GoldenLight Cafe & Cantina

Love this old countertop café and watching the cooks fry up amazing burgers on the griddle. And the french fries! Yum! When we pass through Amarillo on roadtrips, this is a must stop location for a satisfying meal! 🍔 👍

Amarillo, Texas Is Home To The Goldenlight Cafe And Cantina, A Must-Visit Destination That’s Been Around Since 1946. Their Hamburgers Are Simply Divine, And The Lively Music Adds To The Overall Experience. The Service Is Top-Notch, And When We’re In Town, We Always Make Sure To Check Out Wade, The Awesome Bartender.

If you're looking for a good burger joint, this is it! Service was great, food was great. I think it feels a bit "tight" in here, it's a small space, but they took care of their business really well. We showed up real hungry at 2:41, and we're stuffed and ready to leave at 2:59.

The burgers are always amazing here at the oldest burger spot in Amarillo. These burgers are.by far the best in town and it's always fast. There just something about that flavor on that old flattop grill. You can sit at the grill too and watch the. Fix your burger!

Unsanitary environment infested with flies. No screens, no fly zapper or fly light trap, no ceiling fans in the patio, sticky table tops, nasty bathroom, burgers just average, fries soggy. Couldn't eat our food because flies were constantly attacking us sitting on our food or glass rims. The whole time we were fighting the flies. I hit stomach ache as a result. We paid $40 for a horrible experience. Flies can carry pathogens that contaminate food and food preparation surfaces, leading to foodborne illnesses. This place is in absolute violation of Texas DSHS regarding health codes for pest control.

Ok, a rare 5 star. First my bacon cheese burger was amazing, fries were great. Service was quick, friendly and smiles by everyone. There is no question it falls into the dive category but in the best possible way. I will be there at least weekly.

Great burgers and fries all made right there at the bar! I had a fantastic bacon Cheeseburger, I would definitely recommend this place. It's well worth a stop along the way!

Really good experience! Oldest restaurant in Amarillo according to their menu. Still in its original location since the glory days of Route 66! The atmosphere is amazing. Really classic, very American style cafe/diner. The folks there were friendly and the food was great. It’s relatively small, so don’t be bummed if you have to wait for a table. The food is NOT FAST (and that’s perfectly fine). For reference, a burger took between 20-25 minutes but it was worth the wait. And it was pretty rushed so I don’t blame them. The few drawbacks: my order of fries and chili got to me way after I was done with my burger. They must have missed it. Can’t blame them, it was pretty packed. Understandable, but unpleasant nonetheless. I wasn’t a fan of the chili, but hey, that is not an instant DQ. Different strokes for different folks. What was IMO unanimously GREAT was the burger! I had the Waller Burger. The fries were a bit on the flimsy side but very hot, tasty and not soggy either. They close at 22:00 but by 21:00 they will not let more people in, so keep that in mind. Great food, good atmosphere and sweet southern hospitality. Will return!

Highly recommended, if you aren't looking to count calories this is the place. Real food, quantity & quality excellent, very reasonable prices. Friendly staff, folksy customers, lots of smiles and full bellies!

Great burgers and fries everybody is helpful, attentive and nice. Come here every time we pass through Amarillo.

We decided to visit this place for mom's birthday. It's a really nice place to grab a delicious burger along with a pile of home cut fries. The cantina is on the old Route 66. The entire area has a variety of restaurants and local shops. The Golden Light has some of the best burgers in town. I opted for the cheeseburger and share a large order of fries with my mom and brother. They both had a regular hamburger. The meat patty is a healthy 1/4 lb. The bun is toasted and it came with 2 slices of tomato along with the lettuce, onions, and pickles. I ordered the mustard on the side because I like to monitor the portion on my sandwich. The large fries is enough to feed at least 4 people. The small fries is enough for two people. I highly recommend this place for a great hamburger and fries.

Burgers were excellent. I picked up food to go but I wouldn't mind going and sitting down to eat. Neat little bar. My new place to get a burger.

Was told the burger at this joint "WAS LIFE CHANGING". Did not disappoint. Maybe it was the ambience or the old flat top behind the bar where this perfection of a burger was created. I chose the mushroom Swiss. Perfect blend of cheese and mushrooms on a great cooked burger with toasted bun. I know this review sounds cheesy but my mouth is watering right now thinking about that wonderful burger I consumed. It was so good that now local FT Worth burger places aren't the same for me. I will time my next trip thru Amarillo to be sure I can stop and enjoy another one of those "LIFE CHANGING BURGERS". Service was great also.

First of the service was fast and super friendly! Burgers were amazing!! Wide variety and something for everyone. Lots of regulars come here. We were passing through on our way to NM. Buns are bakery fresh. I was hoping for green chili stew but it's out of season. So I had regular red chili. It was good spooned on to my burger and to dip fries in. Fries were so so, maybe cooked a little more crispy for me, but HUGE portion.

I wanted to eat on the historic Route 66 and saw the reviews. It was a hot day and I sat at the bar near the heat of the grill so it was warm inside. I ordered the Gooney's Shroom burger and a quarter fries. Apparently a small fry feeds 2 people. Fries fresh and hand cut Burger is greasy in such really good way. A little too salty though.

I gotta say one of the best burgers I have ever eaten. Not sure why I didn't go the last time I was in 66. When I return I'll make sure to go back.

Best freakin' Burger in Amarillo plus the y have two locations! Trick! Comfortably located on famous route 66. Eat here now!

Golden Light is a 6th street staple! If you want a homemade, greasy burger with the perfect in house made fries. This is your place! The service is amazing, just make sure that you plan for some extra time. There's a sign hung that says "we serve good food, not fast food. If you want fast food go to McDonald's" and honestly, it's so true. These burgers are worth the wait! The fries are amazing, but I tried them this time with chili and cheese and was not a fan. There was more chili and cheese than actual fries. Note to self for next time. We sat outside in the breeze, which was so nice! The inside is a bit small- def a dive sized place. But you won't be disappointed in the food. These are literally the best burgers in Amarillo!

One of the most rustic and epic places imaginable. Go here. This place has been around for a long time and from what I understand, the grill has too which is well seasoned. Amazing food at amazing prices.

Eeekkk. Honest review. Its a cute location on Route 66. Parking is limited. I read reviews and love a good burger, so I came here. Its very small, no tables available on a Friday at 7pm so we sat at the bar. No biggie. Well, Texas Heat is NO JOKE. so sitting in front of the kitchen was extremely hot. The beers on tap are limited and we got semi cold bottled coronas. The food is fresh and delicious. The staff is like a well oiled machine/ family even. No complaints on any of that. Its historical location but please for us hot humans, someone please invest in them for a second location. The burger was amazing and fries, just homeade yumminess. I'll go back in fall/winter for sure!!!

During my last several trips to Amarillo, I've made it a point to stop here for my burger fix. That grill has been in this establishment since it opened, and it is SEASONED! I had a Waller with a 2nd patty and bacon. Fries are muy excellente, and I always have to wash it down with an ice cold draft. Located on the famous Route 66, this place is everything good you've heard!

Best Cheeseburgers in Amarillo!!! The atmosphere is a like a dive bar and it's awesome! Great service and Cold Beer!!!!

Old-school burger dive but family friendly? Yes please! As New Mexicans, we also loved how hot the green chile was. Great service, great food--our new go-to when we're in town!

In town on business and checked Yelp for a burger joint. Great burgers. Fast service at a reasonable price.

We've been coming to Golden Light for a couple of years now. But today, there was an issue. We've been sitting here for over an hour and just now got our drinks. Brought to us by the manager, not our waitress. Our waitress. Took the orders at 3 other tables (even though we were ready to order) that arrived well after we arrived. And we're still waiting for to order. And they've all gotten their food. While we just got our drinks. I thank the manager for bringing our drinks out to us. And we're still waiting on our food. Today the best thing going for our visit is the food.

We did a take out. We got three burgers and large fries. Everything tasted fresh and the fries are fresh cut fries. The meat was cooked to a nice and juicy temperature. The bread was toasted and the bacon on my burger was at a perfect crispy. When we are back in Amarillo we will definitely come back.

It's a triple tie for green chili cheeseburgers between Golden Light, Coyote Bluff, and Landshark with Blue Sky right behind. There's just great burgers by local businesses in Amarillo

Never even knew this place existed! Burgers are sooo good! And now I know to order a small order of fries. The large really could feed 4 people!!! Needless to say we will be back..

One of the best Green Chile Cheeseburgers I've ever had! Paired with some of the best French Fried. Certainly pull off I-40 onto Historic Route 66 to enjoy this joint. Opened in 1946 it is the oldest operating restaurant in Amarillo, TX. The menu is tempting across all items.

Amazing burgers, cold beer and great prices! Some of the best burgers in Amarillo! Highly recommend!

Total dive but the burger is absolutely wonderful! The hand cut fries are delicious. Cold cheap draft beers!! It's a must try if in the area . The Cantina next door had good live music as well

Excellent burger and fries!! Service great but waitress not so friendly! We like the concept will be back again!

Yelp you steered me so wrong this time after arriving I was told 4 of the menu items I wanted were not available like seriously? I finally settled on a burger and fries order and honestly have tasted better food from fast food joints. Avoid this place like the plague only decent aspect was the price and customer service but i won't be back since the food was garbage! I don't know how you ruin French fries and I don't know how a burger can be so terrible at a sit down restaurant

It's a dive and a greasy spoon kinda place, but they serve my favorite burgers and fries in Amarillo. My second favorite burger isn't even close. The waitresses are always so friendly and helpful. It's not everyone's cup of tea especially if you are one of those who must eat in a well lit, sterile looking atmosphere.

Best Burger in town. Try the Tamara's green chili cheese burger. Their fry's are fresh cut and delicious. Of course you will need an ice cold Budweiser bottle to finish.

The burgers were so good and the chili was awesome. The place is cozy and simple but totally welcoming and relaxed.

When my husband told me we were going to meet friends for lunch at the "Golden Light Cafe and Cantina" I thought it was Mexican. The "Cantina" through me off. According to Wikipedia, a Cantina is "a drinking establishment, often specifically of the type found in Latin America." After arriving, I quickly learned that this restaurant was not Mexican and actually a burger joint. The Golden Light Cafe is the oldest restaurant in Amarillo. The interior is fairly small. I think there's outdoor seating as well. We got there around 11:30am and there were only a few people there. The floor was super slick for me. I was wearing a pair of sneakers and they might as well been ice skates! I don't know if it was the 100 years of greasy burger smoke or what. Now for the food... it was AMAZING! We got burgers and fries, of course. My husband and I got our burgers bunless or "diet style" as they call it. So with our diet burgers, we got a big ol' large basket of FRIES. Our kiddos got a grilled cheese, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (who's kid is this?) and a burger. I snagged a bite of my kid's burger to taste the oh-so-soft bun and it was so good! The fries were awesome! The large is HUGE. The server was friendly and attentive. We'll definitely return when we're in town again.

Yes! Just yes! Been to Amarillo a few times and this is one that is a must-stop place from now on. It's set up kind of like a waffle house in that you can watch the cooks making the food. They also have a back patio if you prefer outdoor seating. The service was good. The food... pictures just don't do it justice. It is so so tasty that it's hard to not just gobble it up. Like I said anytime we are even just passing through we are definitely stopping for a really good burger.

Located in Amarillo, TX on Route 66. We got there just before the lunch rush on a Monday. There is in door and outdoor seating. Waitstaff works very quickly to get you started, take your order and served. Food came out quick and hot. We ordered Green Chile Cheeseburger (split) small fry (basket) and a Chili Cheese fry. Burger was juicy, fresh cut fries good and chili good as well.

Located in Amarillo on Route 66. Friendly staff that makes really great Cheeseburgers!

very good service !!! Had a Bacon Cheeseburger with jalapeños and some cold beer! Very friendly staff and friendly people in there too, the person next to us covered our bill.

Love!! Omg the burger was freaking MAGICAL. Seriously, great food.. its a dive, hole in the wall place with amazing burgers.

Fantastic burgers and fantastic service here. We stopped for the night in Amarillo on our way out of town for Christmas at a place close by the Cantina and decided to try it based on other reviews. The burgers were amazing, so amazing that we stopped in Amarillo on our way back and ate them again. The service was also great, super friendly bunch. Eat here if you are in Amarillo.

I'm here for a 1 day work trip and came across this place. I wanted to eat lunch at an authentic restaurant from Amarillo. This restaurant kept coming up on lists for the nostalgic burger vibes. I have to say this place is awesome! The burgers were your classic flat top burgers with a nice crust. Super juicy. Buns, veggies, condiments all were perfect and in harmony. The staff was super friendly. It's a small place so get here early. I got to the restaurant 3 minutes before they opened on a thursday and the place filled up within 15 mins. The fries are cut fresh and very good. The small is enormous. So if youre alone the small is more than enough. I highly recommend this place! If Im back in Amarillo I will be back!

The patty melt with green chiles is amazing. Beer is cold. Fries are fresh cut on site. Our kind of place. Server was super friendly and gave us tips on things to do (and things to eat) while we are in Amarillo. Note - the large fries is ENORMOUS! We should have split a small order.

Golden Light is upping their game lately so I figured the review should be updated to reflect their efforts. Tasty burgers and hard working staff make it worth a visit.

i've been coming here since i was a kid and its amazing! the food is delicious and i absolutely love the atmosphere of the place. i highly recommend stopping by.

Great food and great service. Best burgers in town. Also, go for the coconut cream pie for dessert.

The food was great and the wait staff was friendly and courteous. We had the green chili stew and it was very spicy but definitely worth sampling. We found it surprisingly affordable for such large portiond We will come again when we are back in Amarillo

Outstanding service and the burgers were fabulous! Don't miss the coconut cream pie if it's available! Bakery goods from a local shop and fabulous.

Just outstanding crew ! Must go to place for a Habernero Burger & Fries ! Set at the Bar if you can & enjoy watching these guys crank em out during lunch time rush !

We headed this way for lunch this past weekend. The Golden Light Cafe is a staple in Amarillo and it was about time that my hubby and I finally stopped in to experience the greasy goodness. Unfortunately they were out of bacon. Who runs out of bacon?!?! Anyways, our burgers were so good we hardly noticed. We all ordered the green chili cheeseburgers and a side of cheese fries. Our family members all ordered small fries and the hubby and I split a large order of cheese fries. The cheese fries were the only disappointment of our visit. They were smaller than the small order of fries even though ours was a large. The cheese was delicious, but the fries were super greasy underneath the cheese. Next time we will stick to regular fresh cut fries. Nonetheless, we will return. Hope they have bacon next time!

If you're hitting the Amarillo stretch of Route 66--as a local or a tourist--Golden Light is a pretty good bet for a meal. Especially for its iconic burgers and laid-back vibe.i One of city's oldest restaurants is also one of its most beloved. I was never a huge fan of Golden Light when I lived in Amarillo, but most of my friends LOVE the place. This visit shows me why. I had a green chile cheeseburger; our friend Deb had a BLT; and my husband had a HUGE Frito pie. All of them were great! While looking at our neighboring diners' orders, I remembered why I thought I didn't like Golden Light: I'm not a fan of their fries (although I know a lot of people love them). But I also remembered what I DID like about Golden Light: chillin" on the back patio with a Shiner Bock, eatin' a burger, and hangin' with friends. For all of you searching for a "blast from the past," Golden Light is a beacon back to the good-old days, whether it's 1946 (when it opened) or 1996 (my heyday).

Green chili cheeseburger was dynamite!!! Bacon double cheeseburger was awesome too!! Service was kick ass!! Love coming here and bring friends who are visiting.

Great juicy Azz burger here mayne ... Small place with no frills , just an awesome burger and fries .

This family run business should be on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. The chili is worth getting. And the fires are family size for a small. So come in with an empty stomach and leave happy in a food coma. It also felt like "Cheers" as the restaurant atmosphere.

Golden Light Cantina was one of the best burger experiences I've ever had anywhere in Texas. This is an old school bar that serves some cool eats. The burger was oozing with juice but the sear on the patty had a slight crispness to it that really played well with the toasted buns and cool veggies. Cheese was melted perfectly and the huge mound of fries was so fresh and perfectly seasoned. This place should be a planned stop for anyone going to Amarillo.