West Texas and the Panhandle Restaurants

Due to a mix of geographic isolation and Hispanic heritage, the food is a redolent, sumptuous mix of north Mexican cooking and Southern home cooking, giving area dishes a very rich, heavy and spicy character. Sometimes the menus are in Spanish.

Tex-Mex, Mexican, and Southern cooking are what this region does best. In general, steer away from East Asian; stick with items like country-fried steaks, barbecue, and Mexican dishes like burritos, asado (a tangy dish, often pork, cooked in oil and ground-up chiles), chiles rellenos (raw green chiles that are stuffed with meat, cheeses, and spices and then baked; can be hot or mild), and barbacoa (slow-cooked beef seasoned with tangy marinade). (Note that some barbacoa is actually from the head of the cow [called barbacoa de cabeza].)

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  • 1. Café Central

    $$$$

    The old saw "evolve or perish" has served this restaurant well. In 1918 Café Central opened in Juárez and served alcohol (and tasty food) to the Prohibition-weary masses from the United States. Once Prohibition ended, the café moved north across the border, changed hands, and became part of the local scene. Today, bold decoration, an airy courtyard, and innovative Southwestern–Asian food combine to make this urbane eatery a popular destination for the city's hip crowds. The menu changes seasonally, according to the availability of ingredients. Although you can enjoy a gourmet experience for about fifteen dollars by ordering a soup and a salad, it's worth the splurge to explore other menu options. Lunch is a bit less expensive than dinner, yet equally tantalizing.

    109 N. Oregon St., El Paso, Texas, 79901, USA
    915-545-2233

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations essential
  • 2. Cattleman's Steakhouse

    $$$$

    Twenty miles east of El Paso, this is pretty much in the middle of nowhere, but it's worth the trip, as much for the quirky theme rooms as for the terrific steaks. Consistently voted a local favorite, the succulent steaks are so tender they almost melt in your mouth. The mesquite-smoked barbecue and seafood on the menu are as tempting as the steaks—note that strict vegetarians won't find a happy meal here. A children's zoo, playground, lake walk, hayrides (on Sunday), and a movie set are among the numerous nonculinary diversions. It opens at 12:30 PM on weekends.

    3450 S Fabens Carlsbad Rd, El Paso, Texas, 79838, USA
    915-544-3200

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 3. Cochineal

    $$$$

    Think of the dining experience here as being akin to a party in a private home with 30 of your closest friends. The chef-owners welcome you to their open kitchen, where ingredients from their garden and a network of suppliers will determine what might appear on several weekly-changing prix-fixe menus. Expect simple ingredients, clean flavors, and creative presentation. You'll be able to choose from a comprehensive wine list (about 250 varieties) that represent the chefs' personal recommendations. Food allergies and dietary preferences are willingly accommodated with prior notice.

    107 W. San Antonio St., Marfa, Texas, 79843, USA
    432-729–3300

    Known For

    • Innovative mix of Asian and American dishes
    • Fantastic wine list
    • Stylish decor

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed. No lunch, No lunch, Reservations essential
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