Five Amarillo Mexican and Tex-Mex Restaurants Worth Exploring |
From neighborhood Mexican restaurants to Abuelo's, a multi-location brand that began in Amarillo, these five dining spots offer different ways to explore the city's Mexican and Tex-Mex food scene. |

Mexican food is part of Amarillo's daily routine in a way it is not in most Texas cities of comparable size. The Panhandle's population and its longtime connection to cross-border culture means the demand is genuine and the competition is real. The restaurants that earn long-term loyalty here range from locally operated favorites to a regional chain with Amarillo roots. Here are five spots the community can explore.
Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant
Abuelo's on SW 45th Ave draws a consistent crowd by pairing a full Mexican menu with a happy hour that runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. The deal includes $5 house drinks - Grande Mexican Draft Beer, Sangria Roja, and a regular La Grandeza Margarita - with a $7.99 upgrade to the Raspberry Hibiscus Margarita. Happy hour appetizers cover the classics: empanadas, guacamole, chile con queso, and queso diablo. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. daily and runs until 10 p.m. most nights, with Friday and Saturday hours extended to 11 p.m. Discover the Abuelo's menu at their SW 45th Ave location.
Find Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant on the Amarillo Shoutouts Directory for more information.
El Patron Tex-Mex Restaurant
El Patron on the I-40 Frontage Road serves what they call the finest Tex-Mex in Amarillo, and they back it with a commitment to preparing every dish fresh daily using quality ingredients. The menu runs the full range from casual combo plates to a ten-ounce rib eye steak served with fries, vegetables, and toast. Hours run Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Catering and private event space are also available for groups. See what El Patron has on the menu at their I-40 Frontage Rd address.
Find El Patron Tex-Mex Restaurant on the Amarillo Shoutouts Directory for more information.
Los Braceros Mexican Restaurant
Los Braceros on Bell Street built its reputation around the kind of Mexican food that takes time to make right: tamales, birria, quesabirria, barbacoa, carne asada, and menudo alongside a full menu of tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas. The kitchen runs from 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday until 9 or 10 p.m., with Sunday hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Delivery and takeout are both available, and a rewards program lets regulars earn toward free food on online orders. Find Los Braceros at 3303 Bell St.
Find Los Braceros Mexican Restaurant on the Amarillo Shoutouts Directory for more information.
El Manantial Restaurant
El Manantial on East Amarillo Blvd is a longtime neighborhood spot that has been part of the east side dining landscape for years. It holds a loyal following among residents who have been eating there long enough to have a regular order. The restaurant's longevity on East Amarillo Blvd says something about its place in the community's habits. Stop by El Manantial at 3823 E Amarillo Blvd.
Find El Manantial Restaurant on the Amarillo Shoutouts Directory for more information.
Cada Vez Cocina Mexicana
Cada Vez Cocina Mexicana sits in the Town Square area on the southwest side of Amarillo and offers a full menu alongside a bar program that keeps the dining room lively on weekend evenings. Hours run Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday opening at 10 a.m. The weekend brunch hours make it a practical stop for families who want Mexican food without waiting until dinner. Check out Cada Vez at 9200 Town Square Blvd.
Find Cada Vez Cocina Mexicana on the Amarillo Shoutouts Directory for more information.
Amarillo's Mexican and Tex-Mex scene offers choices ranging from neighborhood restaurants to an established multi-location brand that began in Amarillo. These five places represent different dining experiences around the city. If your regular rotation needs a fresh entry, any of them is a starting point.
Own a business in Amarillo? Make it easier for local residents to discover you. Add your business to the Amarillo Shoutouts Directory and help more people in your community find what you offer. |

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