Live music, a bustling nightlife, and art festivals are what people visit Denton, Texas for, but there is so much more to this lively city than its music and night scene.
Denton, Texas is filled with unique eateries full of flavor and excitement! One of the best places to live in Texas, there are sushi restaurants, Mexican restaurants, vegan bakeries, and so much more to enjoy in the heart of this city.
If you’re wondering where to go to get the best eats in the city, here are 12 of the best restaurants in Denton, TX that you cannot pass up.
Komodo Loco
$$ | (940) 808-0400 | WEBSITE
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The red light is on which means Komodo Loco is open for business. This Asian fusion fare is a relaxed and trendy hangout in the heart of Denton, TX and includes menu items like dragon eggs, southern smoke ramen, and pulled piggy tatchos.
Komodo Loco is a non-traditional Japanese restaurant, tapas style, full of fresh cuisine and good times. Not only do they have incredible entrees, but save room for dessert because you’ll want your mouthful of macaroon ice cream sandwiches.
Just off of the town square, this hip spot is nearby popular attractions like axe throwing, boutiques, and coffee shops.
GreenHouse Restaurant
$$ | (940) 484-1349 | WEBSITE
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This chic American restaurant is a neighborhood favorite, offering menu items like fresh avocado tacos, honey chipotle grilled salmon, and fried jalapenos!
With four different dining areas and an outdoor patio, there’s plenty of room for dining — no matter the occasion! There’s a private dining room, as well, for those wanting to rent out some space for a special event.
Besides ample space, tasty plates, and modernized decor, you’ll find delicious drinks like my little coconut and the mystic paloma.
Spiral Diner & Bakery
$$ | (940) 514-0101 | WEBSITE
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In a distressed brick building, you’ll stumble upon this funky vegan restaurant created uniquely for organic-leaning folks!
Not only is the exterior adorable with pastel colors greeting you as soon as you get to the main entrance, but there are tasty bites in every menu item.
Here, there are plates like a bacon ranch cheeseburger with an option for a cashew-quinoa patty or a beyond burger patty! Ever heard of beyond chicken tenders?
They have those here as well — truly delighting every tastebud. It also makes custom cakes and desserts made from organic flour and sugar, and gluten-free options.
Rusty Taco Denton
$ | (940) 483-8226 | WEBSITE
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Cheap tequila, lime juice, and Rusty Taco(s) are calling your name. Rusty Taco in Denton is a colorful eatery with a large patio area, perfect for summertime margaritas and taco Tuesdays.
The first one opened in Dallas, TX in 2010, with Rusty Fenton and his wife –Denise–having a love for tacos. There are beef Fajita tacos, cauliflower tacos, bbq brisket nachos, and potato tacos.
For those sweet lovers, churros are offered as a dessert option. People rave about the atmosphere as well as the sauces that come with tacos, saying that it’s one of the best ambiances around the area.
940’s Kitchen & Cocktails
$$ | (940) 218-6222 | WEBSITE
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A stylish restaurant, this warehouse-themed eatery is a must in Denton, TX. Taste delicious cocktails like a watermelon jalapeno mule. For meals, they include items like eggplant fries and squash ravioli.
940’s Kitchen & Cocktails also offers a wonderful brunch for those wanting to get together one weekend morning. There’s not an exceptionally large patio, but don’t let that deter you.
They have spots to sit outside on a nice, sunny day. Between incredible menu items, a trendy decor, and knowledgeable service — it’s no wonder why it’s one of the best restaurants in Denton, Texas.
LSA Burger Co.
$$ | (940) 383-1022 | WEBSITE
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If a psychedelic burger with sauteed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, lettuce, mayo, and tomato sound good to you, then LSA Burger Co is an absolute winner.
This retro beer and burger spot not only has wonderful flavors, but you can expect a lively atmosphere as well. If live music is an absolute must, then this place has what you need.
Enjoy a live band while you eat or simply soak up the open air views. They also have a mural project which showcases different types of artists. Painters come and show their talents, with a renewed blank canvas each year.
Keiichi
$$ | (940) 230-3410 | WEBSITE
Step inside to this unique sushi restaurant offering great steak, friendly service, and incredible ownership. Chef Keiichi Nagano offers a unique experience with only 10 seats, select sake, and flavorful dishes.
A mix of Japanese cuisine and Italian fare, you’ll see menu items like beef ragu pasta, marinated tuna sashimi, and pineapple guava sorbet.
This restaurant is reasonably priced, with incredibly friendly waiters and waitresses, and incredibly large portions. With one visit to this cozy, intimate restaurant — you’ll see why it’s a top favorite among many.
Cartwright’s Ranch House
$$ | (940) 387-7706 | WEBSITE
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Home style food waits in this family-style restaurant. Across from an old, historic courthouse — Cartwright’s Ranch House has above and beyond service, as well as breakfast favorites.
Specials include $3 bottled beer and mimosas all day every day, and who would want to pass that up? Menu items include the Alamo omelette, the bonanza breakfast combo plate, and pineapple upside down pancakes.
Cartwright’s is the place you’ll want to go if you’re bringing your appetite — portions here are large, and they don’t skip out on the sides. Incredible service and a bustling atmosphere — this Ranch House is a breakfast must.
Rooster’s Roadhouse
$ | (940) 382-4227 | WEBSITE
Spot the writing on the wall, beer keg decor, and neon signs when you visit Rooster’s Roadhouse. Try some redneck sushi, rooster tails, a king brisket burger, or a smoked turkey sandwich.
This barbecue restaurant offers efficient service, delectable flavors, and an one-of-a-kind ambiance.
Never fear when you visit this Denton restaurant — Rooster’s Roadhouse also keeps the restaurant exceptionally clean, so the only time you’ll have to worry about getting messy is when you slather on the BBQ sauce of your choice.
Hoochies
$$ | 940-808-0315 | WEBSITE
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This Cajun restaurant is located in a brick building near downtown Texas that offers patio seating, unique decor, and amazing seafood. You’ll fall in love with the New Orleans-style decor and the ample indoor seating.
Menu favorites range from original po-boys to Mexican oysters. Portions here are quite large. Hoochies Seafood will give you just the flavors you’ve been craving, making it hard not to eat the dishes in two minutes.
Take note of the friendly shop cat that comes and goes to this establishment.
Barley & Board
$$ | (940) 566-3900 | WEBSITE
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Become enamored with this vintage brick building. Barley & Board offers an intimate dining experience, with decadent signature cocktails and equally tasty menu favorites.
Order some vegan risotto or short rib ragu, or simply drink the night away with cocktails like passion Capri. This restaurant thrives on community, craft, and teamwork — with an incredible staff.
Barley & Board also has several rewards, like the best meat & cheese plates. Food comes quick, music creates a vibe, and beers go down smooth. If you’re in the mood for ample seating and brewpub fare — Barley & Board is a definite stop.
Queenie’s Steak House
$$$$ | (940) 442-6834 | WEBSITE
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You’ll definitely feel like a Queen (or King) when you visit Queenie’s Steakhouse in Denton, TX! This modern steakhouse opened in 2013, emphasizing exceptional service and fine dishes.
No matter if you’re interested in fine dining romance or a friendly hang on the patio, this steakhouse is perfect for people simply wanting to check out some of the best eats.
Try a taste of the chicken fried quail, rabbit-rattlesnake sausage, red chili marinated shrimp, or cast iron salmon.
When it comes to dessert, this steakhouse doesn’t skip out. Choose from options like ancho chili chocolate cake or ricotta doughnut holes.
Oldwest Cafe of Denton
$$ | (940) 808-0081 | WEBSITE
Soak up the sun on a breezy patio with hanging lights, or admire the lovely country decor of the Oldwest Cafe of Denton.
With a strong believe of team collaboration and family, this cafe aims to please its customers with exceptional service and ownership.
If smothered biscuits, French toast, and traditional breakfasts sound delicious to you then this is the spot you need to visit while in the area.
It’s no wonder why the Oldwest Cafe of Denton is one of the best restaurants in Denton, TX — with plenty to admire as soon as you step inside this cafe.
Red’s Yard
$ | (940) 218-2981 | WEBSITE
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Old license plates and junk yard themed decorations are scattered throughout Red’s Yard in Denton, Texas. This unique decor creates an exciting atmosphere, but the food is where the heart is at.
There are BBQ sandwiches and fried deviled eggs to appease your appetite, with sodas and teas to quench your thirst. Interested in some events?
Expect live music and special events to be posted to their calendar on their website, offering plenty to do when you’re in the city.
Steve’s Wine Bar
$$ | (940) 514-1852 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a more booze-heavy restaurant, Steve’s Wine Bar has plenty of wine selections and small bites to accompany them.
Enjoy intimate twinkling lights places around the restaurant, making for a truly cozy and relaxing ambiance at this special wine bar.
Events are special here, with occasional Thai food and Cajun food, as well as live music events like orchestral bands and jazz sets. Steve’s Wine Bar is a must for those without a heavy appetite, but with plenty of cravings for delicious drinks.
Seven Mile Cafe
$$ | (940) 808-0200 | WEBSITE
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Let Seven Mile Cafe knock you off your feet for brunch! This trendy and chic breakfast/lunch combo is stylish, clean, and delicious in every bite. With a few different locations, the Denton location is top-notch in every way.
Menu items offer range from the island bowl filled with granola, acari berry, and coconut shavings to loaded potatoes with veggies, meat, cheese, eggs, and scallions.
You’ll also find coffee favorites as well as alcoholic drinks like mimosas and bloody marias.
Summary
Denton, Texas is a city full of music, but it’s also a city full of amazing eateries. Spend your day in the city hopping from one restaurant to the next, soaking up the special events and live music while you munch on some outrageously delicious food.
Whether its cafe treats, sushi goodness, taco heaven, or fine dining steakhouses — every type of food fanatic can get their fill at restaurants in this city.
If you are in the area of Denton, TX and you can’t quite figure out where to eat, try out any one of these 12 best restaurants in Denton, Texas. They are sure to delight your taste buds like never before.
Nathan Perkins starts working at Birch Restaurant as an intern, focusing on SEO and content marketing. After graduation, he joins the team as a full-blown editor and coordinator. He collaborates with other editors, operates, and manages each post on the blog. On weekends, he spends most of his time camping or traveling, seeking Mexican food or café restaurant.
