2 Best Restaurants in Outside the Park, Big Bend National Park

Reata

$$ Fodor's choice

A favorite of many West Texans spending the day in Alpine, Reata ("rope" in Spanish) feels both welcoming and upscale, with big, wooden tables and a pleasant rancher/cowboy vibe. It's a "howdy"-type place with prompt, down-home service and a menu that emphasizes creative Southwestern and Tex-Mex fare, such as tortilla soup, calf fries with cream gravy, and beef tamales with pecan mash, plus generously portioned steaks from a legendary ranch in the nearby Davis Mountains. There's a long, fabulous dessert list.

Lunch Dinner Southwestern Fodor's Choice $$
203 N. 5th St., Alpine, Texas, 79830, USA
432-837–9232
www.reata.net
Known For
  • West Texas buttermilk pecan pie
  • jalapeño-and-bacon mac and cheese
  • well-chosen wine list
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential

Pizza Foundation

$

Set in a sleekly industrial warehouse-style building on the east edge of downtown Marfa, Pizza Foundation appeals to families with its casual atmosphere and the quality thin-crust pizza the native Rhode Island owners turn out. They close for the evening when they run out of pizza, so you call ahead before you go.

Pizza Lunch Dinner Family $
305 S. Spring St., Marfa, Texas, 79843, USA
432-729–3377
Known For
  • Jarritos Mexican soft drinks
  • Big Bend Brewery beers on tap
  • white pizza with ricotta, spinach, and olive oil
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Thurs., Credit cards accepted