Where to Eat in Texarkana, Texas

Texarkana's Southern location gives it a strong barbecue tradition, and Big Jake's is the local staple, with multiple locations turning out brisket and ribs alongside crowd-favorite sides like cheesy corn and twice-baked potatoes. Like a lot of good Texas barbecue, the brisket is a get-it-while-it-lasts proposition, so go early.

Longtime residents will also tell you about Bryce's Cafeteria, a Texarkana institution from 1931 famous for its fried chicken and its lineup of more than a dozen pies. Bryce's served its final meal in 2016, and its closing genuinely marked the end of an era — but it's still part of any conversation about the city's food history, and the appetite for that kind of classic Southern cafeteria cooking lives on in other local spots.

As in every East Texas city, Tex-Mex is a cornerstone of the Texarkana dining scene, from full-service sit-down restaurants to family taquerias, with generous portions and reliable value. These spots are the everyday workhorses where locals go for enchiladas, fajitas, and margaritas.

Beyond that, Texarkana offers the full range of Southern and American comfort food — plate lunches, chicken-fried steak, burgers, and home cooking — plus the chain options clustered along the interstate and the main commercial corridors. The two-state layout means you've effectively got two cities' worth of restaurants within a short drive.

Downtown Texarkana, centered on State Line Avenue and Main Street, has worked to revive its dining and nightlife alongside its historic theaters and museums. It's the most walkable part of the city and the best area to find independent restaurants, coffee shops, and bars, especially around events at the Perot Theatre.

Because the state line runs right through the heart of the city, you can cross from Texas into Arkansas in a single block — handy to know, since the two states have different rules on things like alcohol sales. When in doubt about the current best spot, ask a local; in a city this size, the good word-of-mouth recommendations are the ones that count.