For years I’d heard about the world famous (check out the neat website) Perini Ranch Steakhouse on Tom Perini’s working ranch outside Buffalo Gap, Texas (pop. 463), which is about 15 miles southwest of Abilene. I’d always wanted to go, but we never had quite the right combination of time, opportunity and correct group of participants to partake.
This trip, we did.
Mom, Laura & I made reservations for dinner for 3 (all we could get together that time/day, etc) at 6 p.m. Thursday evening.
We took some photos, which I’ll have to publish here after I return home, of the ranch, us with the Texas sized armadillo and our steaks as they were being served to us. But here’s a photo of the entrance I found on the website that really captures the setting (plus, there are several more great photos on the website you need to check out):
We ordered 3 different things; me a 16 0z. ribeye, Laura, an 8 oz. filet, & Mom prime rib. All had “Cowboy” potatoes and salads as included sides and we all had the absolutely fantastic Sourdough Bread Pudding w/Jack Daniel Whiskey sauce.
Our food critic review?! – Outstanding!!
The menu is varied with something for everybody. The place is rustic with lots of fans blowing, screened windows open, along with big doors to the outside and – listen to this – no central air conditioning! When we were there it was about 85 outside, I’d say, but with the fans blowing, we were very comfortable (late afternoon and “dry” heat, as they always say!).
Spend some time around their website, including their videoed blind taste test competitions on the Today Show and other network morning shows for world’s best hamburger (they won, hands down!) and read some of the history of Perini’s.
Much fun was had by all and large boxes full of lots of leftovers were brought home to be consumed yesterday.
Many blessings to you all this holiday weekend! Dee
Dee Andrews
sounds like your having a good time
A 16 oz ribeye?? I’m impressed! Sounds like a fascinating place. I’ll have to check out the web site when it’s not so late, I’m not so tired, not in need of a shower, and don’t have to get up early to help set up for worship in the park in the morning. Glad you’re having a good time with your family.
I must respectfully disagree Dee
The Cattleman’s Steakhouse in Fabens (just outside of El Paso) is hands-down the best
http://www.cattlemansranch.com/
Hi Dee!
I haven’t been reading my blogs regularly so haven’t been by in awhile, but I am so glad to see you went to Perini Ranch! We love that place, especially the bread pudding! I am a huge fan of bread pudding and have to try it everywhere we go, and I have not found any as good as Perini Ranch! And we got married in Buffalo Gap, at the historic village there. Good times!
Now THAT is my kind of place! But pulling a comment from Janice’s blog, how do you stay a size 10 eating 16-oz. steaks????
I have no real database from which to choose the best steak place in Texas, but I am willing, in a spirit of service to humankind, to be sponsored to make a grand tour of the Great State in search of the facts of the matter.
You’re welcome.
Come on down, Patrick! Me and my mom will join you in your grand tour of the best steaks in the Lone Star State.
But, I have to say, being totally honest here, that it wasn’t “quite” up to par with Tom’s thick ribeyes/filets, seasoned and hickory smoke grilled (as opposed to mesquite) at home on the charcoal (plus hickory) out on the deck in south Mississippi.
We haven’t found a place yet that beats Tom’s cookin’!! I guess we need to open and run the “Andrews’ Plantation Steakhouse” in our screened in back porch and on the back lawn. It would get rave reviews, I’m tellin’ ya!!
Judy – I only consumed (there at Perini’s) less than 1/2 my steak (all protein, so not that many calories), a small portion of my potatoes, most of my salad (a “freebie” calorie wise) and a couple of bites of sourdough bread pudding.
The rest came home in styrofoam boxes and lasted the next 3 days – a little at a time. THAT’s how I do it!!
Dee
I’m more impressed with the trees – trees in Abilene!? I remember camping at a KOA campground outside of Abilene in Dalhart – no trees and pleny of big bugs.
Well, that sounds good. It would sound better, but we just ate lunch. It looks like a great place to eat/visit and I love bread pudding. I make a pretty mean one myself.