The Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurant in Texas That Is Worth the Day Trip

I’ve never been very good at multitasking, but the same can’t be said about The Sentinel. In fact, this nondescript, white adobe building in the quirky West Texas town of Marfa wears more hats than I ever thought possible of a single business. Not only a restaurant, coffee shop, bar, and event venue, The Sentinel is also home to two local newspapers — The Big Bend Sentinel and Presidio International, so visitors can feel proud knowing every cup of coffee or locally-inspired meal they purchase is supporting independent journalism.

The interior of the restaurant gives off a vibe somewhere between Bohemian and Southwestern, and it couldn’t fit in more perfectly with the surrounding desert landscape. You’ll see a sizable collection of ceramics and other one-of-a-kind items displayed in one section of the shop, and fancy coffee machines and an impressive liquor collection can be seen behind the counter.

Upon stepping inside, you’ll be hit with the intoxicating smell of freshly-roasted coffee beans — for me, there’s nothing more comforting in the whole world. Add in the laid-back vibe and ridiculously cool staff, and you have a hangout spot that other bars, coffee shops, and restaurants only wish they could measure up to.

Not only is the energy immaculate, but the coffee itself is some of the best you’ll ever have. It’s rich and smooth, and the talented baristas never miss with the latte art. Also, the seasonal beverages give a certain coffee chain a run for its money.

Settle into a cozy chair and savor a moment of stillness as you read the paper and sip your drink. Here, it seems like the hurried pace of the modern world is far away, and I’d encourage you to enjoy it while you can.

In addition to a stellar drink menu (which also includes lots of fun cocktails), The Sentinel also serves lunch. The menu changes based on what’s in season, with dishes like salads, sandwiches, and tacos being staples throughout the year. Local produce is used as much as possible, and the restaurant really takes the phrase “eat the rainbow” to heart. Everything that comes out of the kitchen is bursting with color (and flavor!).

Visit The Sentinel Marfa’s website for more information such as current hours. You can also check out the Facebook page for The Sentinel Marfa.

Have you ever been to this remote restaurant in Texas? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Check out our previous article to learn more about nearby Big Bend National Park. If you’d like to explore hiking trails in the park, you’ll find the best ones on AllTrails. Don’t forget to sign up for AllTrails+ for perks like national park guides!