Best Steakhouse in Amarillo: The Big Texan
- Tamara D.
- Jul 25, 2023
- 4 min read
If you love steak or beef and the big steak challenge, you need to stop at the Big Texan as you are driving through the great city of Amarillo!
If you've never heard of it, The Big Texan Steak Ranch open it's doors for business in 1960 on Route 66. RJ (Bob) Lee along side his wife Mary Ann & their children worked to establish the Big Texan as one of the most World Famous -Route 66, roadhouse eateries as well as a true Texas attraction. Perhaps the biggest "star" of the Big Texans magic is the 72oz Steak Challenge- FREE to anyone who can devour the entire meal in one hour. This gastronomical contest was the first of it's kind & has started a world-wide phenomenon of eating contest & popular television programs. Located on interstate 40 in Amarillo, Texas - the Big Texan is recognized as one of Texas Top 10 Steak Houses Featured menu items range from award-winning Texas Beef Steaks to BBQ,Fish,Chicken,Salads,Buffalo Burgers,Chicken Fried Steaks & Mountain Oysters.
The very first time I spent some time here, I came with a group of 15 co-workers who were there for the first time as well. Wait time was reasonable since we had a big group, but it also gave us some time to walk around and look, explore a bit. Since our group arrived during the dinner hour (and they knew we were coming), they had our tables ready and we were seated quickly. Due to group ordering, they gave us two choices: our two choices were the 12 oz. steak or the grilled chicken. Almost everyone got steak. For the volume they were doing, our meals were hardly a problem in the dinner rush. We all loved the food and the experience. So the next time I drove through this city, I paid this spot a second visit.
During my second visit, I took my family. I ordered the rib-eye Palo Dura cut 10oz rare, Caesar salad, loaded potato and an extra side of green chili cream corn. With everything we all ordered, we had plenty of food for us to share and laugh as we devoured it all. Even though the tomahawk looked delicious but no one ordered it at our table. The minute you sit down they give you a large basket of hot yeast rolls with a large bowl of butter. Yum! My Prime rib-eye Palo Dura cut was cooked perfectly and the yummy condiments are all made on site. Not one bad bite we had plenty to bring home for later. We got a piece of there carrot cake for later as well. Yum!
After the second experience I started to rave about this place all the time. Now it has become a regular stop whenever I'm driving through Amarillo.
Two major menu items that I highly recommend:
1. 18 oz ribeye - Cooked medium, sides loaded baked potato anf cheesy potatoes. Everything was well seasoned and cooked perfectly. Never had cheesy potatoes before and they were yummy. The next time I return, I'm ordering them again!
2. Bbq sampler - sausage, brisket and ribs. I ordered mac n cheese and potato salad as a side option and they were fantastic. The sausage itself had that 'snap' when you bite into it and juicy. Ribs had the smoky flavor but didn't fall off the bone. Brisket was good but not juicy and didn't have fat pieces like I had hoped. But I will still really happy.
While I waited for my order, we walked around in astonishment. We walked past the gift shop (I'll mention that a little more at the end of this article), a shooting gallery, bar, walk past the bar to the restrooms, you'll see a bunch of photographs that move, and the faces expressions change. Super cool, Super Texan. After that, I walked past people who were seat at special tables, participating in the big 72 oz. steak challenge. If you keep walking past that, there is like an outdoor eating area that has a roof. This worked perfectly because it just started raining. I looked to my right, and people were playing corn hole.
This is definitely a nice place to hang out, whether you're waiting to be seated or just hanging out with family and let the food digest.
The dining room is large and impressive. Very Texas! Everyone eating, smiling, laughing and drinking.
Overall, a fun place to visit if you're in Amarillo for any reason. I highly recommend the Big Texan Steak Ranch to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Amarillo. The food and service are truly top-notch, prices seemed reasonable and it's easy to see why this place is such a beloved local institution.
When you're in Amarillo, Texas and you love steak, it's almost patriotic to spend a few moments at this amazing place.
Five great things to know about this spot:
The restaurant is so famous that it has a gift shop. You can purchase great mementos of t-shirts, steak seasoning, boot mugs, plates, baseball caps, stickers mugs and more! See the store here.
The check in / wait list process is quick and painless. You simply scan the QR codes stationed near the door and monitor where you are on the waitlist. Easy!
If you're bringing your family to this spot, the kid's meals come inside a free cowboy hat. They will love it!
In case you are curious about the steak challenge - If you can eat a 72-ounce steak in one hour, your meal is free! (You'll also get a T-shirt and a place on the Wall of Fame.)
If you don't like the atmosphere of the dining room(s), the Big Texan Steak Ranch has a saloon that's been featured in movies and TV shows.
7701 I-40, Amarillo, TX 79118
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