Amarillo The 806 Coffee + Lounge In addition to its vast organic, fair trade coffee and tea offerings, The 806 caters to local vegetarians and vegans with its “foodie” menu. The limited (but tasty) menu includes omelets, bagels, sandwiches, and nachos along with some made-from-scratch desserts. Don’t miss brunch served on Saturdays and Sundays. Regulars go for coffee that packs a punch and the healthy eats, served with a hearty dose of sass and sarcasm on the side. 2812 SW Sixth Ave., 322.1806, the806.com $ y T Acapulco Mexican Restaurant & Bar When the weather’s nice, enjoy sitting on Polk Street while you sip a margarita and sample a traditional Mexican-style shrimp cocktail. 727 S. Polk St., 373.8889, acapulcomexicanrestaurant.net $$ c T y NEW The Acai Bar For those pursuing the clean eating trend, The Acai Bar can keep you on track. Choose from filling bowls or smoothies as an alternative to a fast food breakfast or lunch. Each menu item is made fresh with organic ingredients. The customer favorite Monkey Bowl – an acai blend topped with granola, pineapple, bananas, strawberries, mini chocolate chips, coconut shreds and honey – will keep you satisfied past the daily 3 p.m. slump. 7306 SW 34th Ave., Suite 9, 367.99724 $ Abuelo's The authentic atmosphere and generous portions make for an enjoyable lunch or romantic evening out. If you’re stumped by all the choices, try the Enchiladas de Cozumel, three crepes filled with guacamole and topped with bountiful seafood, fresh spinach and roasted peppers. As a rule, always get the queso. 3501 W. 45th Ave., 354.8294, abuelos.com $$ c ^ Aspen Creek Grill One of only nine locations nationwide, Aspen Creek’s Amarillo restaurant offers its signature made-from-scratch food in a family-friendly atmosphere. Step into the mountain-lodge inspired decor and you can expect to be greeted warmly by the friendly staff, receive excellent service, and over-sized portions on everything from appetizers to entrees to dessert. The Happy Hour at Aspen – one of the most affordable in town – is a welcome break after a challenging work day. 4110 I-40 West, 398.2776, aspencreekgrill.com $-$$ c ^ Atomic Sports Grill & Entertainment Center Get your fill of typical sports bar fare at the city’s newest sports/entertainment venture. Fried food, burgers and pizza dominate the menu, with a few salad
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options thrown in for good measure. Burn off all the calories with enough billiards, video games, dancing, and laser tag to fill an evening out with friends. 2523 Britain Drive, 355.2100, atomicsportsgrill.com $ c Bangkok Restaurant When you’re looking for authentic Thai, Bangkok delivers. Start with the sticky rice, move on to the cucumber salad, and finish with the chicken larb. Your kids will love watching the big fish tanks while you wait for your table. Warning: Spicy means spicy. Bangkok means business. 5901 Amarillo Blvd. East, 383.9008 $ Bar 3 Located at Preston West Golf Course, this hidden gem serves a limited bar menu for lunch and dinner. Savor comfort food like smoked pulled pork sandwiches, pork shank, and hearty hamburgers, made fresh to order. Wash it down with an icecold beer or let the helpful staff help you choose something from the drink menu. 9101 S. Coulter St., 353.7003 $ c Belmar Bakery & Cafe Open since 1965, Belmar is an Amarillo tradition. Loyal customers abound and each one has a favorite treat they return for again and again (we’re big fans of the thumb print cookies). The cafe offers a cozy place to meet for early morning coffee and pastries or tasty lunch with friends. 3325 Bell St., 355.0141, belmarbakery.com $ Benjamin’s Donuts & Bakery Family owned and operated, Benjamin’s serves doughnuts, pastries, breakfast sandwiches and burritos for breakfast, and a variety of lunch and dinner offerings, such as sandwiches, meatloaf, spare ribs, pulled pork and a salad bar. 7003 Bell St., 353.1100/1800 Western St., letseat.at/benjamindonutsbakery $ Big Daddy’s Bar-B-Q This family-owned barbecue joint offers a variety of Texas barbecue in addition to non-traditional items such as baked potatoes and garden salads. The homemade barbecue sauce perfectly complements the meats. 400 E. Hastings Ave., 383.9731 $ Braceros Mexican Grill & Cantina Traditional Mexican food, a colorful bar area and live music keep this Route 66 eatery hopping every day of the week. 2822 SW Sixth Ave., 220.2395 $$ y c T Burrito Stop Tacos Garcia restaurateurs’ downtown grab-and-go eatery doesn’t just offer from-scratch burritos on homemade tortillas for breakfast or lunch. In addition to its hearty fare and vegan options such as soy chorizo and spinach tortillas, Burrito Stop boasts trained baristas that serve Roasters Coffee & Tea Co.
Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017
beverages. 114 SE Ninth Ave., 418.2705, burritostop.com $ y Cafe Marizon Cafe Marizon serves up great, homecooked taste with consistently delicious specials of the day. Go early so you can have a piece of the homemade pie or cake. 6151 Hillside Road, 352.2046 $ y C Carniceria y Taqueria la Popular Part supermarket, part restaurant, Carniceria y Taqueria la Popular is a tasty little gem a few blocks east of the Amarillo Civic Center Complex. Head to the small, sit-down dining area at the back of the store for lunch and dine on a variety of simple, authentic Mexican dishes such as chile rellenos, tacos and fresh-made tamales. Finish with a sweet treat from the bakery. 1505 SE Third Ave., 374.6451 $ Chop Chop Japanese Steakhouse Chop Chop’s slogan is “Simple. Fresh. Fast.” And that’s exactly what you get when you order the hot teppan-style Japanese cuisine. There’s a casual dining room, quick drive-thru and delivery options so you can decide how you want to dine. 3300 S. Coulter St., Suite 1, 457.0700, chopchoprice.com $ Crazy Larry’s Fine Texas BBQ A visit to Larry’s isn’t complete without an order of Frito pie – make it a “moose” with the works. The authentic Texas-style barbecue is finger-licking good, and everything on the menu is delivered with some of the friendliest service in town. The prices are reasonable, too. 4315 Teckla Blvd., 359.3176 $ ^ Crush Wine Bar & Deli Crush’s excellent tapas, sandwiches, entrees and desserts are a big enough draw. Add an extensive and impressive wine list, one of the few covered patios in town, and excellent service, and you’ve got one of the city’s premier hang-out spots. The Saturday morning brunch is hard to beat, too. 701 S. Polk St., 418.2011, crushdeli.com $$ C y ^ T Delvin’s Restaurant & Catering Head out to Delvin’s and fill up on some of the city’s finest comfort food. Long-time chef Delvin Wilson opened his small eatery last year, and it’s worth the drive. Sample a three-meat combination barbecue plate, or traditional American favorites like fried chicken, soul food, and fresh fried catfish. Finish with the homemade buttermilk pie. 1300 N. Hughes St., 803.9111 $ Dyer's Bar-B-Que If you’re a meat lover, Dyer’s is the place for you. The all-you-can-eat lunch special is hard to beat. On Fridays and Saturdays, eat your fill of premium smoked prime rib. 1619 S. Kentucky St., Suite E526, 358.7104, dyersbbq.com $$ c
Eat-Rite The food at Eat-Rite isn’t just good for you; it’s delicious as well. Pile your plate high from the organic salad bar or choose from a variety of tasty sandwiches, soups and entrees. The marinated carrots are pure, tasty goodness. 2441 I-40 West, 353.7476, eat-rite.com $$ El Bracero Mexican Grill Home-cooked flavor and excellent service make El Bracero worth the drive down Grand Street. You’ll find a full menu of Mexican favorites like fajitas, carne asada, and enchiladas keep local patrons satisfied. 2116 S. Grand St., 373.4788 $$ y c El Manantial For truly authentic Mexican food, this is the spot. A little off the beaten path, a visit to El Manantial is worth the drive. Start with light-as-air corn chips and salsa. Every entree is cooked-fresh delicious, especially the barbacoa, seafood and homemade chile relleno. We can’t say enough about every scrumptious bite. 3823 Amarillo Blvd. East, 383.1852 $ C Embers Steak House Embers offers an array of cuisine from hamburgers and steaks to buffalo, lamb and seafood. We have our eye on the gourmet burger menu. You’ll savor your meal at lunch or dinner, seven days a week. 2721 Virginia Circle, 350.3303, amarilloembers.com $$-$$$ c y ☎ Espinoza Restaurant and Bakery This bakery specializes in from-scratch burritos, brisket, and traditional Mexican bread and baked goods. The small eatery’s location at the entrance to the historic Sixth Street area from Georgia Street makes it an easy place to grab breakfast, lunch and dinner. 2601 SW Sixth Ave., 350.7591 $ Evocation Coffee You’ll find a thoughtful, simple menu at Evocation Coffee. Pour-over coffees and espresso dominate, but you’ll also find tea, cold press juices, fresh in-house waffles with a variety of spreads, and toast – from bread made by Scratch Made Bakery and Café – that’s drizzled with sweetened condensed milk. Visit Evocation for expertly roasted and brewed coffee and a snack. Hang out because of the peaceful, modern vibe. 3300 S. Coulter St., Suite 5, 418.8968, evocationcoffee.com $ Fab Foods Fab Foods serves straightforward home-style meals with busy families in mind. Dine-in, call ahead, take-and-bake, delivery and catering are available for breakfast and lunch. And choose from a rotating daily menu of sandwiches, wraps, salads, hot entrees, and desserts. With those kinds of options, you’re guaranteed to please the whole family – no matter how large. 5901 S. Bell St., 398.3663 $