Way out in the West Texas desert is the not-so-secret artsy town of Marfa. While it's difficult to get to, it's well worth it, and once you're there, you'll want to be sure to eat at all of the best spots in town. Despite being a tiny, remote town, Marfa is full of delicious restaurants to explore!
Updated February 2024
COFFEE, BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
ASTER'S CAFE & BAKERY
If you're looking for a great breakfast or brunch to kick off your day exploring Marfa, look no further than Aster. Explore the large menu, highlighted by a large selection of house-made pastries, while you sit on their dog-friendly patio.
Big Sandy Coffee
Sip freshly brewed coffee and soak up all the retro vibes at this airstream trailer coffee shop! Find all the classic cafe drinks like pour-over coffee, americanos, cold brew, matcha lattes, and more, best enjoyed on the quaint patio. Big Sandy also has an ever-changing food menu, featuring dishes like breakfast tacos and sandwiches, scones, carrot cake, and other pasties, and even house-made granola to go!
THE SENTINEL
The Sentinel has it all -- a coffee shop, restaurant, event space, and more. Housed in a historic building, The Sentinel is also home to two local newspapers! Stop by for breakfast or lunch, to grab a Big Bend or Marfa souvenir, or for a nightcap before you turn in for the evening. Whatever your food or drink needs are, The Sentinel has what you're looking for! (Pictured)
CASUAL RESTAURANTS & FOOD TRUCKS
CONVENIENCE WEST BBQ
"Far West Tex Barbecue" is the motto of Convenience West, where you can find some of the best new barbecue in Texas. Their menu is full of classic Texas barbecue offerings, as well as Tex-Mex-inspired items like brisket or carnitas tacos. Order to go or enjoy on their patio!
MARFA BURRITO
Located in a residential home, you'll find hole-in-the-wall Marfa Burrito. Don't let the nondescript setting fool you -- this will be one of the best burritos you've ever had. Order at the little window from their small menu, which is cash only. While you wait for your order, browse the expansive salsa and hot sauce offerings, and look at the photos of the many celebrities who have also stopped by as they passed through town. Matthew McConaughey is a repeat visitor!
PARA LLEVAR
After years as a successful chef in Houston, the head chef of Para Llevar decided he wanted a slower pace, and relocated to Marfa. The result? Para Llevar, offering oven-fired pizzas, delicious cocktails, made-from-scratch sweet treats, and more. They have an adorable patio and even a little bodega to shop from, perfect for visitors! (Pictured)
PIZZA FOUNDATION
This no-frills pizza joint packs some serious flavor! You'll find classic pies here, topped with all the classics like pepperoni, peppers, olives, and more. Pair your pizza with a salad and a variety of wine and beer, and finish your meal with a scoop of ice cream! When the weather's nice, they'll open up the sliding garage doors for the perfect indoor-outdoor dining experience.
UPSCALE DINNER
COCHINEAL
Cochineal manages to work its magic and simultaneously offers fine dining and a relaxed setting. Helmed by a James Beard-nominated chef, Cochineal offers rotating seasonal prix-fixe menus of elevated fare in a hip, minimalistic setting. If you're looking for a nice dinner while in Marfa, this is one place you cannot miss.
JETT'S GRILL
Located in the stunning Hotel Paisano, Jett's Grill serves lunch and dinner, plus drinks all day long! The sophisticated yet homey restaurant features white tablecloths, vintage photography on the walls, a stocked bar, and a charming patio. On the menu, you'll find unique gourmet dishes ranging from Smoky Cacio e Pepe with Texas Quail Egg to Pistachio-Fried Steak with Jalapeno-Rosemary Gravy. Definitely try the margaritas -- they're amazing! (Pictured)
MARGARET'S IN MARFA
Enjoy Italian-American dishes, just like Grandma Margaret used to make! This chill and chic restaurant is located in the Brite Building and doesn't take reservations, so get there early -- it's worth the wait. Fan favorites are the Burrata Toast, Spaghetti Bolognese, and Key Lime Pie! Pair your meal with your choice of wine, with over two dozen to choose from.
BARS
ALTA MARFA
This local winery produced amazing, unique wines from grapes grown in Texas! Their adorable tasting room has been undergoing renovation (see website for hours and updates) and features a quaint patio and Instagrammable Marfa mural.
LOST HORSE SALOON
For a quintessential West Texas nightlife experience, head to Lost Horse Saloon! This bar has all the rustic Western vibes, cold beer, bar bites, and frequent live music. A night spent here will take you back in time! (Pictured)
PLANET MARFA
Spend a night sipping under the stars at this quirky beer garden! The entire bar is outdoors and features a retro school bus, teepee, and more funky decor. Their menu features a variety of specialty and domestic beers on tap, plus simple eats like hot dogs, sandwiches, and pizza. Don't forget to look up -- the West Texas skies are known for some seriously gorgeous stargazing!
OTHERSIDE
Going to this cocktail bar feels a bit like going to a speakeasy! To find it, walk through the alleyway behind Glitch Art Gallery to find the red neon sign. Inside, the cozy bar serves a rotating menu of craft cocktails!
MARFA SPIRIT CO
This distillery produces rum, gin, vodka, and more, all in the desert! Their spirits use sotol, a plant from the Chihuahuan desert, to make bright, herbal, flavors. Head to their tasting room to sip them straight or in a delicious cocktail!