Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in East Texas

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in East Texas? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Heritage East at Culture ETX

4.9

4.9 (526)

$50 and over

Contemporary Southern

Tyler

About the restaurant

Newly relaunched on 10/29/24 as "Heritage East," on the beautiful square in Downtown Tyler.

Modern East Texas cuisine by award winning (Cochon 555 "Prince of Pork," Texas Bucket List "Bite of the Season") and Food Network featured Chef Lance McWhorter. Locally raised steaks, chops, chicken, wild game, seafood, handmade pastas served from a kitchen that is right in the dining room! Lunch (Tues-Fri, 11-3) is standard fare, no reservations accepted. Brunch is 10-3 Saturdays and Sundays, reservations available.

We have an exceptional sommelier driven wine program, and our speakeasy bar The Plaid Rabbit is open to the public, happy hour is 5-7. Check in with host to access.

Patio seating available for reservations, indoor replacement seating may not be available for reservations interrupted due to inclement weather. Reserve at your own risk. Due to the small size of our dining room, no high chairs or room for strollers is available.

Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business (SDVOB)

Top review

AshleyVIP

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Always a good time. Food is so good. Kyle always takes such good care of us and James is always spot on with his wine suggestions. Looking forward to next time!

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Deep Fried Bread Pudding

Native Son Family Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (70)

$30 and under

American

Canton

About the restaurant

Step into Native Son Family Restaurant in Historic Downtown Canton, TX. Fresh off the success of the award-winning "Feathered Friend Chicken", Ryan & Maxine Sumner introduce their "Love Letter to East Texas." Native Son comes to life through authentic Southern, Cajun, & Texan Food. Our menu captures the essence of the East Texas Region, from the Southeast Texas Gulf, through the Piney Woods, to the Post Oak Savannah in the North; offering unique dishes rooted in family recipes that celebrate East Texas' rich cultural tapestry. Alongside these heartfelt meals, discover a full bar with late night hours: We proudly serve craft cocktails alongside a thoughtful & intentional selection of fine beers, spirits, and wines; ensuring your evening can continue as long as you desire. Whether you're grabbing a Burger & a Lone Star at the bar, an intimate date, or family dinner; experience the convergence of tradition & taste with a plate of legit East Texas Food at Native Son.

Top review

KenVIP

Dined 5 days ago

This restaurant is a gem! Awesome food and worth a visit for a fantastic experience!

The Grove

4.7

4.7 (1685)

$31 to $50

Southern

Tyler

About the restaurant

The Grove Kitchen & Gardens is a brand new concept located in Tyler, Texas about one-hour East of Dallas. Out here you will find rolling hills, wide open pastures and warm, and neighborly locals! The Grove was built on one key ingredient: a strong passion for family and food. Come join us at The Grove and be one of the first to put down their roots in Tyler!

Top review

DanielleVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Food and service was amazing. We brought out of town guest and the outdoor patio was a great place to catch up.

Rick's on the Square

4.7

4.7 (190)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Tyler

About the restaurant

Rick's menu is a culinary variety you'll find nowhere else!
Certified Angus Steaks; Market Fresh Seafood; down Home Comfort Food; House Made Desserts; Vintage Wine. Premium Cigars on our beautiful open air Patio.
Full Menu served until closing.
Best Steaks in Town and a Fresh 8 oz. Certified Angus Beef Burger to die for. Fresh Salmon; Redfish; Shrimp; Oysters on the Half Shell; Calamari and more. Fried Chicken; Chicken Fried Steak; Meatloaf; Turnip Greens; Purple Hull Peas; Mashed Potatoes and more. House Made Soups, Salads and Sandwiches.
Over 40 items under $20.
Happy Hour Monday through Friday.
Free Secure Wireless Internet.
Rick's is over 20,000 square feet with Private Meeting Rooms with LCD Projectors and screens available for up to 200 guests.
Complimentary Valet Service.
Live Music Thursday through Saturday on our Patio.
Catering on and off premise.

Top review

Arlene

Dined 3 days ago

Food was exceptional. Service was impeccable. Enjoyed the experience

Javi's

4.6

4.6 (80)

$30 and under

Mexican

Tyler

About the restaurant

Fajitas, enchiladas, and other familiar Tex-Mex dishes in a casual atmosphere with a pond, patio, and happy hours.

Top review

Hank

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

This was our second visit and it was - again - a very nice experience. We can't get over the quality of the place, the excellent staff and fantastic food value for the money. Great drinks at the bar and we are already planning our next visit. It's a little over an hour away for us but worth the trip!

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Experience

Chocolate Piñata!

X Bar Steakhouse

4.5

4.5 (622)

$30 and under

Steak

Texarkana

About the restaurant

When we set out to bring X- to Amarillo, we made sure that quality and excellence would be at the core of everything we do. With each bite, each drink, and each smile you will experience the X- way. It is something you can expect every time you join us and dine as our guests!

Top review

Valentin

Dined 2 days ago

We enjoyed our experience. Will be definitely going there again!

Twelve

4.5

4.5 (116)

$30 and under

American

Tyler

About the restaurant

Modern American dining in a relaxed setting with a notable selection of wines, beer, and cocktails.

Top review

Jade

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

Service was awesome! Food was so yummy! Will be back for sure!

Blackhawk Creek Grill

4.5

4.5 (52)

$31 to $50

American

Tyler

About the restaurant

At Blackhawk Creek Grill, we serve fresh-to-table classic dishes. Our passion lies in creating a unique culinary culture carefully crafted from the freshest ingredients. Our full menu can be enjoyed in our indoor dining room, full bar, or the outdoor porch seating that overlooks the stage.

Don’t forget to look in the viewing window at our Aquaponics system, and browse our General Store featuring local artisans and treats. Come and experience the blend of local charm, traditional flavors, and fresh ingredients. Your table is waiting, and we can’t wait to serve you at Blackhawk Creek General Store and Grill.

Reservations are highly recommended for Friday and Saturday nights!
An event calendar can be viewed on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/blackhawkcreekgrill

Top review

Donna

Dined 4 days ago

Great food and great service, would have liked a few more side options choices

Villaggio del Vino

4.2

4.2 (426)

$31 to $50

Italian

Tyler

About the restaurant

A menu specializing in Italian-style pizzas, pastas & small plates in a modern space with a patio.