We think we can all agree that the best restaurants are those with a story. The ones where you can feel the weight of decades of memories the second you step through the door. We’re very lucky to have a plethora of these such restaurants in the Lone Star State. Unfortunately, we can’t list them all, but these 11 historic restaurants in Texas are particularly distinctive in terms of character and food. They’re all extremely delicious and deserve a visit if you’re ever in the area.

1. Stagecoach Inn Restaurant (Salado)
Yelp/Spicy M.
Yelp/Phillip B.
This inn was a stopping point on the Chisolm Trail for travelers on horseback over a century ago, and its adjoining restaurant is one of the the oldest eateries in Texas. The rustic frontier architecture will take you back to olden days - not to mention the food is delicious. To learn more, visit their website here.
2. Mary's Cafe (Strawn)
Yelp/Glenn S.
Yelp/Traci D.
Mary's has been serving up some of the best chicken-fried steak in Texas for decades. People come to the little town of Strawn from all over the state to get a taste of real down-home cookin' where love is one of the main ingredients. To learn more, click here.
3. OST Restaurant (Bandera)
Yelp/Alan B.
Yelp/Chris A.
Bandera is the self-proclaimed "Cowboy Capital of the World," and this restaurant definitely corroborates that. OST is short for "Old Spanish Trail," a proposed tourist route across the Southern U.S. Although that plan never exactly panned out, the restaurant, with its bar stools shaped like saddles and other Old West decorations, still draws plenty of hungry Texans every day. Click here to learn more.
4. Jefferson General Store (Jefferson)
Yelp/Jon K.
Yelp/Joanna J.
Jefferson is one of the most historic towns in Texas, so it makes sense that it would have old-fashioned general stores that have played a big part in the rich history. Complete with a soda fountain and every type of candy from your childhood, this store takes nostalgia to a whole new level. To learn more, visit their website here.
5. Midpoint Cafe (Adrian)
Yelp/Trina V.
Yelp/Trixie N.
Located smack-dab midway between Los Angeles and Chicago, this diner is supposedly the oldest restaurant on the Texas stretch of Route 66. Travelers praise it for its delicious hamburgers and homemade pies. To learn more, click here.
6. Gaidos (Galveston)
Yelp/Paul D.

Related Stories

These 9 Old Restaurants In Texas Have Stood The Test Of Time

These 9 Old Restaurants In Texas Have Stood The Test Of Time

 The 10 Longest-Standing Restaurants In Texas Have Served Mouthwatering Meals For Decades

The 10 Longest-Standing Restaurants In Texas Have Served Mouthwatering Meals For Decades

 The Oldest Restaurant In Texas, Scholz Garten, Has A Truly Incredible History

The Oldest Restaurant In Texas, Scholz Garten, Has A Truly Incredible History
Yelp/Vanina L.
This seaside inn has been serving up some of the freshest seafood in Texas since 1911. It has been through two major hurricanes that ravaged the Gulf Coast, but that didn't deter it one bit. Some of the waiters have been with the restaurant long enough to see both of the tragedies through and form relationships with the locals who frequent the establishment. It truly is an amazing place. To learn more, visit their website here.
7. Black's Barbecue (Lockhart)
Yelp/Susan P.
Yelp/Wayne N.
Black's has been serving up arguably the best smoked meats in Texas since 1932, making it one of the oldest BBQ restaurants in the state. It's literally become a part of our state's history since so many people's paths have crossed with it over the years. Click here to learn more.
8. La King's Confectionery (Galveston)
Yelp/Marc C.
Yelp/Marjorie S.
La King's is definitely a blast from the past. You can watch the workers hand-spin salt water taffy in their old-fashioned uniforms and eat a cone full of Purity ice cream, Texas' first ice cream manufacturer. Click here to learn more.
9. Mi Tierra (San Antonio)
Yelp/Dinah M.
Yelp/Tracy E.
We can't think of a better word to describe Mi Tierra than iconic. It's been around since 1941 and evolved from a three-table cafe for early-rising farmers and Mercado workers to a world renowned attraction for both tourists and locals. You absolutely can't leave without trying one of the delicious authentic pastries in the dessert case. To learn more, visit their website here.
10. Blue Bonnet Cafe (Marble Falls)
Yelp/Shayda T.
Yelp/Lorin H.
This diner has been serving up some the best pies, breakfast, and down-home cooking in Texas since 1929. It's won awards ranging from best restaurant to best service in the state, which isn't hard to agree with considering some of its employees have literally been around since day one. To learn more, visit their website here.
11. Southside Market & Barbecue (Elgin)
Yelp/Dan B.
Yelp/Dan B.
Southside has been around since 1882. That's less than 40 years after Texas became a state! This restaurant has literally grown up with our state, and Lord knows the chefs have had ample time to perfect their craft. Click here to learn more.

Have you eaten at any of these historic restaurants in Texas? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another incredible eatery in the Lone Star State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

If you’re looking for another eatery that’s loaded with local history, check out the oldest drive-thru restaurant in Texas.

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

More to Explore

historic restaurants in Texas

Elisa Regulski | July 10, 2020

What is the oldest restaurant in Texas?

Established in 1866, Scholz Garten is the oldest restaurant in Texas. This historic beer garden and German eatery was once a popular watering hole for General Custer! Today, it’s a vibrant destination for UT football parties, live music, and date nights. This is one place every Texan should experience at least once.

What are some classic Texas restaurants I should visit?

Texans love a delicious meal, and we tend to stay loyal to our favorite places. Among the most classic restaurants in Texas is the beloved Ninfa’s in Houston. This Tex Mex eatery is full of all the things we adore: rich queso, flavorful tacos, and tangy margaritas. It’s easy to see why Houstonians can’t get enough of this place. The Salt Lick, located in Driftwood, is another well-known eatery in the Lone Star State. This BBQ joint is known for its epic ribs, brisket, and turkey. On a nice day, nothing beats resting outside under one of the magnificent oak trees.

What are the most famous restaurants in Texas?

Franklin Barbecue, located in Austin, is one of the most famous restaurants in Texas. This place is so beloved, in fact, people wait in line for hours just to get a taste! After you try their perfect smoky brisket, you’ll understand why. No place does it quite like Franklin.

Related Articles

Explore Texas

Featured Addresses
416 S Main St, Salado, TX 76571, USA
Mary's Cafe, 119 Grant Ave, Strawn, TX 76475, USA
O.S.T. Restaurant, 311 Main St, Bandera, TX 78003, USA
Jefferson General Store, 113 E Austin St, Jefferson, TX 75657, USA
305 W Historic Rte 66, Adrian, TX 79001, USA
Gaido's, 3828 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Black's Barbecue Lockhart, 215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644, USA
La King's Confectionery, 2323 The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia, 218 Produce Row, San Antonio, TX 78207, USA
Blue Bonnet Cafe, 211 US-281, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
1212 US-290, Elgin, TX 78621, USA