A Texas A&M Student's Guide To 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!

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 Frida's Kitchen & Bar 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 the Vintage House at Messina Hof Estate Winery next time they’re in town! If brunch is your thing, check out 3rd On Main and Campfire. You also can’t go wrong with a burger at Margie’s!

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.

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.

Don't miss concerts and Wednesday night open mic nights at The Palace, an open-air music venue in Historic Downtown Bryan. Or, if you're looking for a more laid-back evening, The Queen Theatre (a boutique, historic movie theatre) has movies showing almost every night.

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.

If you love thrifting and antiquing, check out our full list of thrift and antique shops. And, if you're looking to build out your record collection as you get settled into Texas A&M, head to Curious Collections Vinyl for an impressive selection curated by local business-owner and fellow Aggie, Mary House '08.

Lake Walk is home to seasonal events, POV Coffeehouse, Campfire Restaurant, and The Stella Hotel, all set around the beautiful Lake Atlas! Many students spend mornings and afternoons here studying, running, and hanging out by the lake. For a bird's eye view of Aggieland, climb the Lookout Tower!

Learn more about Lake Walk and keep up with their events like The Local, a seasonal artisan market, on their website.

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.

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.

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! When the weather is nice, relax under shady trees at The Grove or sip on locally-brewed beer outside at KinderHill Brew Lab & Kitchen, both near Historic Downtown 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.