5 Best New Restaurants in McKinney, Texas that People Swear By

McKinney has moved from sleepy suburb to legit destination, especially around its historic downtown.

Alongside the old-school favorites, a wave of newer spots has brought chef-driven menus, craft cocktails, and polished but relaxed spaces.

These five relatively new or newly buzz‑worthy restaurants show how much McKinney’s dining scene has grown.

1. Harvest Seasonal Kitchen

Harvest is the restaurant most often credited with putting modern McKinney dining on the map.

Located on the square in a warm, brick‑walled space, it leans hard into farm‑to‑table cooking with a serious commitment to local producers.

The menu changes frequently but usually features Texas meats, seasonal vegetables, shareable starters, and thoughtful mains—think heritage pork, Gulf fish, creative salads, and house‑made breads and desserts.

The bar program mirrors the kitchen’s ethos, with Texas spirits, seasonal cocktails, and a solid wine list.

2. Rick’s Chophouse

Rick’s isn’t brand‑new, but it continues to feel freshly relevant thanks to consistent quality and a classic‑meets‑modern steakhouse vibe.

Set in the historic Grand Hotel, the dining room is cozy and elegant without being stiff—lots of wood, white tablecloths, and a buzzy bar.

Steaks are the star, but the menu also leans into seafood, hearty sides, rich starters, and comforting desserts.

Think crab cakes, prime rib, loaded potatoes, and well‑executed classics like wedge salads and crème brûlée, all handled with polish.

3. Local Yocal BBQ & Grill

An offshoot of a well‑known local butcher, Local Yocal brings serious respect for meat to a casual‑polished setting.

The space feels like a modern Texas roadhouse—industrial touches, warm wood, and a lively bar.

Expect smoked brisket, ribs, and sausages alongside steaks, burgers, and sandwiches that spotlight high‑quality beef.

Sides like mac and cheese, beans, and slaw are handled with as much care as the mains. It’s a go‑to for anyone who wants a step up from standard BBQ without getting too fancy.

4. Sugarbacon Proper Kitchen

Sugarbacon is a fun, modern Southern spot with a neighborhood feel.

The dining room and patio are both popular, and the atmosphere hits that sweet spot between date‑night nice and come‑as‑you‑are casual.

The menu focuses on Southern‑influenced comfort food with creative twists: the namesake sugarbacon starter, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, burgers, sandwiches, and seasonal plates built around local produce.

Cocktails lean approachable and a bit playful, making it an easy choice for happy hour or weekend brunch.

5. The Yard

The Yard is more of a huge indoor‑outdoor playground with a serious kitchen than a traditional restaurant. Long picnic tables, turf, games, and string lights make it feel like a permanent backyard party in the heart of McKinney.

Food runs well above typical bar fare: elevated burgers, sandwiches, tacos, big shareable appetizers, and salads that don’t feel like an afterthought. The drink list is extensive—beer, frozen cocktails, and easy‑sipping mixed drinks—making it a natural hangout for groups, families, and dog‑owners alike.