One of the things I love most about Texas is the food. We may not all agree on the best BBQ, the best burger, or the best chicken fried steak, but Texans are passionate about what they eat.
When friends and family visit from out of town, they always ask the same question: "Where should we eat?"
So here are five places (and one fair food favorite) that immediately come to mind when I think about Texas.
1. Whataburger
You can't talk about Texas food without talking about Whataburger.
Now, I know some people will tell you it's the best burger in the world. For me? I'll give the burgers a pass. But breakfast is a different story.
I absolutely love the breakfast taquitos.
They bring back memories of getting off work after 11 p.m. and heading over with friends for breakfast. Sometimes it's not just about the food—it's about the memories attached to it. Every time I see those taquitos on the menu, I think about those days.
If you're visiting Texas, you have to try Whataburger at least once. My recommendation? Go for breakfast.
2. Buc-ee's
If you've never been to Buc-ee's, prepare yourself.
Part gas station, part convenience store, part shopping experience, Buc-ee's has become a Texas icon.
The first thing you'll notice is how clean everything is. The second thing you'll notice is how friendly the employees are. Whether you're grabbing a snack, filling up the tank, or shopping for Texas souvenirs, Buc-ee's does it right.
Now, I have a little advice. Don't go in the middle of a summer weekend unless you enjoy hunting for parking spaces. Those parking lots start filling up early and stay packed all day long.
Go early, take your time, and explore. It's part of the Texas experience.
3. Fletcher's Corny Dogs
Technically, this isn't a restaurant, but no list of Texas food favorites would be complete without Fletcher's Corny Dogs.
If you've ever attended the State Fair of Texas, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Did you know Fletcher's sells more than 500,000 corny dogs during the State Fair alone?
There's just something about walking around the fair with a fresh corny dog in your hand that feels like Texas. It's a tradition for generations of Texans, and if you've never tried one, put it on your list.
4. The Relay Station - Plantersville, Texas
I recently discovered one of the best chicken fried steaks I've had in a long time at The Relay Station in Plantersville.
Now, I take my chicken fried steak seriously.
When I cut into it, I want to see meat—not a giant layer of breading hiding a tiny piece of steak. I want great flavor, good gravy, and real mashed potatoes on the side.
The Relay Station delivered on all three.
What makes it even better is that they're a farm-to-table restaurant. The food is fresh, the portions are generous, and if you're really hungry, they're home of the famous 85-ounce sirloin challenge.
Trust me on this one. It's worth the drive.
5. Joe T. Garcia's - Fort Worth, Texas
Joe T. Garcia's has been a Texas institution for generations.
The beautiful patios, fountains, and gardens make it one of the most recognizable restaurants in Texas. It's one of those places visitors talk about long after the meal is over.
But if I'm being completely honest, my favorite thing might be the salsa.
It's so good that we buy it at the grocery store and keep it at home. That's saying something.
Whether you're visiting Fort Worth for the first time or you've lived in Texas your whole life, Joe T.'s is one of those places you should experience at least once.
Bonus: Blue Bell Ice Cream
No Texas food list would be complete without Blue Bell.
If you've lived in Texas very long, chances are you've had a favorite Blue Bell flavor at some point. Whether it's Homemade Vanilla, Cookies 'n Cream, or one of their seasonal favorites, Blue Bell has become part of Texas culture.
Last year, my mom and I made a trip to Brenham to visit the home of Blue Bell in person. It was such a fun day. The town is charming, the visitors center is adorable, and of course the ice cream was amazing.
There's just something special about enjoying Blue Bell ice cream knowing it's made right here in Texas.
If you're ever passing through Brenham, it's worth making the stop.
Final Thoughts
One of the best things about Texas is that every town has its own local favorite. From breakfast taquitos at Whataburger to a road trip stop at Buc-ee's, from a Fletcher's Corny Dog at the State Fair to an amazing chicken fried steak in Plantersville, there is always something new to discover.
And that's one of the many reasons I love calling Texas home.
Have a favorite Texas restaurant that's not on my list? I'd love to hear about it!
For all your real estate needs, Get Jacque!
#GetJacque #SayYesToTexas #TexasFood #TexasTravel #TexasRestaurants #TexasLiving #MontgomeryTX #LakeConroe #INCrealty