There's A Delicious Steakhouse Hiding Inside This Old Texas Barn That's Begging For A Visit
By Katie Lawrence|Published September 12, 2018
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Steak is one of the major food groups here in Texas, and it tastes even better served up with a side of local history, Southern hospitality, and Old West ambiance. The Barn Door in Odessa checks all of those boxes, and the meat itself is some of the best you’ve ever had.
Before it was a steakhouse, the building that now houses Barn Door was a railway stop dating back to 1893. All that history only enriches the character of the restaurant, which has been serving West Texas since the mid-1900s.
The atmosphere is every bit as charming as you'd imagine. Mahogany chairs + tables, old-fashioned bar stools, and vintage artwork create that undeniable rustic vibe that takes you back to the Old West.
As if the ambiance didn't scream "Texas" enough already, the wall decor takes it over the edge. Longhorn skulls, cowboy hats, boots, and our state flag ensure patrons know without a doubt the values and ideals upheld by the restaurant.
Most restaurants bring bread and butter to the table, but Barn Door does things a bit differently. You'll get a giant block of aged Wisconsin cheese to go with your flaky, fluffy loaf, and the pairing couldn't be more perfect. We would warn you not to fill up too much before the main course, but it's kind of inevitable.
All the steaks are USDA Choice and aged + carved in-house. They're generously seasoned, grilled to perfection, and slathered in garlic butter before making it to your plate. Add blackened scallops or bacon-wrapped shrimp for a little something extra to send those taste buds straight to heaven.
Seafood, burgers, chicken, and salads are also on the menu if steak isn't your thing (but are you really a Texan if it isn't?) Side dishes include a variety of veggies, mac and cheese, sweet potato or regular fries, mashed or baked + fully loaded potatoes, and the famous "Stack of Hay," which is a pile of thinly sliced, lightly breaded onions served with ranch for dipping. Mmmm, our mouths are watering already.
Eating isn't the only fun to be had during your visit. The building next door is a replica train depot from the restaurant's past life, and it makes a perfect photo-op for the whole family.
Are you stopping for dinner at a train station, barn, or steakhouse? Trick question; it's all three! Not often do you come across places with rich history and amazing food, so this little gem is a true blessing.
