Abilene Restaurants: Culinary Wonders Await
Nestled in the heart of Texas, Abilene offers a culinary landscape as rich and varied as the state itself. From mouthwatering barbecue that falls off the bone to gourmet delights that tantalize the palate, Abilene's restaurants boast flavors for every type of foodie. Whether you're in the mood for Tex-Mex staples that pack a punch or sweet treats that remind you of grandma's kitchen, this city's dining scene serves up an authentic taste of the Lone Star State. Join us as we explore the bustling eateries and hidden gems that make Abilene a must-visit destination for anyone who loves good food.
Cracker barrel old country store
4
(3699)
Homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store.
Reviews:
Our server Lynn was very attentive, and he had a very warm, friendly demeanor. The food was excellent, as I've come to expect from this restaurant. I'm never disappointed, and my son always loves it.
Jennifer Ezell
This was our first visit ever! We were excited as soon as we walked in. The general store is filled with fun and beautiful items. From clothes to snacks, candy and candles. I could spend a couple of hours just looking around. We were quickly seated and greeted by a cheerful waitress. The atmosphere is so relaxing. The walls are covered with antiques, old pictures and things of the past. The blackberry tea I ordered was way too sweet and very strong. Almost like drinking coffee. And I drink black coffee. I asked for it to be diluted, and the second glass was worse. We weren't served our bread until our meal came out. In fact, the customers that came about 20 minutes after us, received their bread and plates almost immediately. Once our food came out, we were so disappointed. My husband ordered the chicken fried chicken with fried okra and mashed potatoes with brown gravy. The potatoes were not smooth but chunky and the gravy was horrible. The chicken had no bone and was more like a chicken fried steak. After eating the first piece he ordered some white gravy to put on the second piece. He said although the chicken was tender, it had no flavor. The gravy tastes like flour. So perhaps it wasn't cooked long enough. I ordered the country fried steak. It was horrible! It was not what I expected. It tasted like breakfast sausage. I thought it was the gravy. But it was the meat. Every single bite tastes like breakfast sausage. The breading was not crisp and the gravy had no flavor since all I tasted was sausage. Salad was crisp but the dressing tasted sour. The loaded baked potato was hard and dry. I could not finish the meal. It was just not good. This is by far the worst place we have ever eaten at. We will not eat here again. However, we will return to shop at the general store. We enjoyed walking around, there is so much to look at. And the prices are very reasonable...
Malinda Solis
Wonderful food, excellent service, great prices for good home cooking! We had the amazing pot roast that is cooked 14-16 hours and is so tender. My husband had the pork chops. Both were amazing!! Another treat is to experience one of the most wonderful gift shops. Great place to buy thoughtful gifts and cards. So much fun!!!
Beverly Albrecht
As always, good food for any meal. Delicious chicken and dumplings and fried okra! I also love looking around in their gift shop especially this time of year when they have Christmas items out.
chris tullous
Well, I tried Cracker Barrel again. Our waitress seemed to be new and wasn't very good at answering questions. I opted for 2 fish and six to eight shrimp with fries. Although the menu states everything is handmade, I could not discern that in this order. The fish was nondescript, the shrimp looked like what you get in the frozen section at the grocery, but the fries were quite good, but no catsup was offered. The tartar sauce was little more than mayonnaise, and the shrimp sauce....words fail me, maybe "funky." Perhaps they should concentrate on breakfast items, as their entrées leave much to be desired. It's probably my last time to be disappointed .
John North
1602 TX-351, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
Ann's thai kitchen
4.6
(246)
Curries, noodles & other Thai classics are served in a cozy dining area with traditional decor.
Reviews:
This is DEFINITELY a hidden gem! The outside looks like it might even be closed, but once you walk in, it's a cute little place run completely by the owners. If you are the type to request changes to a chef's recipe before trying it, this place is NOT for you. If you like authentic Thai flavors, cooked fresh by Ann herself, you MUST try this place!!! 😋 I had the Spicy Fried Rice, my husband had some kind of glass noodles (sorry I don't remember the name), we shared the spring rolls, and both had Thai iced tea to drink. Highly recommend all of the above and if I remember the name of his dish (picture will be added), I will update. Can't wait until I can go back and try the curries!
Stephanie Garcia
I'm from Thailand. When I miss my country food I go Ann's all the time because taste like Thai food in Thailand.
Nemi Okazaki
A truly lovely and quaint establishment. I am passing through for work and found them. So, glad I did. The food was delicious. The soothing sounds of asian styled music was softly playing in the background. Service was polite and prompt. It's a small family owned business and it has so much charm. Would definitely come back if I am ever in the area.
L. B.
I have lived in Abilene for eight months, and I regret not finding Ann's Kitchen before. The place is small, but this tiny restaurant's food has not equal in Abilene. We ordered mixed vegetables with shrimp and a mild red spicy curry. The curry was so tasteful that we could identify each ingredient while the vegetables were fresh (some of the vegetables are grown by Ann, the restaurant's owner and cook.) We got to meet Ann, a lovely, joyful lady who is proud of her kitchen and heritage. I loved this place and intent to try the entire menu. By the way, the presentation of its dishes is perfect, and the portions are abundant. The prices are fair, and the diversity of their menu is impressive.
Alejandro Ezquerra
WOW! Great service and food! We really enjoyed talking with our server and there was plenty of seating. The outside is really unassuming but inside is cozy.
Jaidyn Kamplain
3309 S 1st St, Abilene, TX 79605, USA
Abuelo's mexican restaurant
4.3
(2811)
Texas-based chain restaurant serving Mexican food & margaritas in a hacienda-style setting.
Reviews:
It is a wonderful environment to have lunch or dinner with your family. The atmosphere is cheerful. There is plenty of room to fellowship after church. The food is LOVELY, brought out in a timely manner, and staff are polite, social, and clean. Courtney, the manager, went out of her way to help get menu accommodations for my mother. Plus, the high-quality authentic Mexican entrées is what did it for me! 10/10 Thank you, Courtney and Luis for the EXCELLENT service! ☺️
Liliana Baeza
This was a really good Mexican restaurant! Food was really good and I especially enjoyed all their salsas. My favorite was the habanero sauce...spicy! The service was great! Very friendly and accommodating. I got the Grande plate so I could try a few things. Nice portions! Tasty frozen strawberry margaritas! Went for the flan last second when I saw it on the list below...haha! Simple and delicious. Bumped to 5 stars for even having the flan! Lol!
Jason Gage
This place is continually packed however, always tries very hard to seat you in a timely manner. I have been two times now and can say that the waitresses are very attentive even with their sections full. The food has been pretty good both times, the soup wasn't bad but the burritos tend to be better. The queso is a little more pricey than most places but they do offer a bigger portion than most so there is a little give and take. All in all, a great place to go if you want a little higher end mexican/tex-mex.
Nathaniel Chisholm
Great place to go for lunch or dinner. Friendly and fast service. The food is excellent. I ordered the fajita trio and enjoyed it to the last bite. I had the el jefe margarita and will be my go-to. They brought me 4 different salsas, smoked, tomatillo, regular, and habanero. I definitely recommend this place.
Michael Brown
Love Abuellos! I tried one of the new plates this time and I was glad I did. It had tons of food and I couldn’t eat it all. I always love the endless chips and salsa, habanero is my favorite. My plate had a Chili Relleno, Beef Enchilada covered with Queso, Chicken Empanada,Rice and Beans. The empanada was the start of the show. They choirs sell a plate with those at the entree. Chili relleno was fired perfectly with a light batter and stuffed with hot melted cheese. The enchilada was very good with the cheese sauce. Rice and bean was good as usual. We also tried the platter with Fried Chicken Breast covered with Chorizo. The chicken was very tasty and well cooked and works well with the chorizo. I would orders either again with no regrets. I always leave here stuffed.
Michael Ramos
4782 S 14th St, Abilene, TX 79605, USA
Denny's
4
(2056)
Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.
Reviews:
This Denny’s is my go to. The staff always remembers my order and I love the way my food comes out every time. Melinda is my waitress and is very attentive and friendly with just a side of dry humor. A pleasure to be around.
Claudia Scroggins
Great friendly service from Jessi... I had the Southwest Benny and it was great and the Hash browns were cooked perfectly as well. I recommend this place.
Lucky Blackwell
Our server was Melinda Curtis. She was hands down one of the best servers that has ever taken care of us! Greeted us immediately and brought us water and our drinks right after taking our order. Food was exactly as ordered and came by our table several times to top off our coffee or anything we needed. I observed her on several occasions helping other customers as well, even if they weren't hers! Cheerful disposition and quick to make sure you not waiting for anything you desire. I highly recommend you ask for her section when eating there!
Tracy Verrillo
Appearance Wasnt clean. Right when you walk in there’s hand prints everywhere and crayon drawings on the wall. A dead bird is hanging off the roof. My cucumbers were old and Yellow and slimy and I had a hair in my Burger :/. All I can say I’m extremely pleased with our waitress! I believe her name was Jessi ! She helped and confronted the situation and made sure a smile was put on my face before I left definitely Give her a Raise!! Definitely wasn’t the best restaurant I’ve been too but if you have a worker like her, best believe you need to try to find anyway to Keep her! She’s a positive asset to that business!
Mandy Madrigal
Our waitress Chastity was amazing! She is attentive, patient, and very knowledgeable! Our order was made just right and she never let our drinks go empty. The food was on point. It was hot, fresh and flavorful! Overall we had a great experience. Denny’s is blessed to have Chastity working there! We will be back next time we’re in town.
Ashley Wier
120 E Overland Trail, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
Mian bistro
4.4
(389)
Reviews:
Never been here, 1st timer. Food was amazing! Went right before lunch, so not busy. Beef and broccoli was good and plentiful for the price. Eggrolls were okay, not the best I’ve tasted. Will have to try spring rolls next time. Love how everything is separate I’m containers. Will definitely go back!
Ms. Bea Brown
My favorite food to order here is the Orange chicken, it amazing and it’s flavor. This place has Rose sparkling water I was slightly skeptical, after tasting it’s officially my favorite. It’s taste light and sweet I highly recommend, the Mians Curry Chicken delicious. I would definitely come back and my favorite place in Abilene.
ismael diaz
The food was very fresh but the portions were small. Pho was not served with sprouts as traditional Vietnamese restaurants do but the food was still very good
Grace
Went in for lunch and ordered their pho, fried eggrolls, and Thai tea. Pho was good but wish they had more than one selection. Their fried egg rolls were good and crunchy, and their Thai tea was good but could use a little more sugar. Their staffs were good and attentive. I’d recommend Mian Bistro if you’re around.
Adam and Lily Bou
The food was amazing especially their spring rolls! The food is better every time I go. definitely recommend to a friend or family. Very clean and welcoming environment. The price is also not very expensive. The parking was very easy and not crowded. It also is not very hard to find, right off the main road of Buffalo Gap.
McKenna Bluhm
6410 Buffalo Gap Rd #D, Abilene, TX 79606, USA
Denny's
3.8
(1743)
Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.
Reviews:
Our waitress was Heather R, super nice!!! Never let my ☕️ go low. Had patience with my grandmother who was telling a long story. 😆 I got the crepes..a little bit runny but good. The place was very clean. Ask for Heather R - she's awesome!!
LINDA ESPARZA
Evening shift has great service! A guy with blue hair and his wife to be are great service and they run non stop. The food was good….. will be back…
Justin W
Service, atmosphere and product never fail to satisfy! I’ve eaten here for years and never once have had an issue. The floor staff are very attentive and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant experience. We love our Denny’s!
Brandon Garza
Our waitress Crystal was so sweet. She introduced herself right away and took our drink order promptly. Our food came quickly and she checked on us often. Recommend crystal and this location 10/10
Randi Ruthruff
We went to the Denny's on S Clack. Very few people in the restaurant when we went in. We had 6 people in our party. The waiter was very prompt and attentive. Our order was taken quickly, drinks came out very fast. During the meal our drinks never went empty. Food came out hot and were cooked to order. The food was also very good. Would recommend going, and we will return.
George Campbell
3314 S Clack St, Abilene, TX 79606, USA
The local
4.3
(549)
Reviews:
Y'all, this is not your typical Mexican food, but boy, is it yummy! The atmosphere is so relaxing, and the music is at the right volume, where you can still have a conversation. We opted to sit at the bar. The bartenders were so friendly and made our drinks to perfection. We later took our drinks and went to sit in their lounge area, which was super comfy. There is also a patio. I love to sit out on patios (when it's not scorching hot out). We would definitely return.
Jenn
Oh my goodness! If you want amazing Mexican food with a twist, eat Local!!! 😋 Their Pastor burger was one of the best burgers I've ever had, I'm SO glad we chose to eat here 😁 Even the kids plates looked delicious and were a really good amount of food, especially for only $5! Will definitely be coming back here.
Susana Unger
During a business trip to Abilene, a colleague recommended The Local for an atypical, Mexican fare experience.. I visited on a Wednesday night and ordered their El Maestro margarita with El Afan Reposada tequila.. The El Afan was blended perfectly with their house triple citrus blend, brandy, and Agave nectar to make for a delightfully smooth, top-shelf cocktail.. It was so good that I ordered another after my meal had arrived.. I sampled their chips, salsa, and queso as starters.. All of these were delightful, but I wanted to take special note of the salsa verde and it's perfect kick and the creaminess and the great flavor of their white queso.. I ordered a pair of their featured pork belly tacos and a single al pastor, grilled pork taco with street corn for my main meal.. The seared pork belly tacos featured jalapeño salsa, radishes, white onions, salsa matcha, micro cilantro, and were finished with cotija cheese.. They were delightfully deelish, and I thought the radishes were a wonderful addition.. The grilled pork taco featured salsa verde, onions, and cilantro.. I opted out of the included pineapple salsa but had it on the side.. This taco was equally tasty.. The street corn was amply portioned and delivered hot, which made it a perfect complement to the trio of tacos.. In summary, the service was outstanding, the food and drinks were delightful, and the atmosphere was unlike any other Mexican-fare establishment I've tried.. The Local would be a great place for a date night for certain.. The Local will be among my repeat picks the next time I visit the Abilene area..
Dave Lambert
Update: Came here for dinner and we were probably the first people to arrive in the restaurant. I ordered the 8oz Sirloin wanting to try something different. I believe it was cooked in chipotle butter sauce and beer onions in a small cast iron. It definitely was not my thing I actually really really disliked it. I'm so saddened because I absolutely love steak and to eat this one just made me feel sad while eating. I also really dislike their sides here. They are just odd sides that don't go with anything. I grabbed chata beans and they were decent but also had cojita potatoes which were basically fries. I believe other options were lime rice, elote corn, another type of beans and asparagus. Next time I'll just do beans and asparagus. I told my husband this would be my last time coming because I just don't like anything on the menu. Service wasn't that great either. I enjoyed a different waitress attend to another table hoping ours would do the same. My son was so thirsty and she refilled his drink after we were paying and leaving. So my husband and son can some back but I'll skip out. --Service was a little slow in the beginning but was pretty good after receiving our drinks. I ordered the Ruthie Chicken taco and it was a little bland despite all the yummy toppings. The Carne Asada taco was very delicious but I got full quickly so I didn't finish it. Ordered chips and salsa and the chips were very stale also I think they are HEB chips lol. I mean I love me HEB but I wouldn't expect finding store bought chips in a restaurant. Overall I would give this place another try they have a lot of good items on the menu. Oh yea, it would of been nice to have more cutlery to eat with besides a fork. Couldn't cut the burrito in half that my husband ate.
Just Me
Cozy place, the food was good, especially the grits. Had the bacos wrapped shrimp. Wife had the tacos al pastor. Nice presentation, tacos looked great. But tacos are not made to be gourmet food. The pasta was delicious.
Daniel Leyva
250 Cypress St, Abilene, TX 79601, USA