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    Where the Locals Eat

    When moving to a new community one of the very first things many ask is, ‘Where do the locals eat?”.  At The Lester Group, we not only want your home buying experience to be enjoyable, but also want to help get you acquainted with the area. In addition to a wide array of national chains, Bryan/College Station like any other community has some excellent locally owned eating establishments. Below are just a few or our favorites!

     

    Atami Steak & Sushi – Atami offers a unique dining experience for any occasion. Their swanky bar area and Maiko Sushi Lounge is perfect for enjoying a refreshing cocktail and sushi in an intimate setting and their hibachi tables are ideal for bringing groups of people to experience fun and delicious food being made right in front of you by the table Chef.

    http://www.atami-cs.com/

    800 University Drive East, Suite E #200

    College Station, Texas 77840

    979-268-8883

    ATAMI

     

    Cafe Eccell – Cafe Eccell has been a long time favorite in the area since they were first established in 1989. This is a hot spot for enjoying brunch, lunch, dinner, and desserts with friends and family. The atmosphere is casual and the cocktails are chef-created and exciting. The Barbecued Chicken Pizza is an excellent choice along with their famous Strawberry Tart for dessert. Ohhhh so good!

    http://cafeeccellbryantx.com/

    4401 South Texas Avenue

    Bryan, Texas 77840

    979-599-7929

    CAFE ECCELL

     

    Casa Rodriquez – Established in 1978 and located in historic Downtown Bryan, this local Mexican food spot offers some of the best Chile con Carne this side of the Rio Grande. Although Casa Rod as it’s known to the locals was formally established in 1978; however its roots and recipes date much further back. Grandpa Rodriquez moved to the Brazos Valley in 1898 to work on the rail road. He soon opened the first Mexican Restaurant in Bryan, which he operated for over 20 years. These recipes are the same used today! Trust me you will not go wrong with this choice!

    http://www.casarod.com/

    300 N. Bryan Avenue

    Bryan, Texas 77803

    979-779-0916

     

    Cenare –If you’re looking for an incredible Italian experience, you must try Cenare. One of the favorites at this location include the Gnocchi di Mar made of blue lump crab, delicious gnocchi, and a creamy sauce. Delicious! This excellent restaurant provides a lovely, intimate setting and includes the perfect menu items for a traditional Italian meal. Cenare is family owned and operated and has been present in College Station since 1981. A must visit for Italian food lovers!

    http://gotocenare.com/

    404 University Drive East, Suite E

    College Station, Texas 77840

    979-696-7311

    CENARE

     

    Chicken Oil Company – You’ll know you’ve arrived at Chicken Oil when you see the old-fashioned unique wooden exterior of the building that is the sister restaurant to the Dixie Chicken at Northgate. Visiting Chicken Oil is another long standing tradition in Aggieland for enjoying burgers and sandwiches in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. This is great spot for enjoying ‘old country music’ and live music on Thursdays.

    http://chickenoilco.com/

    3600 South College Avenue

    Bryan, Texas 77801

    979-846-3306

    CHICKEN OIL

     

    Christopher’s World Grille – Christopher’s is a sensational restaurant with a very long list of awards and recognitions which include AAA 4-Diamond Rating, fourteen consecutive years of “Best Fine Dining Restaurant” by Bryan Eagle Readers’ Choice Awards, and is the Preferred Caterer for President George and Barbara Bush at their home and Presidential Library events. Christopher Lampo is the Chef and Owner of this world class restaurant which features menu items from around the world based on his European travels. Two favorites are the Blueberry-Ginger Duck and the Italian Braised Beef Ribs paired with a wine choice from their vast wine list.

    http://www.christophersworldgrille.com/

    5001 Boonville Road

    Bryan, Texas 77802

    979- 776-2181

    Christophers

     

    C&J Barbeque – Conveniently located in three places in the Brazos Valley, C&J Barbeque offers the most flavorful barbeque plates and sandwiches made of your favorite choices of meat and sides. The brisket and rib plate are great choices paired with coleslaw or potato salad. Be sure to save room for their banana pudding!

    For eleven consecutive years C&J Barbeque has been awarded with the “Best of the Brazos” award for Barbeque Restaurant and for fifteen consecutive years they’ve been awarded the “Favorite Barbeque Restaurant” awarded by the Eagle Readers’ Choice Awards. No doubt, this is a local favorite for some good ole’ barbecue.

    http://www.cjbbq.com/

    4303 Harvey Roadc&j

    College Station, Texas 77845

    979-776-8969

    105 Southwest Parkway

    College Station, Texas 77840

    979-696-9700

    1010 South Texas Avenue

    Bryan, Texas 77803

    979-822-6033

     

    Hullabaloo Diner – Featured on the Food Network’s Diner’s Drive-ins & Dives, this local diner is a winner for enjoying Sunday brunch outside on the patio with family and friends. With a large selection of menu items and plenty of board games to play while you wait for a table, this diner offers some of the most delicious dishes such as their famous Roman Sausage dish and Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. If you’re there for breakfast and have plenty of friends joining you, try their “Twelfth Man Omelet” (served with 12 eggs).

    15045 FM 2154

    Wellborn, Texas 77845

    979-690-3002

     

    Jose’s Fine Mexican Food – In the mood for authentic Mexican food? Jose’s was established in 1971 by Jose Montemayor, originally from Mexico, and has stayed family owned. This local hot spot offers fantastic, flavorful dishes and fast and friendly service. The chips are thin, crispy, and warm, and are accompanied by very tasty salsa. Be sure to try their Green Enchiladas or the off-the-menu Lester Special, Cheese Enchilada Dinner with 2 Fried Eggs (sunny side up)!

    3824 South Texas Avenue

    Bryan, Texas 77802

    979-268-0036

    FullSizeRender

     

    Koppe Bridge Bar & Grill – Koppe Bridge first opened in 1992 and has become a local favorite for burgers and chicken sandwiches. Steak fingers are a must try! This restaurant is a great choice for game day fun or a relaxed lunch or dinner experience. Koppe Bridge is known for the “Best Burger in Town”! This restaurant is kid-friendly and has an area for playing pool and arcade games.

    www.koppebridge.com

    11777 FM 2154

    College Station, TX 77840

    979-764-2933

    3940 Harvey Road

    College Station, TX 77845

    979-776-2833

    koppe

     

    Layne’s Chicken Fingers – If you’re craving chicken fingers, THIS is the place to go. Layne’s was established in 1994, is locally owned, and offers two convenient locations for enjoying tasty chicken fingers for lunch or dinner. Don’t forget to order their ‘special sauce’ for dipping! This is an excellent stop for lunch or dinner with inside dining or drive through options. Their chicken is never frozen- always fresh!

    http://layneschickenfingers.com/

    106 Walton Drive

    College Station, Texas 77840

    979- 696-7633

    1301 Wellborn Road

    College Station, Texas 77840

    979-696-6933

    FullSizeRender[1]

     

    Madden’s Casual Gourmet – You must visit Madden’s for an exquisite dining experience. Peter Madden puts his all into creating dishes that burst with flavor and keep his patrons coming back for more.  The deviled eggs are a fantastic, made with homemade bacon-jam and chili oil. Their baked Mac & Cheese is also an absolute must! This restaurant caters and provides gluten free dishes. Be sure to make reservations for seating!

    http://pmaddens.com/

    202 South Bryan

    Bryan, Texas

     

    Must Be Heaven – If you’ve ever had a slice of pie from either of their cozy restaurants you’d surely agree with the name! Must Be Heaven offers delicious old fashioned favorites in soups, sandwiches, and desserts. The lunch lines may be lengthy, but for good reason; their hand-crafted menu items are deliciously satisfying and will have you coming back for more!

    1700 Rock Prairie Road

    College Station, Texas 77845

    979-764-9222

    1136 East Villa Maria Road

    Bryan, Texas 77802

    979-731-8891

     

    Proudest Monkey – The name of this establishment says FUN. Located in Downtown Bryan, the Proudest monkey offers an excellent selection of must try burgers and tacos. Highly recommend is the El Jefe Burger with Sweet Potato Fries (Dirty style). A favorite drink is the Arnold Palmer with Vanilla Ice Cream. SO GOOD!

    http://proudestmonkey.com/

    108 South Main Street

    Bryan, Texas 77803

    979-361-4777

     

    The Republic Steakhouse – If you’re looking for an elegant evening out, this restaurant offers a lovely, upscale atmosphere with some of the finest wines, cocktails, whiskeys, steaks, seafood, and live music available in the Brazos Valley. Wade Barkman is the Executive Chef and Owner of The Republic which was established in 2007. Wade has an extensive culinary background which extends from California to New York and thankfully brought him back to his roots in Aggieland.

    Whether you’re looking to spend the evening relaxing at their famous Copper Bar area or enjoying exquisite cuisine in their elegant dining area, you are sure to have an amazing dining experience. The Republic has been named one of the ‘Best Bourbon Bars in America’. This sensational restaurant was the first in College Station to be reviewed by Texas Monthly and was the first to receive the AAA Four-Diamond Award (and has done so for seven consecutive years)!

     

    701 University Drive East, Suite 406

    College Station, Texas 77840

    979-260-4120

    REPUBLIC

     

    Veritas Wine & Bistro – Veritas is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner with outstanding menu selections created by Executive Chef, Tai Lee. Menu items change often and are a reflection of this chef’s artistic culinary inspirations. Seafood items are an excellent choice on the menu as their ingredients are flown in to ensure freshness and fantastic quality. This upscale bistro is available for private parties and catering events. Don’t miss out on their vast wine selection when you visit as they have earned the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator in 2007-2011.

    http://www.veritaswineandbistro.com/

    830 University Drive East, Suite 400

    College Station Texas 77840

    979-268-3251

    vERITAS