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Looking for a restaurant to try out with your family in the Brazos Valley? Here are great locally owned eateries and bistros in the Bryan/College Station area. Find the best Bryan TX restaurants for families along with a few places to try on your next date night.
The writer was hosted.
You might find yourself in Bryan Texas while visiting area colleges with your teen. Or, perhaps, you’ve included the Brazos Valley on your Texas road trip itinerary because of the fun things to do in the area. One thing’s for sure. You’ll need to find a place to eat. Here are the top restaurants in Bryan, whether you’re traveling with or without kids.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t feel like going out? Have DoorDash bring food to your hotel or vacation rental.
RX Pizza
One of the Bryan TX restaurants for families that serves brick oven pizzas plus salads. You’ll find outdoor tables and it’s dog-friendly on the patio. No kids’ menu but you can build-your-own pizza. Serious drink menu for those looking for a cocktail. Find another location near Texas A&M. During my visit, I sampled the Mediterranean salad. Next time, I’ll be sure to try their pizza, voted “best pizza in the Brazos Valley” in Brazos Life reader polls.
Located at 200 W. 26th St. Open Monday to Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Chicken Oil Company
A Bryan institution since 1977 serving burgers in baskets, along with chicken strips, chicken fried steak and catfish. Order a 1/4 pound burger for the bigger kids or those with smaller appetites (that’s what I ordered). Also find a kids’ menu for the little kids. When ordering you get to choose the toppings, so it’s easy to order a plain burger. Chicken Oil Company is super casual and appeals to all ages.
Located at 3600 S. College Ave. Open Tuesday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sodolaks Beefmasters Restaurant
Your destination for traditional Texas favorites, like chicken fried steak. I ordered it and ate all of it. Lots of sides, but the mashed potatoes are tops. Another favorite is the American classic, steak. It’s been one of the favorite Bryan TX restaurants for years. During my visit, the dining room was full for the weekday lunch service with everyone from grandmas to the grandbabies.
The chicken fingers on the kids’ menu are good enough to steal. Lunch specials are a bargain since you get the same size entree as dinner, just with a lower price.
Located at 3500 E. State Highway 21. Open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Proudest Monkey
In the shadow of the Queen Theater, this eatery serves burgers, fries, tacos and ice cream martinis along with a full-line up of beer. The fries, both Idaho and Sweet Potato, can be customized. Proudest Monkey is a favorite with locals since 2012.
Located at 108 S. Main St. Open Tuesday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Cilantro Mexican Restaurant
Order all your Tex Mex favorites, like enchiladas, fajitas and tacos. Cilantro features a kids’ menu. Another restaurant in the downtown area that comes recommended by locals.
Located at 106 N. Parker Ave. Open from Tuesday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mr. G’s Pizzeria
Family-owned pizza place serving hand-tossed pizzas along with calzones in downtown Bryan. Mr. G’s Pizza has been voted best pizza in Brazos Valley several times in the last 10 years. No kids’ menu but pizza-by-the-slice is available.
Located at 201 W. 26th St. Open Monday to Friday for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Mr. Hamburger
A family favorite, this burger joint started in nearby Huntsville in 1959. Find burgers, chicken strips, shakes, hot dogs and loaded fries. Mr. Hamburger offers a kids’ menu along with quarter-pound burgers for bigger kids. It’s one of the Bryan TX restaurants open until midnight.
Located at 3706 Texas Ave. Open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight (drive-thru only from 10 p.m. to midnight).
Amico Nave Ristorante
A family-owned Italian restaurant serving tradition Italian items, like pasta, chicken and seafood entrees. Also find pizzas, although there’s no kids’ menu. Amico Nave Ristorante is a great option for a date night.
Located at 203 E. Villa Maria Dr. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations accepted.
Village Cafe
With local artist’s work lining the walls to occasional live music, it’s more than a coffee shop. Grab a quick bite for breakfast, lunch and every minute in-between. Order a barista-made coffee and a scone for yourself and a juice and house-baked cookie for the kids. During my visit, I sampled an iced coffee and a fresh baked cookie. Both gave me an afternoon boost.
Full menu along with a kids’ menu.
Located at 210 W. 26th St. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Harvest Coffee Bar
Find a selection of coffee brewing methods, like drip, Chemex, Kone and a fascinating Japanese Cold Brew that takes 10 hours with a custom-built glass brewing system. Also find a host of barista-made espresso drinks, non-coffee drinks along with tea. During my visit, the Japanese Cold Brew looked intense yet smelled yummy. I opted for an iced coffee instead.
Harvest Coffee features a menu with breakfast breads, salads and sandwiches. No kids’ menu though you’ll find desserts that will keep the kiddos busy while Mom refills the caffeine tank.
Located at 101 Main St. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Caffe Capri
One of the first restaurants to open in Downtown Bryan’s redevelopment and now a local favorite. Find a menu with Italian staples for adults. It’s one of the top Bryan TX restaurants.
The kids’ menu is a hoot. Take a gander even if your kids are too old for it. Find items like the I don’t know (buttered pasta and parmesan), I don’t care (spaghetti with marinara) and the classic I’m bored (pasta with marinara and a meatball). Or just get the bandit plate (empty plate for sharing). All under 4 bucks, except for the empty plate – it’s free.
Located at 222 N. Main St. Open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday. Open for dinner Monday to Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations accepted.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Texas Vacations for Families
Sometimes you need to get away with just your favorite adults. Here’s where to go in Bryan on a date night, girls’ weekend or if you’re just in the mood for a boozy bbq.
All the Kings Men BBQ
Get your beer and BBQ fix and throw in a bourbon. Find your favorites, like brisket and sausage. No kids’ menu so it might be a good option for a kid-free night. It’s a stone’s throw from all the shopping in downtown Bryan.
Located at 112 S. Main St. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. ( 1a.m. on Friday and Saturday)
Ronin
Here’s your destination for a nice night out with the foodie in your life. Within the restored Ice House building, Ronin features a farm-to-table restaurant with many ingredients from its nearby farm. Get an ever-changing menu with a focus on local flavors. Sunday brings brunch with favorites like avocado toast and morning cocktails. I missed Ronin but will add it to my list for my next visit.
Reservations accepted and some of the seating is at communal tables. No kids’ menu.
Located at 800 N. Main St. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Christopher’s World Grille
Dine in a historic ranch that’s been artfully restored for an intimate evening at one of the Top 100 most romantic restaurants in the U.S. by OpenTable. The chef-created menu focuses on steakhouse favorites, like beef tenderloin and seafood.
Christopher’s World Grille even has AAA-four diamond award.
Located at 5001 Boonville Rd. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations accepted. Kids’ menu available.
Blackwater Draw Brewery
Grab a brew from a wide selection, including IPAs and sours, depending on the season. During my visit, I sampled several of the beers on tap before choosing the sour. The bar staff was knowledgeable and friendly and in the early evening, the outdoor area was mellow if you’re bringing your kids.
The outdoor area is dog friendly and features picnic tables. It’s steps from Ronin at the north end of Main Street.
Located at 701 N. Main St. Open Tuesday to Sunday with various hours.
Messina Hof Winery and Resort
Grab your girlfriends, or your love, and head out for an adult night with a glass of locally grown and produced wine. Originally opened in 1977, Messina Hof Winery features a tasting room, wine bar, food and wine pairings, harvest festivals and cooking classes.
Located at 4545 Old Reliance Road. Open daily Monday and Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Wine tastings start at $5.
Messina Hof Vintage House
One of the oldest and largest wineries in Texas features a restaurant and is a favorite Bryan TX restaurants. The menu showcases locally sourced ingredients like quail. During my visit, I choose the grilled petit filet with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. It was tender and cooked just like I requested, medium rare. I appreciated that each entree is paired with a Messina Hof wine to take the guesswork out of selecting a wine.
Located at 4545 Old Reliance Road. Open Thursday to Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Not kid-friendly.
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