Howdy, Texas Patriots!

Got that road trip itch? Scratch it, y'all!

I've got some red-state, meat-lovin', patriotic pit stops for ya. None of that liberal, big-city nonsense. Let's dive right in!

The Lowdown

BBQ to High Cuisine: Real Texans spill the beans on where to chow down

Listen up, 'cause we all know that road trips are just excuses to eat like a king. Museums? Who cares! Let's talk food.

In honor of the upcoming fifth anniversary of this here "Think Texas" column, let's look back at some of the best grub we've found around the Lone Star State.

West Texas Wonders

Lubbock: Smack dab in the middle of God's country, Lubbock's got some serious eats. Here's what we dug up:

• The Nicolett: This ain't your typical steakhouse. Fancy chef Finn Walter's been everywhere from Paris to Santa Fe, and his menu's got stuff like magret duck breast and lamb neck brisket. Fancy, but damn good. (511 Broadway)
• Evie Mae's BBQ: There's BBQ, and then there's Evie Mae's. This is the real deal, folks. Don't forget the white bread! (217 U.S. 62, Wolfforth)
• The West Table: Big, loud, and proud, The West Table's got a daily changin' menu with stuff like beef, lamb, fish, and duck. Grab a stiff drink and enjoy. (1204 Broadway)
• Rain Cafe: Sometimes you just need a good ol' diner. Rain Cafe's the perfect spot, with friendly service and comfort food all day long. (2708 50th St.)

San Angelo: This West Texas gem's got some surprises up its sleeve:

• House of Fifi Dubois: Best nightclub in years, hands down. Everyone's welcome here – young, old, gay, straight, Black, white, Hispanic. They don't care, as long as you're havin' a good time. (23 S. Chadbourne St.)
• Chicken Farm Art Center: Weird, wacky, and wonderfully Texan. This folk art explosion's got a charm all its own, plus a cute cafe out back. (2505 Martin Luther King Drive)

East Texas Treasures

Nacogdoches: This historic town's got some serious Southern charm – and seriously good food:

• 1st City Cafe: Kick off your foodie pilgrimage at the Fredonia Hotel. Grab a shrimp po' boy or some pimento cheese – you can't go wrong. (200 N. Fredonia St.)
• Clear Springs: Catfish, onion rings, and all the Louisiana fixin's you could want. This place is country casual roadside dining at its finest. (211 Old Tyler Road)
• Dolli's Diner: Every town needs a diner like Dolli's. Chicken-fried steak and cream gravy – 'nuff said. (116 S. Pecan St.)
• Roma's Italian Kitchen: Albanian-owned Italian goodness. Cannelloni, red wine, and a stormy night? Yes, please. (124 E. Main St.)

But Wait, There's More!

Check out the rest of the column for more road trip grub, hometown histories, and Texas fun facts. Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter while you're at it!

Stay hungry, stay patriotic,

Your favorite right-wing, gun-totin', meat-eatin' journalist

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