Beer and tomato juice? Created in Wichita Falls in the 1950s, the Red Draw is a West Texas classic that exemplifies the region’s authentic F&B experiences. Texan pride is a common ingredient, served at institutions such as El Paso’s H & H Car Wash and Coffee Shop. Since 1958, this family-run diner has been the place to get your car washed, your shoes shined and your belly filled with huevos rancheros, enchiladas and other Mexican fare.
Hungry for more? Here are some other stops on the West Texas down-home dine-around.
At Wichita Falls’ oldest bar, Deuce P-2 (940.766.1232), you can roll up in the huge parking lot and get served a Red Draw or other beverage in your car. The atmosphere is pure country, with indoor and outdoor dining, live music and authentic local characters—ideal for delegates looking for an authentic way to unwind in West Texas.
Sweet-toothed delegates will enjoy Abilene’s Candies by Vletas. Founded in 1912, this Abilene institution sells a range of quality handmade chocolate and candy products, including Texas-shaped gift sets.
Since 1977, Midland’s colorful, convivial Gerardo’s Casita has been a popular choice for delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, with room for 45 in the private Tequila Room.
For an old frontier town, Lubbock is also about modern appeal. Rain Uptown is an upscale Italian restaurant featuring the Raintini Lounge, serving more than 60 different Martinis and featuring event space.
Famed for its “Texas King” challenge (eat a 72-ounce steak plus sides in one hour, and the $72 meal is on the house), Amarillo’s legendary Big Texan Steak Ranch, which opened in 1960 on Route 66, accommodates and caters all manner of events. Now brewing its own beers, including Rattlesnake IPA and Whoop Your Donkey, the venue includes the adjacent AAA-rated, 54-room Big Texan Motel. Designed to resemble an Old West main street, the property includes a Texas-shaped outdoor swimming pool.