Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Central Texas

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Central 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!

Primrose Path Wine Bar

4.9

4.9 (628)

$31 to $50

Contemporary European

College Station

About the restaurant

From the executive chef & owner of The Republic Steakhouse, Primrose Path is a Spanish & Italian style restaurant specializing in tapas, wine, & cocktails. Stunning industrial-chic decor and a lively courtyard patio scene with impeccable service is accompanied by some of the finest and most innovative food & cocktails in the region.

Top review

Debbievip

Dined 2 days ago

Great selection of food and drinks. All was very tasty and reasonably priced. Service was excellent. The noise level is pretty loud inside. They do have a patio.

Elia Cafe Tapas Bar

4.9

4.9 (101)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Bryan

About the restaurant

Join us for a culinary journey through Spain at Elia Cafe Tapas Bar. Our delectable tapas, paella, sangria, and mouthwatering dishes will transport you to the heart of Spain. Enjoy a glass of wine from our distinctive wine selection to bring out the flavors in every bite. Located in the beautiful Old Bryan Marketplace, Downtown Bryan's historic building dating back to 1910, the warm ambiance and relaxed elegance of our restaurant will have you feeling right at home. And, to make your experience even more special, we offer live music every weekend. Come for the food, stay for the music, and leave with unforgettable memories.

Top review

Sheila

Dined on Sep 29, 2024

Love to have some Spanish tapas when I up an visit my Aggie

Luigi's Patio Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (1448)

$30 and under

Italian

College Station

About the restaurant

A family legacy brings you the most authentic Italian dining experience in the BCS. With nightly live music, a select Wine and Cocktail list, friendly yet polished service, and your favorite made-from-scratch recipes, you'll be sure to come savor the moment with us time and time again.

Top review

Crayden

Dined 1 day ago

Outstanding food! Excellent service. We'll be back!

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Popular dish

Calamari

Alexander's Craft Cocktails & Kitchen

4.7

4.7 (900)

$30 and under

American

Salado

About the restaurant

Alexander's Craft Cocktails and Kitchen was named after the distillery located on the grounds from 1861-1865, which washed away in a flood (historic marker located between the restaurant & The Manor).

The newly renovated main bar is located on 1st floor, and opens onto expansive wrap-around, creekside porches. Just a few steps down from the porches is an open deck situated beneath gracious Live Oak canopies.

The warm aubergine & copper walls of the third floor lounge contrast the amazing art representation from local galleries. The stunning view of Salado Creek as well as the grounds of the neighboring estate provide the perfect spot to enjoy your favorite beverage. Patrons choose from a variety of entree selections, appetizers, and adult beverages.

Top review

Brent

Dined 2 days ago

Dinner and drinks were great! We had the brussel sprouts, salad, lobster mac n cheese, grilled shrimp, and shrimp and grits. Mojito was delicious!

Gate 12 Bar & Grill

4.7

4.7 (1142)

$31 to $50

American

College Station

About the restaurant

Gate 12 Bar & Grill is the sister restaurant to J. Cody’s Steaks and BBQ. It is a full service steakhouse with a few pasta dishes, seafood plates and chicken offerings and a full bar to round out the menu. There is a private dining room for events of approximately 50 or less.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 5 days ago

The staff was amazing. The view was great. There were small planes taking off had a helicopter take off, and the food was phenomenal. The dessert was on point. The drinks were to die for.

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Popular dish

BLT Salad

Pivovar

4.7

4.7 (481)

$31 to $50

Brewery

Waco

About the restaurant

Pivovar features a brewery, restaurant, beer garden, hotel and beer spa. The main floor showcases a traditional Czech brewery specialized for bottom fermented Czech Pilsner lagers. Pivovar is cutting-edge facility implemented in the historical building “New Katy hotel” located in Downtown Waco, immediately next door to the famous Magnolia Silos. Our fusion of Czech and American food makes Pivovar a new cultural pillar to Waco that you are sure to enjoy. Want more Pivovar sign up today to stay in the know!

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Top review

Naomi

Dined 4 days ago

We are from Canada and we had a great time at Pivovar. Megan was our server and she gave us a whole check list of places to eat, and places to check out. She was awesome!!

Ronin

4.6

4.6 (1380)

$31 to $50

American

College Station

About the restaurant

Ronin features elgant farm cuisine with a constantly evolving menu. Set in the beautiful, newly-renovated historic Ice House on Main in downtown Bryan, our restaurant shares an open-air kitchen with our dining room, floor to ceiling exposed brick, and hand-built, suspension tables made from wood salvaged during renovation.

Our menu is updated daily, based on what we have harvested from our garden during that given week. Our farm is located just seven miles from our restaurant. The climate and changing seasons play a major role in what we serve. It is our intention to always provide a variety of menu options and to accommodate any dietary needs.

Top review

Taylor

Dined on Sep 28, 2024

Amazing cocktails, starters, and entrees. The food had character and a story behind it. The service was attentive and rivaled any similar type restaurant in major cities.

One Thirty Five Prime

4.5

4.5 (666)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Waco

About the restaurant

For over a decade One Thirty Five Prime has been a place for fine dining in a casual atmosphere. Our commitment is to serve the finest beef, seafood, and farm-to-table produce.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

Kelly our waitress was awesome ! Food was very good and drinks were amazing. Would definitely visit again

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Popular dish

Pecan Crusted Chilean Sea Bass

Popular dish

Key Lime Pie

Red Board Tavern & Table

4.5

4.5 (189)

$31 to $50

American

College Station

About the restaurant

We're happy to serve the Downtown Navasota Railroad District. Red Board Tavern & Table is led by Executive Chef Craig Schmidt, a Northern Californian who went on to acquire a Culinary Arts Degree from San Joaquin Delta College. Then, Chef Craig added additional degrees in Baking and Pastry at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Chef's many years of expertise has aided in his selection of food pairings for our guests to enjoy.

Top review

williamvip

Dined on Sep 22, 2024

Ate at the bar - good food - great selection and loved the spicieness - bartender was good - overall a good experience….

Poché's Seafood Shoppe & Restaurant

4.3

4.3 (101)

$30 and under

Seafood

College Station

About the restaurant

Poche's Seafood Shoppe & Restaurant serves up freshly prepared seafood specialties and retailing fresh seafood in College Station, Texas.

Top review

Greg

Dined on Sep 28, 2024

Our first time there and won't be our last. The hush puppies are the best I have ever had and the key lime coconut cream pie - to die for. Also, the Poche's Margarita was fantastic. Thanks for a wonderful anniversary experience. Tracy Stasny

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