You gotta check out (The Shed) Edom, Tx The best chicken fried steak, homemade pies and the ride there is awsome.
Also (Kitchens) Hardware/Resturaunt in Mineola.
The Thirsty Parrot in Monaville, Texas is a nice stopping point for a short ride west out of Houston, just north of Brookshire, Texas on FM 359 http://thethirstyparrot.com/
El Pato's taco's, baby - the best dang localized chain in the Valley! The one right across the street from UT Pan Am is my personal favorite (even in its currently remodeled state).
Underwood's in Brownwood. The meat is just ok in my opinion, but the hot rolls and cobbler is the best I have ever eaten. Keith's in Odessa has killer steakfingers.