Chips and queso, smoky brisket, kolaches — these are just some of the best meals in Texas. We don’t know how you consider yourself a Texan if you haven’t had all of these foods at least once. Here are 14 dishes you HAVE to eat in Texas before you die. It’s just not optional.

1. Barbecue
Flickr/wallyg
We can't think of one food more iconic to Texas than juicy, fall-off-the-bone tender beef. The photo above features the famous BBQ pit from The Salt Lick Barbecue in Driftwood. It doesn't get much more heavenly than this.
2. Burgers
Flickr/tosmura
As if you needed an excuse to grab a good ol' burger in the first place (you don't), but they taste better in Texas since we invented them. Trust us, it's science.
3. Sweet tea
Flickr/saucesupreme
If you live in Texas and sweet tea has never passed your lips - honey, we are so sorry. And your grandma needs a stern reprimand.
4. Blue Bell
Flickr/criminalintent
Yeah, it's that good. So delicious, in fact, that we nearly lost our minds when they flew off the shelves for a few months. We'll never take this creamy sweet treat for granted ever again.
5. Queso
Flickr/mnicolem
Because Mexican food just wouldn't be the same without liquefied cheese.
6. Tex Mex
Flickr/magtravels
Thank God for Tex-Mex, because sometimes we want a vehicle other than tortilla chips for shoving the melty goodness into our mouths as fast as possible.
7. Dr Pepper
Flickr/cyclonebill
Okay, this isn't a "dish" per se, but c'mon...where would our lives be without Dr Pepper? This wonderful beverage was invented in Waco, Texas. The next time you're in the area, pop by the Dr Pepper museum and enjoy a refreshing glass of your favorite soda. It just seems to taste better in the city where it was born.

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8. Chili
Flickr/jamiepatra
As long as it doesn't have beans, we can still be friends.
9. Chicken fried steak
Flickr/davehensley
Ain't nothin' wrong with being a meat and potatoes kind of person.
10. Kolaches
Flickr/chunkysalsa
If you've never had an authentic kolache from West, Texas, you're seriously missing out. Whether you like things sweet or savory, there's a kolache that'll knock your socks off.
11. Fair food
Flickr/wwny
The Texas State Fair is known for their creative fried concoctions. From fried beer to the classic funnel cake, we can't get enough of these indulgent eats.
12. Breakfast tacos
Flickr/James
Because is there anything better than Mexican food and breakfast food? We think not.
13. Pecan pie
Flickr/montage_man
Setting: grandma's kitchen on Christmas morning. Pecan pie is one of those foods that's laced with nostalgia in every bite.
14. Whataburger
Flickr/qnr
So maybe this isn't a specific dish...but it's Whataburger, so I think we can look past that small detail.

Of the best meals in Texas, which one is your favorite? What other dishes are obligatory when you live in the Lone Star State? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know a hidden gem eatery in this great state, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

Craving some classic Texas eats? Check out our previous article: These 12 Barbecue Joints In Texas Will Leave You Begging For More.

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

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best meals in Texas

Elisa Regulski | July 08, 2020

What are the most famous restaurants in Texas?

The Salt Lick Barbecue, located in Driftwood, is one of the most famous restaurants in Texas. From the epic BBQ pit to the gorgeous hill country setting, this destination is full of Texas charm. The Big Texan, located in Amarillo, is another well-known eatery in the Lone Star State. This place has everything Texans love - giant portions of meat, friendly service, and an eating competition that’s known all across the land.

What kind of food is Texas known for?

Texas is known for a wide variety of food. Our BBQ is sheer perfection. Our Tex Mex is full of flavor. We also have regions full of German influences and small towns bursting with Czech bakeries. This state really is the melting pot of scrumptious flavors.

What are the best things about living in Texas?

There are so many wonderful things about living in Texas, we could write an entire novel about it. Our landscape is gorgeous and diverse. Our restaurants are superb, and nothing can knock down our state pride.

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