Driving towards Amarillo, crossing a level plain under an enormous dome of sky, you see many cowboy-themed signs for a restaurant called The Big Texan Steak Ranch. It has been a roadside attraction since Route 66 brought travellers to Amarillo, and it thrives to this day on one outrageous gimmick. The Big Texan offers a 72oz steak – that's four-and-a-half pounds, or two kilos of meat – and it's free of charge if you can eat the thing in an hour.

A classic, hokey Route 66 roadside attraction, the Big Texan made the move when I-40 opened in 1971 and has never looked back. Stretch-Cadillac limos with steer-horn hood ornaments offer free shuttles from area motels, marquee lights blink above, a shooting arcade pings inside the saloon, and a big, tall Tex road sign welcomes you (after miles of taunting billboards).

The Big Texan Steak Ranch isn’t just your average small-town restaurant – this historical stop along Route 66 is home to the famous 72-ounce Steak Challenge, a contest started back in 1962 for the rugged cowboys that once filled the eatery. Now, it stands as a legendary quest that is open to the average traveler.

You can celebrate authentic cowboy culture at the American Quarter Horse Association Museum, and you can enjoy uniquely Amarillo tourist attractions like Cadillac Ranch and The Big Texan Steak Ranch. Cheer on your favorite teams, including the Amarillo Sod Poodles, a Double-A Minor League team that was the 2019 Texas League Champions, as well as indoor football squad Amarillo Venom and hockey team Amarillo Wranglers. The Sod Poodles’ ballpark, Hodgetown, is just one of the draws in Amarillo’s vital Center City downtown district, with many nightlife and dining options, as well as the Amarillo Civic Center Complex, which hosts several concerts, performances and events.

Local artists offhandedly mentioned it as one of the attractions of the city, along with the much more famous Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo Ramp, and of course, the Big Texan Steak Ranch, home of the 72-ounce steak. When I heard a little more about the mall, I built up a picture of it in my head: an outdoor strip center in disrepair that houses the studios and showrooms of local artists and opens to the public once a month for the city’s First Friday art stroll. I never imaged the mall as an actual, indoor shopping mall, complete with a food court, mall walkers, and individual storefronts with window displays meant to entice passersby.

Well known are the Big Texan Steak Ranch with its 72-ounce steak challenge and the Cadillac Ranch, perhaps the best-known roadside public art installation in the nation. They anchor either end of Route 66 as it passes through Amarillo but complete your cruise with a visit to Historic Route 66, a one-mile neighborhood in the center of town with galleries, shops, restaurants and clubs. Think about searching for the railroad highlights of Amarillo’s past, or catching the growing number of murals all around town, or visiting the impressive number of museums in the area.

Travelers from Texas to Tokyo journey to The Big Texan Steak Ranch to see hearty eaters attempt to devour its famous 72-ounce steak. (If eaten in one hour, along with a baked potato, salad, shrimp cocktail, and roll with butter, the steak is free.) The timeless tourist spot also tempts the brave with a live rattle-snake behind a glass window in its gift shop. Order steak and eggs for breakfast at Young-blood’s Café, then chow down on burgers and cheese fries at Golden Light Café & Cantina, the oldest restaurant in Amarillo, which is located on historic Route 66.

The Big Texan is one of those terrifically larger-than-life restaurants that — like Mi Tierra — wave their "everything is bigger in Texas" flag with emphatic zeal. The yellow and blue exterior — fronted by a giant bull advertising its notorious 72-ounce steak — looks almost circus-like under the wide-open skies of Amarillo off the famous Route 66, and the atmosphere inside isn't all that different. If you can eat that steak — nicknamed "The Texas King" — and its sides in less than an hour, the $72 meal is free.

You’ll be just down the highway from the famed Big Texan Steak Ranch, where you can attempt their 72-ounce steak dinner challenge, or simply have a good meal. Also nearby is the new Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian, which tells the history of the native peoples of the area, and features ceremonial dance performances each weekend. Other family-friendly attractions are a few minutes away in central Amarillo, including the Amarillo Museum of Art, Texas Air and Space Museum, and Wonderland Amusement Park.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, is a renowned restaurant and tourist attraction famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge. Established in 1960, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a Western-themed decor and a menu featuring a variety of hearty Texas-style dishes. The iconic steak challenge dares customers to consume a 72-ounce steak, along with a shrimp cocktail, baked potato, salad, and a roll with butter, all within one hour.

In Amarillo, you'll find yourself indulging in the bold flavors of Texas BBQ and savoring every bite of the famous Chicken Fried Steak. Amarillo's food scene is vibrant, with Tyler's Barbecue and Coyote Bluff Café standing out as local favorites. As you transition to Milwaukee, you'll notice a shift towards dishes that incorporate the city's rich beer culture, such as Beer Brats, polish sausages, and even a vegan version of the classic Beer Cheese Soup.

The Metropolitan, a speakeasy-style restaurant that originally opened in 2016, has been under new ownership since June and now has Nori Karimi, a classically trained chef with Michelin-starred restaurant experience, at the helm. Expect entrees like an Akashi New York strip and salmon with white truffle risotto. GoldenLight Café & Cantina is the oldest restaurant in Amarillo and one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants on Route 66.

Located in the Panhandle region of northern Texas, the city of Amarillo sits near attractions like Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the Big Texan Steak ranch and the Wonderland Amusement Park. Guests at the Holiday Inn Amarillo West Medical Center are also within walking distance of a few shops and restaurants. This InterContinental Hotels property features an indoor heated pool, a hot tub, a sauna and a fitness center for your entertainment.

One of the most well-known destinations in Amarillo is The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery (7701 I-40 Highway) for its larger-then-life steak dinner challenge and wide variety of craft beer on tap. The restaurant is famous for their steaks including the 72-ounce steak dinner challenge dating back to 1960. If you eat the entire meal (pictured above), it’s free and you’ll become one of small percentage of participants that are successful.

All meat lovers stopping by Amarillo must drop by the Big Texan Steak Ranch Brewery for its incredible steak challenge. The restaurant hotel has been attracting large crowds of big eaters mainly due to their delicious steak events and challenges. If you’re brave enough, customers can take on the steak challenge that involves eating a 72 oz steak accompanied with an appetizer, salad, and a side of potatoes, all finished within one hour.

steak dinner with all the trimmings (appetizer, salad and potato) in one hour and it's FREE!. Almost 95,000 people have tried and more than 8,500 have succeeded. The menu is packed with other taste-tempting grub, from prime Texas beef to buffalo steak, rattlesnake, calf fries and popular chicken-fried steak.The Big Texan Brewery started serving hand crafted beers on June 24, 2011 and is the Texas Panhandle's only hand-crafted brewery.

With a stay at The Big Texan - Cabins & Wagons in Amarillo, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of American Quarter Horse Association and American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. This cabin is 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Tri State Exposition and 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Dick Bivins Stadium. Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as an indoor pool, or other amenities including complimentary wireless internet access and a picnic area.

Open since 1960, the Big Texan Steak Ranch was Instagrammable for a solid 50+ years before Instagram became a thing, and it continues to draw eyes today. With its distinct yellow color and an enormous amount of downright whimsical details (like a collection of cars with longhorns affixed to their front ends, to start), you can easily have a whole (quirky, kitschy) Amarillo photoshoot outside of Big Texan Steak Ranch.

This world-famous steak house features a popular steak eating contest where hungry contestants enter in to devour a 72-oz steak dinner that includes 3 fried shrimp, a garden salad, baked potato, and dinner roll. If you finish everything off in an hour or less, your meal is free of charge. With only 10,136 winners out of 140,973 attempts, it’s an undertaking for anyone eager to show off their speed-eating skills!

Now that you are done visiting places to places, you might want to grab a bite?. So, The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery is a fun place to grab a bite of peace and challenge your appetite because this place is enormously famous for steak challenges where you are challenged to consume 72 oz steak along with appetizer, salad, and potato within an hour. Cool Things to do in Amarillo Texas

The Big Texan - Cabins & Wagons in Amarillo offers a convenient stay near the American Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame, approximately 2 miles from Tri-State Exposition and 2.4 miles from Dick Bivins Stadium. This 3-star lodging features 13 air-conditioned rooms, an indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, free on-site parking, a picnic area, and the unique option of staying in cabins or wagons.

There’s one surprise addition to the Thirsty Tourist’s Guide to Amarillo… a steakhouse. This isn’t any old steakhouse though, this is The Big Texan, a world-famous saloon-style honky-tonk that will stimulate your eyes, ears, nose, and tastebuds. We admit it’s Amarillo’s premier tourist trap, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that The Big Texan really does serve up big fun!

Big Texan Steak Ranch—The Big Texan is a Route 66 icon that is a yellow beacon off Interstate 40. The Big Texan is home to the world-famous 72-ounce steak challenge for those daring enough to try. The challenge consists of 72 ounces of steak (that’s 4.5 pounds!), a salad, a fried shrimp appetizer, a baked potato and a dinner roll, all of which have to be consumed within an hour.

The Big Texan is that one restaurant I just had to put on the list, as evidenced by the massive collection of cars always sitting in its even more massive parking lot. Not to mention the endless features on everything from The Travel Channel to The Food Network. A lot of people think it’s cool to knock The Big Texan as a tourist trap, but I actually have a different opinion.

One popular patio restaurant in Amarillo is The Big Texan Steak Ranch. Known for its iconic 72-ounce steak challenge, this restaurant also offers a spacious outdoor patio where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The patio is adorned with comfortable seating and charming decor, creating a casual and inviting atmosphere.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery is a must-visit for hearty appetites and adventurous diners. Famous for its 72-oz steak challenge, participants must devour the steak and sides within an hour to earn a free meal—or pay $72 if they fail. For those seeking less daunting options, the menu features delicious Texan classics like ribs, fried pickles, and tomahawk steaks.

Accept the challenge and complete it successfully within one hour and your meal is FREE!. Lose and you must pay the full price of $72. So while this is technically not a free attraction, unless like us you simply visit outside of the Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery opening hours, it is definitely one of the most popular reasons for visitors to experience Amarillo.

Let me start by saying that my time at The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I walked through the doors, I was captivated by the remarkable atmosphere that permeated the entire establishment. The western-themed decor, complete with cowboy boots and wagon wheels, set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

The Big Texan is a legendary roadside Americana restaurant worth visiting, even if you don’t plan to eat the 72-ounce steak (free of charge if you can devour the entire slab of meat and side dishes). It’s an extra-large challenge befitting of the restaurant’s name. The Big Texan opened in the 1960s on Route 66 before moving to its current higher-profile location.

Amarillo’s bustling streets give way to the wide-open spaces of Palo Duro Canyon State Park, home of the second-largest canyon in the USA. You can explore the spectacular canyon on a horseback posse ride with Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West or take a Jeep tour with Palo Duro Creek Ranch. If you prefer to adventure on foot, the park has plenty of hiking trails.

If you are interested in breaking a world record, then you can step up to the challenge at this location. They have the world record holder for fastest consumption of a 72 ounce steak being achieved at this restaurant. If you want to try it for yourself, you will be seated at a dining table that is on a slightly raised stage (so that other diners can watch).

For those looking for a hearty meal and a unique experience, The Big Texan Steak Ranch is a must-visit landmark. Known for its 72-ounce steak challenge, this restaurant has been featured on numerous TV shows and has become a famous stop for travelers passing through Amarillo. The restaurant also features a gift shop with souvenirs and a live music venue.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch is in the heart of Amarillo and has become a hugely popular spot for tourists and locals. Big Texan is big by name and big by nature. After all, it is indeed a fantastic burger and ribs venue, but it is also the place that is home to the 72-ounce steak challenge, which pits one human against just less than 2 kilos of beef.

No trip to Amarillo would be complete without a visit to the Big Texan Steak Ranch, a legendary restaurant that has been serving up delicious steaks and another Texas-style fare for over 50 years. The restaurant is famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge, which dares diners to finish a massive steak, along with all the sides, in under an hour.

While not technically on Route 66 today, the original Big Texan Steak Ranch first stood on Route 66 along East Amarillo Boulevard when the steakhouse was built in 1960. It all began in 1959 when Bob Lee sought a large steak amid “cow country.” To his surprise, Amarillo sported not a single cowboy steak house, which Lee soon began to rectify.

While the Big Texan is no longer located on Route 66, you’ll still find the western atmosphere and famous 72 oz steak featured at its new location off I-40. You can’t miss it as the 60 foot neon cowboy still marks the spot. They are dog friendly in the beer garden, but due to staffing issues, there wasn’t any table service in that area.

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (5,941 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Steakhouse- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 7701 E Interstate 40, Amarillo, TX 79118-6915- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like: How gas prices have changed in Amarillo in the last week

The Big Texan Steak Ranch, which has been open since 1960, was Instagrammable for more than 50 years before Instagram became a thing, and it continues to draw attention now. Outside the Big Texan Steak Ranch, with its bright yellow color and an abundance of truly wacky features, you could easily have an entire Amarillo photoshoot.

If you’re craving a taste of Texas-sized flavor and fun, The Big Texan Steak Ranch is the place to be. Famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge, this iconic restaurant has been a must-visit spot for travelers since 1960. Guests who dare to take on the challenge have one hour to devour the massive steak, along with all the fixings.

Indulge in a hearty and delicious meal at the Big Texan Steak Ranch, known for its famous 72-ounce steak challenge. Dine in a unique and historic atmosphere, surrounded by memorabilia and artifacts from the Old West. Savor the flavors of juicy steaks and other Texas-style cuisines, accompanied by friendly and hospitable service.

Honestly, we don’t think you can go on a Route 66 road trip through Texas without tasting some BBQ. We haven’t read the law (nor are we qualified as lawyers), but we are 99% sure that’s illegal!. Luckily, you have plenty of fantastic BBQ locations along the way, and The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo is one of our favorites.

7701 I-40Amarillo, TX 79118(806) 372-6000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps. The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery is famous for its warm atmosphere, unique decor, and well-crafted steaks. This iconic restaurant offers a real Texas experience and is the perfect destination for couples looking for a romantic evening.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch is a legendary Route 66 landmark known for its 72-oz steak challenge. If you can devour the entire 4.5-pound steak dinner in under an hour, it’s free!. Even if you’re not up for the challenge, the restaurant offers a menu of Texan favourites like BBQ ribs, fried catfish, and chicken fried steak.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch Brewery and Hotel is famous for one thing – its amazing steak challenge. As such, if you want to see if you can take on the might of a 72 oz steak, then this is the place to do it. The steak challenge here involves eating a 72 oz steak as well as an appetizer, salad, and potato within one hour.

This massive steakhouse along Route 66 has been open since 1960 and has become famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge, but if you don't want to try eating that monster (which Adam Richman managed to swallow on the TV show "Man vs. Food"), there are more reasonable options, including quesadillas and hamburgers.

The first thing many people think of when they hear Amarillo is Big Texan and the 72 oz steak challenge, made famous by Man vs. Food. Surrounded by cattle ranch towns, it’s really no wonder steak is a big deal in Amarillo!. This restaurant and the cowboy sign welcoming you in from outside are larger than life.

If you worked up an appetite after visiting the Cadillac Ranch, I highly recommend eating dinner at The Big Texan Steak Ranch. This place screams tourist trap… in the best way possible. The building is bright yellow, with the biggest fiberglass cow I’ve ever seen proudly standing guard at the front entrance.

Tip of The Day – If you’re worried about the carbon footprint of your journey, then it’s easy to carbon offset your emissions with Sustainable Travel International. It cost us just $10 to cover our 2,300 mile road-trip. Of course, as a vegan you are already cutting your food’s carbon footprint by half!

The Big Texan Steak Ranch: Perhaps the most famous restaurant in Amarillo, this iconic spot offers a challenge to diners: eat a 72-ounce steak (and some sides) in an hour, and it’s free. Beyond the challenge, they offer a range of classic Texan dishes and have a unique, memorable atmosphere.

While it’s more of a saloon-style steakhouse than a diner, The Big Texan Steak Ranch is still a Route 66 icon worth including. This kitschy landmark boasts a restaurant, brewery, gift shop—and even cabins to stay overnight. Put your hunger to the test by taking on their world-famous 72 oz.

**This tourist destination is packed at all hours of the day. Everyone talks about the 72-ounce steak challenge, but other standouts include the popular “Mountain Oysters,” normal-sized steaks, chicken-fried steak and ribs. The onsite brewery recently added a hard seltzer to its menu.

Amarillo is 2 hours from Caprock and has a lot to offer; you can visit the famous Cadillac Ranch and other Route 66 attractions, visit one Amarillo’s several museums and eat Texas-sized steak at the Big Texan Ranch and Steakhouse. Check out my guide to spending one day in Amarillo.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch isn't just a restaurant; it’s a rite of passage. Famous for the 72-ounce steak challenge, this Route 66 icon combines kitsch with classic Texas beef. You can attempt to conquer the steak—or just watch others from a safe distance while enjoying the ribeye.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch is a western-style village, welcoming you with its giant cowboy-shaped illuminated sign. Even if you don’t stay or eat here, this is the first place to visit in Amarillo. It’s about as over-the-top and tacky as it gets, and it’s absolutely unmissable.

You can’t miss the Big Texan Ranch Steakhouse advertisement featuring long-legged Big Tex, who hovers above the roadside establishment. The restaurant became a beacon for travelers along Route 66 back in its heyday and later grew into a sprawling complex along Interstate 40.

Ya, the only reason to go to Big Tex is for your birthday or if you're really into tourist traps. I've found that the steak at Golden Corrall on I-49 and Coulter tastes better and is easier to get cooked to your preference. The people are pretty nice out at Big Texan though.

For those who like steak, The Big Texan Steak Ranch and Brewery is a must-stop when it comes to restaurants in Amarillo. Amarillo is an old cattle ranch town, so they take their steaks very seriously. So seriously, that The Big Texan has a 72oz steak-eating challenge.

The big Texan is a popular place among tourists and locals due to its quirky nature. It is known to serve big steaks, burgers, and ribs. The Big Texan is also the venue for the 72-ounce steak challenge that allows candidates to eat 72 ounces of steak in an hour.

The Big Texan - This classic Amarillo tourist spot is known for it 72-ounce steak challenge ... if you can eat that huge steak (plus sides) in under an hour, it's free. And while the food probably won't win any awards, we actually thought it was pretty good.

Chicken Fried Steak:A Southern comfort food favorite, chicken fried steak consists of tenderized steak breaded and fried until golden brown. It’s often served with mashed potatoes and gravy. Head to Golden Light Cafe for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Since 1960, The Big Texan Steak Ranch has been serving up Texas culture to millions of guests from all over the world. We’re known as a world famous Route 66 Landmark and home of the legendary 72oz Steak Challenge. Now, we’re excited to tak

Situated in Amarillo, 10 km from Austin Park, The Big Texan - Cabins and Wagons features accommodation with a restaurant and free private parking. The nearest airport is Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, 6 km from the hotel.

Big Texan Steak Ranch isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a full-blown Amarillo experience. I remember stepping into the bright yellow building off I-40, half-expecting a gimmick. Instead, I found a place that blends kitsch with quality.

Now I promised myself that I would be completely honest with my reviews of the places I stayed, both good and bad. First off, this place is fun. The photo ops are plenty (check me out in the pic) and the motel rooms are cute.

Modern-day travelers through the city probably know about "The Big Texan" steak house!. It was originally on Route 66, but is located today not far away, on I-40 ... it's a place many tourists to Amarillo want to check out.

World famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge (yours free if you finish it off within an hour), The Big Texan is the place to go in Amarillo for cowboy kitsch and cuisine, generously poured drinks, and an on-site brewery.

If you’ve ever heard the statement that “Everything is Bigger in Texas” and wondered if it was true, Big Texan Ranch is the place to go to discover your answer. How about a FREE 72 oz. Steak if you can eat it in one hour?

The Big Texan Steak Ranch is an Amarillo landmark known for its legendary 72-ounce steak challenge. This iconic restaurant not only offers a unique dining experience but also serves a variety of classic American dishes.

The last thing we did, after going back to the hotel and taking much needed showers and naps was go to dinner at The Big Texan. The atmosphere was fun but I wouldn’t recommend going if you’re wanting a good steak meal.

Grand Texan is a great place to tear up a bite, and eating here is probably among the best things to do in Amarillo. Coffee is the most popular for its support test. Anyone who can eat a 72 oz steak is a free dinner.

When in Amarillo, a stop at The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery is a must. Open from 7 AM to 10 PM, this place is an absolute icon. There’s no entry fee, so you can walk right in and soak up the wild, Western vibes.

If you’re a meat lover, then you’re going to love The Big Texan. The Big Texan Ranch is famous for its food, steak, and beer. But what makes the Big Texan a popular national attraction is the 72 oz steak challenge.

If you are looking for a place to consume a huge hunk of beef, there are other options for steaks in Amarillo, like the 72-ounce Steak Challenge at The Big Texan Ranch. Sa•vór’s steakhouse experience is different.

Though there are plenty of things to do in Amarillo, there are two attractions on Route 66 that you cannot miss – a steak dinner at The Big Texan Steak Ranch and an Instagram-worthy photo at Cadillac Ranch.

We've got the Big Texan, the weird signs, and (obviously) the famed Cadillac Ranch. But more than that, there's a distinct culture of close-knit community, eccentrics, a thriving arts scene, and much more.

steak challenge at the Big Texan Steak Ranch (E. Interstate 40, Amarillo). If you can eat the entire meal in under an hour, you get the meal free!. Authentic Mexican food is also easy to find in Amarillo.

If you are driving along I-40 through Amarillo you can not miss the Big Texan Steakhouse. However, if you do need directions the steak hose is located on the north side of I-40 at exit 75.

I'm with you, Trashman, I think I would be willing sacrifice a little quality for a little more quantity-----how do you get to that Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo for that 72-oz.

Except for maybe the way you are going to feel afterwards, but whether you attempt the full 72-ounce challenge or just order a more manageable ribeye, this is a rite of passage.

Big Texan opened in 1960 and quickly became a popular tourist destination in Amarillo. They own their brewery, making eleven varieties of beer extremely popular among Texans.

Short Description: A Texas staple, The Big Texan is famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge. Visitors can also enjoy a classic steakhouse experience and western-themed decor.

For the latest Amarillo news and regional updates, check with MyHighPlains.com and tune in to KAMR Local 4 News at 5:00, 6:00, and 10:00 p.m. and Fox 14 News at 9:00 p.m.

No trip to Amarillo is complete without visiting the Big Texan. This place is part old-time Texan Steak House and part arcade. The restaurant is considered a Texas Icon.

Downtown Amarillo 9.1 kms from city centre # 10 hotel in Amarillo 8.8 (43 reviews). Facilities: Pets Allowed, Pool, Food. 4 star hotel with 2 room options

The one thing people did mention when I said I was going to Amarillo: the steak at the Big Texan. This steak-eating challenge is legendary throughout Texas.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch: Known for its mouthwatering steaks and Texas-sized portions, this iconic restaurant is a must-visit for meat lovers.

Be sure to check with the Amarillo Texas Tourism Board for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Just read this and thought it was funny, it never said if he finished it or not, I doubt it.