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Top 10 Most Famous Restaurants in Texas (Currently Open)

Introduction

Everything is bigger in Texas—including its culinary fame. From slow-smoked BBQ joints to iconic Tex-Mex cantinas, the Lone Star State is home to some of the most legendary dining establishments in the country. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a road-tripping foodie, these ten famous restaurants are must-visit destinations that define the spirit and flavor of Texas.

This curated guide highlights the Top 10 most famous restaurants in Texas that are currently open, offering you a bite-by-bite roadmap of where to eat next. These are not just places to grab a meal—they’re living, breathing pieces of Texas culinary history.

How We Chose These Restaurants

To ensure the list is accurate and helpful for 2025 visitors, all restaurants were selected based on the following:

  • Confirmed open status as of mid-2025

  • Statewide or national recognition

  • Long-standing reputation or cultural importance

  • Popularity among both locals and travelers

  • Consistently high-quality food and memorable experiences

Each of these destinations offers something unique, but they all share one thing in common: they’re famous, iconic, and absolutely worth the trip.

1. Franklin Barbecue (Austin)

Address: 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX
Famous For: Brisket, long lines, cult status

If there’s one name synonymous with Texas BBQ, it’s Franklin Barbecue. Lauded by Anthony Bourdain and every major food magazine in existence, this unassuming joint in East Austin delivers what many consider the best brisket in the world.

Expect to wait in line—sometimes for hours—but every juicy bite of brisket, pulled pork, or sausage makes it worthwhile. Franklin is not just a meal; it’s a rite of passage for BBQ lovers.

Pro Tip: Arrive early and bring a chair. They often sell out before 2 PM.

2. Louie Mueller Barbecue (Taylor)

Address: 206 W 2nd St, Taylor, TX
Famous For: Beef ribs, rustic smokehouse charm

Louie Mueller Barbecue is a smoke-filled time machine. Established in 1949, this legendary spot has remained true to its roots, still serving thick-cut beef ribs, peppery brisket, and sausage links in a smoky, no-frills setting.

Named an “America’s Classic” by the James Beard Foundation, this is where BBQ purists come to worship.

Pro Tip: Try the beef rib—it’s massive, tender, and unforgettable.

3. Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que (Llano)

Address: 604 W Young St, Llano, TX
Famous For: The Big Chop, choose-your-meat pit style

This small-town legend has expanded statewide, but the original Llano location is the one you want. Cooper’s is famous for its “Big Chop” pork chop, but their pit-style service lets you choose from an array of meats straight off the fire.

Enjoy your feast at communal picnic tables for a true Hill Country experience.

Pro Tip: Save room for their homemade cobbler—it’s a Texas staple.

4. The Salt Lick BBQ (Driftwood & Austin Airport)

Address: 18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX
Famous For: Open pit, family-style meals, Hill Country vibes

Surrounded by vineyards and live oaks, The Salt Lick feels like a BBQ oasis. The open pit is the star here, smoking ribs, brisket, and sausages in view of every diner.

Family-style dining is popular here, offering all-you-can-eat plates that make it perfect for groups. You can even BYOB!

Pro Tip: Bring a cooler of your favorite beverages and enjoy the patio.

5. El Chico (Multiple Locations)

Famous For: Tex-Mex pioneer, sopapillas, enchiladas

Born in 1940, El Chico helped define Tex-Mex as we know it. From the invention of the combo plate to introducing sopapillas to American diners, this brand left a permanent mark on Texas dining.

Today, multiple locations are still operating, serving up hot plates of enchiladas, tacos, and fajitas with that nostalgic, comforting feel.

Pro Tip: Order the classic #2 combo and end with piping-hot sopapillas.

6. Rosa’s Café (Statewide)

Famous For: Fast-casual Tex-Mex, tortillas made on-site

Founded in San Angelo in 1983, Rosa’s Café blends speed with authenticity. Known for its fresh, house-made tortillas, Rosa’s offers a more casual way to enjoy Texas staples like fajitas, nachos, and breakfast tacos.

With over 50 locations, it’s a convenient and consistent favorite for travelers.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip “Taco Tuesday” for unbeatable value.

7. Smitty’s Market (Lockhart)

Address: 208 S Commerce St, Lockhart, TX
Famous For: Historic setting, direct pit-to-plate service

Lockhart is known as the BBQ Capital of Texas, and Smitty’s is a big reason why. Operating out of a former courthouse, this family-run restaurant keeps it old-school. You’ll walk through smoke-filled hallways right past the pits to get your food.

No sauce, no forks—just meat, butcher paper, and Texas pride.

Pro Tip: The sausage and pork ribs are absolute standouts.

8. Pecan Lodge (Dallas)

Address: 2702 Main St, Dallas, TX
Famous For: Modern BBQ, brisket, “The Hot Mess” potato

Located in the Deep Ellum district, Pecan Lodge brings a modern twist to Texas BBQ without losing authenticity. Their brisket is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and their “Hot Mess” loaded sweet potato is Instagram-worthy and flavor-packed.

This is the go-to spot for BBQ in North Texas.

Pro Tip: Lines can be long—go mid-week or order from the express line.

9. Burnt Bean Co. (Seguin)

Address: 108 S Austin St, Seguin, TX
Famous For: Michelin Bib Gourmand, Tejano influence

This modern BBQ upstart has quickly earned national attention, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod and a spot on Esquire’s Best Restaurants list. Run by a pair of former fine-dining chefs, Burnt Bean fuses Tejano culture with traditional BBQ.

They’re only open Thursday to Sunday, but the brunch tacos, brisket, and rotating specials are worth planning for.

Pro Tip: Arrive early or preorder—it’s first come, first served.

10. Birdie’s (Austin)

Address: 2944 E 12th St, Austin, TX
Famous For: Prix fixe dinner, counter-service wine bar

Not your typical Texas spot, Birdie’s has redefined casual fine dining. With a changing prix-fixe seasonal menu, thoughtful wine pairings, and multiple James Beard nominations, Birdie’s is for visitors seeking a more refined experience with Texas roots.

Pro Tip: Walk-ins only—get there early to secure your seat.

 

Geographic Overview

  • Central Texas: Franklin, Louie Mueller, Cooper’s, Salt Lick, Burnt Bean, Birdie’s

  • North Texas: Pecan Lodge, Rosa’s Café, El Chico

  • South Texas / Border Region: Rosa’s Café

  • Hill Country: Smitty’s, Cooper’s, Salt Lick

Whether you’re flying into Austin, road-tripping through Llano, or stopping in Dallas, you’re never far from a legendary meal.

Visitor Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Food Tour

  • Arrive early: Especially for BBQ joints—some sell out by noon.

  • Check hours online: A few places (like Burnt Bean Co.) are only open on select days.

  • Come hungry: Portions are generous. Sharing is encouraged.

  • Create a route: Pair nearby restaurants for the ultimate foodie day-trip. Example: Salt Lick and Franklin in one day.

Conclusion: Ready to Eat Your Way Through Texas?

The Top 10 most famous restaurants in Texas offer more than just incredible food—they represent the heart, soul, and heritage of the Lone Star State. From brisket that melts like butter to Tex-Mex plates soaked in flavor, these culinary landmarks are open and ready to wow your taste buds in 2025.

So grab your fork, fire up your GPS, and get ready for a journey that’s as delicious as it is unforgettable. Whether you’re a BBQ loyalist, a Tex-Mex devotee, or a fine dining aficionado—Texas has a table waiting for you.