World-famous eatery is a state icon

Everything's bigger in Texas. Those words truly come alive when one visits the Big Texan Steak Ranch. From the giant bull parked outside to a monstrous cowboy boot, the Big Texan transforms ordinary objects into Texas icons. Step inside the restaurant's doors and travel back in time to the Old West. The wooden floors creek, animal heads hang on the walls like trophies and, of course, everyone is dressed like a cowboy. "The cowboy never goes out of style," said co-owner Bobby Lee. "When you go to Hawaii, you expect to see hula dancers in grass skirts. When people come to Texas, they expect to see cowboys. For 50 years we've given them what they want to see." The Big Texan is more than just a tourist attraction. It might be the world's most famous eatery. "The biggest surprise is the food," Lee said. "The beef is exactly perfect. People don't ask for steak sauce. The steaks are that good." If you're not in the mood for beef, don't fret. The Big Texan has plenty to offer. The business hosts a Texas Hold 'Em tournament every Wednesday night. The tournament is free and open to the public. "It's a really fun evening," Lee said. "A lot of people want to learn to play. It's really to develop skills." Amarillo is the midway point between Dallas and Denver and between the East Coast and the West Coast. "Amarillo is the crossroads of the world, Lee said. "We can make this the biggest industry in the Texas Panhandle." If you can't make it out to the Big Texan, it will come to you. The restaurant's catering is so good, even celebrities can't resist. In a television interview with Jimmy Kimmel, Oscar-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton said, "We always stop at a place in Amarillo called the Big Texan, and the Big Texan has this 72-ounce steak. "And if you've ever seen a 72-ounce steak, it's pretty frightening." The 72-ounce steak is free - but only if it's eaten in an hour, along with the fixin's. More than 48,000 people have attempted to eat the 72-ounce steak dinner, but only 8,000 have succeeded. Next summer, the meat mecca will have its biggest event ever. In 2010, the Big Texan will celebrate its 50th anniversary. The International Competitive Eaters Association will join in the fun. "There will be major worldwide media coverage," Lee said. Nathan's Hot Dogs will participate in the eating contest, too, he said. Lee's father, R.J. "Bob" Lee, first opened the restaurant in 1960 on legendary Route 66. His sign included a huge image of a cowboy. Ever since, people from around the world have been traveling to Texas to visit the historical landmark. "We're given them what they want: the cowboy experience," Lee said. The Big Texan has put Amarillo on the map and will remain a part of Texas history forever. It is open from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. 365 days a year.

• Facebook Comments
• Site Comments

Be the first to comment on this article!

Add comment


I am not posting spam. I understand posting spam or other comments that are unrelated to this article will cause my comment to be flagged for deletion and possibly cause my IP address to be permanently banned from this server.

Enter the characters in the image above:

log out