Smithville, Texas, holds its own culinary secrets—from roadside stands that have served generations of ranchers to modern kitchens where chefs treat barbecue like sacred geometry. With visions of brisket so tender it whispers, and tacos that could make a cowboy weep, we set out to map the essential stops. After many napkin-dabbed chins, here are the 16 best restaurants near Smithville, and what to order at each.
Taqueria Titas
$ | (512) 237-1219 | WEBSITE
The Order: The Al Pastor, a classic taco with tender marinated pork, sweet pineapple chunks, fresh cilantro, and diced white onions—all wrapped in a warm, homemade corn tortilla.
Dairy Queen Store
$ | (512) 237-3587 | WEBSITE
Smithville has more than its fair share of fast-food chains featuring burgers, fries, and the lot. Still, roughly 99% of all the soft-serve consumed in the area comes from ice cream shops and drive-thrus. But while we’d normally agree that the best Dairy Queen is the one closest to you, some are truly better than others. The Dairy Queen Store on Main Street is worth stepping out of your usual radius.
Their classic menu of comfort-food favorites includes the standout Chicken & Dumpling soup—plus, it’s a great spot for large groups with plenty of seating.
El Mexicano Grill
$ | (512) 237-2226 | WEBSITE
You’ll feel like you’ve discovered a hidden treasure when you dig into the Migas at this Smithville gem, but you’ll savor every single bite. The dish comes with a generous scoop of queso on top, and the flavors are absolutely fantastic. Their Carne Guisada is tender and rich, while the mini tacos al pastor are absolutely delicious. For something simpler, the ground beef crispy tacos are highly recommended.
Order at the counter and then settle into the quaint Mexican Cafe atmosphere, where you can also enjoy their exceptional salsa with thin, crisp, and fresh chips. The quick and friendly service makes it a perfect family-friendly spot, and with reasonable prices and its own parking lot, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best sit-down Mexican restaurants in town.
Smithville Brewing Company
$$ | (512) 718-9733 | WEBSITE
The Bavarian Pretzel if you appreciate tradition, Thai Chicken Nachos if you’re willing to put it all on the line in the name of a life-altering appetizer. You’re probably also curious about the Reuben. Order it.
The Olde World Bakery & Café
$ | (512) 237-5659 | WEBSITE
The Order: Absolutely anything that comes on their fresh-baked bread—which is most sandwiches here. But we like the jalapeno popper sandwich, with spicy jalapeños, melted cheddar, and crispy bacon. And yes, the biscuits and gravy are heavenly.
Abbey’s Tavern & Grill
$ | (512) 237-1119 | WEBSITE
Looking for some of Smithville’s very best tacos? They’re downtown. On the menu, Abbey’s Tavern & Grill makes Lamb Tacos. On the same menu, they make Korean Kimchi Steak Tacos. And always, the must-try is the Cubano Sandwich—a flavor-packed creation involving savory layers of pork and melted cheese, which you can (and should) get alongside a side of loaded tater tots. In other words, there is no bad item to order at this spot in Smithville.
Though cozy compared to some of the other family-friendly grills in town, Abbey’s small space with a couch and loveseat in the corner and big screens on the walls feels like an instant classic.
Eva’s Cafe
$ | (512) 237-1152 | WEBSITE
Eva’s Cafe between Smithville and Bastrop has a menu of authentic Mexican classics, and if you’re wondering where to begin, try the carne asada tacos. They feature tender grilled steak with fresh cilantro and onion on warm corn tortillas, creating a perfect balance of smoky and bright flavors. The tortillas somehow stay pliable even when loaded with juicy meat and tangy salsa verde.
The daily lunch special at around $9 makes it an unbeatable value for such consistently outstanding food in a spotlessly clean, welcoming space.
La Cabana
$ | (512) 237-2385 | WEBSITE
A Smithville staple with a handful of staff moving through a cozy dining room, La Cabana has been a local favorite for years. Originally, it was just a roadside stop, but now the little spot serves Tex-Mex classics, unexpected specialties, and crispy tacos that could satisfy a hungry rancher after a long day. Head to the counter, and you’ll see a chalkboard with signature dishes, like the shrimp brochette and the quail that’s a must-try.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the menu beyond the basics, from the crispy beef taco to dishes that surprise with their flavor.
Pocket’s Grille
$ | (512) 237-5572 | WEBSITE
If we had an award on this guide for the most tender pizza crust made in-house, it would probably go to Pocket’s Grille. It’s a funky Smithville spot with a pleasant front porch and a kid’s play area, and did we mention how good their crust is? They use it to top with tasty sauce, fresh and flavorful salsa for their steak and mushroom quesadillas, and to pair with their delicious Alpine burger with Swiss and mushrooms.
Bistro 71
$ | (512) 237-5738 | WEBSITE
The Daily Special: Chef Chabot’s vegetable medley plate, which features roasted seasonal vegetables, sautéed greens, a savory grain pilaf, and a perfectly cooked protein of the day. The vegetables are crisp and vibrant, the grains are fluffy and seasoned just right, and the protein—today it was a herb-crusted chicken breast—was juicy and flavorful. Miss Jennie’s kind and attentive service made the meal even more enjoyable.
At around $18, it’s a generous and nutritious meal that doesn’t break the bank. The bright, clean dining room inside Smithville Hospital feels welcoming and calm, with comfortable seating and natural light. It’s exactly the kind of delicious, reliable spot that keeps locals coming back.
Comfort Cafe
$ | (979) 571-1083 | WEBSITE
The Order: If you’re by yourself, get the following combo: half the classic omelet (with a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs), and the seasonal French toast. That should keep you satisfied until tomorrow.
Hunt Brother’s Pizza
The pepperoni pizza is their most popular choice, but we’d recommend the breakfast pizza. It’s hearty with quality toppings and cheese, and feels surprisingly fresh for a morning pie.
Fat Cat Lounge and Cafe
$ | (281) 236-8007 | WEBSITE
At Fat Cat Lounge and Cafe, everything on the menu is crafted from scratch with a focus on quality ingredients. Sure, you’ll find fantastic hamburgers on soft buttery buns and baked potatoes with fresh toppings, but we actually prefer going for the Whiskey Glazed burger with blue cheese and jalapeños.
Fat Cat’s originally opened in Smithville and now they have a lounge and cafe setup, too, which is stocked with eclectic ambiance and fantastic music (not to mention some wonderful farm-to-table wines).
The Front Room Wine Bar
$$ | (512) 237-3626 | WEBSITE
The Order: The pot stickers, baked Boursin cheese, and edamame beans. The filet too, cooked to a perfect medium-rare, with a glass of their top-notch Cabernet that drinks like velvet. The bar stools are all reserved, suggesting a lively scene where the stone walls and high ceilings frame a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The friendly staff keeps things moving smoothly, and the reasonable prices—around $18 for the filet, $12 for the small plates—make it a must-visit, whether you’re local or just passing through.
Smithville Coffee House & General Store
$ | (512) 237-1064 | WEBSITE
The Order: A cinnamon roll with a latte. Eat it warm, before the cinnamon has a chance to lose its gooeyness.
Subway
$ | (512) 237-5200 | WEBSITE
This standout sandwich chain location has become a destination for customers who travel from Mustang Ridge just to eat here. Staff members are noted for their friendliness and patience, even during busy rushes, and the restaurant’s cleanliness is regularly praised. At about $9 each, consider these footlongs a bargain—you can easily get two meals out of these things, and possibly even use them as makeshift baseball bats in case of a sudden neighborhood game.
From cold cuts to chicken teriyaki, every sandwich chain standard is represented on the menu, but there’s a reason the classic Italian B.M.T., with its layers of pepperoni, salami, and ham, is the one customers keep coming back for in this larger-than-usual location.