Finding a Good Meal in Aubrey
Aubrey has grown fast over the past several years, and the local dining scene has grown right along with it. Whether you are a longtime resident or just moved into one of the newer neighborhoods north of town, there are genuinely good options here — from smoke-scented BBQ joints to scratch-made Mexican food and a downtown cafe that draws a crowd every morning.
BBQ Worth Driving For
For many Aubrey regulars, BBQ is the first thing that comes to mind when the question of dinner arises, and the town delivers on that front.
Tender Smokehouse is the anchor of the local BBQ conversation. The kitchen turns out hand-crafted pit BBQ, and the signature Grand Slam — brisket, pulled pork, and original sausage with smoked BBQ beans layered between buttery-crisp Texas toast and topped with a pork spare rib — is the kind of plate that earns a restaurant its reputation. Tender Smokehouse is also consistently ranked as the top spot for outdoor seating in the area, which matters on a pleasant North Texas evening.
Trinity River BBQ operates as a food truck and carries a perfect 5.0 rating from its regulars. Reviewers are consistent in saying the food never disappoints and that the staff treats guests like family. The protein bowl is the crowd favorite worth ordering first. Check Yelp for the current schedule before heading out.
Tex-Mex and Mexican Restaurants
Aubrey has a strong showing of Mexican and Tex-Mex options, each with its own personality.
Dos Mezclas Restaurant and Bar brings a Latin fusion approach to the table, mixing bold Tex-Mex with influences that include an Indian twist on certain dishes. The street tacos, queso fundido, loaded nachos, and homestyle tortilla soup are all frequently mentioned by reviewers. Diners have been known to make the drive in from Denton specifically for this place, which says something about how it stands out in the region.
Brothers Mexican Restaurant takes a more traditional approach, serving handcrafted dishes rooted in culinary traditions passed down through generations. Every dish is made from scratch, blending the rich flavors of Mexican cooking with a Texas flair. Guests consistently praise the fresh ingredients and point to the margaritas as a reason to return.
Villa Grande Mexican Restaurant rounds out the sit-down Mexican options in Aubrey proper. With 98 reviews and a 4.1 rating on TripAdvisor, it is one of the most-reviewed restaurants in town. Regulars mention a standout sauce that catches first-time visitors off guard in the best way. No standalone website is confirmed, so it is worth verifying hours on Google before your visit.
Breakfast, Brunch, and the Downtown Cafe Scene
Upper Park Cafe sits right in downtown Aubrey and opens daily at 6 AM, closing at 2 PM — making it the go-to for early risers and weekend brunch crowds alike. It holds the top ranking on TripAdvisor for Aubrey restaurants, and the Pecan Coffee has developed something of a local following. The menu goes well beyond coffee, but that drink alone is reason enough for many regulars to make it a weekly stop.
A Neighborhood Diner That Feels Like Home
Kathy’s Country Kitchen is the kind of place where the staff knows your name and the portions are sized for people who actually work up an appetite. The atmosphere leans into a 1950s diner feel, complete with décor that gives the room its own character. The handmade chicken fried steak is the signature dish and is described by regulars as genuinely huge. No confirmed website exists, so a quick search for current hours is the best approach before visiting.
Pizza and Italian
Luigi’s Pizza and Pasta fills a gap that matters in any growing community — a reliable Italian spot with a loyal customer base. With more than 70 reviews and consistent praise for both food quality and value, it has built the kind of repeat-customer reputation that is hard to manufacture. Reviewers describe the pizza as a consistent experience worth returning to, and many guests have been coming back for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the top-rated restaurant in Aubrey, TX?
Upper Park Cafe holds the top ranking on TripAdvisor for Aubrey and is a strong choice for breakfast or brunch. For BBQ, Tender Smokehouse is consistently ranked first in its category and is the most well-known dining destination in town.
Does Aubrey, TX have good Mexican food?
Yes. Aubrey has several solid Mexican and Tex-Mex options, including Dos Mezclas, Brothers Mexican Restaurant, and Villa Grande Mexican Restaurant. Each takes a somewhat different approach, so the best choice depends on whether you want fusion flavors, scratch-made traditional dishes, or a familiar sit-down experience.
Are there any food trucks in Aubrey, TX?
Trinity River BBQ operates as a food truck in Aubrey and has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from local reviewers. Because food truck schedules can change, checking Yelp for current availability before visiting is recommended.
What should I know before dining out in Aubrey?
Aubrey is a fast-growing small town, and restaurant hours can shift as ownership adjusts to demand. It is always a good idea to call ahead or check Google and Yelp for the most current hours, especially for smaller spots and food trucks.
