There’s no place quite like Texas — bold, artistic, flavorful, and full of stories worth telling. And one of the best ways to bring that spirit into your home is through a curated stack of Texas-themed coffee table books.
Whether you’re decorating your living room, elevating a rental property, or looking for the perfect gift for a Texas lover, this list brings together iconic restaurants, cultural landmarks, historic imagery, and uniquely Austin creative scenes. Below, you’ll find a beautifully varied lineup — and exactly why each book deserves a spot on your coffee table.
The Soul of Fonda San Miguel: Fifty Years of Food and Art
Why it belongs on your table:
This book blends vibrant Mexican artistry with the story of one of Austin’s most legendary restaurants. Its saturated colors and Oaxacan inspirations make it a striking décor piece.
Texas Dive Bar Encyclopedia
Why it belongs on your table:
A gritty, character-filled tribute to the legendary dive bars across Texas. Expect neon lights, worn barstools, jukebox corners, and unforgettable local color. Equal parts photography, storytelling, and cultural anthropology — it adds a dose of authentic Texas grit to balance out your more polished books.
Uchi: The Cookbook
Why it belongs on your table:
A modern, design-forward look inside one of Texas’s most celebrated culinary institutions. Sleek photography and chef-driven creativity give this book a refined visual edge.
Austin City Limits
Why it belongs on your table:
A tribute to the longest-running music program in television history. Packed with archival photos and artist stories, it’s a must for music lovers and Austinites alike.
El Arroyo Signs
Why it belongs on your table:
Austin’s favorite sarcastic marquee signs, collected in one hilarious volume. It brings personality, humor, and instant conversation-starters into any room.
Hope Outdoor Gallery: These Walls Can Talk
Why it belongs on your table:
A vibrant snapshot of Austin’s street art scene, capturing the beloved HOPE Gallery before it closed. Bold, colorful, and creatively raw.
Screen to Screen: The Poster Art of Austin City Limits
Why it belongs on your table:
A visual feast for design lovers. This book highlights decades of ACL concert posters — a treasure trove of typography, illustration, and Austin music culture.
A Curious Mix of People: The Underground Scene of the 1990s
Why it belongs on your table:
A gritty, nostalgic look at Austin’s underground culture. Perfect for fans of subcultures, alternative communities, and candid portraiture.
Homegrown: Austin Music Posters
Why it belongs on your table:
A dynamic collection of psychedelic, punk, and indie posters that helped shape Austin’s creative identity. Eye-catching, bold, and endlessly cool.
Borderlands: Recipes and Stories from the Rio Grande to the Pacific
Why it belongs on your table:
Part cookbook, part cultural story — this title celebrates the flavors and people of the Southwest. Warm, atmospheric photography gives it a rich visual presence.
Hill Country Wine Cave
Why it belongs on your table:
An architectural showcase set within the natural Texas landscape. Clean lines and dramatic stonework make this book sculptural and visually captivating.
Official Guide to State Parks
Why it belongs on your table:
A love letter to Texas’s great outdoors. Stunning vistas, wildlife, and trail photography turn this into an inspiring resource for weekend adventurers.
Texas Takes Shape: Historic Maps
Why it belongs on your table:
Detailed, artistic maps tell the story of Texas’s evolving borders and landscapes. Great for history buffs, designers, and fans of vintage cartography.
Texas Lithographs
Why it belongs on your table:
A museum-style collection of historical prints, landscapes, and portraits of early Texas life. Elegant, classic, and rooted in heritage.
Miró Rivera Architects: Building a New Arcadia
Why it belongs on your table:
Showcasing one of Austin’s most innovative architecture firms, this book features striking modern designs and stunning structural photography.
Juneteenth Rodeo
Why it belongs on your table:
A powerful celebration of Black rodeo culture in Texas. The imagery is full of movement, pride, and tradition — both visually rich and culturally meaningful.
Peached Tortilla
Why it belongs on your table:
Vibrant, playful, and full of Austin charm. This book’s colorful photography and modern recipes bring joyful energy to any space.
A24 Texas
Why it belongs on your table:
A cinematic look at Texas through the lens of A24’s atmospheric storytelling style. Moody, stylish, and visually captivating.
Daniel Johnston
Why it belongs on your table:
A beautifully curated collection of the art and cultural impact of one of Austin’s most iconic musicians. Intimate, raw, and emotional.
Franklin Barbecue
Why it belongs on your table:
More than a cookbook — it’s a behind-the-scenes look at Texas’s most famous barbecue joint. Smokers, pits, and glossy brisket photography give it rustic charm.
Texas BBQ: The Art of Long and Slow
Why it belongs on your table:
A celebration of slow-smoke tradition. The rich photography and pitmaster stories make it a mouthwatering addition to your table.
Elizabeth Street Café
Why it belongs on your table:
Soft pastels, French-Vietnamese flavors, and whimsical Austin charm fill every page. It’s equal parts stylish décor and culinary inspiration.
Bring Texas Home — One Book at a Time
From iconic restaurants to historic maps, street art, music culture, and architectural beauty, this curated collection offers a complete visual portrait of Texas. Mix and match them to fit your space — or stack them all for the ultimate Lone Star statement piece.
