Abilene—deep West Texas, at the intersection of cowboy legend and college town—remains as warm and rugged as its prairie sunsets.
The restaurant scene is equal parts ranch tradition, Southern comfort, and Abilene’s open-hearted welcome.
Perini Ranch Steakhouse
Just outside town, Perini is a meaty mecca, drawing beef aficionados for wood-grilled ribeyes, mesquite-smoked brisket, and tenderloin so good it’s been served at the White House.
Down-home sides, thick bread pudding, and peach cobbler round out the feast, served in a rustic barn atmosphere buzzing with stories and laughter.
Little Italy
Small, unassuming, and family-run, Little Italy pours its heart into heaping servings of homemade fettuccine Alfredo, baked lasagna, chicken Marsala, and pizzas fired in a stone oven.
Red checkered tables, BYOB, and the friendliest staff this side of the Brazos make for a city favorite since the 1980s.
Betty Rose’s Little Brisket
What Abilene does best: low-and-slow brisket, smoky ribs, pork belly burnt ends, and sausage so juicy it almost needs a bib.
The casual interior is classic Texas—picnic tables, football on TV, and jarred pickles on the counter.
Sweet tea flows and the crowd is a cross-section of West Texas: grandparents, students, ranchers, and coaches.
The Beehive Restaurant & Saloon
Steaks, seafood, and comfort sides are the draw at this downtown saloon—a favorite for anniversary dinners, date nights, and business deals.
The ribeye and filet are outstanding, prime rib legendary, and the Key lime pie brings locals back again and again.
Charming Western decor and a lively bar make it a destination for every occasion.
Jay’s BBQ Shack
Locals call it the best pit barbecue in Abilene: brisket, turkey, ribs, and chicken smoked over oak and served casual, with tangy sauce and all the fixins.
Sides like green bean casserole, jalapeño rice, and pecan pie keep plates full, and the picnic tables outside are often full all day long.
Come early—when it’s gone, it’s gone.
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