The Big Texan Steak Ranch

The story

The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo: A Texas Steakhouse Legend Since 1960

A Legacy Built on Fire and Family

The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo stands as a pillar of Texas steakhouse tradition, rooted in a legacy that began when founder R.J. Lee opened the doors in March 1960. Lee transformed an old barbecue spot into a western destination, complete with a towering 60-foot neon cowboy sign that greeted travelers along Route 66. After a devastating fire destroyed the original dining room in 1976, Lee and his sons Bobby and Danny rebuilt the facility in 1978, creating a two-story space designed to seat 480 guests while incorporating design elements from earlier buildings.

Signature Cuts and Western Specialties

The kitchen serves hand-cut beef grilled over open flames, featuring selections like the 16-ounce New York strip richly marbled for bold flavor and the 21-ounce top sirloin described as a cattleman's favorite choice. Guests often tackle the legendary 72-ounce steak challenge, a feat requiring diners to consume four-and-a-half pounds of meat alongside baked potato, salad, shrimp cocktail, and a bread roll within sixty minutes to earn their meal for free. Beyond the massive cuts, the steakhouse menu highlights regional staples like chicken fried steak smothered in cream gravy. Diners also order smoked baby back ribs paired with house barbecue sauce, while prime skins provide another choice with prime rib melted inside fried tater hulls.

Western Ambiance and Craft Brews

Inside, the dining room centers around a stage where contestants perform the 72-ounce challenge, allowing fellow patrons to watch the contest unfold during dinner service. The Lee brothers expanded the property decades later by introducing a brewery under brewmaster Tom Money, offering craft beers ranked among the world's top ten by Draft Magazine. The brewery complements the bold flavors of this Texas steakhouse, where consistent quality has earned the restaurant a Two Diamond designation from AAA for meeting industry-leading inspection standards. Strolling musicians and a gift shop filled with Route 66 memorabilia help define the western atmosphere.