West Texas offers a unique culinary landscape for road trippers seeking authentic flavors and memorable dining experiences. From small-town diners to upscale restaurants, the region’s food scene reflects its diverse cultural influences and rich agricultural heritage.
Travelers exploring West Texas can find a variety of dining options that showcase local ingredients and regional specialties. Whether craving Tex-Mex favorites, barbecue, or innovative farm-to-table cuisine, visitors will discover eateries that capture the essence of this vast and rugged part of the Lone Star State.
1) Cattleman’s Steakhouse in Fabens
Cattleman’s Steakhouse offers a unique dining experience in West Texas. Located on a 32,000-acre working ranch near El Paso, this restaurant combines excellent food with stunning desert scenery.
The steakhouse is known for its high-quality steaks and Western atmosphere. Diners can enjoy their meals while taking in spectacular sunsets over the desert landscape.
Beyond the food, Cattleman’s provides additional attractions. The ranch is home to various animals, including buffalo, longhorns, and ostriches. Visitors can tour the property to see these creatures up close.
The restaurant’s setting at Indian Cliffs Ranch adds to its appeal. The canyon facade creates a dramatic backdrop for meals and exploration.
Cattleman’s Steakhouse is a popular destination for both locals and travelers passing through West Texas. Its combination of good food and unique surroundings makes it a memorable stop on any road trip.
Cattleman’s Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch
Address: 3450 S Fabens Carlsbad Rd, Fabens, Texas 79838
Website: Not available in search results
2) Jett’s Grill at The Hotel Paisano
Jett’s Grill offers a refined dining experience in the historic Hotel Paisano in Marfa, Texas. The restaurant serves a mix of Texan and American cuisine in an elegant setting.
Diners can enjoy their meals indoors or outside by the tiered fountain. The menu features local favorites like the pistachio-crusted sirloin steak and the Black Angus GIANT burger.
Bar service begins at 2:00 p.m. with a late lunch menu available. Full dinner service starts at 5:00 p.m. daily.
The restaurant is known for its ambiance, reflecting the hotel’s reputation as a social hub since the 1930s. It attracts both locals and travelers exploring West Texas.
Jett’s Grill is suitable for small gatherings or larger groups. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Jett’s Grill at The Hotel Paisano
207 N Highland Ave, Marfa, TX 79843
Hours: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Mon-Thu, Sun), 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Fri-Sat)
Website: www.hotelpaisano.com/dining
3) Reata Restaurant in Alpine
Reata Restaurant stands out as a top dining destination in Alpine, West Texas. Established in 1995, this eatery offers fine cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
The menu features legendary Texas dishes, showcasing the flavors of the region. Diners can enjoy their meals in various settings, including the bar area or the rooftop patio with scenic views.
Reata’s decor adds to the dining experience, with museum-quality artifacts from the old west adorning the walls. Memorabilia from famous roper Roy Cooper is among the notable pieces on display.
The restaurant prides itself on providing white tablecloth service in a casual environment. This blend of upscale dining and laid-back ambiance appeals to both locals and visitors exploring the Big Bend area.
Reata Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, with varying hours throughout the week. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Reata Restaurant
203 N 5th St, Alpine, TX 79830
(432) 837-9232
www.reata.net
4) The Saddle Club in Midland
The Saddle Club in Midland offers a unique dining experience for travelers passing through West Texas. This restaurant combines Western charm with upscale cuisine, making it a standout option in the area.
The menu features a variety of steaks, seafood, and Southwestern-inspired dishes. Diners can enjoy expertly prepared cuts of beef alongside creative sides and sauces.
The restaurant’s decor embraces its Western heritage, with rustic elements and equestrian-themed accents throughout the space. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for patrons.
The Saddle Club is known for its attentive service and commitment to quality ingredients. Many dishes incorporate locally sourced produce and meats when available.
The bar area offers a selection of craft cocktails, local beers, and an extensive wine list. It’s a popular spot for both pre-dinner drinks and nightcaps.
Dakotas At Saddle Club, 4610 N Garfield St, Midland, TX 79705. Phone: (432) 687-2580.
5) La Calera in Presidio
La Calera offers authentic Mexican cuisine in the border town of Presidio, Texas. This local favorite serves up hearty portions of traditional dishes in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
Diners can enjoy classic Tex-Mex fare like enchiladas, tacos, and fajitas. La Calera is particularly known for its flavorful carne asada and homemade salsas.
The restaurant’s friendly staff and reasonable prices make it a popular stop for both locals and travelers passing through West Texas. Its convenient location near the U.S.-Mexico border adds to its appeal for road trippers exploring the region.
La Calera provides a taste of genuine border town dining, allowing visitors to experience the culinary culture of this unique area. It’s an ideal spot to refuel and relax during a West Texas road trip adventure.
La Calera
Address: 810 E O’Reilly St, Presidio, TX 79845
Phone: (432) 229-3133
6) Pecos River Café in Pecos
The Pecos River Café offers a tasty stop for travelers exploring West Texas. Located in Carlsbad, this local favorite serves up hearty breakfast and lunch options.
Known for their generous portions, the café has earned a reputation for satisfying hungry diners. Their menu features classic American fare with a southwestern twist.
Breakfast enthusiasts can indulge in fluffy pancakes, savory omelets, and crispy bacon. For lunch, the café offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and home-style entrees.
The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere make for a pleasant dining experience. Visitors often praise the quick service, even during busy times.
As a longstanding establishment, Pecos River Café has become a staple in the community. It’s an ideal spot to refuel and relax during your West Texas road trip.
Pecos River Café
409 S. Canal St., Carlsbad, NM 88220
Phone: (575) 887-8882
7) The Owl Bar and Café in San Antonio
The Owl Bar and Café in San Antonio, New Mexico is a must-visit stop on any West Texas road trip. This family-owned establishment has been serving customers since the 1940s and is renowned for its world-famous Owl Burger.
The green chile cheeseburger at The Owl Bar is considered one of the best in the state. Made with fresh ingredients and topped with spicy New Mexico green chiles, it’s a flavorful representation of regional cuisine.
The café’s historic atmosphere adds to its charm. It has been a local institution for decades, attracting both residents and travelers passing through the area.
Besides burgers, The Owl Bar offers a variety of other menu items, including steaks and traditional New Mexican dishes. Their homemade apple pie is a popular dessert choice among patrons.
The Owl Bar and Café is conveniently located near the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, making it an ideal spot for lunch after a morning of wildlife viewing.
The Original Owl Bar and Cafe
State Hwy. 1 and U.S. 380, San Antonio, New Mexico
Phone: (575) 835-9946
Website: sanantonio-owl.com
8) Rocketbuster Cafe in El Paso
Rocketbuster Cafe offers a unique dining experience in El Paso, Texas. The cafe is associated with Rocketbuster Handmade Custom Boots, a renowned boot-making company in the area.
Visitors can enjoy local cuisine while immersing themselves in the atmosphere of Western craftsmanship. The cafe’s menu features Tex-Mex favorites and American classics, catering to various tastes.
Located just 10 minutes from the airport, Rocketbuster Cafe is an ideal spot for travelers to grab a meal before or after their flight. The cafe’s proximity to the custom boot shop allows diners to explore both attractions in one visit.
The establishment prides itself on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Guests can expect friendly service and a welcoming ambiance that reflects El Paso’s vibrant culture.
Rocketbuster Cafe, 915-541-1300, 2201 East Paisano Dr, El Paso, TX 79905, www.rocketbuster.com
9) Gage Hotel White Buffalo Bar in Marathon
The White Buffalo Bar at the Gage Hotel offers a quintessential West Texas drinking experience. Named one of Texas’ best hotel bars by Texas Monthly Magazine, this legendary watering hole captures the spirit of the region.
The bar boasts an extensive tequila selection and serves up fresh squeezed margaritas alongside signature cocktails. Patrons can sip their drinks by the cozy fireplace inside or enjoy the outdoor patio.
Hungry visitors shouldn’t miss the White Buffalo Burger, which Texas Monthly crowned the “Best Burger” in the state. The bar menu features other satisfying bites to complement the drinks.
With its cowboy chic décor and unique art, the White Buffalo Bar provides a stylish yet comfortable atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploring the Big Bend region.
White Buffalo Bar, Gage Hotel, 102 NW 1st Street—HWY 90 West, Marathon, TX 79842
Phone: (432) 386-4205
Website: www.gagehotel.com/dining/white-buffalo-bar
10) Luigi’s Italian Restaurant in Odessa
Luigi’s Italian Restaurant has been serving authentic Italian cuisine in West Texas since 1958. Founded by Louis and Zelda Hochman, this family-owned establishment brings a taste of Italy to Odessa.
The restaurant’s ambiance transports diners to an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. Checkered tablecloths, soft lighting from Chianti bottle candles, and travel posters on the walls create a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere.
Luigi’s menu features a variety of Italian classics. The restaurant has earned a reputation for serving some of the best food in West Texas. It consistently ranks as one of the top restaurants in the area.
Patrons can expect a warm and inviting dining experience at Luigi’s. The restaurant caters to families and offers a relaxed setting for enjoying traditional Italian dishes.
Luigi’s Italian Restaurant
Address: Not provided in search results
Phone: (432) 683-6363
Website: Not provided in search results
Regional Cuisine Highlights
West Texas offers a unique blend of flavors influenced by Mexican, Spanish, and American traditions. The region’s culinary landscape is characterized by hearty, flavorful dishes that reflect its rugged terrain and diverse cultural heritage.
Influences of Tex-Mex
Tex-Mex cuisine dominates West Texas, combining Mexican and American flavors. Enchiladas are a local favorite, often smothered in chile con carne or cheese sauce.
Flavorful salsas accompany many dishes, ranging from mild to fiery hot. These sauces add zest to tacos, burritos, and nachos.
Chili con carne, a spicy meat stew, is a staple in West Texas. It’s often served with cornbread or tortillas on the side.
Fajitas, grilled meat served with peppers and onions, are popular in many restaurants. They’re typically accompanied by warm tortillas and various toppings.
Traditional West Texas Barbecue
West Texas barbecue is known for its direct-heat cooking method over mesquite wood. This technique imparts a distinctive smoky flavor to the meat.
Beef brisket is the star of West Texas barbecue. It’s slow-cooked until tender and often served with a spicy, tomato-based sauce.
Pork ribs and sausages are also common barbecue offerings. They’re usually seasoned with a dry rub of salt, pepper, and various spices.
Side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, and pinto beans complement the smoky meats. Many barbecue joints also serve homemade pickles and sliced onions.
Local Dining Etiquette
When eating out in West Texas, certain customs and practices are worth knowing. Understanding local expectations around tipping and reservations will help ensure a smooth dining experience.
Tipping Practices
In West Texas restaurants, tipping is an essential part of dining culture. The standard tip ranges from 15% to 20% of the total bill before tax. For exceptional service, consider tipping more generously. At casual eateries or food trucks, a 10% tip is often acceptable.
For bar service, tip $1-2 per drink. When dining with large groups, check if gratuity is automatically included. Some establishments add this for parties of 6 or more.
Reservation Norms
Many West Texas restaurants operate on a first-come, first-served basis, especially in smaller towns. However, making reservations is becoming more common in popular tourist areas like Marfa.
For fine dining experiences or visits during peak seasons, calling ahead is recommended. Some restaurants use online booking systems. Weekend dinners often require reservations made 1-2 weeks in advance.
Walk-ins are usually welcome at casual spots. Be prepared for potential wait times during busy hours. Some restaurants offer call-ahead seating as a middle ground between reservations and walk-ins.