The culinary flair of the Dallas region is a special experience for food lovers with specialties such as Texas steaks, prime ribs, hamburgers, barbecue and Tex-Mex. Nearby diners from Dallas, Arlington and Tyler travel to Mineola for the group atmosphere and top-quality meats offered by a large selection of restaurants. If you're planning a vacation near Mineola, you can try some of the local favorites as well as have your pick of American, Italian, Mexican, Asian and French dining establishments.
Just an hour and a half from Dallas, East Texas Burger draws quite a crowd. However, while the location is often crowded, patrons find the wait well worth it. This is the place to grab a meaty burger with all the fixings and southern sweet tea. Some of the local gems include sweet potato fries, corn fritters and coconut cream pies. This is also a place to dine cheap under $15, as of April 2010. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
East Texas Burger Co.
126 E. Broad St.
Mineola, TX 75773
903-569-3140
www.easttexasburger.com
The next-door neighbor to East Texas Burger, La Waffalata is loved for its homemade bread pudding. Both restaurants are owned by local celebrity Debbie Davis, a food host on the local ABC TV network, and conveniently located in one of the town's popular antique malls. For something on the lighter side, you can expect to find a creative brunch and lunch menu at La Waffalata, such as quiche, salads, chicken dishes and desserts. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, as of April 2010.
La Waffalata
124 E. Broad St.
Mineola, TX 75773
903-569-9321
www.easttexasburger.com
Downtown Mineola is where you'll find the Kitchens restaurant, which is famous for juicy steaks and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Bring your own beverage (BYOB) is available with a small fee for cork removal, and reservations are recommended. Kitchens Market is next door to their Kitchens Hardware and Deli store, which has been open for 100 years. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Saturday and dinner on Friday and Saturday.
Kitchens Market
119 E. Broad St.
Mineola, TX 75773
903-569-2236
No Web site
It is one of the cornerstone pit barbecue joints to eastern Texas, and a real cultural treasure. Being at the center of Texan culinary history, barbecue dining is a must for new visitors to the area. While the menu is centered on barbecue, there are a number of other southern American specialties including fried catfish and shrimp. Mac's Split Rail BBQ is open Tues through Sat for lunch and dinner.
Marc's Split Rail BBQ
201 Greenville Ave.
Mineola, TX 75773
903-569-9750
No Web site
