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.
Family Friendly ★ 3.9 Roma Italian Kitchen & Bar
Tyler
"Call ahead on weekends as the dining room fills up quickl..."
Chicken Parmigiana
Lasagna
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.9 Doc’s Pizza
Lindale
"Call ahead during Friday and Saturday evenings to avoid t..."
Pepperoni Pizza
Meat Lovers Pizza
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.9 Tele’s Mexican Restaurant
Longview
"Visit during lunch hours for generous portion sizes at ev..."
Chile Rellenos
Beef Fajitas
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.9 Ribmasters
Whitehouse
"Arrive before 6 PM on weekends to ensure they haven't run..."
Smoked Brisket Platter
Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.9 City Diner
Longview
"Visit during weekday mornings to avoid the weekend rush a..."
Chicken Fried Steak
Classic Cheeseburger
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.9 Marios Mexican Grill
Palestine
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for the freshest salsa a..."
Carne Asada Tacos
Chicken Enchiladas
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.9 Janie’s Cakes
Tyler
"Place custom cake orders at least a week in advance, espe..."
Custom Birthday Cakes
Decorated Sugar Cookies
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.9 Taqueria El Lugar 3
Tyler
"Visit during lunch hours for the freshest tortillas, as t..."
Carne Asada Tacos
Carnitas Plate
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.9 Mi Mexico Lindo
Tyler
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for the best service and..."
Carne Asada Fajitas
Cheese Enchiladas with Red Sauce
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.9 China Palace
Henderson
"Call ahead for takeout orders during dinner rush to avoid..."
General Tso's Chicken
Beef and Broccoli
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.9 Richie’s Bar and Grill
Grand Saline
"Visit during weeknight happy hour for the best combinatio..."
Gulf Shrimp Tacos
Chicken Fried Steak
+1 more
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Hidden Gem ★ 3.9 Wok-On
Longview
"Visit during lunch hours for smaller crowds and quicker s..."
Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup
Pork and Chive Dumplings
+1 more
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