22 Best Restaurants in Longview, TX

This article was written by local contributor Harper Wilson & edited by the Travel Lens team.

Harper Wilson

Jul 9, 2023 • 17 min read

Longview, Texas - a charming city bursting with mouth-watering flavors from an array of spectacular restaurants.

It's always a delight to share my top picks with fellow food enthusiasts who are in search of a scrumptious gastronomic experience.

So, buckle up and join me on this epicurean journey as we explore the best restaurants in Longview, Texas!

Lovely Eatery

Let me tell you about this cute little Mexican restaurant I recently discovered in our neighborhood called Lovely Eatery.

The place is clean, has a good atmosphere, and although a little dark inside, I loved the authenticity of the environment.

What really stood out to me was the friendly and quick service, making my experience even more enjoyable.

Now let's talk about the food!

The brisket breakfast taco I had was a pleasant surprise, and I appreciated that they had a brisket option on the menu.

The salsa that comes with it is a little on the hot side, but it really adds to the flavorful experience.

I also got to taste their Chiliquiles, which was amazing, especially with the two fried eggs and a side of refried beans.

My absolute favorite, though, was the churro cheesecake.

It was absolutely mouthwatering, and I must say, it's a must-try.

So, if you're in the mood for some high-quality homemade Mexican food at affordable prices, do give Lovely Eatery a try.

I know I'll be back for more!

Lil Thai House

One of my go-to spots for a delicious meal has to be Lil Thai House.

This tiny, simple Thai nook with sidewalk seats never fails to impress me with their noodles, spicy curries, and other familiar Thai fare.

The food is always packed full of flavor, and I personally can't get enough of their Penang Curry.

My partner, on the other hand, is a huge fan of their Pad Thai.

On my last visit, I tried their Cashew Chicken, which was simply delicious.

The price, at around $19.45 with a bottle of water, might seem a bit high, but the quality of the food and generous portions make it worthwhile.

I've even managed to make two meals out of it on occasion!

Tuscan Pig Italian Kitchen

My partner and I finally decided to visit Tuscan Pig Italian Kitchen - the number one restaurant on her list of must-try places in Longview.

I have to say, our experience there was nothing short of amazing.

Their specialty dishes, inspired by a specific region in Italy, had my taste buds dancing with delight.

The intimate, classic Italian atmosphere made me feel as if I had been whisked away to New York City or a small Italian restaurant in Dallas that I used to frequent.

We tried a little bit of everything, including the Tuscan pork bruschetta and a delicious Italian beer.

Fat Boyzzz

Recently, I stumbled upon Fat Boyzzz Longview and decided to give it a try – and I wasn't disappointed!

During my visit, I had chicken fried steak with cream gravy, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, and macaroni and cheese.

The steak was crispy, fried, and tender, while the cream gravy was flavorful.

The mashed potatoes were perfectly seasoned, and the brown gravy was outstanding.

As for the mac and cheese, it was creamy and delicious.

Despite the place being packed, the service was excellent.

I also tried their catfish fillet basket, which was delicious and had a slightly smoky flavor.

The hush puppies had a unique shape and fantastic flavor.

Another time, my partner and I decided to share an order of fried pork chop dinner plates with cabbage and mac and cheese.

The chops were crunchy and well-seasoned, and the sides tasted great as well.

Although they were out of cornbread, we got a roll that tasted good and was different from the rolls we had before.

Even when we reheated the leftovers at home, the pork chop still had a nice crunch to it.

Nanny Goat's Cafe & Feed Bin

I just have to share my experience at Nanny Goat's Cafe & Feed Bin!

I've been to this American bistro more than a few times.

I'm always amazed by the freshness of their food and the cool, industrial-chic atmosphere.

One of my obsessions with Nanny Goat's Cafe is their pickles - they have this perfect combination of sweet and spicy that keeps me coming back for more.

And I recently tried their roast beef with extra horsey sauce, which was absolutely delicious!

Their specials, like the taco salad and meatloaf, have always been worth it.

Backstreet Bar & Grill

Last weekend, my friends and I decided to try out Backstreet Bar & Grill for dinner.

It's a quiet and cozy place, perfect for enjoying a tasty burger with friends.

I ordered the Jalapeño burger, and it was really fantastic!

The fries were also delicious and crispy.

I noticed that the jalapeño poppers weren't made in-house, but that didn't make the meal any less enjoyable.

Panda Korea Restaurant

As someone who loves exploring different cuisines, I was thrilled to discover Panda Korea Restaurant right here in Longview.

Although they are more comfortable speaking Korean than English, their hospitality shines through.

One of my favorite dishes to order is the combination tofu soup, which never fails to impress.

My daughter, on the other hand, swears by their hot stone seafood bibimbap.

The portion sizes are generous, and we often find ourselves with leftovers to enjoy later.

What sets this restaurant apart, however, are the small dishes and soup that come as an appetizer.

The variety of flavors and textures is simply delightful.

Bubba's 33

I've always been a huge fan of sports bars, and I recently visited Bubba's 33 in Longview, Texas.

This place has a fantastic atmosphere with large-screen TVs showing sports and music videos everywhere you look.

I decided to sit in the bar area, but there were enough TVs that I could have sat just about anywhere.

The service at Bubba's 33 was top-notch.

I had the pleasure of being taken care of by Mary, and I also chatted with Sydney and Hope, who were both fantastic.

On Mary's suggestion, I started with the Shotgun Shrimp, which came on a bed of crunchy goodness, and I didn't leave a single bite left.

Next, I tried the "Bacon Grind" Sunshine burger with PepperJack Cheese, and the unique bacon-infused meat mixture made it one of the best burgers I've ever had.

I visited Bubba's 33 again the next day, and the food was just as incredible.

This time, I ordered the Shotgun Shrimp again and tried their Meaty Pizza.

On another visit, I tried their garlic knots, which were heavenly, and the lasagna with Bubba's own sauce was delicious.

The fire fries were spicy, but I just couldn't stop eating them.

El Rincon

I absolutely love dining at El Rincon in Longview, Texas!

This unpretentious restaurant offers the most authentic Mexican food I've tasted in this area.

Forget about the Tex-Mex stuff you find at other places, this is the real deal.

When you start off with their warm chips and delicious salsa, you know you're in for a treat.

The salsa has just the right amount of kick to it, so it's not too spicy.

I usually order their cheesy enchiladas with rice and beans, and they never skimp on the cheese.

It's absolutely delicious.

My kids love their pork tamales with rice and beans.

It's definitely kid-approved, and they always finish their plates.

I've also tried their beef and cheese burrito, and it's just as amazing.

The side of homemade french fries is a must-try as they are super thick and tasty.

Don't be scared off by the location, it's perfectly safe, and the restaurant is always busy.

If you're looking for some simple, tasty, and authentic Mexican home cooking, give El Rincon a try – you won't be disappointed!

The Summit Club

Just last week, I decided to spend my evening at The Summit Club with a few friends.

I must say, the atmosphere was amazing!

The retro decor gave the place a unique vibe which made it even more enjoyable.

I must say, the food and smooth margaritas we ordered were delicious as well.

In fact, one of my friends mentioned that they held their company's Christmas party at The Summit Club last year, and everyone had a great time with good food.

Mi Ranchito

I always look for authentic and delicious dining options.

One of my favorite spots is Mi Ranchito, a small, cozy restaurant with about 8-10 tables.

The birria tacos are something I cannot resist, and I always look forward to trying more dishes on their menu.

At first, I was a bit disappointed that they didn't have chips and salsa, but on a recent visit, I learned that you just have to ask for them.

Their quesadilla is also a must-try!

The margaritas are another great feature, especially between 4-6 pm when they're very affordable.

Judd's Downtown

I recently dined at Judd's Downtown with my spouse, and we were both blown away by the quality of the food and the warm, attentive service.

We started our meal with the chicken Alfredo, which was rich, creamy, and perfectly seasoned.

The accompanying bread was light and full of flavor.

My spouse opted for the pork chop with veggies and sweet potato, and the sauce on the pork chop was truly unique and delicious.

Even the zucchini and squash side dish was the best we've ever had!

Though we don't usually order dessert, we couldn't resist trying the brown butter cake, and it did not disappoint.

It was a scrumptious way to end our dining experience at Judd's Downtown.

The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and clean restrooms were the icing on the cake.

Scotties-Bistro

I never thought I'd find such an amazing dining experience at a place like Scotties-Bistro, which is attached to a gas station.

But let me tell you, this hidden gem is truly a culinary delight in our town.

From the moment I first stepped into Scotties, I knew I was in for a treat.

Yes, the indoor seating is small, but the cozy outdoor seating more than makes up for it.

I still can't forget the incredible taste of the cinnamon roll pancakes I had on my first visit.

They were so good, it was hard to resist the urge to devour them all.

Another time, I tried their Tuna Poke Lettuce Wraps and Shrimp Spring Rolls, and I was blown away by the quality, presentation, and flavors.

Sure, the food might be a bit spicy and full of complex flavors, but for me, it's part of what makes Scotties-Bistro stand out.

Tomboni's Bistro

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Tomboni's Bistro in Longview, and I must say it was an experience to remember.

On my first visit, I tried their Energy salad, and it was so good that I started trying to replicate it at home.

The atmosphere was charming, and it felt like a hidden gem in our town.

If you're planning to visit Tomboni's Bistro, I would suggest choosing a night when there's live music to truly enjoy the dining experience.

Mi Casita

Whenever I'm craving some delicious Mexican food, I can always count on Mi Casita to satisfy my taste buds.

It's an unfussy, counter-serve operation with a drive-thru that offers sizable burritos and other mouthwatering Mexican bites.

You can check out their Facebook page for more information.

I've taken my family there a few times, and we've tried almost everything on the menu.

The French toast is absolutely scrumptious, and I highly recommend it.

My personal favorite is the Chuck Norris burrito – it's simply amazing.

My partner enjoys the shrimp tacos, too.

The serve-yourself chips and salsa may be just okay, but having an unlimited supply makes up for it.

One time, I went to Mi Casita with a hot air balloon crew I was volunteering with in Longview.

I had a breakfast taco (sausage, egg, and cheese), and it turned out to be the best taco I've ever eaten at a restaurant.

The shredded cheese they used instead of the fake "American" sliced stuff was a delightful surprise.

Don't miss out on the self-serve chips and various salsas when you visit.

Leon's Steakhouse Saloon

One of my favorite places to go for a great steak and a fun night out in town is Leon's Steakhouse Saloon.

This buzzing roadhouse offers delicious down-home American grub, live music, and country dancing.

I usually show up on a Saturday afternoon, and the place is always lively.

There's a dance area, a bar, pool tables, and lots of games for everyone to enjoy.

But the real star of the show here is the food.

The dinner salads at Leon's are huge and can easily be considered a main course at other chain restaurants.

The cocktails are fantastic, and the twice-baked potatoes are a must-try.

One of the best steaks I've ever had was their ribeye, seasoned just right and cooked to perfection.

But if you're in the mood for something a bit lighter, the lunch steak is also a great option.

Pair it with their twice-baked taters and a glass of sweet tea, and you're in for a treat!

The atmosphere here is laid back, with several seating options to choose from.

City Diner

I can confidently say that City Diner has become my go-to spot for a satisfying breakfast experience.

Their food is always amazing, and the portions are generous enough to keep you full for the day.

My favorite dish is their pancakes, which I believe are hands down the best in the area.

The prices are also quite reasonable; you can get two full meals for a little over $18 without compromising on quality.

I've made it a habit to visit City Diner every Sunday for the last 5 years, and I've never been disappointed.

The coffee they serve is also awesome and an excellent way to kickstart your day.

El Rey Mexican Grill

One of my favorite spots to grab a delicious Mexican meal in town is El Rey Mexican Grill.

I remember stepping inside for the first time on a dreary, rainy day and immediately feeling like I had entered a warm, sun-soaked oasis.

The vibrant decor and lively music instantly lift my spirits, and the atmosphere is always buzzing with energy.

The food at El Rey is just as amazing as the ambiance.

I've tried quite a few dishes, but I keep coming back to their chicken chilequiles with red sauce.

They're incredibly flavorful, loaded with tender chicken, and always taste fresh.

Another dish I can't get enough of is the cheese enchilada plate, which is always cooked to perfection.

My partner, on the other hand, is a huge fan of their Mummy burrito.

We've even shared a few laughs comparing his enthusiastic devouring of the burrito to the character in the movie "What About Bob."

Cafe Barron's

Last week, some friends and I decided to spend our evening at Cafe Barron's, and I must say, it was a fantastic choice!

Ever since they relocated to a new retail complex, the atmosphere has only gotten better.

Right from the moment we entered, we were impressed by the cleanliness and smart setting of the restaurant.

Our party of six was promptly seated, and we experienced excellent service throughout the night.

The menu offers upscale American cuisine, and we all found something we loved.

I ordered the Asian Chicken Salad and Tomato Basil Soup while my friends raved about their wedge salads with salmon.

I've been to Cafe Barron's three times now, and I have never been disappointed.

The food is always delicious, and the atmosphere is both cozy and chic, making it the perfect spot for a group dinner or a casual date night.

Roost

I must say, I had quite the breakfast experience when I visited Roost for the first time.

I decided to go for their full breakfast option, which included eggs, sausage, potatoes, and pancakes - it was absolutely great.

My partner chose a trio of chicken salads and was not disappointed either.

The portion sizes were generous, and we even had to bring some of the food back home with us.

We also grabbed a couple of their take-and-bake casseroles, the King Ranch Chicken and Chicken Spaghetti, which were both amazing after we cooked them at home.

I'm really hoping to try their Chicken Alfredo on our next visit.

The Roost has a large breakfast menu selection, and their French toast with eggs, seasoned potatoes, and sausage was mouthwatering.

My partner opted for their pancake stack, and the pancakes were huge!

What I loved most about Roost was its cleanliness - the entire restaurant, including the restrooms, was spotless.

The prices were fantastic, too, especially considering the portion sizes.

The Catch

My First Visit to The Catch I recently decided to try out The Catch for the first time, and I must say, I was blown away by the experience.

While browsing the menu, I was drawn to the catfish and was not disappointed.

The catfish was absolutely delicious, and the key-lime pie for dessert was the best I've ever had.

During my visit, I noticed that the fish fillets were meaty and cooked to perfection, as were the shrimp.

The portions were generous, and the prices were reasonable.

Despite the restaurant being quite busy, the place was clean, and the service was outstanding.

Papacita's

One of my go-to spots for a casual lunch in town is Papacita's.

It's a long-running Tex-Mex restaurant that offers delicious food in a relaxed, two-story space.

I especially love their lunch specials, which are reasonably priced and come with generous portions.

I have to say, their chips and tortillas are some of the best I've ever had.

They serve the tortillas with honey and butter, which is a bit unexpected but absolutely delicious.

The last time I went, I ordered the quesadillas, and they were good, but I think I'll try a burrito next time.

The beef burrito seems to be a popular choice among my friends who have dined here before.

And if you have room for dessert, don't miss their massive sopaipilla.

Final Thoughts

Longview, Texas, offers an incredible array of dining options that cater to every taste and preference.

From the mouthwatering Italian dishes at Tuscan Pig Italian Kitchen to the authentic flavors of Mi Ranchito, there's truly something for everyone.

I'm proud to call Longview my home, and I can't wait to share these amazing restaurants with friends and family.

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