The Gambler on the Road series is live! This time around, Michael’s on a trip to Texas, discovering the state’s most popular restaurants.
Landing in Texas, I felt a rush of excitement – not just for the journey but for the feast I was about to have. As a reporter with a penchant for bold flavors, Texas had long been on my radar, thanks to a college friend who swore by his state’s cuisine. He promised me flavors that were larger than life, just like the state itself.
My goal? To experience and share the diverse tastes of Texas, from its famous barbecue to its upscale dining spots. And let me tell you: I was not disappointed! I discovered some incredible spots that left a lasting impression, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
My favorite restaurants in Texas
- Wicked Butcher: My favorite steakhouse
- Little’s Oyster Bar: Upscale oyster bar, pricey but worth it
- Dai Due: Farm-to-table goodness
- Katami: Authentic Japanese flavors
- CorkScrew BBQ: Classic Texas BBQ, done right
- Goldee’s: The best Tex-Mex sandwiches
A closer look at these restaurants in Texas
While I’m not a professional food critic, my travels have taken me to countless restaurants across the globe, giving me a keen sense of truly exceptional dining spots.
Now, let’s dive into some of my favorite restaurants and the memorable dishes that have made my journey through Texas so delicious.
Wicked Butcher
Cuisine: American Steakhouse
Location: Main St, Dallas, TX
During my visit to Fort Worth, I dined at Wicked Butcher, located inside the iconic Sinclair Hotel. I chose the Beef Wellington, which was a culinary delight. The beef was tender, the pastry flaky, and the mushroom duxelles richly flavorful, making each bite a testament to the chef’s prowess. Accompanied by a ‘Garden Party’ cocktail, a refreshing blend of gin, cucumber, and lime, my meal was a perfect balance of innovation and tradition.
For any traveler exploring Texas, Wicked Butcher offers a unique dining experience that captures the true vibe of Fort Worth’s evolving culinary scene.
Little Oyster Bar
Cuisine: Seafood
Location: Shepherd Drive, Houston, TX
The unforgettable experience at Wicked Butcher’s raw bar lingered in my mind, so when I found myself in Houston, I sought out Little Oyster Bar to satisfy my craving for fresh seafood. Little Oyster Bar didn’t disappoint because they have a great selection of seafood. I went for the “Oysters on the Half Shell” with all the fixings. Each oyster was like a little kiss from the ocean, and the different accompaniments added layers of flavor. I also tried the “Espresso N°5” cocktail – a decadent mix of spiced rum, espresso, coconut, and macadamia nuts.
Dai Due
Cuisine: American, Farm-to-table
Location: Manor Rd, Austin, TX
Dai Due is all about local, seasonal ingredients. The menu was a bit overwhelming at first, but I’d done my research and found that many people on Reddit enjoyed their Cold Meat Board with chicken liver mousse. Just how they talk about it kind of puts the place on a pedestal, and it didn’t disappoint. The mousse was smooth and rich, and the accompanying fruit preserves added a touch of sweetness. For drinks, there was Dublin Root Beer, which had a unique, herbal flavor that I loved.
Katami
Cuisine: Japanese
Location: Dallas St, Houston, TX
At Katami in Houston, I kicked off with the Katami Salad, a straightforward mix of greens, radish, and pickled tomato that was refreshing, though somewhat ordinary. Moving on to the sushi, the Akami, and Seared Toro sashimi were fresh but lacked the bold, distinctive flavors I was hoping for. The Ikura, however, did deliver a satisfying oceanic pop.
The omakase menu, while tempting, was priced higher than I felt comfortable with for the experience offered. Additionally, the sushi bar setting, designed for group enjoyment, didn’t quite fit my solo visit, making the ambiance feel a bit too exclusive for my taste. While Katami scores points for freshness, the mild flavors and high prices, especially for the omakase, made the visit less appealing than anticipated. It might be a place better reserved for group outings or special occasions rather than a casual dine-alone experience.
CorkScrew BBQ
Cuisine: American (Texas-Style)
Location: Burnet Road, Austin, TX
At CorkScrew BBQ in Austin, I had high expectations, given the bold name, but the experience was somewhat underwhelming. The pulled pork, while tender and juicy, didn’t quite deliver the depth of smoky flavor I anticipated from a renowned Texas BBQ spot. I also opted for a large house salad to offset the richness of the meat, which was just average and lacked any standout ingredients that might have elevated the meal. Overall, CorkScrew BBQ provides a decent meal, but given the name and its location in the heart of Texas barbecue country, I expected a bit more in terms of both flavor and dining experience.
Goldee’s
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Location: Dick Price Road, Fort Worth TX
Goldee’s is a casual spot serving delicious, affordable Tex-Mex. I ordered the chopped brisket sandwich, which was piled high with tender, smoky meat. I also got small portions of potato salad and pork hash – both were delicious. They don’t have any fancy drinks on the menu, but their Mexican Coke hit the spot.
What I learned about dining in Texas
My Texas food adventure has been a wild ride. I’ve learned that barbecue is practically a religion in this state, that Tex-Mex is a flavor explosion, and that there’s always room for dessert. But more than that, I’ve learned that food is about more than just filling your stomach in Texas. It’s about community, tradition, and sharing a meal with good people. It’s about savoring the flavors of the land and celebrating this state’s diverse culinary heritage.
Here are a few things I picked up along the way:
- Barbecue is king: Don’t even think about putting ketchup on your brisket. And be prepared to wait in line–the best barbecue joints are worth it.
- Don’t forget the sides: Texas knows how to do sides right. From mac and cheese to coleslaw to potato salad, these dishes can steal the show.
- Try something new: Texas has a unique culinary identity, so be adventurous and try something you’ve never had before.
Make sure to check out this website for more of my journeys!
Restaurants in Texas – FAQs
What is Texas cuisine known for?
Texas cuisine is a mix of Southern, Mexican, and cowboy influences. Barbecue is a big deal, but I also found delicious Tex-Mex, hearty comfort food, and fresh seafood along the coast.
What are some must-try dishes in Texas?
Don’t miss the brisket, ribs, sausage, and Tex-Mex classics like fajitas, enchiladas, and queso. Many of the restaurants also have unique cocktails you’ll probably order twice.
What are some tips for dining out in Texas?
Be prepared for large portions, and don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations.
