Texas Living

Six Must-Try Texas Food Stands

By Haley Shapley 7.19.17

We all have that place, near and dear to our hearts, that sits alongside the highway or is tucked behind the local hardware store that has the best cure for the “I don’t know; what do you want for dinner?” blues. You know what we’re talking about — mouthwatering deliciousness that other folks just wouldn’t believe could come from a roadside food stand. In celebration of those unlikely finds, here are a handful you just can’t stand to miss. (See what we did there?)

Just Encased

1010 S. Pearl Expy., Dallas, TX 75201
As the clever name suggests, Just Encased is all about sausage — but with lots of creative twists. Try the P+MC2, which consists of locally raised barbecue chicken sausage stuffed with macaroni and cheese, then topped with smoked gouda, bacon, and onion straws. You can only find them at the Dallas Farmers Market on select weekends, so check out the calendar at JustEncasedDFW.com to see when you can get in on the goodness.

Tikiman Shave Ice & Treats

3210 1/2 FM 528 Rd., Ste. A,
Friendswood, TX 77546
There can be a long line at the Tikiman drive-through, but be patient — there’s Hawaiian-style shaved ice waiting. This tropical treat is made using a real ice block shaver, which makes the consistency soft and fluffy (not icy and crunchy like you may be used to with snow cones). With more than 100 flavors, ranging from A (almond) to Z (zephyr), you’re sure to find something to tickle your taste buds.

Gyros King

8975 Highway 242, Conroe, TX 77385
Tucked away on the lot of a used-car dealership, Gyros King serves surprisingly good Greek food. What started as a small food truck is now a slightly larger food stand dishing up hearty plates of gyros with pita bread, rice, Greek salad, and potatoes as accompaniments. If you’ve saved room, end your meal on a sweet note with a tasty baklava.

Just Encased

The Apple Store

14024 State Hwy 16 North, Medina, TX 78055
While you won’t find a Genius Bar at this Apple Store, The Apple Store in Medina is an ideal pit stop for those seeking sustenance on a trip to the Hill Country. If you believe in eating dessert first (and who doesn’t?), you’ll want to make a beeline for the crowd-pleasing apple soft-serve or a slice of apple pie. In addition to sweet treats, the Patio Café inside The Apple Store offers tasty hamburgers on jalapeño sourdough buns, along with a variety of sandwiches and salads — just don’t ask them to troubleshoot your iPhone.

Lupita’s Express

2403 Hardin Drive, Amarillo, TX 79110
Located in an unassuming building, Lupita’s Express makes up for its no-frills atmosphere with grilled-to-perfection tortillas and memorable burritos, gorditas, tacos, and quesadillas. Cut down on the drive-through wait by calling your order in ahead of time.

Chef Point

5901 Watauga Rd, Watauga, TX 76148
It’s not often that you find fine dining inside a gas station, but the two feel made for each other at Chef Point. The menu features seafood items like grilled salmon, sandwiches such as the Monte Cristo, and comfort food that includes chicken and waffles. For dessert, don’t miss the bread pudding. If you’ve got your precious pooch along for the ride, there’s even a doggie menu with pet-friendly meals available on the patio.

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