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.
Visit Websitedanny'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.
Visit WebsiteMust 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.
Visit WebsiteThe 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.
Visit Website30 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.
Visit Website96 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.
Visit WebsiteAndrea'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.
Visit WebsiteBa 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.
Visit WebsiteBrossa'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.
Visit WebsiteBT 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.
Visit WebsiteDairy 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.
Visit WebsiteHoney'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.
Visit WebsiteImelda'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.
Visit WebsiteLone 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.
Visit WebsiteRocking 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.
Visit WebsiteSealand 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.
Visit WebsiteSmitty'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.
Visit WebsiteThe 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.
Visit WebsiteTruth 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.
Visit WebsitePizzaiolo'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.
Visit WebsiteSanta 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.
View MenuNathan'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.
Visit WebsiteMotorCity 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.
Visit FacebookWeikel'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.
Visit WebsiteBuckin' 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.
Visit FacebookManuel'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.
Visit FacebookPioneer 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.
Visit WebsiteEl 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.
Visit WebsiteGuadalajara 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.
Visit WebsiteMariachi'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.
Visit WebsiteTaqueria 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.
979-421-8233Arcelia 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.
832-450-1259On 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.
Visit WebsiteLas 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.
Order OnlineTwisted 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.
Visit PageShogun 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.
Visit WebsiteLupita 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.
Visit FacebookLA 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.
Visit WebsiteArnaz 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.
Visit WebsiteLos 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.
Visit WebsiteGolden 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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I am always looking to feature more locally owned restaurants, cafes, and food trucks. Send me your recommendation.
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