We Texans know that local, non-chain restaurants are the best restaurants by far. A homey ambiance, rich history, and most importantly, delicious home-cooked food, are the key elements that take your dining experience to the next level and have you coming back for more. These 8 old fashioned restaurants in Texas serve up heaping plates of nostalgia and will have you walking down memory lane as soon as you step inside.

1. Norma's Cafe (Dallas)
Yelp/Don G.
Yelp/Norma's Cafe
Yelp/Norma's Cafe
Norma's is an old-fashioned, classic diner that will have you longing for the simple days of sock hops and drive-in movies. Reminisce on your childhood with a delicious burger, fountain soda, and (of course) a slice of Mile High Pie at 1123 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208. To learn more, visit the website for Norma's Cafe in Dallas.
2. Rudi Lechner's (Houston)
Yelp/Ken H.
Flickr/leonland
This authentic German restaurant will put you in a time machine straight back to the Old World. It looks like a charming little cottage in the woods, and the waitresses are dressed like wenches to take you on a cultural journey that's as authentic as possible. Even if you're a picky eater, I guarantee you'll find something on the menu that you like. Hungarian goulash, Wienerschnitzel, beef stroganoff...the list goes on, not to mention the robust beer and wine selections. Rudi Lechner's is located at 2503 S Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77063. To learn more, visit the website for Rudi Lechner's in Houston.
3. Keller's Drive-In (Dallas)
Yelp/Knox K.
Yelp/Amy D.
This list wouldn't have been complete without one of the most iconic drive-ins in Texas. Keller's has been serving up delicious, classic hamburgers for over 50 years and doesn't plan on stopping any time soon. On a Friday night when motorcycle gangs stop in for dinner and carhops hurriedly take orders, you'll swear you're back in the 50s. Head to 6537 E Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75231 to experience the nostalgia firsthand. For more information, check out the Facebook page for Keller's Drive-In.
4. Pickett House (Woodville)
Yelp/Amanda S.

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Yelp/Amanda S.
This restaurant will remind you of Sunday dinners at grandma's like no place you've ever been to. The food is served family-style and is all-you-can-eat, so huge bowls of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, chicken and dumplings, rolls, and more will be brought out until you're absolutely stuffed. Pickett House is located at 195 PR 6000, Woodville, TX 75979. Check out the website for Pickett House Restaurant to learn more.
5. Lankford Grocery (Houston)
Yelp/Gilbertson T.
Yelp/Joe R.
Lankford Grocery is a long time burger joint that claims to serve the best burger in Houston. Some of the menu items are creative and complex while others, like this simple double cheeseburger, are classics executed perfectly. Head on down to 88 Dennis St, Houston, TX 77006 to experience the deliciousness for yourself. Visit the Lankford Grocery Facebook page to learn more.
6. Dolli's Diner (Nacogdoches)
Yelp/Catriona R.
dollisdiner.com
Dolli's is another old-fashioned diner in the college town of Nacogdoches. The entire city is seemingly frozen in time, and this restaurant, located at 116 S. Pecan Street, Nacogdoches, TX 75961, is no exception. Check out the Dolli's Diner menu to learn more.
7. Candy's Old Fashion (San Antonio)
Yelp/Alan B.
Yelp/Rob R.
This retro joint is definitely dated, but that's exactly what we're going for here. You won't be quite sure what era you're in when you eat here, but one thing's for sure - the food is irresistible. Candy's can be found at 115 S Flores St, San Antonio, TX 78204. It's a must-try, y'all. Visit the website for Candy's Old Fashion to learn more.
8. Amish Market (Fredericksburg)
Facebook/amishtexas
Facebook/amishtexas
Did you know Texas has an Amish community? I didn't either, but sure enough, there's a small one in the quaint town of Fredericksburg. You can visit their market at 139 East Main Street, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 to stock up on some interesting goodies and feel like you've stumbled into a rural, old-timey Ohio town. To learn more, visit the website for Amish Market in Fredericksburg.

Have you been to any of these old fashioned restaurants in Texas? Which one is your favorite? What are some other nostalgia-inducing restaurants in Texas that serve delicious food?

For more amazing small-town restaurants in Texas, check out our previous article: The Best 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

old fashioned restaurants in Texas

Elisa Regulski | October 04, 2020

What are the best nostalgic restaurants in Texas?

Take a step back in time and dine at one of Texas’s nostalgic eateries. For some delicious fun, visit Yesterday’s 50s Diner in Bridgeport. The neon signs, checkered floorboards, and vinyl booths will make you feel like you entered a retro movie set. Plus, their food is incredible. Their breakfast platters are enormous, and their desserts are decadent. For more old fashioned eats, visit Pig Stand in San Antonio. As the first drive-thru restaurant in Texas, this establishment has a long and rich history. People still line up around the corner for their mouthwatering food. After your first bite into their juicy burgers, you’ll understand what the hype is all about. Stop by and experience the magic first-hand! You won’t regret it.

Where can I find the best comfort food in Texas?

Here in the Lone Star State, we love some tasty comfort food. And you can’t do much better than the epic eats from Hoover’s Cooking in Austin. This beloved local business serves some of the best BBQ, chicken fried steak, and mac and cheese in the state. No matter what you’re craving, chances are you’ll find it here. Of course, this is just the beginning of what Texas has to offer. If you need more ideas, check out our list of the best small town family kitchens in Texas.

What are the best small town restaurants in Texas?

You’ll find so many excellent eats in Texas’s small towns. For some mouthwatering BBQ, head to the town of Pecos and indulge at Pody's. Their smoked brisket and pulled pork will make your taste buds dance for joy. For some finger-licking fried food, visit Big Pines Lodge in Karnack. You can’t go wrong with their scrumptious catfish dinners. Need more ideas? Check out our list of the best small town restaurants in Texas.

What are the best Mexican restaurants in Texas?

There is no shortage of amazing Mexican food in Texas. Whether you’re looking for Tex Mex or something authentic, you have loads of options. Matt’s El Rancho, located in Austin, is heralded as one of the best places to get Tex Mex in Texas. As soon as you walk in, the smell of freshly fried tortillas will greet you. Dunk their homemade chips into their spicy salsa, and you’ll be in foodie heaven. If it’s authentic eats you’re after, head to the nearby town of Manchaca. Here, you’ll find a little hole in the wall called Mi Ranchito. Their tamales are to-die-for, but you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu.

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Featured Addresses
1123 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208, USA
Rudi Lechner's Restaurant, 2503 S Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77063, USA
Keller's Drive-In, 10554 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75220, USA
Pickett House, 157 Private Rd 6000, Woodville, TX 75979, USA
Lankford's Grocery & Market, 88 Dennis St, Houston, TX 77006, USA
Dolli's Diner, 116 S Pecan St, Nacogdoches, TX 75961, USA
115 S Flores St, San Antonio, TX 78204, USA
408 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA