The FOODIE's Guide to Beaumont
Nestled in Cajun country with prime access to pristine Texas beef and coastal seafood, the restaurant scene in Beaumont is driven by locality. Drawing inspiration from a melting pot of ethnic groups, no matter what your mood or craving, there’s a restaurant to tempt and tantalize the palate. If you’re ready to talk foodie to me, here’s where to eat and indulge in Beaumont.
When It’s Date Night - The Grill at Calder
One of Beaumont's One of the prettiest atmospheres in town, people come for the epic patio but stay for the scintillating food. It's easy to have the perfect bit with delectable steak and a delicious cocktail.
For the Best Brunch– J. Wilson’s
J. Wilson’s is where you go when you want home-style comfort food but are too lazy to actually cook it in your own home. The place where everyone’s a regular and owner John, is a familiar face, their brunch game is the weekly town to-do. Whether you’re craving sweet or savory, dishes like French toast or oyster nachos, push the envelope on downhome southern cuisine. Be sure to get a side of man candy (bites of sweet pork belly) or two because your dining mates will likely be fighting over it.
For the Ultimate Taco Tuesday - Tacos la Bamba
The epitome of a family run operation, Tacos La Bamba started out as a father-son duo and has since morphed into a brother-sister venture. Carlos used to sell his tacos out of the back of a video store, but word spread like wildfire and the tacos quickly became the star of the show. True Mexican cuisine (not Tex Mex), the hand-painted tables and murals reflect the culture and are the ideal setting for festive celebrations and gatherings for Lucha Libre and Dia de Los Muertos. Their Taco Tuesday deal is the best in town – 20 tacos for $20, but it was the tortas that are a really big hit. If you’re an especially adventurous eater, they also offer off the menu items made with less traditional animal proteins.
When You Want a Night Out on the Town - Koi Japanese Sushi Bar & Lounge
Sensory overload in all the right ways, Koi Sushi’s neon lights seem to jive in tune to the pulsating house music. Sink down on their velvet couches and get comfy because dining feels like a big night out on the town. Known for their fresh fish, creative combinations, and real wasabi (if you dare), there is also the option to get any roll made “Tony style,” a personal twist from the owner himself.
For the Best Bar Bites – Madison’s
Part of the largest locally owned hospitality group, Madison’s toes the line between bar and restaurant. They serve delicious food but are more an after-hours spot to imbibe. Known for their killer patio, a few of the partners are actually musicians themselves so you’re likely to find live music or form of entertainment most days of the week.
When You’re Craving Both Asian and Cajun - Sweet Basil
One of those fusion confusions you don’t expect to go together but magically just works, Sweet Basil is first and foremost a Vietnamese Noodle House, but their creative Asian Cajun delights are the perfect example of embracing the environment. The Seafood Shebang is a true feast for the table with boiled crab, shrimp, and crawfish doused in scratch-made garlic butter sauce that’s lick the bowl good. Don’t miss the sweet and spicy hot mess fries topped with ribeye, which the owners lovingly tested on their own children as guinea pigs, or the Bao buns.
For the Best Grab and Go Breakfast – Rao’s Bakery
The oldest bakery in southeast Texas, Rao’s is another family affair. Johnny Rao started selling his baked goods in the commissary of Magnolia Petroleum Company (formerly Exxon Mobil), garnering enough fans begging to open his own spot. That was in 1941. He owned and operated the European-style bakery until the 1970s, when it changed hands a few times, finally settling on the current father-son duo who have been managing the landmark since the 1990s. They expanded with a few more stores, added an Italian touch, and really made it their own. Known for their homemade gelato, Boudreaux brunch rolls (sticky buns topped with brown sugar, nuts, whiskey, and bacon), bourbon cookies, black bean burritos, meat and jalapeño kolaches, and breakfast sandwiches, whether you opt for a sweet or savory creation, either is a solid start the day.
When You’re Craving Queso - Carmela’s Mexican Restaurant
Carmela’s just opened their second location after outgrowing what started in a tiny Dairy Queen. Now a local institution, they’ve topping not one but two lists of best queso in Texas, and the melty, cheesy goodness is a thing of dreams. They claim the secret to their success is having the same chef for 17 years, which ensures the recipes remain authentic. The festive, colorful interior is Aztec themed and they offer both Tex Mex and traditional Mexican dishes (get the mole).
For the Strongest Cocktail in Town - Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp
If you’re looking to “Laissez les bons temps rouler,” year-round, Tia Juanita’s has a distinct Mardi Gras vibe with cocktails and frozen drinks that will knock you on your bum if you’re not careful. A festive atmosphere with live music, it’s also a party in your mouth with the likes of fish tacos, boudin balls, pot-pie style pistolettes, and a super craveable mashed potato salad.
For the Most Decadent Desserts - La Real Michoacana
With a picture menu that’s overwhelming in both size and breadth, La Real Michoacana specializes in desserts made for Instagram. A crazy Mexican ice cream shop, their elaborate fresh fruit creations dish up sundaes in pineapples topped with things like Mexican spices and chicharrones. Their homemade horchata, snow cones, and popsicles also come in unique flavors like prune and cotton candy and the sky’s the limit with how adventurous your taste buds are willing to go.
Pick your Bar Scene
Upcoming Events
55th Annual Groves Pecan Festival 2024
- Chris Roark Lions Park
- Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024
Beaumont Farmers Market
- Oct 12, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024
Exhibition - Thomas Veillon: A Lasting Tradition
- Art Museum of Southeast Texas
- Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024
Official Visitors Guide
Begin planning your adventure by viewing the Official Southeast Texas Visitors Guide. Or, request a copy by mail and sign up for email updates.
Hotels
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City Maps
We've compiled a list of maps to help you explore downtown Beaumont, hiking and biking trails, and the entire southeast Texas region.
Restaurants
Explore Beaumont's flavor with made-from-scratch menu items and locally sourced goods. And let's not forget the craft beer.
Blog
Read up on our blog, The Insider's Guide to happenings in and around Beaumont.