Two Texas restaurants rank among the best in US. This is what’s on the menu

A trio of Texas restaurants rank among the nation’s best in the country, according to hungry foodies.

Terrace 54 Bar + Table in Houston, Fisherman’s Wharf in Galveston, and Stella San Jac in Austin made Tripadvisor’s list of top casual dining restaurants in America, according to online results published on Tuesday, Sept. 24 on its website.

“These restaurants might be casual, but there’s nothing casual about how much travelers love them, “Tripadvisor wrote as part of its Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best.” Because really good food and really good vibes are a winning combo.”

To determine the top casual restaurants, Tripadvisor studied casual dining spots across the country. It focused on comments that visitors left from June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024.

“The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel,” the website wrote. “It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.”

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Why did Texas restaurants make the Tripadvisor list?

Of the three Texas restaurants honored, Terrace 54 Bar + Table ranked the highest at No. 13. The contemporary restaurant serves everything from breakfast dishes to pizza and an array of wines that complement a late lunch or early dinner.

“You will have a smile on your face the entire time you’re at Terrace 54 Bar + Table,” Tripadvisor wrote. “From the elegant farm-to-table fare to the fantastic bartenders and friendly waitstaff, everything about this spot makes for a memorable dining experience. Come for breakfast, and you’ll be back (maybe that same day) for dinner.”

Patrons also loved its seasonal menu, which includes gluten-free and vegetarian options, and the ability to enjoy meals on the Terrace 54 Bar + Table outdoor rooftop, located in the heart of Houston’s Medical Center.

Fisherman’s Wharf in Galveston ranked No. 18 on the list. Tripadvisor described the eatery as a “clear favorite” for waterfront dining as it sits on Galveston Island next to the Historic Strand District where ships provide a backdrop.

“Their dishes are packed with flavor and the portions are generous—just take a look at their signature combination platters. If you’re dropping by for a drink, be sure to check out their happy hour deals,” Tripadvisor wrote.

The menu features the famous Shrimp Kisses (bacon-wrapped and stuffed with jalapeño Jack cheese), seafood combination platters, chicken dishes, pastas and even steaks.

Stella San Jac was identified as the 22nd-best casual dining restaurant and one of the tops in bustling Austin.

“Stella San Jac’s all about mouth-watering Southern favorites. We’re talking shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, grilled cheese, and more. Don’t miss their happy hour special—it’s one of the best in downtown Austin,” Tripadvisor wrote.

Overall, the nation’s top-ranked casual restaurant was That’s Amore in Miami Beach, Florida. Though two North Carolina destinations ranked among the best for casual dining, restaurants in the state missed out on other Tripadvisor categories. Those include the top 10 U.S. eateries for fine dining, date nights and under-the-radar experiences.