BEST IN FOOD & DINING 2017: Part IV
Food: we can’t live without it. Maybe for a few hours, but after that, the hangry-ness sets in. Nobody likes to be hangry. Not to worry, the Brazos Valley is home to many incredible eateries that can satiate hunger and bring a food coma-smile to our faces.
Around every corner, we have restaurants that have fed the Brazos Valley for decades and are the locals go-to for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Maybe even a midnight snack. However, over the past decade the population has substantially grown and so have our dining options (YES!). It’s a culinary wonderland! Not to mention the delectable desserts, local wineries and breweries, and food delivery / take-out masters that heighten our dining experiences, too!
Food is a part of our daily routine, and it’s important that we take a moment to appreciate the creative minds who feed us every single day while delighting our palates. Below are the Best of the Brazos Valley 2017 winners across six of the Food & Dining categories.
Don’t forget to visit bestofthebrazos.com to nominate your favorite businesses in Food & Dining for Best of the Brazos Valley™ 2018!
Best Breakfast/Brunch, New Restaurant | First Watch Cafe
Voted “Best Breakfast/Brunch” 2017
Voted “Best New Restaurant” 2017
[ firstwatch.com | 4501 South Texas Avenue | Bryan, TX 77802 | 979.704.6652 ]
First Watch Cafe is new on the scene in Bryan / College Station, but has quickly become THE hot spot for breakfast and brunch (and if you’re from around here, you know we take breakfast and brunch VERY seriously). If you want to have a taste of the Best of the Brazos Valley’s 2017 Breakfast/Brunch AND New Restaurant champion, you’ll need to arrive EARLY. Lines are literally out of the door, and for very good…delicious…relaxing…scrumptious…reasons.
At First Watch, they begin each morning at the crack of dawn, slicing fresh fruits and vegetables, baking muffins and whipping up their French toast batter from scratch. You’re greeted with a pot of their Sunrise Select Premium Blend® coffee, along with complimentary newspapers and WiFi access. If you’re looking for an award-winning breakfast, brunch or lunch experience – this is your new spot.
Best Cakes | Cake Junkie
Voted “Best Cakes” 2011-2017
[ cake-junkie.com | 4001 East 29th Street Suite 75 | Bryan, TX 77802 | 979.268.2342 ]
Cake Junkie has been serving the Brazos Valley for years, and continues to “feed your addiction” with their tantalizing treats. Cake Junkie offers party cakes, cupcakes (including JUMBO!), cake bites, custom wedding cakes, cookies, unique edible Aggie decor and SO MUCH MORE! Simply flipping through their online menu and reading the dozens of cake / icing flavors they offer is enough to make your mouth water. Their fully-customizable treats will wow your guests and guests of honor from the moment they lay eyes on Cake Junkie’s confectionery creations!
Best Coffee | Sweet Eugene’s (Local)
Voted “Best Coffee – Local” 2002; 2005-2014; 2017
[ sweeteugenes.net | 1702 George Bush Drive East | College Station, TX 77840 | 979.696.JAVA (5282) ]
Sweet Eugene’s roasts their own coffee beans from around the world, brewing it with water purified by reverse osmosis. Bring a laptop and surf the web with free Wi-Fi while enjoying a panini sandwich or savory crepe. Nestle into a comfy sofa and admire art adorning the walls while their friendly staff prepares a rich Kona Mocha and cranberry scone from their in-house bakery.
Best Fast Food Restaurant | Chick-fil-A
Voted “Best Fast Food Restaurant” 2003-2004; 2007-2017
[ cfarestaurant.com/aggieland/home | 1719 South Texas Avenue College Station, TX 77840 979.694.4500 | 4431 Highway 6 College Station, TX 77845 979.690.8822 | 2210 Briarcrest Drive Bryan, TX 77802 979.731.1155 | 233 Houston Street College Station, TX 77840 979.845.8188 ]
Voted “Best Fast Food” in the Brazos Valley for several years, Aggieland is a huge fan of Chick-fil-A®! You can’t go wrong with their unprecedented speedy, friendly service which makes their always freshly prepared favorites like waffle fries, Chik-fil-A® nuggets or Chik-fil-A® chicken sandwiches all the more satisfying.
Best New Restaurant – LOCAL | Taco Crave Taco Bar
Voted “Best New Restaurant – LOCAL” 2017
[ tacocrave.net | 206 West 26th Street | Bryan, TX 77803 | 979.823.4837 ]
Everyone has that hometown restaurant you crave when you’re away. The owners of Taco Crave have brought their hometown favorites to Aggieland. Devour authentic Mexican street tacos inspired by a taco stand outside their middle school in Monterrey, Mexico. Grab a taco (or torta or quesadilla!) filled with mouth-wateringly stewed meat of your choice and beans, rice, pico de gallo or fresh cilantro and lime.
Best Mexican Restaurant – NATIONAL | Chuy’s
Voted “Best Mexican Restaurant – NATIONAL” 2017
[ chuys.com | 1512 Harvey Road | College Station, TX 77840 | 979.329.6022 ]
Although no two Chuy’s are identical, one thing does remain consistent: how seriously they take their food. Drawing inspiration from across New Mexico, Mexican border towns, the Rio Grande Valley, deep South Texas, Austin and beyond – Chuy’s bold and unique flavors, famous “Big As Yo’ Face” burritos and family-friendly atmosphere will keep you coming back for more.