Texas Road Trip Guide: Uncovering Hidden Gems for Food and Drink

Texas history buffs: get ready for your next adventure. This curated guide highlights some of the best eateries and drinkeries across the state, often overlooked by major media outlets.

Previous Columns:

• Lubbock: From upscale to diners, here's where to eat and drink
• Waco: Where the locals say to eat and drink
• Corpus Christi: 10 reasons why it's the most promising city in Texas
• Nacogdoches: Shared spaces: 10 places (or more) where locals eat and drink
• San Angelo: On the West Texas road again: 10 must-see spots to visit
• Stephenville: What makes it a 'Cowboy Capital of the World'
• San Antonio: Do visit the Pearl District, a jewel among the city's tourist sites
• Look in your own backyard for unexpected, authentic Texas

The Column

Barbecue to High Cookery: Texans Share Places to Eat and Drink

To celebrate the upcoming fifth anniversary of the "Think Texas" column and newsletter, let's review some culinary highlights from recent road trips.

West Texas

Lubbock

• The Nicolett: A fine-dining experience at 511 Broadway. Chef Finn Walter offers innovative dishes like lamb neck brisket with peppercorns and lavender.
• Evie Mae's BBQ: Authentic Texas barbecue at 217 U.S. 62, Wolfforth.
• The West Table: Large and lively with attentive bar service at 1204 Broadway.
• Rain Cafe: A classic American diner at 2708 50th St. with brisk, cheerful service.

San Angelo

• House of Fifi Dubois: A welcoming nightclub at 23 S. Chadbourne St. with a diverse crowd.
• Chicken Farm Art Center: A folk art complex with a charming café at 2505 Martin Luther King Drive.

East Texas

Nacogdoches

• 1st City Cafe: Located in the Fredonia Hotel, 200 N. Fredonia St., offering impeccable service and regional cuisine.
• Clear Springs: "Country casual" restaurant with roadside decor at 211 Old Tyler Road, known for its catfish and onion rings.
• Dolli's Diner: Classic diner with updated offerings at 116 S. Pecan St.
• Roma's Italian Kitchen: Renovated brick building at 124 E. Main St. offering warming Italian fare.

READ MORE OF THIS COLUMN ABOUT ROAD TRIP GRUB

Hometown Histories

This week's theme: Texas food.

• Abilene: 'Very emotional': Texas Cowboy BBQ owners talk about 'Restaurant: Impossible' makeover
• Amarillo: The Big Texan Dream: Revamp east side with entertainment village
• Austin: Michelin Guide is coming to Texas. Why it's important for restaurants in Lone Star State.
• Corpus Christi: How many nationalities, ethnicities are represented in Corpus Christi's restaurant scene?
• El Paso: Which restaurants are the most booked in El Paso?
• Lubbock: Top twelve historic Lubbock eateries, Part One
• San Angelo: San Angelo's longest-running restaurants
• Wichita Falls: Where to satisfy an appetite for good food in downtown Wichita Falls

Texas Fun Facts

Famous Hollywood designer born in Waco

Travis Banton, born in Waco on Aug. 18, 1894, became a renowned costume designer, dressing stars like Marlene Dietrich and Carole Lombard.

READ MORE TEXAS FACTS FROM THE TEXAS STATE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Sign Up for the Newsletter

Subscribe to the free weekly Think, Texas newsletter:

• Abilene: reporternews.com/newsletters
• Amarillo: amarillo.com/newsletters
• Austin: statesman.com/newsletters
• Corpus Christi: caller.com/newsletters
• El Paso: elpasotimes.com/newsletters
• Lubbock: lubbockonline.com/newsletters
• San Angelo: gosanangelo.com/newsletters
• Wichita Falls: timesrecordnews.com/newsletters

Happy Trails,

Michael Barnes, Columnist
Think, Texas and Austin American-Statesman, USA Today Network