Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Texas Panhandle

OpenTable

Updated 05 November 2026

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Texas Panhandle? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

12 Gage Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (150)

$31 to $50

American

Marathon

About the restaurant

The 12 Gage Restaurant, nestled within the Gage Hotel, offers a refined dining experience with a distinct Texas flair. Their award-winning menu changes seasonally, showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients like wild game, prime beef, and seasonal vegetables.

The restaurant boasts both elegant indoor and outdoor seating options. Inside, comfortable leather chairs surround a cozy fireplace, while the walls are adorned with unique art and cowboy chic décor. Outside, the patio provides an intimate and romantic setting with fireplaces and trickling fountains.

Beyond the ambiance, 12 Gage boasts an extensive wine list featuring the hotel's own private label selection, alongside signature cocktails and delectable house-made desserts. This culinary journey is a perfect way to celebrate any special occasion or simply enjoy a memorable meal in the heart of West Texas.

Top review

Jan

Dined on 28 Oct 2026

My husband and I had a great dinner at the 12 Gage restaurant last week . We sat outside on the patio and a lovely lady was playing the guitar and singing. Our waitress was attentive but not overbearing . The food and wine were delicious and delivered in a reasonable time . It was an excellent meal and we will be back again !

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Experience

4th Annual Pachanga

Experience

An Evening with Texas Chef Jesse Griffiths

Reata Restaurant - Alpine

4.7

4.7 (965)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Alpine

About the restaurant

The original Reata Restaurant located in the scenic Davis Mountains of west Texas offers the same fine dining and Legendary Texas Cuisine you can find at the Fort Worth location. Alpine, home to Sul Ross State University is near Texas tourist destination Big Bend National Park and the towns of Marathon, Fort Davis and Lajitas. Alpine is also a short drive from Marfa, Texas renowned both for the mysterious Marfa Lights and Donald Judd's Chinati Foundation. Reata, named after the legendary ranch in the James Dean classic movie, "Giant", which was filmed in nearby Marfa, boasts the same high quality Southwestern dining you can find in Fort Worth. This is not food for the faint of heart, from Chicken Fried Steak to Calf Fries or the Pepper Crusted Tenderloin and Cowboy Rib Eye Steak, this is a dining experience not to miss.

Top review

Eunice

Dined 7 days ago

The food we got was very delicious! The portions are huge so you can share with someone if you feel like it. It's all very worth the price with how good everything was otherwise! Our server, Mariah, took very good care of us that night.

Copper Creek Fine Texas Dining

4.7

4.7 (677)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Abilene

About the restaurant

Copper Creek Fine Texas Dining serves hand cut mesquite grilled steaks and the freshest seafood selection in Abilene. We also have an fantastic lunch menu! Guests will also enjoy a full wine list, craft cocktails and craft beers and our once a month brunch, held on the first Saturday of every month!

Top review

LeeAnn

Dined on 31 Oct 2026

Our waitress Star was amazing. She was knowledgeable and very friendly!!

Triple J Chophouse and Brew Co

4.6

4.6 (1260)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Lubbock

About the restaurant

Not just Lubbock’s Orginal brew pub, but also a steakhouse where a comfortable, laidback atmosphere and a friendly service staff await you. With a wide variety of menu items from steaks, seafood and brick oven pizza, no wonder people claim we have “Darn Good Food.” Located across from the Buddy Holly Museum, on Buddy Holly Ave. in the Depot District.

Come in for a Well Crafted Beer, stay for the food.

Top review

Eric

Dined 5 days ago

Filet mignon was delicious and cooked perfectly. All sides for this were excellent (wedge salad and loaded baked potato) Service great (Thank you Liz) Chose this restaurant due to many local referrals and we weren't disappointed. Thank you.

Sa•Vor

4.6

4.6 (375)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Amarillo

About the restaurant

Contrary to what most think, the word tapas actually means "to cover". Rooted as a tradition in Spanish culture, socializing patrons of restaurants would cover their wine glasses with small plates to protect their beverages from insects and small pests while outdoors. At Savor, we pay homage to this ritual in our own unique way. The urban and chic atmosphere invites locals to step outside Amarillo for an evening and into another place entirely. With an urban, speakeasy vibe, Savor welcomes its patrons to sit comfortably at the bar or in a cozy booth next to the floor to ceiling windows.

Top review

Sheri

Dined 7 days ago

Such a lovely restaurant. We always enjoy ourselves there. We will be back! 💞

Barrel & Derrick at Marriott Odessa Conference Center

4.5

4.5 (264)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Odessa / Midland

About the restaurant

WE INVITE FRIENDS, FAMILY AND COLLEAGUES TO EAT, DRINK AND PLAY; CELEBRATING BIG CITY FLAVORS WITH A WARM TEXAS WELCOME.

Top review

Cynthia

Dined on 16 Oct 2026

Sushi night was amazing. Delicious sushi and the mixed drinks we got were amazing. Highly recommended.

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Experience

Thanksgiving Brunch

The Big Texan Steak Ranch

4.5

4.5 (619)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Amarillo

About the restaurant

In 1960, R. J. “Bob” Lee opened The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo Texas on Route 66, the “Mother Road”. It’s distinctive architecture soon became recognized across the Mother Road as a good stopping place for great steaks grilled over an open flame. The Big Texan is famous for the FREE 72oz steak challenge, which includes eating a salad, baked potato, shrimp cocktail and 72 ounces of beef! Stop in and have a one of a kind experience with large, juicy steaks, cowboys and cowgirls, and take a dive into the Old Wild West!

The Big Texan has more to offer than just big steaks! Stay with us either at our RV Park, Cabins, Wagons, Airstream, and AIRBNBs on property.

Top review

Lorraine

Dined on 27 Oct 2026

Very good food. The two 5 oz filet dinner was a great value. We split it and it was delicious and we were very full after we got the two sides that were included. The is a 5$ share charge but they will give you a third side with that gratis. But you have to ask.

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The Reserve Culinary Tavern

4.5

4.5 (234)

$30 and under

American

Lubbock

About the restaurant

The Reserve Culinary Tavern is situated in the heart of South Lubbock, surrounded by your favorite shops and neighborhoods. Whether you’re stopping by for happy hour with friends or a date night dinner, our menu has something for everyone. With our expansive bar menu and skilled bartenders, you can enjoy your favorite specialty cocktail with your choice of liquor, or grab craft beer from our large selection of beer on tap. Don’t miss out on Willie’s Pie of the Day, and if you want more than a slice, you can always buy a whole pie.
We aim to provide great food, cold drinks and wonderful service every time you visit us. We are locally owned and operated and our tavern reflects that: we feature local products on our food menu, local beers on draft, and you can always catch a Texas Tech game at the Reserve. If you’re looking for quality food in a beautiful atmosphere, we know The Reserve will be added to your Lubbock-night-out rotation.
Don't forget about Saturday and Sunday brunch!

Top review

Rylee

Dined 2 days ago

Wonderful server, great food, great drinks, quick service!

Drunken Oyster

4.4

4.4 (817)

$31 to $50

Cajun

Amarillo

About the restaurant

The Drunken Oyster atmosphere will bring you into the Heart of the French Quarter, With the sounds you hear on the streets of French Quarter, Gas Lanterns, Heavy Drapes, aged Brick and Library laddered bar. The food is a compilation of Cajun Inspired dishes and fresh flown in daily Seafood and Oysters. The Drunken Oyster also Offers Aged Certified Angus beef Cuts. There is something for everyone, Salads, burgers, Po Boys, Gator, Crawfish,to name a few options.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined on 20 Oct 2026

We stop here every time we’re in the area for dinner. Food is always great, the service is accommodating because we need to eat on the patio as we travel with our dog. And the absinthe menu is definitely a plus! Haven’t had a bad time yet!

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Claraboya Scratch Kitchen + Bar

4.1

4.1 (437)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Mexican

Lubbock

About the restaurant

Chef Antonio Pinas role in Lubbock’s Culinary Scene
Claraboya Scratch Kitchen & Bar in Lubbock, a restaurant known for its vibrant, innovative menu and quality service. His culinary style there continues to emphasize bold, creative flavor combinations featuring locally sourced ingredients and seasonal seafood, such as red snapper and Argentinian wild-caught shrimp paired with flavorful grits.
Claraboya has developed a reputation for standout dishes including lobster corn dogs and shrimp and grits, and it supports community events
Philosophy and Community Involvement
Pina advocates for supporting local businesses and the restaurant community, especially in difficult economic times. He encourages patrons to provide constructive feedback directly to restaurants and support local dining through social media shout-outs, reviews, and regular visits. He’s actively engaged in fundraisers and community causes, such as hosting barbecue events to support families in need

Top review

Kimberley

Dined on 30 Oct 2026

The food at Claraboya is always fantastic! Our waitress was so kind and attentive. The price for the entrees is comparable to other high end restaurants, but the appetizers were very pricey. I love the atmosphere…makes you feel like you are out of town on vacation while still being in your hometown. I highly recommend Claraboya!

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