Shortlisted: Nine Restaurants In Killeen, TX, That Locals Love!
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The central Texan town of Killeen may be best known for being a military town as it sits right beside Fort Hood – the massive army base – but it’s also got a lively food scene where you can find a tapestry of cuisines.
With around one hundred established eateries, Killeen is a surprisingly good spot to watch genius chefs at work, try something new, or just indulge in good ol’ Southern comfort food.
So whether you fancy a spot with outdoor tables to people watch, or a more upscale joint for a three-course dinner, we’re here to show you the best restaurants in Killeen and why they’re worth checking out.
Bon appetit!
The Nine Best Restaurants In Killeen TX: Food Worth Waiting For!
1. Ser Caloy’s Filipino Restaurant
Ever tried Filipino food? If you have, you’ll know it’s good. If you haven’t, then what are you waiting for! Well, Ser Caloy’s serves up some of the best Filipino food in Central Texas, so whether you’re new to this cuisine or not, this is a great place to settle in, unbuckle the belt a little, and try a few traditional dishes like the iconic Adobo – a delicious marinated meat dish.
A couple of their menu standouts include their Adobo (of course), the crispy Pork Belly Kare Kare, and the Sinigang which is just the way it’s supposed to be, super sour and with an ample amount of veggies and meat. The Pork and Coconut Soup is delicious too.
Besides the tasty food they serve, this place’s charm lies inside. It’s managed by nice and attentive servers who are friendly, happy to help and are super knowledgeable about the items on the menu. They are really polite and willing to educate those who don’t know too much about Filipino food.
So whether you are passing by Killeen or reside in the town, do give this place a visit. It may look a little underwhelming from the outside, but the food is anything but. In our opinion, Ser Caloy’s is easily one of the best restaurants in Killeen, TX.
Address: 205 W Rancier Ave Suite J/L, Killeen, TX 76541
2. Vibez Kitchen
If you are in search for a vegan foodie heaven but with down-to-earth homemade ‘vibez,’ then Vibez Kitchen is a cute little food truck that will put an end to your hunt. This vegan, locally-owned business serves high-quality plant-based Caribbean and American take-out dishes that we’re sure will leave you happy and waiting to return.
In fact this is the only fully-vegan establishment in Killeen that we know of! But whether you’re vegan or not, the food is likely to impress. As will the fantastic customer service.
While we may sound a little biased, you’ll know why once you take a look at their menu – from Mushroom Tacos to Wings, the list goes on. What do we recommend? Well why not treat yourself to the Cauliflower Wings with fries or the Jerk Tacos which will resurrect your taste buds back to life. While the Vegan Stew is a good option if you’re looking for something hearty and filling.
There’s not really any seating here – Vibez is akin to a tiny food truck that until recently was literally based in a backyard! – but for grab and go delicious food, this place really is hard to beat.
Address: 4505 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd, Killeen, TX 76543
3. Thai Thai
From homesick Thais looking for a taste of home, to locals looking for something new, this eatery welcomes anyone who wishes to add some spice to their routine. And who can resist authentic Thai cuisine anyway, especially when it comes in hearty affordable portion sizes.
While this establishment is simple in terms of glamor, it doesn’t need to be flashy when it comes with such a mighty kitchen. Their kitchen is where the magic truly happens and as soon as you walk in you’ll find delicious smells wafting throughout which never fail to get your mouth watering!
You’ll also be greeted by friendly staff who are more than happy to explain the dishes to those unfamiliar with Thai cuisine. They even warn you about the spiciness of the chilies added!
Of course if you like your spice, then we dare you to try the Yellow Curry with Shrimp or the 4 Flame Thai. Then cool yourself down with the Thai ice tea. You’ll get all the Thai comfort food classics here as well of course, including Pad Thai. There’s some Thai desserts worth trying out as well, including the tasty Sticky Rice with Mango or Deep-Fried Ice Cream.
If you’re looking for delicious home-cooked meals with down to earth staff, this is one of the must-try restaurants in Killeen, TX! And as an added bonus, unlike several other Thai restaurants in the state, they don’t use MSG.
Address: 4400 E Central Texas Expy, Killeen, TX 76543
4. Los Cabos Mexican Bar and Grill
Picture this. You’re sitting on a nice new sheltered patio, the sun’s setting, while you sip on a cocktail and look at a menu full of Mexican comfort food classics. Sounds good right? Well that’s exactly what you can expect at Los Cabos Mexican Bar and Grill located in Killeen.
During the day this place has that ideal laid-back atmosphere for dining with friends, but as the sun goes down and the evening hits it, things can get lively as the cocktails flow and the music gets louder. They sometimes even have live music, whilst on Friday and Saturday nights they often have a DJ and drink deals.
As for the food, the Ceviche and street-style Tacos are the big draw here, as are the Burritos. This is Mexican food after all! But Los Cabos is also known in town as being a good seafood joint, so if you need your fish fix, this is a great spot.
Add in the fact that they have a full bar and a whole range of drinks, and you’ll see why Los Cabos made it into our list of the best restaurants in Killeen.
Address: 1215 S Fort Hood St, Killeen, TX 76542
5. Texas Roadhouse
On days when you are in search of a little slice of Texas, Texas Roadhouse is the perfect place to go. This may be a chain restaurant but this steak house is always a good choice when you want meat-heavy American fare in a lively environment.
That fun environment – and huge range of popular dishes – makes this is a fantastic place for birthdays, group meals, and more. So if you’re looking for a spot to dine as a group, this is one of the best restaurants in Killeen, TX to do just that.
What to try? Well we’re big fans of their Fort Worth Ribeye as well as the Mac and Cheese, or anything steak related. And of course why not get in full party mode by grabbing a frozen margarita or Texan beer to enjoy.
Address: 3709 E Central Texas Expy, Killeen, TX 76543
6. Tex-Rican Restaurant
If you’re on the look out for authentic Puerto Rican food close to Fort Hood, then look no further than Tex-Rican Restaurant.
This family-owned place is quaint, cozy, decorated in the style of a no-frills cafeteria, and has nice music playing in the background. Simply put, it’s laid back and friendly. But that doesn’t mean the food is no frills either – this place has won awards for their Caribbean cuisine.
And if you are new to Puerto Rican food and don’t know what to try, just ask. Not only will they explain everything to you, but there’s the chance you may even get to try a free sample or two so you can work our what you’d like to order.
Whatever you order, it’s clear Tex-Rican put their heart and soul into each dish. Yes, that may seem a little too cliche, but when you’re a restaurant introducing new cuisine to people you often have just one opportunity to impress – and boy does this eatery do just that.
A couple of their menu standouts include the Arroz con Longaniza de Pollo (which is a rice and chicken dish) and the BBQ ribs. It is also worth mentioning the Empanadas, which are like Latin American pastries, which are super tasty.
This is not just one of the best restaurants in Killeen, it may be one of the best Puerto Rican restaurants in the state!
Address: 1026 S Fort Hood St, Killeen, TX 76541
7. Yummy’s
Located on the outskirts of Fort Hood is Yummy’s, where you can get tasty Korean cuisine at pretty decent prices.
This place is cozy and homely, and at times it feels like the staff and customers know each other really well. Although that’s probably down to the number of regulars here, many from the nearby military base.
There’s a wonderful variety of Asian fare on the menu, but it’s the flavors and dishes from Korea that shine through. Some of our favorites include the Pork Ramen served with egg, as well as the Teriyaki Spam Musubi. The Shrimp Tempura Sushi is also worth mentioning, but as this place has some of the best noodles in town, you must order at least one noodle-based dish.
On top of that they do a few Boba drinks (the Taro Boba is well worth getting), sometimes have special deals running, the portion sizes are generous, and the service friendly!
All of which makes Yummy’s an easy addition to our list of best restaurants in Killeen.
Address: 2006 N Westsouth Young Dr, Killeen, TX 76543
8. Waffle Bear
Light, fluffy (but crispy on the outside), lots of topping choices and huge – that’s how all waffles should be, and that’s exactly what you’ll get at Waffle Bear!
This place is a little hidden away and easy to miss, but it’s fast becoming one of our favorite restaurants in Killeen for breakfast and brunch. Both the savory and sweet waffles they have are tasty, affordable, and big, and while the decor here is simple, it’s those waffles that are the real draw.
This place also serves Salvadorian food as it merged with a cafe that specializes in that, so strangely you can be eating waffles while your friend across the table can be digging into pupusas – the iconic flatbread from El Salvador. Those pupusas are very good by the way.
Address: 205 W Rancier Ave Suite F, Killeen, TX 76541, United States
9. The HotSpot Grill
This independent food truck run by Killeen resident Yesenia Santiago is a super popular spot among locals, with founder Santiago even affectionately dubbed the “Empanada Lady” by a few regulars who enjoy her home cooked meals and great service.
Located in the Fort Hood area, this truck is popular with soldiers but caters to locals and tourists too – all drawn to a menu that features delicious grab and go authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, and at very affordable prices.
What to try? Well the empanada’s are exceptional and some of the best we’ve tried, but for days when you’re longing for something meaty, then satisfy your cravings with the Pastelles here – two words: juicy and tender. The HotSpot Grill also has some of the best Kabobs in Killeen, and those are one of the reasons people tend to keep coming back.
Seriously, what’s not to like at this must-visit food truck. However this place is only open around once per week, so keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates about when they open.
Address: 1604 S Fort Hood St, Killeen, TX 76542
