Marfa is an unexpected culinary destination. Our desert landscape yields surprising bounty, and proximity to Mexico means exceptional tacos, enchiladas, and barbacoa joints thrive. Our artistic community has cultivated a sophisticated dining scene, where you’ll find innovative Southwestern cuisine alongside classic Texas fare.
You should definitely try at least one modern cowboy meal, and discover local ingredients like prickly pear, mesquite, and quail, featured not just at upscale eateries, but at food trucks, cafes, and art galleries too.
Bitter Sugar
$ | (832) 893-6382 | WEBSITE
You can’t really say you’ve been to Marfa if you haven’t spent a morning tucked into a corner at Bitter Sugar. Patrons line up at the counter in the cozy space, hands wrapped around oat milk lattes and steaming cups of coffee, many of them locally roasted. Inside, visitors and their laptops settle into the charming atmosphere, ordering the standout Honey Cornbread and the signature brisket kolaches—tender meat on flaky pastry with just the right balance of savory to spice.
Or try the Almond Coffee Cake with its crispy almond slices, a more refined version of what you’ll find at bakeries across Texas.
The Sentinel Marfa
$ | (432) 729-7009 | WEBSITE
For a true taste of Marfa’s creative spirit, head to this restaurant-slash-coffee shop on a comfortable backstreet, where the kitchen applies a warm but thoughtful touch to quality ingredients. That might mean pancakes served with fresh organic strawberries, or a breakfast plate with eggs, toast, potatoes, and unforgettable sizzling bacon.
The steak torta here captures the local flavor perfectly, and nails the savory-satisfying balance: tender steak with melted cheese and fresh toppings on a soft roll. It’s not always the daily special, but ask nicely and one can often be prepared.
Coffee comes from carefully selected beans, best sipped outside on the pet-friendly back patio, and a dedicated approach to quality means there’s no compromise on freshness (though an iced coffee is a wallet-friendly $3 if you take it standing at the counter). Lingering is encouraged—the space is open all day, and you can even browse the on-site art gallery and bookshop.
Bar Saint George
$$ | (432) 729-3700 | WEBSITE
The first thing you’ll notice at Bar Saint George is the buzz. When happy hour hits, the bar area is all but taken over by the sports-watching, margarita-sipping crowd that fills its welcoming space. There’s definitely a restaurant here though, and a solid one at that. Intersperse house margarita sips with a tasteful Caesar salad, a good double smash burger, and that exceptional Italian sausage pizza with white sauce.
On game days, there’s great-value happy hour drinks (tempranillo by the glass, house margaritas) with big sports bar energy, but the bartenders are a cut above any time you visit. If the game noise makes it hard to hear your mates at the bar, the solution is clear: grab a drink, find a seat, and join the friendly thrum.
Bordo: Fine Italian Goods
$ | WEBSITE
A dusty Texas highway leads to this unassuming storefront, its rustic charm offset by the gleaming display of Italian imports. Pull up a weathered wooden stool for what might be the best sandwich you’ll ever eat, headlined by fabulous ingredients. That includes the prosciutto sandwich praised even by Italians, the meatball sub with fresh mozzarella and basil on toasted bread, and a secret vegan menu featuring pasta tossed in buttery vinaigrette with spinach, mint, and ground pistachio.
There’s even orange slices and dates in the vegan sandwich, which is destined for pairing with gelato flavors like banana split and strawberry. That’s not to say this place is in any way pretentious—friendly but personality-driven service allows genuine joy. Access the same memorable experience without the $18 price tag at their gelato counter, which serves the “gelato of your dreams.” Dining in Marfa sometimes means unpredictable hours, but Bordo wows on all fronts.
Planet Marfa
$ | (432) 294-5712 | WEBSITE
Planet Marfa began as a simple watering hole with a quirky spirit. Today, it’s a beloved local haunt with a loyal crowd. The bar area offers plenty of seating choices, and the inventive menu takes cues from classic American bar fare. Those who frequent this spot come for one of three things: the awesome nachos and salsa, the very big portions of chips and guacamole, or a tasty chili dog that hits the spot.
Whether you’re grabbing a drink with friends in the beer garden, enjoying live music at a high-top table, or stopping in for approachable bar fare when other places are closed, the laid-back atmosphere guarantees a relaxed time. The Modelo Negra on tap is some of the best in town—get it with free peanuts, or a cold beverage for extra refreshment.
El Turista
The breakfast burrito at this Marfa mainstay is as vibrant and satisfying as everything else on the menu: a generous wrap of scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheese, and your choice of chorizo or black beans, all smothered in their house-made salsa. It’s just what you need before exploring the town’s art galleries and desert landscapes. The restaurant has been serving locals and visitors for years, but the expanded vegetarian options and attention to dietary needs show they’re keeping things fresh.
the Water Stop
$$ | (432) 295-3302 | WEBSITE
The Water Stop is credited with being a go-to spot for a casual, satisfying meal in a town where laid-back dining is cherished. Food aside, it’s serving up some of the most reliably fresh and comforting dishes around. Families and groups fill up the relaxed-but-lively patio, sharing plates of burgers and steak frites under the cool night sky. Start with the queso appetizer, a must-try that’s creamy and rich, and the kale beet salad, bright and refreshing with its dill dressing.
Desserts are worth saving room for—the cheesecake receives special praise—and you’ll want drinks, too: the prickly pear limeade is one of many refreshing options on offer.
LaVenture at Hotel Saint George
$$ | (432) 729-3700 | WEBSITE
There’s so much variety at this upscale dining spot that servers often have to reassure guests that yes, it’s all made fresh daily. That includes the tenderloin steak nachos, the crispy shrimp, the wood-fired pizza, and the Greek salad that’s been praised as excellent. Chef-owner expertise shines through in small plates like bruschetta and crab cakes that are almost as good as you’d find at a coastal bistro.
Staff are attentive, thoughtful, and likely to recommend the perfect wine pairing, and the restaurant’s lively atmosphere extends to a welcoming bar area where locals and tourists mingle comfortably. Look out for pasta nights when you can get impossibly fresh noodles and sip from their surprisingly good wine list, or try the ramen that some have called the best they’ve ever had.
Marfa Burritos
$ | (325) 514-9867 | WEBSITE
This always-buzzing Marfa institution is a reliable go-to for many local artists and visitors, who swing by for generous burritos like the pork chile rojo or classic asado, both packed with flavor and made with high-quality ingredients. Let the pictures of celebrity visitors lining the clean, friendly space guide your expectations, and don’t sleep on the tortillas made fresh on the spot—they make for excellent eating when paired with the perfectly seasoned fillings.
Service can be brisk—you’ll want to be ready when ordering at the walk-up window—and you definitely won’t be allowed to linger after eating, whether there’s a line forming outside or not (staff might even clear your table promptly). But that’s all balanced by affordable cash-only prices and the ability to leave your mark on the wall, making it a burrito experience built with love and dedication.
Angel’s Restaurant
$ | (432) 729-7080 | WEBSITE
Don’t be fooled by the modest storefront—Angel’s Restaurant is more than just a humble small-town spot. Classic dishes draw on the proprietor’s deep Mexican heritage, underpinned by a firm handle of the griddle and fryer. The chili relleno, stuffed with cheese and fried to a golden crisp, delivers flavor fireworks, as does the breakfast burrito packed with eggs, potatoes, and that vibrant salsa.
Huevos Rancheros get their kick from perfectly seasoned refried beans, and even the burgers pack serious flavor (the signature is a juicy patty grilled by the owner’s husband himself). The menu may be concise but it’s all-killer, favoring fresh local ingredients and combinations that hold their own against the bold, comforting tastes coming out of the kitchen.
Asters Cafe and Bakery
$ | (432) 295-0833 | WEBSITE
Asters Cafe and Bakery is a breakfast spot with no bad angles. The space is a sea of warm, cozy tones that evoke the West Texas morning: sun-drenched patio tables, rustic woodwork, and banquettes the color of desert sunrise. Park yourself at a window table for the best view of the bustling open kitchen, where a team of friendly staff expedite polished plates with fresh, comforting influence.
Everyone’s ordering the ricotta lemon pancakes, but an order of eggs benedict is equally necessary—maybe topped with perfectly poached eggs, or served with crispy bacon and fresh side salad—as is a standout take on the hummus everything bagel made with salty, garlicky perfection. Plenty of cafes pitch the cozy breakfast concept, but few nail it so well.
The Pony
$ | (432) 426-6669 | WEBSITE
The way to do The Pony is this: grab a stool at the weathered wooden bar, order a local draft, and then—cold brew in hand—soak in the old saloon atmosphere with its vintage signs, creaky floorboards, and the low hum of conversation. Just keep an eye on the bartender, as food might take a while to arrive but it’s worth the wait. An institution in Marfa, The Pony is famous for its Texas bar vibe and local beers.
But it’s also a chill spot for those seeking a laid-back evening (a rare find in a town known for its art scene and quirky attractions). If you have to choose one thing, make it a cold pint with the relaxed, friendly crowd. High marks also go to the overall experience, which is authentic and unpretentious, and the $8 bar snacks (say yes to the simple, satisfying bites). Vegetarian options are limited, but the gem-like atmosphere more than makes up for it.
Big Sandy Coffee
$ | (432) 244-7139 | WEBSITE
Those with a morning craving for exceptional coffee will be delighted to wander away from Marfa’s sleepy streets and into this vibrant café. If a Texas rancher opened a coffee shop in Portland, this would be it. The space is sun-drenched, the staff friendly, and fresh-baked pastries served on rustic plates bring new meaning to the word comfort. But first, coffee. A latte for the table is essential, as is the moist banana bread and flaky cheddar chive biscuit.
Blueberry muffins are plump, golden and generously studded with berries. Take friends, colleagues, or come to impress out-of-towners—this is the kind of place that seems to adapt for any morning, and it’s popular almost all the time (the line starts forming by 8am, though the pastries are plentiful if you arrive early).
