North-Central Texas Restaurants

As it does in many places throughout Texas, barbecue reigns here. Steak is also popular, as are fried chicken, Texas-style chili (no beans), and Tex-Mex. Along I-35, or a little ways off it, you're sure to see the regional chains Whataburger (made-to-order burgers with 100% beef and five-inch buns), Taco Cabana (sort of an upscale Taco Bell where you can get margaritas, handmade tortillas, and homemade salsa for not much more than pocket change), and the Black-eyed Pea (think Applebee's with down-home cookin'). In the tiny town of West, the Czech community still influences cuisine, with kolaches for sale at a gas station/deli/bakery combo right off the freeway.