I know you said no towns over 5000, BUT, Wichita Falls should be exempted for Coaches Conference week.
So, at the risk of being “roasted”, pun intended! Salt and Pepper, close to the mall and Hampton on a side street. Mediterranean flair, small, unique. Take the wife. Fox Hill, a beautiful home built in 1922, fantastic food, great dining areas where the large bedrooms, family room and study used to be and a neat tucked away bar. Food, grounds and atmosphere are wonderful! On the road from Wichita stop in Seymour at Blessings. A former home as well, off the highway, behind the school. Hard to find, worth the effort, small, only 5 or 6 tables. Great breakfast, including wonderful breakfast tacos. Small lunch menu but very interesting food with a Belizean flair and seasonings. And when you get to Leakey on Tuesday or Friday you got to go to Chicken Earls. They have Great fried chicken. Family owned Forever Did I say they have fantastic fried chicken? On Friday you can get fried chicken or fried fish. Oh, I don’t want to forget, they have FANTASTIC FRIED CHICKEN.