Here's a tasty little riddle for you: What do barbeque, Tex-Mex and seafood all have in common? They're all must-eats in the Lone Star State. The tastes of Texas are as varied as the landscape there -- from wild game (quail and boar) served up in the Hill Country to fresh catches from the Gulf of Mexico and tamales made from scratch in a tiny caf? in Dallas. Here are 10 of our -- and the locals' -- favorites.

Up Next: Czech

Location: West
Insiders Know: Say 'west Texas' and folks think of Big Bend and cowboys; but the town of West, Texas is the so-called Czech republic of the state. 75 miles south of Dallas, West is filled with Czech bakeries and a few cafes, including one in business since 1923. At Sulak's, the fare runs from kolaches (basically a soft bun filled with a meat or jam), to traditional pork dishes like veprova pecene (roasted pork) to sausage dishes and even a Czech version of chicken fried steak. There's plenty of imported beer, too, including Pilsner Urquell, a Czech-brewed favorite.

Up Next: Southwest

Location: Fort Worth
Insiders Know: This is the fusion of Southwest cooking with the regional influences of Texas -- from Creole to Mexican. From wild boar and venison to oysters and quail, almost every main ingredient is from Texas and uniquely combined. Venison Carpaccio and crispy quail legs are great starters; entrees include a smoked chicken salad topped with a jalape�o and garlic vinaigrette, a filet served with a albino pepper and Tasso cream sauce and the scrumptious Southwestern chicken stack -- a free-range chicken breast layered with corn tortillas, guajillo chili sauce and more.
Up Next: Seafood

Location: Port Aransas
Insiders Know: Port A is more fishing village than tourist destination -- a spot that Texans love and keep to themselves. Trout Street may just be the fanciest spot in town -- your bottle of beer will come with a glass and the list of wines isn't limited to a card on the table -- but there's no pretension served up. The focus is fish -- blackened, grilled, and fried, from sea scallops and amberjack to shrimp and red snapper straight out of the Gulf.

Up Next: Mexican

Location: San Antonio
Insiders Know: Just off the Riverwalk in the city's Mercado section, Mi Tierra has been serving up authentic Mexican food in an authentic atmosphere since the 1940s. Strolling mariachis provide the soundtrack for festive dining on Mexican favorites, from Carne Asada to Carnitas Michoacan (pork tips marinated in spices and oranges). Be sure to hit the panaderia for some take-away sweets; try the Ricardo, a cr�me filled bun that's topped with a sweet pecan glaze.

Up Next: German

Location: Plano
Insiders Know: The Bavarian Grill is authentically German from the dirndl-wearing waitresses to the Alpine d�cor and cuisine. The huge selection of bratwursts -- from smoked brats to weisswurst and knackwurst -- are probably the main draw for most folks, but diving into a plate of Spaetzle layered with Emmentaler Swiss or cheesy pretzelrolls give plenty of reasons for repeat visits -- or plate sharing. There are more than a dozen beers poured into steins and a bier garten, but children are welcome as well.

Up Next: Texas Fusion

Location: Fredericksburg
Insiders Know: The Hill Country town of Fredericksburg is filled with charming shops and art galleries, and an amazing restaurant scene for a town of just a few thousand people. August E's recently made the move from an old log building to a space just off the main drag, but did not compromise the culinary focus -- a fusion of fresh fish, wild game, and good old fashioned locally-ranched beef. Seafood is flown in every other day from Hawaii to stock the sushi bar, while dry-aged Angus steaks tempt beef lovers; venison and other game dishes offer a slice of ranch cooking, urbanized.
Up Next: Pancakes

Location: Austin
Insiders Know: The original location -- on Kerbey Lane, of course -- is an Austin institution and the must-eat destination that's a throwback to the pre-technology boom in the capital city. With its huge pancake breakfasts featuring gingerbread and apple whole wheat pancakes as well as the traditional buttermilk, Kerbey Lane is also known for its long lines on weekend mornings, so come prepared with a cup of Joe. But once seated, the alluring aroma of hot pancakes and smoked bacon are enough to overlook the wait; try the pecan crusted trout or hummus and tabouleh tacos for lunch.
Up Next: Barbeque

Location: Houston
Insiders Know: At Goode's signature barbeque location on Kirby (there are a few more scattered around the city), a barn-like building gives way to cafeteria-style ordering, picnic tables, rolls of paper towels and lick-your-fingers-dry barbeque, from ribs to brisket to chicken. A slice of the Brazos bottom pecan pie isn't just dessert -- it's a slice of heaven.

Up Next: Cajun

Location: Port Arthur
Insiders Know: From battered and fried crawfish tails to hot shrimp remoulade and three choices of seafood gumbo served over rice, Esther's is the go-to spot for Cajun in East Texas. Seafood Po' boys and fried catfish are lunchtime staples; for something completely different there's a Cajun potato -- a jacket potato stuffed with grilled shrimp and a Ponchatrain sauce. The restaurant also serves plenty of sweet indulgences after a spicy meal, including a Cajun cake -- a pineapple topped with coconut, caramel and pecans.
Up Next: Tamales

Location: Dallas
Insiders Know: The traditional tamales -- slow roasted pork in a mild chili sauce -- are the lure reeling in locals at La Popular, and for good reason: They are all hand crafted, from the grinding of the corn to the roasting of the pork, and assembling them in the corn husks. Another five choices on the tamale menu (sold by the dozen for under ten bucks), warm handmade tortillas and imported Mexican soft drinks give little incentive to ever leave La Popular -- or at least a big incentive to return.

Up Next: More Travel Stories

Location: Fairmont, WV
What It Is: Pepperoni rolls are made of spicy pepperoni encased in a soft chewy dough. For those wanting an extra zing, add pepper jack cheese. It was originally created as portable fare for coal miners in North Central West Virginia by Guiseppe "Joseph" Argiro, owner of the Country Club Bakery, in the 1920's.

Up Next: Hot Doug's

Location: Chicago, IL
What It Is: The modest exterior of Hot Doug's (full name: The Sausage Superstore and Encased Meat Emporium) is frequently flocked by a crowd of devotees lined up around the block. Dozens of sausage choices change daily, offering unexpected meats like kangaroo, boar, duck, antelope and rabbit paired with exotic cheeses, imaginative sauces, and even more imaginative names. Staples like the classic Chicago-style dog ensure there's always something for the more traditional "encased meats" enthusiast.

Up Next: Ben's Chili Bowl

Location: Washington D.C.
What It Is: It's hard for city residents and visitors to stray far from a DC "power lunch" at Ben's Chili Bowl, home of Washington's signature dish, the chili half-smoke. Ben's is a favorite of Bill Cosby, who often took his wife Camille there when they were dating in the 60's. Located in the U Street corridor of DC, this casual neighborhood staple also played host to musicians like Cab Calloway and Ella Fitzgerald. Vegetarians need not beware -- Ben's also offers veggie dogs.

Up Next: Fusion

Location: Guam
What It Is: Delicacies include whole roast pig, tropical fruits, yams, taro, coconut crabs, and red. Barbecue specialties include reef fish, sausages, ribs, chicken, breadfruit, and tortillas. To transform dishes into Chamorro meal, request finadene, a piquant sauce packed with local chili peppers, soy sauce, lemon juice, and onions.


Up Next: Buttermilk Pie

Location: Rutledge, GA
What It Is: In downtown Rutledge you will find "Yesterday's Cafe", which is famous for it's truly local Southern dish (an old African American recipe passed down through generations) -- buttermilk pie. Last November, this buttermilk pie recipe won first place in Good Morning America's Best Bites Challenge.

Up Next: Voodoo Doughnut

Location: Medora, ND
What It Is: Deep in the heart of the North Dakota Badlands, rib-eye steaks are speared with pitchfork prongs and simmered in a juicy cowboy cauldron. Savor your steaks in a family-friendly venue that overlooks the scenic Badlands and the historic town of Medora. You'll experience the west with all five senses as the members of the Medora Musical cap the night with a serenade of western songs.

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