Culpepper Cattle Company - The Finest Restaurant in Rockwall, TX

Rockwall, Texas, is a vibrant city in the northeastern part of the state, known for its mix of small-town charm and modern conveniences. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Ray Hubbard, it provides a scenic backdrop with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and hiking. The city gets its name from a natural rock formation resembling a wall, which early settlers thought was man-made. With a rapidly growing population, Rockwall features a strong economy, excellent schools, and a lively community atmosphere. Its historic downtown is packed with unique shops, dining options, and cultural attractions, making it a great place to live and visit. Notably, the city is home to the beloved Culpepper Cattle Company, a must-visit for local food enthusiasts.

Recently reopened as the Culpepper Cattle Company, this third iteration of the former Culpepper Steakhouse, originally launched in 1982, retains many nostalgic elements from its past, including the distinctive biplane embedded in the river rock walls and numerous taxidermied animals. Under the new management of the UNCO hospitality group, known for HG Sply Co. and Leela’s Wine Bar, this Rockwall staple has kept its inviting atmosphere while introducing updates. Consulting chef Danyele McPherson has added Tex-Mex touches to the menu, and the four bars serve high-quality tequila cocktails. A patio brunch experience featured warm flour tortillas with salted butter, a house salad with large, buttery croutons, and a chicken Laredo dish covered in spinach dip, jack cheese, pico de gallo, and diced poblano peppers, all wrapped in tortillas for a delicious lunch.

UNCO Hospitality, the team behind popular Dallas spots like HG Sply Co. and Leela's Wine Bar, opened the new Culpepper Cattle Co. in the historic Continental Gin Building on May 1. This East Texas-inspired restaurant, which started in Rockwall, combines Tex-Mex with steaks and home-cooked sides. The original restaurant, opened by Michael "Dobber" Stephenson in 1982, was both a dining venue and a music hub, attracting stars like Waylon Jennings and Randy Travis. Bob Clements took over in 1992, bringing in high-profile chefs and adding fine wines, seafood, and jazz music. After closing in 2023, UNCO revitalized the establishment, now expanding with a second location in Deep Ellum.

Fantastic! Our first visit was for Mother’s Day lunch with a party of nine. We had a reservation and were seated promptly. Our waiter was attentive and timely, and everyone’s meals were excellent. The steaks, chicken, and salmon were perfectly prepared, and the sweet potato was a standout. I'm thrilled that this place stayed open despite the new ownership. Our cocktails have been consistently excellent, steaks perfectly cooked to medium-rare, and the service exceptional on each visit. The live bands on weekends add to the experience. This unique venue is worth checking out!

During my second visit, while back in town from San Diego, we rediscovered Culpepper Cattle Company. Craving authentic Texas Mexican food, and my boyfriend wanting a high-quality steak, we found the perfect blend here. I had sour cream enchiladas, and he enjoyed a C.A.B. filet—both were outstanding. Our server, Davis, provided excellent service, and GM Bill's personal touch made our experience even better. My friend summed it up perfectly: "Without a doubt, we'll be back on our next trip to town."

In March 2024, my family and I returned for dinner. Initially hesitant about the new ownership and menu changes, our server Lucas reassured us with his exceptional service and extensive knowledge of the restaurant’s history and offerings. The food was phenomenal, and we left completely satisfied. I wholeheartedly recommend Culpepper's for a delightful evening out, and we're already looking forward to our next visit!

The menu features a variety of dishes from enchiladas to a double-bone pork chop with chicken-fried lobster. The Steakhouse Burger includes a 10-ounce house-ground patty with rosemary garlic aioli, caramelized onions, and Gruyere cheese. Cadillac Fajitas come with steak, chicken, shrimp, and cheddar jalapeño sausage. Chicken Laredo features creamy spinach dip, Jack cheese, mushrooms, poblano, and pico de gallo. Homestyle sides include green beans, mac and cheese, and baked potatoes.

Trust me, I have extensive experience dining here. The servers are always friendly and welcoming, no matter how often you visit. The food is consistently great, especially the ribeye steak, which is the best in town. The firecracker shrimp appetizer is also a must-try. The noise level is pleasant compared to other steakhouses, making it an enjoyable place for a date or family dinner.

309 I-30 Frontage Rd, Rockwall, TX 75087

(469) 965-9300

www.culpeppercattleco.com