Texas

 

Dallas/Fort Worth

Angelo’s:  nothing compares to this mess hall of the finest BBQ in the world!   ($$)

Fearing’s: at the Ritz; cool place; amazing food with an aggressive Southwestern influence ($$$$)

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House:  while the other locations suck, the original still rocks; great steaks, amazing hash browns, and the opportunity to buy a drinking license ($$$$)

Mi Cocina: there are a few of these around town and the authentic TexMex is fresh and wonderful! ($$)

 

Houston

Luling City Market: tucked away in a strip mall north of town, this place dishes up some awesome ribs and my favorite Texas BBQ sauce ($$)

Goode Company BBQ: It’s a chain now, but when I went to the original the smoked duck was delicious ($$)

 

Austin/Hill Country

Jeffery’s: Imagine a steakhouse with refined, delicious food, impeccable service, a stunning bar, and incredible art.  In Texas?  Yup.  Amazing place.   How sweet it is.  ($$$$)

Odd Duck: Just make sure everyone is in the mood for something a bit different; fun, cool, creative food ($$$)

Veracruz: Simple, perfect breakfast taco.  Don’t even think about getting a flour tortilla ($)

Vaudeville: If you take a trip to (touristy) Fredericksburg, this is an culinary oasis that the wurst-sucking tourists avoid; great sandwiches and cookies ($$)

Terry Black’s: It’s the right BBQ joint for an early dinner; the beef ribs, mac & cheese, street corn, and, yes, potato salad are all standouts ($$$)

Via 313: Best. Pizza. Ever. Detroit-style pizza in Austin.  Awesome dough, killer crust, and farm-to-table topping.  Unreal. ($$) (Ultimate List!)

Tyson’s Taco’s: awesome little roadside joint with an amazing selection; smoked duck taco was my fav; also the burn end taco ($)

Ironworks BBQ: very solid; the meats are better than the sides; and the atmosphere is better than the meats ($$)

 

My bucket list for this region:

Franklin Barbeque

La Barbeque

Lamberts

Stiles Switch

John Mueller Meat Co.

Kreuz Market

Smitty’s