Texas’ Best Food and Drink of 2026: The Winners Locals Picked
Texas has never lacked great places to eat, but the 2026 Best of Texas awards give food lovers a fresh list of restaurants, bakeries, barbecue joints, and neighborhood favorites worth exploring. From smoky brisket to handcrafted pizzas and specialty coffee, this year’s winners reflect the variety that makes dining across the Lone Star State so appealing.
The annual awards, organized by Guide to Texas, rely primarily on public voting, with additional editorial review to validate results. Rather than naming just one winner in every category, the program recognizes multiple businesses across statewide, regional, and honorable mention tiers, offering diners plenty of options for their next food adventure.
Texas Barbecue Favorites Keep the Smoke Rolling
Corkscrew BBQ joined Hard Eight BBQ, Hutchins BBQ, and Terry Black’s Barbecue among the 2026 Best of Texas barbecue winners.
Based in Spring, Corkscrew BBQ has operated since 2010 and emphasizes house-made meats, sides, and sauces. The awards also recognized Kreuz Market and 407 BBQ in the regional tier, showing how several established barbecue names continue to attract public support.
For barbecue enthusiasts, the results offer a starting point for comparing smoked meats, sides, and restaurant experiences. Popular smokehouses may have limited quantities of certain meats, so check their current menus before you visit.
Related: What Happens When Texas Barbecue Meets Thai Food? This New Restaurant Is Finding Out
Mexican Restaurants Earn Their Place Among Texas Favorites
Mexican food remains an essential part of Texas dining, and the 2026 winners include familiar names alongside smaller establishments.
The Best of Texas Mexican restaurant honorees are Torchy’s Tacos, La Hacienda Ranch, Jorge’s Mexican Bar & Grill, and Anita’s Gourmet TortillerÃa. Regional recognition went to restaurants including Pappasito’s Cantina, Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen, and Mamacita’s Restaurant.
These selections offer a mix of restaurant styles, from casual taco outings to traditional sit-down meals. Planning a Texas food trip?
Pizza Lovers Have Five Statewide Winners to Explore
Texas pizza fans have plenty to celebrate, with five establishments earning the highest recognition in the 2026 pizza category.
The winners include 575 Pizzeria, Cane Rosso, Crust Pizza Co., Farina In Grani Pizzeria, and Halo Pizzeria. Meanwhile, Home Slice Pizza, Cadillac Pizza Pub, and Fire Street Pizza appear among the regional winners.
Amarillo’s 575 Pizzeria describes its offerings as gourmet pizzas prepared with house-made dough, highlighting one example of the different approaches represented. For diners, comparing crust styles, toppings, and restaurant atmospheres could make exploring the list particularly enjoyable.
Related: Pizza Guys Is Expanding in Texas With a New Fort Worth Location
Texas Steakhouses Offer More Than One Dining Experience
When Texans plan a steak dinner, they have several award-winning options.
The 2026 statewide steakhouse winners include Taste of Texas, Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse, Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse, De Baca Steakhouse, and Ruston Cattle Company.
For example, Chama Gaucha’s San Antonio restaurant offers Brazilian-style tableside meat service, including picanha and filet mignon.
That variety matters when choosing a restaurant for an anniversary, family celebration, or casual dinner. The best choice depends on the experience you’re after, not simply whether an establishment earned an award.
Texas Bakeries Get Their Moment in the Spotlight
A good bakery can become part of a neighborhood’s daily routine, whether customers stop by for morning pastries or order cakes for special occasions.
This year’s Best of Texas bakery winners include JakesCakes ATX, Mademoiselle Louise, Marie’s Crafty Cakery, Redhead Sweets, and Veal Station Amish Market. Regional winners include Hive Bakery, Délice, and Violette Bakehouse, while House of Pies received an honorable mention.
This range of businesses makes the category especially useful for people looking beyond supermarket bakery counters. Before visiting, check whether the bakery specializes in everyday pastries, custom orders, or seasonal products so you know what to expect.
Ice Cream Shops Bring Something Sweet to the Winners’ List
Texas’ 2026 ice cream category offers plenty of inspiration for anyone who enjoys a frozen treat.
The highest-tier winners include Stella’s Ice Cream, Piccolo Snowman, Sweet Retreat TX, The Downtown Scoop, and La’Creamian. Regional recognition went to establishments including Amorino Gelato, Handel’s Ice Cream, Curly’s Frozen Custard, and OddFellows Ice Cream.
With ice cream, gelato, and frozen custard represented across the winners’ tiers, customers can explore different styles.
Coffeehouses Prove That Everyday Favorites Deserve Recognition
Not every memorable food-and-drink experience requires a reservation or an elaborate meal. Sometimes, people return to their favorite coffeehouse most often.
Active Coffee Shop, Bean Here Coffee, Common Grounds Coffeehouse, Sunshine Brews Coffee Co, and Yiayia’s Coffeehouse earned the highest Best of Texas recognition in the coffeehouse category.
The regional winners include Deep Cuts Coffee, Bloom & Pour, Kohiko Coffee House, and Revolution Coffee Co.
For coffee lovers, these businesses offer a range of drinks and café environments. Whether you’re meeting friends or taking a break from errands, consider the menu, seating arrangements, and location alongside the award.
Texas Craft Breweries Round Out the Drink Winners
Texas’ beverage scene extends beyond coffee, and the 2026 awards also recognize breweries statewide.
The top-tier brewery winners are 3 Nations Brewing, Altstadt Brewery, Armor Brewing, Bearded Ax Brewery, and Holler Brewing. Regional recognition went to breweries including Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Celestial Beerworks, TUPPS Brewery, and 903 Brewers.
For adults interested in exploring Texas craft beer, the selections offer several places to investigate. Check brewery hours, available selections, and taproom details before you go to make the experience smoother.
These awards ultimately show that Texas’ food scene isn’t defined by one famous dish or restaurant, but by the many establishments that continue earning support from the people who visit them.
