A Big ‘ole Guide to the Best Restaurants in Beaumont, Texas

If you’re familiar with Southeast Texas, you may scoff and think that Beaumont is nothing more than a quick fast-food stop when traveling between Houston and New Orleans on I-10. But with new restaurants opening all the time, it’s evolved into a foodie destination in its own right worthy of a Texas road trip.

Beaumont’s culinary scene is a beguiling mix of Lonestar pride, Southern staples, and Cajun flavors that make for Texas-sized portions with a touch of Creole soul and seasoning. If you haven’t given the Beaumont restaurant scene a look lately – give it another chance. And while you’re in the area, take in the colorful murals, nature trails (yes, Texas has nature), and quirky local attractions like Gator Country, many of which are free.

Some food guides simply regurgitate restaurants they find on Yelp or TripAdvisor. Not me. I’ve personally eaten at every one of these restaurants (ofttimes, many times) and only included my personal recommendations as a long-time food writer. This guide isn’t a top 10 list; it’s every restaurant I felt worthy of inclusion and believe you need to taste for yourselves. Pack your stretchy pants and come hungry because Beaumont has some truly unbelievable food options. In fact, it’s arguably their biggest attraction.

Ready to taste Southeast Texas? Here’s where to eat.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name – J. Wilson’s

The go-to neighborhood bistro, J. Wilson’s, is like the Cheers of Southeast Texas. A restaurant that can seemingly do no wrong; they put approachable twists on classic American comfort food. The Man Candy (candied bacon) is the go-to breakfast item, but it’s the oyster nachos I could devour multiple plates of.

For the Best Lunch – Katharine and Co.

What started as a catering company evolved into a full-fledged restaurant in a gorgeous historic building downtown. But the semi-retired chef didn’t want to commit to working full-time (can you blame her?), so despite demand being red-hot, Katharine only offers lunch Monday through Friday, dinner the first Thursday of the month, and brunch the second Sunday of the month. A full-on town affair, the line is often out the door for their tasty sweet and savory creations that rotate at their discretion. And if you end up splurging at the pastry case before noon, no judgments here.

For the Best Viet-Cajun Fusion – Sweet Basil

One interesting fact about the Southeast Texas food scene is that you’ll find tons of Vietnamese restaurants (pho spots in spades). A lot of Vietnam War refugees were resettled in the area, which was a blessing to our palates. Vietnamese-Cajun is some of the tastiest fusion you’ll ever try with Sweet Basil featuring Asian-inspired crawfish boils, banh mis, and noodle bowls – the best of both worlds.

For the Best Thai Food – Chaba Thai Bistro

Traditional sit-on-the-floor Asian-style dining, Chaba is one of those strip mall holes in the wall you can’t believe is as good as it is. The Taste of the Triangle winner, they’re known for their Pad Kee Mao, or Drunken Noodles, made with ground pork, rice noodles, and fresh basil that rivals anywhere in Asia.

For the Best Of Everything – Tia Juanita’s

New Orleans-style cocktails as big as your head and frozen drink flights, Tia Juanita’s is the place to go when you’re looking for a night you won’t remember with the friends you’ll never forget. It’s always boisterous, busy, and loud with live music and a “laissez les bon temps rouler” atmosphere that is truly representative of the area. Everything on the menu is good from the award-winning gumbo (order it with potato salad for the true Louisiana way) to the boiled shrimp I could eat by the pound (and do). You also don’t want to miss the crab and shrimp bread bowl, a cheesy appetizer monstrosity you could easily fill up on.

For the Best Seafood Platters – Rock’NCrab

With market place crab, shrimp and crawfish (when in season), pick your sauce and spice level, roll your sleeves up, dump your bag all over the table, and get messy. Rock’ncrab and Jingo’s seafood platters are all about that spicy garlic butter sauce you’ll dream about.

For more local seafood, Reed Cajun is the gem of Port Arthur. While you could easily gorge on all that delicious Gulf Coast seafood, be sure to save room for other local bites like boudin balls and Cajun egg rolls, too. The Schooner is another seafood must that’s been a town staple and third generation family restaurant for 50+ years.

For the Cajun Staples – Rodair Roadhouse

A go-to hangout for the refinery boys (ladies, take note), Rodair Roadhouse has some of the best gumbo and jambalaya in town. It’s a casual spot with live music that also has Southern favorites like fried green tomatoes, hush puppies, and more exciting menu items like alligator cheesecake (which I could’ve done without, but decide for yourself).

For quickie counter service Cajun, Bayou Cafe is also fast and satisfying for staples like gumbo, fried shrimp and po boys.

For After Hours Fun – Pour 09

Pour 09 is SETX’s first rooftop bar and they spared no expense on interior (or exterior!) design. Outfitted with no less than nine new murals and mosaics, it’s a visually stunning space to unwind with a cocktail.

Little Woodrow’s is another hopping Houston outpost with a rockin’ patio. The outdoor space is a maze of firepits, swings (only mildly dangerous when drinking), and lawn games, so bring your crew and get to playin’ or people watching. You simply must try the Topo Chico Coolers that come in blueberry (my go-to) or watermelon.

If dive is more your vibe, the Logon Cafe is a must-see. The name “Log On” pays homage to the bar’s former life as a computer repair shop with a bar made of components like floppy disks and drives. They often have live music and karaoke night.

For the OG – Jason’s Deli

Home to the original Jason’s Deli where the national franchise took off, the casual sandwich shop is a go-to for reliable lunch staples. Their soups are tasty, the baked potatoes are bigger than your head, and they have one of the best salad bars in town. Plus, free soft serve doesn’t hurt either.

For the Most Instagrammable Dishes – Tokyo Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar

Sure, hibachi’s always fun and tasty, but how many times can you really be amused by an onion train? If you follow the mantra, “the camera eats first,” for the photographers, the best part of Tokyo is the sushi, who take their caterpillar and dragon rolls super literally. Come see what other crazy rolls they come up with.

For the Best Cheap Eats – Tacos La Bamba

Looking like a color bomb went off, each table and wall at Tacos La Bamba was hand-painted by a local muralist to create a fun, festive atmosphere (they even have Lucha libre in the parking lot sometimes). With $1 taco nights and 20 for $20 platters, it’s a cheap night out to feed the whole family. You can even get a whole fish for less than $10. Or, bring a crew and order the beautifully plated shitshow known as the “Charola de Cerveza & Camaron,” a messy tray of Micheladas, beers, and shrimp cocktail.

For an even lesser known gem, Antojitos la Huasteca Potosina grew out of a food truck and into a brick and mortar. They have some of the best barbacoa street tacos I’ve ever tasted and while I want them to do well, I also kinda want to keep them as a secret for myself.

For the Best Quickie Breakfast – Rao’s Bakery

The staple neighborhood bakery since the ‘40s, Rao’s breakfast sammies, pastries (hello giant cinnamon rolls), and kolaches are the best way to start the day. Truth be told, I had no idea what a kolache was before visiting Beaumont, but these little life changing bites of flaky dough stuffed with locally-made Zummo’s sausage are much like a pepperoni roll. They also have sugar-bomb coffee creations like the Snickers Frappe, and if that doesn’t jolt-start your heart in the morning, I don’t know what will. They are also the King Cake headquarters of Southeast Texas come Mardi Gras season.

For the Best Mexican Food – Carmela’s

Boasting one of the top 10 quesos in all of Texas is quite the feat, but Carmela’s is just that good. Rich, creamy, and just the right thickness that you want to drizzle it on everything from the warm chips to the sizzling fajitas, you can also shovel it straight in your month – no judgment here.

Tacos La Shula in Orange is another must-try Mexican restaurant. Gaining a cult following for their birria tacos, pizza and quesadillas, they are also known for their giant burrito challenge in which they purposely made a 10-lb burrito the length of an entire table (that really looks like the size of a small child). You can go at it alone or with a friend to try to conquer the beast, and then roll yourself home.

Fun fact: Little Rock claims to have invented cheese dip and challenged Texas to a cook-off in the Senate (Arkansas actually won).

For the Best BBQ – 1701 Barbecue

Recently inducted into the list of the top 50 BBQ joints in the Texas, 1701 is not messing around on the grill. Everything is slow cooked on five smokers for days with only the finest oak wood. While most go on for the dinosaur ribs that are bigger than your head, the smoked turkey and sweet jalapeno relish potato salad are a thing of dreams.

For a twisty take on your favorite BBQ plates; Boomtown BBQ’s smoked meat platters and sandwiches also pack a punch. Try the BBQ nachos or taco bomb, which are both a mess of melty cheese and sloppy pulled pork goodness. And the best part? You won’t have to wait in line for hours on end like you would in say Austin.

For another fun twist on Texas ‘cue, hunt down James & Jon’s BBQ food truck. Their breakfast tacos, pulled pork sammies and smoked mac and cheese is some of the best anywhere (and I’m a mac and cheese connoisseur).

For the Most Instagrammable Desserts – La Real Michoacana

I don’t know why Mexican ice cream tastes so much better than American ice cream, but everything from basic vanilla is just more intensely flavorful. Most go to La Real Michoacana for their mangonadas (fruit bowls topped with tajin), but if you know me, you know my go-to is the excessive rainbow freakshakes that are as delightful as they are photogenic.

For the Best Sunset View – Amelia Farm & Market

Table on the farm > farm to table. A third-generation pecan farm, Amelia Farm, has a beautiful outdoor space that seems to extend forever. Perfect for sharing some apps and cocktails under the setting sun, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy the big Texas sky.

Best Korean BBQ – Ko Korean

Cook at the table Korean BBQ is as much an experience as a tasty treat, and whether you prefer to grill your own or let them do it to perfection, the bulgogi, kimchi stew, and banchan sides are just what you’re craving. In a chic, high-end space that’ll transport you right to Asia, wash the meats down with soju flights or a giant watermelon cocktail served in a whole watermelon that’ll serve 10 of your closest friends and save room for dessert because they also have cook at the table s’mores.

Seoul in Port Arthur is a totally different experience and all-you-can-eat, so plan ahead and come hungry.

Best Brunch (and Cocktails) – Lacuna Tequila Bar

If I would’ve told you last year one of my favorite new spots was a tequila bar, I would’ve said you were crazy, but their fruity Paloma concoctions and flights put margaritas to shame and are so dangerous because they don’t taste like any alcohol, let alone tequila. They also have one of the best brunches in town, thanks to their fluffy pink tres leche waffles (available Sunday only).

For the Best Sushi – Sake

While I don’t generally recommend strip mall sushi, Sake is the exception. Hidden in a strip mall in neighboring Port Arthur, their roll menu is four-pages long and fresh as can be for an Asian feast. Pair it with one of their huge hibachi plates, packed with flavor and perfect for sharing or a bowl of ramen.

If you like purely fresh fish, give Koi a try for their unique “sushi tapas,” sashimi with various toppings packed with crisp, clean flavors like the Hama citrus plate.

For the Best Steaks – The Tree

The Tree is another surprising strip mall find up the road in Lumberton. But one glance at their whisky list or bite of the melt in your mouth meats, and you’ll be convinced. Hand-cut and cooked over an open fire right in front of you, their steak oven puts your pizza oven to shame. Keep it classy and get it topped with red wine shallot butter and mushrooms or their signature “cowboy butter,” aka beer and butter.

For the Best Mediterranean Food – Elsa’s Greek Grill

Owned by a mother-daughter duo, if you think service is as important as taste, you’ll never feel more like part of the family than at Elsa’s. Gyros plates, kabobs, and baklava aplenty don’t miss the spicy feta dip or surprisingly tasty yet straightforward Greek salad.

For another enjoyable ethnic meal, Al Basha is entirely halal and has a fantastic (and surprisingly affordable) Mediterranean market next door where you can pick up fluffy fresh cooked pita and marinated meats.

For the Best Mac and Cheese – I Heart Mac & Cheese

I rarely endorse franchises, but this one deserves all the love in the world – and I’m not being cheesy. Build your own mac and cheese bowls and grill cheeses, pile it high with ingredients like lobster and short rib, veggies aplenty, and nine types of cheeses.  

For the Best Hole in the Wall Sandwiches – Chuck’s

Chucks has been a staple of the downtown scene since the beginning of time. They basically feed anyone who works for the city, at the plants, or the port with friendly counter service and freshly made treats. The staples done well, get a burger or po boy and top it off with a slice of their signature chocolate cake that tastes suspiciously like the cult favorite one from Costco (not complaining, but yes, the Texas 20 is real).

For another oddly satisfying sandwich, Amuny’s Deli in Port Arthur is hidden in the back of a liquor store with some of the tastiest traditional tangy, sweet, salty, spicy po boys around because everyone knows it’s all about the remoulade.

For the Best Italian Food – Frankie’s

I crave ziti, and Frankie’s hits the spot with its creamy, satisfyingly cheesy sauce baked and bubbly to perfect and build your own pizzas.

Bruno’s is another local favorite with awesome lunch specials and a killer patio, while New York Pizza and Pasta is also a convenient and tasty downtown option.

If you’re looking for more places to explore, check out these are other intriguing areas in Southeast Texas:

• Baytown: Try geocaching, the art scavenger hunt app, and don’t miss Buc Ee’s, a gas station that has better BBQ, jerky, and snacks than most of America.
• The Woodlands: Pleasantville on steroids, the Woodlands has great shopping, riverfront trails, and one of the best outdoor concert venues in the country.
• Brazosport: Five destinations in one, Brazosport, is one of Southeast Texas’s most accessible beach getaways.
• Corpus Christi: A bit further afield, Corpus is home to thousands of acres of dunes as part of the Padre National Seashore. Try watersports, go horseback riding on the beach, and watch the waves.

Looking for more Texas road trip ideas or surprising Lone Star finds? I got you.

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