Texas, known for its rich culinary heritage, offers food enthusiasts a remarkable array of flavors and dining experiences. From smoky barbecue joints to Tex-Mex cantinas, the Lone Star State’s diverse food scene reflects its cultural tapestry and regional influences. Food tours present an excellent way for locals and visitors alike to explore Texas’ gastronomic landscape, providing curated tastings and insider knowledge of each area’s specialties.
These culinary adventures span various cities and regions across Texas, showcasing local delicacies, hidden gems, and beloved institutions. Participants can expect to sample a wide range of dishes, learn about food preparation techniques, and gain insights into the historical and cultural significance of Texas cuisine. Some tours even incorporate visits to markets, breweries, or food production facilities, offering a comprehensive look at the state’s food and beverage industry.
1) Franklin Barbecue – Austin
Franklin Barbecue in Austin stands as a legendary destination for barbecue enthusiasts. This iconic eatery draws crowds from across the country, eager to sample its renowned smoked meats.
The star of the show is the brisket, celebrated for its perfectly rendered fat and flavorful bark. Pork ribs, pulled pork, and housemade sausages round out the mouthwatering menu.
Visitors should be prepared for long wait times, often stretching several hours. Many arrive before dawn to secure a spot in line, bringing folding chairs and coolers to make the wait more comfortable.
Despite the lengthy queue, patrons consistently praise the experience as worth the effort. The communal atmosphere in line adds to the anticipation and camaraderie among barbecue aficionados.
Franklin Barbecue: 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702. Phone: (512) 653-1187. Website: franklinbbq.com
2) Pecan Lodge – Dallas
Pecan Lodge stands as a barbecue destination in Dallas, Texas. This renowned eatery draws food enthusiasts from far and wide with its mouthwatering smoked meats and Southern sides.
The restaurant’s specialty is its brisket, slow-cooked to perfection. Visitors can also savor pulled pork, beef ribs, and homemade sausages. Pecan Lodge’s menu extends beyond barbecue, offering dishes like fried chicken and mac and cheese.
Located in the vibrant Deep Ellum neighborhood, Pecan Lodge provides a casual dining atmosphere. Guests often line up early to secure their favorite dishes before they sell out.
The restaurant has garnered national attention, featured on popular food shows and earning accolades from critics. Its commitment to quality and traditional smoking techniques has cemented its place as a top Texas barbecue joint.
Pecan Lodge
Address: 2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: (214) 748-8900
Website: www.pecanlodge.com
3) Ninfa’s on Navigation – Houston
Ninfa’s on Navigation is a legendary Houston eatery known for popularizing Tex-Mex cuisine. The restaurant’s claim to fame is introducing fajitas to the American public in the 1970s.
Mama Ninfa Laurenzo started the business by grilling skirt steak and serving it in handmade flour tortillas. This simple dish became a national sensation, sparking the fajita craze across the country.
Today, Ninfa’s continues to serve its famous Tacos al Carbon and sizzling fajitas. The menu also features other Tex-Mex favorites prepared with high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
Visitors can experience the rich history and flavors that have made Ninfa’s a Houston institution for decades. The restaurant’s authentic atmosphere and commitment to quality make it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
Ninfa’s on Navigation: 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003. Phone: 713-228-1175. Website: ninfas.com
4) The Salt Lick BBQ – Driftwood
The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, Texas offers a quintessential Texas barbecue experience. Founded in 1967 by Thurman and Hisako Roberts, this iconic eatery has grown from a simple pit alongside FM 1826 to a beloved destination.
Visitors can watch as meats are smoked over an open pit, continuing the tradition started over 50 years ago. The menu features classic barbecue staples like brisket, ribs, and sausage, complemented by sides such as potato salad, coleslaw, and beans.
The rustic atmosphere adds to the charm, with picnic tables set among century-old oak trees. For those interested in wine, Salt Lick Cellars offers tastings of local varieties, including their own BBQ White.
The Salt Lick’s popularity has led to expansion, but the Driftwood location remains the heart of the operation. Its reputation draws barbecue enthusiasts from across the country seeking authentic Texas flavors.
Address: 18300 FM 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619
Website: www.saltlickbbq.com
5) Torchy’s Tacos – Austin
Torchy’s Tacos has become a beloved staple of Austin’s food scene. This taco joint offers a unique twist on traditional Tex-Mex cuisine, serving up creative and flavorful tacos that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.
Founded by Michael Rypka in 2006, Torchy’s started as a food trailer before expanding to multiple brick-and-mortar locations across Texas and beyond. Each Torchy’s restaurant boasts its own distinctive design, adding to the charm of the dining experience.
The menu features an array of inventive tacos with quirky names like the “Trailer Park” and “The Republican.” Torchy’s is known for using high-quality, cooked-to-order ingredients in all their dishes.
Visitors can expect a casual atmosphere and friendly service. The restaurant also offers a selection of sides, including their popular green chile queso and chips.
Torchy’s Tacos has garnered numerous accolades and a loyal following. It continues to grow, with new locations opening regularly.
Address: 2809 S. 1st St., Austin, TX 78704
Website: www.torchystacos.com
6) Original Ninfa’s Tacos & Tequila – Houston
The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation is a Houston institution renowned for its authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. This restaurant has been serving delicious Mexican food since 1973 and is credited with popularizing fajitas nationwide.
Executive Chef Alex Padilla upholds Mama Ninfa’s high standards, offering signature dishes like the famous Tacos al Carbon and sizzling fajitas. The menu combines traditional comfort food with innovative culinary creations.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of Tex-Mex cocktails, including the Original Ninfarita, Ranch Water, and Paloma Tradicional. The restaurant also offers sangria, draft beers, and tequila shots.
The Original Ninfa’s provides a casual yet elevated dining experience. Its commitment to quality and tradition has earned it recognition, including a James Beard Award semifinalist nomination in 2019.
With two locations in Houston, The Original Ninfa’s continues to serve some of the best Mexican food in Texas. Food enthusiasts can savor the flavors that have made this restaurant a local favorite for decades.
The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation: 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
Phone: (713) 228-1175
Website: www.ninfas.com
7) Lockhart Smokehouse – Dallas
Lockhart Smokehouse brings authentic Central Texas-style barbecue to the heart of Dallas. This popular eatery fires up classic smoked meats that have made Lockhart, Texas famous as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas.”
The restaurant prides itself on serving until the meat runs out, ensuring freshness and quality with each visit. Patrons can savor a variety of expertly smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, and sausages.
Lockhart Smokehouse captures the true essence of Texas barbecue culture. The casual atmosphere and communal seating create a welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike to enjoy mouthwatering barbecue.
The menu features traditional sides and desserts to complement the smoky flavors of the meats. Guests can also choose from a selection of local beers and other beverages to round out their meal.
Located in the Bishop Arts District, Lockhart Smokehouse has become a destination for barbecue enthusiasts seeking an authentic Texas barbecue experience in Dallas.
Contact Information:
Address: 400 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208
Phone: (214) 944-5521
Website: www.lockhartsmokehouse.com
The Rich Culinary History of Texas
Texas cuisine reflects a fusion of diverse cultural influences and local ingredients. The state’s food traditions have been shaped by Native American, Mexican, European, and African American contributions over centuries.
Influences from Mexican Cuisine
Mexican flavors and techniques have profoundly impacted Texas cooking. Tex-Mex emerged as a distinct regional style, blending Mexican and American ingredients. Dishes like chili con carne, fajitas, and nachos originated in Texas.
Corn and flour tortillas became staples. Spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano define many Texas dishes. Salsa and hot sauce are ubiquitous condiments.
Some iconic Tex-Mex foods include:
- Breakfast tacos
- Queso dip
- Enchiladas
- Tamales
The Role of Barbecue
Barbecue holds a revered place in Texas culinary culture. German and Czech immigrants introduced smoking techniques in the 1800s. Each region developed its own style:
- East Texas: Chopped beef with sweet tomato sauce
- Central Texas: Dry-rubbed brisket
- South Texas: Barbacoa and thick sauces
- West Texas: Mesquite-grilled “cowboy style” meats
Brisket emerged as the quintessential Texas barbecue meat. Pitmasters often cook it for 12-18 hours over oak or hickory. Side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, and pinto beans complete the classic barbecue plate.
What to Expect on Texas Food Tours
Texas food tours offer a delectable journey through the state’s diverse culinary landscape. Participants can sample authentic regional dishes and learn about local food traditions from expert guides.
Unique Local Ingredients
Texas food tours showcase ingredients native to the Lone Star State. Participants may taste locally-sourced beef from Texas ranches in hearty barbecue dishes. Tours often feature pecans grown in Texas orchards, incorporated into desserts or savory dishes.
Many tours highlight regional produce like Ruby Red grapefruit from the Rio Grande Valley. Chili peppers grown in West Texas add heat to Tex-Mex favorites. Some experiences include tastings of Texas olive oils or locally-made cheeses.
Guided Tastings and Pairings
Expert guides lead tasting sessions at each stop on Texas food tours. They explain the history and cultural significance of dishes like chicken fried steak or chili con carne. Guides often share cooking techniques and recipe origins.
Many tours incorporate wine or beer pairings from Texas vineyards and breweries. Participants may sample fine wines from Hill Country vineyards or craft beers from Austin microbreweries. Some tours visit food trucks for casual fare like breakfast tacos or innovative fusion cuisine.
Tasting portions are typically small, allowing guests to sample a variety of foods without getting overly full. Tours often provide a mix of savory and sweet bites to showcase regional flavors.