When a 1,000-square-foot former dance hall with just 12 tables ranks #2 out of 504 restaurants in Amarillo and earns TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice award, you know those half-pound burgers are legendary. 🍔
Coyote Bluff Cafe opened in 1994 when founder Reuben “Rob” Haas brought a former dance hall from down the road in Claude to South Grand Street—creating the small icon that would attract worldwide attention. ✨
After Rob’s passing in 2018, his stepsons John Paul Pacheco and Benton Hicks continue his legacy by serving the same fresh half-pound burgers cooked to order with vegetables chopped daily and buns from local bakeries.
The restaurant’s signature Burger from Hell featuring fresh sauteed jalapeños, Coyote Hell Sauce (a homemade cayenne-habanero blend), Tabasco, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and grilled onions has earned features on Man vs. Food and countless foodie YouTube videos. 💙
With 4.6-star ratings and 908 reviews on TripAdvisor, plus recognition as Best of Amarillo from 2009-2016, Coyote Bluff proves that tight spaces with limited seating can deliver dining experiences that become bucket-list worthy.
How Coyote Bluff won Amarillo hearts
The secret to Coyote Bluff’s three-decade dominance lies in Rob Haas’s insistence on fresh ingredients—vegetables chopped daily, 80/20 ground chuck formed fresh, and that homemade Coyote Hell Sauce made from scratch. 🌟
When the cafe fills up by 5:30 PM with locals who’ve been coming for decades, you witness servers recognizing regulars and having their drinks ready before they sit—that’s the kind of hospitality money can’t buy.
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The restaurant’s cash-only policy with a bank conveniently nearby forces diners to slow down and appreciate the experience rather than rush through like at corporate chains.
Customer reviews consistently describe that Burger from Hell as surprisingly balanced—yes it’s spicy, but the flavor doesn’t punish your mouth; instead, you discover expertly layered heat that enhances rather than overwhelms the beef. 🍟
Speaking of beef, the half-pound 80/20 chuck patties seasoned with Worcestershire and Lawry’s Seasoning Salt create that perfect crust when hit with high heat—caramelizing the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
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The homemade shoestring fries earn specific praise as “fresh cut and so good”—customers note they’re seasoned perfectly right out of the kitchen and a single order feeds two people easily.
Texas Country Reporter Rob Haas explained how he judges time “not by the clock on his wall but by the herd of customers pacing through a dusty parking lot at lunch”—that daily ritual of packed crowds defines success here. 🥩
The dollar bill wall covered in bills from customers worldwide, menu chalked on blackboards, and quirky bathtub full of beer on ice create the authentic dive bar atmosphere that makes burgers taste even better.
Servers with classic Southern charm make first-timers feel like locals—customers specifically mention how “super sweet” and attentive the waitresses remain despite the constant packed house chaos.
The don’t-judge-by-exterior philosophy tests visitors—multiple reviews mention almost leaving because the building looks condemned, but the inside delivers cozy, unique vibes worth discovering. 💛
Generous portions at reasonable prices make feeding yourself or a group affordable—customers appreciate that quality doesn’t require premium costs at this local institution.
Food Highlights
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Burger from Hell: The legendary creation featuring fresh sauteed jalapeños, Coyote Hell Sauce (homemade cayenne-habanero blend), Tabasco, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and grilled onions—customers describe perfect spice balance with incredible flavor that doesn’t just punish your mouth 🔥
Old Fashion Burger with Cheese: Half-pound 80/20 chuck with lettuce, tomato, pickles, grilled onions, and cheese on your choice of bun—the classic done perfectly that reminds you how burgers should taste when made with care
Bacon Cheeseburger: Crispy bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and grilled onions on a half-pound patty—customers who order this consistently praise the quality bacon and perfect meat-to-topping ratio 🥓
Mushroom & Swiss Burger: Fresh grilled mushrooms, melted Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and grilled onions—customers describe this as “amazing” with mushrooms cooked to perfection complementing the beef beautifully
California Burger: Loaded with guacamole, sour cream, green chilies, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and grilled onions—a Southwestern twist that showcases Texas’s proximity to Mexican flavors 🥑
Cheese Fries: Customers specifically call these out as “GONE instant” and “AMAZING”—fresh-cut shoestring fries with melted cheese that one order easily feeds 3-4 people
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Atmosphere
The 1,000-square-foot tight space with just 12 tables creates constant energy—you’ll likely wait outside for your name to be called, but that anticipation makes the burger taste even better. 🏛️
The former dance hall building brought from Claude radiates history and character you simply can’t replicate in modern construction—every inch has personality and stories.
Dollar bills covering walls, menu chalked on blackboards, and a bathtub full of beer on ice create the quintessential Texas dive bar aesthetic that feels authentic rather than manufactured.
The small parking lot that’s constantly full proves popularity—finding a spot can be challenging, but that’s the price of visiting Amarillo’s most beloved burger institution.
Bottom Line
30+ years of operation since 1994 serving Amarillo through Rob Haas’s vision and now his stepsons’ continued dedication to quality and tradition.
Burger from Hell featured on Man vs. Food and foodie magazines worldwide—the signature creation with homemade Coyote Hell Sauce nobody else can replicate.
TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice award ranking #2 out of 504 Amarillo restaurants with 4.6 stars from 908 reviews proving consistent excellence.
Half-pound fresh burgers made from 80/20 chuck with vegetables chopped daily and buns from local bakeries—no frozen shortcuts ever.
Cash-only dive bar atmosphere in a 1,000-square-foot former dance hall with just 12 tables creating intimate, authentic Texas dining experiences. 🏆
Address: 2417 S Grand St, Amarillo, TX 79103
đź“ž (806) 373-4640
🕔 Open Tue-Sat, 11:30 AM–2:30 PM & 5:00 PM–10:00 PM; Closed Sun-Mon