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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.

331 Local Favorite restaurants
Richie’s Grill & Cafe Local Favorite ★ 4.2

Richie’s Grill & Cafe

American 21 reviews
Hawkins
"Visit during weekday mornings for the freshest breakfast ..."
Breakfast Burrito Chicken Fried Steak +1 more
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Aspen Creek Grill Local Favorite ★ 4.0

Aspen Creek Grill

Seafood $$ 300 reviews
Tyler
"Make reservations for weekend evenings, as this popular s..."
Grilled Ribeye Steak Pan-Seared Salmon +1 more
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Chuy’s Family Friendly ★ 4.0

Chuy’s

Tex-Mex $$ 289 reviews
Tyler
"Come during happy hour for discounted margaritas and avoi..."
Green Chile Cheeseburger Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas +1 more
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Tyler Tortilla Factory Local Favorite ★ 4.2

Tyler Tortilla Factory

Mexican 20 reviews
Tyler
"Visit during lunch hours to watch them make fresh tortill..."
Beef Fajitas Cheese Enchiladas +1 more
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Leo’s Asian Bistro Local Favorite ★ 4.0

Leo’s Asian Bistro

Asian Fusion $$ 211 reviews
Lindale
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for the same great food ..."
Teriyaki Salmon Dragon Roll +1 more
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Johnny’s Ozark Fried Chicken Local Favorite ★ 4.1

Johnny’s Ozark Fried Chicken

Fast Food 35 reviews
Kilgore
"Visit during lunch hours for the freshest chicken when tu..."
Fried Chicken Dinner Chicken Tenders with Gravy +1 more
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The Char-Burger Stock-Ade Local Favorite ★ 4.1

The Char-Burger Stock-Ade

Burgers $ 37 reviews
Kilgore
"Visit during lunch hours for the freshest ingredients and..."
Char-Grilled Cheeseburger Hand-Cut French Fries +1 more
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Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails Local Favorite ★ 4.0

Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails

New American $$ 222 reviews
Tyler
"Make reservations for weekend brunch as it gets busy, and..."
Chicken and Waffles Pan-Seared Salmon +1 more
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Robertson’s Ham / The Red Barn Hidden Gem ★ 4.1

Robertson’s Ham / The Red Barn

Desserts $ 33 reviews
Wills Point
"Ask about the daily cheese specials and don't miss trying..."
House-Cured Ham Platter Turkish Lamb Kebabs +1 more
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Top Donuts Local Favorite ★ 4.3

Top Donuts

Donuts 13 reviews
Tyler
"Arrive early in the morning for the best selection of fre..."
Glazed Old Fashioned Donuts Breakfast Sandwich Combo +1 more
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Jimmy’s Egg Family Friendly ★ 4.0

Jimmy’s Egg

Breakfast & Brunch 115 reviews
Tyler
"Visit on weekday mornings for shorter wait times and the ..."
Stuffed Hash Browns Country Fried Steak & Eggs +1 more
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Duke’s Travel Plazaa Local Favorite ★ 4.0

Duke’s Travel Plazaa

Gas Stations $ 107 reviews
Canton
"Arrive before 2 PM on weekends when the brisket is at its..."
Smoked Brisket Plate Pulled Pork Sandwich +1 more
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