Shortlist: Ten Restaurants In Odessa, TX, That Locals Love!
Odessa is the cowboy capital of Texas and hosts a Friday Night Lights charm we can’t get enough of. It’s been around since the 1800s, and although it is a young city, they haven’t left a stone unturned in creating a vibrant cultural hub that includes some unbelievable restaurants.
You’ll find restaurants in Odessa, TX that specialize in all sorts of cuisine here. But one thing’s for sure, your mouth will be watering over the delicious smells and jaw-dropping displays of culinary expertise.
Odessa has everything from fine dining to downright homely cooking, from global treats to local classics. You may even feel overwhelmed by the options – perhaps that’s why you’re reading this.
Don’t worry. We know this town like the back of our hand and have created a helpful guide to Odessa’s best restaurants to ease your mind and settle your stomach.
The Ten Best Restaurants In Odessa, TX: Food Worth Waiting For!
1. Rooster’s Diner
A family-owned casual dining space with a flair for fusion flavor and entertainment.
Rooster’s Diner is a hole-in-the-wall found in suburban Odessa. Tucked away in a little gray house, you might stroll right past it if it weren’t for the glove-clad rooster on the front lawn. A blinking “OPEN” sign in the front window will then usher you through the door to one of Odessa’s best-kept secrets.
From humble beginnings as a food truck, this family-owned restaurant has come a long way. Once a more stable residency was set up, they filled the dining room with wood-finished tables. Next, they built a large, accommodating patio out back, complete with a Garden Bar serving creative and delicious cocktails.
The fun doesn’t stop there, and Rooster’s is always alive with activity. Their social media keeps their guests up to date on the latest events, including Rodeo Evenings with a bucking mechanical bull and Bingo Nights. It’s the perfect hangout for a night of entertainment with friends.
And we haven’t even gotten to the best part yet. Their menu is packed full of fusion flavors. It’s small yet versatile, allowing diners to select the protein they want to incorporate into the dishes.
Staying true to their roots, the food is reminiscent of food truck delicacies. Wonton Tacos, Nachos, and an unbeatable Brisket Grilled cheese sandwich are hits among their diners!
When it comes to restaurants in Odessa, if you’re looking for a fun-filled evening out, head down to Rooster’s Diner. You won’t be disappointed.
Opening Hours: Closed Sunday; 11 am to 3 pm Mon – Thurs & Sat; 11 am to 3 pm; 5 pm to 12 am Fri
Location: 615 N Sam Houston Ave, Odessa, TX
2. Press Cafe
A stylish cafe where coffee is served hot and food is mouth-watering.
If you’re awake at the crack of dawn and looking for a place to soothe your rumbling tummy, look no further than the Press Cafe. Most people haven’t heard about this hidden gem tucked away inside the Sewell Ford Dealership. But we can assure you, it’s one of the best restaurants in Odessa, TX.
Over and above that, they’re one of the top spots for breakfast in Odessa too. Colorful dishes accompany rich hand-crafted coffees to the table, and the baristas make a mean smoothie too! They serve a small selection of breakfast items, with the Texan Sunrise being the most popular, before offering heartier fare for lunch.
For something more substantial, a collection of flavorful salads and sandwiches can be ordered alongside wood-fired pizzas for lunch. Diners rave about their burgers; you can’t go wrong with ordering a Patty Melt.
For a small cafe, they boast undeniable charm. The rustic finishes inside extend to their curbside dining, where a milkshake goes down spectacularly in the summer heat.
The friendly staff are always helpful, and despite being a rather unusual find, you’ll still find days where The Press is chocked full of hungry patrons. Weekends are their busiest, so a reservation would be ideal if you want to enjoy a lovely brunch.
Opening Hours: Closed Sunday; 7 am to 6:30 pm Mon-Sat
Location: 4400 Parks Legado Rd, Odessa, TX
3. Red Oak Kitchen
Beautiful dining venue with outdoor seating specializing in Southwestern flavor.
Red Oak Kitchen reminds us of sunny days down South. They’re a beautiful dining area that offers a small but delicious variety of tastings, and they’re open for breakfast too.
Creative home cooking meets farm-fresh ingredients at this venue. And the result is delicious, wholesome food that we can’t get enough of. Devilled Egg starters mesh with a timeless Pepperoni Pizza main. Or perhaps you’d prefer a New Mexico burger? Either way, Red Oak Kitchen could have precisely what you’re looking for.
Your breakfast options are a bit more unusual. Steering away from the typical Bacon and Eggs, you can start your day perfectly with a thick stack of Lemon Ricotta Pancakes or a Mexican-inspired El Cosmico Burrito. Then, top it off with one of their hand-crafted espressos, and you’ll be more than set to face your day!
They have a weekly happy hour that runs between 3pm and 6pm too, with specials on drinks and food; what more could you ask for?
If the fantastic cuisine wasn’t enough, the venue sure has our hearts. It’s industrial chic, and has not two, but three different dining spaces with a loft dining area hovering over the busy diner and a stunning outdoor patio to soak up that Texan sun.
Red Oak Kitchen is a vibrant take on the restaurant scene. So come one, come all, kick back and relax at this incredible Odessa restaurant.
Opening Hours: 7:30 am to 10 pm Mon – Sat; 7:30 am to 9 pm Sun
Location: 7260 TX-191 Frontage #200, Odessa, TX
4. Curbside Bistro
A colorful addition to the Odessa culinary scene serving homely comfort food.
It doesn’t matter the time of day; there’s always something about comfort food that gets our stomachs rumbling. Curbside Bistro started as a humble food truck before opening a more permanent dining area. This doesn’t mean you won’t occasionally see their meals on wheels, as the food truck still operates to cater to events.
They’ve created a colorful brand, where the walls are decorated with graffiti and murals. The vibe is palpable and exciting, with the venue hosting its own fun-filled evenings every now and then, which you can discover through their social media.
Chef Alejandro is a local legend and creates some of the best comfort food in Odessa. Unbelievable gut-busting burgers and sandwiches light up the menu, topped with a tasty mixtures of ingredients. Those burgers are saucy, juicy, and hell-bent on satisfying every craving you have.
Again if you keep a keen eye on their social media, you’ll be able to find much more than burgers. Depending on the day, they have different specials, and you must act fast to avoid disappointment. For example, Wednesdays are Wingsdays, and the delicious special is only available until they run out, which happens almost weekly!
The staff are energetic and bring new life to hospitality. The vibe is always lively too, whether you’re dining indoors or taking full advantage of their patio.
So whether you’re just passing by or are lucky enough to catch their food truck in action, Curbside Bistro is one-of-a-kind and definitely one of the best restaurants in Odessa, TX.
Opening Hours: Closed Sun & Mon; 11 am to 9 pm Tues – Thurs & Sat; 11 am to 10 pm Fri
Location: 3816 Andrews Hwy, Odessa, TX
5. Cork & Pig Tavern
A lively restaurant for an excellent wining and dining experience.
Forgive us if we’re wrong, but when we picture a tavern, we imagine pitchers of beer rattling against each other and a lively crowd bustling around the bar. Cork & Pig Tavern doesn’t quite fit that description, although you’ll still find a sturdy range of ales on tap.
Instead, you walk into a venue that oozes comfort from the industrial fixtures down to the leather-clad booths. Warm lighting creates an appealing glow that enhances the romance. And trust us when we say we think you’ll fall in love with this restaurant.
This place was born from friendship, a passion for great wines, and even better food. And we assure you that you won’t be coming here to dine on pub grub. Instead, you’ll find an enhanced menu filled with delicious, globally influenced cuisines.
Wood-fired pizzas and grill options build up a full range of choices. They have you covered whether you’re craving seafood or a hefty portion of sticky ribs. What’s better is the menu and bar are collaborative, and the flavors of each meal can be paired wonderfully with the notes given by a range of beverage choices.
Speaking of drinks, the bar certainly fits the part of a tavern and serves some of the best and most creative cocktails in Odessa. And we don’t doubt that the mimosas served with Sunday brunch are out of this world too.
The staff are well-versed in their industry, and the atmosphere is always buzzing with activity. In addition, they host the occasional musician, so follow them on Facebook to find out more.
Opening Hours: 11 am to 10 pm Mon – Thurs; 11 am to 11 pm Fri & Sat; 11 am to 9 pm Sun
Location: 7260 E Texas 191 #204, #204, Odessa, TX
6. Flair Taverna
Odessa’s very own Italian fine-dining experience.
Found near the heart of Odessa, Flair Taverna offers patrons a dive into the more sophisticated side of life. Suit and tie-ready, this is more than just fine dining. This place is an ode to authentic Italian cuisine and they are passionate about bringing people together.
The stunning venue encompasses warmth, with light wood fixtures bringing life to the brickwork. Small trees dot the dining room, and dazzling feature lights create the perfect romantic ambiance for your date night. It’s a must-visit venue for intimate gatherings.
The brilliant chefs bring life to Italian classics and create seasonal dishes that not only ensure quality but an unforgettable taste too.
But first of all, kickstart your meal with something to share from their menu to usher in the main course with style.
You won’t feel overwhelmed by their options, which to indecisive individuals like ourselves is a blessing in disguise. Like all modern Italian restaurants, you’ll be able to order pasta and pizza, but the real show-stoppers are their unbeatable House Specialties.
The Maple Chicken Al Limon offers an incredible balance between sweet and savory, the tender protein embedded in a creamy garlic mash. But that’s not all; your mouth will water at the sight of their Ravioli and Pistachio Lamb Rack.
So if you’re looking for somewhere to wow your friends, Flair Taverna is the perfect spot for you and undeniably one of the best restaurants in Odessa, TX.
Opening Hours: 11 am to 10 pm Tues – Sat; 11 am to 9 pm Sun & Mon
Location: 2701 John Ben Shepperd Pkwy, Odessa, TX
7. Volcano
Delicious Asian Fusion served in a down-to-earth venue.
Prepare those chopsticks and get ready to be sent on a taste adventure with Volcano. Located discretely between two of Odessa’s university centers, there’s no wonder they’re so popular. After all, sushi is kryptonite for starving students everywhere.
That’s right! Volcano is one of the few restaurants in Odessa, TX where you can indulge in rice-wrapped sushi. And rumor is, they’re the best. They serve up everything from traditional to Western classics.
The nigiri is perfectly sliced and fresh, and their specialty rolls have an incredible range of flavors. Their sushi plates are colorful and decorated, with soy sauce painting the ceramic canvas with a sketch of your favorite pokemon.
But sushi is not all they serve; you can find many meals here. Delicious rice and noodle dishes are just as popular, with a fan favorite being the Pineapple Fried Rice, served in a pineapple bowl!
Their menu boasts a variety of specials and combos, which can cater to a romantic date for two or the whole family.
The venue is colorful and understated, with ample seating to accommodate busy evenings. However, there’s not necessarily any need for a reservation, as the service is speedy and you will likely not have to wait long for a table.
Maybe we’re biased, but as avid sushi lovers, we couldn’t help but include this charming Asian restaurant on our list of Odessa’s best restaurants.
Opening Hours: 11 am to 9:30 pm Mon – Thurs; 11 am to 10 pm Fri & Sat; 11 am to 9 pm Sun
Location: 3952 E 42nd St, Odessa, TX
8. Pho & More
A dive into exotic Vietnamese cuisine.
Here at Wandering Our World, exotic is our favorite. So obviously, we couldn’t resist adding Pho & More to our list of the best restaurants in Odessa, TX. Why? Well, it’s a step out of the norm, of course, introducing the colorful flavors of Vietnamese cuisine to Texas.
This down-to-earth restaurant might not seem like much, but the culinary experience is well worth the visit. There’s no food quite like Vietnamese food, and the expert chefs at Pho & More ensure that each dish encapsulates five incredible tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy.
The menu hosts a variety of authentic meals that will tickle the tastebuds. Their appetizers are an assortment of delicious small plates, including dumplings and spring rolls. But for a heartier choice, you can try your hand at a robust Stirfry, or if you’re more adventurous, go for a Shaken Beef Noodle Dish.
They offer a versatile menu, so don’t be surprised when you come across some Vietnamese-American fusion collaborations, including a tempting Brisket Noodle Soup.
What’s more is they offer one of Odessa’s favorite treats, Milk Tea, available in various flavors, and always have Boba on hand to sweeten the deal!
The venue might leave something to the imagination but still offers ample space to accommodate big groups.
Their service is speedy, and you’ll never see the quality falter, even on busy days. Reservations aren’t necessary, as the wait for a table is usually very short.
Opening Hours: Closed Sunday; 10:30 am to 9 pm Mon-Sat
Location: 4023 John Ben Shepperd Pkwy, Odessa, TX
9. Teak and Charlie’s Jersey Girl Pizza
A unique and vibrant pizzeria.
Teak and Charlie’s Jersey Girl Pizza is a student paradise and home to legendary 30-inch pizzas. They’re deeply embedded in their traditions, which shows in their food’s expert quality.
Tried and true, their recipes are generations old. Crispy bases with a doughy center are topped with an eclectic mix of great ingredients. If none of their specialty pizzas tickle your tastebuds, you’ll be happy to know they have a build-your-own option, which means you can create a cheesy masterpiece all of your own.
That’s not all; they serve calzones and sandwiches too.
The brothers behind the business have created a fantastic menu that includes the fusion of different cuisines. So we can see exactly why the students in Odessa can’t get enough of this place. It’s the perfect spot to satisfy any cheesy carb cravings.
As for the venue, it’s quirky and upbeat, and while there’s not much in the way of decor, they’ve kept it colorful and fun. After all, any good restauranteur knows that it’s not the frills that make the place but the people it attracts. And the young and vibrant crowd keeps this place lively, not to mention the fun-loving staff.
Opening Hours: Closed Sun; 11 am to 9 pm Mon – Sat
Location: 4007 John Ben Shepperd Pkwy, Odessa, TX
10. Rose Bar-B-Q
Nothing beats a good Barbeque spot!
There’s no finer way to experience Texas than with some genuine Texan Barbecue. And in Odessa, there’s no better place for it than Rose Bar-B-Q. Smokey, sweet, and absolutely divine.
It’s a hole-in-the-wall reminiscent of older American dining, but we’re not here for frills. Frankly, we adore the retro wall-hangings and aged wood finishes. Places like Rose Bar-B-Q don’t need all the extras, especially when the food is this great!
Honest-to-goodness barbecue is hard to come across, so don’t be afraid to pig out a little when you find it. Rose is known for its unbelievably tender brisket, slathered in sauce and paired with your favorite side. Not only that, but it’s home to the one-of-a-kind Cowboy Pie, which is by far their guests’ favorite meal. You have to try it.
Each day of the week is dedicated to a different special. Unfortunately, they’re not open on weekends, so get your fix before Saturday.
This family-owned restaurant lives for good company, so expect the ambiance to be abuzz with memories in the making. Conversations are always great, and the locals are as friendly as are the incredible staff.
As far as we’re concerned, this down-to-earth slice of heaven is undeniably one of the best restaurants in Odessa, TX.
Opening Hours: Closed Sat & Sun; 11 am to 8 pm Mon – Fri
Location: 4740 W University Blvd, Odessa, TX
The Best Restaurants In Odessa, TX: Our Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Odessa is a vibrant town full of life and adventures to be had. They show unbelievable hospitality to strangers too.
You’ll also find some fantastic restaurants and cafes in Odessa too. And they all have one thing in common: undeniably delicious food and great ambiance to keep the evening going.
So next time you find yourself in town, stay a while. Who knows? You might find your new favorite spot.
