In Menard, you can either cook it yourself or go to Jay's. The food is fresh, generously portioned, and reasonably priced. They have a varied selection of food genres. Each style of food is prepared as it should be. I travel through Menard several times a year, and Jay's is always on my list of rest stops. The locals that eat there are friendly and the hunters that eat there - easily identified by the generous wearing of camo - are eager to fill your ear for as long as you care to listen.

Though it is a reconditioned Pizza Inn, the folks at Ajuua's have put forth an effort to create a south of the border atmosphere. While not an exact knockout for the taste buds, the food is at least above average for the run of local Mexican food restaurants. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable. The seating is a bit scarce for the number of folks that patronize Ajuua's, but they do work hard to get you in and seated as soon as they can. Just a little bit of a secret to pass on for someone that may hit Ajuua's on a busy night... repeat patrons do not have to wait as long as the average Joe from the streets. So, visit often, tip appropriately, know the names of at least two of the waiters and your wait can be greatly shortened.

The locals were very happy to see Taco Villa return to the area after a brief hiatus when it seemed that Taco Bell would be taking over the area. As one of the holdouts, I refused to patronize Taco Bell. I and the rest of Odessa were rewarded when Taco Villas finally returned. Almost all of the Taco Bells have sinced closed their doors in the face of competing with Taco Villa. While Taco Villa is not fine dining by any stretch of the imagination, it is good, plentiful, reasonably priced and easily accessed by ordering in the dining area or through the drive through. I do have one negative thing to say about the place, drive thru orders are so often filled badly that I hold up the line to make sure I have what I ordered. If a mistake was made, the folks in back quickly make it right and you are soon on your way.

If one knows his tastes, Chinese Kitchen can be a good place to eat. Though I am not a fan of most Chinese food, I have found a dish that I like. The portion is generous, even in take out mode, for the price charged. The thing I like the most about eating at Chinese Kitchen is, since the food is prepared as you order it and just a general recipe is followed, my favorite dish is slightly different each time... no getting burned out eating the same thing all the time. I say if you have tried Chinese Kitchen once, try it again, you may be surprised.

Chili's is a very popular place to eat in Odessa. Wait times for large parties can be extensive without reservations, but even during the busiest times, waits seldom exceed 45 - 55 minutes. Chili's is like all popular eateries in that the waiting area is far too small for the number of future diners and the bar area is quickly filled. The waitstaff is young, friendly, and enthusiastic. The atmosphere is casual, in keeping with the majority of its clientel. However, it is not unusual to see a party dressed in formal attire sitting next to a table where T-shirts and cut-offs are the desired form of clothing. The menu and drink list is varied to accomodate a wide range of tastes. The serving portions are in keeping to the prices. If any changes are asked for in the preparation of the entree, all efforts are made to accomodate (within reason). While I am sure there is management on the floor (I've spoken with a person that has come around to check that everything is alright), I have never had to ask for a member of management to resolve a problem with either the food or the service. The check is dealt with at the table - no having to stand in line in order to leave. Overall, I would say that a meal at Chili's is a pleasant experience.