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The Inn at Dos Brisas

15 Restaurants Worth the Drive From Houston

Day trips to some of Texas’ best hidden gems

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Road trip season is upon us, and what better reason to hit the road than for good grub? Houston is jam-packed with world class restaurants, but the talent extends far beyond the city’s borders. Whether you’re up for a food-fueled adventure or are looking for a delicious stopover on your next trip out of town, look no further.

From top-rated barbecue in Spring to Vietnamese classics in Palacios, we’ve rounded up a list of 15 destination-worthy restaurants just a short drive from Houston.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Royer's Round Top Cafe

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A trip to the tiny Texas town of Round Top isn’t complete without a visit to this quirky country cafe. From the savory fried chicken to a solid selection of pies, everything is homemade. The decadent sweet n’ salty pie got a nod from the Food Network as one of the top five chocolate desserts in the country.

Royers Cafe/Facebook

The Inn at Dos Brisas

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Located in Washington, east of Brenham, the luxurious Inn at Dos Brisas is home to a rising star of a restaurant worth the scenic drive. The farm-to-table establishment cultivates fresh ingredients from its organic farm for a rotating menu. With a 7,000-bottle wine cellar and sweeping Hill Country views, this destination restaurant makes for a romantic getaway.

The Inn at Dos Brisas

The Point

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Despite a recent claim to fame on “Parts Unknown,” this family-run joint has been a Palacios staple for years. What started as a convenience store for the fishing community now serves up some of the best Vietnamese food around. From banh mi to pho, everything is made fresh—including the head chef’s mean breakfast tacos.

The Point/Facebook

Tejas Chocolate Craftory

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Starting as a craft chocolate business, Tejas Chocolate Craftory has evolved into a can’t-miss barbecue outlet. Housed in the oldest building in Tomball, it ranked as the No. 6 spot on Texas Monthly’s annual best-of list. For a tasty combination of the two concepts, order up their smoked meats with the house mole barbecue sauce.

Tejas Chocolate Craftory/Facebook

Vernon’s Kuntry Katfish

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This casual country outpost in Lake Conroe is a Montgomery County staple. Hot, generous portions of fried catfish, hushpuppies, and green tomato relish are served up in a no-frills setting.

Vernon’s Kuntry Katfish/Facebook

Corkscrew BBQ

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Best to arrive early at Corkscrew BBQ in Old Town Spring, as they tend to sell out most afternoons. Its moist brisket and tender beef ribs (which are only offered on Saturdays) recently earned it a top 10 spot on Texas Monthly’s coveted barbecue list.

Corkscrew BBQ/Facebook

Southern Style Seafood Co.

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This bright red food trailer is known for its freshly-fried (and otherwise prepared) seafood. Humble residents laud the outpost for its friendly service and steaming hot combos of catfish, shrimp, hush puppies, and boudin balls.

Southern Style Seafood Co./Facebook

Curry Sultan

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This unassuming Indian restaurant is one of Humble’s hidden gems. The family-owned joint prepares authentic dishes, each bursting with spice and flavor. The melt-in-your-mouth lamb, shrimp biryani, and refreshing mint lemonade make this a go-to lunch spot.

Curry Sultan/Facebook

Merlion Restaurant

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Creative Thai food and an extensive wine selection make this cozy Seabrook restaurant a standout. Curries are the real star here; add your choice of meat or seafood and as much spice as your heart desires. Chow down in the Merlion Restaurant’s stylish digs or on the charming patio.

Merlion Restaurant/Facebook

T-Bone Tom’s

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Kemah staple T-Bone Tom’s is well-known for its lively atmosphere and expansive “Backyard,” featuring live music on the weekends. Fill up on armadillo eggs, aka brisket-stuffed fried jalapenos, before ordering a chicken fried steak or marinated rib eye.

T-Bone Tom’s/Facebook

The Cuban Cafe

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The Cuban Cafe in Baytown is a quick-bite joint making authentic Cuban sandwiches and coffee. Worth a stop for breakfast or lunch, the humble cafe serves big portions for a small price. Add a side of fried yuca and a cafe con leche.

The Cuban Cafe/Facebook

The Spot

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This popular Galveston spot is known for hearty American grub like burgers, onion rings, and fried shrimp. With a multi-level deck and ocean views, it’s the perfect pit stop after a long day at the beach. Top it off with a milkshake, homemade dessert, or frozen concoction at the adjacent Tiki Bar.

The Spot/Facebook

Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar

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When you’re in the mood for a steaming pot of gumbo, look no further than Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar. If you’re really hungry after a day of strolling The Strand in Galveston, you won’t be after ordering a “big daddy” portion. Aside from the gumbo, it offers a wide seafood selection including po-boys and oyster platters.

Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar/Facebook

Mosquito Cafe

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Housed in an 1870s building in the East End Historic District of Galveston, Mosquito Cafe is a breakfast and brunch favorite. Highlights of the casual cafe include the house eggs benedict with sautéed shrimp, scratch-made pancakes, and shrimp tacos.

Mosquito Cafe/Facebook

The Rodair Roadhouse

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Head east to Port Arthur for Rodair Roadhouse’s down-home Cajun and Creole food. Favorites like fried green tomatoes and crawfish mac and cheese are served by friendly staff. The lively bar has a country flair and inviting atmosphere.

The Rodair Roadhouse/Facebook

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Royer's Round Top Cafe

A trip to the tiny Texas town of Round Top isn’t complete without a visit to this quirky country cafe. From the savory fried chicken to a solid selection of pies, everything is homemade. The decadent sweet n’ salty pie got a nod from the Food Network as one of the top five chocolate desserts in the country.

Royers Cafe/Facebook

The Inn at Dos Brisas

Located in Washington, east of Brenham, the luxurious Inn at Dos Brisas is home to a rising star of a restaurant worth the scenic drive. The farm-to-table establishment cultivates fresh ingredients from its organic farm for a rotating menu. With a 7,000-bottle wine cellar and sweeping Hill Country views, this destination restaurant makes for a romantic getaway.

The Inn at Dos Brisas

The Point

Despite a recent claim to fame on “Parts Unknown,” this family-run joint has been a Palacios staple for years. What started as a convenience store for the fishing community now serves up some of the best Vietnamese food around. From banh mi to pho, everything is made fresh—including the head chef’s mean breakfast tacos.

The Point/Facebook

Tejas Chocolate Craftory

Starting as a craft chocolate business, Tejas Chocolate Craftory has evolved into a can’t-miss barbecue outlet. Housed in the oldest building in Tomball, it ranked as the No. 6 spot on Texas Monthly’s annual best-of list. For a tasty combination of the two concepts, order up their smoked meats with the house mole barbecue sauce.

Tejas Chocolate Craftory/Facebook

Vernon’s Kuntry Katfish

This casual country outpost in Lake Conroe is a Montgomery County staple. Hot, generous portions of fried catfish, hushpuppies, and green tomato relish are served up in a no-frills setting.

Vernon’s Kuntry Katfish/Facebook

Corkscrew BBQ

Best to arrive early at Corkscrew BBQ in Old Town Spring, as they tend to sell out most afternoons. Its moist brisket and tender beef ribs (which are only offered on Saturdays) recently earned it a top 10 spot on Texas Monthly’s coveted barbecue list.

Corkscrew BBQ/Facebook

Southern Style Seafood Co.

This bright red food trailer is known for its freshly-fried (and otherwise prepared) seafood. Humble residents laud the outpost for its friendly service and steaming hot combos of catfish, shrimp, hush puppies, and boudin balls.

Southern Style Seafood Co./Facebook

Curry Sultan

This unassuming Indian restaurant is one of Humble’s hidden gems. The family-owned joint prepares authentic dishes, each bursting with spice and flavor. The melt-in-your-mouth lamb, shrimp biryani, and refreshing mint lemonade make this a go-to lunch spot.

Curry Sultan/Facebook

Merlion Restaurant

Creative Thai food and an extensive wine selection make this cozy Seabrook restaurant a standout. Curries are the real star here; add your choice of meat or seafood and as much spice as your heart desires. Chow down in the Merlion Restaurant’s stylish digs or on the charming patio.

Merlion Restaurant/Facebook

T-Bone Tom’s

Kemah staple T-Bone Tom’s is well-known for its lively atmosphere and expansive “Backyard,” featuring live music on the weekends. Fill up on armadillo eggs, aka brisket-stuffed fried jalapenos, before ordering a chicken fried steak or marinated rib eye.

T-Bone Tom’s/Facebook

The Cuban Cafe

The Cuban Cafe in Baytown is a quick-bite joint making authentic Cuban sandwiches and coffee. Worth a stop for breakfast or lunch, the humble cafe serves big portions for a small price. Add a side of fried yuca and a cafe con leche.

The Cuban Cafe/Facebook

The Spot

This popular Galveston spot is known for hearty American grub like burgers, onion rings, and fried shrimp. With a multi-level deck and ocean views, it’s the perfect pit stop after a long day at the beach. Top it off with a milkshake, homemade dessert, or frozen concoction at the adjacent Tiki Bar.

The Spot/Facebook

Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar

When you’re in the mood for a steaming pot of gumbo, look no further than Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar. If you’re really hungry after a day of strolling The Strand in Galveston, you won’t be after ordering a “big daddy” portion. Aside from the gumbo, it offers a wide seafood selection including po-boys and oyster platters.

Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar/Facebook

Mosquito Cafe

Housed in an 1870s building in the East End Historic District of Galveston, Mosquito Cafe is a breakfast and brunch favorite. Highlights of the casual cafe include the house eggs benedict with sautéed shrimp, scratch-made pancakes, and shrimp tacos.

Mosquito Cafe/Facebook

The Rodair Roadhouse

Head east to Port Arthur for Rodair Roadhouse’s down-home Cajun and Creole food. Favorites like fried green tomatoes and crawfish mac and cheese are served by friendly staff. The lively bar has a country flair and inviting atmosphere.

The Rodair Roadhouse/Facebook

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