Chisos Mountain Lodge (Big Bend) For a Great CFS

Deep within Big Bend National Park, the Chisos Mountains Lodge Restaurant is a rare find—equal parts scenic wonder and satisfying comfort. It’s the only restaurant within the park boundaries, and its view alone makes it worth the stop. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the dramatic skyline of the Chisos Basin, with a direct line to the famed “Window” formation. If you time your meal for sunset, the sky puts on a show—casting golden light across rugged peaks while you settle in with something warm and filling after a day on the trails.

The menu leans into hearty, familiar fare with just the right touch of Southwestern flair. Breakfast is a standout: the breakfast burrito is loaded with eggs, potatoes, cheese, and your choice of bacon or sausage, wrapped tight and smothered in green chile sauce. It’s bold, rich, and totally energizing.

The buffet, when available, includes everything from fluffy biscuits and peppery sausage gravy to crispy bacon and fresh-cut fruit. For lunch, the black bean burger is a solid vegetarian option—spiced just right and served with golden, crunchy fries.

If you’re craving something classic, the grilled chicken sandwich comes perfectly seared with a smoky glaze and all the fixings. At dinner, the chicken fried steak is a favorite—crispy, tender, and generously topped with creamy gravy. And for dessert, don’t miss the Emery’s Peak sundae: a warm brownie layered with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce that tastes even better when eaten with a view of the stars just beginning to rise.

Though the menu is straightforward, what’s left off the plate is also worth noting: no pretense, no overcomplication. This is food built for the hiker, the traveler, the stargazer. And whether you’re starting your day with a hot cup of coffee before heading into the canyon, or winding down after a trek to Emory Peak, the Chisos Mountains Lodge Restaurant offers the perfect mix of comfort and awe.