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 ★ 4.0 Hot Dog Express
Longview
"Visit during lunch hours for the freshest hot dogs when t..."
Chili Cheese Dog
Classic Hamburger
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Hambone’s Cajun Grill
Palestine
"Come hungry and don't be afraid to ask for extra rice - t..."
Crawfish Étouffee
Jambalaya
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 China Chef
Chandler
"Call ahead for takeout orders during dinner rush to avoid..."
General Tso's Chicken
Sweet and Sour Pork
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Mariscos El Rincon Bar & Grill
Athens
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for the freshest seafood..."
Shrimp Diabla
Whole Fried Fish
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Catfish Palace
Athens
"Call ahead on weekends as the restaurant fills up quickly..."
Fried Catfish Platter
Blackened Redfish
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Old Magnolia Mercantile
Palestine
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for the freshest selecti..."
Turkey Club Supreme
Pulled Pork Sandwich
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Asian Garden
Athens
"Visit during lunch hours for generous portion sizes at gr..."
General Tso's Chicken
California Roll
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Blackhawk Creek Grill
Whitehouse
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for the freshest ingredi..."
Classic Cheeseburger
Loaded Nachos
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Henderson Star Cafe
Henderson
"Visit during the lunch buffet hours for the best variety ..."
Chicken Fried Steak
Country Breakfast Platter
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.1 Sola Bread
Tyler
"Visit in the morning when the fresh bread comes out of th..."
Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza
Artisan Avocado Toast
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 La Fonda del Sol
Jacksonville
"Arrive early on weekend mornings to avoid the rush, and d..."
Huevos Rancheros
Breakfast Burrito Supreme
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 La Waffalata Deli & Dessert
Mineola
"Visit on weekday mornings for the freshest selection of g..."
Chicken & Waffle Sandwich
Monte Cristo Waffle
+1 more
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