Big Texan Steak Ranch
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Big Texan Steak Ranch is a steakhouse in Amarillo, Texas, beside Interstate 40. It is known for its 72-ounce steak challenge.
Menu & prices
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Why go
- The adjacent motel resembles an Old West main street and has a Texas-shaped pool.
Opening hours
Today10:00 – 22:30Show all
Monday10:00 – 22:30
Tuesday10:00 – 22:30
Wednesday10:00 – 22:30
Thursday10:00 – 22:30
Friday10:00 – 22:30
Saturday10:00 – 22:30
Sunday10:00 – 22:30
Good to know
LunchDinnerBrunchLate NightBuffetDog FriendlyFree WifiFull BarHighchairs AvailableLive MusicNon-smoking restaurantsParking Available
Dishes to try
- 16-ounce Big Texan Strip, a hand-cut New York strip grilled over an open flame.
- Prime rib, slow-roasted and served with au jus and house horseradish sauce.
- Chicken fried steak, hand-breaded and served with cream gravy.
- Barbecue combo of smoked beef, baby back ribs and sausage with house barbecue sauce; smoked baby back ribs are also available as a three-rib sampler.
- Smoked barbecue beef brisket sandwich, served open-faced with garnish and a choice of one side.
- Mountain oysters with buck-a-roo cocktail sauce.
- 8-ounce char-boiled salmon filet with house tartar sauce, lemon and a choice of two sides.
- Smothered Texas fries topped with four cheeses, smoked beef, barbecue sauce, red onion and pickles.
- Steak and eggs with two eggs, Texas toast and skillet potatoes.
- Breakfast quesadilla with eggs, bacon, sausage, onions, bell peppers and salsa.
Atmosphere
- The 650-seat dining room has wagon-wheel chandeliers and taxidermied big-game specimens.
- Country and western performances take place every Tuesday. The venue also hosts Texas hold’em competitions.
What it costs
- 72-ounce steak challenge meal
- Free For diners who finish the meal within one hour.
Good for
- Families Highchairs are available. The menu for children aged 10 and under includes kid-sized meals, including a five-ounce top sirloin, cheese quesadilla and chicken strips.
- Overnight road trips Accommodation is available on site.
Shorts
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The one and only, 72oz steak challenege at the Big Texan in Amarillo …Big Texan
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The Big Texan Steak Ranch - World Famous for Free 72oz Steak Challeng…Thompson AutoTravel
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House of Free 72oz Steak | The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery | Amar…Twist With A Taste
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Big Texan Steakhouse in Amarillo Texas home of the 72oz steak challen…Will Wanders
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The Big Texan Steak Ranch | The World-Famous 72-Ounce Steak Challenge…Going Ranger
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One of the most well known food challenges, the 72oz Steak at the Big…Big Texan
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What a Steak! at Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo TexasFit4Expedition
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The Big Texan Steak Ranch | Take on the 72oz Steak Challenge ｜Amarill…Going Ranger
History
R. J. Lee opened the Big Texan on Route 66 in 1960. The steak challenge grew from a cowboy’s eating feat, and the restaurant later moved east when I-40 came through town. Lee’s sons took over in 1990, and the Big Texan Opry began in 1993.
- 1960R. J. Lee opened the steakhouse on Route 66 at the former Underwood’s Bar-B-Q.
- Challenge originsThe challenge grew from a cowboy eating four and a half one-pound steaks in an hour. Early versions included a $60 prize; Lee also promised a free meal to anyone repeating the feat.
- 1969Lee relocated and rebuilt the steakhouse east of the city after I-40 came through town.
- 1971The rebuilt venue included Panhandle memorabilia, strolling musicians, a gift shop, a saloon and the 72-ounce challenge.
- 1976A fire destroyed the main dining room, shop and much of the collection and furnishings. The surviving banquet hall temporarily served as the restaurant.
Show all
- 1978The rebuilt restaurant opened with two-story seating, a large gift shop and an arcade.
- 1990After founder R. J. Lee died, his sons Bobby and Danny took over operations.
- 1993The Big Texan Opry began, adding strolling musicians and dinner shows.
How to get there
- Car7700 I-40 at Lakeside, on a frontage road beside Interstate 40 in Amarillo; parking is available.
Accessibility
- Parking
Sources: Big Texan Steak Ranch - Wikipedia · Amarillo - Wikivoyage (eat) · Big Texan Steak Ranch – The Big Texan · menu – The Big Texan · History Timeline – The Big Texan · The Big Texan Steak Ranch - Wikipedia · checked 26 Sep 2026
Where
7701 I-40 east, TX, Amarillo
- Website
- bigtexan.com/
- Phone
- +1 806-372-6000
Questions and answers
Can I watch the Big Texan Steak Ranch challenge online?
Yes. The challenge table is shown on a continuous live stream on the restaurant’s website.
What happens when someone completes the Big Texan Steak Ranch challenge?
Successful challengers’ names are recorded and displayed. Completing the 72-ounce meal within an hour earns a free meal.
What challenge record did Molly Schuyler set in 2015?
She completed the challenge in four minutes and 18 seconds.
Can I buy souvenirs at the Big Texan Steak Ranch?
Yes. The gift shop sells souvenirs related to Route 66, Amarillo and the steakhouse.
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