Pittsburg, Texas has a hot sauce festival that draws thousands. And we’re very excited about that. But East Texas is still East Texas, which means your meal can be a revelation or a regret.
Pittsburg Hot Link Restaurant
$ | (903) 856-5765 | WEBSITE
Pittsburg Hot Link Restaurant is another spot that’s right in the heart of town, just off the main square near the historic courthouse. And like the original location that locals remember from years past, this place has a cozy dining room, fantastic hot links, and a homey atmosphere. This version has expanded over time, though, and draws both longtime regulars and curious visitors.
Meaning you’ll see more families, older couples who’ve been coming for decades, and people in work clothes stopping by for lunch. The menu is the same as it’s always been, other than the addition of the delicious chili, a.k.a. a rich, meaty bowl that pairs perfectly with the hot links. This is a good place to settle in for hot links and burgers anytime – with or without a special occasion.
Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards
$$ | (903) 708-5779 | WEBSITE
This isn’t life-changing fine dining, but it is Texas comfort food at its finest. Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards serves kind-of-rustic-but-actually-pretty-great dishes that sound like they were made using a ranch kitchen basket, with options like Parmesan crusted scallops over fettuccine, chicken fried steak, and Cajun chicken pasta. If you’ve never had chicken fried steak with a wine pairing, this must be your first time in East Texas. Welcome.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
$ | (903) 577-8778 | WEBSITE
Just off the main road in Pittsburg is Chili’s Grill & Bar, a reliable casual dining spot. There are plenty of comfortable booths inside, and their burgers and fries are better and more affordable than many nearby options. Feel free to get your fill here before heading out for the day.
Boba Etc.
$ | (903) 563-3475 | WEBSITE
Pittsburg doesn’t have just one boba shop with rolled ice cream and customizable drinks—it has several. We suggest getting one of each size from Boba Etc., and doing a sweet-tooth comparison.
Taqueria tres monedas
$ | (903) 767-8350 | WEBSITE
Pittsburg’s most impressive new find isn’t on Main Street, but at this taqueria with outdoor seating and a simple setup. Juicy tacos cooked to order have a podcast-worthy freshness. The must-try green sauce painted over tender meats could make a salsa loyalist question their fidelity. And the overall experience with friendly owners and amazing food is an excellent mix of authentic and affordable flavors. Like every bite we’ve tried here, it’s worth facing any Texas heat.
Daysi’s Taqueria y Mariscos
$ | (903) 855-8485 | WEBSITE
Daysi’s Taqueria y Mariscos has everything that makes Pittsburg great when you’re hungry—authentic Mexican food, inexpensive prices, and a family-friendly atmosphere, all in one place. Make sure to take advantage before they close at 9:00 pm.
Ma’s Cafe
$ | (903) 285-9588 | WEBSITE
Ma’s Cafe is a welcome break from the endless chain restaurants dotting the Pittsburg landscape. Not only is the food here genuinely satisfying, but the staff is also remarkably friendly. As in, they’ll still smile when you ask for extra gravy on your chicken fried ribeye—which you absolutely should do. Order one of their hearty specialties, like the chicken fried steak sandwich piled high with crispy goodness, or a comforting classic like the chicken Alfredo pizza.
The portions are generous enough to share, and the sweet tea is perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too bland. During busy lunch rushes, service might slow to a leisurely pace, but the laid-back atmosphere makes the wait feel intentional rather than inconvenient. With breakfast served all day and those famously loaded side salads, it’s the kind of place where you leave planning your next visit before you’ve even reached the parking lot.
Herschel’s Restaurant
$ | (903) 856-5540 | WEBSITE
Herschel’s Restaurant is a very small, very cozy eatery that kind of feels like a hometown diner, even though there’s only one location right here in Pittsburg. This one is on a quiet street, and has a drive-thru along with enough home-cooking charm to make it basically qualify as a comfort food spot. Does it serve the best food in the city? No. But the food here is pretty satisfying, and there’s always fast service.
Get a double bacon BLT, plus some onion rings and mashed potatoes with green beans.
Sonic Drive-In
$ | (903) 856-6212 | WEBSITE
Here’s the deal—when you can grab a Sonic just a short drive from anywhere in Pittsburg, it’s hard to resist. Sure, it’s part of a chain, but it’s solid. Plus, nothing hits better after a long day than a hot hamburger with cheese tots, or a half-price drink ordered right from the app.
Wingstop
$ | (903) 577-9464 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving wings but want something other than fast-food burgers, pizza, or fried chicken, then Wingstop is a decent option. They serve solid wings and sides at reasonable prices, with the food being particularly praised by customers. You can always get disappointing service elsewhere if you have low expectations.
Peraltas Mexican Restaurant
$ | (903) 856-2959 | WEBSITE
Like the authentic Mexican restaurants in Dallas and Fort Worth, this location offers chicken breast with onions and peppers as well as delicious enchiladas, including some family-friendly options. They serve tasty salsa and homemade chips, too, if for some reason you’re looking for a fine dining atmosphere in Pittsburg.
Oasis of Pittsburg
$ | (903) 575-9404 | WEBSITE
Back when this spot was a simple roadside stop near the state park, a customer asked for “something fresh” and was served a basket of crispy catfish with homemade coleslaw. Now known as the Oasis of Pittsburg, that dish and original offerings like authentic Mexican plates and fluffy pancakes have remained, even after new ownership and the Perez family’s takeover.
The updated experience also includes convenient cabins for a quiet stay, access to the natural pond and boat parking, and a fishing tackle store with lottery tickets. This welcoming place is filled with the fresh scent of clean spaces and natural calm, so good luck trying to decide whether to come for a meal or an extended visit.
