"Amarillo" Amarillo by OaktownC

I've lived in Amarillo for about six years now. A good job as a field editor for a Quarter Horse racing magazine is what brought me here from California -- and, frankly, that's what's keeping me here.
Amarillo is represented by just about every fast food and chain restaurant around, but there are some very good locally owned options here, places which I like to call "oases in a chicken-fried steak desert." :-)
One of my favorite restaurants is Macaroni Joe's, which is a locally owned pasta house. Their menu is varied and there's something for everyone, from meat lovers to vegetarians. The wine list is extensive and the atmosphere is European. My favorite dish is Confetti Spaghetti, which consists of pasta with artichokes, garlic, fresh herbs, tomatoes and olives tossed in a light olive oil sauce. It's located off of Interstate 40, so if you're just passing through town on your way to somewhere else, stop by for something different.
Another place I like is Tacos Garcia. It is also located off of I-40, and has excellent homemade Mexican food. For something different, try the "naked" chili relleno, which is a steamed green chile (not breaded or fried), stuffed with ground beef. Their blue corn green chile enchiladas are prepared New Mexico-style, and are smothered in cheese and green chiles.
Excellent coffee and bakery favorites can be found at Wolflin Village at Roasters and the Village Bakery and Cafe, respectively. Both places are locally owned and the quality is as good as you'll find in any larger city. Roasters has an antique coffee roaster in the middle of the store, and its employees are well-trained baristas who know their customers and know the difference between good and bad coffee. Village Bakery and Cafe has excellent baked goods, including fresh fruit tarts and scones (the maple oatmeal scone is my favorite).
Try these restaurants next time you're in town and you'll see that Amarillo is more than just meat and potatoes!

• Pros:The housing costs are low and it's easy to get around town...
• Cons:There is a lack of political, ethnic, religious, racial, cultural and geographic diversity, and the wind constantly blows.
• In a nutshell:It's fairly plain, and fairly isolated from the world, which takes some getting used to