They say you can’t buy happiness, but you can find it smothered in gravy, fried, or covered in melted cheese! Comfort food brings the taste of home to the table, evoking memories of family dinners, nostalgia, and second helpings. In Round Rock, we take southern hospitality seriously, and restaurants across the city whip up plates of delicious comfort for our guests. From creamy mac and cheese and crispy fried chicken to waffles and the perfect grilled cheese, every bite feels like a big Texas hug!
Waffle Love
Few things can take us back to childhood faster than a waffle fresh off the iron. There’s a particular joy in watching syrup fill every golden square. That same feeling exists at Waffle Love in Round Rock, where every dish is made with care. The menu is a celebration of comfort, from savory favorites like the Breakfast Sammy and Chicken and Waffles to indulgent treats like Nutella Love and Banana Cream Pie. If you’re craving something unique, the Chicken Avocado Tartine or Grilled Cheese Waffle with Bisque will win your heart and stomach.
Tumble 22 Hot Chicken
At Tumble 22, chicken isn’t just a meal. It is a masterpiece! Each piece is hand-breaded and tumbled 22 times to achieve that perfect golden crunch —a true testament to their dedication. What began as a humble food truck has grown into a chicken empire. The hot chicken is juicy, flavorful, and kissed with just the right amount of heat. Every plate is pure bliss, complete with decadent Mac and Cheese, tender Collard Greens, and perfectly made Deviled Eggs. And because no Southern meal is complete without something sweet, a slice of buttery Pecan, tangy Key Lime, or indulgent Chocolate Pie makes the perfect ending.
Nana B’s Country Kitchen
Newly opened Nana B’s brings soul and warmth to every plate with dishes like juicy Smash Burgers, crispy Fried Catfish, tender Turkey Legs, Oxtails, Wings, and hearty Chili that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. “Everything is made with love,” says Nichols-Friar. “It’s not just food; it’s a whole vibe.” That love shows in every detail, from the inviting atmosphere to the kind smiles that greet you at the door. Nana B’s is the kind of place where you can relax, share a meal, and feel right at home. And if you’ve saved room for dessert, the creamy Banana Pudding and rich Pound Cake hit the spot!
Louisiana Longhorn Cafe
When it comes to comfort food, Cajun soul food always comes to mind, and Louisiana Longhorn Café captures that spirit right in the heart of downtown Round Rock. This local staple serves hearty Southern dishes that melt in your mouth, including creamy Mac and Cheese, delicious Chicken-Fried Steak, and crisp Fried Okra. The flavors of Louisiana shine through in every bite, whether you’re savoring spicy Boudin and tender Crab Cakes, or rich Gumbo and Étouffée. Finish off with a generous serving of Peach Cobbler, Rhubarb Pie, or warm Bread Pudding. It’s the perfect way to linger and savor the hospitality.
Macs- Mac and Cheese Shop
We all know that mac and cheese reigns as the true king of comfort food. It’s rich, hearty, cheesy —it’s comfort in a noodle. Tucked inside Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, this mac-and-cheese haven turns the classic favorite into something unforgettable. The menu is a celebration of homestyle cooking, featuring dishes like the Taco Mac with pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, and seasoned ground beef. Other favorites include the Chicken Bacon Ranch, Buffalo Chicken Mac, and Hatch Chili Fried Chicken Mac, each one more indulgent than the last. And because no comfort meal is complete without a sweet treat, you can end your visit with a slice of Cheesecake, a piece of Carrot Cake, or a warm, gooey Cookie that tastes like it’s from your grandma’s kitchen.
Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Any restaurant with a menu section called “Chicken Fried Anything” knows the way to our hearts. Jack Allen’s Kitchen has that section and does it right! The lineup is pure Southern bliss, with a Chicken-Fried New York Strip, a Pork Chop, or a classic Chicken Breast, each perfectly golden and full of flavor. Add a side of Fried Green Tomatoes or Five Cheese Macaroni, and you’ve got a plate that defines comfort. Brunch keeps the indulgence going with Chicken and Biscuits smothered in creamy gravy and a tall stack of fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes. And if your pants still have space, the TX Caramel Apple Bourbon Cobbler delivers a buttery, cozy sweetness that will have you planning your next visit before the last bite.
Sistas Just Cookin’
Owned by Florida native Teresa, whose Bahamian roots add a little sunshine and soul to every dish, this food truck serves up Southern comfort the way it’s meant to be. From breakfast through dinner, there is always something sizzling: crispy Fried Fish Plates and tender Oxtails, Chicken and Waffles that warm the soul, and Pork Chops cooked to perfection. And when you think you are done, Teresa’s daughter Vanessa steps in with “Suga’s,” the truck’s irresistible dessert menu featuring golden Fried Oreos, melt-in-your-mouth Fried Twinkies, and decadent Mini Bundt Cakes. This is what dessert dreams are made of!
Whiskey Cake
Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar in Round Rock serves up quality food with a Southern comfort twist that feels both familiar and fresh. The menu is packed with dishes that hit all the right notes, from Chicken and Waffles and Deviled Eggs to Candied Bacon, Turkey Chili, and Mac and Cheese made rich with bacon fat and toasted breadcrumbs. Their brunch offerings are just as tempting, with Peach Cobbler French Toast, Crab Benedict, and buttery Gristmill Grits that turn breakfast into an occasion. And of course, no visit is complete without a slice of their namesake Whiskey Cake, a sticky toffee masterpiece drizzled with bourbon anglaise, topped with spiced pecans, and finished with a cloud of house-made vanilla whipped cream. It’s comfort food crafted with care, creativity, and a touch of Southern soul.
Cotton Patch Cafe
Cotton Patch Café is a beloved franchise across Texas, and it has earned its spot on our comfort food guide. Their bread and butter is true Southern comfort, and their tagline proudly declares them the “Comfort Food of Texas.” With most of their locations spread across the Lone Star State, along with a few in Oklahoma and New Mexico, Cotton Patch has become a go-to for homestyle favorites. The menu is filled with hearty classics like Meatloaf, Chicken Fried Steak, and Skillet Cornbread, along with Pork Chops, Roasted Turkey and Dressing, and plenty more dishes that taste like home.
We hope you feel warm and full after enjoying comfort food in Round Rock, TX. Once you’ve had your post-meal nap, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore. Visit our attractions page to see what’s waiting for you. Thanks, y’all!