THE BEST PLACES TO EAT WHILE VISITING GLEN ROSE, TEXAS
WHERE TO EAT IN GLEN ROSE, TEXAS
UPDATED OCTOBER 1, 2024
I’m a born and bred Glen Rosian so I absolutely felt like I needed to create an article on the best places to eat in this small Texas town. Glen Rose has a decent amount of restaurants for being a town with a population of about 2400 people — which means you need someone who really knows the place to guide you through what’s great and what might be a pass. Having grown up in Glen Rose, I would like to think I’m a Glen Rose connoisseur. There are lots of other places in Glen Rose, that won’t be mentioned however… be warned… Some may not have been mentioned for a reason because the food, service, quality, or all three are just okay. Obviously, there are new things popping up I’ve yet to try (not many though) but I’ll try and update this post as often as possible. In this post, you’ll find the best places to go sorted into categories of Breakfast & Coffee, Lunch & Dinner, Bars & Wineries, and finally Sweets & Treats.
BREAKFAST & COFFEE
GROUNDED COFFEE
Grounded Coffee is a relatively new coffee shop in Glen Rose that I would categorize as more of a coffee shop with full meals. Grounded serves food for lunch; they have a salad bar, soups, and sandwiches in addition to their baked goods on display at the counter. Because they are a newer coffee shop (2022) they were still perfecting their coffee and the appearance of their coffee (ie. latte art) it wasn’t an A+ experience but I fully believe they’ll get there and are on the right track more than any other typical coffee shops have been in Glen Rose. Not only that, but the overall aesthetic of the place was so nice and comfy for meetings or even studying! I wish I had a place like this to study when I was in high school in Glen Rose.
DEBBIE’S RESTAURANT
Debbie’s Restaurant is THE old-school diner in Glen Rose. When I say old-school diner, I don’t mean a cute vintage old-school diner… I mean a small town old-school diner where all the older locals hang out and have been since I was about 5 years old. When you walk into Debbie’s Restaurant you’ll probably feel like you’re in your grandma’s kitchen because of the decor, the wooden walls, etc. They serve breakfast and lunch but I highly recommend the breakfast over lunch especially because there are so many places for lunch in Glen Rose and not enough for breakfast. We started with some brewed diner coffee in mismatched mugs — again feels like you’re in your grandma’s kitchen. Then we went with the Debbie’s Special for our main dishes, which includes two eggs, two pancakes, a choice of protein, and two sides for only $10.50! Everything was great minus the pancakes for me — they just tasted a little burnt but it didn’t matter too much because we got so much food for such a good deal. I believe they still do buffet style on the weekends that’s pretty popular but I prefer going on the weekdays and having it made to order.
GLEN ROSE COFFEE COMPANY
The Glen Rose Coffee Company is one of two local coffee shops in town and in a pretty good location right off the main highway going through town. They have a decent amount of space with tables inside to hang out, work remotely, study, or just enjoy your coffee and food. They actually had a lot more for food than I thought they did, but we only had the homemade pop tart this time, but it was incredible. We were told the owner’s sister is the one that makes them, and I really hope they stay forever because, again, so good. For coffee, it was a little bitter for my mom and me, so I’m not quite sure if we liked the espresso they used or maybe it was over-extracted, but I’m definitely open to trying them again for coffee.
LUNCH & DINNER
WHISKYWOODS STEAKHOUSE
When it comes to a luxurious place for dinner, look no further than Whiskywoods Steakhouse. It’s right off the historic Glen Rose Square making it a great spot to end the evening after a day of shopping and exploring. Whiskywoods pays homage to the Roaring Twenties and the legendary moonshine raid of 1923, when the Texas Rangers left their mark on the very ground where the restaurant is located. The moment you step into Whiskywoods you’ll feel the spirit of the 1920s — which just so happens to be my favorite era! I love the moodiness of the warm lamps and lights with the luxuries of the twenties style like the crystal glasses and decor on the walls.
There are two separate areas of the restaurant — the fine dining section and the bar section. The fine dining section is where the 1920s theme is and the bar section is more casual so keep that in mind. We experienced both and they were great but I preferred the fine dining room because ya girl loves a theme. However, both do serve drinks and cocktails. The fine dining room is also more restaurant where everyone is seated whereas the bar has seating but people are up and walking around, playing pool, walking to the bar, etc. For our dinner, we started with the Doneatose Bacon Wrapped Quail which is jalapeño stuffed quail breast with a mango chutney. I really enjoyed the flavors of the quail with the spice of the jalapeño and then the sweetness of the mango chutney — yum! For our entrees, we wanted to get a variety to try as many different things as possible and went with the Grilled Certified Angus Beef Ribeye which includes a Whisky Pepper Sauce-Maître de Butter served with Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes, and Sauteed Greens, the Scallop Au Poivre with a Truffle Vermouth Beurre Blanc and served with Potatoes and Sweet Corn, and then the special of crispy catfish served with potatoes and Sauteed Greens. Overall, it’s a wonderful spot to splurge on a fabulous dinner while in town.
RIVERHOUSE GRILL
This is one of my all-time favorite family-owned restaurants to eat at in Glen Rose. When I say I’ve been here over 100 times I’m not exaggerating! Our family is Slovak and so is the family that owns Riverhouse Grill so it makes it even more special when we visit to see close friends. I’ve experienced Riverhouse Grill for every time of day they serve meals: brunch, lunch, and dinner. I think my favorite is brunch but I’m a little biased as a self-designated brunch queen. The last couple of times I’ve been was for dinner and it was hella yum - we had truffle fries, baked salmon with a teriyaki glaze, grilled pork chop with a whiskey glaze, and ended with crème brûlée. For brunch, I highly recommend making a reservation and then also asking about the chicken and waffles… they’re so freaking good!
HAMMONDS BBQ
Hammond’s BBQ is a great spot for lunch after a long morning at Dinosaur Valley State Park or Fossil Rim! I actually worked at Hammond’s BBQ in high school as a server and cashier so I know all the secrets! Hammond’s has all the typical meats and sides such as sliced brisket, sausage, pulled pork, ribs, and then potato salad, coleslaw, fried okra, and all the other fried essentials. My go-to suggestion is to order a double meat plate with sliced brisket, turkey, or ribs with a side of potato salad, coleslaw, and fried okra with homemade ranch dressing if you want something heavy or looking to split. If you’re feeling a sandwich the pulled pork with a side of coleslaw is a great option as well as the stuffed baked potato with chopped brisket… it’s so yummy! Finally, be sure to get a slice of one of the homemade pies!! They’re made fresh every single day and are so freaking good. We used to get off shift and buy a slice to bring home because we were obsessed — they were the only thing we had to buy there as an employee and we all did it A LOT! They also offer cobbler with ice cream which is delicious but the cobbler isn’t homemade and I’m telling you... the pies are the way to go!
MAMA MIA MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Mama Mia Mexican Restaurant is a relatively newer Mexican spot in Glen Rose and I hope it stays forever because the food, the drinks, and the atmosphere were 10/10. We went for lunch on a weekday and there was plenty of space on their patio so we opted for that option. We started with the Queso Fundido which was good along with their chips and salsa and of course margaritas. My mom went with the original patron margarita and I went with the strawberry. They were both really well made and I’m picky about my margaritas. I want them to taste like they have tequila in them but not overpowering. For our mains, we opted to order from their lunch menu which was smaller portions for great prices. I had the beef fajitas combo plate and my mom had the chicken enchiladas combo plate and both were so good! When it comes to refried beans, I typically don’t ever get them because I’m pretty picky and these were great, especially when mixed in with the Mexican rice. We’ll absolutely be back again and again!
LA VIDA ITALIAN FOOD
If you’re looking to get your Italian food fix look no further than La Vita! I’m going to be honest, I was very skeptical at first… especially having lived in Houston where there is literally the best of every type of food and now I’m super spoiled also making me critical of food way more than I’ve ever been. Anyway, we got here early on a Friday at like 5:30 pm and barely got a table. That’s one thing about Glen Rose — there aren’t a ton of great places to eat so the really good ones end up being packed! Also, most places are pretty small which makes them even more packed. We ordered the cannelloni and lasagna and literally ate the entire thing it was so damn good. I don’t know what they put in this stuff but it is DELICIOUS! I mean even in the places I love, I never finish my plate and here I ate every last bit. We ordered a slice of their cheesecake to-go and honestly, it was average and I’ll definitely pass on that next time. Overall, this place was a 9/10!
LOCO COYOTE
Loco Coyote is a great place to go on the weekends because they have live music every single Saturday! It does get very busy though so if you can go on Thursday or Friday definitely do that over a weekend day! If you have to go on the weekend then get there when they open at 11:00 am or after the lunch rush around 2:00 pm. Thankfully, they do have a ton of space outside to enjoy a cold beer or cocktail if you have to wait for a table. I would categorize Loco Coyote as a place to go for good ole American food that’s sure to give you heartburn but it’s like worth it, ya know? The Jack Daniel’s BBQ Burger is a must! It’s packed with onion rings, fried pickles, cheese & sweet Jack Daniel’s BBQ sauce — it will make you drool! Loco Coyote is about 25 min from Glen Rose right in the middle of the country so it’s sure to give you the small-town Texas vibe.
LOS PRIMOS
If you’re looking for a place to grab Mexican food and margaritas the size of your head, look no further than Los Primos. This restaurant is definitely small-town Tex-Mex and the best Mexican food in Glen Rose. The building is pretty large and they have a great outdoor patio for cooler Texas evenings. I typically get the tortilla soup and house margarita on the rocks with salt but my parents love their enchiladas. The family who owns Los Primos are beyond sweet too and want all their customers to feel welcomed and happy when they leave. Be sure to ask about their specials because it seems like they’re really trying to step up their game with new flavors!
SIMPLE SIMON’S
If you’re craving pizza, go with Simple Simon’s or Pinstripes Pizza and Pasta! We’ve been getting pizza from Simple Simon’s for as long as I can remember. They also have these little personal pizzas that are great to pick up and take to your airbnb, cabin, or hotel!
PINSTRIPES PIZZA & PASTA
Pinstripes Pizza & Pasta is a great place for sit-down Italian food. We were so excited to try this newish spot in Glen Rose because of the cool space, Glen Rose inspired murals on the walls, and we heard it was great. Well, the reviews were correct because Pinstripes is awesome — especially because they offer pizza by the slice and it truly takes me back to grabbing slices in New York at 2:00 am. It also tastes the same as a New York slice too. We started with the spinach artichoke dip and focaccia bread and it’s a HUGE serving so be sure to bring the entire family if you order it. The dip was delicious and we wished we had more room but we ended up taking a lot home. For mains, I ordered two slices of cheese pizza which as I mentioned earlier was incredible and then my mom ordered the spinach lasagna which was bursting with flavor and spices and ultimately a great lasagna. Again, the portions were huge so we ended up taking a ton of food home for later.
ROUGH CREEK LODGE
Rough Creek Lodge is the GEM of Glen Rose. Rough Creek Lodge isn't just a place to stay it’s truly a place to stay a while and experience. Rough Creek Lodge sits on 11,000 acres of Texas-style paradise. It’s filled with adventures for families, friends, lovers, groups, and even great for business retreats. Whether you're renting a room in the lodge, a cabin, or a home, you'll have access to some of the most amazing activities, food, and amenities in the Western Hemisphere.
I grew up going to Rough Creek Lodge for years since I was five years old and the fact we still get together there means a lot. Our family would go to Rough Creek for holidays like Easter brunch and easter egg hunting, special occasions like celebrating my high school graduation and then my college graduation, or honestly just for a fun staycation or meal. I feel like I truly have the inside scoop on Rough Creek because not only did I grow up going there with my friends and family, but I actually worked there as a babysitter at the Kids Ranch and then also lifeguarded at the family pool which has a full lazy river, waterslide, and hot tub! Y’all, this resort has it all.. from zip-lining, fishing, batting cages, s’mores, fossil hunting, axe throwing, hiking, to archery, and so much more. See all the activities available at Rough Creek Lodge here.
Okay, so when it comes to the food… it’s unmatched! I’ve known the head chef Gerard Thompson since I was like 6 because 1) he’s been there forever and 2) I dated his son. So again, inside scoop on the food. Chef Gerard's culinary creations will astonish you. Skillfully prepared and rich in flavor and splendor, the cuisine at Rough Creek Lodge and Resort is unsurpassed. His menus are unique and absolutely delicious. We love going to Rough Creek for brunch and dinner the most. Lunch is good but it’s ranked last for me out of the three. Not to say it’s bad or anything, but the others are just that much better!
THE GREEN PICKLE
If you’re looking for a juicy burger right off the Glen Rose square then The Green Pickle is the place to go. In addition to burgers and fries, they have chicken fried steaks, chicken sandwiches, and even banana pudding. The inside seating is fairly limited but they actually have a huge outdoor area in the back that’s pretty shady for those hot Texas days. I remember going to the Green Pickle once or even twice a week during the summers I was in high school with my good friend Patrick. The food is solid and honestly, the atmosphere is such a vibe. They change their menu fairly often so you can see what’s new on their Facebook page here.
STORIEBOOK CAFE
When I think of great sandwiches and a cool environment in Glen Rose, I immediately think of Storiebook Cafe. It’s the perfect place to meet up with friends, family, or even have a cute little day date. They have daily specials that they post on their Facebook page every day here minus Sunday. My grandma and I love meeting up here and getting the half sandwich and cup of soup deal + splitting a dessert! What makes Storiebook Cafe unique is that the entire shop is a book store too! While you’re waiting for your food you can browse the numerous shelves in the cafe and see if anything sparks your interest.
TAYLOR’S TURN-N-BURN CAFE
Taylor’s Turn-N-Burn Cafe has a very special place in my heart because it was the very first place I worked! You may think I’m a little bit biased because of that but the food is truly amazing, y’all! You’re sure to know it the moment you sink your teeth into one of their burgers. The owner, Mary, and her family are seriously the sweetest people and you absolutely can taste the love she pours into her craft. It’s been years since I’ve worked there and I still dream about her burgers and chicken fingers! I don’t know what it is but the bun on the burger and then the breading on those chicken fingers just make them superior. Currently, Taylor’s Turn-N-Burn is operating out of the coolest food truck and you can keep up with their location and hours on their Facebook page.
BARS AND WINERIES
SEXTON MILL
Sexton Mill is such a special place in Glen Rose and one you absolutely should visit while in town. Sexton Feed Mill’s history dates to the 1920s as the city’s first electric generation plant which stood on a concrete slab still located off their back patio. The first feed mill opened on the site in 1941 and was purchased by Clyde and Margaret Sexton in 1968. When Clyde passed away in 1985, their son Ronald and his wife Celinda continued the family business making and selling agriculture products to farmers and ranchers. Sexton Feed Mill is now owned and operated by Clyde Sexton’s son, grandson, great-grandchildren, and great-great-granddaughter. The family aspires to preserve the history of Sexton Feed Mill, the oldest family-run business in Somervell County while evolving it to last for generations to come. When you visit us, you can still see the original cross-beam structure, old feed sacks and advertisements, a truck loading dock, iconic bright red doors, and grain silo tops. The only difference now is the Sextons will be drinking beer and not milling feed!! What we loved most about the space is that there are numerous spots to hang out. Whether you want to be outside by the stage, inside watching a game, or outside by the river, there’s a spot for everyone to sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink. They do have a food truck with some delicious bbq and we started with some fried pickles and ranch. I highly recommend the stuffed baked potatoes with brisket and the half chicken with beans and potato salad. Be sure to check out their adorable merch on your way out too!
3B BEERS, BRATS, AND BURGERS
3B is the perfect spot to go for a beer and as the name says a burger or brat too! They are in a cool building near Big Rocks Park making it a great place to go after a day on the river or hiking in Dinosaur Valley State Park. They have a huge selection of beers to choose from — I went with a local to Granbury favorite, Blood and Honey Light from Revolver Brewery. For food, they have a truck in the backyard where you pick it up after ordering at the counter which was nice because we ended up sitting outside by that truck. We wanted to try their go-to items the regular cheeseburger and brat with homemade sauerkraut. When I tell you think it’s one of my favorite burgers in Glen Rose… I mean it! Along with the brat which I typically don’t like because the meat is hard to chew. Well, not this meat, it was a great consistency and then the flavors of the sauerkraut on top of a pretzel bun just made it chefs kiss perfect.
BULL LION RANCH WINERY
Bull Lion Ranch Winery is a wonderful little gem on the Glen Rose Historic Square where you’ll feel transported to a tasting room in Fredericksburg, Texas, or in the Texas High Plains. When you first walk in you’ll see the enormous Robert Summers’ (famous Glen Rose born artist) John Wayne wax/cast?? I’m not completely sure what it’s made out of exactly but regardless it’s beautiful! The ranch where the grapes and wine are made has been in the family since 1987 and the vineyard was planted in 2010. The Glen Rose winery opened up in May 2019 so it’s still relatively new for me (a Glen Rose local)! I highly recommend starting with a refreshing glass of Judy’s famous sangria with some secret ingredients we couldn’t get out of her! It was so GOOD and honestly the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot Texas day or after Ladies Night on the square. In addition to the sangria, we enjoyed a tasting of wines and I really enjoyed them all. You get to choose 5 different wines to try on the tasting and we ended up asking Judy to recommend some for us which I recommend doing when you visit. A couple had won some awards too!
SWEETS & TREATS
PIE PEDDLERS
Pie Peddlers holds such a special place in my heart because it was started by two best friends and one of them just so happened to be my kindergarten teacher and the other was my brother’s kindergarten teacher. I’m not sure about the other details and who all owned the business but I did know it was THE place to go for a slice of pie and a great time. Pie Peddlers has since been sold to its new owners who’ve kept it the same from what I’ve experienced. The pies still taste just as delicious with my favorite being the key lime… oh my freaking gosh y’all… I don’t know what’s in that damn pie but it’s amazing.
SHOO-FLY SODA SHOP
If you’re looking for a charming old school soda shop then you absolutely have to visit Shoo-Fly Soda Shop. The shop is located on the historic Glen Rose Square making it a great break in between shopping. I love their mint chocolate chip ice cream and an old-fashioned soda. They actually make the sodas right in front of you! The last time we were there I ordered a cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper and our favorite soda jerk, Charlsie, put all the syrups in the glass and then added in the carbonation. When I tell you this soda was so crisp and delicious, I mean it! If those flavors aren’t your style don’t worry because they have numerous flavors to choose from and the ability to make it dirty with cream! In addition, the shop has tons and I mean tons of gifts, old fashioned candy like taffy, chocolate, you name it! It’s worth exploring while sipping your soda.
COWBOY-UP CHOCOLATES
Cowboy-Up Chocolates is an adorable little chocolate shop right on the Glen Rose Historic Square everyone needs to pop into while visiting. One thing I love about chocolate shops is that you can buy one truffle or a box of ten — it’s up to you! We definitely didn’t leave with just one and I’m so glad because the truffle flavors we ended up choosing were scrumptious. We visited in the fall and got to try their fall flavors too so be sure to ask what their seasonal chocolates are when you visit.
FUNKY MUNKY SHAVED ICE
Funky Munky Shaved Ice is the summer spot to stop at on a hot summer day at Big Rocks Park, hiking at Dino Valley, or spending the day at Fossil Rim! I’ve been going to this snow cone shack since it was literally a shack and burned down.. haha thankfully they rebuilt and added a mini golf course next to it. My favorite snow cone to get is a Silver Fox with cream but all of their snow cones are yum! This specific snow cone shack has been purchased several times and now has new ownership — Funky Munky! I think they’re doing a great job with the overall vibe of the place with cute murals and marketing and of course with the delicious snowcones.
DAIRY QUEEN
Okay, I know it’s Dairy Queen but I swear it’s the best damn Dairy Queen out there. There’s something about the Glen Rose Dairy Queen that just hits different. I have so many memories at this Dairy Queen it’s insane… From walking there in middle school to grabbing food there in high school during a track meet. Also, every time I go back home to Glen Rose I HAVE to grab a Blizzard at like 9:00 pm with a family member, my husband, or my dog — they have pup cups!
Again, there are numerous places in Glen Rose to eat at but these are my favorites/ highest rated based on food, service, and quality of overall experience. Let me know what your favorites are after you visit!
XOXO
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