Best Restaurants in Tyler (2025)

An East Texas institution since 1960, Stanley’s serves pecan-and-post-oak–smoked brisket, ribs, and the cult-favorite Mother Clucker with live music and a deep bourbon list. Repeatedly named to Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints and celebrated by local media.

Latin-inspired dishes and steaks are served in a 1930s hilltop mansion by the Villapudua family. Known for garden-fresh herbs, sweeping views, and festive dinners. Noted by regional travel writers and praised by local news outlets for its distinctive setting.

Housed in the Art Deco People’s Petroleum Building, Prime 102 delivers prime steaks, seafood, and polished service with corner-bar cocktails. Featured by the Tyler Morning Telegraph for its downtown revival role and noted for tomahawk steaks and thoughtful wine pairings.

Family-owned for over two decades, Bernard’s blends Mediterranean, French, and Italian classics with a well-curated wine list. Frequently praised by local food writers for white-tablecloth hospitality and refined, old-world flavors.

A farm-to-table hub on a historic property, The Grove pairs seasonal menus and cocktails with live music and community events. Highlighted by Southern Living among Tyler’s top dining experiences.

Chef Lance McWhorter’s modern East Texas kitchen serves house-made pastas, chops, and seasonal plates from an open line, plus a speakeasy bar. The chef has been featured on Food Network’s Chopped and earned kudos from Texas-based media.

A family-run bakery and pizzeria known for naturally leavened sourdough, wood-fired pies, and a convivial Mosaic District setting. Featured by regional media and noted by Southern Living for its role in the area’s growing food scene.

A downtown stalwart since 1992, Rick’s delivers scratch-made Gulf seafood, steaks, and Southern favorites with a lively patio and weekend music. Frequently recommended by local tourism and media sources as a quintessential Tyler night out.

An intimate raw bar and cocktail den next to Rick’s, known for East Coast oysters, tartares, and Champagne-friendly bites. Spotlighted by local news when it opened and still praised for refined, New Orleans–tinged drinks and small plates.

A gourmet market, kitchen, and tasting room championing local producers with seasonal sandwiches, soups, and charcuterie alongside classes and wine flights. Noted by travel writers for enriching Tyler’s culinary scene.

Locally owned and long-running, Dakota’s specializes in prime steaks, seafood, and a deep wine list with polished, old-school service. Consistently recommended by diners and local media as a go-to for celebrations.