Shortlisted: 8 Restaurants In Greenville, TX, That Locals Love!

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Last updated on December 1, 2022 by Wandering our World

Greenville lies in the heart of Hunt County, Texas, a short 45-minute drive from the bustling streets of Dallas. Founded on Blackland soil – which birthed a prosperous economic town soon known as the “Cotton Capital” – in recent years the direction of Greenville has changed, but that hasn’t slowed this town down.

With a growing population, many new and exciting hangouts and activities are popping onto the scene, including a diverse arrangement of bars and restaurants in Greenville, TX. But, of course, any Texas local knows that the best part of visiting the state is the incredible food!

If you’re planning on passing through, we’ve compiled a list of the best restaurants in Greenville, TX, so you can focus less on finding the perfect spot and more on enjoying the adventure.

Let’s tuck in!

Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

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

1. The Ashen Rose

Not your typical bar and grill serving some of the best burgers in Greenville, TX!

Looking for some of the best burgers in town? The Ashen Rose is your go-to spot for all sorts of delectable pub grub. For a no-frills honest-to-goodness experience, The Ashen Rose is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Greenville, TX. Locals love it, and tourists can’t miss it!

Don’t underestimate it based on looks; while it may not be the most Instagram-worthy venue, it has more than enough charm to make up for that. Besides, we like their laid-back approach to decor, and industrial chic is more than enough to keep us happy. Exposed piping against brickwork is a trend we can get behind, and the Ashen Rose was doing it before it was cool.

The kitchen is always busy, serving regulars and stragglers alike.

Lighter snacks can be found under their appetizer list. Although you’d personally find us hoarding Mozzarella Sticks and their Deep Fried Pickle Chips, you seriously can’t go wrong with any of the items.

Their guests swear by the Paninis, especially the Chicken Club, but they’re accompanied by classic Shrimp Po Boys and a tantalizing Chicken Parm.

But, of course, that’s not what we’re here for. Their burger selection might be small, but size doesn’t matter when they pack a whole lot of heart into it. The Rose Burger is unforgettable, and if you’re not a fan of their options, why not build your own as that’s a option here too.

This bar is the perfect spot to stop and enjoy a live game or two while the attentive staff takes a load off your feet and pours your favorite draught.

Opening Hours: 11 am to 10 pm Mon-Sat; 10:30 to 2 pm Sun

Location: 2809 Lee St #4108, Greenville, TX

3. Ernie’s Pit Barbeque

A small town Barbeque joint constantly evolving with the times.

Ernie’s Pit Barbeque is an age-old resident of Greenville. Many locals reminisce over the old days, but still give a well-earned nod of approval to the movers and shakers that helped usher in a new style of decadent Barbeque.

The recipe has changed over the years, not just for the food but the looks too. Back in the day, wood-shaving floors and school desks were a character trait, but it’s now grown into something much more to the tune of normalcy, and we don’t hate the change. It’s subtle and understated and seems inspired by road-house decor.

Old-school techniques have been adjusted, bringing a new flair to Fire Pit smoking. Of course, you’ll be begging to know the secrets of their succulent sauceless Brisket, which is by far their best-selling item. The range of meats varies from Brisket to Pulled Pork, with regular Ribs being pushed aside for Butterfinger Ribs on Wednesdays.

Their sides are phenomenal, with the Jalapeno Cheese Grits being as wholesome as a Mac’n’Cheese, only better. And they certainly don’t skimp on the portions.

Passion is the name of the game here, the staff are friendly and attentive, and the experienced Fire Pit chef has survived Ernie’s evolutions over the years. You won’t get more charismatic people, and they’ve created the fun and welcoming atmosphere here.

While Texas is known for many things, Texan Barbeque is famous across the country, and if brave restauranteurs continue to make moves like the owners of Ernie’s, we’re sure it won’t lose its luster any time soon.

There’s excellent service and a lively ambiance, although the meat sweats would be enough to earn Ernie’s a place as one of Greenville’s best restaurants in its own rights.

Opening Hours: Closed Sun-Mon; 10:30 am to 4 pm Tues – Fri; 10:30 am to 3 pm Sat

Location: 8707 Wesley St, Greenville, TX 

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/YuraWhite

3. Baker’s Ribs

Your one-stop destination for all things ribs.

Who can resist sticky sweet barbeque, especially when visiting the great Texas state? Baker’s Ribs is Greenville’s one-stop shop for everything barbeque related. While off the beaten path, this understated venue is still one of Greenville’s best restaurants and offers unforgettable dining and hospitality.

You’ll instantly recognize it by the bright red building in which it resides. This stand-out feature is enough to draw in a crowd, but the venue itself is homely, and their no-frills approach to decor has given them more time to focus on what matters. Unbelievable true-to-Texas barbeque.

The menu is what you would expect from a barbeque restaurant, but the difference is in the sauce. They serve delicious assortments of smoked meats, with bundles to share amongst family and friends if you’d like. The ribs are their namesake and melt off the bone. We’d recommend bringing a bib to save your shirt from juicy barbeque stains. Not a fan of ribs? That’s okay; there’s more to choose from!

They serve a succulent Brisket Sandwich that tired travelers swear by. There’s plenty to choose from for sides too, but the Frito pies are one favorite alongside Texan fries, loaded with all the best toppings. Portion sizes are whopping for a very reasonable price point.

This Greensville restaurant has something for everyone and the friendliest smiles around!

Opening Hours: 8 am to 9 pm Tues-Sat; 8 am to 6 pm Sun; Closed Monday

Location: 2711 Interstate 30 West Caddo Mills Exit 87, South Side, Greenville, TX

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Vladimir Mironov

4. Tortilleria La Nortenita

A hole-in-the-wall Mexican-themed cantina serving delicious streetfoods.

Bring some color to your life, and join us on an adventure to a place where the fiesta never ends. Tortilleria La Nortenita is a pinnacle of Mexican cuisine in Greenville. This kitschy little venue boasts enough character to humble its competitors while maintaining pride in serving excellent Mexican delicacies.

The bright and airy venue has a rather unusual way of decorating, with tin sheeting building up the counters and luminescent colors painted across the walls. You’ll be smiling just from the vibe, and even more once you’re greeted by their helpful and enthusiastic servers! Painted skulls adorn the front entrance, and the roomy dining room allows ample space for your dinner party.

Tacos are, of course, their number one dish and can be ordered as a plate with sides of beans and salsa. Their delicacies sway more towards authentic street food, which sits fine by us. Give us all the churros and fresh tortillas you can – we don’t care for fancy frills when the food is this yummy!

Overall, Tortilleria is an exciting venture outside of the norm. The fun, fresh, funky atmosphere encapsulates you and makes it the perfect hangout for friends and quirky families.

Opening Hours: 7:30 am to 8 pm Mon – Thurs; 7:30 am to 9 pm Fri; 7 am to 8 pm Sat; 7 am to 6 pm Sun

Location: 3811 Wesley St, Greenville, TX

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Elihu Castillo Ramirez

5. Shogun in Greenville

Casual Japanese dining in a cozy setting.

Sushi connoisseurs delight, Shogun in Greenville is the only place you’ll ever need to visit for fresh, authentic Japanese cuisine.

Serving an assortment of sushi and hibachi dishes, this trendy and modern venue can seem like an oasis in Texas. However, their blunt approach to decor is anything but harsh, and you’ll find yourself melting into the soft-wood finishes and divine reds that pop around the dining room.

The center of the show, as it should be, is the Chef’s station, where barstools are provided for dinner and a show as expert chefs slice and dice ingredients to create masterfully prepared Japanese dishes. Each chef has their own techniques and is encouraged to use them to create a personal dining experience every time.

Sushi takes the helm, overshadowing all else on the menu with versatile options ranging from traditional to western plates. Thinly sliced Nigiri and flavor-packed sushi rolls are prepared while you wait, and the natural, subtle taste and texture will likely have you asking for more. We recommend trying the Valentine; the sweetness of the mango perfectly balances the eel sauce, making for a mouth-watering dish.

Delicate palate cleansing appetizers offer the perfect start to your meal. But, don’t be shocked by the Monkey Brain appetizer; it’s not what it seems! Instead, you’ll find something bordering sushi, with deep-fried avocado encasing a seafood filling.

The Hibachi options are limited and come in convenient kiddie sizes for the little ones. Pair any meal with your choice of sweet cocktail or imported sake, and you’ve got the cherry on top of a superb Japanese dining experience.

Opening Hours: 11 am to 1:45 pm, 4:30 pm to 9 pm Wed & Thur; 11 am to 1:45 pm, 4:30 pm to 10 pm Fri & Sat

Location: 7215 I-30 Frontage Rd West, Greenville, TX

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/AtlasStudio

6. Tony’s Italian Kitchen

Delicious Italian fare, in a large down-to-earth venue.

Pasta fanatics, look no further than Tony’s Italian Kitchen. It’s a family-friendly restaurant built on old traditions and creates a stirring rendition of Italian cuisine with subtle American nuances to drive it home.

Everything is hand-made, right down to the last strand of linguini. They try their best to maintain an authentic approach and have an expansive menu to cater to every preference.

We’re unapologetic carb-freaks, so pasta is our go-to choice. The perfectly wrapped little ravioli pockets hold delectable fillings, and stuffed cannelloni are overflowing with flavor. Their most popular pasta dish – the homemade lasagne – is saucy, honest-to-goodness, just like mom used to make it.

Of course, there’s more. Like any authentic Italian restaurant, you can find eclectic renditions of Parmigiana, including vegetarian options. For a more Western-style meal, try the meatball subs which are generously dripping with saucy goodness.

They’ve been a part of the Greenville community for years and have kept a reputation among their guests as the best Italian joint in town. And luckily this quaint and down-to-earth venue has ample space to fit the whole famiglia.

They have excellent servers and a constantly buzzing dining hall, so whether you’re bringing the whole squad or dining alone, you’ll feel welcome at what is one of the friendlies restaurants in Greenville, TX.

Opening Hours: 11 am to 10 pm Tues – Sat; 11 am to 9 pm Sun & Mon

Location: 6106 Wesley St, Greenville, TX

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Roxiller

7. Yen Jing Chinese Restaurant

A beautifully decorated restaurant dealing in Chinese staples.

A town wouldn’t be complete without its very own Chinese takeout. Yen Jing Chinese Restaurant is Greenville’s golden goose and pours its heart and soul into bringing a delicious cultural cuisine to Texas.

This breathtaking venue is a portal to a different continent, with ornamental decor and exotic vibrance, giving dinner guests a sense that they’ve been air-dropped right to Beijing. But, of course, that’s all we could hope for when diving into new cuisines, which Yen Jing will happily provide.

Hold onto your hats because their menu is colossal. Even veteran Chinese enthusiasts would have a hard time making a choice. For us, it just means versatility to appeal to even the fussiest of tastes. The only thing complex about ordering from here is the flavors. The dishes are simple and authentic.

Immerse yourself in Sweet and Sour Pork, or perhaps, as a noodle fan, you’ll choose to go for a hefty portion of Chicken Chow Mein. Indecisive, then maybe fill up on an assortment of appetizers. They’ve tried to make everything a little simpler, and if you genuinely don’t know where to start, order a Family Meal and let the expert chefs choose their favorites.

One of the things that makes this one of the best restaurants in Greenville, TX, is its passion for bringing a unique and authentic experience to its diners. You can rest assured that through swift service and delicious food, Yen Jing is bound to become a new favorite!

Opening Hours: 11 am to 9 pm Tues – Thurs; 11 am to 9:30 pm Fri & Sat; 11 am to 8:30 pm Sun; Closed Mon

Location: 5113 Wesley St, Greenville, TX

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/thesomegirl

8. Glenda’s Cafe

American comfort food served in a charming venue.

Mom’s cooking is something we find hard to replace, but the meals at Glenda’s Cafe come in a close second. This small venue has a load of character and a small-town charm that’s not easily forgotten.

Red checkered table cloths reinstate memories of summer picnics, and the walls are decorated with quirky retro paraphernalia from decades back. Friendly staff flutter around the dining room, handing orders to busy tables, and the conversation never seems dull. It’s a perfect hideaway for families to enjoy a quick bite.

You can often find Glenda’s bustling with activity as a community staple, even on their quiet days. Why? The kitchen not only serves delicious food to seated diners but also provides an essential catering service that locals can’t get enough of.

Their menu is home-cooking, through and through, with two separate menus for breakfast and lunch. Opening at 7am, generous breakfast platters attract early risers eager to get their hands on crisp bacon and a short stack of Texas Hot Cakes. If you’re lucky enough to spot waffles on the specials board, don’t hesitate for a second, rumor has it they’re the best in town!

Lunch is where the absolute goodness of comfort food can be found. The menu offers versatility, and diners can choose from platters, baskets, and delicious hot sandwiches. The Chicken Fried Chicken is some of the best you’ll ever try, and most of their dishes come paired with a variety of sides, which is just the cherry on top considering the generous portion sizes.

So whenever you’re feeling homesick or simply want good company, Glenda’s is the place for you and easily one of the best restaurants in Greenville, TX.

Opening Hours: 7 am to 2 pm Mon – Sun

Location: 4400 Moulton St A, Greenville, TX

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/balbaz

Bonus Choice That’s Worth A Visit: Landon Winery

Greenville’s very own historic winery.

Landon Winery might not be a restaurant, but it’s one side of a coin and a beautiful experience we don’t want you to miss.

This favorite North Texas Winery has followed family traditions since the late 80s and produces fine bottled wine whose reach has exceeded International borders.

As we mentioned, you won’t be able to sit down and enjoy a hearty meal, but their small kitchen serves charcuterie boards for guests to enjoy during their wine tasting.

Keep an eye on their website and social media for any events they might be attending or hosting, as their special cask wine tastings are incredible!

Opening Hours: 12 pm to 9 pm Sun-Thurs; 12 pm to 11 pm Sat; 11 am to 11 pm Sun

Location: 2508 Lee St, Greenville, TX

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Oleh Veres

The Best Restaurants In Greenville, TX: Our Final Thoughts

Greensville is where the old and the new meet to create a bustling town filled with wonder. They’re still growing, and as they do, we hope to see more unforgettable places added to their list.

From sight-seeing to experiencing the fantastic cuisine, Greenville is a must-see destination in Texas for any wanderlust soul.

But as it stands now, we’re happy to share this guide to the best restaurants in Greenville, TX. We can promise you one thing, you won’t be leaving hungry.

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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.