the authentic dishes that make Texas cuisine unforgettable.
1. The Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo) – Skip It
Home to the infamous 72-oz steak challenge, this Route 66 landmark screams Texas kitsch from every corner. Yellow and blue exterior? Check. Giant cow statue? You bet.
The steaks are merely adequate despite the fanfare. Most locals roll their eyes at the touristy gimmicks and inflated prices.
Truth be told, better beef can be found elsewhere in Amarillo without the carnival atmosphere.
2. Casa Rio (San Antonio) – Skip It
As the oldest restaurant on San Antonio’s River Walk (established in 1946), Casa Rio certainly has history on its side. The colorful umbrellas lining the water have become an iconic image of the city.
I remember taking my cousin there during her first visit, and while she loved the atmosphere, we both agreed the enchiladas were bland and forgettable.
San Antonians know the restaurant succeeds on location and longevity, not culinary merit.
3. Rainforest Cafe (San Antonio) – Skip It
Mechanical animals, simulated thunderstorms, and a gift shop larger than most apartments await at this jungle-themed chain. Children squeal with delight as animatronic gorillas come to life every 30 minutes.
The menu offers standard American fare at premium prices. Burgers, pasta, and seafood dishes are consistently mediocre.
Locals steer clear unless dragged by visiting relatives with young kids who care more about the roaring elephant than the rubbery chicken.
4. Hard Rock Cafe (San Antonio) – Skip It
Rock memorabilia covers every inch of wall space in this global chain’s River Walk outpost. Guitar solos blast through speakers while tourists snap photos with famous musicians’ outfits.
The food is exactly what you’d expect from a Hard Rock anywhere else in the world. Burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers arrive looking Instagram-ready but tasting forgettable.
San Antonio natives rarely mention this spot when recommending local cuisine.
5. Dick’s Last Resort (San Antonio) – Skip It
Famous for intentionally rude servers who place paper hats with crude insults on diners’ heads, Dick’s Last Resort sells an experience more than a meal.
The food quality matches the service concept – deliberately unrefined. Basic bar fare like wings, burgers, and fried seafood baskets arrive with minimal presentation and maximum mediocrity.
I once witnessed my normally shy brother-in-law wearing a hat that read “I peaked in high school” while picking at some underwhelming nachos. Pure tourist bait.
6. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (San Antonio) – Skip It
Movie memorabilia from Forrest Gump fills this seafood chain, where servers quiz patrons on film trivia. License plates reading “RUN FORST RUN” hang above booths as tourists pose for photos.
The shrimp dishes are decent but overpriced for what you get. Hushpuppies, fried seafood platters, and cocktails in souvenir glasses dominate most tables.
Texans seeking authentic Gulf seafood know better options exist beyond this Hollywood-themed establishment.
7. Landry’s Seafood House (San Antonio) – Skip It
Part of billionaire Tilman Fertitta’s restaurant empire, Landry’s occupies prime River Walk real estate with its nautical-themed dining rooms and expansive patios. Blue and white decor creates a coastal vibe despite being hours from the Gulf.
The seafood itself is consistently average – not terrible, just uninspired. Crab cakes, fish platters, and shrimp dishes taste mass-produced rather than chef-crafted.
Knowledgeable locals bypass this chain for independently owned seafood spots with more personality and flavor.
8. Aquarium Restaurant (Kemah) – Skip It
Dining beside a massive 50,000-gallon fish tank sounds magical until the food arrives. Located on the touristy Kemah Boardwalk near Houston, this restaurant prioritizes the underwater view over what’s on your plate.
My family celebrated my nephew’s birthday here last summer. While he loved watching sharks swim by, we all quietly pushed around disappointing seafood pasta.
The irony isn’t lost on locals – a mediocre seafood restaurant where the fish look better swimming than served.
9. Fisherman’s Wharf (Galveston) – Skip It
Strategically positioned near Galveston’s cruise terminal, this Landry’s-owned establishment captures tourist traffic with harbor views and seafood staples. White lighthouse-style architecture makes it instantly recognizable along the waterfront.
The menu features predictable Gulf Coast options: fried shrimp, fish platters, and crab legs. Nothing is particularly bad, but nothing impresses either.
Galveston residents typically direct visitors elsewhere, knowing better seafood awaits at less commercial establishments.
10. Medieval Times (Dallas) – Skip It
Housed in a faux castle complete with turrets and flags, this dinner theater transports guests to a medieval tournament where knights joust while you eat without utensils. The spectacle is undeniably entertaining as horses gallop and swords clash.
The pre-set meal – typically soup, chicken, potato, and dessert – is basic at best. Served assembly-line style by “wenches” and “serfs,” the food is merely fuel for watching the show.
Dallas residents rarely consider this a dining destination, but rather an occasional novelty experience.
11. Franklin Barbecue (Austin) – Worth It
The legendary three-hour lines at Franklin aren’t just hype – they’re a testament to Aaron Franklin’s brisket mastery. Housed in an unassuming blue building, this barbecue mecca has redefined Texas beef standards.
Each brisket receives 12+ hours of post-oak smoke attention, resulting in a perfect pepper-crusted bark and meltingly tender meat.
The fat renders to buttery perfection, while sides like potato salad complement without overshadowing.
Even barbecue-jaded Austinites admit it deserves every accolade.
12. Snow’s BBQ (Lexington) – Worth It
In tiny Lexington (population 1,200), octogenarian pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz has been tending smokers before dawn every Saturday for decades. This humble spot opens at 8 AM and closes when sold out, usually by noon.
The brisket achieves the perfect balance of smoke, tenderness, and flavor that’s worth the early weekend wake-up call. Pork ribs glisten with rendered fat while maintaining ideal texture.
I’ve made the pre-dawn drive from Austin three times, and watching Tootsie work the pits in the morning mist feels like witnessing Texas barbecue royalty.
13. Pecan Lodge (Dallas) – Worth It
Nestled in Dallas’ trendy Deep Ellum neighborhood, Pecan Lodge transformed from a farmers market stand to a barbecue institution through sheer smoke-ring excellence. The rustic interior with communal tables creates a friendly vibe despite the inevitable lines.
Their brisket rivals the best in the state, but don’t overlook the massive beef rib – a prehistoric-looking meat masterpiece. The Hot Mess (sweet potato topped with barbacoa and cheese) proves their creativity matches their traditional smoking skills.
Dallas natives proudly bring visitors here to show that North Texas barbecue holds its own.
14. Killen’s Barbecue (Pearland) – Worth It
Chef Ronnie Killen brings fine-dining precision to traditional Texas barbecue at his Houston-area smokehouse. Housed in a former school cafeteria, the setting is unpretentious while the meat is anything but ordinary.
The brisket features textbook bark development and moisture retention. Smoked turkey, often an afterthought elsewhere, achieves remarkable juiciness here. Bread pudding made from leftover buns demonstrates Killen’s waste-nothing philosophy.
Houston barbecue fans gladly make the drive to Pearland, knowing few places match Killen’s consistency and quality.
15. InterStellar BBQ (Austin) – Worth It
Tucked into a northwest Austin strip mall, InterStellar defies its humble surroundings by producing MICHELIN-starred barbecue that balances tradition with innovation. The unassuming exterior gives no hint of the culinary magic happening inside.
While perfectly executed brisket forms the foundation, creative sides elevate the experience. Their scalloped potatoes with green chiles and mac and cheese with toasted breadcrumbs demonstrate chef-driven attention to detail.
The beef cheeks – rich, tender, and intensely flavorful – represent Texas barbecue’s exciting future.
16. Blood Bros. BBQ (Bellaire) – Worth It
Three friends (including two actual brothers) created this Houston-area sensation that brilliantly fuses Texas barbecue with Asian flavors reflecting the city’s diverse culinary landscape. The strip mall location belies the creative genius happening inside.
Their brisket fried rice transforms barbecue leftovers into something entirely new and craveable. Thai green curry boudin sausage and smoked turkey banh mi showcase their multicultural approach.
Even barbecue traditionalists admit these cross-cultural creations work brilliantly, earning Blood Bros. a devoted following and MICHELIN recognition.
17. Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue (Tomball) – Worth It
Housed in a charming 1907 craftsman house in Tomball, this unique concept began as a bean-to-bar chocolate operation before adding barbecue. The unexpected pairing created one of Houston’s most distinctive dining destinations.
Their barbecue stands among Houston’s finest – perfectly rendered brisket, massive beef ribs, and imaginative specials like pastrami beef ribs. The chocolate connection appears in mole-inspired barbecue sauces and desserts.
I still dream about their carrot soufflé side dish from my last visit – a sweet-savory masterpiece that perfectly complements their smoked meats.
18. Uchi (Austin) – Worth It
Chef Tyson Cole revolutionized Austin dining with this contemporary Japanese restaurant that merges traditional technique with Texas influences. The unassuming red bungalow on South Lamar houses one of Texas’ most celebrated culinary experiences.
Signature dishes like hama chili (yellowtail with ponzu and Thai chili) and 72-hour smoked wagyu short rib demonstrate Cole’s innovative approach. The daily-changing menu showcases the freshest seafood flown in from around the world.
Reservations remain difficult to secure even years after opening – a testament to Uchi’s enduring excellence.
19. Xochi (Houston) – Worth It
James Beard Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega celebrates Oaxacan cuisine at this downtown Houston gem. Located in the Marriott Marquis, Xochi (pronounced “so-chee”) transcends its hotel restaurant setting through extraordinary culinary artistry.
The mole tasting presents Mexico’s complex mother sauce in various regional interpretations. Hand-ground chocolate, house-made masa, and traditional Oaxacan ingredients create dishes rarely seen elsewhere in Texas.
Houston natives consider securing a Xochi reservation a special occasion worthy of celebration – especially for the Sunday brunch buffet featuring unlimited small plates.
20. Mixtli (San Antonio) – Worth It
Housed in a brick-and-mortar space in San Antonio’s Southtown neighborhood, Mixtli presents Mexican cuisine as high art through meticulously researched tasting menus that explore different regions of Mexico. The intimate dining room creates an immersive experience.
Chefs Diego Galicia and Rico Torres change the menu completely every 45 days, focusing on a different Mexican state each time. Dishes might include pre-Hispanic ingredients or modern interpretations of traditional recipes.
The MICHELIN-starred restaurant requires advance tickets, but San Antonians agree the culinary journey justifies both the price and planning.