Macaroni Joe's
Amarillo
Restaurant in Amarillo, United States
Book with PearlThe Read
Dress
Smart Casual
Why go
Macaroni Joe's is worth booking when wine is part of the reason for dinner in Amarillo. Its Star Wine List recognition gives it a clearer point of difference than a standard neighborhood meal, though groups wanting a steakhouse-style format or farm-to-table brief may be better served by nearby peers.
About Macaroni Joe's
In Amarillo, Macaroni Joe's has Star Wine List recognition in 2026. That makes it a useful option to consider when a meal with a recognition signal matters, alongside other choices such as The Funky Door Bistro & Wine Room or Ponto Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse.
The clean verdict: consider it for an Amarillo meal when the schedule and smart-casual dress code fit your plans. Its hours include weekday lunch and dinner, Friday dinner until 10 PM, Saturday dinner service, a Sunday closure. If you are comparing options, Juliette, Wall Street Bar & Grill, Ponto Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, other Amarillo dining rooms may suit different needs depending on the occasion.
Choose it when a recognition signal matters
Macaroni Joe's is in Amarillo, has a smart-casual dress code, is recognized by Star Wine List in 2026. For diners using recognition signals to narrow a shortlist, that is the main reason to keep it in consideration.
For planning, focus on the schedule rather than assumptions about format, menu, or service style. Macaroni Joe's is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, dinner only on Saturday, closed Sunday.
Plan around the lunch and dinner schedule
Lunch is available Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 2 PM. Dinner runs Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9 PM, Friday from 5 to 10 PM, Saturday from 5 to 10 PM. Sunday is closed, so weekend planning should center on Saturday evening rather than assuming a Sunday option.
Avoid building the whole evening around claims about menu format, seating, bar availability, or special services. Use the hours and smart-casual dress code as the reliable planning details, check the restaurant directly for anything more specific.
Planning details
- Location
- 1619 S Kentucky St, Amarillo, TX 79109
- Website
- macjoesamarillo.com
- Phone
- (806) 358-8990
The take
The Take
The Vibe
Macaroni Joe's reads as a quietly sophisticated neighborhood Italian where the wine list is the defining feature. The restaurant's White Star recognition frames the room as one that prioritizes what goes in the glass as much as what lands on the plate, attracting guests who appreciate considered pairings. In a market more familiar with beef and barbecue, that focus feels deliberate and somewhat refined: hospitality here is direct rather than flashy, and the program rewards diners who arrive ready to engage with a curated bottle selection. The overall tone is intentional and quietly elevated, leaning into quality over spectacle.
Best For
This is a destination for wine-minded dinners and occasions that benefit from a serious bottle list. The kitchen’s hearty, Italian-forward menu — from Blackened Bayou Pasta to a well-handled Filet — pairs naturally with a curated wine selection, so evenings and celebratory meals are the clearest fits. It also suits locals who return specifically for the list and service that understands wine, making it a reliable spot for couples or small groups who prioritize drinking well with their meal. Reservations for dinner are recommended when you want the full pairing experience.
Ordering Tips
Approach the list with curiosity: the White Star designation indicates a purposeful, curated selection, so ask the server or on-duty wine professional for pairings. With signature plates like Filet and Blackened Bayou Pasta on the menu, request suggestions that balance weight and acidity — red options for the steak, and either a structured white or lighter red for richer seafood- or cream-based pastas. If you want to explore, mention the styles or regions you prefer and let the front of house guide you toward bottles that complement the Italian-leaning menu.
Venue details
Ambiance
Tuscan villa-like with romantic, rustic Italian atmosphere, intimate lighting perfect for date nights.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Smart Casual
- Noise Level
- Conversational
- Service Style
- Upscale Casual
- Meal Pacing
- Standard
- Capacity
- Medium
Signature Dishes
- Blackened Bayou Pasta
- Lemon Butter Shrimp
- Filet
Planning details
Location
Recognition and awards
Also consider
Where to go if you cannot get the table
If the wine angle is the reason for booking, try The Funky Door Bistro & Wine Room first. If the occasion calls for a more substantial group dinner, Ponto Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse is the more practical backup.
Restaurant context
How it compares in Amarillo
Choose Macaroni Joe's over Wall Street Bar & Grill when wine matters more than a classic bar-and-grill feel. Wall Street is the safer call for a casual, familiar night; Macaroni Joe's is the better fit when the bottle list is part of the decision.
The Funky Door Bistro & Wine Room is the most direct cross-shop for diners comparing wine-focused evenings. If the group wants a broader bistro-style night, start there; if the priority is an Amarillo dinner with a recognized wine angle and easy booking, Macaroni Joe's is the cleaner pick.
For larger appetites or group energy, Ponto Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse is likely the more obvious choice. For a farm-to-table brief, Juliette has the clearer positioning. Mabel's Table is the one to compare when the group wants a softer neighborhood-dinner feel rather than a wine-led decision.
Explore Amarillo
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full Macaroni Joe's guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare Macaroni Joe's
| Venue | Location | Cuisine | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macaroni Joe's | Amarillo | ; | Star Wine Lists 20262026 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence |
| The Funky Door Bistro & Wine Room | Lubbock | No published awards | ; |
| Ponto Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse | Lubbock | No published awards | ; |
| Wall Street Bar & Grill | Midland | No published awards | ; |
| Mabel's Table | Taos Pueblo | No published awards | ; |
| Juliette | Taos | Elevated farm-to-table | Michelin Guide Germany 20262026 Michelin Plate2025 Michelin Plate2024 Michelin Plate |
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How Macaroni Joe's Amarillo compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to Macaroni Joe's?
The dress code is smart casual. You do not need to assume formal attire unless your group prefers to dress up.
How far ahead should I book Macaroni Joe's?
Plan around the schedule: lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, dinner only on Saturday, closed Sunday.
Is Macaroni Joe's good for a special occasion?
It works for an Amarillo occasion if smart-casual dining and Star Wine List recognition in 2026 matter to your plans.
What are alternatives to Macaroni Joe's in Amarillo?
Other options to compare include Wall Street Bar & Grill, Ponto Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, The Funky Door Bistro & Wine Room, Juliette, other Amarillo dining rooms. Choose based on the schedule, setting, occasion you need.
Is lunch or dinner better at Macaroni Joe's?
That depends on your schedule. Lunch is available Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 2 PM, while dinner is available Monday through Saturday, with later closing on Friday and Saturday.
