Routes, Drive Times & Road Tips to Big BendBig Bend sits deep in far West Texas. Whether you’re coming from El Paso, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, Austin, Houston, or Dallas/Fort Worth, choose the route that matches your arrival town and the part of the park you want...
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Marathon, Texas Food and Drink
White Buffalo Bar
White Buffalo Bar is an iconic West Texas saloon located within the historic Gage Hotel in Marathon, offering an authentic drinking and dining experience that embodies the spirit of the Old West. Named one of Texas’ ‘Best Hotel Bars’ by Texas Monthly Magazine, this legendary watering hole features an extensive tequila selection, fresh-squeezed cocktails, and a massive white buffalo head mounted above the bar that has become an iconic photo opportunity.
Saveur magazine declared, ‘Is This the Best Margarita in Texas?’ after visiting the White Buffalo Bar, praising the establishment’s singularly outstanding margaritas made with fresh-squeezed lime juice and premium tequila. Visitors consistently rave about the atmosphere, with one guest noting, ‘Impressive Buffalo on the wall and western bar ambiance for this cool bar adjacent to the Gage hotel, with interesting cocktails (many tequila based).’ Another reviewer called it ‘Great bar!! Fast friendly service. Decor is delightful…’
At a Glance
Location
102 NW 1st St, Marathon, Big Bend Texas
Legendary West Texas Saloon
The White Buffalo Bar occupies a prominent space in the Gage Hotel featuring authentic Western decor that celebrates the region’s frontier heritage. The original tile floor, wood-paneled walls, and period furnishings create an atmosphere that feels transported from the early 20th century. As Texas Monthly described, ‘The White Buffalo Bar is one of the great hotel bars of Texas, a place where you can get a margarita that will change your life.’
Signature Cocktails and Fine Spirits
The bar offers an extensive selection of premium spirits and craft cocktails. Renowned for margaritas made with fresh-squeezed lime juice and premium tequila, the bar also offers Old Fashioned cocktails crafted with carefully selected bourbons and rye whiskeys. The extensive tequila selection has earned national recognition.
Bar Menu and Dining Options
While primarily a bar, the White Buffalo Bar offers a satisfying food menu that complements the drinking experience. Bar bites include jalapeno poppers, fried pickles, and loaded nachos. The chips and salsa have been praised as ‘hold[ing] up to any in west Texas’ and the burgers are ‘very good.’ For those seeking a more substantial meal, the full restaurant menu from 12 Gage Restaurant is also available.
Practical Information
Located at 102 NW 1st Street within the Gage Hotel, the White Buffalo Bar is open daily from 3 PM to 11 PM. The dress code is casual. The bar is 21+ only after 8 PM. Valet parking is available through the hotel.
Explore More While You’re Here
White Buffalo Bar pairs naturally with some of the most popular destinations in the Big Bend region.
Big Bend National Park
The Persimmon Gap entrance to Big Bend National Park is about 40 miles away on US-385, a straight shot toward the Chisos Mountains, Santa Elena Canyon, and the Rio Grande corridor. Plan a full day or more — the Chisos, Santa Elena Canyon, and the Rio Grande are all inside that gate.
Alpine
Alpine is about 25 miles away, home to Sul Ross State University, the Museum of the Big Bend, and a growing restaurant and brewery scene. Stock up here — groceries, a proper sit-down meal, and the museum — before the highway empties out south.
Terlingua Ghost Town
The historic Terlingua Ghost Town is about 65 miles away, with nearby dining and sightseeing that bring the area’s mining history to life. The old porches, the cemetery on the hill, and the nightly gathering at the Starlight Theatre are the usual finish to a Big Bend day.
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