Big Spring's locally owned Mexican restaurants are where Howard County actually eats, and this list covers four of the spots worth knowing. El Buen Pollo on West Highway 80 serves fresh Baja fish tacos and street tacos throughout the week, except Mondays. Carlos' Restaurant on Northwest 3rd runs a full dining room with cocktails, a full bar, and online ordering for pickup, open most days for lunch and dinner. Woodshack Burritos on North Lamesa Highway earns its following through specific, well-executed plates like the Burrito Loco served with salsa verde, salsa roja, and rice and beans. And Restaurante Las Cazuelas Grill on South Gregg opens at 6 in the morning and runs through dinner seven days a week, making it one of the few sit-down options for early risers and late workers alike. These are the neighborhood restaurants that define what Tex-Mex means to Big Spring.

Big Spring has a strong bench of locally owned auto repair shops built for the trucks and work vehicles that Howard County depends on. Franklin and Son Inc has operated in the Permian Basin for over 60 years, with TIA-certified technicians and an A-plus BBB rating at their Runnels Street location. Don's Tire on the I-20 Frontage Road is the go-to for same-day tire service and fast turnarounds. Overclock Diesel on North Service Road covers the diesel work most shops skip, including fuel system repair, diesel diagnostics and commercial vehicle service. Medrano's Oil Change on West 9th Street is the straightforward stop for drivers who just need service without a long wait. Motion Tech on Midway Road rounds out the list with heavy duty repair, DOT inspections, welding and fabrication, and 24/7 roadside assistance. These are the shops Big Spring drivers call when the truck needs to be back on the road by morning.