Folks who move to Texas from other places are always amazed to learn just how complicated it is to “be Texan.”

The Panhandle is vastly different from the Gulf Coast, not just in climate or topography but in food, ideas, and culture.

The Rio Grande Valley looks, thinks and eats differently from the Hill Country… which itself couldn’t be more different from the oilfields of West Texas.

The piney woods of East Texas have more in common with Arkansas and Louisiana than they do with fellow Texas city El Paso.

But at Love & War in Texas, you can eat it all, right here in Plano. This locally-owned treasure spotlights Texas cuisine from all regions, as well as Texas wines, beers—and even the original Dr Pepper from Dublin.

Some of our favorite dishes are the Baytown spicy seafood platter, the venison bratwurst and sausage, the Athens burger, and the chicken-fried steak, which is massive (as it should be!). Must-try starters include “Texas 1015″ fried onions, and the fried green beans which are wholly addictive.

They also have a great line-up of live music acts, with Texas and Americana favorites like Eleven Hundred Springs, Max Stallings, Reckless Kelly, and Deryl Dodd. And the restaurants are adorned with unique historical photos and Texana memorabilia.

There are two locations: Plano and Grapevine, with Arlington opening this spring, but we slightly prefer the big open dining porch and music pavilion at the Plano location, right on the railroad tracks. (Although, the Grapevine store is opening a big new patio very soon also… we’ll report back!)

Get yourself an icy cold Shiner, and some chips and salsa, while they grill up a big Texas steak or some fajitas for you, while the kids run around under the stars… y’all, that’s what we’re talking about!