Great food in the middle of nowhere? Sounds fake, but if any town could pull off that incredible feat, it's Marfa. This eclectic desert community is home to some of our state's best restaurants, from an upscale Italian bistro to a hole-in-the-wall breakfast burrito joint. Next time you road trip to Big Bend, rest-assured no meals will be missed.
1. Hotel Saint George
First constructed in 1886, this historic building has been restored just enough to accommodate overnight guests. Materials from the original structure, such as concrete flooring, brick walls, and steel counters still remain, giving the hotel a charming personality all its own. Works donated by local artists decorate the lobby, leaving no room for questioning what city you're in.
The food, however, certainly isn't what you'd expect in a ghost town of fewer than 2,000 people.
LaVenture, the hotel's restaurant, boasts New American cuisine in a casually elegant setting. Only the freshest seasonal ingredients are used, and unique flavor combinations will have your taste buds begging for more. All three meals are served, plus an extensive wine list with a perfect pairings for every dish on the menu. More information here.
2. Stellina
This quaint Italian bistro is Marfa's most esteemed eatery. Minimalist-style decor both inside and out might render it unassuming, but you'll think otherwise after just one taste of the food.
With a menu that changes daily, Stellina likes to keep its customers on their toes - but rest assured everything is delicious.
Small plates are the specialty here, but those with Texas-sized appetites can dig into a heartier meal like juicy tri-tip with goat cheese. Wine racks mounted all over the walls not-so-subtly entice you with fancy, international labels; oblige them by ordering a glass of Rose from Spain or Portugal. More information here.
3. Marfa Burrito
Blink and you might miss this hole-in-the-wall burrito joint, run out of Ramona Tejada's very own kitchen. It's cash only, and the seven-item menu is handwritten on a neon pink poster.
From tortillas to salsa, each ingredient is handmade using secret recipes handed down over many generations.
Marfa Burrito is only open for breakfast and lunch, so most of the dishes are a combination of eggs, cheese, and meat. You really can't go wrong, but the chorizo is especially mouthwatering. Oh, and smothering it in green salsa is non-negotiable.
4. Food Shark
Nothing encompasses the spirit of Marfa quite like Food Shark, a Mediterranean food truck operating out of an old bus. It's lunch-only, so weary travelers can stop along their journey to fuel up and recharge.
Falafel, lamb kabobs, pita chips, and Greek salad rival any you've ever tasted. Oh, and don't forget the tzaziki sauce - it's so good, we could almost drink the stuff.
Between the quirky atmosphere, friendly staff, and killer food, this place is a must-visit when passing through Marfa.
5. Restaurant Cochineal
Cochineal is an upscale eatery appealing to refined palates. Despite serving gourmet food, the ambiance is intimate and comfortable.
The menu rotates frequently, using seasonal ingredients to ensure taste and quality never suffer. Order a sampler of tapas, or indulge in your own entree.
Interesting dishes like pork schnitzel with scallions, apples, and Swiss dressing will light up every pleasure receptor in your body. If you have a tamer palate, options like Filet Mignon with garlic butter get the job done just fine.
6. Pizza Foundation
What happens when you're craving pizza in the middle of nowhere? The owners of this Marfa institution recognized that rare but devastating plight and set out to make sure it never happens again - thus, Pizza Foundation was born.
Formerly an auto repair shop, this pizza joint churns out pies with more than 18 toppings to choose from. They're available as 10-inch, 18-inch, and by-the-slice.
Stick with a good old-fashioned Margarita, or load up on fresh veggies, meats, and local feta cheese. It's the perfect meal before a long day of driving or exploring Big Bend.
Have you eaten at any of these restaurants? What other small towns in Texas have surprisingly amazing food? Here are some of our favorite unassuming eateries: 10 Mom & Pop Restaurants In Texas That Serve Home Cooked Meals To Die For.
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