GAINESVILLE, Texas — Gainesville's dining scene has more range than most people expect from a town of 18,000. Whether you're a local looking for a new spot, a traveler pulling off I-35, or someone who just moved to Cooke County, this guide covers the restaurants worth knowing about — from the downtown square to the highway corridor.
Downtown Square
The blocks around the historic Cooke County Courthouse have become the heart of Gainesville's dining revival.
Krootz Brewing Company — 315 W Elm St. Gainesville's top-rated restaurant by a wide margin, with a 4.7-star Google rating and nearly 700 reviews. Krootz is an independent craft brewery with a full scratch kitchen. The pizza gets the most praise, but the brunch menu, burgers, and homemade desserts all deliver. A good first recommendation for anyone visiting Gainesville. Open daily. (940) 668-0307.
The County Seat Kitchen & Cocktails — 105 W California St. An upscale cocktail lounge and kitchen in a restored turn-of-the-century building on the square. Craft cocktails, elevated bar food, and a $40 Saturday steak special that regulars swear by. Live music on select evenings. A newer addition that's quickly built a reputation.
Cornerstone Cafe — 202 W Main St. A family-owned breakfast and lunch spot with views of the courthouse. Fluffy biscuits, grits, customizable breakfast sandwiches, and fried pies. Open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. — come early on weekends. (940) 665-7641.
Goodies On Commerce — 111 N Commerce St. Casual fine dining with a brunch focus. The signature croissant sandwich (avocado, bacon, egg) and Bananas Foster French toast are standouts. Gourmet paninis and loaded potatoes for lunch. Outdoor seating with string lights.
Los Mariachis Mexican Restaurant — 319 N Commerce St. In business since 1998. Fajitas, quesadillas, and solid chips and salsa in a downtown setting. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, Sunday lunch only. (940) 612-1721.
Highway 82 Corridor
The east-west route through town has its own cluster of solid options.
Fuku Japanese Grill — 2118 US-82. Sushi, teriyaki, hibachi, and noodles in a town where you wouldn't necessarily expect to find quality Japanese food — but Fuku delivers. The Big Mouth Roll, Texas Roll (deep-fried with spicy mayo, eel sauce, and bacon bits), and filet mignon hibachi are favorites. Fresh fish, generous portions, and a 4.3-star TripAdvisor rating. Closed Tuesdays. (940) 612-2266.
Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant — 908 E Hwy 82. Family-owned and cooking from family recipes. The brisket chimichanga is a sleeper hit. Reviewers consistently praise the chips and salsa, enchiladas, and the way staff treat guests "like family." Over 500 Facebook reviews at 96% positive. (940) 580-7062.
Trails Inn Restaurant — 3007 E Hwy 82. A Gainesville breakfast institution since roughly 1980. Open 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Generous portions, fast service, and the kind of no-frills morning meal that builds a loyal following.
Wingstop — 905 E Hwy 82. The national chain's Gainesville outpost has solid reviews for consistent quality and good customer service. Multiple wing flavors, fries, and late-night hours (open until midnight on weekdays, 1 a.m. on weekends). (940) 514-9464.
I-35 Corridor
For travelers and locals near the interstate.
RibCrib BBQ — 101 Interstate 35. A regional chain that smokes its barbecue on-site daily. Hickory-smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and sides. In business since 1992 and consistently rated around 4 stars. A reliable stop right off the highway. Open for lunch and dinner. (940) 301-5042.
Rumpy's Little German Bakery — 801 N I-35. Don't let the gas station setting fool you. Rumpy's makes handmade kolaches, strudels, cinnamon rolls, fried pies, and fresh bread. The jalapeno cheese and ham and cheese kolaches are the draw. A beloved I-35 traveler stop with 113 Yelp reviews and a loyal following. The driveway from I-35 South can be tricky — watch for the sign.
Fera's Italian Restaurant — 300 Interstate 35 Frontage Rd. Family-owned for over 25 years, everything made from scratch. Chicken parmigiana and eggplant lasagna are highlights. Reasonably priced. Closed Mondays. (940) 665-7551.
Villa Grande Mexican Restaurant — 201 N Interstate 35. Tex-Mex with chips and hot sauce that get consistent praise. Part of a multi-location chain. Takes reservations — recommended on weekends. (940) 665-3410.
Braum's — 400 W California St. The Oklahoma-based ice cream and dairy chain with a loyal Texas following. Burgers, breakfast, shakes, and the Fresh Market grocery store inside. Located near the Frank Buck Zoo — a convenient family stop. Open until 10:45 p.m. daily. (940) 665-0202.
Home Cooking & Comfort Food
Wolf Den Family Restaurant — 1901 W California St. Family-owned since 2004. The chicken fried steak is the signature dish, and the all-you-can-eat catfish dinner is a local draw. Voted Best of Cooke County for home-style cooking. Large portions, friendly service. (940) 665-9653.
Main Street Pub & Steakhouse — 216 W Main St. Steaks, roasted rosemary chicken, and homemade peach cobbler in a cowboy-themed setting with historical photos. Open Monday through Saturday. (940) 668-4040.
The Neu Ranch House — 1825 E Hwy 82. All-you-can-eat catfish, barbecue, and homemade cobblers (peach, cherry, apple). A Gainesville staple. (940) 665-6789.
Worth the Short Drive
Smokehouse BBQ — 307 E J M Lindsay Blvd, Lindsay (4 miles west). Family-owned since 1972. Texas slow-smoked barbecue, German sausage, seafood, and pizza. The Dallas Observer called it a "time capsule." The old-school curbside pickup setup adds to the charm.
Dieter Brothers Restaurant — 401 J M Lindsay Blvd, Lindsay. Comfort food, pizza, chicken fried steak, and stuffed potatoes. A hidden gem with generous portions and reasonable prices.
Bluebonnet Cafe and Coffee Bar — 111 N Lee St, Valley View (12 miles south). American and Tex-Mex, breakfast all day, full espresso bar, and a liquor license. Open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. (940) 637-1022.
What's Changed
Gainesville's dining scene is in transition. Sarah's on the Square, once the most-reviewed restaurant in town with 336 Yelp reviews, closed in early 2026. The Fried Pie Co & Restaurant, a Gainesville institution since 1982, also closed. Both were downtown landmarks.
But new concepts are filling the gaps. The County Seat Kitchen, Goodies On Commerce, and the Japanese Cowboy hibachi food truck (operating at 299 N Chestnut and the Gainesville Farmers Market) represent the next chapter. The I-35 expansion project is expected to attract more restaurants and retailers to the corridor as construction progresses.
For a broader look at what's driving commercial growth in Gainesville, see our coverage of the dining and retail boom.
This guide is maintained by the Cooke County Record and updated as restaurants open, close, or change. Last updated March 26, 2026. Know a spot we missed? Email news@cookecountyrecord.com.