15 Best & Fun Restaurants in Henderson (TX)

Are you looking for the best restaurants in Henderson, TX?

Henderson is a city in Rusky County, located between Longview, Nacogdoches, and Tyler, in Texas, United States. Henderson is also the county seat of Rusky County.

Henderson had a population of 13,271 in the 2020 U. S. National Population Census.

This incredible city is one of East Texas’s most charming and bustling places. There are many things to explore in Henderson, TX, from colorful, ornate buildings to clothing stores, antiques, beautiful parks, and fantastic restaurants.

Your taste buds are in for a memorable experience in the numerous exquisite Henderson restaurants.

Here are the best places to eat in Henderson, TX.

Restaurants in Henderson, TX

1. Sal’s Italian Restaurant

Sal’s Italian Restaurant

Sal’s Italian Restaurant is a modern diner with an appealing look and lively atmosphere. This downtown restaurant is an incredible food spot in Henderson, TX.

The restaurant has comfortable booths that can comfortably seat a group of six to eight. If you want a more private arrangement, the restaurant also has tables for two.

Sal’s Italian Restaurant is lively and airy, owing to the potted plants inside and outside. The service at Sal’s is excellent, and the dishes are delicious.

The Shrimp Cognac of jumbo shrimp in cognac cream sauce is an excellent appetizer to start your dining experience. If you love seafood, the Fried Calamari made with perfectly-fried squid sprinkled with lemon juice is an incredible appetizer choice.

The restaurant offers a delicious variety of appetizers, soups, salads, sides, pasta, pizza, hot subs, house specialties, entrees, and desserts. In addition, the restaurant has a kids’ menu and a good selection of beverages.

Sal’s Italian Restaurant opens from 11:00 am – 09:00 pm on Sunday, from Tuesday to Thursday, and from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Monday.

Address: 214 US-259, Henderson, TX 75654, United States. Phone: +1 903-657-8000

2. Hushpuppies

Hushpuppies

Hushpuppies gives you a fantastic outdoor feel with its roofed exterior dining area. This spot has a comfortable environment surrounded by trees and a scenic, vegetative view.

The inner part of the restaurant has a community feel with close table arrangements and a lively atmosphere.

You will be satisfied with the cheese-loaded Crawfish Queso served with chips as your appetizer choice.

The Fish Tacos and the Shrimp Tacos loaded with cilantro, chile lime sauce, and coleslaw mix are delightful dishes.

If you want some Southern home cooking experience, try the Chopped Sirloin Steak grilled and garnished with fresh mushrooms and onion with a brown country gravy topping.

Hushpuppies serves a fantastic variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, entrees, family feasts, southern dishes, whole grilled fish, sides, and desserts. The establishment is revered as one of the top restaurants in Henderson, TX.

Hushpuppies opens from 10:30 am – 09:00 pm from Sunday to Friday and 10:30 am – 10:00 pm on Saturday.

Address: 721 Fairpark Dr, Henderson, TX 75654, United States. Phone: +1 903-655-7933

3. Sundowners

Sundowners

One of the unique features of Sundowners is the spacious and elegant dining hall. If you want a private dining experience or a good spot for a romantic date, this restaurant is perfect.

Sundowners is an excellent spot to unwind and enjoy your favorite drinks with friends at the end of a busy day.

The restaurant offers good food and excellent service. One fantastic feature of this restaurant is that you get amazing offers and discounts for each day of the week. It’s no surprise that Sundowners is one of the best restaurants in Henderson, TX.

On Monday, you can enjoy the Sundowners’ special Campfire with the sides at an affordable price. This delicious dish made with chicken breast grilled and coated with barbecue sauce and cheese, and topped with bacon, is a great dinner pick. You can enjoy your meal with Daiquiris.

If you love hamburgers, you want to be at Sundowners on a Tuesday. The restaurant serves all hamburger meals on Tuesdays on a jalapeno bun with a side of well-seasoned fries.

Sundowners is open from 11:00 am – 11:00 pm from Monday to Saturday but is closed on Sunday.

Address: 410 US-79, Henderson, TX 75654, United States. Phone: +1 903-657-7902

4. Cotton Patch Cafe

Cotton Patch Cafe

Cotton Patch Cafe is a family-friendly restaurant where unique Southwestern dishes are made from scratch.

The restaurant serves meals made with fresh, good-quality ingredients. If you love Southwestern meals, you should come to Cotton Patch Cafe.

Treat yourself to the restaurant’s delicious Meatloaf Sliders made from scratch and topped with savory, homemade tomato glaze and melted pepper jack cheese. The Meatloaf sliders come with french fries.

Start your mealtime at Cotton Patch Cafe with scratch-made Skillet Cornbread. This delicious appetizer is great for a group.

Cotton Patch Cafe serves a variety of signature dishes, appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, Tex-Mex dishes, desserts, and exciting combos.

Cotton Patch Cafe opens from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm from Monday to Saturday and 10:30 am – 10:00 pm on Sunday.

Address: 420 US-79, Henderson, TX 75652, United States. Phone: +1 903-657-1414

5. The Rusty Star Cafe

The Rusty Star Cafe

The Rusty Star Cafe is the kind of place you go to, and you are sure you will come again. This family-friendly is a great place to eat in the city.

The Rusty Star Cafe serves a fantastic variety of delicious dishes made from scratch with fresh, high-quality ingredients. So if you want excellent service and incredible meals, come to The Rusty Star Cafe.

The Texas Toothpicks, made with fried jalapenos and onions, are a surprisingly delicious appetizer, different from what you would expect. However, if you want something familiar, try the Mozzarella Cheese Sticks or the Fried Mushrooms.

Enjoy a Hot Link Sammich, or the Big Boy Doubled Stacked BLT made with Texas-smoked bacon, tomato, and lettuce stacked twice on wheat or white bread.

The Rusty Star Cafe serves appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, sammiches, desserts, and drinks. In addition, the restaurant has a kids’ menu and offer buffet services.

The Rusty Star Cafe opens from 05:00 am – 09:00 pm from Sunday to Friday and 06:00 am – 09:00 pm on Saturday.

Address: 102 US-79 E, Henderson, TX 75652, United States. Phone: +1 903-655-6440

6. Bob’s Bar-B-Que

Bob’s Bar-B-Que

Bob’s Bar-B-Que is a fantastic family-owned restaurant where you can get perfectly grilled meat.

If you want a quick bite, try the Chopped Beef Sandwich or the Turkey Sandwich. The Hot Link Sandwich is single or double, depending on your preference.

Bob’s Bar-B-Que serves grilled ribs, turkey breast, hot links or sausages, chopped or sliced beef, and ham. You can enjoy your choice of grilled meat with a delicious side of baked beans, potato salad, or coleslaw.

Reward yourself with a slice of Italian Cake at this fantastic spot. However, the Peach Cobbler is a delightful choice if you want to tone it down.

Bob’s Bar-B-Que opens from 10:00 am – 06:00 pm from Tuesday to Saturday but is closed on Sunday and Monday.

Address: 1205 Pope St, Henderson, TX 75652, United States. Phone: +1 903-657-8301

7. Bodacious Bar-B-Que

Bodacious Bar-B-Que

Bodacious Bar-B-Que is a fantastic family-friendly place where you can get delicious American cuisine in Henderson, TX.

If you want a taste of authentic Texas Barbeque, Bodacious Bar-B-Que is the right place to visit. The restaurant serves good-quality meat seasoned adequately with fresh ingredients. In addition, you can take some of the Bodacious Sauce home to spice up your home BBQ cooking.

Bodacious Bar-B-Que serves sandwiches, sandwich plates, brown bag specials, dinners, sides, drinks, and desserts. So if you want Sloppy Joes of Ham by the Pound and a whole cheesecake, you will find it all at Bodacious Bar-B-Que.

Bodacious Bar-B-Que opens from 10:00 am – 09:00 pm from Monday to Saturday and 11:00 am – 08:00 pm on Sunday.

Address: 1005 US-79, Henderson, TX 75652, United States. Phone: +1 903-657-9999

8. Smokehouse Restaurant

Smokehouse Restaurant

Smokehouse Restaurant is a neighborhood spot where you can get excellent Southern meals at affordable rates.

This family-owned restaurant is one of the oldest independent Henderson restaurants and it serves delicious meals with unbelievable consistency.

Enjoy the daily specials on each day of the week at Smokehouse Restaurant. If you love chicken and catfish, you want to be at this spot on Friday for the Chicken & Dressing & Fried Catfish special.

Smokehouse Restaurant serves hot-plated meals, barbecue burgers, desserts, soups, meat by the Pound, meat trays, sides, vegetables, and drinks.

Smokehouse Restaurant opens from 11:00 am – 08:00 pm from Monday to Friday but is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Address: 207 US-79, Henderson, TX 75652, United States. Phone: +1 903-657-7524

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9. Jalapeno Tree

Jalapeno Tree

Come to Jalapeno Tree for unique Mexican dishes served in sizable portions. The food is fresh, and the service is excellent at Jalapeno Tree.

This family-owned restaurant serves vegetable bowls, garden bowls, taco bowls, fajita bowls, shrimp bowls, and child-friendly dishes.

The Pablo dish is an exciting mix of two chicken enchiladas rolled and topped with the restaurant’s signature white chili sauce, then served with rice and beans. You will love this dish if you are a Mexican food lover.

Jalapeno Tree opens from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm from Sunday to Saturday.

Address: 300 US-79, Henderson, TX 75652, United States. Phone: +1 903-657-2065

10. Whataburger

Whataburger

This fantastic fast-food chain has been around since the 50s, serving unique, good-quality dishes. Among the top restaurants in Henderson, TX, is Whataburger.

Whataburger covers your food needs from breakfast to lunch and dinner with fabulous burgers, chicken sandwiches, biscuits, pancakes, and more.

Start your day with a plate of Taquito with Cheese with bacon, sausage, potato, or chorizo on the side. Then, you cannot go wrong with the Breakfast Platter of scrambled eggs, buttermilk biscuits, and sausage or bacon.

Whether it is salads with signature dressing or chicken meals, burgers, shakes & malts, desserts, snacks, or drinks, Whataburger serves the best.

The restaurant offers drive-in and drive-through services.

Whataburger is open 24 hours from Saturday to Sunday.

Address: 630 US-79, Henderson, TX 75652, United States. Phone: +1 903-657-8538

11. Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp

Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp

Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp is hard to miss with its bold sign and colorful exterior. This restaurant gives you a unique dining experience that will last in your mind.

If you want fantastic cocktails to go with unique dishes, Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp serves an exciting variety of craft specialty cocktails. If you want to go hard, try the Top Shelf Margarita from the Pleasure Island Deluxe Frozen Cocktails. This drink features your choice of Jose Cuervo Gold, Avion, Cabo Wabo, Tres Generacions, Cuervo 1800, Patron Silver, Milagro, Don Julio Silver & Gran Gala.

The Blackened Shrimp & Crab Bread Bowl, made of blackened shrimp and lump crab in a pepper jack cream sauce and topped with melted cheese, is a delightful choice to start your meal. This delicious appetizer comes with flour tortilla chips.

Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp serves interesting starters, salads, mexicajun, tacos, oysters, gumbo, fajitas, po’boys combos, grilled plates with veggies, baskets, desserts, and beverages. In addition, the restaurant has a kids’ menu.

Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp opens from 11:00 am – 09:00 pm from Monday to Thursday, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 11:00 am – 08:00 pm on Sunday.

Address: US-79, Henderson, TX 75652, United States. Phone: +1 903-722-2391

12. Herschel’s Restaurant

Herschel’s Restaurant

Nothing beats a casual restaurant where you can get delicious American meals, milkshakes, and iced tea by the gallon from morning to night. Herschel’s restaurant is one of the spectacular Henderson restaurants.

Herschel’s Royal Breakfast puts you in a good mood with two extra large eggs, a sausage patty, two slices of bacon, short-stack pancakes, and breakfast potatoes.

The Eggs Benedict “East Texas Style” is a delicious breakfast feast of toasted buttermilk biscuits topped with scrambled eggs, cream gravy, and whole-hog sausage.

If you arrive at Hershel’s Restaurant at dinnertime, try the New Chicken Fried Steak made with hand-breaded, certified Angus beef steak topped with cream gravy for a mind-blowing experience.

Herschel’s restaurant serves incredible dinners, breakfast, lunch, desserts, sides, salads, and drinks. The restaurant also has a kids’ menu.

Hershel’s restaurant opens from 06:30 am – 10:00 pm from Sunday to Saturday.

Address: 1607 US-79, Henderson, TX 75654, United States. Phone: +1 903-657-7811

13. Snowflake Bakery and Deli

Snowflake Bakery and Deli

Snowflake Bakery and Deli is a great place to grab a quick bite in Henderson, TX.

This neighborhood restaurant serves delicious homemade sandwiches, fresh garden salads, burgers, sides, and fantastic combo meals.

The Hot Lunch Special is a fantastic deal of the main dish, side vegetables, bread, and dessert, you do not want to miss at Snowflake Bakery & Deli.

Snowflake Bakery and Deli opens from 07:00 am – 02:00 pm from Monday to Thursday and 06:45 am – 02:00 pm on Friday. The restaurant is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Address: 522 US-79 BUS, Henderson, TX 75652, United States. Phone: +1 903-657-4124

14. Hazel’s Cafe

Hazel’s Cafe

Hazel’s Cafe instantly lights your mood with its incredible lighting, great ambiance, and vibrant atmosphere. This restaurant is an excellent feel-good spot where you can get delicious morning bites.

Enjoy a breakfast specialty meal of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage patties or pork chops, eggs, hash browns, and biscuits.

Hazel Cafe serves breakfast sandwiches, breakfast specials, burritos, sides, and salads,

Hazel’s Cafe opens from 05:30 am – 01:00 pm from Monday to Friday and 06:00 am – 12:00 pm on Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sunday.

Address: 1333 US-79, Henderson, TX 75652, United States. Phone: +1 903-722-2511.

15. Don Juan’s Mexican Restaurant

Don Juan’s Mexican Restaurant

Don Juan’s Mexican restaurant offers you a slice of Mexico with delicious meals and a great environment.

Whether you want enchiladas, fajitas, or a nice drink, Don Juan’s has something exciting.

Don Juan’s is one of the best restaurants in Henderson, TX, owing to its fantastic appetizers, soups, salads, seafood, queso dip, quesadillas, house specialties, lunch specials, dinners, desserts, and drinks.

Don Juan’s Mexican restaurant opens from 11:00 am – 08:00 pm from Monday to Thursday and 11:00 am – 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Address: 1221 US-79, Henderson, TX 75652, United States. Phone: +1 903-722-2267

Map of the Best Restaurants in Henderson, TX

To get around during your trip to Henderson, here is a map of the best restaurants in Henderson, with markers of the top places to eat in Henderson, TX.

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Plan a Visit to Henderson

Henderson, TX, is rich in cultural and historical sites. In addition, the city has six beautiful parks for unique outdoor activities, which serve as excellent spots for picnics and a playground. In addition, there are so many dishes and exotic restaurants to explore in Henderson restaurants.

This fast-growing city has terrific features and warm, friendly residents. Henderson, TX, is worth a trip.