La Kiva Restaurant & Bar

Interior of a rustic canyon restaurant dining room in Big Bend National Park.

Inside La Kiva, the chili hits with chunky beans and a briny kick, while the burger patty carries a crisp char and grease edge. The Redfish arrives with creamy Cajun sauce that rounds out the bite with heat and acidity. Chili Cheese Fries crackle under melted cheese and bring a briny kick to the table. The cave space, lit by soft glow, adds a cozy, communal energy—live music shakes the stone walls.

Quick facts

Meals Served: Dinner
Signature Dishes: Chili; Contrabando burger; Magic HooDoo burger; Redfish with Cajun cream; Chili Cheese Fries
Local Specialties: Tex-Mex influences and barbecue staples
Popular Items: Chili; Contrabando burger; Magic HooDoo burger; Redfish

What to order

Meals Served: Dinner
Signature Dishes: Chili; Contrabando burger; Magic HooDoo burger; Redfish with Cajun cream; Chili Cheese Fries
Local Specialties: Tex-Mex influences and barbecue staples
Popular Items: Chili; Contrabando burger; Magic HooDoo burger; Redfish
Menu Recommendations: Chili; Contrabando burger; Redfish; Chili Cheese Fries; Four-cheese lasagne
Dietary Options: Vegetarian - Four-cheese lasagne

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics: 8 oz. filet mignon $18; 12 oz. ribeye $20; 16 oz. t-bone $20; 10 oz. butterfly pork chop $14; Terlingua creek tuna (7 oz. ahi) $16; Fiesta chicken $12; Margherita pizza $10; Brisket calzone $10; Four-cheese lasagne $10
Reservations Policy: Walk-in only.
Typical Wait Times: Walk-in only; expect waits during peak hours or live music.
Payment Methods: Credit cards
Cash
Mobile payments
Cash Only: 0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat 5:00 PM – Midnight
Seasonal Hours: Seasonal adjustments: Wednesday and Sunday closed temporarily as management tunes operations.
Closed Days: Wednesdays and Sundays (temporary).
Happy Hour Times: Happy hour times not listed; drink specials appear on select nights.
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Parking Details: Street parking around La Kiva in Terlingua; spaces may be limited; plan to arrive early.
Accessibility: A ramp leads down into La Kiva. Inside, stone walls and wood beams frame a compact seating area with uneven floors. Details on restrooms and full accessibility aren’t published. Guests with mobility needs should plan accordingly.

Visit strategy

Best For: Casual dinner after a Terlingua hike
Live music nights
Group meals in a cave dining room
Not Ideal For: Quiet, formal dining or outdoor seating
Service Type: Table service
Service Speed: Moderate; can slow during live performances
Vibe: Casual
Lively
Semi-subterranean cave ambience
Community gathering spot
Noise Level: Moderate to loud during live music
View Type: Subterranean cave interior
Amphitheater-style seating
Busiest Times: Saturday nights
Best Visit Times: 5:00–6:30 PM on non-music nights; early in the week during lighter crowds
Tips Advice: Arrive early to dodge peak crowds
Order the chili and Redfish with Cajun cream
Chili Cheese Fries deliver a necessary crunch
Sit inside the cave for a cozier vibe during live shows

More details

Park Area: Terlingua, Texas, near Big Bend National Park
Takeout Available: 0
Delivery Available: 0
Dress Code: Casual
Beverage Program: Full Bar with local craft beers, signature cocktails, and wine
Local Beers: Local craft beers
House Made: House-made sauces and dressings implied but not detailed
Signature Cocktails: Signature cocktails exist; specific names not listed
Tasting Flights: 0
Tours Available: 0
Bottle Sales: 0
Parking Available: 1
Dog Friendly Patio: 0
Wi-Fi Available: 0
Family Friendly: 1
Family Friendly Notes: Casual vibe; kid-friendly options via vegetarian lasagne; noise can be loud
Bar Seating: 1
Seasonal Rushes: Live music weekends bring crowd surges; midweek calmer
Live Music: Open mic Wednesdays; guitarists Thursdays; rock 'n' roll acts Friday and Saturday nights
Special Events: Open mic nights; live music events
Has Gift Shop: 0
Unique Attractions: Underground cavern dining with an amphitheater seating layout
Unique Factor: Underground sandstone cavern since 1981 with a dynamic music scene
Nearby Facilities: Terlingua town amenities; parking; markets; lodging
Recent Updates: Reopened under new management in 2025; hours adjusted to 5pm-midnight
Best Time To Visit: 5:00 PM–6:30 PM on non-music nights; Saturday nights are the busiest because of live sets.
The Order Strategy: Skip the Margherita and go straight for Chili or Contrabando burger—locals swear by the crisp char. For drinks, grab a local craft beer; Vegetarian Four-cheese lasagne satisfies when you want a meat-free option.
The Vibe Check: Post-hike cave pub: loud, energetic, and full of locals and travelers in Terlingua.
The Crowd Factor: Weekend crowds peak after 7:30 PM; sit at the bar to shave down waits and soak in the scene.
Eat Here If Skip If: EAT HERE IF: you want a cavern-dining scene with chili-forward flavors and live music. SKIP IF: you crave a quiet, formal dinner or outdoor seating.
Distance From Park: approximately 19 miles from park entrance
Review Summary: Chili delivers heft with a warm bite; burgers offer crisp char; Redfish delivers creamy heat; the cave setting elevates a lively night, and value stays solid for the area.