Supper Time

Alright folks. Y’all know how to dress like Texans and talk like Texans. You can now officially go out in public without embarrassing the Lone Star State, and I bet you’ve worked up a big ol’ Texas sized appetite by now. But where should you go to get your grub? Too many choices? Have no fear, Tyler is here to help. The way I see it, there are three main food types in Texas. Let me break em’ down for you.

STEAK

There’s nothing like the first big bite into a big juicy steak. And since we live in Texas, the largest beef-producing state in the nation, you better know your steaks. The T-bone used to rule the land, but now the ribeye is the king of steaks in Texas, with less fat and more flavor than a T-bone. So where can you go to get one of these infamous ribeyes? How ’bout the world famous Big Texan steak ranch, home of the free 72. oz steak, up in Amarillo! This place has been gaining a reputation in Texas ever since R.J. “Bob” Lee opened the doors to this steakhouse along Route 66 in 1960. This place will give you a free 72 oz. steak if you can eat it in under an hour. Many have tried. Many have failed, including my cousin Jeff, and he’s a big ol’ boy! But if you do succeed, you get your name on their hall of fame!

Big Texan Steak Ranch

72 oz Steak

BBQ

BBQ Grillin’

While you’ve got your grill out for steaks, you might as well keep it fired up and smoke some barbecue. Now BBQ takes more time and patience than steaks, but it’s definitely worth it. Whether you’re smoking some delicious brisket or a mouth-watering rack of ribs, a true Texan must be a master of the BBQ pit, or at least know where to find one. My personal favorite BBQ joint it Hard Eight BBQ in Stephenville. This place has some of the tastiest mesquite-grilled Texas style BBQ I’ve ever tasted. They use the “old world” method of slow cooking their meat over open pits, and it sure does work! Their reputation has made them a bit pricey, but I still highly recommend it. The service and atmosphere is great. They also recently opened two new locations in Coppell and Roanoke. Here are some other BBQ joint recommendations.

Fort Worth – Riscky’s Barbecue

Lubbock – Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Llano- Cooper’s BBQ

Austin – Franklin Barbecue

More of d0-it-yourself kind of guy? Here’s a great article from Texas Monthly on how to cook the perfect smoked brisket.

TEX MEX 

Tex Mex dish

Last, but not least, my favorite kind of food. TEX MEX! Texans came up with their own unique blend of Mexican food that tasted so good, it needed its own name. Nachos! Fajitas! Chips and Queso! Guacamole! What more could a Texan ask for? Anything you order at a Mexican Restaurant with lots of yellow cheese and chili on it is more than likely some good ol’ Tex Mex. Now some people (damn Yankees) will tell you “That’s not real Mexican food.” That’s right. It’s Texan. These are my two personal favorite Tex Mex Restaurants from the only two cities I’ve ever lived in.

Chuy’s – Austin

Chuy’s logo

Chuy’s opened in 1982 as a barbecue joint, but quickly became one of the most popular Tex Mex destinations in Texas. You’ve got to try their Big as Yo’ Face Burritos and famous margaritas. Great atmosphere and service.

Joe T. Garcia’s – Fort Worth

Joe T’s

This place has been around since 1935 and is one of my parents’ favorite restaurants, so you’ll see the Stevens family in there frequently. Best hot sauce I’ve ever had! Beautiful outdoor patio area!

So make your pick folks! With Steak, BBQ, or Tex Mex, you can’t really go wrong in Texas.