West Texas Guide to Healthy Eating

In searching for healthy options, it turns out it isn’t about discovering new spots so much as it’s about looking past the pizza to discover new-to-you items on the menu. And, in doing so in West Texas, we’ve found there are quite a few good-for-you selections on almost every local menu: from made-to-order smoothies to locally-sourced, organic ingredients. Whether you’re looking to commit (or recommit) to your health by making smarter choices or simply looking to try something new, we’ve scouted healthy eats right here in West Texas.

SIPS, COFFEE & BREAKFAST

BLACK RIFLE COFFEE COMPANY

@blackriflecoffee | Founded by former U.S. Army Green Beret Evan Hafer, Black Rifle Coffee Company is touted as “America’s Coffee Company” for good reason. This homegrown coffee company develops blends with explosive roast profiles from light, medium, and dark, each with its own nuanced flavor notes. And with every purchase you make, they give towards supporting veterans, law, enforcement, and first responders. For a clean caffeine kick that supports a healthy lifestyle, brew up a cup of this patriotic joe!

FAR WEST

2040 W Cuthbert Ave, Midland | @farwestcoffee  | Vibrant matcha lattes topped with silky oat milk foam, smooth nitro cold brews, fizzy espresso tonics, and on-tap kombucha are just a few of the bevy of beverage offerings at Far West Coffee. Each drink served at the aesthetically pleasing café is carefully brewed and concocted, letting their high quality ingredients speak for themselves. If you’re looking for a cleaner way to get your caffeine fix without all the fussy calorie-loaded sugars and additives, go can’t go wrong at Far West. Healthy Order: Iced Oachata.

FUEL BAR

610 N Big Spring, Midland | @thefuelbar_ | Stop in at Fuel Bar to, well, fuel up. Pair a specialty caffeinated concoction like a CBD coffee with a savory breakfast bowl or satisfy your sweet tooth — healthily, that is — with a superfood boost from an açaí bowl. Fuel Bar is also a local favorite for smoothies, which are made to order. Healthy Order: The Poppy Smoothie Bowl.

LUNCH & DINNER

JUJIS KITCHEN

6 Desta Drive, Midland | @jujis_kitchen | Jujis Kitchen proves that eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. From an impressive offering of salads, daily soup options, hearty handhelds, and more, fresh, feel good food that doesn’t skimp on flavor keeps locals coming back time and time again to this cozy, quaint eatery. Healthy Order: Thai Lettuce Wraps.

MIDLAND SOUP LADY

@midlandsouplady | Craving a truly home-cooked meal without the work? Look to Liz McCormick, or as we know her, Midland’s Soup Lady! Liz cooks up a delicious variety of soups to nourish your body and please your taste buds – all from her own home kitchen! Her offerings rotate weekly ranging from familiar classics like homestyle chicken noodle and butternut squash to soups highlighting the ingredients of the season such as Texas Hill Country vegetable and green goddess gazpacho. To order, send her a direct message via Instagram!

MULBERRY CAFE

2101 W Wadley Ave, Midland | @mulberry_cafe | Mulberry Cafe is an All-American eatery a menu stocked with breakfast staples like omelets, breakfast plates, oatmeal, and a bevy of specialty coffee beverages. For a classic and reliably delicious breakfast, take a seat at Mulberry Cafe. Healthy Order: Grilled Chicken Salads.

MURRAY’S RESTAURANT & DELI

3211 W Wadley Ave, Midland | @murrays_deli | Beloved by locals, Murray’s boasts an unfussy atmosphere with a menu that is full of variety and flavor. While their  burgers, franks, and curly fries are tempting, Murrays also serves lighter options including fresh salads, sandwiches, delicious sides, and nutritious bowls. Healthy Order: Fit “Chick” or Salmon Bowl.

OPAL’S TABLE

223 W Wall Street, Midland | @opalstablemidland | Owned and run by Chip Hight and inspired by his grandmother, Opal, Chip opened Opal’s Table to bring soul food to Midlanders in a fine dining experience. And while the menu boasts dishes inspired by Chip’s larger-than-life grandmother (e.g. Fried Green Tomatoes), you’ll also find more health-conscious items, like the Seared Tuna entrée and Crispy Brussels.

PRESS CAFÉ

4400 Parks Legado Road, Odessa | @presscafetx | On first glance, Press Café might not seem like the spot when you’re in the mood for something on the cleaner, lighter side. Look past their pizzas, burgers, and loaded fries, and you’ll be delighted to find that their menu has many nutritious options. Opt for avocado toast or a grilled chicken salad or, if you’re on the go, order a smoothie with grass-fed protein to power you through the day. Healthy Order: Chick Off the Grill.

SPECIALTY SHOPS

MIDLAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET

1705 W Missouri Ave, Midland | @mdfmtx | Every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon, local farmers and vendors gather in downtown Midland whose offerings include everything from sustainably grown produce, baked goods, local honey, locally raised meats, all-natural dog treats, fair trade coffee and so much more! The Midland Downtown Farmers Market is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy and incorporate the bounty of the season into your daily diet while supporting local vendors in the community.

MIDLAND MEAT CO.

2705 N Big Spring Street, Midland | @midlandmeatco | As important as protein, often in the form of meat, is for a healthy diet, knowing where your meat comes from is just as important. Midland Meat Co. is a full-service meat market featuring the highest-quality beef, chicken, and seafood, as well as the only locally raised Wagyu beef in Midland. Whether it was produced on their family ranch or sourced from another local farm, their meat comes from animals who had room to roam and were never treated with antibiotics or hormones, resulting in sustainable meat that’s better for the environment and better for you!

SIMPLY

200 Spring Park Drive, Midland | @simplymidland | Everyday wellness in brick and mortar form. Expect the best in wellness brands (view a few of the brands they carry here) — including supplements, allergy support, boosters, and more. Stop in to shop, stay for the Detox Drip (and more).

THE GET GO

208 S Dean Street, Marfa | Desert? Yes. Food Desert? No, largely thanks to The Get Go, Marfa’s independently-owned grocery for self-proclaimed foodies. Expect fresh produce, chocolates and sweets, ice creams and meats, bulk nuts, and dry goods. Featuring organic, local, alternative, gourmet, and high-quality ingredients and supplies, it’s a chef’s go-to out [far] west.

FAR WEST

COCHINEAL

107 W San Antonio Street, Marfa | @cochineal_marfa | This casual fine dining restaurant helmed by James Beard Semi-Finalist, Executive Chef Alexandra Gates, is a must-visit, as it cements Far West Texas as a true culinary destination. Enjoy a seasonally-inspired, locally-sourced multi-course seasonal menu that is elevated yet totally accessible. *Open most Fridays & Saturdays by reservation. Get to know the Executive Chef…

BAR SAINT GEORGE AT HOTEL SAINT GEORGE

105 South Highland Ave, Marfa | @marfasaintgeorge | When hunger hits and you’re in search of feel-good brunch fare, head to the Bar Saint George. Serving delicious and decidedly simple dishes, Bar Saint George’s menu includes brunch favorites like cozy oatmeal topped with fresh berries, a fluffy egg white omelet, and a crisp and protein-packed cobb salad. Local Order: Egg White Omelette.

DO YOUR THING

201 E Dallas St, Marfa, TX 79843 | @doyourthingcoffee | Sustainable brews and thick slices of sourdough can be expected from this Marfa spot. Made from single origin or bold bean blends, Do Your Thing cranks out high caliber coffee drinks in the form of favorites including the Mayan mocha, horchata latte, and flat white to name a few. Be sure to pair your coffee with a slice or two of their sourdough bread to encourage healthy digestion – and of course it’s delicious too. Local Order: Jerusalem Toast.

LAVENTURE AT HOTEL SAINT GEORGE

105 South Highland Ave, Marfa | @marfasaintgeorge | LaVenture is the fabulous restaurant offering from Hotel Saint George. Offering a creative, ingredient-driven seasonal menu with regional influences, LaVenture is a quintessentially-Marfa spot to enjoy delicious oven-fired pizzas, small and large places, and salads – plus a perfectly paired wine from their extensive list. Local Order: Pan Seared Sesame Tuna.

Happy healthy eating!