A Texas A&M Student's Guide To Bryan
Howdy, Aggies!
Bryan is a vibrant, diverse community home to the highest concentration of unique, authentic, and locally-owned businesses in Aggieland! We've got taquerias rivaling some of the best in Texas, cozy coffee shops scattered throughout town, laid-back bars and pubs your friends probably don't know about yet, and some of the best restaurants in the Brazos Valley... and it's all just minutes from Texas A&M University's Main Campus!
Downtown Bryan
Did you know the one-and-only downtown district in Aggieland, Historic Downtown Bryan, is just a straight drive up South College Avenue from Main Campus? No matter where you’re at in Bryan or College Station, you can usually get to Downtown Bryan in under 20 minutes!
Restaurants
Historic Downtown Bryan is home to some of the top restaurants in Aggieland! Favorites like RX Pizza, Proudest Monkey, Papa Perez, and Casa Rodriguez have become Bryan-College Station staples. If you’re looking for great Mexican food, we recommend Cilantro Mexican Grill or street tacos from Taco Crave. Caffé Capri and Hush & Whisper Distilling Co. make for great date night spots, and you’ve got to take your parents to Ronin next time they’re in town! If brunch is your thing, check out 3rd On Main and Blackwater Draw Brewing Co. You also can’t go wrong with a burger at Margie’s, or a taste of one of Texas’s best BBQ bites, as awarded by Texas Monthly, at All The King’s Men.
Bryan Taco Trail
Let’s just go ahead and say it… Bryan, Texas is a foodie city! Embark on a culinary journey with the Bryan Taco Trail, and you’ll find just a taste of the savory offerings of our community’s many eateries. From the trendy birria at Don Chente to the traditional pastor straight off the trompo at Taqueria Poblana, or even a Cubano taco complete with pulled pork & pickles at Proudest Monkey, there are so many incredible tacos to try. Whether you prefer to stick with the more traditional taqueria offerings, or like to venture out into the more unique fusion options… It’s all on the table here in Bryan!
Simply sign up for your digital passport & check in at participating restaurants to start earning points which can be redeemed for exclusive prizes! Get started on your Bryan Taco Trail adventure today.
Entertainment
On the First Friday of each month, Historic Downtown Bryan is taken over by street performers, vendors, and Bryan-College Station residents & visitors looking to kick off the month with a great night! First Friday is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to entertainment & nightlife in Downtown Bryan. Live music can be found throughout the year, and bars and pubs like The 101 and Halo keep the fun going all year long.
Shopping
Scattered around Historic Downtown Bryan you’ll find boutiques, resale shops, antique malls, and so much more! Click here for all your Downtown Bryan shopping options.
Lake Walk
Lake Walk is home to seasonal events, POV Coffeehouse, Campfire Restaurant, and The Stella Hotel, all set around the beautiful Lake Atlas! Learn more about Lake Walk and keep up with their events like The Local, a seasonal artisan market, here: lakewalktx.com
Messina Hof Winery
Did you know the most-awarded winery in Texas is located right here in Aggieland? An iconic destination in the Brazos Valley, Messina Hof Winery began operations in Bryan, TX in 1977 with a single-acre experimental vineyard, a site that still contributes to the company’s success today. As one of the largest producers of 100% Texas wines and the 4th largest Texas winery, no Aggie college experience is complete without at least one trip to Messina Hof! Click here to learn more.
Coffee Shops
Looking for a study spot unlike any other? Bryan is home to some of the coziest, most unique coffee shops in all of Aggieland! Learn more about them here.
Hidden Gems
Some of the best restaurants in Aggieland are off-the-beaten-path in Bryan! If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food, including some of the best tacos & tortas in Texas, check out places like Taqueria El Tio, Raspas El Payasito, and Taqueria Poblana. We also recommend La Espiga Dorada for amazing conchas, pan dulces, and other great Mexican pastries!
For tasty Thai dishes, stop by Kluay Kluay near Briarcrest/Highway 6!
For a more laid-back pub experience, we recommend Tilted Pint on Boonville Road or Carney’s Pub in Midtown Bryan!
Finally, for some of the best Cajun food east of Louisiana, you have to try The Remnant of Nawlins, just outside Historic Downtown Bryan. The owners came here from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and thankfully decided to stick around and bring the flavors of their hometown to Aggieland. Read more about them here.
