Where to Eat in Gilmer, TX
Welcome to the ultimate guide to eating in Gilmer, Texas! Whether you're a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor passing through East Texas, we've got you covered. Gilmer may be a small town, but our restaurant scene punches way above its weight class.
From world-class BBQ that's been featured in Texas Monthly to authentic Mexican taquerias that rival anything in Dallas, Gilmer offers something for every palate and budget. After years of eating our way through this town (tough job, but someone's gotta do it), here's our complete guide to the best restaurants in Gilmer.
Quick Recommendations by Category
| Category | Top Pick | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| BBQ | Dubya's BBQ | Award-winning brisket, sausage |
| Breakfast | BeBe's | Huge portions, home cooking |
| Mexican | La Carreta | Authentic tacos, family recipes |
| Burgers | Jucy's Hamburgers | Hand-pressed patties, free beans |
| Date Night | Duran's Italian | Pizza, pasta, wine |
| Coffee | Huey's Coffee | Local roasts, laid-back vibe |
| Drinks | Davidson's Bar & Grill | Sports, burgers, cold beer |
Best BBQ in Gilmer
Texas Monthly has recognized Gilmer as a BBQ destination, and for good reason. Our pitmasters take their craft seriously.
Dubya's BBQ
Must-try: Brisket, jalapeño cheese sausage What makes it special: Slow-smoked over oak and pecan, Dubya's brisket rivals the best in Texas. The bark is perfect, the smoke ring is deep, and the meat practically melts in your mouth. Get there early—they sell out by 2 PM most days.Insider tip: Order the "Big Dubya" plate if you're really hungry, or split a family pack with friends. Their mac and cheese is the best side in town.
Doko Smoke BBQ
Must-try: Pulled pork, smoked turkey What makes it special: Hidden gem on the outskirts of town with a laid-back vibe and seriously good 'cue. The pulled pork is hand-pulled daily and the sauce is made in-house.Best Breakfast & Brunch
BeBe's (Formerly Lori's Home Cooking)
Must-try: Breakfast burrito, chicken fried steak What makes it special: This is classic East Texas breakfast done right. Huge portions, friendly service, and recipes that haven't changed in decades. The breakfast burrito is the size of your forearm.Insider tip: Go early on weekends—there's usually a line by 9 AM. It's worth the wait.
Huey's Coffee
Must-try: Breakfast tacos, specialty lattes What makes it special: The best coffee in Gilmer plus solid breakfast tacos made with fresh ingredients. It's become the unofficial office for remote workers and freelancers in town.Insider tip: Try the "Gilmer Fog" latte—it's their take on a London Fog with local honey.
Best Mexican Food
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
Must-try: Street tacos, molcajete, homemade tortillas What makes it special: Family-owned with recipes straight from Michoacán. The tortillas are made fresh all day, and the salsa bar has six varieties.Insider tip: Tuesday is taco night—$1.50 street tacos after 4 PM.
Chayo's Restaurant
Must-try: Fajitas, carne asada What makes it special: Known for generous portions and consistently great food. The fajitas come out sizzling and feed at least two people.Los Pinos Mexican Restaurant
Must-try: Enchiladas verdes, margaritas What makes it special: Upscale Mexican with a full bar and great atmosphere for family dinners.Best Burgers & American
Jucy's Hamburgers
Must-try: The "Jucy Lucy" burger, hand-breaded onion rings What makes it special: Local chain that hasn't sold out to corporate standards. Hand-pressed patties, fresh-cut fries, and yes—free beans when you eat in. The onion rings are hand-breaded daily.Insider tip: The "El Jefe" is their secret menu item—a double patty with jalapeños, bacon, and queso.
Bubba's Fat Burger
Must-try: The Fat Burger, tater tots What makes it special: Hole-in-the-wall spot with massive burgers and personality. Don't let the name fool you—these are quality patties, not fast food.Best Pizza & Italian
Duran's Italian Pizza and Pasta
Must-try: Chicken piccata, wood-fired pizza What makes it special: The most upscale dining option in Gilmer. Perfect for date night or anniversary dinners. The chicken piccata is legendary, and they have a decent wine selection.Insider tip: Call ahead for reservations on Friday and Saturday nights.
Domino's / Pizza Hut
What to know: Yes, we have the chains too, but honestly—Duran's is worth the extra few dollars.Best Seafood
Krawdaddy's Crawfish Shop
Must-try: Crawfish (in season), fried catfish, hush puppies What makes it special: When crawfish season hits (February-May), this is THE spot. They fly in Louisiana crawfish and cook them in traditional Zatarain's boil.Insider tip: BYOB is allowed, and they often have live music on weekends during peak season.
Davidson's Bar and Grill
Must-try: Fish and chips, grilled salmon What makes it special: Sports bar atmosphere with surprisingly good seafood. The fish and chips are hand-battered and cooked to order.Best for Date Night
Best for Families
Best for Drinks & Nightlife
See our complete guide to Where to Grab a Drink in Gilmer
Quick picks:
Late Night Options
Gilmer isn't a late-night town, but a few spots stay open past 9 PM:
Dietary Accommodations
Vegetarian: La Carreta (cheese enchiladas), Duran's (pasta), Huey's (veggie tacos)
Gluten-free: Most Mexican restaurants offer corn tortillas. Ask about cross-contamination.
Vegan: Limited options, but La Carreta can modify several dishes.
Planning Your Visit
Average Costs
Tipping
Standard 18-20% is appreciated and expected.Reservations
Only needed at Duran's for weekend dinners. Most places are first-come, first-served.What Locals Know
Still Hungry?
Check out our detailed guides:
Have a favorite we missed? Contact us and let us know!