My favorite places to hangout, dine and drink are owned by my neighbors, friends and family. There is nothing better than eating, drinking and enjoying the atmosphere at local mom and pop restaurants. It not only supports your community, it’s usually fresher, handcrafted and made with more love than anyone will ever realize.

Let’s be-gin with my all-around favorite, Villa Montez. Owned and operated by one of the most precious families I have the privilege to know, the Villapudua’s know how to run a successful family operation. You are family when you walk in their door. It is an experience to dine here, from the dutiful hostesses, the entertaining bartenders, attentive wait staff and culinary artistry in the kitchen.

I haven’t eaten anything on their menu I didn’t like, and I think I’ve tried it all. The patio is my favorite place to wine, dine and hang out. They have live music from time to time, and it is usually local. They are famous for their mojitos and house margaritas. They grow most of their herbs, spices and some of their vegetables on the premises. There is just-picked-out-of-the-garden mint in your mojito, sometimes picked the very moment you order it.

Moving on to something more casual and kitschy. How about an Austin-like, hole-in-the-wall gyro place? I’ve been a fan of What About Kabob and their gyros since they opened. You walk in and everyone shouts hello or something fun. And sometimes you can score free fries just for high-fiving the crew that works there. This place is unique, fresh and full of love.

Joey and Alexis Nartia, and the entire crew have community and creativity pulsing through their veins and the whole joint shows it with the writing, literally, on the wall. I have to admit, while I like their gyros a lot I have three favorites that are not gyros. Gyros al Pastor, gyro nachos and the BTS Burger. They really do have the best burger in Tyler. You can only get the nachos on Wednesday’s, so that makes them even more coveted. The gyros al pastor are like street tacos in Mexico but with the gyro meat. It is a BYOB kind of place and everyone is welcome whether you are in a suit or rocking socks with your sandals. Hang out on the patio or sit at one of the picnic tables that have been painted by local artists through Artist Nation.

Now it’s time to take a trip down to Jacksonville, the tomato capital of the world, and settle in at the old jail. Sadler’s Kitchen has relocated from the old post office to the old jail. With the over-sized eating utensils hanging on the wall and the metal toilet still intact in a small jail cell used for private dining, this place has more charm and funky-vibe than one small town can handle.

Sadler’s is a third generation family-owned and operated restaurant that still uses the original recipes. Famous for their Lemon Meringue Pie and catering, they’ve added barbeque to the menu along with local favorites, such as Broccoli Chicken Casserole and Crawfish Pasta. Owner, Rob Gowin is a great host and can solve all your problems with a slice of pie made by his mother, Jan Gowin.

Heading back to Tyler, you can’t forget Weinerland. My mother worked here when I was a gleam in her eye. This might explain my obsession with hot dogs, sausage and brats. There is something special about Wienerland’s chili cheese dogs that makes it feel like you are eating a piece of nostalgia. And nothing tastes as good as nostalgia. Last July they celebrated their 45th anniversary.

Located across from Tyler Junior College, I used to frequent the drive-thru on my way home from class. I have been eating at Wienerland almost as long as they have been open and I am thankful it hasn’t changed much.

There are so many more mom and pop restaurants I adore and frequent. Good service is more important than great food and relaxing atmosphere is a must. It is great to go to new places and experience them as a first-timer, as well as walking in and being greeted as family. It takes a lot of hard work and dedicated people to bring you a good foodie experience. Remember to always be polite to your server and tip well.

Jennifer Cook is the Manager for Adams Cherokee Storage in Jacksonville. She is a self-proclaimed foodie, hot dog enthusiast and community volunteer. She coordinates the Keep it Local Tuesday group which holds once a week dinners at locally-owned restaurants. She is Vice-President of the Rose City Parrot Heads and a Past-President for the Tyler and Jacksonville Jaycees.