Abilene Favorites June 12, 2026

Abilene Eats: Senter Favorites

Where Our Agents Love to Eat in Abilene

One of the best parts of living and working in Abilene is the local food scene. Whether it’s barbecue, Thai food, burgers, steak, Mexican food, or a favorite breakfast spot, our agents have spent years discovering the places they keep coming back to.

We asked members of the BHGRE Senter, REALTORS® team a simple question:

“What’s one of your favorite places to eat in Abilene?”

Here are some of the local restaurants that made the list.

Barbecue Favorites

The Shed Market

A longtime Abilene favorite, The Shed continues to earn praise for classic Texas barbecue done right. Shay Senter called it one of the city’s legendary barbecue destinations.

Jay’s BBQ

Another local barbecue institution, Jay’s BBQ is known for smoked meats and a loyal following. According to Shay, it’s simply one of those places that’s earned its reputation over the years.

Local Icons

Joe Allen’s Pit Bar-B-Que

For Kelley Clay, Joe Allen’s remains an Abilene icon.

“We always have great food and excellent service.”

Few restaurants have been part of the local dining scene as long, making it a place many residents have enjoyed for generations.

Farolito’s

Another Kelley Clay favorite, Farolito’s has been serving Abilene for decades.

“Good Mexican food in a restaurant that’s been around a very long time; unique to Abilene and always friendly service.”

Steakhouse Favorites

The Beehive Restaurant

The Beehive received multiple votes from our team.

Leonard Davis says:

“They have the best filet of any steakhouse in town.”

Carol agrees:

“The food is always good and the staff is very friendly. Even the owner comes by sometimes to say hello and thank you for being there.”

International Flavors

Krua Thai Restaurant

Krua Thai may have received the most enthusiastic endorsements from our agents.

Diane Schmahl’s review was simple:

“Everything on the menu is great!”

Kam Zinsser highlighted the personal touch:

“The owner always remembers my name and my order. I love the personal service.”

Phoenix Pho

Another favorite of Kam’s, Phoenix Pho offers a lighter option for those looking for fresh Vietnamese cuisine.

“I love Phoenix Pho because they serve a healthier choice.”

Bonzai Japanese Steakhouse

For Shay Senter, Bonzai is always a reliable choice.

“They always deliver on the hibachi, and I love the fried rice.”

Mexican Food Favorites

Abuelo’s

Pam Yungblut appreciates Abuelo’s for a simple reason:

“It’s close to home and always great.”

Miguel’s Mex Tex Cafe

Kelley Clay highlighted Miguel’s for both its atmosphere and menu.

“They have some less common options, including burnt ends, tomalito, and avocado slices.”

Casual Dining & Game Day Spots

Taylor County Taphouse

One of Shay’s favorite local gathering spots.

“They have a great menu, frequent food specials, and one of the best draft beer selections in the city.”

Mulligan’s

Judith Puryear recommends Mulligan’s for a relaxed atmosphere.

“It’s a nice laid-back place to have great fried catfish and catch the game.”

Galveston Seafood Company

Another Judith favorite.

“They have amazing food, and I know the food is fresh. They also have some amazing servers.”

Grump’s Burgers

Scott Senter keeps it simple:

“Good drinks and a great burger.”

Brick Oven Pizza

Autumn Cauthen recommends Brick Oven Pizza as a favorite for the whole family. Tina Pratt agrees it’s one of the best!

“We all get to pick our favorite personal pizza, and they use fresh toppings.”

Breakfast & Lunch Favorites

Hickory Street Cafe

When she’s meeting friends for lunch, Hickory Street Cafe is one of Autumn’s go-to spots.

“You can’t go wrong with a slice of their zucchini bread.”

Buffalo Gap Cafe

Richard’s favorite destination for breakfast or lunch.

“Small, friendly place with great baked goods to enjoy there or take home.”

A Local Drink Stop Worth Mentioning

Teapioca Lounge

Kam Zinsser’s favorite stop for something refreshing.

“Their fruit tea is so good, and they use real fruit in the tea.”

What We Love About Abilene

One thing became clear from everyone’s responses: the best restaurants aren’t just about the food. They’re about the owners who know your name, the servers who remember your order, the places that have been part of the community for decades, and the local businesses that make Abilene feel like home.

As REALTORS®, we spend a lot of time helping people find the right place to live. These are some of the places that help make our community special once you’ve settled in.