Ever wondered where the heart of Amarillo truly is? It’s not just the well-known tourist spots like The Big Texan’s 72 oz. steak or Cadillac Ranch, but in the hidden corners known best by locals. Welcome to our “If You Know You Know” series, where we’ll unveil Amarillo’s hidden restaurants, showcasing the local dining scene that defines the best Amarillo eateries. Discover the places that make our city unique and experience the city like a true insider. If you know, you know. And if you don’t, you’re about to find out.
Jump through the blog:
- Metropolitan Steak + Seafood
- El Tejavan
- Delvin's Restaurant & Catering
- It's a Punjabi Affair
- Flamingos Latin Bar & Grill
- Oishii Japanese Sushi & Sake
- Girasol Cafe & Bakery
- Mesa Bar & Grill
- Rocket Brews
- Pondaseta Brewing Co.
- Palace Coffee
Metropolitan Steak + Seafood
Since opening its doors in 2016, Metropolitan Steak + Seafood has quickly become a beloved local gem in Amarillo. Known for its steaks and seafood, this restaurant offers an upscale dining experience with a unique 1920s art deco vibe.
Not only is the food amazing, but the drinks are top-notch. Metropolitan Steak + Seafood is also known for its extensive liquor selection and artfully crafted cocktails. A standout favorite is the smoked Old Fashion, a treat and show all in one. The classic cocktail is elevated with a dramatic smoky twist.
They often host wine dinners with expert sommeliers, where you can enjoy carefully curated wine pairings and themed menus.
📍Metropolitan Steak + Seafood | 9181 Townsquare Blvd., Suite 1201 Amarillo, TX 79119
El Tejavan
This family-owned restaurant has been serving the Panhandle for almost 30 years. What began as a humble convenience store in 1994 has grown into two full-service dining establishments, with a third location currently in the works.
Since then, the Murguia family and their extended relatives have served both locals and travelers with homemade family recipes from their native city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Their corn tortillas are made to order fresh and a true delight.
El Tejavan is a slice of traditional Mexico and a place you will always feel at home. Some staple dishes we couldn’t recommend more are their delicious Al Pastor Tacos, Chicken Mole, Enchiladas Montadas, and an ice-cold Michelada with Pacifico. If you're looking for the best authentic Mexican food Amarillo has to offer, El Tejavan Amarillo is a must-visit.
📍 El Tejavan East & Grand | 3801 E Interstate 40 Hwy Amarillo, TX
📍 El Tejavan West & Paramount | 3420 W Interstate 40 Hwy Amarillo, TX
Delvin’s Restaurant & Catering
Delvin’s puts the soul in soul food. Since opening in 2015, Delvin’s Restaurant has become a local staple. Nestled in the North Heights Neighborhood, this beloved eatery serves up scratch-made goodness that keeps patrons coming back for more. You can't go wrong with their BBQ or signature dishes like fried chicken and catfish. Even their sides are worth ordering all on their own! Our go-to order is the catfish with a side of twice-baked mashed potatoes and collard greens, but you can’t miss out on the two-meat combo—be sure to get the ribs and sausage.
📍 1300 N Hughes St, Amarillo, TX 79107
It’s a Punjabi Affair
A must-stop in Amarillo is, without a doubt, It’s a Punjabi Affair. They serve up Indian cuisine with a unique twist, offering daily specials alongside beloved Indian classics. You'll find plenty of delicious vegetarian options too. Known for serving the best Indian food in Amarillo their eatery makes us feel like we've taken a vacation far from the city, our go-to order is the flavorful chicken biriyani, the detox lentils, or the Nak-Rah Naan, paired with the refreshing nimbu lade, also known as ginger mint lemonade.
📍4201 Bushland Blvd., Amarillo, TX
Flamingos Latin Bar & Grill
Looking to switch things up? Head over to Flamingos, where you’ll find Latin American favorites from Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Honduras, Cuba, and more. Think steak mofongo, pupusas, chicken tajadas, plantain chips, yucca fries, and more. They also serve classic Mexican dishes like the highly popular tacos de birria.
We’re also huge fans of their fun Latin-inspired cocktail menu. You can’t go wrong with the Brazilian Limeade, made with white rum, fresh limes, sugar syrup, and cream.
📍701 E. Amarillo Blvd., Amarillo, TX
Oishii Japanese Sushi & Sake
Oishii is a new local sushi joint specializing in Japanese and Thai dishes. Despite being a recent addition to the scene, it has quickly become a local favorite. It's a perfect date night spot that will impress with its stunning presentations and food.
What to Try:
- Lobster Bomb: Their signature sushi roll with tempura lobster tails, avocado, cucumber, asparagus, tempura flakes, and masago.
- Salmon Carpaccio: Inspired by the classic beef carpaccio, Oishii's Salmon Carpaccio features thinly sliced salmon drizzled with a light, zesty dressing, topped with cappers, finely chopped onions, and microgreens.
- Unagi Nigiri: Unagi is grilled BBQ eel on top of rice. It’s the perfect little bite every time.
- Tamago Nigiri: Perfectly sweet and savory thanks to the Japanese-style sweet egg.
📍2721 Virginia Cir, Amarillo, TX
Girasol Cafe & Bakery
We've been long-time fans of Girasol Cafe & Bakery, and our love affair began with their chocolate chip cookie stuffed with peanut butter sandwiches and apricot empanadas. This cozy cafe offers scratch-made baked goods, delicious breakfast options, and lunch.
Pro-tip: Expect a bit of a wait, so the earlier you arrive, the better! We also love dining on their pet-friendly patio, where you might spot some of the neighborhood cats hanging around.
Jessica offers weekly specials you won’t want to miss. Follow her on Facebook to see the weekly menu and be sure to keep an eye out for the Turkey Stack. The Turkey Stack is everything you love about Thanksgiving—warm mashed potatoes, handmade cranberry sauce, savory gravy, and dressing—stacked together just as the name suggests. And do not leave without grabbing something from the baked goods case. You can’t go wrong with the empanadas or croissants. Again, everything is scratch-made—it doesn’t get better than that!
📍3201 Coulter St S, Amarillo, TX
English Field House
English Field House has a rich history in Amarillo, dating back to 1929 when it was first opened as the English Field terminal, by Harold English and Thornton Oxnard. Many years later, it was converted into an airport dinner serving up American classics. However, don’t let that name fool you today. After new ownership, you can still find some American food, but you’ll be delighted to know it’s now home to Mexican classics such as chilaquiles—crispy tortilla chips simmered in red or green salsa, topped with cheese, crema, and variety of other delicious toppings, huevos rancheros, and so much more.
What to Try:
- Chilaquiles en su Jugo: This dish combines the Mexican classic chilaquiles with another Guadalajara, Mexico staple, carne en su jugo—a savory Mexican beef stew simmered in its own juices with beans, bacon, and cilantro.
- Chilaquiles Tapatios: This is another fusion dish originating from Guadalajara, Mexico! Tortas ahogadas are flavorful sandwiches drenched in a spicy sauce, typically filled with tender pork and topped with pickled onions. In this fusion, you get the crispy bits from the fried tortillas in the chilaquiles combined with the spicy sauce from the tortas ahogadas, creating pure deliciousness!
📍10609 American Dr, Amarillo, TX 79111
Mesa Bar & Grill
Mesa Bar & Grill is Amarillo's newest dining and entertainment hotspot, transforming the former Sports World into a chic, boho-modern venue. Known for its modern street food and craft cocktails, this spot has quickly become a local favorite. Their standout dish, The Mesa Melt, is a flavor bomb of smashed beef, gouda, American cheese, grilled onions, poblanos, and fried crispy peppers, topped with house sweet and spicy garlic aioli. Their Prometheus cocktail brings the drama with its bold tropical flavors and a fiery presentation—a true must-try!
Perfect for date nights, girls' nights, or catching up with friends, Mesa Bar & Grill offers a welcoming atmosphere upstairs, while downstairs, Mesa Underground is an adults-only playground with craft cocktails, vintage video games, shuffleboard, pool, and more.
For family-friendly fun, head to The Park at Mesa, an outdoor area featuring batting cages, mini golf, and go-kart racing.
📍9400 Canyon Drive, Amarillo, TX
Rocket Brews
Located on Amarillo Boulevard, this true local gem serves up delicious Mexican botanas, micheladas, frozen daiquiris, and more.
Stop by and explore their extensive selection of beers, merch, Mexican snacks, and house-made chamoy and michelada mix. Don’t miss our personal favorite: chamoy gummy bears. Imagine sweet and tangy flavors dancing together—it's dangerously addictive! Around the storefront, you’ll find locally made artwork and delightful surprises in every corner.
An honorable mention goes to their party trays, aka Charolas. This party tray features dressed beers of your choice, topped with shrimp, carne seca (Mexican beef jerky), cucumbers, and limes. That’s everything you need for a good time if you ask us. If you get addicted to Rocket Brews, we told you so!
📍1506 E Amarillo Blvd Space 100, Amarillo, TX
Pondaseta Brewing Co.
Pondaseta Brewing Co. is a true gem on the High Plains, bringing the community together over high-quality modern American craft beer. Located in Amarillo, Texas, this brewery is the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing IPA, pilsner, or sour. With a fun, welcoming vibe, Pondaseta offers weekly trivia nights and hosts community-forward events that make it a beloved local hangout.
📍7500 SW 45th Ave., Amarillo, TX
Palace Coffee
Palace Coffee is a true local hotspot and the go-to coffee haven for many Amarillo residents. With its cozy atmosphere and exceptional brews, Palace Coffee has become a beloved community staple. Whether you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up, a place to catch up with friends, or a quiet corner to work, this coffee shop has you covered. From expertly crafted espresso drinks to delicious pastries, every visit to Palace Coffee is a treat. If you want to experience Amarillo like a local, a stop at Palace Coffee is a must.
📍2646 Wolflin, Amarillo, TX
📍7301 SW 34th Ave SP2, Amarillo, TX
Amarillo is full of hidden culinary gems that truly capture the essence of the local dining scene. From the upscale, 1920s art deco charm of Metropolitan Steak + Seafood to the traditional Mexican flavors at El Tejavan, and the soulful offerings at Delvin’s Restaurant & Catering, each spot has its unique flair. Don't miss out on the vibrant dishes at It’s a Punjabi Affair or the Latin American delights at Flamingos Latin Bar & Grill. Oishii's stunning sushi presentations and English Field House's rich history combined with delicious Mexican classics are a must-try. Girasol Cafe & Bakery offers scratch-made delights that make every visit a treat, while Mesa Bar & Grill provides a boho-modern vibe with mouthwatering dishes and fun entertainment options. Rocket Brews brings bold flavors and unique party trays, while Pondaseta Brewing Co. and Palace Coffee offer community-centered spots perfect for relaxing with a craft beer or a delicious cup of coffee.
Dive into the best local restaurants Amarillo has to offer and discover why these spots are cherished by the community. If you know, you know. If you don't, now you do.
