Shortlist: 8 Restaurants In Caldwell (TX) That Locals Love!

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Last updated on December 1, 2022 by Wandering our World

Caldwell is a small town with a big heart. With this place home to many amazing and unique culinary delights ranging from BBQ, family-owned coffee shops, organic and gluten-free restaurants, as well as classic burger joints, it’s clear everyone will be catered for when it comes to food when visiting!

And with most of the places locally owned and operated, you’ll feel the community spirit here no matter where you go.

But to help you out, here are our favorite Caldwell restaurants to spend a relaxing evening or have a quick lunch at. Let’s dig in!

Chef adding drizzle to fine dining plate
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Kuzmin

 The Best Restaurants In Caldwell, TX: Food Worth Waiting For!

1. Texas Seafood and Steak House

Classic steakhouse with great seafood options too, a separate kids menu and lively atmosphere.

Texas Seafood and Steak House ranks so highly for many in Caldwell because of the variety and quality of the food that they serve. Not only are the steaks made to perfection, but the array of seafood dishes offered is fantastic. With so many delicious options to choose from, you better show up hungry!

The battered and fried Catfish and Shrimp are amongst the most popular entrees that they serve. Alongside those, make sure to try th eCrab Legs and Calamari appetizer from the seafood menu.

From the steak menu, their Ribeye is tender, well-seasoned, and just melts in your mouth, as does the Pork Chops. And if you want the best of both worlds, their Surf and Turf is also a local favorite and something that you just can’t go wrong with. Plus, they also have a separate menu for the little ones, so make sure to check that out before finalizing your order if you’re visiting with kids.

The interior of the restaurant is bright and rustic, and many wooden elements come together to make the place warm and welcoming. They also have numerous seating options, with a bar and highchairs, some booths, and plenty of tables, so you can pick whichever one you’re most comfortable with, depending on how large your party is.

The place is always neat and tidy, and the staff makes an extra effort to interact with the customers, making it an all-together great evening out.

Texas Seafood and Steak House is open Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 10 pm. Making it a great spot to go to for lunch or dinner, and definitely one of the best restaurants in Caldwell for date night.

Address: 300 TX-21, Caldwell, TX.

Assorted dishes top view pork ribs, beef steak, salmon steak, chicken wings, Burger with meat, squid Rings
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Maksim Krisanov

2. Lissa’s Restyled Sip & Shop

A magical family-owned restaurant and shop, with homemade breakfast and lunch options.

What started as just a dream and vision took its first steps by becoming a small coffee shop, but has now transformed and grown into a fully functional all-day restaurant.

Owned and operated by locals Lissa and Matt, who fell in love with the 1850s building that the restaurant is housed in, they’ve created a family-owned establishment full of warmth and love. The result? Lissa’s Restyled Sip & Shop which is most definitely one of the best restaurants in Caldwell, TX. So, make sure to find the time to stop by.

With separate breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, you’ll surely be spoilt for choice, but because everything tastes so good at Lissa’s, ordering can get overwhelming.

To keep it simple we recommend trying out any grilled cheese sandwich, The Coop special salad, and Ham It Up from the lunch menu. From the breakfast menu, you could also try the amazing breakfast tacos or their truly incredible ‘Breakfast Czeched’ egg platter. Their cinnamon rolls and croissants are made fresh daily, so those are always a hit too.

And make sure you ask about the wine selection and drink options because they have an extraordinary selection of beverages to complement their delicious food.

The interior is a rustic, visual delight with some amazing décor options and style choices. There’s so much to browse through and buy, like honey and bread, local coffee, wine, etc., all made by the staff and owners. They also have toys at hand to keep even the fussiest baby entertained, while you relax, unwind and enjoy your time at Lissa’s.

Lissa’s Restyled Sip & Shop is closed on Sundays and Mondays. It opens Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 am to 4 pm and on Thursday from 7 am to 5 pm, while on Fridays it’s open from 7 am to 8 pm and on Saturdays, it’s only open from 8 am to 2 pm, so make sure you plan a visit and go at a time its open.

Address: 201 South Main Street, Caldwell, TX.

3. Daisy Dukes BBQ

Flavorful and fresh BBQ, seafood, and chicken options with a great atmosphere and outdoor seating.

Texas is known for its tasty wholesome BBQ and this list would be incomplete without having the town’s favorite BBQ joint mentioned in it. Daisy Dukes BBQ holds that prestigious position for the residents of Caldwell. With options ranging from beef, pork, fish, and chicken, there’s bound to be something for everyone at this local hotspot.

Trying their BBQ sausage, brisket, pork loin, and ribs is enough if you’re a meat lover and want to have your fill of all the great meat they offer. However, if you want to venture out and try some chicken or seafood options then we recommend getting their fried catfish and chicken wings. They also have a whole range of daily specials to choose from so make sure to ask your server for those as well.

The decor might not be much to write home about, but the place is clean and has plenty of seating even on busy nights. Also, the staff and owners are super friendly, warm and welcoming to interact with, and always appreciate any questions you might have about the town or where to go to explore more of the city.

The location also has great outdoor seating if you want to enjoy the food and the weather.

Daisy Dukes is closed on Sundays. It opens Monday from 10:30 am to 3 pm, then on Tuesdays through Friday it opens from 10:30 am to 8 pm and on Saturday it again opens only from 10:30 to 3 pm.

Address: 300 W Highway 21 Caldwell, TX.

Selection of bbq items
Photo for illustrative purposes only (iStock.com/YuraWhite).

4. The Garden Spot Café

A healthy café that has mouthwatering organic and gluten-free options, outdoor seating available.

The Garden Spot Cafe is your best bet for a fresh and tasty lunch, so if you want a healthier alternative to fast food, then this local eatery will fast become one of your favorite restaurants in Caldwell.

Offering organic and gluten-free options, you’ll truly feel like you’ve had a fresh homemade meal without feeling any of the heaviness that usually accompanies eating out.

We recommend trying their ‘Tri Tip’ in their entrees and “The Frenchie” from their breakfast menu to truly taste what the place is known for. Their omelets and shakes are also divine and worth checking out, as are their burgers and sandwiches.

With so many healthy options to choose from, you might have to come back several times to really try all their best food. Keep an eye out for the daily specials in the space next to the payment counter too, they keep a lot of their mouthwatering desserts there!

The aesthetic they have going on is great too, with wooden table-style seating options and lots of light and color, which makes the place feel warm and comforting. The pleasant attitude of the staff adds to the allure and charm of the place as well.

They also have some great outdoor seating options that you can enjoy when the weather allows it. All in all, The Garden Spot Café is a great addition to Caldwell’s dining scene.

The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays, but it opens Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 7 am to 7 pm. On Thursday, they have a Steak Night from 7 am to 9 pm and on Friday, they are again open from 7 am to 9 pm.

Address: 1301 W. Hwy 21, Caldwell, TX.

Omelet with parsley, cherry tomatoes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Plateresca

5. Papa G’s Old-Fashioned Burgers

Good ol’ local burger joint with plenty of seating, lively environment, and an option to call ahead for take out.  

There are some specific restaurants without which a city just doesn’t feel right. Having the right burger joint that the whole town loves and supports is one such eatery. For Caldwell, this spot is filled by Papa G’s Old-Fashioned Burgers.

Not only have they been around for a while, but their burgers are truly something special. So, if you’re looking for that perfect burger, then Papa G’s is easily one of the best restaurants in Caldwell for you.

The burgers are, of course, the star of this restaurant’s show, and with a perfectly grilled juicy patty, sharp cheese, fresh lettuce, and a whole lot of secret sauce, your tastebuds are in for a treat.

Apart from those their onion rings and Chicken Fried Steak Special are some of the patron’s go-to dishes. So, if you want to dine like the locals, those are what we’d recommend you try out!

The interior is also great with plenty of interesting decorations hanging on the walls, great table-style seating, and plenty of it. It also has some televisions; in case you’re looking to catch up on the latest game.

The restaurant is spotlessly clean with the staff being professional, courteous, and friendly. Everything you’d expect from a traditional burger joint, you’ll get at Papa G’s. You can also order beforehand for takeout on those days when you just want to binge out in front of your TV at the hotel.

Papa G’s Old-Fashioned Burgers is Sunday to Thursday 11 am to 3 pm, making it a great lunch spot. On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s open from 11 am to 8 pm, making it a great weekend dinner spot too.

Address: 1515 Hwy 21 W Caldwell, TX.

Burgers on board display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/karandaev

6. The Old Post Office

All-time American favorites served with a side of live music. Outdoor seating is available.

With awesome food, live music, and a great ambiance, what’s there not to like at The Old Post Office? Opened in an actual historic post office in the town square, this place has a lot of character and plenty of charm to woo you with.

Known for their live music, the owners make sure that there’s plenty to jam out to while you enjoy your meal.

But not only is this a great place to hear local talent, but you’ll also get the perfect pulse of the town because the place is usually packed full of locals! So, become one for the night and visit this one-of-a-kind restaurant. Order any of the sandwiches and pizzas and you’ll be in heaven, they are all equally amazing.

The venue, the ambiance, and the vibe of the place are what makes people keep coming back for more. So, make sure you dress up and take a lot of pictures, not only of the inside but also of the façade. It’s not every day that you get to dine in what once used to be a functioning post office, so might as well take it all in to remember.

The live music can sometimes get a tad loud (this is one of the funnest restaurants in Caldwell after all!), so if you have little ones, it’d be a great idea to bring some noise-canceling earphones to keep those precious ears safe.

OPO, as the locals call it, is open daily but can be closed for private events and parties, so it’s a good idea to call ahead and ask if they are open the day you want to go.

Address: 102 West Fox, Caldwell, TX.

guitar player at a live music show
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Pro2sound

7. Four Tines Restaurant at the Surrey Inn

Traditional American food with buffet and ala carte options, kid-friendly atmosphere, and staff.

If you have a hard time ordering and love trying everything a place has to offer, then you’ll really enjoy the buffets at the Four Tines Restaurant at the Surrey Inn. This restaurant offers an ala carte selection too, but both the buffet and the traditional menu have different timings so you can just show up according to whichever option you want to enjoy that day! Perfect, right?

Their Facebook page does a great job of mentioning what the day’s buffet will include so just check that out before going, or if you’re more into ordering ala carte, then we recommend trying out their catfish, sirloin steak, and chicken fried steak. All three things are favorite dishes, and we don’t think you’ll regret them.

For desserts, their bread pudding and pies like the key lime pie are well loved, so make sure you save some space! They also have a kid’s menu which has plenty of kid-friendly items that your little ones will adore.

The interior is lovely too with plenty of floor-length windows and a lot of tables, and you’ll always find it hustling and bustling, full of activity.

On top of that, the restaurant is always spotlessly clean and the staff friendly and super-efficient, making it an all-around great experience for the entire family. They go all out on seasonal decorations too, so depending on when you drop by, the place will feel and look different yet very festive.

Four Tines Restaurant at the Surrey Inn is open Monday to Thursday 11 am to 8:30 pm, on Fridays and Saturdays it’s open from 11 am to 9 pm and on Sundays its open from 11 am to 2 pm, only.

Address: 403 East Highway 21 Caldwell, TX

Pie
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Alleko

8. Branding Iron Lunchbox

Small and unassuming with limited seating but great homestyle food and a daily menu made fresh.

Last but not least we have the most quaint and unassuming little eatery in all of Caldwell, Branding Iron Lunchbox.

This small place sure has big flavors and an even bigger heart. Family-owned and operated they only do a handful of menu items and have limited seating, but their food is truly a treat, with many loyal patrons returning back for more multiple times a week. You don’t want to miss this place on your travels to Caldwell.

The restaurant updates its menu daily because everything is made fresh from scratch that day. You can check out what’s cooking the day you want to go by checking out their Facebook page or by calling and asking them directly. But the Pork Chops, Chicken Fried Steak, Meatloaf, and Catfish are some of the most popular items on the menu, so make sure you get a chance to try those.

The interior is cozy and warm, making it look just like home. They have just a few tables and not much seating but you can always take away your food and have it on the go, or in your car or hotel. However, you choose to enjoy the offerings, the homemade quality of the food is just perfect and worth trying at least once.

Branding Iron Lunchbox is closed on Saturday and Sunday and opens Monday to Friday from 6 am to 2 pm.  

Address: 206 1/2 Hwy 21 east Caldwell, TX

That’s everything we have for today, guys! All the best restaurants in Caldwell, TX. We hope you have a great time in town.

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  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.