2026 Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Featured Restaurants — Page 13

Texas Pride Barbecue in Adkins delivers the kind of no-frills, counter-service smoke that draws a loyal local crowd well outside San Antonio's center. No reservations, no dress code, no distractions — just barbecue evaluated on its own terms. Arrive early on weekends; popular cuts go fast and the kitchen won't wait for late arrivals.

Mae Malai Thai House of Noodles holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand (2024 and 2025) and an Esquire top-five best new restaurant ranking — all for boat noodles priced under $10 a bowl. The broth is rich, layered, better than anything else in Thai Town at this price. Go for the boat noodles, order multiple bowls, work through the short menu from there.

Al's Breakfast is worth choosing for a casual Minneapolis morning meal, especially if breakfast is the main event and the group is small. The 2026 Opinionated About Dining Cheap Eats recommendation helps justify the stop, but first-timers should treat it as a focused breakfast plan, not a special-occasion restaurant.

Baby Blues BBQ is a practical Venice pick when the group wants barbecue without a high-planning dinner. It makes sense for casual Westside dining, especially when ease matters more than awards, chef pedigree, or a formal room. Cross-shop Casablanca or Wallflower if the occasion needs more atmosphere.