Best Local Favorite Restaurants in Tyler, TX (2026)
These Tyler restaurants have earned devoted followings among East Texas locals who return again and again. Word-of-mouth favorites where regulars are greeted by name and the food never disappoints. When locals recommend a spot, these are the places they mention first.
Local Favorite ★ 4.1 La Plazita
Tyler
"Visit during lunch hours for the best service and freshes..."
Chile Rellenos
Beef Fajitas
+1 more
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Upscale Dining ★ 4.1 III Palms
Tyler
"Make reservations for Friday and Saturday evenings, and a..."
Grilled Red Snapper
Prime Ribeye Steak
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.3 The Coco Bean
Tyler
"Visit during the mid-morning hours for the freshest pastr..."
Signature Cold Brew
House Blend Espresso
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.1 Rancho Grande
Jacksonville
"Visit during lunch hours for generous combination plates ..."
Sizzling Beef Fajitas
Chicken Enchiladas Verde
+1 more
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Upscale Dining ★ 4.1 Judd’s Downtown
Longview
"Make reservations for weekend evenings, as the bar area c..."
Pan-Seared Gulf Red Snapper
Prime Ribeye with Truffle Butter
+1 more
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Family Friendly ★ 4.1 El San Luis
Athens
"Visit during brunch hours for the best selection of their..."
Breakfast Burrito
Chile Rellenos
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.2 Mr. Taco Jr
Whitehouse
"Visit during weekday mornings for the freshest tortillas ..."
Breakfast Burrito
Carnitas Tacos
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 The Diner
Tyler
"Arrive early on weekends to avoid the rush, and don't ski..."
Chicken Fried Steak
Eggs Benedict
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.2 Chicken Salad Chick
Tyler
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for the freshest selecti..."
Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad
Traditional Chicken Salad
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.4 Dutch Bros Coffee
Tyler
"Try asking for extra flavor shots in your drink - the bar..."
Dutch Freeze
White Coffee Mocha
+1 more
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Family Friendly ★ 4.1 Eastern Buffet
Lindale
"Visit during the lunch rush between 11:30 AM and 1 PM whe..."
General Tso's Chicken
Sweet and Sour Pork
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails
Tyler
"Make reservations for weekend brunch as it gets busy, and..."
Chicken and Waffles
Pan-Seared Salmon
+1 more
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