One of the best ways look around the Lonestar State is by going for a road trip to experience all the beautiful scenery; diverse culture; and hip, bustling cities which are top destinations for everyone from Wild West fans to metropolitan music mavens.
However, among the best reasons for visiting Texas is its amazing food-but authentic, delicious can't miss Tex-Mex and some of the best steakhouses in the country are just some of the items foodies will discover unforgettable when visiting America's second-largest state.
But where are the most useful spots for an intrepid lover of food to start their Texas tasting journey? The answer lies on the street between two of the state's largest cities-Dallas and Houston.
Dallas To Houston: The Itinerary
Road trips are the most useful way to explore because they offer travelers the liberty of both planning an itinerary-and also changing it for stops along the way. Depending on how enough time you have, the trip from Dallas to Houston could be completed in a single day. However, to experience the very best foodie finds, it's best to devote a minimum of two days for this trip. But feel free to personalize it for those who have more (or less) time! Below are some details about the trip from Dallas to Houston.
- Total Distance (non-stop): 239.2 miles
- Total Driving Time (fastest route, non-stop): 3 hours, 35 minutes
- Fastest Route: Via I-45 South from Dallas to exit 47C in Houston
- Price Range: $ ($5-10/person) to $$$ ($20 and up/person). Prices don't include beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic); additional sides; or gratuity
Note: Because Dallas and Houston are two from the largest cities in Texas, it comes with an endless number of delish restaurants to choose from-but the following itinerary is supposed to highlight some of the best spots on the highway between the two cities, so don't expect to find any Dallas rib joints or Houston waitress or spots…but do expect to find eclectic, fun menus with Tex-Mex flair and small-town charm.
Breakfast or Lunch in Corsicana
The first stop about this fab foodie adventure is within Corsicana, under an hour or so south of Dallas. Travelers who get on the road early may wish to stop for breakfast or brunch within this charming spot we know of to be the very first oil boomtown in Texas. Had a late start? There are many tasty lunch options here, too.
Where To Eat Breakfast: Across The road Diner
Simple, yet delish diner fare where travelers could possibly get a yummy Texas breakfast.
- Location: 125 N Beaton St.
- Reservations: No
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 7 AM-4 PM, Closed Sundays
- What To obtain: The Hometown Tradition; The Scrambler Sandwich; French Toast
- Price: $
Other Breakfast Spots
- Looking to get back on the highway quickly? Grab a coffee and pastry at Collin Street Bakery & Cafe. Be certain to grab one of their signature fruitcakes later on! $
- Mita's Coffee shop & Fine Food has delish small breakfast plates and an amazing beverage menu to begin the day off right. Make sure to try the Breakfast Tacos; and the house specialty latte, the Camilla. $
Where To consume Lunch: Cotton Patch Cafe
Cotton Patch is really a chain with locations all over Texas-but don't allow that to fool you. The down-home menu is plentiful, delicious, and excellent for anybody searching for a taste of Southern charm.
- Location: 1200 West 7th Avenue
- Reservations: No
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 AM-10 PM, Sunday 10:30 AM-10 PM
- What To Get: Chicken Fried Brisket Platter; True Texas Tenders; Fried Shrimp served with jalape~no hushpuppies
- Price: $-$$
Other Lunch Spots In Corsicana
- Arlene's Kountry Kitchen is home-cooked soul food at its finest. Visitors say the portions are generous and delicious only at that authentic, cozy spot. Try the Chicken Fried Steak and Candied Yams. $$
- La Pradera has a classic Mexican menu which makes for any great lunch. Give their Street Tacos a go, or mix it up and among their delish combos. $-$$
Dinner In Madisonville
About an hour or so . 5 south of Corsicana lies the small capital of scotland- Madisonville, named for former U.S. President James Madison. Get here within the afternoon to explore the charming downtown, then spend an hour or two at Lakes Madison before heading out to dinner. Bonus if you visit in Mid-October for the town's famous Mushroom Festival!
Where To Eat Dinner: Texas Legends Steakhouse
You can't have a road trip in Texas without trying a tasty steak: and Texas Legends is a great place to acquire one.
- Location: 115 S Madison St.
- Reservations: No
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11 AM-9 PM, Friday-Saturday 11 AM-10 PM, Closed Sunday and Monday
- What To Get: Texas Ribeye; Texas Kobe Salisbury Steak; Ribeye Stuffed Potato
- Prices: $-$$$
Other Dinner Spots In Madisonville
- Rancho Viejo Mexican Restaurant is a great spot to grab a margarita and some Fajitas Poblanos. Try the Huilotas with grilled quail if you're feeling adventurous! $$
- Hungry for any burger? Then be sure to visit TX Burger for a Bacontastic with fries and a vanilla shake. $
Continue south on Day 2 for many more amazing restaurants in some of South Texas' most charming small towns.
Breakfast, Brunch, Or Lunch In Conroe
Where To Eat Breakfast: Toasted Yolk Cafe
Just a brief 53-minute drive from Madisonville, the city of Conroe is the perfect spot to score the most important meal during the day, and Toasted Yolk is the perfect casual destination to sip your morning java.
- Location: 2129 W Davis St.
- Reservations: No
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 7 AM-3 PM
- What To obtain: Biscuit and Gravy; “Churro Style” Doughnuts; Shrimp and Grits
- Prices: $-$$
Where To consume Lunch: McKenzie's Barbeque and Burgers
Missed breakfast and ready to chow down on an early lunch? McKenzie's is really a chill destination to grab some ribs and an afternoon brew.
- Location: 1501 N. Frazier St.
- Reservations: No
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:30 AM-9 PM
- What To Get: Pork Spare Rib Platter; Jalape~no Sausage Sandwich; Pulled Pork Sandwich
- Prices: $-$$
Dinner In Spring
A 25-minute drive South takes travelers to Spring, a suburb of Houston. Make it happen in the afternoon and stroll (or horseback ride) at Pundt Park. Afterward, head to Pappasito's Cantina for any Happy Hour Reserva Margarita before grabbing dinner.
Where To Eat Dinner: SwitcHouse Plates & Pours
This upscale, yet rustic spot celebrates Texas flavor through in-house smoked meats and dishes which are a varied take on traditional Tex-Mex fare.
- Location: 1200 Lake Plaza Drive
- Reservations: Recommended; call (832) 823-2528 or book online with OpenTable
- Hours: Monday-Friday 6 AM-9 PM, Saturday-Sunday 7 AM-9 PM
- What To obtain: Pulled Pork Sliders; Smokehouse Sample Platter; Stuffed Gulf Coast Snapper
- Prices: $-$$$
It does not matter where you grab a bite on the highway from Dallas to Houston; because of so many amazing choices on the way, the high spots have something for everyone-from those searching for the best of Texas having a juicy steak or plate of ribs to Mexican food aficionados by having an eye toward casual, no-frills dining.
