10 Guy Fieri’s Favorite Restaurant In Every Texas Town
When Guy Fieri rolls into town with his spiky blonde hair and red Camaro, you know he’s hunting for the most flavor-packed joints around. I’ve tracked down the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives host’s top Texas picks that’ll make your taste buds do the happy dance. From smoky BBQ pits to authentic Mexican bakeries, these spots showcase the Lone Star State’s incredible food scene that had Guy hollering ‘That’s money!’
1. Industry Eastside
The moment Guy stepped into this East Austin hotspot, he knew he’d struck culinary gold! Industry Eastside blends industrial-chic vibes with drool-worthy comfort food that’ll knock your socks off.
Their famous duck fat fries had the Mayor of Flavortown practically speechless. The kitchen crew doesn’t mess around with their locally-sourced ingredients and creative twists on Texas classics.
My personal favorite? Their smoked brisket sandwich that Guy called “a flavor explosion that’ll make your grandma jealous!”
2. El Palote Panaderia
Holy guacamole, folks! When I tell you this family-owned Dallas bakery makes vegan Mexican food so good it’ll fool your carnivore friends, I’m not exaggerating one bit.
The Arias family converted their traditional panadería into a 100% plant-based paradise after health concerns, and Guy couldn’t believe their “carne” tacos contained zero meat. Their secret? Perfectly seasoned soy and wheat proteins that mimic the real deal.
The flaky pastries and concha sweet breads will transport you straight to Mexico City!
3. Pecan Lodge: Dallas’ BBQ Royalty
Smoke billows from the pits at this Deep Ellum institution where Guy declared their brisket “the most righteous in Texas” – fighting words in the Lone Star State! Owners Justin and Diane Fourton quit corporate jobs to pursue BBQ perfection, and boy, did they nail it.
The lines start forming at dawn, and for good reason. Their “Hot Mess” – a massive sweet potato stuffed with barbacoa, cheese, and butter – had Guy rolling his eyes in pure bliss.
Pro tip: Order the Trough for a meat-lover’s paradise that feeds 4-5 hungry cowboys.
4. Fred’s Texas Café
Y’all, this ain’t your average greasy spoon! Fred’s has been slinging Texas-sized burgers and down-home cooking since 1978, earning its reputation as a Fort Worth legend.
Guy flipped for their “Diablo Burger” topped with chipotle, grilled onions, and jalapeños – a spicy masterpiece that’ll clear your sinuses faster than a Texas tornado. The chicken fried steak literally hangs off the plate and comes smothered in gravy that’d make your grandpappy weep with joy.
The no-frills atmosphere with license plates on the walls just adds to the authentic Cowtown experience.
5. The Cove
Get this – The Cove is a car wash, laundromat, AND an organic restaurant all rolled into one quirky San Antonio package! Owner Lisa Asvestas blew Guy’s mind with this eco-friendly concept that proves multitasking can be delicious.
Their Texas Burger with local grass-fed beef had Guy doing his happy dance. The outdoor playground makes it family-friendly, while the impressive craft beer selection keeps the adults smiling too.
Don’t miss their fish tacos with wasabi slaw that Guy dubbed “a flavor fiesta in your face!” This place is sustainable dining at its most creative.
6. De Wese’s Tip Top Café
Stepping into this San Antonio institution is like teleporting back to 1938! De Wese’s hasn’t changed much since opening its doors, and that’s exactly what makes it magical.
Guy went nuts for their chicken fried steak; a crispy, golden masterpiece that’s bigger than your face. The secret? They pound the meat paper-thin before battering. Their onion rings are legendary too; thick-cut, hand-battered beauties that Guy called “the crunchiest in Texas.”
Three generations of the same family have kept this nostalgic gem running with the same recipes for over 80 years!
7. Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
Mama mia! When Guy discovered this authentic Neapolitan pizza joint in San Antonio, he couldn’t stop raving about their handcrafted mozzarella. Owners Doug and Lori Horn studied in Italy before bringing these wood-fired masterpieces to Texas.
Their 800-degree oven imported straight from Naples creates that perfect leopard-spotted crust in just 90 seconds. The Pork Love pizza – loaded with salami, sausage, pancetta, and speck; had Guy declaring it “pork-alicious!”
Fun fact: They’re one of the few American pizzerias certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. That’s Italian for “seriously legit pizza,” folks!
8. Fat Tummy Empanadas
Small but mighty! These handcrafted Argentinian empanadas pack more flavor in one bite than should be legally possible. Owners Norah and Hector Garza started as a food truck before their popularity exploded into a brick-and-mortar spot.
Guy couldn’t get enough of their traditional beef empanadas with hand-chopped meat, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. The dough is what makes these babies special – crispy yet chewy and made fresh daily.
My insider tip: Try the banana Nutella dessert empanada that had Guy declaring “I could eat seventeen of these!” Your taste buds will thank you.
9. The Jerk Shack
Chef Nicola Blaque brings the flavors of Jamaica to the Lone Star State in this unassuming shack that packs a serious punch! After serving in the military, this CIA-trained chef created a Caribbean oasis that had Guy fanning his mouth and begging for more.
Their jerk chicken, marinated for 48 hours in a secret blend of 20+ spices, is smoked to perfection. Guy called the oxtails “fall-off-the-bone ridiculous” as he sopped up every drop of the rich gravy.
Don’t sleep on their Jamaican patties either – flaky pastry pockets of spiced meat that’ll transport you straight to Kingston!
10. La Panadería
Brothers José and David Cáceres brought their Mexico City baking traditions to San Antonio, creating what Guy called “a carb-lover’s dream come true!” Their 48-hour fermentation process creates bread with flavor that’ll make you weak in the knees.
The tequila almond croissant; yes, you read that right – had Guy speechless. Their Torta cubana, stacked high with three kinds of meat, was declared “the Rolls-Royce of sandwiches” by the spiky-haired one himself.
Early birds catch the freshly-baked conchas (Mexican sweet bread) still warm from the oven. Trust me, they’re worth setting your alarm for!
