5 Best New Restaurants in Amarillo, Texas that People are Raving About

Amarillo has quietly been raising its food game beyond steakhouses and Route 66 diners.

A mix of modern American spots, creative cafes, and globally inspired kitchens are changing what you can expect to eat in the Panhandle.

1. OHMS Cafe & Bar

Downtown, OHMS feels like a cozy, art‑lined bistro with a serious kitchen. The atmosphere is warm and intimate—perfect for date night or a nicer dinner.

The menu leans New American with Southwestern touches: seared fish, steaks, pork chops, and seasonal pastas alongside creative starters and salads. Expect thoughtful plating, good wine, and a level of cooking that feels big‑city by Amarillo standards.

2. Yellow City Street Food

Yellow City Street Food is a small, funky spot that turns global street‑food inspiration into chef‑y plates. The space is casual, with local art and a laid‑back vibe.

You’ll see rotating tacos, creative burgers, vegan and vegetarian options, loaded fries, and weekly specials that play with Asian, Mexican, and American flavors. The beer list leans craft, and the menu changes often enough to keep locals coming back.

3. The Drunken Oyster

Styled like a New Orleans‑inspired gastropub, The Drunken Oyster brings a bit of the French Quarter to Amarillo. Dark, moody lighting, a big bar, and live music some nights set the scene.

The menu focuses on Gulf and Cajun flavors: oysters (raw and chargrilled), po’boys, gumbo, étouffée, shrimp and grits, plus steaks and burgers. Craft cocktails and a strong whiskey selection make it a full night‑out spot.

4. Cask & Cork

Cask & Cork sits in a modern space with a rooftop patio that’s one of the nicer hangout spots in Amarillo. Inside is polished but approachable—great for groups or date nights.

The menu is elevated American: steaks, pastas, flatbreads, salads, and seafood, often with a slight Southwestern lean. The bar program is a big part of the experience, with wine, craft cocktails, and a good beer lineup.

5. Joe Taco Downtown

More polished than your average taqueria, Joe Taco Downtown brings a lively, modern Tex‑Mex atmosphere: bright colors, a big bar, and an energetic dining room.

The menu covers creative tacos, fajitas, burrito bowls, quesadillas, and shareable appetizers like queso, nachos, and loaded fries. Margaritas (frozen and on the rocks) are front and center, making it a go‑to for happy hour and casual nights out.