Starlight Theatre
The Starlight Theatre is home to the The Diego Burger which is 1 lb. of Beef, 4 Slices of Bacon, 3 Slices of Cheese, 2 Fried Eggs, Grilled Onions, Pickled Jalapenos, Pickles and French Fries. It's about the size of your head. If your up for a big burger get out to Terlingua, Texas.
For more than 70 years, this adobe building has been a landmark in the Big Bend of Texas. Located in the historic Terlingua Ghost Town, it has survived the rise and fall of business and human settlement in this rich and diverse area.
Originally constructed in the 1930's the Chisos Movie Theater provided entertainment for the residents of Terlingua during the heyday of Quicksilver mining in the area.
When the mines went bust in the late 1940's, the theater was abandoned. Years later, the roofing materials were sold as scrap and the building began deteriorating.
When modern pioneers (naturalists, river guides, musicians and artists) began to repopulate the Terlingua area, the theater found its calling once again as a gathering place for locals. The roofless old theater building provided a venue for open air parties, jam sessions, concerts, and dances, as well as theatrical productions. Thus, the name, The Starlight Theater was born.
In 1967 the abandoned theater played host to chili judges for the very first Terlingua World Championship Chili Cook-Off.
In 1991 the old movie theater got a face-lift and a new roof, re-opening as the Starlight Theatre Restaurant and Bar. Over the years, the Starlight has earned a reputation as both an excellent restaurant featuring some of the best food West of the Pecos and a unique and exciting venue for entertainment. Throughout the year visitors can enjoy great food, a well stocked bar, theatrical productions, art exhibits, and live music ranging from casual acoustic solos to large dance bands playing on the main stage.
We are proud of the rich history and unique beauty of Terlingua and of our place in it. The Starlight Theatre continues to be a special landmark and a haven for entertainment and culinary delight.
Read more about Terlingua in the books of Frank X. Tolbert.