Lord knows you could use a proper meal right now. But your usual spots feel tired, and when you splurge, you often end up paying big-city prices for forgettable food. Fortunately, Commerce has quietly become a destination for genuinely great dining without the pretense. These are our favorites.
Sol Azteca Taqueria y Mas
$ | (903) 246-3434 | WEBSITE
The menu at Sol Azteca Taqueria y Mas reads like it was pulled from a family recipe book in central Mexico – meaning you probably won’t find anything drizzled with truffle oil or microgreens. This is a modest, brightly decorated spot that gets crowded on weekends, but on weeknights, you’ll find a mix of families and regulars enjoying the tender fajita beef and chicken while chatting over generously sized burritos.
The standout Barbacoa tacos come with refried beans and rice that shouldn’t be missed, and the friendly staff keeps the chips and slightly spicy queso coming. It’s the kind of place where the guacamole feels homemade and the spicy salsa on those burritos – packed with lettuce and Mexican cheese – has just the right kick. For about $12-18 a plate, you get a must-try experience that reminds you why Mexican food done right needs no fancy twists.
Mugs on the Square
$ | (903) 246-3027 | WEBSITE
Mugs on the Square sits in that part of Commerce dedicated entirely to the caffeine needs of busy college students. But unlike the sterile environments you find in other coffee shops around here, this charming spot is where you and your study group can actually get some work done in peace between classes.
With drink names like the Vanilla Spice Latte and Banana Nut Muffin, there’s no subtlety in the coziness here, but everything tastes great and you can actually hear your friends talk, so you don’t mind.
Lone Star Eatery Grill & Bar
$ | (903) 886-2121 | WEBSITE
No one would consider Commerce a destination for fine dining, but this quiet Texas town is home to one of our favorite family-friendly restaurants in the region. Lone Star Eatery is the kind of place you walk into at 6:30pm for a quick dinner with the kids and end up staying for two hours because the staff like Brittany and Morgan make you feel right at home, and the chicken fried chicken is too good to only have one piece.
Plus, if you’re celebrating, you can bring your own cake without any hassle from the kitchen.
Los Mochis Restaurant
$ | (903) 886-8200 | WEBSITE
Perhaps because it’s tucked away in a modest storefront in Commerce, Los Mochis tends to fly under the radar. The space isn’t huge, but the regular crowd inside is mostly comprised of locals who know good Mexican food and families looking for a reliable meal. Get the sour cream chicken enchiladas or the shrimp and beef fajitas, chat with servers like Brandon and Crystal who actually remember your name, and realize you’ll probably never crave Tex-Mex anywhere else again.
Maria’s Kitchen Mexican Cuisine and Cantina
$ | (903) 246-3677 | WEBSITE
One block from the bustle of the college is Maria’s Kitchen – a hidden gem in Campbell with delicious Mexican flavors and super-friendly staff. Come here for a meal with friends you actually want to spend time with, and maybe order the to-go tray of 20 street tacos when one margarita turns into three. There’s an entire menu of satisfying dishes, and the beef enchiladas are a must-try – a surprisingly obvious choice we wish more restaurants highlighted.
There’s also a fantastic cantina attached called Maria’s Cantina – get the fajita meat enchiladas.
Maricos Del Golfo
$$ | (903) 246-3407 | WEBSITE
Any restaurant with a limited menu and mixed reviews might seem a little risky, but this neighborhood spot in Commerce is the opposite. Expect a straightforward dining room filled mostly with locals, regulars, and people who’d rather skip the fuss than endure another bland chain experience. The seafood can be delicious, and if you want to try the boiled shrimp, nobody’s going to stop you – not even the occasional service hiccup.
Mckay’s Country Kitchen
$ | (903) 886-6080 | WEBSITE
Commerce has plenty of spots for a quick bite, but Mckay’s Country Kitchen is the only place where you can roll in wearing your Saturday best to devour a massive breakfast and sip bottomless coffee. This bright, bustling diner on the main drag is the perfect spot for a morning feast. It’s often pretty packed, but you’ll always manage to snag a booth for some of the most satisfying plates in town.
Our go-to is the indulgent burger and fries, which comes with a juicy patty, crispy potatoes, and all the fixings (exactly what you’re craving). After your early errands in Commerce, make a beeline for Mckay’s to start your day right.
Luigi’s Italian Cafe
$ | (903) 886-2000 | WEBSITE
A Texas A&M Commerce staple that’s been serving generous portions for years, Luigi’s Italian Cafe is exactly the kind of comfortable spot we love. It’s housed in a clean, spacious building, and the bright, welcoming, probably always-busy interior is ideal for grabbing a meal with some friends, or going on a casual family dinner where you want Italian classics (and maybe some sports on TV). Get the lasagna or the lobster ravioli, and be prepared to take some home.
Starbucks
$ | (430) 303-9933 | WEBSITE
Famous for being the fastest Starbucks around, this Commerce location still holds up as a great neighborhood coffee spot. This is the kind of place where you start your morning with a White Chocolate Mocha and a spinach egg white wrap, or swing by the counter after finishing a long day for a quick pick-me-up from the friendly baristas like Ricky.
JOVITO’S TAQUERIA
$ | (903) 246-3190 | WEBSITE
Right off the main road in Commerce, Jovito’s Taqueria sits in a convenient spot by the gas station, and for that reason alone, it never feels too inconvenient. The casual space has excellent Mexican food, a crowd that’s there because they want a quick, satisfying meal without having to wait forever, and plenty of fresh options at the counter for you and your friend who wouldn’t commit to a full sit-down restaurant.
But if a feast is on the agenda, come for a few tacos before grabbing a beer from the on-site liquor store.
Too Good! Treats
$ | (903) 246-3332 | WEBSITE
Family-friendly bakeries don’t necessarily sound very ‘must-visit,’ but Too Good! Treats is an exception. This is a fun shop in Commerce, Texas, and finding it is admittedly sort of low-key – you enter through a simple storefront, but once inside, you’ll find a welcoming environment that feels easy-going, and staff like Nathalie who you’ll instantly want to chat with. The cupcakes are a must-try, and watching them create ice cream on a cold slab is an experience not to be missed.
This is the perfect spot for families passing through the area looking for candy, ice cream, and treats at reasonable prices.
TA Boba Tea House
$ | (773) 603-2384 | WEBSITE
TA Boba Tea House is a cozy little spot in Commerce that’s perfect for a solo study session with your laptop, or a casual hangout with friends when you really want something sweet. Either way, order the Brown Sugar Latte Boba, or the classic milk tea with customizable sweetness. The mango slush with popping boba is a refreshing choice, and their unique macaroons make for a nice little treat.
The owner and his wife are incredibly kind, creating that welcoming atmosphere you hope to find in a local gem. With free wifi and a serene environment, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to visit again and again.
Cork & Brew
$ | (903) 246-3555 | WEBSITE
Ignore the fact that you have to navigate downtown Commerce to find Cork & Brew – this restaurant and bar is super-easygoing. Good beers, excellent wines, and entertainment that ranges from bingo nights to trivia. Certain nights are more popular than others (avoid trivia if you want to find a seat on the comfortable couches), but otherwise, expect a mostly local crowd full of regulars who are on first-name basis with the attentive and friendly staff.
Tokyo Express in Commerce
$ | (903) 886-1777 | WEBSITE
A compact Asian eatery in Commerce, Tokyo Express specializes in one thing: Rolls. Pho, specifically – they’ve got a fantastic selection of creative (and occasionally very spicy) combinations, with some of the best “Sexy Lady” and “NCT” rolls in town. But rather than being generic, this is a bright, clean space, filled with simple wooden tables, a counter service area, and a steady stream of regulars that makes you think this could just as easily be a college-town favorite.
It’s known for quick service during off-peak hours, so we recommend avoiding the dinner rush if you’re in a hurry, too.