| |
|
|
|
|
ALEXANDER’S
106 E. Holland Ave, Alpine (432-837-5668)
Open Mon–Thur 11–9, Fri & Sat 11–10, Sun 11–3.
map | latest review | photo | access ++ | |
$$ |
Alpine
| American |
|
|
|
(From November 2009) If you get a hankering for something breaded and fried, you could do a lot worse than the chicken-fried chicken here—but come hungry. Our simple, less-than-$10 lunch included a delightful chicken breast (pounded slightly) accompanied by subtle but perfect gravy, enough light, ungreasy fries to have staved off the Irish famine, a side of green beans, chips and salsa, and a trip to the salad bar. |
|
|
CANDELILLA CAFE
Lajitas Resort, FM 170 (432-424-5030)
Open Mon–Thur 7–2 & 6–8:30, Fri–Sun 7–2 & 6–9.
web site | map | latest review | access ++ | |
$$ |
Lajitas
| Tex-Mex /
Southwestern |
|
|
|
(From September 2009) After peppery chicken flautas and deep-fried shrimp with “avomole” (you do the translation), we were ready to call it quits. But then came the carne guisada: roasted cubes of beef slow-cooked in New Mexico red chile sauce (which initially seemed too salty but soon proved addictive). Come for the mountain scenery, come for the food, and do not pass on the flan, as perfect and satiny as it gets. Bar (opens at 5). Lajitas Resort, FM 170 (432-424-5030). |
|
|
CHILE PEPPER CAFE
TX Hwy 118 (432-371-2233)
Cash Only.
Open 7 days 8am-10pm.
latest review | no access | |
$ |
Terlingua
| Tex-Mex /
American |
|
|
|
(From May 2009) It’s hard to choose here: Should you order a juicy burger or a chicken-fried steak (hand-formed, seasoned, coated in a perfect crunchy crust, and served with just-like-Mom’s gravy)? Or should you go for an ever-popular Tex-Mex combo plate, with a great beef taco, succulent chicken enchiladas blanketed with salsa verde, and a made-on-site tamale? No matter what you choose, you’ll push back from the oilcloth-covered table feeling sated and happy. |
|
|
CHILI PEPPER CAFE
Texas Hwy 118, next to the post office (432-371-2233)
Open 7 days, 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
map | latest review | no access | |
$ |
Terlingua
| Mexican /
American |
|
|
|
(From May 2009) It’s hard to choose here: Should you order a juicy burger or a chicken-fried steak (hand-formed, seasoned, coated in a perfect crunchy crust, and served with just-like-Mom’s gravy)? Or should you go for an ever-popular Tex-Mex combo plate, with a great beef taco, succulent chicken enchiladas blanketed with salsa verde, and a made-on-site tamale? No matter what you choose, you’ll push back from the oilcloth-covered table feeling sated and happy. |
|
|
CHISOS MOUNTAINS LODGE
Chisos Basin Rural Station (432-477-2291)
Open 7 days: breakfast 7–10, lunch 11–4, dinner 5–8.
web site | latest review | access ++ | |
$ |
Big Bend National Park
| American |
|
|
|
(From September 2009) The menu takes care of hungry hikers and windshield tourists alike. An impressive salad-and-soup bar will delight smaller appetites, and burgers and tacos can handle the rest. We like the Poco Picante burger, with its triple threat of pepperjack cheese, salsa, and roasted green chiles. Beer & wine. |
|
|
COCHINEAL
109 W. San Antonio (U.S. 90) (432-729-3300)
Dinner Fri–Tue 6–10. Closed Wed & Thur.
map | latest review | access ++ | |
$$$ |
Marfa
| Home Cooking /
Italian |
|
|
|
(From November 2008) Peer behind the ancient cactus fence. You’ll find a garden full of lush lettuces to bolster a classic niçoise salad, chives and leeks to brighten a potato soup, and mustard greens waiting to be wilted in a hot skillet. Other notable dishes at this brand-new place include gnocchi sautéed with olives and a delightfully assertive ratatouille. Comfort foodies will be pleased with the grilled hanger steak served beneath a mountain of onion rings. More refined tastes might prefer the island-spiced amberjack kebabs (cooked medium rare), a no-regrets choice save for the smallish portion. Beer & wine. |
|
|
FOOD SHARK
Highland Ave at railroad tracks (432-386-6540)
Cash Only.
Open Tue–Fri 11:30–3. Closed Sat–Mon.
web site | map | latest review | access ++ | |
$ Cash or check only. |
Marfa
| Mediterranean |
|
|
|
(From October 2008) Run this business plan past an MBA: a “kitchenized” 1974 delivery van serving Mediterranean fare, parked next to the railroad tracks in West Texas. Cockamamy? No way. The top seller is Marfalafel, the Shark’s take on the Middle East’s traditional fried balls of spiced chickpeas sided by salad and tahini. On our visits we toggle between the hummus and veggie wrap and the crunchy, cool fattoush salad. Specials may include interesting sandwiches and creative fusions of Mediterranean and Mexican. |
|
|
FORT DAVIS DRUG STORE
Texas Hwy 17, downtown (432-426-3118)
Open 7 days 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
map | latest review | access ++ | |
$ |
Fort Davis
| American /
Home Cooking |
|
|
|
(From December 2008) It’s a cafe, it’s a soda fountain, it’s a gift shop, it’s a hotel! Situated in the central metropolis, this tourist magnet serves a daily buffet amid old paneling and lots of colorful bunting. If you pass on the buffet, give the barbecue a try: It’s mighty tasty, if cut a bit thick for our taste. If you want chicken-fried steak, go early in the week—they tend to run out. |
|
|
JETT’S GRILL
Hotel Paisano, 207 N. Highland 432-729-3838
Dinner 7 days 5-9.
web site | map | latest review | access + | |
$$-$$$ |
Marfa
| American |
|
|
|
(From March 2009) So lovely are Jett’s dining room and courtyard that kitchen lapses are all the more distressing. But a dinner of nicely crusted grilled flank steak and fork-tender chicken dressed with cilantro butter suggested a rebound. Fresh, crisp snap beans and a well-constructed Greek salad also bode well. But boo to the mealy Brie appetizer and the badly soiled wineglass. Bar. |
|
|
LA TRATTORIA
901 E. Holland (432-837-2200)
Open Mon–Fri 7:30–2 & 5–9, Sat 8–2 & 5–9:30. Closed Sun. Reservations recommended for dinner.
web site | map | latest review | access ++ | |
$$ |
Alpine
| Italian |
|
|
|
(From September 2009) These may be the only waiters wearing long white aprons in Alpine, and it’s a treat to see them approach bearing baskets of herb bread and bountiful bowls of pasta. The ambience at dinner differs markedly from that of the morning, when laid-back customers enjoy coffee and burritos while checking their e-mail. As the sun sets over the mountains, you can enjoy the likes of spaghetti bolognese or creamy fettuccine Alfredo. Wine. 901 E. Holland (432-837-2200). |
|
|
