If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Texas, it’s that this state LOVES its food. Major cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston are foodie metropolises… but even the smaller, lesser known towns are chalk-full of culinary surprises. Bryan and College Station are two neighboring towns that are of no exception, with mouthwatering restaurants nearly everywhere you turn.
In four short days we learned that when it comes to BBQ, tacos, and beer, Bryan College Station have got it going on. And since those happen to be three of our favorite things, our love affair with this area happened quite suddenly. Here’s where we ate and drank while we were there, and where we think you should too:
COFFEE
Harvest Coffee Bar (College Station and Bryan): This coffee shop is a local favorite, and quickly became a favorite of ours as well. (Bobby went to their College Station location every morning!) Harvest Coffee Bar’s baristas are well-trained and knowledgeable, the coffee is strong and flavorful, and Alli’s still dreaming about their signature “Harvest Latte”!
POV Coffeehouse (Bryan): A little off-the-beaten-path, this stylish coffeehouse is a great spot for studying or meeting up with friends. (Chances are you’ll see tons of A&M students doing just that!) We loved POV’s outdoor seating and wide variety of specialty drinks… they even serve wine and beer!
Sweet Eugene’s (College Station): Sweet Eugene’s has eclectic and cozy written ALL over it, as you’ll feel like you’ve stepped inside someone’s charming living room - that also happens to serve coffee, smoothies, crepes, sandwiches, donuts, and more. It’s probably the most popular study and hang out spot for A&M students due to its plethora of comfy places to sit, and we don’t blame them! We’d be regulars here, too!
POV’s is study central :)
Cheers to Sweet Eugenes!
BREAKFAST
Clean Juice (College Station): We get SO excited when we stumble upon a healthy juice spot. Clean Juice is a 100% certified organic juice bar with cold pressed juices, smoothies, bowls, light bites, and more. We’re big fans of their avocado toast and “The Glow One” juice!
Sweet Paris Creperie and Cafe (College Station): With one sip of their picture-perfect cappuccino, you’ll instantly feel as though you’ve stepped foot into a true Parisian cafe. Sweet Paris Creperie and Cafe is a delightful and decadent place for breakfast or brunch, with a wide array of sweet and savory crepes, soups and salads, panninnis, and breakfast dishes. It’s le magnifique!
Family photo at Sweet Paris
LUNCH/DINNER
All The King’s Men (Bryan): There’s just something about Texas BBQ, maybe it’s the sauce, maybe it’s the way it’s prepared, maybe it’s because it’s made by real cowboys… but whatever their secret is, they know what’s up at All The King’s Men! From the meat to the sides, you can’t go wrong… but you have to order at least one serving of the Candied Pork Belly Burnt Ends. You’re welcome
Proudest Monkey (Bryan): Gourmet tacos and melt-in-your-mouth burgers... that’s a pretty dreamy combo if you ask us! Proudest Monkey is a real gem of a spot in Downtown Bryan that boasts not only an extensive food menu, but some fun (and clever) cocktails, too!
Fuego Tortilla Grill (College Station): Ask anyone in College Station where the best tacos are in town, and chances are they’ll tell you to run, not walk, to Fuego! This casual, order at the counter lunch and dinner spot is famous for their hearty and very unique tacos. From the “Southern Comfort” filled with fried chicken, cream corn, potatoes and gravy, to the “Good Golly Miss Holly” stuffed with mac and cheese, brisket, cheetos and cheese, it’s comfort food at its finest. You’ll be instantly obsessed… and you’ll definitely need a nap.
All the goods at All the King’s Men
Proudest Monkey yummies
Not the healthiest meal, but maybe the most delicious…
Look at that Cheetos taco!
DRINKS
The Republic Steakhouse (College Station): There’s no denying that this classy and chic steakhouse is a fabulous date night option, but we love going to The Republic for a round of their specialty cocktails in their charming bar! No need for a reservation, the bar is open seating, and you can still order anything off the food (or dessert, hint hint) menus!
New Republic Brewery (College Station): Located on the outskirts of town is New Republic Brewery, a relaxed and friendly neighborhood brewery with a dog-friendly backyard and live music Thursday-Saturday! It’s the kind of place you’ll want to be a regular at, and their creative and tasty beers are not to be missed!
The Ptarmigan Club (Bryan): Not only is The Ptarmigan Club the oldest bar in Aggieland, it’s home to the legendary “Flaming Dr. Pepper”! We won’t go into detail about what this drink is, or why it’s become an Aggie must-have, but we will tell you to stop by this hole-in-the-wall dive bar and order one. Or two. Or three. ;)
Dixie Chicken (College Station): Affectionately called “The Chicken” by A&M students, the famed Dixie Chicken has been coined Texas A&M’s “favorite local watering hole” as it has sat across the street from campus since 1974! It’s perfectly quirky and Texan, with a live rattlesnake, a honky-tonk resembling exterior, and swinging doors at the entrance. Gig em!!
Cheers to The Republic!
Sunset and live music at New Republic
There’s a rattlesnake back there at Dixie Chicken
Our time in Bryan College Station was short and sweet, and we’re already making a hit list for our next trip… So let us know if we missed any of your favorite spots!