Perini’s Ranch Steakhouse Credit: photos by Gerald E. McLeod

Eating my way across Texas led me to these Top 10 small-town eateries – some old favorites, others discoveries for 2024.

Perini Ranch Steakhouse, Buffalo Gap. Lots of places do steaks well, but the rural setting outside of Abilene, rustic farmhouse, and melt-in-your-mouth meats make this an eatery every Texan should try.

La Bella Tavola Italian Grill, Cuero/Gonzales. More than just pizza, this place does Italian right.

Murphy’s Steakhouse

Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, Llano/Austin/College Station/Fort Worth/New Braunfels. Order your meats off the grill and then settle in at one of the picnic tables. The free pinto beans are a meal in themselves.

Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill, Port Aransas. In the last few years Port A has added some really good restaurants, but this old standard is still a favorite. The pet-friendly porch attracted us, but the quality food and great service brings us back.

Murphy’s Steakhouse, Winchester. In a former general store with a pressed-tin ceiling 13 miles north of Smithville, the restaurant has a diverse menu but steaks are the main attraction.

Carter Creek Winery Resort and Spa, Hye. You don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy the restaurant that has house-label beers and wine.

Lone Star Charlie’s Family Restaurant

Clear Springs Restaurant, New Braunfels/Nacogdoches/Tyler/Midland. The menu at this seafood and steak grill has a Cajun accent with a Texas twang. The Nac location is a favorite.

Lone Star Charlie’s Family Restaurant, Livingston/Lufkin. An East Texas institution that is a good stand-in for grandma’s kitchen. Save room for a generous slice of homemade pie.

Deviled Egg Company, Denison/McKinney. The world’s first gourmet deviled egg company started in Omaha, Neb., and opened in Denison in 2023. These are not church picnic deviled eggs. With over 15 flavors, these are tasty creations. The Denison location is a full-service restaurant and bar.

Tyler’s Barbeque, Amarillo. This little barbecue joint three blocks off the interstate is nothing fancy, but is always good. Get there early; by mid-afternoon they’re often running out of the favorites.

1,733rd in a series. Everywhere is a day trip from somewhere: Follow “Day Trips & Beyond,” a travel blog, at austinchronicle.com/daily/travel.

This article appears in December 13 • 2024.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US

Gerald E. McLeod joined the Chronicle staff in November 1980 as a graphic designer. In April 1991 he began writing the “Day Trips” column. Besides the weekly travel column, he contributed “101 Swimming Holes,” “Guide to Central Texas Barbecue,” and “Guide to the Texas Hill Country.” His first 200 columns have been published in Day Trips Vol. I and Day Trips Vol. II.