Best Restaurants in Nacogdoches
Nestled in the heart of East Texas, Nacogdoches is a city rich in history, culture, and most importantly, food. This charming city is home to a diverse culinary scene that caters to a variety of palates. From authentic Mexican cuisine to mouth-watering barbecues, and from gourmet dining to cozy cafes, Nacogdoches has it all. This article will guide you through the best restaurants in Nacogdoches, each offering a unique dining experience that reflects the city's vibrant food culture. Whether you're a local or a visitor, prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Chili's grill & bar
4
(1194)
Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.
Reviews:
The food tasted great but everything else about the experience was just good. Our server seemed to be in a bad mood, which messed with our vibe a little. To her credit though all of our orders where right and she always made sure we had water. I would definitely come here again but with lower my expectations.
Clay Patrick (ClayDay)
If you're going to serve dead meat, please at least make sure it's cooked all the way. My burger was very pink. As for the fries, I can go to McDonald's and get large order of fries for much less of a price. The fries here at Chili's would be considered a SMALL order of fries. My family member who is VEGAN had NOTHING to eat. Chips. Avocado dip. & Fries. But no REAL MEAL. Extremely disappointing. Vegans can't even come here to eat a salad because the ranch has milk from a cow in it & the croutons also have milk in them as well. I mean, even Insomnia Cookies up the road on North Street have VEGAN COOKIES while Dunkin Donuts AND Dairy Queen both have VEGAN ice cream!!! Drive to Houston or Dallas & you can get some very excellent all-Vegan dishes. Chili's need to get with the program.
Texas Baby
Came in for a random lunch with a buddy. Got the 3 for Me with a drink, appetizer, and main for a nice price. Extra shout-out to Shirelle? Cherille? who was our combo bartendress-cum-waitress, she was brilliant!
Glen A. Jackson
It was kind of cool inside. I'm 54 and fit, so I usually like it cooler. Maybe they just hadn't turned on the heat this fall yet. I got the Ranch burger, and it was good. My dad got the BBQ rib plate, and my mom got the southwest sampler. She didn't eat much of it and didn't want the leftovers (we were not going home for a while), so I ate most of her leftovers. Her plate was good, too. Lol Our service was good.
Joe Pool
Friendly employees, food was delicious and the service was great.
Jeffrey Knighten
1911 North St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965, USA
Butcher boy's
4.6
(1415)
Old-timey, wood-paneled market & smokehouse offering burgers, barbecue & chicken-fried steak.
Reviews:
Popular lunch joint in Nacogdoches. We were here for lunch. I ordered the brisket sandwich (sliced) without onions, and my husband ordered the spicy sausage sandwich. Both were excellent. The brisket was extremely lean with only one teeny piece of fat. It wasn't swimming in BBQ sauce and was delicious. I did eat it with only the bottom part of the roll as I prefer less bread, but that is my personal preference. My husband enjoyed the sausage but did say it was quite spicy (and he puts hot sauce on everything). Order sweet if you are not a fan of a lot of spice! 😉 We shared the order of fries that came with my hubby's meal and it was plenty for us both. We highly recommend Butcher Boy's!!
K G
Driving from Austin TX to Chicago scenic route and hitting hidden gems along the way. Score! A very welcoming place where you can see all the staff preparing your food, no surprises. Ordered the chicken tender basket, bacon jalapeño cheeseburger and some brisket. Was very pleased with the tenders, a great way to start your lunch or dinner. Moved on to the burger and was well worth the stop. If you’re a burger fan, put this on your list of must have. The brisket was very good too. Noticed everyone in the joint chowing down on a massive loaded potato. I asked if I could get a picture of one of the review and they gave me one gratis. This was a spectacular potato, a meal in itself! Was quite savory but also a twinge of sweetness from the bbq sauce. Thank you Aerial and Alfredo and the rest of the staff for an amazing meal. I highly recommend this place. Come out and support your local restaurants!
Mark Kahny Jr
This is the real deal, hand pressed hamburger patties, cooked to perfection. I assume it was the owner who walked out, and greeted everyone, swapping stories with friends. It was a very personal experience. I thought the food was great. I also appreciate that the posted price.... was the price. There wasn't tax or anything added on. You don't see that every day.
C. Coerver
This burger joint is located in Nacogdoches, Texas. It’s been around for over 40 years. It’s still as good as it was when I was going there back in my college days. The burger is fresh and bursting with that fresh grilled flavor. The fries are good but not great.
John West
Huge portions. Steak fingers are really mini chicken fried steaks. Onion rings are fried crispy on the outside from thick onion slices. Burgers are big and messy just the way a good burger should be. Ordering at the counter was fast and easy with quick service. Lots of side options
Sloan Essman
603 North St, Nacogdoches, TX 75961, USA
Sombrero's coastal tex-mex & cantina
4.1
(522)
Reviews:
One of my and my husband’s favorite places in town. We come and sit at the bar for drinks. The bartenders are absolutely the best. I always change my margarita recipe and April is always on point.. Very good for couples dinner or even feeding the kiddos.
Nashia Keggler
Went for birthday lunch.. let me say that EVERYONE was friendly and on point! Excellent fajitas and the spicy seafood platter was enormous and very good! Will be going back!
B Conner
The atmosphere was very cozy, the art on the was was cool. The staff was incredibly nice, and accommodating. Their service was also pretty quick, for a sit down restaurant. Their tortilla soup was amazing and one of the best I've ever had. Their steak quesadillas were delicious as well. I'd definitely recommend going, whether you're traveling, visiting, or live here. I will definitely make my way back for more of that soup.
Tim Dow
Went here based on recommendation from a friend. What a great choice. There are lots of Tex-Mex restaurants - but many really aren't that great. This was definitely a cut above. Their lunch menu is fantastic and probably the most reasonable priced we have seen in a long time. The only negative was the salsa for the chips. It is way to watery and spicy for our tastes.
Traveler
This little gem on the main drag in Nacogdoches has a good menu of traditional and fusion Mexican food. The atmosphere is fun and light and colorful yet tasteful. The drinks are great, the salsa is warm and the seafood has been good every time. Great for date night or save money on the lunch menu with the whole family after church. Solid bet for your meal on the town.
Laura Carr
3000 North St, Nacogdoches, TX 75961, USA
Auntie pasta's
4.5
(1280)
Eclectic Italian eatery in a historic building offering build-your-own pasta meals & seasonal beers.
Reviews:
Watching wait staff clear tables entertaining! Dishes are wrapped in paper (foods are served atop this table "cloth") & I have never seen 25+ glasses stacked & carried, with the bundled dishes, to clear a table! Perhaps just the one servers preferred method..but notable! Excellent foods & service; knowledgeable about menu..& if not, found the answers for us. As a previous customer commented ...would again drive those two hours (Medical appointment) for this dining experience! Crab cakes for the hubby...flavorful; perfectly sized for him as he has to have smaller portions so would suggest ordering the two patties ( choices are 1 or 2 patties)..& they are not thin! Full bar as well & yes, enjoyed that too. My chicken was excellent as well & the bread with garlic pieces in oil...my oh my, the loaf stayed warm in that paper sack doubling as it's container!
Sheryl Adkins
Wonderful experience! I had chicken picatta, mom had garlic chicken, dad had Guadalupe chicken, all three dishes were delicious! My picky daughter had a special request which was met without issue. Our waiter, Hunter was the best! Even with multiple other tables, one of which being a large party, he was still attentive and was even thoughtful enough to be sure to ask my kid if her meal came out as she requested. Rare to find a restaurant with delicious food AND outstanding service! We will definitely eat here again and recommend that you give it a try as well!
Mallory Stokes
We had a wonderful experience at Auntie Pasta’s. The food was incredible and the prices were average for an Italian restaurant. Our server was truly a gem and I could not ask for a better dinner. 10/10 recommend if you’re in the area.
Mikayla Stringfellow
Came here for the first time for a birthday lunch. Really shocked I’ve never visited here before either. Had a lovely time! It’s on the back side of Clear Springs in Nacogdoches. I never even knew there was anything past that area! Granted, I don’t live here, but I’ve visited Clear Springs enough. There’s some pretty flowers upon entering the restaurant, with a decent patio to the right. I’d actually spiff up the patio a bit more but that’s just me. Upon entering you walk down a ramp and into a weird bar area. This is another area I’d change up to make it more inviting. The food, though I got zero pics of it, was quite good. We had lasagna, chicken Marsala, chicken Capone, and some other things. The Capone was super spicy so be forewarned! And the bread they serve is delish. One major thing that needs changing are the Italian cream sodas. We ordered a few and they all were just substandard. They used way too much cream with hardly any syrup and I’m not even sure carbonated water was in there. They were very lackluster. Will definitely return again next time I’m in town, though! Good service and nice experience.
kat
First time here. We love the food!! Emily W. Was Awesome!! Great Job Emily W. We were seated then they come out with roasted garlic on a plate and some nice fresh bread you pour olive oil over it and spread on the bread it's delicious.
KP Jesus
211 Old Tyler Rd, Nacogdoches, TX 75961, USA
Napolis italian restaurant
4.6
(1085)
Family-friendly Italian spot offering familiar red-sauce pasta & pizza in roomy, low-key digs.
Reviews:
We dine at Napoli's whenever we are in Nacagdoches. Very good food, nice sized portions and overall a good value for your dollar. Service is good. We usually order the Sausage Pizzola as an appetizer and a pizza. The pizza we have today was spinach and it was delish. My hubby also ordered the Greek salad. If you are in the area, we recommend trying Napoli's.
K G
Would definitely come back if I'm ever passing through the area again. Ordered takeout with some friends and to our surprise they gave us some complimentary rolls that just melted in my hands (in a good way), and a free Stromboli! I got the chicken piccata and it was loaded with capers, creamy, rich, and scolding hot. My belly approves and is now at peace.
Matthew Reluzco
Extra large servings, we split plates across many of the members present. The bread rolls are very nicely done and the dipping marinara sauce is also very good. Napoli's combo is a favorite! Chicken Parmigiana isn't ever dried out.
Matthew Winfree
Just okay. We got the largest Sicilian special (square deep dish) style pizza. The toppings were plentiful, but bland. The crust was crispy around the edges but soggy 1 1/2” from the edge. The sauce was bland and nearly absent. Save your money and go to Pizza Hut.
Nikki Michaels
I stopped into this place for the Calamari, it was served hot with lemon wedges, with a little salt added they were delicious. The marinara sauce was also a good accompaniment to the dish. 5* for the Calamari. I ordered the trio chicken parm, lasagna, fettuccine as an entree. The chicken parm and lasagna were doused in cheese which overpowered ever other aspect of the two dishes. The lasagna was rich with the meat sauce but was not really layered like I was expecting. 3* for the entree. I did not try the pizza, which did look good from what I could see from other diners. Overall a barely four star effort due to the entrees lacking depth and relying on copious amounts of cheese. Service was outstanding and everything was served in a timely manner. Every item was hot and right off the service line. This isn’t an old school Italian restaurant like you will find in a major city, but it will scratch the itch for several items- the calamari being one of them. The red sauce is really good and has a nice depth to it. The pizza also looked like a strong choice, with basic toppings only. No anchovies or green olives.
C.C. Rabb
2119 North St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965, USA
Taquitos el jaliscience
4.4
(771)
Reviews:
I'm kind of a street taco fanatic.. Having lived on the Texas Mexico border for 30 years and having worked in Mexico and hitting the taqueria's hard down there for years as well, i have the great ones and the poopoo ones. I was in nacogdoches and figured I'd see what they had in town. I got a sampling of pork, beef and chicken taquitos and I'd taste them all pretty good, not great mind you but dang good for Texas. Comparing them to others in Texas I'd say 8.5/10 and comparing to Mexico, 7/10. They're chips and salsa weren't that great. Overall of your looking for a good taqeri6 in Texas in nacogdoches, 99% of the people would think these were great.. So I'd definitely recommend this place
J Centavo
Food was really good. I had 2 taco meal. Chicken fajita meat tacos with rice and beans. Ordered queso and that added to taco was perfect. Companion had chicken enchiladas and they were delicious. Nothing fancy but good real Mexican food. I do like the three condiments served for free including quacomole. I wish they had traditional salsa too.
Cathy C
The staff is courteous and professional, and the location is beautiful and welcoming. The food is just the topping on the cake 👌🏼 Can’t recommend enough if you want good food, and a great atmosphere.
Jadon Cronin
Some of the best al pastor tacos anywhere, and very accommodating for my KETO diet. (See pictures). I ordered the Al pastor Taco plate and substituted grilled veggies and side salad that came with slices of avocado on top for the rice and beans. I live in Dallas and this was the best KETO Mexican meal I've ever had. We Will definitely eat here again soon.
Paul W
Looking for a true authentic Mexican dining experience? This place has the makings of a great taqueria. There is plenty of space for groups of all sizes. The food is fresh and made to order. It is all so tasty: tacos, tortas, gorditas, you name it.
Bobby Delgado
3217 North St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965, USA
Bottlecap alley icehouse grill
4.3
(720)
Reviews:
I haven’t had a bad meal here yet! This time I got a chicken sandwich from the lunch menu and it was huge! The customer service is awesome and the atmosphere is top notch. My only warning is that on the regular menu entries don’t have any sides. If you get fries or another side it’s a totally separate charge and is not as cheap as other places. Other than that I would highly recommend this restaurant.
Clay Patrick (ClayDay)
First time, Dakota suggested the avocado burger and tots, was spot on. Good food and the atmosphere is nice.
Okami Niichan (Okamikyodai)
This the most ridiculous place for serving black customers… racism at its highest peak .. to tell me it will be 20 to 30 minutes before a waitress can see me and I’m sitting down is unbelievable, the deal was a waitress avoided my table at all cost then another waitress came to tell me that it will be that long … spending more time plotting in a circle instead of taking my order is a 1900 Rosie Parks throw back with the water fountain…..
DON BRAGER
One of our favorite places to eat! Great atmosphere and food! The Ranch House Tacos are great, and all the burgers are good, as well. Everything we have tried has been great. When the Texas weather cooperates, the patio and backyard sections are fun! They have for hole and other outside games in the backyard section. Dogs are welcome in the outside areas!
Jana Richardson
We were a large group (15) on a Saturday night, and they were able to accommodate us! There were a few mistakes in the order, but they fixed everything immediately. They gave us no trouble about splitting the bill. The bills were all organized correctly. The food was DELICIOUS. I personally ordered the cheese curds and The Cure burger with avocado added, and I loved everything! Their ranch dressings are all YUMMY! Our servers were absolutely lovely! They really took great care of us tonight! Highly recommend them!
Melissa Pagonis
3203 North St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965, USA