Top 5: Road Trip Worth Texas Foods

What would you drive a day for? What food would entice you so much that you'd spend nearly $200 in gas to get? Well, that's what this is about.

[Note: While usually this article is a Top 8, the subjective nature of this article limits it to a simpler 5.]

Honorable Mention: Water Street Oyster Bar, Corpus Christi. Yeah, this place is perhaps the most over-rated on this list. Why is it still present? The seafood, when it's on, is that good. Had some killer mahi mahi a few years ago. The decor is quite nice as well.

5. Texas Barbecue, Small-town, Texas - That's right, you can only find this in small towns. Unless you crash some good ol' boys 'cue on the weekend. The pit is on the side or out back, cords of wood stacked up and visible, and the old ladies behind the counter don't give a shit about your fancy suit or iPhone. Best joint ever? Mount Zion in Huntsville, Texas. All you can eat lunch and service that will leave a smile tattooed on your face. And Dad, it ain't pulled, so you can order with confidence.

4. Mata's Cafe, Florsville, Texas - It's the smallest of Mexican food joints, but I've never left there feeling hungry or dissatisfied. Having them on speed dial is a testament to the tastiness of their food. While this isn't the only Mexican joint in town (there are four within two blocks of this place, a total of eight just within city limits), they offer great service and tasty food (namely, the food is awesome, the tortillas hot and tender, the tea cool, sweat and flavorful, and quick and personable service). But, what anyone has to understand is that the small hovel-looking Mexican joints are perhaps the best ones. Following my religious needs, if the Mexican joint ain't got a visible picture of Mary, you need to keep looking. If you have to ask, then you wouldn't understand. Sorry, that's how it is.

3. Blue Bell Ice Cream, Brenham, Texas - A lot of folks really go for Ben & Jerry's. I will admit they do it up really nice. Folks down here though, we are bred on that metallic rimmed container holding the frozen loveliness. The slogan is/was "We eat all we can, and sell the rest." It's not just a slogan; it's the real deal. Growing up in high school, we'd play cards and with the winnings buy ice cream for $.25 a pop; easy way to impress that cute girl (unless you lost). To this day, "We serve Blue Bell Ice Cream" always wins out. HEB's Creamy Creations is simply a distance second.

2. What-A-Burger, Corpus Christi, Texas - While you can find this chain in a great many towns across our nice state, it all started in the little town on the coast. The burgers are made the old fashioned fast food way, and served in pretty much the same fashion. A lot of small Mom & Pop joints do the same thing, perhaps a bit cheaper. Why here at #2? Because I can get Mom & Pop's goodness in over 700 locations across the southern United States.

1. Chicken fried steak, Non major chain, Texas - Read the previous article about my dad. It's just that good. Best ever? Growing up, it was K-Bob's in Brenham, Texas (no longer there). Currently, it's a tie between two local joints, but there's a plenty out there.

Well, that concludes the top. You probably have something to say about it. I welcome it.

Cheers,

Mert