Experience a unique city when you visit Amarillo, Texas. With buildings that embody both art deco and Spanish Revival, there are many surprising and alluring sites to see. Amarillo is also part of the historic Route 66 with a lovely backdrop of beautiful canyon scenery. In addition to lots of eye candy outside, there are some very mouth-watering eats in Amarillo. If you want to have a once-in-a-lifetime eating adventure while in town, here are a few favorites that won’t disappoint.
The Most Legendary Steak in Texas
Image via Flickr by adactio
Everything is still bigger in Texas, with The Big Texan Steak Ranch serving up a delicious 72-ounce steak. The restaurant, first opened in 1960, sits on Route 66 and is a revered landmark by many. If you decide to go for it, be prepared.
The legend of the 72-ounce steak began decades ago. Founder Bob noted all the real Texas cowboys who came to eat at the Big Texan and their desire to want to out eat each other. So, he let them compete for real, each paying $5 to see how many one-pound steaks they could eat. Whoever ate the most got to keep the pot. The winner that night ate four and a half pounds of steak or 72 ounces. Since then, the contest has been waiting for its next big eaters.
Spend an evening at the Big Texan where you can eat and listen to live tunes. It’s an easy walk from several excellent hotels.
This Burger’s Rising from the Flames
If you’re a burger connoisseur, then this next option is just for you. It’s the Burger from Hell at Coyote Bluff Café, a hole in the wall, cash-only establishment. It may look like a shack, but there is some serious burger goodness happening here. This burger packs a punch, topped with fresh sauteed jalapenos, Coyote Hell Sauce, Tabasco, cheese, and grilled onions. And all these sassy toppings sit atop a full half-pound beef. Wrap it in a white, whole wheat, or onion bun.
Pie for Dinner at GoldenLite Cafe
This isn’t a dessert pie to share; it’s all for you. The Flagstaff Pie is served up every day at the GoldenLite Cafe, Amarillo’s oldest restaurant, dating back to 1946. Expect a full platter of Fritos, smothered with Marc’s Great Chili. Topping the chili, there’s cheese, onions, lettuce, and tomato. You can also get it with the Green Chili Stew. Either way, be prepared to do some serious eating. If you’re not too full, see what’s playing at the Cantina.
Get It Before It’s Gone Barbeque
At Tyler’s Barbeque, they are nice enough to tell you that they stay open only until they sell out, so you’d better be the early bird. Enjoy an array of delights including brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and ribs. Mark Tyler’s down for an early lunch just because you don’t want to miss what some call the city’s best barbeque.
If you’ll be visiting Amarillo in the future, you’ll want to check out these four unforgettable meals. Each is guaranteed to make for a great story and an amazing experience for your taste buds.
