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By June Naylor
If you heard that Amarillo boasted brilliantly painted horse sculptures on nearly every corner, you wouldn’t bat an eye. And word that the local livestock auction sells more than 100,000 head of cattle annually couldn’t possibly be considered news. But if I told you that Amarillo now supports a lively dining scene, you’d surely react with disbelief.
There’s a burgeoning array of homegrown eating places, with much of the boom happening downtown, where renovated historic buildings are bringing loft-dwellers to the city’s center. Everywhere I went on a recent dining tour, locals told me where to find grilled sea bass, sizzling Thai dishes, tangy Greek salads, and much more. Here’s what my gustatory research turned up.
Downtown
Randy’s at the Paramount is the reincarnation of Randy’s of Wildorado, a popular place formerly about a half-hour west of Amarillo along Interstate 40. This newer, more sophisticated version occupies the beautiful 1932 Paramount Theater building. Yes, it’s pretty fancy dining for Amarillo, but I saw lots of good ol’ cowboys in jeans, boots, and hats moseyin’ in for a suppertime fix of crab cakes, pork dumplings, shrimp empanadas, Cajun pasta, and New York strip steak.
Away from downtown
If you’re browsing in the cool boutiques found within decades-old buildings along the revered Route 66, just west of downtown, take time out for a bite of the past at the Golden Light Cafe. This hamburger joint, which doubles as a rockin’ music joint at night, dates to 1946 and serves precious few items that would gain your cardiologist’s approval. The cheeseburgers are required eats, but the Frito pie—served in the bag, a perfect marriage of chili, cheese, and chips—is a deeply gratifying, indulgent repast, too.
Outside of town, but worth the trip
At the suggestion of a pal in Amarillo, I made the 50-mile trek west along Interstate 40 to the town of Adrian. There awaited the MidPoint Café, a throwback roadside joint that sits precisely on the midpoint of Route 66, with a sign indicating that Chicago is 1,139 miles east and Los Angeles is 1,139 miles west. The MidPoint, which has been open for 18 years, is popular for its big breakfasts and old-fashioned, griddle-cooked burgers, but I heartily recommend the BLT (perfectly browned toast, lots of crispy, smoked bacon, and slices of fresh, juicy tomato).
Before you go, check out these essentials!
See the full article in the August 2008 issue. Subscribe Order back issues |
