Tex Randall, Big Texan
Iconic Amarillo steakhouse famous for its 72oz steak challenge, offering a kitschy Texas experience with live music and a gift shop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the full lively atmosphere
Tex Randall, Big Texan
Best Time
Experience the full lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Amarillo steakhouse famous for its 72oz steak challenge, offering a kitschy Texas experience with live music and a gift shop.
"It's a landmark with a fun, lively atmosphere you won't forget."
🎯 Go for the Experience
It's a landmark! Worth visiting once for the unique Texas vibe, even if food reviews are mixed.
⏰ Be Patient with Waits
Expect a wait, especially without reservations. Service can be a bit slow but friendly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 72oz Steak Challenge
Witness brave souls tackle a massive 72oz steak in under an hour. A true Texas spectacle!
Kitschy Texas Atmosphere
Giant steer statues, live country music, and a lively saloon vibe create an unforgettable Texan experience.
Brewery & Gift Shop
Sample their own brewed beer and grab unique Texas souvenirs from the extensive gift shop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Spectacle
The 72oz Steak Challenge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go for the Experience
It's a landmark! Worth visiting once for the unique Texas vibe, even if food reviews are mixed. +1
⏰ Be Patient with Waits
Expect a wait, especially without reservations. Service can be a bit slow but friendly.
🍺 Try the House Brew
They brew their own beer, which many find to be pretty good!
📸 Capture the Fun
Don't miss the chance to see the 72oz steak challenge in action!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go for the Experience
It's a landmark! Worth visiting once for the unique Texas vibe, even if food reviews are mixed. +1
⏰ Be Patient with Waits
Expect a wait, especially without reservations. Service can be a bit slow but friendly.
🍺 Try the House Brew
They brew their own beer, which many find to be pretty good!
📸 Capture the Fun
Don't miss the chance to see the 72oz steak challenge in action!
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
The gift shop is a great place to pick up unique Texas-themed souvenirs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is a beloved Texas landmark offering a unique, kitschy experience centered around its famous 72oz steak challenge. While some find the food average, the lively atmosphere, entertainment, and sheer spectacle make it a must-visit for tourists and Route 66 travelers. Service can be a bit slow, but the overall vibe is fun and memorable.
"I like stopping here whenever I'm passing through. Its a fun place to visit and the food is usually good! I have always ordered the brisket sandwich but this time we had the ft worth cut ribeye steak. Our steaks had quite a bit of gristle and were just partially edible.
The service is okay but could be a bit more friendly and/or personable instead of waiting until they bring me the bill! All in all this is a great stop when passing by."
Roy
"If you find yourself in Amarillo, Texas, the Big Texan Steakhouse & Brewery is a fun touristy place to stop. Famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge—you’ll witness feats of meat-eating bravery (or spectacular defeat). The steaks are hearty, the atmosphere is pure Texas: giant steer statues, live country music, a gift shop, and a shooting gallery. Some call it a tourist trap, others a Texas institution, but everyone agrees it’s an experience. For those that aren’t steak fans, they serve a delicious salmon. Take your patience with you. We had a long wait without reservations on a weeknight, which can be expected for a spot such as this. Though they were packed full, service by Shawna was on point!!"
Ilena V.
"Such a fun Tourists Restaurant and location. Enjoyed our bone-in ribeye steaks. Lost of fun things to see here.
Super entertaining. The home of the 72 ounce streak if you can finish eating one in one hour! 1 in 10 do finish eating the steak in 60 minutes. Here are the pictures."
Ted Shikuma
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is located at 7701 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX 79118, right off I-40. It's a prominent landmark visible from the highway, making it easy to find.
Yes, ample parking is available at The Big Texan Steak Ranch, accommodating cars and larger vehicles. It's a common stop for travelers on Route 66.
The Big Texan is a standalone destination, so walking there depends on your accommodation's proximity. It's best accessed by car or ride-sharing services.
The iconic steer statues and the main entrance are great for photos. Arriving during daylight hours will give you the best natural light.
Yes, The Big Texan is known to be RV-friendly with plenty of parking space. Many travelers on Route 66 stop here with their RVs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need tickets to enter The Big Texan. It's a restaurant and a tourist attraction, so you can walk in. However, reservations are recommended for dining, especially during peak hours.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is typically open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current information.
There is no entry fee to watch the 72-ounce steak challenge. It's part of the dining experience and a major draw for visitors.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and on weekends, as it can get very busy. You can usually make them online or by phone.
The success rate is low, with about 1 in 10 people finishing the 72-ounce steak within the one-hour time limit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Big Texan is famous for its steaks, especially the 72-ounce challenge steak. They also offer other Texas favorites like brisket, ribs, and seafood options like salmon.
Yes, The Big Texan offers a variety of other dishes, including brisket sandwiches, salmon, and other entrees, catering to those who aren't steak enthusiasts.
Prices are generally higher than a typical roadhouse, reflecting the experience and portion sizes. The 72oz steak challenge itself is free if completed within the time limit.
Reviews are mixed. Some find the food good and hearty, while others mention steaks can be fatty or average. The overall experience often outweighs the food quality for many. +1
Fried pickles and mashed potatoes are often highlighted as delicious. Fried okra and corn are also popular sides.
📸 📸 Photography
The giant steer statues outside, the main entrance with its saloon facade, and watching the 72oz steak challenge are prime photo spots.
Yes, taking photos and videos of the steak challenge is encouraged and a popular activity for visitors. +1
Absolutely! The unique, larger-than-life Texas theme makes it a fun backdrop for memorable family photos.
Daylight hours offer the best natural light for exterior shots. Evenings can be atmospheric with interior lighting and the lively ambiance.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged for personal use. Be mindful of other diners' privacy if taking close-up shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the 72oz steak might be too much for little ones, the menu offers other kid-friendly options. Sides like mashed potatoes and fried okra are usually a hit. The gift shop also provides a fun opportunity for kids to pick out a souvenir.
💰 Budget Travelers
Sampling the house-brewed beer can also be more economical than ordering individual drinks.
🚗 Road Trippers & Route 66 Enthusiasts
Many travelers stop here for the photo opportunities with the giant steer statues and to witness the famous steak challenge.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legendary 72oz Steak Challenge
Watching the challenge is a highlight of the Big Texan experience. The energy in the restaurant builds as participants race against the clock. Even if you're not a competitive eater, the sheer scale of the steak and the determination of the challengers are impressive.
For those who don't fancy tackling the 72oz behemoth, the restaurant offers a variety of other steak cuts and Texas-style dishes. However, the challenge remains the star attraction, embodying the 'Bigger in Texas' spirit.
A Taste of Texas: Beyond the Steak
Many reviewers highlight the quality of the sides. Mashed potatoes and fried okra often receive high praise, adding to the overall dining experience.
Despite some mixed reviews on steak quality, the overall consensus is that the food is generally good and hearty, fitting the Texan theme. The experience of dining in such a unique, kitschy environment often enhances the perception of the food.
The Big Texan Experience: Atmosphere and Entertainment
Beyond the steak challenge spectacle, the restaurant boasts a large gift shop filled with Texas-themed souvenirs, from cowboy hats to novelty items.
Many visitors describe the atmosphere as 'fun' and 'super entertaining,' making it a memorable stop, especially for those unfamiliar with Texas culture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit