Brownwood Eats – A List of the Best Local Restaurants | Howard Payne University

RestaurantsBy Jordan Givens | After a new student moves in, one of the first questions asked is “Where do we eat?”

Many alumni answer with a resounding “Underwood’s, or if you’re early enough Common Grounds.” While both are great options, many Howard Payne students miss out on the rest of Brownwood’s good eats. After asking HPU alumni, and current students a list of the uncommon or unknown places to eat was composed, with a review of the pricing, location, and what each restaurant has to offer.

Average meal:

  • Below $5: $
  • Between $5-$10: $$
  • Between $10-$12: $$$
  • Between $12-$15: $$$$
  • More than $15+: $$$$$

Craving a good burger? Maybe skip the long Whataburger lines and hit one of these two local favorites:

 

  • The Runaway Train:

 

Address: 3600 Stephen F Austin Dr

Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 11 am – 3 pm & Friday – Saturday 11am – 8pm

College Budget: $$$

The runaway train not only has great burgers and sandwiches, but the atmosphere is unlike any other. An old train car was transformed into a retro cafe complete with neon lights and an iconic milkshake bar. Sitting on the outskirts of town towards Gordan Wood, it’s the perfect meal to conclude a day cheering on our Yellow Jacket football team.

 

 

  • Studebakers: 

 

Address: 409 E Commerce St

Hours: Monday – Friday 11 am – 9 pm 

College Budget: $$

Located next door to Whataburger and across the street from Chick-fil-a, Studebakers has both tasty chicken sandwiches and mouth watering burgers that can compete. With its old-school decor, it’s a must-try for all of HPU’s students.

 

Are you craving some Asian food? Check out these two Asian cuisines.

 

  • Jolene’s Thai Cuisine

 

Address: 2001 Coggin Ave

Hours: Monday – Friday 11am – 8pm

College Budget: $$$ 

If you are in the mood for Thai food, Jolene’s is the perfect place for you! Feel free to dine in or carry out. Each meal is fresh as it is not cooked until ordered. Some local favorites are orange chicken, cashew chicken, and stir-fried veggies.

 

 

  • LemonGrass Asian Cuisine

 

Address: 1900 Coggin Ave

Hours: Monday – Friday 11am – 6pm & Saturday 11am – 5pm 

College Budget: $$

Another great option if you are craving Asian food is Lemon Grass. Available for dine-in or take-out, there are plenty of great dishes to choose from. If you are a boba tea fan, they have the best in town.

 

What about some tacos? Brownwood has no shortage of chain restaurants where you can grab a cheap taco, but try out these local favorites on your next Taco Tuesday.

 

  • Taco “El Compa”

 

Address: 528 W Commerce St

Hours: Sunday – Saturday 5am – 3pm 

College Budget: $$

If you are ever stuck in a long Taco bell line for lunch, cross the highway to the building that resembles a gas station. Inside you will find the best authentic street tacos, perfect for your lunch break. El Compa also serves Horchata and some very spicy salsa.

 

 

  • Tr3s Leches 

 

Address: 201 E Baker St

Hours: Tuesday – Friday 8am – 8:30pm & Saturday 8am – 5pm

College Budget: $$

Known best for their shrimp, pork, and prawn tacos, Tr3s leches offers many other authentic Mexican foods. They also have a bakery, filled with fresh Mexican pastries.

 

Or maybe lunch isn’t really your thing, there are a couple of favorites where one can grab a good breakfast.

 

  • Ricardo’s Tortilla Bakery 

 

Address: 904 Booker St

Hours: Monday – Saturday 6am – 2:30pm

College Budget: $

Right across the street from HPU lies the place where you can get homemade tortillas that make their breakfast burritos ten times better. They have breakfast served all day, it’s the perfect stop before your 8 am class.

 

 

  • Sissy’s Red Wagon

 

Address: 401 N Main St Ave

Hours: Sunday – Saturday 6am – 2pm

College Budget: $

This is the perfect place for a delicious and cheap breakfast. This restaurant is known for being friendly and fast. While the parking situation is not ideal, many people park across the street and walk. It’s that good. The handmade breakfast is served all day.

 

There’s a new coffee place in town, so skip the Starbucks line and check out this gem inside of Shaw’s Market.

 

  • Golden Hour Coffee

 

Address: 508 N Center Ave

Hours: Wednesday – Friday 7:30 am – 4 pm, Saturday 9am – 4pm, 

& Sunday 12pm – 4pm 

College Budget: $$

This aesthetic coffee shop recently opened inside Shaw’s Marketplace. Serving bagels and coffee, you can also shop around the boutiques while sipping on a honey cinnamon latte.

Need any ideas for date night or just night out with friends? We’ve got you covered.

 

  • Teddy’s Brewhaus

 

Address: 102 Fisk Ave

Hours: Thursday – Saturday 4pm – 11pm

College Budget: $$$$

Relatively new in town, Teddy’s has homemade pizza that beats any chain restaurant pizza in town. They have a revolving menu, but their pizza and pretzels are available all the time. You’ll be sure to find smoked meat with delectable sides Thursday – Saturday. Every once in a while you can find live music out back. Did I mention their root beer?

 

Other Places to Try: 

Smitty’s

The Sticks BBQ

Corina’s

Taquito Millonario

Steve’s

The Hideout

The Turtle

Showcones

China Café

Jerry’s Burgers and Shakes