Each of these destination dining spots has earned a legitimate place in history for the legendary flavors that made Texas food famous.
Dallas
In 1953, the legendary retailer Neiman Marcus decided its original store in downtown Dallas needed a café to match its national reputation, The Zodiac Room. Their magical popovers — big, billowy savory pastries that you lavish with strawberry butter — are still served without charge, presented with a small cup of warm chicken consommé (broth). These are the perfect prelude to a lunch of mandarin orange soufflé with Neiman Marcus’ signature chicken salad with sliced almonds. For heartier dishes, try Stanley Marcus’ favorite pot roast or a crab tartine with Gruyère cheese, the latter transporting you to Paris. Bonus: Still on the sixth floor, The Zodiac also serves wine, beer, and cocktails. Stop by before catching a show at the historic Majestic Theater nearby.
Fort Worth
Opened as a grocery and meat market in 1946, Kincaid’s Hamburgers sits on the storied red brick stretch of Fort Worth just west of downtown. In the 1960s, the butcher began griddling burgers for neighborhood customers, and a star was born. In time, the groceries went away as these two-fisted lunchtime delights won praise from nationwide magazines and newspapers. Today, the original shop continues to satisfy customers with its half-pound patty of grass-fed Black Angus ground chuck, melted cheese, and all the toppings on a toasty bun. Their unique menu of sides includes deviled eggs, stuffed jalapenos, and fried okra. Be sure to order the old-school crinkle-cut fries, too. It’s the perfect meal to fuel a trip to the nearby Fort Worth Zoo, named one of the top zoos in the nation.
San Antonio
The soul of Tex-Mex resides in San Antonio, considered the birthplace of the iconic puffy taco. For the best, your destination is Henry’s Puffy Taco, in Woodlawn Hills, northwest of downtown. Though its roots date to the 1950s, this 1978 hangout remains the ultimate place to tuck into the corn masa delicacy that puffs up when deep-fried. Served hot, its crunchy, airy exterior gives way to a chewy interior of picadillo (ground beef) mingled with chopped lettuce and tomato and grated Cheddar cheese. And the city’s rich Hispanic heritage influences more than just its foodie favorites — visit during Hispanic Heritage Month to immerse yourself in San Antonio’s vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and colorful events.
Houston
The culinary offerings of Houston are vast, but when you narrow your focus to a purely Texan dish like fajitas, the only answer is Ninfa’s on Navigation. The casual and lively eatery was begun by the late Mama Ninfa Laurenzo and remains the state’s most renowned place for digging into a sizzling serving of fajitas. Originally called tacos al carbon, this Tex-Mex mainstay as well as their other signature dishes are served with a stack of warm flour tortillas, handcrafted moments before plating. Alternatively, there’s wood-oven roasted redfish, bacon-wrapped Gulf shrimp, grilled quail, and chicken enchiladas with mole poblano — all of which hit the spot. Try the hibiscus margarita, too.
Austin
Sitting right between the Texas State Capitol grounds and the University of Texas main campus, Austin’s Scholz Garden, remains one of the most popular gathering spots in the heart of Texas since German immigrant and war veteran August Scholz opened his doors in 1866. At any time of day, you can find folks of all ages digging into Bavarian pretzels (each one serves at least two people!), potato pancakes, jägerschnitzel, and inspired sausages like jalapeño-cheese venison and even a vegan Beyond Brat. Count on finding a great beer list, plenty of oompah music, and a rollicking beer garden, especially if University of Texas football’s Longhorns are playing at home.
Lockhart
The minute you hit Lockhart, a quick drive south of Austin, you see why it’s officially the “Barbecue Capital of Texas.” With its deep smokehouse heritage, the town offers enough BBQ joints to fill a weeklong visit. One with a legacy begun in 1900, Kreuz Market, operated in the center of town for 99 years; they’re still serving their staples like beef brisket and internationally famous sausages infused with traditional post oak wood smoke. Leave room for delectable sides that include poblano cream corn, mac and cheese, potato salad, slaw and beans.
Abilene
About 10 minutes south of Abilene, the tiny burgh of Buffalo Gap has been home to Perini Ranch Steakhouse since 1983. Tom and Lisa Perini built a humble country joint into a state legend with their phenomenal ribeye, strip, and chicken-fried steaks, exceptional wine list, and a patio you never want to leave. Featured on The Today Show, named one of Oprah’s favorite things, chosen as one of the top three steakhouses in Texas, and winner of the prestigious James Beard Award, Perini Ranch is known as the place to eat real Texas food. And when you need a Perini taste at home, order one of Tom’s sensational mesquite-smoked beef tenderloins.
