Dining Guide

Where to Eat in Brenham & Washington County

From smoky Texas barbecue and Southern comfort food to sizzling Tex-Mex, Brenham's locally owned eateries serve up flavor with a side of small-town hospitality. Here are the spots I recommend.

LJ's BBQ

1407 W Main St, Brenham

Family-owned barbecue serving up smoked brisket, ribs, sausage, and all the fixings in the heart of Brenham. A warm, welcoming spot where the food speaks for itself. The brisket is slow-smoked to perfection, and the homemade sides complete the meal.

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danny's

112 S Park St, Brenham

A locally owned bistro from husband-and-wife team Danny and Ashley Holle, now in a brick-and-mortar on the downtown square. The menu features Lamb Bolognese, steak tartare, gnocchi, chicken and waffles, savory burgers, and a rotating selection of small plates. Seasonal cocktails and natural wines complement the warm bistro vibe.

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Must Be Heaven

107 W Alamo St, Brenham

A beloved Brenham institution serving deli-style sandwiches, soups, salads, and legendary homemade pies. The Grilled Texas Monte Cristo is a local favorite, and the cozy downtown atmosphere makes every visit feel special.

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The Cannery Kitchen & Gift Shop

314 E Alamo St, Brenham (Historic Cannery Building, Downtown)

A Brenham gem for breakfast, with a fabulous cafe-style lunch menu that is only $10 (includes unlimited salad bar, drink, and dessert). Great homemade comfort food and home cooking. The Cannery Kitchen is located in the historic cannery building downtown on E Alamo St.

Volare Italian Restaurant

2413 S Day St, Brenham

A local favorite for classic Italian fare in Brenham. From house-made pasta and wood-fired pizzas to hearty classics like chicken parmesan and veal marsala, Volare brings Italian hospitality to Washington County. The warm, family-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for any occasion.

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30 North Gastropub

302 E Alamo St, Brenham

A downtown gastropub and coffee bar on East Alamo Street serving up creative comfort food, craft beverages, and a warm neighborhood vibe. Known for its scratch-made burgers, loaded fries, brunch offerings, and rotating local craft beer and coffee selections.

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96 West

103 S Baylor St, Brenham

A downtown tapas and wine bar on South Baylor Street offering small plates, craft beers, and an impressive wine list. Known for its charcuterie boards, bruschetta, flatbreads, and ever-changing seasonal specials in a relaxed, social setting.

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Andrea's Taco Shop

1102 N Park St, Brenham

A beloved Brenham taco joint serving up authentic Mexican street tacos, breakfast tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Fresh tortillas, flavorful meat options, and generous portions keep locals coming back for more.

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Ba Na Hill Vietnamese Cuisine

2672 TX-36 S, Brenham

Brenham's go-to spot for Vietnamese cuisine on Highway 36 South. The menu features pho, banh mi sandwiches, vermicelli bowls, rice plates, and spring rolls. Fresh herbs and bold flavors make every dish a delight.

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Brossa's Cibo e Vino

603 S Market St, Brenham

An Italian wine bar and kitchen on South Market Street offering an intimate dining experience with an ever-changing menu of Italian-inspired small plates, wood-fired pizzas, house-made pasta, and an expertly curated wine selection. Reservations recommended.

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BT Longhorn Saloon & Steakhouse

205 S Baylor St, Brenham

A downtown Brenham saloon and steakhouse serving hand-cut steaks, burgers, seafood, and classic Texas comfort food in a rustic, historical setting. The full bar and live music on select nights make it a popular local hangout.

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Dairy Bar

2703 S Chappell Hill St, Brenham

An old-fashioned burger joint and ice cream stand that has been a Brenham institution for decades. Serves up classic drive-in fare: hand-formed burgers, crispy fries, onion rings, thick milkshakes, and soft-serve cones. Cash only, and worth every penny.

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Honey's Bee'Stro

2116 S Market St, Brenham

A cozy bistro and cafe on South Market Street offering scratch-made comfort food, sandwiches, salads, and house-baked treats. The warm, welcoming atmosphere and creative menu make it a popular lunch and brunch destination.

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Imelda's Kitchen

1501 Hwy 290 E, Brenham

A family-run Tex-Mex kitchen on Highway 290 East serving breakfast tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and street tacos with fresh, authentic flavors. The friendly service and generous portions have earned it a dedicated local following.

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Lone Star Southern Grill

2120 Hwy 290 W, Brenham

A family-friendly Southern restaurant on Highway 290 West serving homestyle favorites like chicken fried steak, fried catfish, shrimp and grits, and hand-cut steaks. The welcoming atmosphere and generous portions make it a go-to for comfort food.

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Rocking Robynz Burgers, Toasted Subs & Shakes

301 S St Charles St, Brenham

A downtown Brenham burger joint serving hand-crafted smash burgers, toasted subs, and thick milkshakes. Creative burger combinations, fresh ingredients, and top-notch customer service make this a local hotspot.

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Sealand Seafood & Steak Restaurant

2201 Hwy 290 E, Brenham

A Brenham staple for seafood and steak on Highway 290 East. The menu offers everything from fried catfish and shrimp platters to grilled steaks and hearty country-style dishes. A full bar and spacious back room make it great for gatherings.

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Smitty's Cafe & Bakery

4355 US-290, Brenham

A beloved cafe and bakery on Highway 290 serving homestyle breakfast, lunch, and fresh-baked goods. Known for its hearty country breakfasts, chicken fried steak, burgers, and from-scratch pies and cakes that draw customers from all over Washington County.

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The Tilted Windmill

302 S St Charles St, Brenham

An eclectic downtown cafe on St Charles Street serving creative sandwiches, salads, quiches, and baked goods in a charming, art-filled setting. A favorite for lunch, brunch, and grabbing a cup of coffee while browsing local art.

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Truth BBQ

2990 US-290 W, Brenham

Award-winning Texas barbecue on Highway 290 West, earning national acclaim for its exceptional brisket, ribs, and house-made sausages. Truth BBQ brings Houston-bred pitmaster expertise to Brenham with a classic Central Texas meat-market style. A must-visit for any barbecue lover.

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Pizzaiolo's

675 Hwy 290 W, Brenham

A locally owned pizzeria on Highway 290 serving hand-tossed pizzas, calzones, pasta, and classic Italian dishes. The menu features specialty pies, build-your-own options, and hearty Italian favorites for dine-in, carryout, or delivery.

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Santa Fe & SP Cafe

302 W First St, Brenham

A cozy downtown cafe serving American comfort food for breakfast and lunch. Known for its hearty plates, friendly service, and down-home cooking that keeps locals coming back. A welcoming spot on West First Street for a relaxed meal.

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Nathan's BBQ

1309 Prairie Lea St, Brenham

A down-home barbecue joint on Prairie Lea Street serving smoked brisket, ribs, sausage, and classic Texas sides. Traditional old-school barbecue cooked low and slow, with the kind of friendly service that makes every visit feel like a neighborhood gathering.

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MotorCity Coneys Texas

2951 State Hwy 36 S, Brenham

A Detroit-inspired Coney spot on Highway 36 South serving up classic Coney dogs, burgers, tacos, and comfort fare. Brings a taste of the Motor City to Brenham with generous portions and a friendly roadside vibe.

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Weikel's Bakery

2155 US-290 W, Brenham

A beloved Brenham institution and the town's go-to bakery on Highway 290 West. Famous for its kolaches, Czech pastries, fresh breads, cookies, cakes, and pies. A stop at Weikel's is a rite of passage for anyone passing through Brenham.

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Buckin' Burger

2828 Industrial Blvd, Brenham

A burger joint on Industrial Blvd serving up thick hand-pattied burgers, loaded fries, and hearty American comfort food. Known for generous portions and creative burger combinations that have quickly earned a loyal local following.

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Manuel's Mexican Restaurant & Taqueria

409 W Main St, Brenham

A family-friendly Mexican restaurant and taqueria on West Main Street serving breakfast tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, burritos, and traditional plates. Fresh ingredients and authentic flavors make this a go-to spot for Tex-Mex cravings.

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Pioneer Smokehouse and Mercantile

309 S Park St, Brenham

A downtown smokehouse and mercantile on South Park Street serving smoked meats, barbecue plates, sandwiches, and sides. The rustic atmosphere and mercantile shop make it a unique dining and shopping experience in the heart of Brenham.

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El Charro T Mexican Cuisine

3015 Hwy 290 W, Brenham

A Mexican cuisine destination on Highway 290 West serving classic dishes from enchiladas and fajitas to tacos and tamales. Fresh ingredients, house-made sauces, and generous portions make this a popular choice for families and groups.

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Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant

1308 Prairie Lea St, Brenham

A lively Mexican restaurant on Prairie Lea Street serving traditional dishes and Tex-Mex favorites. Known for its flavorful enchiladas, sizzling fajitas, tacos, and refreshing margaritas in a festive atmosphere.

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Mariachi's Mexican Restaurant

2104 S Market St, Brenham

A Mexican restaurant on South Market Street serving classic plates and Tex-Mex specialties. Known for its friendly service, hearty portions, and a menu that covers everything from tacos and burritos to combination platters.

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Taqueria Las Palmas

1003 S Austin St, Ste A, Brenham

A taqueria on South Austin Street serving authentic street tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and Mexican plates. Fresh, house-made ingredients and bold flavors make this a reliable spot for genuine taqueria fare in Brenham.

979-421-8233

Arcelia Taco Truck

4805 Hwy 105, Brenham

A food truck on Highway 105 serving authentic Mexican street tacos, quesadillas, and other taqueria favorites. A favorite stop for those seeking fresh, flavorful tacos on the go in Brenham.

832-450-1259

On Deck Restaurant

1600 FM 389, Brenham

A laid-back restaurant on FM 389 serving American comfort food, burgers, steaks, and seafood in a casual setting. Popular with locals for its friendly atmosphere and hearty portions just outside downtown Brenham.

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Las Fuentes Mexican Restaurant

201 Hwy 290 E, Brenham

A Mexican restaurant on Highway 290 East serving classic Tex-Mex plates including enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, and combination dinners. A familiar, welcoming spot for Mexican food in Brenham with online ordering available.

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Twisted Oak Fire Crafted Pizza

2600 N Park St, Brenham

A family-owned food truck serving Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas made from scratch with fresh ingredients. From classic margherita to creative specialty pies, Twisted Oak brings artisan pizza craft to Brenham on North Park Street.

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Shogun Japanese Grill and Sushi Bar

105 Hwy 290 W, Brenham

Brenham's destination for Japanese cuisine on Highway 290 West. The menu features fresh sushi rolls, sashimi, hibachi dinners, teriyaki, and noodle bowls. A welcome taste of Japan in the heart of Washington County.

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Lupita Latinos Market

900 S Austin St, Brenham

A Latin grocery market on South Austin Street offering fresh produce, meats, pantry staples, and prepared foods including tacos, tortas, and traditional dishes. A community hub for authentic Latin flavors and everyday essentials.

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LA Chicken Shack

100 N Chappell Hill St, Brenham

A chicken shack on North Chappell Hill Street serving fried chicken, wings, tenders, and Southern-style sides. Crispy, well-seasoned chicken and a no-frills atmosphere make this a go-to spot for a fried chicken fix.

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Arnaz BBQ, Seafood & More

4030 TX-36 S, Brenham

A barbecue and seafood restaurant on Highway 36 South serving smoked meats, fried and grilled seafood, and hearty sides. From brisket and ribs to catfish and shrimp, this spot delivers the best of both Southern cooking traditions.

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Los Cabos Mexican Grill & Steak House

2800 Hwy 36 S, Brenham

A Mexican grill and steak house on Highway 36 South serving traditional Mexican dishes alongside hand-cut steaks and grilled specialties. The menu spans enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, and charbroiled steaks in a warm, family-friendly setting.

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Golden Imperial

222 Hwy 290 W, Brenham

A Chinese restaurant on Highway 290 West serving classic dishes from General Tso's chicken and fried rice to lo mein, sushi rolls, and boba tea. A go-to destination for Asian cuisine and fusion fare in Brenham.

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Know a Great Local Spot?

I am always looking to feature more locally owned restaurants, cafes, and food trucks. Send me your recommendation.

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