There’s something so special about eating at restaurants with rich histories — restaurants that started as improbable dreams and grew into thriving businesses. Most fail within the first three years, so the fact that so many in Texas have been around for nearly (or even over) a century is truly amazing. Dining at long-standing restaurants essentially ensures you’ll get quality food, service, and an overall enjoyable experience that will make you want to go back – and these 10 are no exception. Check out the oldest restaurants in Texas and take a step back in time.

1. Scholz Garten, 1866 (Austin)
Yelp/Sarah M.
Yelp/NIna H.
Of course we had to start the list off with not only the oldest restaurant in Texas, but the oldest operating business altogether. It was founded by a German immigrant/Civil War veteran who wanted a place for the German community of Austin to gather, enjoy traditional food and beer, and just feel a little more at home. Although it caters to all demographics now, you can still dine on delicious German food like this soft pretzel with different dipping sauces. They do serve good old American food for all you less adventurous people out there. Oh, and there's usually live bands playing outside, so you get dinner and a show at no extra cost! To learn more, visit the official website for Scholz Garten.
2. OST Restaurant, 1921 (Bandera)
Yelp/Alan B.
Yelp/Alan B.
O.S.T. stands for Old Spanish Trail, the route that used to run across the Southern U.S. to improve highway access. O.S.T. Restaurant is one of the few remaining restaurants along the route, and its unique atmosphere and delicious food draw large crowds on a daily basis. Sit in the "John Wayne Room" or pretend you're a cowboy by hopping on a saddle-topped bar stool complete with stirrups. Either way, you'll be taken back in time to the Old West as soon as you walk through the door. Visit the official website for OST Restaurant.
3. Gaido's (Galveston)
Yelp/Paul D.
Yelp/Lynn R.
More than just a restaurant, Gaido's is an iconic landmark. You know you're on the island when you see the big blue crab atop the roof from miles away. Since 1911, it's been serving some of the freshest, most flavorful seafood on the Gulf Coast, probably because everything is made from scratch. After withstanding two major hurricanes, we'd say Gaido's is determined to remain a permanent fixture on the seawall - you won't see us complaining about that because we've truly never had better seafood.
4. Lankford Grocery and Market, 1938 (Houston)
Yelp/Gilbertson T.
Yelp/Joe R.
Lankford opened in 1938 as a grocery store before evolving into a restaurant. Houstonians rave about the quality of the burgers they serve - you can tell after the first bite that skill and passion were put into them. Their menu offers several interesting options like a mac 'n cheese burger and guacamole burger, but if traditional is more your style, you can bet your bottom dollar they have that, too. Visit their official Facebook page for Lankford Grocery and Market to learn more.
5. Kincaid's Hamburgers, 1947 (Fort Worth)
Yelp/Dan H.
Yelp/Kincaid's Hamburgers
Like Lankford, Kincaid's was also a grocery store and meat market before becoming a burger joint in 1964. The business took off almost immediately, and now there are six locations serving up mouthwatering burgers with a side of an inspiring backstory (and fries, of course).

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6. Black's Barbecue, 1932 (Lockhart)
Yelp/Susan P.
Yelp/Reilly E.
You didn't think we'd leave out one of the oldest BBQ restaurant in Texas, did you? Black's is still run by the very same family that started the business nearly a century ago, and it's very evident that they've had years to work together and perfect their craft. Their meats are slow-smoked, tender, juicy, and extremely flavorful, and all the sides are immaculate as well. Eating at Black's BBQ is definitely an obligatory Texas experience, y'all.
7. Blue Bonnet Cafe, 1929 (Marble Falls)
Yelp/Shayda T.
yelp/cande Rosemary d.
This quaint Southern diner has been serving up home-cooked meals for decades. Some of the servers have been working there for 25+ years and have formed unique relationships with the regular customers. Their delicious pies are made from scratch daily and are sure to delight the taste buds of even the pickiest eaters. You simply have to visit The Blue Bonnet Cafe at least once.
8. Cattlemen's Steak House, 1947 (Fort Worth)
Yelp/Joe S.
Yelp/Julie Ann P.
Cattlemen's was established by a businessman who risked everything to fulfill his dream of owning a steak house. Luckily, that dream became a incredible reality - the restaurant, located in the Stockyards, has become internationally known for its prime steaks. They're juicy, bursting with flavor, and portioned for Texas-sized appetites. Don't miss an opportunity to eat here, y'all. To learn more about these epic meals, visit the official website for Cattlemen's Steak House in Fort Worth.
9. De Wese's Tip Top Cafe, 1938 (San Antonio)
Yelp/Stephen C.
Yelp/Robert C.
If you ever get tired of Mexican food in San Antonio and find yourself craving a good old fashioned Southern meal, De Wese's Tip Top Cafe is the place to go. Tender yet crispy chicken-fried steak, roast beef that cuts like butter, and some of the best onion rings you'll ever eat are just some of the menu options. Plus, the waitstaff has the Southern hospitality characteristic of these down-home kinds of restaurants. A meal here won't be a wasted one, that's for sure.
10. Southside Market & Barbecue, 1882 (Elgin)
Yelp/Dan B.
Yelp/Southside Market & Barbecue
The iconic Elgin sausage this restaurant dishes out is so popular because they've had 134 years to perfect it. It all started with the big dreams of a butcher, and it evolved into two thriving businesses (and several more menu items). Sure, the buildings have been renovated a few times and the menu has been updated to offer more variety, but the history and legendary sausage still remain. Learn more about this incredible restaurant by visiting Southside Market's website.

Have you been to any of the oldest restaurants in Texas? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another must-visit eatery in the Lone Star State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

If you need more delicious meals in your life, check out these mouthwatering restaurants in Texas.

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

More to Explore

oldest restaurants in Texas

Elisa Regulski | August 22, 2020

What is the oldest restaurant in Texas?

Scholz Garten, located in Austin, is the oldest restaurant in Texas. This beloved beer garden and German eatery has been around since 1866. It’s so historic, in fact, that General Custer used to hang out here! Today, it remains a fixture in Austin’s live music scene. On any given night, it’s not uncommon to see local bands playing on the twinkle-lit patio.

What are the best historic restaurants in Texas?

The Original Hoffbrau Steakhouse, located in Austin, is one of the most historic restaurants in Texas. This restaurant has been around since the days of prohibition! Today, visitors still flock to this unique diner to enjoy their classic steak dinners. Sure, their menu isn’t long and elaborate, but their dishes can’t be beat. Each steak dinner is served with a side salad and some tasty Texas toast. You’re certain to leave feeling full and happy.

What are the most iconic restaurants in Texas?

The Salt Lick, located in Driftwood, is one of the most iconic restaurants in Texas. This restaurant has been smoking delicious meats for decades. As soon as you step inside, you’ll notice their epic BBQ pit in the lobby. If that doesn’t whet your appetite, nothing will! On sunny days, nothing beats a scrumptious BBQ meal on their lovely patio. Ninfa’s, located in Houston, is another famous restaurant in the Lone Star State. People adore their wonderful Tex Mex dishes, and it’s easy to see why!

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Featured Addresses
Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701, USA
O.S.T. Restaurant, 311 Main St, Bandera, TX 78003, USA
Gaido's, 3828 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Lankford's Grocery & Market, 88 Dennis St, Houston, TX 77006, USA
4901 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
Black's Barbecue Lockhart, 215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644, USA
Blue Bonnet Cafe, 211 US-281, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
2458 N Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76164, USA
2814 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201, USA
Southside Market & Barbeque, 1212 US-290, Elgin, TX 78621, USA