We’ve said it many times before, but for clarity’s sake: Southern hospitality and hefty portions will always trump white tablecloths and waiters dressed to the nines. It’s those precise reasons why hole-in-the-wall restaurants are our favorites, and lucky for us, Texas is chock-full of them. Here are some of our favorite secret restaurants in Texas. These eateries serve meals that satiate both body and mind.

1. Butter Churn (Aransas Pass)
Google/Butter Churn
Google/Butter Churn
With two locations in South Texas, Butter Churn is committed to spreading the joy of down-home cooking far and wide. It's all-you-can-eat, featuring a different entree every week. Crowd favorites include sirloin steak, liver and onions, pork chops, and the 40-item salad bar. Address: 1275 South Bypass 35, Aransas Pass, TX 78336. To learn more, visit their website here.
2. Joe's Barbecue Company (Alvin)
TripAdvisor/olegar31
Google/Brandon Briggs
The fine people behind Joe's have spent every bit of the past 37 years perfecting their craft. Eight gigantic pits filled with Texas hickory lay the foundation for Angus beef, smoked ribs, jalapeno sausage, ham, and chicken. Don't stuff yourself too silly, as the homemade peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream simply can't be passed up. There's also a breakfast buffet! Address: 1400 East Highway 6, Alvin, Texas 77512. To learn more, visit their website here.
3. The Ridge Marketplace (Kerrville)
Google/Ted Rodriguez
Google/Zomato.com
This charming cafe is part of The Ridge Marketplace, a shopping center that also features a bakery and enchanting fairy garden. From chicken-fried steak to fluffy buttermilk pancakes, everything is made from scratch with fresh, local ingredients. Young ones love the kids' menu, and live bands perform regularly. Address: 13439 South Ranch Road 783, Kerrville, TX 78028. To learn more, visit their website here.
4. The Jay Cafe (Needville)
Google/Glenn Sharp
Google/Travis McIntire
Checkered tablecloths and blue plate specials keep the traditions of old-fashioned American diners alive. Everything is cooked to perfection, especially the chicken-fried steak: just crispy enough on the outside so as not to ruin the juicy, tender meat. Pair it with a loaded baked potato, and you'll leave the table nothing less than pleasantly stuffed. Good thing we all have a separate stomach for dessert because the coconut cream pie is absolutely unreal. Address: 16634 TX-36, Needville, TX 77461. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
5. Cupp's Drive Inn (Waco)
Google/Randy Cupps
Google/Stephen E.
Since 1947, this family-owned haunt has been a neighborhood institution. Hand-cut fries, juicy burgers with all the toppings, and the sincerest service around throw it back to the 1950s. Grab a seat at the counter and watch your meal being prepared from start to finish. Address: 1424 Speight Avenue, Waco, TX 76706. To learn more, visit their website here.

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6. OldWest Cafe (Sanger)
Google/John Blackwell
Google/Brandon Benitez
Something of a surprise, OldWest Cafe looks a lot fancier on the outside than it actually is. We mean that in the best way possible - cowboy decor and a saloon-like feel create an ambiance every Texan is sure to enjoy. Hefty portions of Southern classics are just the type of fuel we like to put in our tanks. Address: 2420 South Interstate 35, Denton, TX 76210. To learn more, visit their website here.
7. Liberty Cafe (Freer)
Google/Alfredo Garcia Jr.
Google/Baldomero Puig IV
If you're looking for white tablecloths and classical music playing in the background, keep driving. On the contrary, stop at Liberty Cafe for great food and friendly, yet no-frills service. Portions fit for a giant are sure to satisfy any craving, and they've been open long enough that quality is second-nature. Get the Carl Walker plate, which is basically loaded Tex-Mex cheese fries, and your life will be forever changed. Address: 420 Carolyn Street, Freer, TX 78357. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
8. Pete's Cafe (Farmers Branch)
Google/Mike Stanley
Google/Brian Garrett
Pete's is a perfect example of why hole-in-the-wall restaurants will always be our favorites here in Texas. Breakfast platters, chicken-fried steak, pecan waffles, and so much more are mouthwatering every time. A cozy, family-friendly atmosphere and phenomenal service are just icing on the cake. Address: 3610 Belt Line Road, Farmers Branch, TX 75234. To learn more, visit their website here.
9. The Prickly Pear (Cleburne)
TripAdvisor/btomatoe
Google/Lisa Petersen
Editor's note: This restaurant has closed.

Long lines are something of a regular occurrence here at The Prickly Pear, but that's a great sign - especially for small-town Texas. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, which includes staple entrees like meatloaf and delicacies such as calf fries. The relaxed atmosphere and attentive service seal the deal, promising an unforgettable dining experience all around. Address: 4103 TX-174, Cleburne, TX 76031. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
10. The Kenney Store (Kenney)
Google/Shane Smith
Google/Miranda Huber
More than just a restaurant, The Kenney Store is a place for families and friends to gather and have a good time - the great food is just a perk. You could spend ages sifting through the extensive menu, with everything from deli items to juicy steaks and gourmet mac and cheese. Enjoy live music by local artists on select nights, and don't you dare leave without a slice of pecan pie. Address: 811 South Loop 497, Kenney, TX 77452. To learn more, visit their website here.

Have you been to any of these secret restaurants in Texas? Did we miss your favorite spot? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Or, nominate your favorite attractions for a chance to be featured.

For more small-town eateries, check out our previous article: Delicious Mom & Pop Restaurants In Texas That Serve Home Cooked Meals To Die For.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

secret restaurants in Texas

Elisa Regulski | June 28, 2020

What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Texas?

There are so many wonderful hidden gem restaurants in Texas. If you find yourself in our capital city, check out these delicious underrated eateries in Austin. Hungry for more scrumptious home-cooked meals? Then you need to chow down at these 8 humble country restaurants in Texas. There’s no shortage of amazing places to get a magnificent meal.

What are the most famous restaurants in Texas?

While we love the unassuming restaurants in Texas, there’s no denying the appeal of our state’s most famous places. Franklin BBQ, located in Austin, is no exception. Yes, people wait in line for hours just to try their scrumptious ribs and brisket, but it’s so worth it. The Big Texan, located in Amarillo, is another must-visit restaurant in the Lone Star State. Stuff your face full of juicy steak and buttery biscuits at this iconic eatery known for their epic eating contest.

What kind of food is Texas known for?

Texas is known for a wide variety of delicious cuisine. Most folks think about BBQ immediately. We’re known for smoking a mean brisket and beef rib. Of course, Texas is also known for its delicious Tex Mex restaurants. If you head to Houston, you’ll also find some authentic Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese eateries.

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Featured Addresses
1275 Hwy 35 Bypass, Aransas Pass, TX 78336, USA
Alvin, TX, USA
13439 S Ranch Rd 783, Kerrville, TX 78028, USA
16634 TX-36, Needville, TX 77461, USA
503 FM 359 Rd, 118, Richmond, TX 77406, USA
1424 Speight Ave, Waco, TX 76706, USA
2420 S Interstate 35 E, Denton, TX 76210, USA
420 Carolyn St, Freer, TX 78357, USA
3610 Belt Line Rd, Farmers Branch, TX 75234, USA
4103 TX-174, Cleburne, TX 76031, USA
811 S Loop 497, Kenney, TX 77452, USA