Must-Try Restaurants in Bryan Texas

Bryan, Texas, shines with authenticity. This small central Texas town, located next to the home of Texas A&M University, has a can-do attitude that emanates hospitality and pride. Here, folks are willing to share their unique stories and what they love about Bryan. Fortunately, that spirit translates down to the food scene.

Bryan is a self-proclaimed foodie city. I’m here to confirm the title is legitimate. You’ll have a one-of-a-kind meal from Wagyu Chicken Fried Steak to Cherries Jubilee. Here are my favorite must-trust restaurants in Bryan.

8 Must-Try Restaurants in Bryan Texas

Zeitman’s Grocery

220 N Main Street // +1 979-676-7885

Can you score a delicious bite at a grocery store? The answer is heck yes at Zeitman’s Grocery. Blake Zeitman and his team serve over 50 dozen chewy bagels on the weekends. But it gets better. Top that bagel with house-cured pastrami, white cheddar, and a fried egg, and you’re in heaven. Bib recommended!

Blake’s delicatessen represents his family’s legacy. His grandparents came to the US from Ukraine and established the first store in 1891 in Maine. Blake cheerfully shares his history and how he Bryan’s for its can-do spirit.

Family traditions continue with Blakes’s mother’s banana nut bread. The moist, nutty treat had our group uttering, “Oh my God, that’s good!” All the bread is made in-house, including Hallah, on Fridays. So grab a loaf or some cinnamon sugar bagel chips for the road.

Campfire

4100 Lake Atlas Drive // +1 979-421-4444

Your weekend brunch should be with Campfire at The Stella Hotel. The modern space buzzes with hospitality and good eats. I devoured the fluffy Pumpkin Spice Waffles with candied pecans and whipped topping.

fluffy Pumpkin Spice Waffles with candied pecans and whipped topping

The Ricotta Donuts, topped with fresh berries and honey, was also a crowd-pleaser. The Two Eggs, any style, came with a generous portion of herb potatoes and bacon. And remember to start with Smoked Cheddar Pimento Cheese meant for dipping with warm, crunchy cracklins.

The Village

210 W 26^th Street // +1 (979)703-8514

Another all-day brunch spot is The Village, located in the heart of downtown Bryan. The vibrant space feels like an art gallery with revolving local art. The energy from happy diners, both young and old, is infectious.

The open-face Pulled Pork Biscuit Stack could be another reason for such happiness. Savory, juicy pulled pork with chipotle mayo sits atop of buttery biscuit. Then, tap into two fried eggs and provolone cheese for some gooey goodness. Delicious.

The Vintage House Restaurant

4545 Old Reliance Rd // +1 979-599-7339

The Vintage House Restaurant, located on the estate at Messina Hof Winery, features a fusion of fresh garden produce cooked with the estate’s wines. Their Vineyard Cuisine^TM is served in a cozy dining room lined with oak wine barrels. Here’s why it’s one of the best restaurants in Bryan Texas.

Dinner started with Moma Rosa’s meatballs in a full-body Merlot marina sauce and fresh mozzarella. Others enjoyed the crab bisque, the soup du jour laden with chunks of crab. Finally, my Cranberry Salad had the perfect punch from candied Texas pecans, Gorgonzola cheese, and Messina Hof Chenin Blanc vinaigrette.

A buttery Chardonnay Basil Pesto bathed my tender penne pasta and juicy grilled chicken entree. Our diners were equally pleased with their Pan Seared Salmon and Grilled Lambchops. The highlight was the flambéed cherries jubilee with the winery’s dessert wine made table-side.

Ronin

800 N Main Street // +1 (979)704-3294

Once a working icehouse, the historic building features Ronin’s open-air kitchen and suspended tables from the ceiling. The floating tables were repurposed from salvaged wood from the building’s office floor. As we were waiting for our table, fresh basil was brought in for the dinner hour, just in time for my Basil Bubbles cocktail with grapefruit vodka, Prosecco, basil, and Brazos County honey.

That leafy basil came from the farm of the husband and wife team are the real stars at Ronin. Brian and Amanda Light’s mission is to create gastronomic and cultural traditions of Texas by sharing sustainable foods and genuine experiences with our community.

The Light’s create a dynamic menu that changes weekly. Our meal started with Tempura Fried okra, onions, and potatoes. You could still taste the vegetable’s delicate flavor in the crisp batter. And you can’t come to Texas without trying the Texas Wagyu Chicken Fried Steak with heart-stoppingly good gravy. For dessert, you can order a plate of milk and cookies. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Bryan Texas.

All the King’s Men

112 S Main Street // +1 979-704-6171

The sweet smell of BBQ hits you as you enter All the King’s Men. And the Candied Pork Belly bites will leave you floating with sticky goodness. But, of course, you can’t go wrong with 30 draft beers on tap and a diverse bourbon menu.

Chopped brisket platter with mac and cheese and slaw

I chose the chopped brisket platter that was full of smokey beef flavor. The rich and creamy Gouda Mac is a grown-up’s dream macaroni and cheese. My side of Grandma’s Slaw had crisp jicama that was bright with latent heat.

Bryan’s Taco Trail

Like Texas BBQ, you must also consume your body weight in tacos when in Texas. Bryan has the solution if you follow their Taco Trail, which consists of 44 taquerias and Mexican restaurants in Bryan Texas. I sampled just a few spots, so I need to return someday to complete the trail! Here are a few to consider:

Taco Crave

308 N Main Street // +1 979-485-5460

Twenty years of experience are poured into the genuine street-style tacos at Taco Crave. This casual counter service restaurant in the heart of downtown serves up the best Mexican food in town.

The menu is straightforward, with a selection of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and bowls. Upon ordering, you select your meat and toppings. It’s a tough choice between brisket, spicy carnitas, pastor, and green chicharron.

I went more traditional with hand-cut chicken and beef fajita tacos, but the flavor was anything but conventional. The fresh corn and flour tortillas tasted like they had just been made that day. The vibrant salsa added the perfect spicy punch.

Tacos La Perlita

919 Harvey Rd, College Statio n // +1 (979) 485-9333

For an authentic and cost-effective meal, head to Tacos La Perlita. Don’t let the strip mall location in College Station fool you. This casual restaurant with friendly service is sure to please.

As I browsed the extensive menu, I could smell the sizzling fajitas served at the next table. I opted for gooey chicken enchiladas while grazed on tortilla chips with freshly made salsa that sang with grilled tomatoes and peppers.

Don’t Forget the Libations

Messina Hof Winery

4545 Old Reliance Rd, Bryan // +19797789463

In addition to a diverse food scene, Bryan has a few can’t miss beer and wine destinations. Family-owned Messina Hof Winery, mentioned above, unlocks beautiful flavor from Texas grapes.

Their cellars range from Pinot Grigio to Grenache. Our group sampled sparkling rose and port as well. Hint—take home a bottle of port!

KinderHill Brew Lab

800 S Bryan Ave, Bryan // +19792172440

KinderHill Brew Lab magically combines unique ingredients, such as Prickly Pear Gose, in their in-house three-kettle brewery. The owners, Laura and Jason, grow their yeast and brew over 100 types of beer.

Stop by their sunny courtyard filled with flowering cosmos for a fun pint of beer. My favorite was the Mexican Lager rimmed with Tajin.

Restaurants in Bryan Texas: Wrap Up

After exploring the culinary scene, it’s clear that the best restaurants in Bryan, Texas, provide a fantastic blend of diversity, quality, and charm. They highlight the city’s rich culture, with flavors ranging from hearty Tex-Mex to sophisticated fine dining.

Their warm hospitality and commitment to fresh, local ingredients make these venues stand out. Ultimately, for food enthusiasts seeking exceptional dining experiences, the best restaurants in Bryan Texas, provide a compelling journey of taste, enhancing the region’s appeal as a food lover’s destination.

Visiting other destinations in Texas? Check out our other delicious guides:

Julie Dee

When not mentoring scientists, speaking at conferences or sunning herself at the beach, published
author and photographer Julie D. Suman can be found traveling the world and capturing those moments
through her lens. Follow her on Instagram @seebyjuliedee.

Must-Try Restaurants in Bryan Texas | 8 Best Places

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