NORTHWEST. If you want to know what "real" Texans eat, make it a point to stop by County Line. Packed with memorabilia and looking like an authentic roadhouse, the place puts everyone at ease. The food is just as unpretentious: smoked brisket, barbecued ribs, sausages, chicken, and sandwiches. Corroborating local opinion are favorable reviews of County Line by publications like <i>The New York Times</i>, <i>Bon Appetit</i>, and <i>Southern Living</i>. Additional perks: live music on Wednesday nights and an all-you-can-eat option for $18.99 per person ($6.99 for kids).

BRACKENRIDGE PARK. Sometimes you just need a chicken-fried steak sandwich at 4 in the morning. Thankfully, Pig Stand (which bills itself as the world's first drive-thru) delivers. All the classics are here: burgers, malts, and fried shrimp. Plus, the Pig Sandwich is a simple joy ­ tender pork barbecue, relish, and sauce. If you want to sit and savor, skip the history-making drive-thru and head for the 1950s-themed interior. A jukebox plays oldies, and there's pig paraphernalia aplenty. And yes, breakfast is served all day.