These historic restaurant’s reputations precede them.

History is a profound component of most Texas meals, but the stories that imbue these widely revered Lone Star State locales are particularly impressive. Check out each stop for its menu as much as its legacy.

Scholz Garten - Austin

Founded barely 20 years after Texas’ admittance into the Union, Scholz’s sizable beer garden has operated continuously since 1866, hosting thousands of visitors looking for good pints, good food and great conversations.

Czech Stop - West

Whether you’re searching for sweet or savory varieties, the Czech Stop in the small town of West has long been a regular detour for travelers craving kolaches from the bakery’s namesake home region. At the attached gas station, you can fill up your car after you fill up on fruit pies and sandwiches.

Neals Dining Room - Concan

Situated on the banks of the Frio River, the family-owned Neals Dining Room has provided classic, quality country cooking since 1926 for passers-by as well as visitors staying at the nearby rustic resort. Be sure to save room for the homemade biscuits and honey at the end of every meal.

Fossati’s Delicatessen - Victoria

What began as an Italian immigrant’s chili stand has evolved over the years to become the beloved delicatessen that just celebrated its 140th anniversary, purportedly making it the oldest in the state. The classic checkerboard tablecloths and mahogany wood bar give Fossati's an old-school ambience, anchored by classic sandwiches like the chicken salad melt.

Big Pines Lodge Restaurant & Waterin Hole - Karnack

Although a devastating fire unfortunately burned down its original building and accompanying historical memorabilia back in 2009, the rebuilt Big Pines Lodge located on Caddo Lake still possesses that same country charm—alongside some delicious catfish and ribeye steak platters.

Storm’s Drive-In Restaurant - Lampasas, Burnet and Hamilton

It doesn’t get much more classic than Storm’s Drive-In. With three locales to choose from, patrons (who at one time included Elvis) will have a tough time deciding between the catfish, country fried steak or hamburgers made from beef ground in-house. Regardless of your decision, be sure to get some of their freshly made french fries on the side.

Hutch’s Pie & Sandwich Shop - Weatherford

If you dole out over 3,000 fried pies every week, chances are you’re known to be pretty good at it. That’s certainly the case at Hutch’s, whose flaky, golden half-moon pastries stuffed with fillings made in-house have satisfied customers for over 85 years.