Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 325-677-8100;
www.whitteninn.com
; 840 E US 80; r $65-90; )
Part of a tiny local chain,
this well-managed motel has a pool area that goes beyond the puddle-in-a-parking-lot
standard elsewhere: it's big and even has shade from a large tree. Rooms have a fridge and
microwave, and a better-than-average breakfast is included.
Courtyard by Marriott
( 325-695-9600;
www.marriott.com
;
4350 Ridgemont Dr; r $100-200; )
Within sight of the
Mall of Abilene, this corporate hotel is one of many slathered across these flatlands of na-
tional franchises. The three-story building has 100 sizable units, some with slivers of
balcony-like diversion.
MOTEL
$$
Eating
Abilene has some excellent restaurants that are as casual and timeless as a big-sky sunset
on the wide open plains.
Larry's Better Burger Drive-in
( 325-677-6801; 1233 N Treadway Blvd/US 83 Business; meals from $4; 10am-9pm)
The turquoise
neon sign could use a spruce up, as could the view (a tombstone dealer and a busy road),
but there's nothing tired about the food, which is top-notch, from the drippy cheeseburger
to the tasty steak sandwich.
BURGERS
$
Belle's Chicken Dinner House
( 325-677-7100; 2002 N Clack St, off US 83/277; mains $7-12; 11am-2pm & 5-9pm Mon-Sat, 10:30am-2pm
Sun)
Part shack, part steakhouse, this locally loved institution spares you choices. It offers
chicken in various forms or chicken-fried steaks and that's it. Unlimited sides of mashed
potatoes, cream corn, greens beans and a basket of rolls are trundled out - just as you'll
need to be at the end of the meal. Should dessert happen, have the banana cream pie.
SOUTHERN
$
Al's Mesquite Grill
( 325-692-4797;
www.alsmesquitegrill.com
; 4801 Buffalo Gap Rd; mains $7-18; 11am-9pm Mon-Sat,
10:30am-2pm Sun)
Order up some barbecue or a burger, chicken sandwhich or even a steak,
then stroll down the cafeteria line and sample the sides on offer, including cheesy broccoli
and some very good squash. The peach cobbler dessert tops everything else. It's south of
the town center.
BARBECUE
$$
