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 ★ 3.8 Poch’s Rice Cafe
Tyler
"Visit during lunch hours for the best service and freshes..."
General Tso's Chicken
Beef and Broccoli
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.8 WaWa’s Seafood Shack
Athens
"Visit on weekdays for the freshest selections, as weekend..."
Fried Catfish Platter
Grilled Shrimp Po'Boy
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.8 Pettys Steak and Catfish
Lindale
"Come hungry – the portions are generous and the sides a..."
Hand-Cut Ribeye Steak
Golden Fried Catfish Platter
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.8 Kei Asian Kitchen
Athens
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for quicker service and ..."
Pad Thai
General Tso's Chicken
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.8 Southern Classic Chicken
Tyler
"Order the family meal deals during dinner rush for the be..."
Fried Chicken Tenders
Whole Fried Chicken Dinner
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.8 Fuji Japanese Restaurant
Longview
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for the freshest sushi s..."
Spider Roll
Chicken Teriyaki
+1 more
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Family Friendly ★ 3.8 In Japan
Marshall
"Make reservations for hibachi tables during peak dinner h..."
Rainbow Roll
Hibachi Steak and Shrimp
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.8 Daniel Boone’s Grill and Tavern
Tyler
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for quicker service and ..."
Bacon Cheeseburger
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.8 Montez Creekside Kitchen
Whitehouse
"Visit during weekday evenings for shorter wait times and ..."
Chicken Fried Steak
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.8 Sadler’s Kitchen
Jacksonville
"Make reservations for weekend evenings, as the dining roo..."
Pan-Seared Gulf Red Snapper
Bourbon Glazed Pork Tenderloin
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.8 East Texas Burger Company
Mineola
"Visit during off-peak hours for the freshest fries and fa..."
Classic Cheeseburger
Hand-Cut Fries
+1 more
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Family Friendly ★ 3.8 Sumo Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar
Longview
"Make reservations for hibachi tables during peak dinner h..."
Hibachi Chicken and Steak Combo
Rainbow Roll
+1 more
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