Amarillo: Faces, Places & Open Spaces

holes-in-the-wall,
pit stops, and
hangouts
There’s no place
like the Golden
Light Café.
Amarilloans are fond of their
hangouts and dives. Some of
the best food in Amarillo
can be found in nondescript,
out of the way
places. Some, like the
Golden Light Café, a
National Historic Landmark,
are famous for their location,
longevity, and great hamburgers. The
Café, established in 1946, is the oldest
restaurant in Amarillo and one of the oldest
on old Route 66. The adjacent Golden Light
Cantina features both famous and obscure
musicians who have entertained Amarillo
residents for decades. Barnaby’s Beanery has
been on historic old Route 66 (Sixth Street)
for forty years, and Smokey Joe’s across the
road from the Golden Light Café, packs folks
into the street-front outdoor patio on warm
summer nights. The Stockyard Café, where
the chicken fried steak has been eaten by
cowboys, downtown businessmen and professionals,
cattle buyers, tourists, and just
plain folks has appeared on the Travel
Channel. The “Burger from Hell” served up by
the Coyote Bluff Café has also appeared on
the Travel Channel. Amarillo loves Mexican
food, and many hole-in-the-wall Mexican
eateries and large chain restaurants can be
found throughout the city. Acapulco Mexican
Restaurant and Bar has brought Mexican cuisine
and a party atmosphere to downtown
Amarillo. La Frontera, on Arthur Street, is a
favorite with local residents, and taco and
burrito stands can be found almost anywhere
in the eastern section of the city.
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