Dining in Study Butte/Terlingua, TX

The Pink Place

There are quite a few diners scattered in the desolate area outside Big Bend. Sadly The Pink Place wasn't an option for us.  My husband and I stayed in a castia for a week, just a  5 minute walk from The Pink Place.  But it was never open.

 Another time!

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The Rio Grande for Mexican Food!

This little adobe spot was right next door, so we dined here a few times.

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Cozy and Quick

There are 5 tables to chose from, all covered with sunflower decorated vinyl cloths. I was worrid to take the last table since I'd heard 1 table was always reserved for the family. But a sweet lady with a black hairnet gestured for us to take a seat.   She later served me the most delicious and authentic looking chili rellenos I've ever eaten!

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India's!

Every local in the area was giddy about sharing the news of India's Cafe. Being from Houston, I expected Indian cuisine, but no!  India and her husband William serve down home American food from 6 am to 2, only a few days a week.  Luckily we made it in time for lunch on our last day in the area.

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Outdoor Seating

India's is a popular little trailer cafe (when open) with more seating out than in.  Maybe that's because of the mountain view across the highway! 

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Like Eating at Mom's

We were lucky to grab one of the 3 inside tables.  It was cozy in the trailer, with the kitchen stove covered in steamy pans and a few crockpots on tables.  India was a delight as she bustled around.  She didn't have to go far, but there were lots of obstacles in this crowded space.  The counter was covered  with her homemade brownies and pies and there were plenty of shelves and tables of knick knacks to duck and weave around.

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Not Healthy Dining

We had been warned that you don't go to India's if you're dieting. So I went all out and ordered Tommy's Bad Boy Chili Dog!  This was a cheddar stuffed smoked sausage, wrapped in thick bacon and deep fried, then smothered with  chili...which was full of grilled sweet onions, bell peppers, green chili and garlic.  William worked hard on a nearby stove preparing my feast.  When India eventually placed my empty plate in the sink I heard her tell William,  "She did a really good job on that!"

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Best People Encounter!!

I don't have a picture of Mac, but I have a photo of his coffee mug hanging on a beam.  He arrived half way through our meal to pick up his carryouts. (He brought his own Tupperware)  He was hard to miss as he struggled to turn sideways  squeezing his large body through the screened door.  His voice was already booming greetings to India before he made it through.  While he waited for India to fill his containers he supported his heavy body against a table and chatted with us.  "Cold front's coming!" He announced.  "I can feel it in every broken bone in my body!"  He proceeded to tell us many stories about the war and his work with the sheriff that lead to his broken bones.   Even if Mac had been in a crowded Wal-mart, my eyes would have been drawn to him.  It wasn't just his size, but his white handle bar moustache, pin covered ball cap and faded overalls.  And here he was in this tiny 3-table cafe with his storytelling voice carrying on about how he was born in Lajitas on the porch of the general store, because Mama couldn't make it to the hospital 80 miles away.  Mac told a few jokes while India finished packing up his containers.   Then he nodded good-bye and we watched him maneuever his way back out the screened door.

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The Prize!  
We ate in a quite a few  odd places during our week in the Study Butte/Terlingua area of West Texas.   All were memorable and odd.  But India's takes the prize for warmest and most  comfortable.  My unhealthy chili dog may have been my favorite meal, as well!  We will be back!

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