Finding a good meal in a town other than your own is never an easy feat. Mediocre dining options typically abound, and the treasured and precious few restaurants of quality seem to always be hidden away in places only locals know to look.

Luckily for you, we are locals, so we can reveal some of the best spots in Three Rivers. Whether you’re in town for work or play, give one of our choices a try next time you pass through. We doubt you’ll be disappointed.

Agave Jalisco

Those in search of traditional Tex-Mex cuisine will not be disappointed by what Agave Jalisco has to offer. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Agave Jalisco has dozens of meal options. And fresh, homemade tortillas make for a special touch with every meal. There are also four other locations of this family favorite in the surrounding cities of George West, Riviera, Goliad, and Kenedy.

To learn more about Agave Jalisco’s hours, menu, and locations, take a few minutes to check out their website.

Pepe Boudreaux’s

steak_dinnerPhoto via Flickr

Every town needs a great steak house, and Pepe Boudreaux’s fills that need quite well in Three Rivers. Accommodating diners for lunch and dinner, Pepe Bourdreaux’s has the traditional steakhouse spread – burgers, select cuts, fresh salads, and homemade sides.

For location information and hours of operation, click here.

Van’s Barbecue

Van’s Barbecue is famous for more dishes than one. Diners frequently rave about their homemade potato salad and freshly baked peach cobbler. Of course, the fact that they serve exceptional barbecue is a given. Between slow cooked brisket, tender ribs, and succulent pulled pork, Van’s has barbecue fans of all types covered.

For more information about the Van’s experience, check out their listings on Trip Advisor and Urban Spoon.

The Ranch House

cheese_burgerPhoto via Flickr

Sometimes all you want is a good burger. And surprisingly, a good burger, although seemingly simple, is often hard to find. Thankfully, Three Rivers residents and visitors can experience the special treat of a premium burger from the Ranch House restaurant. Offering an array of fresh toppings and generous portions, the Ranch House is a spot that’s not to be missed.

Be warned, the Ranch House operates with a small staff, and the phrase, “Warning: We are not a fast food restaurant,” is painted clearly on the side of the building. However, diners claim that the food is well worth the wait. Just don’t be surprised if your waiter turns out to be the cook too!

To learn more about the Ranch House, visit their listings on Yelp! or Google+.

Taqueria Vallarta

If a truly authentic Mexican dining experience is what you seek, Taqueria Vallarta is the place to be. Now, taquerias aren’t a rare dining option in Texas. In fact, you could probably close your eyes, throw a rock, and come close to hitting one in almost any town in the state. But some taquerias stand out from the rest. Taqueria Vallarta is definitely one of those places.

And when it comes to quality, looks can be deceiving. Don’t let the quaint and aged exterior of this gem fool you; delicious, authentic cuisine is waiting inside. To plan your visit, have a look at what other diners have to say on Taqueria Vallarta’s listings on Google+ and Urban Spoon.