Dining at a chain restaurant might seem like turning your back on locally based businesses. However, many of the chains with locations spread across San Antonio are actually based in Texas — plus they employ local workers and sometimes are even operated by a local franchisee.
Not to mention, many of those Texas-based chains serve up tasty and consistent food and set a high bar for service. All these restaurants have headquarters in the Lone Star State, and at least one location — usually more — in San Antonio. And we can vouch for the quality of the dining experience.
The Texas-based chain restaurants that are actually good
By San Antonio Current Staff on Fri, Apr 21, 2023 at 3:58 pm
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Photo via Instagram / sanantoniostephanie
Luby’s
Multiple Locations, lubys.com
Originally founded in San Antonio by Bob Luby in 1947, this cafeteria-style restaurant is a beloved Texas staple. Despite the brand ownership changing hands back in 2021, the chain continues to operate out of its Houston-based headquarters.
Multiple Locations, lubys.com
Originally founded in San Antonio by Bob Luby in 1947, this cafeteria-style restaurant is a beloved Texas staple. Despite the brand ownership changing hands back in 2021, the chain continues to operate out of its Houston-based headquarters.
Shutterstock / JustPixs
The County Line
Multiple Locations, countyline.com
The County Line is proof that Texas has a knack for good barbecue. This Austin-founded chain has two San Antonio locations, where they serve up top-notch meats and sides to match for a Texas-inspired meal that will definitely have you salivating.
Multiple Locations, countyline.com
The County Line is proof that Texas has a knack for good barbecue. This Austin-founded chain has two San Antonio locations, where they serve up top-notch meats and sides to match for a Texas-inspired meal that will definitely have you salivating.
Photo via Instagram / billmillerbarbq
Bill Miller Bar-B-Q
Multiple Locations, billmillerbbq.com
Originally a Corpus Christi creation, the now San Antonio-based barbecue chain is a favorite for locals. Folks can stop in for fried chicken and barbecue meats, or pick up a BBQ lunch at the drive-thru. And the sweet tea? It doesn’t get much better than that.
Multiple Locations, billmillerbbq.com
Originally a Corpus Christi creation, the now San Antonio-based barbecue chain is a favorite for locals. Folks can stop in for fried chicken and barbecue meats, or pick up a BBQ lunch at the drive-thru. And the sweet tea? It doesn’t get much better than that.
Photo via Instagram / texasdebrazil
Texas de Brazil
313 E. Houston St., (210) 299-1600, texasdebrazil.com
Ever wonder where the “Texas” in Texas de Brazil comes from? The fact is that this chain is based in Dallas, and in turn offers a dose of Texan hospitality. Add the fact that this steakhouse is a churrascaria and you’re pretty much set for a dining experience that could only be found in Texas.
313 E. Houston St., (210) 299-1600, texasdebrazil.com
Ever wonder where the “Texas” in Texas de Brazil comes from? The fact is that this chain is based in Dallas, and in turn offers a dose of Texan hospitality. Add the fact that this steakhouse is a churrascaria and you’re pretty much set for a dining experience that could only be found in Texas.
Shutterstock / Philip Lange
Taco Cabana
Multiple Locations, tacocabana.com
Whether you’re part of the camp that thinks Taco Cabana’s eats are the best, or that the San Antonio-based chain wouldn’t know good Mexican food if it hit them in the face, we can all agree on one thing: TC remains a go-to spot for late-night munchies, which makes it an automatic favorite for many locals.
Multiple Locations, tacocabana.com
Whether you’re part of the camp that thinks Taco Cabana’s eats are the best, or that the San Antonio-based chain wouldn’t know good Mexican food if it hit them in the face, we can all agree on one thing: TC remains a go-to spot for late-night munchies, which makes it an automatic favorite for many locals.
Photo via Instagram / amysicecreams
Amy’s Ice Creams
255 E. Basse Rd., (210) 832-8886, amysicecreams.com
Established in Austin in the mid-80s, Amy’s offers handmade artisan ice creams perfect for a summer day – or really anytime for that matter. With more than 350 flavors in rotation, you can definitely find something you’ll love.
255 E. Basse Rd., (210) 832-8886, amysicecreams.com
Established in Austin in the mid-80s, Amy’s offers handmade artisan ice creams perfect for a summer day – or really anytime for that matter. With more than 350 flavors in rotation, you can definitely find something you’ll love.
Photo via Instagram / jasonsdeli
Jason’s Deli
Multiple Locations, jasonsdeli.com
Founded in Beaumont, where headquarters remain today, Jason’s Deli serves up a menu of quick sandwiches and soups. Prized for its delicious unlimited salad bar, the deli delivers a dining experience you can feel good about.
Multiple Locations, jasonsdeli.com
Founded in Beaumont, where headquarters remain today, Jason’s Deli serves up a menu of quick sandwiches and soups. Prized for its delicious unlimited salad bar, the deli delivers a dining experience you can feel good about.
Photo via Instagram / bobs_steakandchop
Bob’s Steak & Chop House
5815 Rim Pass, (210) 222-2627, bobs-steakandchop.com
After opening its doors in Dallas in 1993, Bob’s Steak & Chop House had gone on to open locations throughout Texas and in a few select states such as California and Arizona. Fun fact: the San Antonio location houses the most expansive collection of historic flags to be displayed at any Bob’s location.
5815 Rim Pass, (210) 222-2627, bobs-steakandchop.com
After opening its doors in Dallas in 1993, Bob’s Steak & Chop House had gone on to open locations throughout Texas and in a few select states such as California and Arizona. Fun fact: the San Antonio location houses the most expansive collection of historic flags to be displayed at any Bob’s location.
Shutterstock / JHVEPhoto
Freebird’s World Burrito
Multiple Locations, freebirds.com
Although originally founded in 1987 in Santa Barbara, CA, in 2015, Freebirds moved its official HQ down to Austin. Now with over 60 Texas locations and the slogan “Texas’s #1 Burrito,” it appears Freebird’s has made the lone star state its permanent residence.
Multiple Locations, freebirds.com
Although originally founded in 1987 in Santa Barbara, CA, in 2015, Freebirds moved its official HQ down to Austin. Now with over 60 Texas locations and the slogan “Texas’s #1 Burrito,” it appears Freebird’s has made the lone star state its permanent residence.
Shutterstock / Moab Republic
Whataburger
Multiple Locations, whataburger.com
Though Texans joke that Chicago now owns Whataburger (which is true, in a sense), the chain remains headquartered in San Antonio. Reliable for late-night eats as well as simple, yet tasty burgers and all-time favorites like the patty melt, Whataburger remains a favorite for many.
Multiple Locations, whataburger.com
Though Texans joke that Chicago now owns Whataburger (which is true, in a sense), the chain remains headquartered in San Antonio. Reliable for late-night eats as well as simple, yet tasty burgers and all-time favorites like the patty melt, Whataburger remains a favorite for many.
Shutterstock / RicoPatagonia
Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q
Multiple Locations, rudysbbq.com
While Texas has no shortage of one-of-a-kind barbecue outposts, Rudy’s remains a favorite for many locals. Founded in nearby Leon Springs, the secret for this Texas-based chain is all in the “sause.” Slather your meats in this flavorful juice and you’ll be licking your fingers endlessly.
Multiple Locations, rudysbbq.com
While Texas has no shortage of one-of-a-kind barbecue outposts, Rudy’s remains a favorite for many locals. Founded in nearby Leon Springs, the secret for this Texas-based chain is all in the “sause.” Slather your meats in this flavorful juice and you’ll be licking your fingers endlessly.
Photo via Instagram / happydance_foodie
Via 313
Multiple Locations, via313.com
Though the founders of Via 313 are initially from Detroit — “313” is a reference to the city’s area code — this pizzeria was established in Texas, but serves up Detroit-inspired ‘za. Based in Austin, it has two locations in San Antonio.
Multiple Locations, via313.com
Though the founders of Via 313 are initially from Detroit — “313” is a reference to the city’s area code — this pizzeria was established in Texas, but serves up Detroit-inspired ‘za. Based in Austin, it has two locations in San Antonio.
Nina Rangel
Jim’s Restaurants
Multiple Locations, jimsrestaurants.com
Specializing in American bites with some Mexican dishes on the menu, Jim’s is a San Antonio staple, with its headquarters in Alamo City. This dining chain’s tagline, “There’s Always Jim’s,” is a fitting slogan, as many of its locations are open 24/7.
Multiple Locations, jimsrestaurants.com
Specializing in American bites with some Mexican dishes on the menu, Jim’s is a San Antonio staple, with its headquarters in Alamo City. This dining chain’s tagline, “There’s Always Jim’s,” is a fitting slogan, as many of its locations are open 24/7.
Photo via Instagram / thealamotoast
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Multiple Locations, hopdoddy.com
Founded in Austin by four friends back in 2010, Hopdoddy has expanded across Texas and as far North as Denver, Colorado, with its craft beer and burger bar concept. Hopdoddy has a vibe inspired by supporting local music scenes, inventive burger concepts and shareable fries, to boot.
Multiple Locations, hopdoddy.com
Founded in Austin by four friends back in 2010, Hopdoddy has expanded across Texas and as far North as Denver, Colorado, with its craft beer and burger bar concept. Hopdoddy has a vibe inspired by supporting local music scenes, inventive burger concepts and shareable fries, to boot.
Shutterstock / Moab Republic
P. Terry’s Burger Stand
Multiple Locations, pterrys.com
Founded in Austin in 2005, this distinctive fast food chain has outposts in both Austin and San Antonio. With a simplified menu, fresh-baked banana bread and monthly shake flavors, P. Terry’s is worth a stop the next time you spot one of their characteristic giant, slanted white roofs on your commute.
Multiple Locations, pterrys.com
Founded in Austin in 2005, this distinctive fast food chain has outposts in both Austin and San Antonio. With a simplified menu, fresh-baked banana bread and monthly shake flavors, P. Terry’s is worth a stop the next time you spot one of their characteristic giant, slanted white roofs on your commute.
Photo via Instagram / maggianoslittleitaly
Maggiano's Little Italy
17603 W. I-10, (210) 451-6000, maggianos.com
Founded in 1991, Dallas-based Maggiano’s Little Italy brings Italian-American bites to San Antonians at its location at the Rim. Invite a group of fellow foodies for your visit as the semi-upscale chain does things family-style.
17603 W. I-10, (210) 451-6000, maggianos.com
Founded in 1991, Dallas-based Maggiano’s Little Italy brings Italian-American bites to San Antonians at its location at the Rim. Invite a group of fellow foodies for your visit as the semi-upscale chain does things family-style.
Photo by therealfoodiecouple via Instagram / lickicecreams
Lick Honest Ice Creams
Multiple Locations, ilikelick.com
With three San Antonio locations — at the Pearl, the Rim and at Hemisfair — Austin’s Lick Honest Ice Creams brings Texas-inspired flavors using ingredients from regional sources. How much more Texas can this place get?
Multiple Locations, ilikelick.com
With three San Antonio locations — at the Pearl, the Rim and at Hemisfair — Austin’s Lick Honest Ice Creams brings Texas-inspired flavors using ingredients from regional sources. How much more Texas can this place get?
Shutterstock / JHVEPhoto
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen
Multiple Locations, peiwei.com
Foodies who enjoy fast-casual Chinese bites with a take more elevated than strip mall take-out restaurants can rest easy with Pei Wei. Headquartered in Irving, this Asian kitchen chain brings all the classic dishes you know and love.
Multiple Locations, peiwei.com
Foodies who enjoy fast-casual Chinese bites with a take more elevated than strip mall take-out restaurants can rest easy with Pei Wei. Headquartered in Irving, this Asian kitchen chain brings all the classic dishes you know and love.
Shutterstock / Josiah True
Torchy’s Tacos
Multiple Locations, torchystacos.com
While Torchy’s Tacos may not be every San Antonians cup of tea, it is loved by many local folks who enjoy their unique takes on classic tacos. If you’re part of that camp, you can enjoy what this Austin-based chain has to offer, especially with more locations popping up around the Alamo City.
Multiple Locations, torchystacos.com
While Torchy’s Tacos may not be every San Antonians cup of tea, it is loved by many local folks who enjoy their unique takes on classic tacos. If you’re part of that camp, you can enjoy what this Austin-based chain has to offer, especially with more locations popping up around the Alamo City.
Shutterstock / JHVEPhoto
Wingstop
Multiple Locations, wingstop.com
This Dallas-based wing chain boasts over 1,500 locations, serving up a variety of flavors in a casual setting. With a plethora of San Antonio locations to choose from, it makes a convenient stop for hungry customers.
Multiple Locations, wingstop.com
This Dallas-based wing chain boasts over 1,500 locations, serving up a variety of flavors in a casual setting. With a plethora of San Antonio locations to choose from, it makes a convenient stop for hungry customers.
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