Best Dinner in Gilmer, TX
Dinner in Gilmer isn't about white tablecloths and sommeliers. It's about real food, real people, and places where the owner might walk over to ask how your meal is. Whether you're looking for a sit-down Italian dinner on the square, sizzling fajitas with a margarita, or a steak and a beer while a local band plays, Gilmer's dinner scene delivers honest East Texas hospitality.
Quick Comparison
| Spot | Must-Try | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duran's Italian | Chicken piccata, lasagna, pizza | Romantic, square location | Date night, Italian cravings |
| La Finca | Fajitas, green salsa, margaritas | Tex-Mex staple, full bar | Sunday dinner, groups |
| Open Range | Black Angus steak, house pizza | Sports bar, live music | Night out, entertainment |
| La Carreta | Shrimp dishes, red salsa, beer | Authentic, spice levels | Late Mexican dinner |
| Davidson's | Burgers, wings, taco plates | Bar & grill, outdoor seating | Casual dinner with drinks |
Duran's Italian Pizza and Pasta
Must-try: Chicken piccata, chicken marsala, lasagna, shrimp scampi Location: On the historic square
Duran's is Gilmer's best option for a proper sit-down dinner that feels like a night out. Located right on the square, it offers Italian classics in a setting that works for dates, anniversaries, or just a break from BBQ and Tex-Mex.
The chicken piccata is tender with a bright lemon butter sauce. The lasagna is layered and hearty. The shrimp scampi is garlicky and generous. It's not fine dining—it's better than that. It's small-town Italian done right.
Insider tip: Walk the square before or after dinner. The historic downtown is quiet and charming in the evening.
La Finca Mexican Food Restaurant
Must-try: Fajitas, green salsa, margaritas Phone: (903) 843-5355
La Finca is where Gilmer goes for dinner, especially on Sundays. The new building is spacious and welcoming, the bar pours a solid margarita, and the fajitas come out sizzling on a cast-iron skillet.
The green salsa is the insider order—most tables get the red by default, but ask for green and you'll understand why locals make the switch.
Insider tip: Sunday evenings are peak time. If you want a quieter experience, try Thursday or Friday night.
Open Range Bar & Grill
Must-try: 1855 Black Angus steak, house pizza, full bar Phone: (903) 680-0539
Open Range is dinner as entertainment. The 1855 Black Angus steaks are legitimately good, the house pizza is handmade, and the full bar has something for everyone. Add live music, karaoke, pool tables, and axe throwing, and you've got a dinner destination.
This is where you bring a group that can't agree on what they want. Steak, pizza, burgers, salads—the menu covers all bases.
Insider tip: Check their event calendar. Live music nights are the most fun, but you'll want to arrive early for a table.
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
Must-try: Shrimp entrees, spice-level dishes, red salsa Phone: (903) 680-0660 Hours: Mon–Sat 11:00 AM–9:00 PM, Sun 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
La Carreta stays open later than most local spots (9 PM Mon–Sat), making it a solid choice when you want Mexican food for dinner. The atmosphere is fun and lively, the dishes are authentically prepared, and you choose your own spice adventure: hot, or EXTRA hot.
Insider tip: If La Finca is packed, La Carreta is your backup. Same quality, different vibe—more intimate, less Sunday-crowd chaos.
Davidson's Bar & Grill
Must-try: Wings, taco plates, burgers, margaritas Phone: (903) 680-8901
Davidson's is casual dinner done right. The menu covers wings, tacos, burgers, and bar standards, and the outdoor/balcony seating is perfect for a warm evening. They host live music too, so check their schedule if you want entertainment with your meal.
Insider tip: The balcony is the best seat in the house on a Friday night. Get there by 6:30 PM if you want a table with a view.
Dinner by the Numbers
| Spot | Entree Range | Full Bar? | Live Music? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duran's Italian | $14–22 | No | No |
| La Finca | $12–20 | Yes | No |
| Open Range | $15–28 | Yes | Yes |
| La Carreta | $12–18 | Beer only | No |
| Davidson's | $10–16 | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I go for a date night dinner in Gilmer? Duran's Italian on the square is the most romantic option. Open Range is fun if you want entertainment with your meal.
What's open late for dinner? La Carreta (9 PM Mon–Sat) and Open Range are your best bets. Most local spots close by 8 or 9 PM.
Where can I get a steak dinner? Open Range serves 1855 Black Angus steaks. It's the best steak option in Gilmer proper.
Is there anywhere with live music during dinner? Open Range and Davidson's both host live music. Check their schedules before you go.
Last updated: July 2026