19 Best Restaurants in Victoria, TX

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

Summer Harper

Jun 25, 2023 • 16 min read

Ah, Victoria, Texas - a city steeped in history, culture, and of course, delicious food.

I've been living here for years, and I must say, the culinary delights are just as impressive as our rich heritage.

From the aroma of mouth-watering Tex-Mex wafting through the air to the irresistible flavors of smoky BBQ, Victoria has a little bit of everything for everyone.

As you embark on this gastronomic journey with me, be prepared to savor every bite and discover some hidden gems in our city.

So, put on your stretchy pants, and let's dive into the best restaurants in Victoria, Texas!

L & L Grill

L & L Grill has become one of my favorite spots to grab a bite.

The food is always spot-on, and they have a variety of options to choose from.

My personal favorites are their buffalo wings and egg rolls, which are always cooked to perfection.

Whenever I'm in the mood for a patty melt, I head straight to L & L Grill because I know I won't be disappointed.

What I appreciate the most about this place is the ever-changing specials they offer.

It keeps things interesting and allows me to try something new every time I visit.

Plus, the food always comes out fresh and piping hot, which is a testament to the quality of their cooking and service.

They're always friendly and attentive, making sure that all the customers have a great dining experience.

Las Tapatias Mexican Cafe

Las Tapatias Mexican Cafe is one of the best Mexican restaurants in town.

It's a hidden gem among a sea of Mexican food options, but once you discover it, you'll never want to go anywhere else.

Check out their website for more information and to view their menu.

The first time I tried Las Tapatias, I had their Huevos Rancheros plate for breakfast, and I was blown away by the quality of the food.

The eggs were cooked to perfection, the ranchero sauce was flavorful, and the beans and potatoes were seasoned just right.

The homemade tortillas were unbelievable – soft and fresh, unlike the cardboard-like corn tortillas you find at many other places.

On another visit, I had the chance to try their chilaquiles in red salsa, which was crispy and delicious.

The barbacoa and guisado were also fantastic, and their torta loca had a variety of meats that made it a delightful experience.

Their horchata was perfectly balanced - not too sweet and so refreshing.

Las Tapatias isn't your typical Tex-Mex place.

The food is inspired by Guadalajara, Jalisco, so the preparation and seasoning of the dishes are unique and authentic.

The cafe's interior is larger than it looks from the outside, with three spacious rooms that can accommodate a crowd.

And the service?

Absolutely outstanding.

Crawfish Cajun Catering

I have to tell you about this gem I discovered in our community - Crawfish Cajun Catering.

Their Big Momma dish with crab and shrimp is absolutely delicious.

The Mozzarella Sticks also complemented my meal.

Not only was the food great, but the prices were reasonable too.

Mumphord's Place

I can say without a doubt that Mumphord's Place is my go-to spot for pit-smoked BBQ sandwiches, plates, and classic sides.

I've been a regular at Mumphord's Place for years, and they never disappoint.

Their brisket and ribs are top-notch!

One of my favorite memories at Mumphord's was when I first tried their barbecue sauce – I was instantly hooked!

It's easily the best I've ever tasted, and I make sure to always have a bottle at home.

But what I love most about Mumphord's Place is how they support the local community.

It makes me proud to be a loyal customer, and I make it a point to bring all my friends and family visiting from out of town.

Thai Orchid

One day after work, I decided to try out the Thai Orchid in our neighborhood.

I've always heard good things about it, so I thought, "Why not?".

When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the restaurant was in a beautifully preserved old house.

The atmosphere was cozy and authentic, making me feel transported to Thailand.

As I looked through the menu, I was impressed by the variety of appetizers, soups, and both Thai and Chinese dishes.

Being a fan of Thai food, I decided to order the soup and red curry.

While I waited a bit longer than usual for my food to arrive due to the lunchtime rush, it was worth the wait.

The soup was flavorful, and the red curry had just the right amount of spice.

Jim's Big Burger

One day, after running errands, I found myself craving a delicious burger and decided to stop by Jim's Big Burger for a late lunch.

I ordered a cheeseburger, and as I waited, I noticed a seasoning on the table called "Slap ya Mama."

Intrigued, I decided to give it a try on my fries when my meal arrived.

The cheeseburger was cooked to perfection, with a perfectly toasted bun, deliciously cooked meat, and fresh veggies.

The "Slap ya Mama" seasoning on my fries added a delightfully spicy kick that I absolutely loved.

But what really stood out to me was the exceptional customer service I received.

Everyone was so friendly and genuine, making my experience that much better.

Paint's Underground Pizza

I can confidently say that Paint's Underground Pizza has become my go-to spot for satisfying my pizza cravings.

Their website offers an easy way to check out their menu and specials, but it's the pizza itself that truly keeps me coming back.

The Italian Sausage pizza is my personal favorite, and the handmade crust and perfectly balanced sauce make the whole experience even more enjoyable.

As a fellow Chicagoan, I must say that the square-cut pizza is a delightful touch that makes it feel more like home.

While the pizza is definitely the star of the show, I also love that they offer other options like salads, cinnamon rolls, and pies.

The family-owned atmosphere and socially conscious packaging are just the icing on the cake.

Joe's Pizza & Pasta

Joe's Pizza & Pasta has become a staple in my list of favorite local restaurants.

Their extensive menu of classic Italian and Italian American dishes never disappoints, and the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming.

Last week, I decided to visit Joe's for a late lunch, and as always, they greeted me with their delicious garlic bread rolls.

I must admit, they could be a bit softer, but they're still a great start to the meal.

For my main entree, I chose their spaghetti and meatballs, which was not only larger than expected but also incredibly tasty.

At first, I thought they forgot the meatballs, but they were just hiding under the generous amount of sauce - a delightful surprise!

The service was outstanding as well.

Next time, I plan on trying their pizza and maybe even one of their tempting desserts.

Mi Ranchito Restaraunt

I can't get enough of Mi Ranchito Restaurant, the best authentic Mexican-style breakfast spot in town.

Every time I visit, I am blown away by the delicious flavors and generous portion sizes.

The service is always fast and friendly, and the prices are incredibly reasonable.

Plus, the restaurant is kept very clean, which makes it even more inviting.

Check them out here.

One of my favorite dishes at Mi Ranchito is the barbacoa plate.

It's so good, it takes me back to my childhood memories of enjoying home-cooked Mexican meals.

Unfortunately, I don't live as close as I'd like, but I make the trip whenever I can.

The picadillo, egg and bacon, and carne guisada are also top-notch, as are the refried beans, which are hard to find done right in this area.

Burger Nation Victoria

Let me tell you about this amazing burger joint I went to last week - Burger Nation Victoria.

As I walked in, I could already sense the lively atmosphere.

I decided to order the bacon and blue cheese burger, which comes with French-fried onions on top.

The burger was cooked to perfection, and I decided to try their tater tots with Cajun seasoning for the side.

The only thing I found slightly disappointing was that they have an instant tea machine instead of fresh tea, but it didn't bother me too much.

Their great burger and creative sides have left a lasting impression on me, and I'm eager to try out some of their other innovative burger creations.

Gonzalez Cafe

One of my favorite spots to grab a bite is Gonzalez Cafe.

Their Facebook page gives a good sense of what to expect, but it's best to experience this place in person.

My go-to dish at Gonzalez Cafe is their chicken fried steak - it's huge, mouthwatering, and comes with a choice of green beans or corn, baked potatoes or fries, plus toast.

I also can't get enough of their in-house-made meat patties for the burgers, which pair perfectly with their Pappas fritas.

Mixing their ketchup and in-house hot sauce makes an incredible dipping sauce for the fries.

While the building could use an update, I'm not bothered by it.

I'm there for the delicious food, and they never disappoint.

I recently tried their fajitas, which were excellent, and I absolutely love their rice and beans.

Their hot sauce is spicy, but it adds a fantastic flavor to any dish.

The prices are quite reasonable too, given the quality of the food.

Sakura Japanese & Chinese Cuisine

I've always been a bit skeptical about restaurants with extensive menus, but my recent visit to Sakura Japanese & Chinese Cuisine proved me wrong.

The food was not only delicious but also beautifully presented.

I started with the combination tempura appetizer, which arrived quickly, was satisfyingly crispy, and tasted amazing.

For my main course, I went for the chicken teriyaki box, and I must say it looked very appetizing.

It was quite filling and definitely worth the price.

They catered to a birthday group of 14 without any trouble, and our orders came out quickly and freshly cooked.

The service was top-notch, ensuring my glass never went empty.

The lunch specials they offer are also a great bargain, with large portions that taste incredible.

Double J Eatery

One of my favorite places to grab a bite in town is the Double J Eatery.

This rustic counter-serve joint offers a delicious Texas-inspired menu that includes mouth-watering burgers and chicken-fried steak.

As soon as you step inside, the aroma of grilled ground beef just makes your mouth water.

The Double J double-meat double cheeseburger is my absolute favorite - the grilled meat just melts in your mouth.

Their chicken-fried steak dinner is also great, but I highly recommend trying their hand-battered and fried steak and chicken fingers.

And don't forget to pair it with their amazing sweet potato fries!

The atmosphere of the place is really enjoyable, with a rustic hunter's lodge look that has always been my favorite decor.

Plus, they play the best ol' country music at just the right volume - making it impossible not to get up and dance.

The dining tables are also quite unique, adding to the overall experience.

Grumpy's Meatzzeria

I absolutely love Grumpy's Meatzzeria and visit it quite often with my friends and family.

The last time we went there, four out of five of us ordered the chicken fried steak.

Everyone kept raving about how delicious it was!

Another person in our group had the fried shrimp basket, and they couldn't stop talking about how great the shrimp tasted.

The food was served fresh and piping hot, and it was evident that they used clean and fresh frying oil.

I also appreciate Grumpy's lunch specials, as they offer a great variety at a reasonable price.

Besides the food, I really enjoy the ambiance of the dining area – it's always clean and decorated with a touch of seasonal flair.

I'm especially looking forward to trying out the shrimp poor boy on my next visit.

The extensive menu makes it difficult to choose just one dish, but it also means there's always something new to try.

Noot's Thai Kitchen

One of my favorite go-to spots for dinner in my city is Noot's Thai Kitchen.

Their menu is filled with classic Thai dishes like curries, salads, and stir-fries served in a cozy, colorful atmosphere.

As soon as you step inside, you're warmly welcomed and can enjoy the delicious aroma of spices filling the air.

One standout dish I have to recommend is the Thai beef jerky appetizer; it's incredibly flavorful and pairs perfectly with the dipping sauce.

For an entrée, you can't go wrong with the pad Thai or Panang chicken curry.

If you're not a fan of spicy food, simply ask for a mild heat level when ordering.

Not only is the food outstanding, but the presentation is also quite impressive.

The pineapple fried rice, for instance, is served in an actual pineapple - a fun and unique touch.

The mango sticky rice is to die for, and it's the perfect way to end a satisfying meal.

Dockside Boiling Pot

Every time I crave some mouthwatering seafood, I always think about Dockside Boiling Pot.

Their shrimp and king crab absolutely hit the spot for me!

Besides the amazing flavor, the atmosphere in there is so relaxed and enjoyable.

I can't help but feel excited knowing I'm about to dive into a messy but delicious seafood feast.

Their Facebook page is where I check for any updates and special deals.

Whenever I have friends or family in town, I make sure to take them to this unique spot.

The whole dining experience is something you shouldn't miss.

You just come in, pick what you want, pay, and then sit down to enjoy your meal.

The garlic sauce is incredibly tasty, and it's even a hit with the picky eaters in my family.

The kids especially love fried catfish.

One of the things that keep me coming back is their excellent customer service.

You're always greeted with a smile when ordering.

And even though it's counter service, it’s still a great family restaurant.

The food comes in a bag, and you just spread it out on the table with wax paper, making for an interactive and fun dining experience.

My go-to dish is their gumbo with rice, and I always pair it with a 1/2 pound of shrimp in mild garlic butter.

There's a variety of options on the menu, so there's definitely something for everyone.

Greek Bros. Oyster Bar & Grill

One of my favorite places to go for a night out is Greek Bros. Oyster Bar & Grill.

The unassuming and casual environment, paired with a fantastic bar and delicious food, draws me back time and time again.

I remember ordering the shrimp avocado salad and ribeye on one of my visits, and I was blown away by the taste and quality of the dishes.

The steak was cooked to perfection, and the salad was a delightful mix of greens, including spinach.

To accompany my meal, I enjoyed a couple of expertly-made Knobb Creek Old Fashioned cocktails from the bar.

One of the highlights of Greek Bros. is that it offers three distinct areas to accommodate different preferences – a dining area, a beautiful outdoor area with live music, and a nightclub area.

I've had the pleasure of experiencing all three!

On one occasion, I even got to see a surprise performance by comedian Keith Terry!

It's clear that they take pride in their establishment and the strong sense of community it fosters.

La Cabana

One of my go-to places for delicious Mexican food in town is La Cabana.

It has the best breakfast dishes that never fail to satisfy my cravings.

Every time I eat there, the homemade tortillas remind me of my mother's cooking.

I can't get enough of their Cabesa plate, too – everything on it is simply delectable.

My all-time favorites are the green and red hot sauce, which adds an extra kick to my meal.

DoubleDave's Pizzaworks

I can't say enough good things about my experience at DoubleDave's Pizzaworks.

As someone who loves a good pizza, I was excited to try their Peproni Rolls and make-your-own pizzas.

The pizza was fresh, just the way I like it, and the service was simply outstanding.

It's safe to say that DoubleDave's has become one of my go-to pizza spots in town.

Not only do they have a great selection of in-house-made pizzas, but they also have awesome customer service.

I particularly enjoy their pizza of the month offerings, which are perfect for those of us who like to try different pizza combinations.

One of the highlights of my visit was the salad bar.

While it may not be the biggest I've seen, the selection was still impressive, and the ingredients were fresh.

The lettuce and tomatoes were crisp and flavorful, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich and delicious pizza.

Final Thoughts

Victoria, Texas, truly has an incredible variety of delicious dining options to satisfy every palate.

From mouth-watering barbecue at Mumphord's Place Restaurant to the exquisite sushi at Sakura Japanese & Chinese cuisine, there's something for everyone in our vibrant culinary scene.

As a resident, I take pride in introducing friends and family to the hidden gems scattered throughout our town.

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