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 ★ 3.6 The Butcher Shop
Longview
"Visit earlier in the day for the best selection of fresh-..."
Hand-formed Beef Burgers
Fresh-ground Ribeye Steaks
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Family Friendly ★ 3.6 Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant
Tyler
"Visit during weekday lunch hours to avoid the dinner rush..."
Tableside Guacamole
Chicken Fajitas
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.5 Herschel’s Family Restaurant
Henderson
"Visit during weekday mornings for the freshest breakfast ..."
Chicken-Fried Steak
Country Breakfast Platter
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.5 Cotton Patch Cafe
Henderson
"Visit on weekdays for shorter wait times and ask about th..."
Chicken Fried Steak
Loaded Baked Potato
+1 more
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Casual Vibes ★ 3.4 Hangry Joe’s Tyler Texas Hot Chicken
Tyler
"Start with the medium heat level if it's your first visit..."
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Loaded Hot Chicken Fries
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.5 Robles Mexican Restaurant
Canton
"Visit during lunch hours for the best service and freshes..."
Beef Fajitas
Chicken Enchiladas
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.5 Tia Juanita’s
Henderson
"Visit on weekdays for shorter wait times, and don't skip ..."
Crawfish Étouffee
Blackened Catfish
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.5 Rounders Pizza
Athens
"Visit during weeknight hours for the most relaxed service..."
Pepperoni Pizza
Supreme Pizza
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Local Favorite ★ 3.5 The Jalapeno Tree
Athens
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for quicker service and ..."
Chicken Fajitas
Beef Enchilada Plate
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.5 Magic China
Longview
"Call ahead during dinner rush on weekends as wait times c..."
General Tso's Chicken
Beef and Broccoli
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.5 The Potpourri House
Tyler
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for quicker service and ..."
Fried Catfish Plate
Club Sandwich
+1 more
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Family Friendly ★ 3.5 Posados
Longview
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for quicker service and ..."
Sizzling Chicken Fajitas
Cheese Enchiladas with Red Sauce
+1 more
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