Are you a NASCAR fan who’s headed to the Texas Motor Speedway this year? If so, you may want to visit one of the area’s restaurants before or after the race. Here’s a quick rundown on five of the best:
1. Ferre Ristorante and Bar
How does a brick oven pizza served al fresco sound? The Ferre Ristorante and Bar on East 4th Street makes some of the best pizzas this side of Italy. The earthy taste of gooey taleggio cheese, Portobello mushrooms and a faint drizzle of truffle oil makes Claire’s pie a hands down winner. The $14 price tag doesn’t hurt either. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, you may want to go with a fork tender, Angus rib eye that’s been dressed with a pecan wood bacon demi glaze. It’s served on a bed of creamy truffle bleu cheese risotto and braised Brussels sprouts ($27). The restaurant is located roughly 25 minutes from the speedway and opens for dinner Tuesday through Saturday at 4 p.m.
2. Lonesome Dove Western Bistro
Feeling adventurous? You may want to check out the Lonesome Dove Western Bistro on North Main Street. It serves hearty and unique meals like elk sausage sliders served with blueberry jam and seared foie gras ($14). You can also enjoy rabbit and rattlesnake sausages paired with a spicy manchego rosti and a crème fraiche ($15). For those who prefer more pedestrian fare, there is always the beef tenderloin stuffed with garlic, dressed with a Syrah demi-glace and paired with a side of hash ($35). It usually opens for dinner Monday through Saturday at 5 p.m. and is 30 minutes away from the speedway.
3. Frankie’s Sports Bar and Grill
If a ¼ pound hotdog ($5) or a ½ pound cheeseburger ($7) is more your speed, Frankie’s Sports Bar and Grill should be on your short list. It will take you approximately 25 minutes to get there from the speedway. You may also want to try the All-Star Appetizer ($19). It comes with all the goodies including deep fried green beans, chicken wings, potato skins and poppers. The restaurant sits on West Third Street and opens daily at 11 a.m.
4. The Flying Saucer
The Flying Saucer is located on East Fourth Street and features some of the best bratwurst platters ($10) and spicy beer cheese soup ($5) around. The chef also makes an atomic chicken wing that will leave you breathless ($9). It is located almost 25 minutes away from the Texas Motor Speedway. The restaurant opens daily for lunch and dinner.
5. Riscky’s Barbecue
Are you hankering for a bit of Texas cue? Riscky’s Barbecue on Main Street may provide you with some relief. Try the combo full smoker ($16) or the all-you-can-eat beef ribs ($10). The full smoker combo comes with your choice of two to three different meats including brisket, fried catfish, pork ribs and barbecue shrimp. The all-you-can-eat ribs meal includes Texas toast, a Texas onion, a jalapeno pepper, a polish pickle and a side dish. It opens daily at 11 a.m. and it will typically take you around 25 minutes to get there from the NASCAR track.
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys watching motor sports events with her family and has traveled extensively.
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