11 Small Town Steakhouses In Texas That Serve Hearty And Delicious Meals
We wrote about steakhouses a couple years back, but these seem like more y’all’s style. Here are 11 no-frills, small town steakhouses in Texas with rustic atmospheres and mouthwatering food. These charming eateries encompass everything the Lone Star State is all about. There’s no shortage of great steak in our state, especially when it comes to small town steakhouses in Texas.
Most people have never even heard of Buffalo Gap, considering its population is less than 500. That's a crying shame because Perini Ranch Steakhouse has not only been serving mouthwatering cuts of meat for nearly 40 years, but it's also located on a working ranch complete with longhorns and overnight accommodations! Come get a taste of how we do things here in Texas at 3002 FM 89, Buffalo Gap, TX 79508. To learn more, visit their website here.
2. Fort Griffin General Merchandise Restaurant (Albany and Abilene)
One look at this replica Old West town way out in the boonies will leave images of cowboys and outlaws dancing in your head. This unassuming restaurant knows how to prepare meat the right way, just like it was done in the days of Bonnie & Clyde and duels at high-noon. You'll find Fort Griffin at 517 US-180, Albany, TX 76430, or at their second location, 442 Cedar St., Abilene, TX 79601. To learn more, visit their website here.
Ranchman's is one of the most legendary cafes in Texas and for good reason. The atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious Southern food make it a prime example of everything our state is all about. The restaurant is located at 110 W Bailey St., Ponder, TX 76259. To learn more, visit their website here.
Reminiscent of a secret garden, this romantic hideaway has been offering fine dining amidst lush, scenic surroundings for nearly a century. The steaks are simply prepared over mesquite coals and served with perfectly paired sides (don't skip the olive breadsticks), the wine list is extensive, and desserts are decadent. Come experience the magic firsthand at 19010 Scenic Loop Rd., Helotes, TX 78023. To learn more, visit their website here.
Located on the vast and beautiful Wildcatter Ranch, this rustic eatery is the perfect North Texas getaway. Hand-cut and mesquite-grilled steaks are the main event, with a wide selection of sides rounding out the menu. You can even spend the night on the gorgeous property! You'll find the restaurant at 6062 TX-16, Graham, TX 76450. To learn more, visit their website here.
One of the smallest towns we've come across, Avinger is home to just over 400 residents. Not many tourists wander into 5D Cattle Company, and the locals are more than okay with it — after all, that just means more scrumptious food for them! Operating out of a long-standing building, this hidden gem uses only the finest, herb & spice-rubbed, slow-cooked beef. The steakhouse is located at 8 N Main St., Avinger, TX 75630. To learn more, visit their website here.
Situated on the remote Indian Cliffs Ranch near El Paso, Cattleman's offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that other restaurants simply can't stack up to. Not only are the steaks ginormous and cooked to perfection, but the meal comes with a complementary view of the vast West Texas desert. Time your visit around sunset for an absolutely unforgettable moment. Come immerse yourself in this unparalleled setting at 3450 S Fabens Carlsbad Rd., Fabens, TX 79838. To learn more, visit their website here.
For three generations, Hermann Sons has been perfecting the art of cooking a good steak. According to public opinion, they've done a pretty bang-up job, claiming the #2 spot out of all the restaurants in Hondo. With a salad bar, large drink selection, and outdoor patio, you really can't go wrong. You'll find the steakhouse at 577 US Hwy. 90 E, Hondo, TX 78861. To learn more, visit their website here.
While the decor at Humphrey Pete's is admittedly a tad cliche, it definitely leaves no question as to what state you're dining in. The steak is consistently good, and sides like fried pickles and okra add an undeniable down-home flair. The restaurant is located at 102 Early Blvd., Early, TX 76802. To learn more, visit their website here.
This little-known gem of a restaurant serves up mouthwatering mesquite-grilled steak in every cut your heart could possibly desire. Just look at that beautiful center... we're salivating already. Come take a bite for yourself at 1035 US-190, San Saba, TX 76877. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
Leaving off this Texas icon would be wrong on so many levels. People travel from all over the state to try the legendary steak at this rural general store, and we have to concur that it's some of the best around. You'll find the restaurant at North Leona Blvd., 136 TX-75, Leona, TX 75850. To learn more, visit their website here.
How many of these small town steakhouses in Texas have you tried? What are your favorite hidden gem restaurants in Texas? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 3002 FM 89, Buffalo Gap, TX 79508, USA
Address: 517 US-180, Albany, TX 76430, USA
Address: 442 Cedar St, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
Address: 110 W Bailey St, Ponder, TX 76259, USA
Address: 19010 Scenic Loop Rd, Helotes, TX 78023, USA
Address: 6062 TX-16, Graham, TX 76450, USA
Address: 8 N Main St, Avinger, TX 75630, USA
Address: 3450 S Fabens Carlsbad Rd, Fabens, TX 79838, USA
Address: 577 US-90, Hondo, TX 78861, USA
Address: 102 Early Blvd, Early, TX 76802, USA
Address: 1035 US-190, San Saba, TX 76877, USA
Address: Leona General Store, North Leona Blvd 136, TX-75, Leona, TX 75850, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
small town steakhouses in Texas
March 01, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best rural diners in Texas?
Bevo's Drive In, located in Vernon, is one of the best rural diners in Texas. If you’re craving a good old-fashioned chili cheeseburger, this is the place to go. Sure, it’s not fancy. But the meals are absolutely satisfying. Pair it with a sweet milkshake, and you’ll be in heaven. Brazos River Cafe, located in Millsap, is another wonderful place to get some tasty comfort food. There’s no shortage of delicious eateries in the Lone Star State!
What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Texas?
Don’t be deterred by its humble exterior. Judy's Cafe in Duncanville is one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Texas. Enjoy a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast in a homey atmosphere. With a fresh cup of coffee in hand, life couldn’t get sweeter. Underwood's Cafeteria, located in Brownwood, is another little-known restaurant. You’ll fall in love with their smoky BBQ.
What are the most popular steakhouses in Texas?
Killen’s Steakhouse, located in Pearland, is a fantastic place to get steaks in Texas. People never stop raving about their juicy steaks and flavorful sides. You've got to try their baked potatoes and creamed spinach. Nick and Sam's Steakhouse, located in Dallas, is another must-visit place if you love steak dinners.
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 changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.