Texas, December 22, 2025
In 2025, Tex-Mex cuisine remains dominant in Texas, thriving in takeout orders with tacos and queso leading preferences. Dr Pepper, a beloved state-born soft drink, continues to rank as the second most popular beverage in the U.S. However, the 2024 Michelin Guide’s limited recognition of Tex-Mex eateries raises questions about culinary evaluation. The recent introduction of new beverage categories at the State Fair of Texas and the discovery of a historic Dr Pepper mural further illustrate the intertwining of food culture and heritage in Texas.
Tex-Mex and Dr Pepper: A Culinary Snapshot of Texas in 2025
Tex-Mex cuisine and Dr Pepper have remained central to Texas’s culinary identity in 2025, reflecting the state’s rich food culture and beverage preferences.
Tex-Mex Cuisine Dominates Takeout Orders
In 2025, Tex-Mex dishes led Texas’s takeout orders, with tacos, burgers, and fries topping the list. Queso, a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, was the most popular dip, followed by salsa and guacamole. This trend underscores the enduring popularity of Tex-Mex flavors among Texans.
Dr Pepper’s Continued Popularity
Dr Pepper, a Texas-born soft drink, maintained its strong presence in 2025. It tied with Pepsi as the second most popular soft drink in the United States, trailing only Coca-Cola. This reflects Dr Pepper’s enduring appeal both within Texas and nationwide.
Michelin Guide’s Limited Recognition of Tex-Mex
Despite Texas’s rich Tex-Mex heritage, the 2024 Michelin Guide’s inaugural Texas edition recognized only two Tex-Mex restaurants: Candente in Houston and Garcia’s Mexican Food in San Antonio. This limited acknowledgment highlights the Michelin Guide’s focus on other culinary styles, leaving many Tex-Mex establishments unrecognized.
State Fair of Texas Introduces New Beverage Categories
The 2025 State Fair of Texas expanded its Big Tex Choice Awards to include a new category for beverages, reflecting the growing importance of drinks in the state’s culinary scene. This change acknowledges the diverse and innovative drink offerings that have become integral to Texas’s food culture.
Discovery of Vintage Dr Pepper Mural
In September 2025, a vintage Dr Pepper mural, potentially around 100 years old, was uncovered in Lufkin, Texas, during the redevelopment of an old jailhouse. This discovery highlights Dr Pepper’s deep-rooted history and cultural significance in the state.
Background on Tex-Mex Cuisine
Tex-Mex cuisine, characterized by its use of shredded cheese, beans, meats like chicken, beef, and pork, chili peppers, and spices, along with flour tortillas, has been a staple in Texas since the 1950s. Dishes such as fajitas, enchiladas, and nachos are integral to the state’s food culture.
Background on Dr Pepper
Dr Pepper, created in 1885 in Waco, Texas, is recognized as the oldest major soft drink in America. Its unique blend of flavors has made it a beloved beverage both in Texas and across the United States.
Background on the State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas, held annually in Dallas, is a significant cultural event that showcases the state’s agricultural heritage, culinary innovations, and entertainment. The fair’s Big Tex Choice Awards highlight the best in food and beverage, reflecting the evolving tastes and creativity of Texas’s culinary scene.
Background on the Michelin Guide’s Texas Edition
The Michelin Guide, known for its prestigious restaurant ratings, expanded to Texas in 2024. The inaugural Texas edition included 116 restaurants across the state, with only a few recognized for Tex-Mex cuisine, indicating a selective approach to the region’s diverse food offerings.
Background on the Discovery of the Dr Pepper Mural
The discovery of the vintage Dr Pepper mural in Lufkin, Texas, during the redevelopment of an old jailhouse, underscores the beverage’s deep-rooted history and cultural significance in the state. Such findings highlight the enduring legacy of Dr Pepper in Texas’s heritage.
Background on the Popularity of Tex-Mex Cuisine
Tex-Mex cuisine’s popularity in Texas is evident in its dominance in takeout orders, with tacos, burgers, and fries leading the list. The preference for queso as the top dip further emphasizes the state’s affinity for Tex-Mex flavors.
Background on Dr Pepper’s Market Position
Dr Pepper’s market position as the second most popular soft drink in the United States, tied with Pepsi, reflects its enduring appeal and significant presence in the beverage industry. This status highlights the brand’s widespread recognition and consumer preference.
Background on the State Fair of Texas’s Beverage Innovations
The State Fair of Texas’s introduction of a new beverage category in the Big Tex Choice Awards in 2025 signifies the growing importance of drinks in the state’s culinary scene. This move acknowledges the diverse and innovative drink offerings that have become integral to Texas’s food culture.
Background on the Michelin Guide’s Recognition of Tex-Mex
The Michelin Guide’s limited recognition of Tex-Mex cuisine in its 2024 Texas edition highlights the selective nature of its evaluations, with only a few Tex-Mex establishments acknowledged among the 116 restaurants listed. This reflects the guide’s focus on other culinary styles and its selective approach to the region’s diverse food offerings.
Background on the Dr Pepper Mural Discovery
The discovery of the vintage Dr Pepper mural in Lufkin, Texas, during the redevelopment of an old jailhouse, underscores the beverage’s deep-rooted history and cultural significance in the state. Such findings highlight the enduring legacy of Dr Pepper in Texas’s heritage.
Background on Tex-Mex Cuisine’s Characteristics
Tex-Mex cuisine, characterized by its use of shredded cheese, beans, meats like chicken, beef, and pork, chili peppers, and spices, along with flour tortillas, has been a staple in Texas since the 1950s. Dishes such as fajitas, enchiladas, and nachos are integral to the state’s food culture.
Background on Dr Pepper’s Origins
Dr Pepper, created in 1885 in Waco, Texas, is recognized as the oldest major soft drink in America. Its unique blend of flavors has made it a beloved beverage both in Texas and across the United States.
Background on the State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas, held annually in Dallas, is a significant cultural event that showcases the state’s agricultural heritage, culinary innovations, and entertainment. The fair’s Big Tex Choice Awards highlight the best in food and beverage, reflecting the evolving tastes and creativity of Texas’s culinary scene.
Background on the Michelin Guide’s Texas Edition
The Michelin Guide, known for its prestigious restaurant ratings, expanded to Texas in 2024. The inaugural Texas edition included 116 restaurants across the state, with only a few recognized for Tex-Mex cuisine, indicating a selective approach to the region’s diverse food offerings.
Background on the Discovery of the Dr Pepper Mural
The discovery of the vintage Dr Pepper mural in Lufkin, Texas, during the redevelopment of an old jailhouse, underscores the beverage’s deep-rooted history and cultural significance in the state. Such findings highlight the enduring legacy of Dr Pepper in Texas’s heritage.
Background on the Popularity of Tex-Mex Cuisine
Tex-Mex cuisine’s popularity in Texas is evident in its dominance in takeout orders, with tacos, burgers, and fries leading the list. The preference for queso as the top dip further emphasizes the state’s affinity for Tex-Mex flavors.
Background on Dr Pepper’s Market Position
Dr Pepper’s market position as the second most popular soft drink in the United States, tied with Pepsi, reflects its enduring appeal and significant presence in the beverage industry. This status highlights the brand’s widespread recognition and consumer preference.
Background on the State Fair of Texas’s Beverage Innovations
The State Fair of Texas’s introduction of a new beverage category in the Big Tex Choice Awards in 2025 signifies the growing importance of drinks in the state’s culinary scene. This move acknowledges the diverse and innovative drink offerings that have become integral to Texas’s food culture.
Background on the Michelin Guide’s Recognition of Tex-Mex
The Michelin Guide’s limited recognition of Tex-Mex cuisine in its 2024 Texas edition highlights the selective nature of its evaluations, with only a few Tex-Mex establishments acknowledged among the 116 restaurants listed. This reflects the guide’s focus on other culinary styles and its selective approach to the region’s diverse food offerings.
Conclusion
Tex-Mex cuisine and Dr Pepper continue to play pivotal roles in Texas’s culinary landscape, showcasing both the state’s heritage and its evolving tastes. With the dominance of Tex-Mex in takeout orders and the enduring popularity of Dr Pepper, the connections to local culture are strong. As we look forward to future culinary innovations and the recognition they receive, supporting local restaurants and beverages is crucial in fostering Texas’s economic growth and cultural identity.
Engaging with our local businesses not only strengthens our community but also celebrates the unique flavors and traditions that make Texas an extraordinary place to live. Whether enjoying a plate of tacos at a favorite restaurant or sipping a Dr Pepper, our choices contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our state’s culinary scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular Tex-Mex dishes in Texas in 2025?
In 2025, Tex-Mex dishes led Texas’s takeout orders, with tacos, burgers, and fries topping the list. Queso, a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, was the most popular dip, followed by salsa and guacamole.
How popular is Dr Pepper in Texas?
Dr Pepper, a Texas-born soft drink, maintained its strong presence in 2025. It tied with Pepsi as the second most popular soft drink in the United States, trailing only Coca-Cola.
Which Tex-Mex restaurants were recognized in the Michelin Guide?
Despite Texas’s rich Tex-Mex heritage, the 2024 Michelin Guide’s inaugural Texas edition recognized only two Tex-Mex restaurants: Candente in Houston and Garcia’s Mexican Food in San Antonio.
What new beverage categories were introduced at the State Fair of Texas?
The 2025 State Fair of Texas expanded its Big Tex Choice Awards to include a new category for beverages, reflecting the growing importance of drinks in the state’s culinary scene.
What recent discovery highlights Dr Pepper’s history?
In September 2025, a vintage Dr Pepper mural, potentially around 100 years old, was uncovered in Lufkin, Texas, during the redevelopment of an old jailhouse. This discovery highlights Dr Pepper’s deep-rooted history and cultural significance in the state.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tex-Mex Popularity | Dominates takeout orders; popular dishes include tacos and queso. |
| Dr Pepper Market Position | Second most popular soft drink in the U.S., tied with Pepsi. |
| Michelin Guide Recognition | Only two Tex-Mex restaurants recognized in the inaugural Texas edition. |
| State Fair Innovations | New beverage category added to the Big Tex Choice Awards. |
| Cultural Discovery | Vintage Dr Pepper mural uncovered in Lufkin, Texas. |
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