The Sentinel Marfa — Restaurant in Marfa

It is very possible that this is not a typical experience, but I have never had worse breakfast tacos in my life than I did at the Sentinel. Originally came on a Monday while driving out to Big Bend, we were really just passing through and starved. The Sentinel was open when nothing else in Marfa was and the reviews were good, the atmosphere looked cute and the menu looked delicious.

We walked up and when we got the attention of the people behind the counter and mentioned that we were hoping to eat, they said they only had two options (both tacos): vegetarian and chorizo. Could have been a flag, but we ignored it and were hungry. We ordered 4 tacos for two people and we're warned that "they're 6in so they're pretty big" ... should've taken the hint. We got 4 anyway and ended up paying $25 (!!!!!) which is absolutely absurd no matter how good they are - literally egg and potato. At least it went to a good cause.

The server walked into the back and came back 60 seconds later with our tacos in a paper bag. Huge red flag and I cringed knowing that we were really in for it now (at least PRETEND there's some assembly involved). Let me cut to the chase here. They were potato and egg tacos. The scrambled egg was grey and smelled like the yolk of an over cooked hard boiled egg. They were warm, but the egg was incredibly dried out from sitting underneath whatever heat lamp had been their home for the last week. The potatoes were nearly crunchy and the egg actually WAS crunchy when I ate a piece of shell that got mixed up in it. The tortilla was just a soggy mess. I cannot express to you how badly I wish I could un-live this experience. Please save yourself the time and money and buy one of their candles to chew on...

So let me start by saying this is our first trip to Marfa, we're here for Christmas and will be leaving on Thursday which is apparently when life starts for the tourists coming to town. So on Christmas Eve afternoon when most places not attached to a hotel were closed we noticed a sidewalk sign in front of the Sentinel that read coffee, cocktails and snacks. Cocktails and snacks sounded good..... We walk up to the bar, they have several baked goods on display. We choses the chocolate/peanut butter rice crispy square, the giant sugar cookie with a cherry cream cheese icing and the puff pastry square topped with feta and sliced strawberries. For cocktails the had their margarita with a spicy rim, their dirty water tequila drink and a glass of wine. The prices were a little high but not out of line for what we've paid around town. There were family style long picnic type tables, some repurposed church pews up against one wall and some great couch/leather chairs. The owners little dog wondered around checking the crumb situation and made for a home living room style environment. During the course of the hour we sat and relaxed they seemed to sell/serve as many coffees and espressos as cocktails. People purchased bags of fresh ground coffee, some clothing and there's also lots of cups, plates and pitchers for sale. Their kitchen was going to open at 5'ish, street tacos and quesadillas were going to be on the menu. They mentioned the kitchen was going to be open until 10 and the bar until "closing time". Thanks for being open and continue success as 2020...

I've visited Marfa twice in the last year and have given The Sentinel 4-5 chances and have consistently been let down. My first time there I ordered a small iced americano and the barista looked at me like I'd just grown a second head. She walked over to the other barista on the bar and asked if they were able to make that. After confirming what I already knew and waiting nearly 20 minutes on a not very busy weekday, I received my drink. Except it was a large hot americano. I didn't want to ask for a cup of ice and wait another 20 minutes so I left with my drink. Once it finally cooled down it was so bitter and ashy tasting I couldn't stomach more than a few sips. On my most recent trip I visited multiple times within an hour of opening hoping to get breakfast tacos, but they were always sold out. I understand morning rushes but at a certain point they should really prepare and up their par for tacos. All in all I've been more disappointed than satisfied and would recommend any of the other shops less than...